Astrology

Explore Astrology

WHAT IS ASTROLOGY?

Have you ever been asked “what’s your sign?” If so, the person inquiring was probably trying to gain some insight into your personality based on your birth date and astrological sign. However, astrology goes much deeper and has greater significance than determining temperament and compatibility based on your Zodiac. Dating back to ancient civilizations to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, it was used by the Babylonians, Chinese, Greeks, Egyptians, Mayans, Hindus and others to find meaning in the planets, predict seasonal shifts and understand human behavior.

With the evolution of science, the relationships between the sun, moon, planets, earth, animals and people have been studied and validated. Just as the gravitational forces of the moon cycles influence ocean tides, optimum planting, harvesting of crops, animal migrations and human behavior are also determined by the universe. Astrology is where science and math meet astronomy. Based on the exact time of birth, location, placement of the moon, sun and planets, an individual’s personality, strengths, weaknesses, challenges, preferences, fears, desires and attitude toward life can be determined. By looking to the heavens for guidance and interpreting cycles and cosmic changes as divine communications, one gains a greater understanding of purpose and the reason one’s soul chose to enter at this time in history under a particular astrological influence.

HOW TO PRACTICE ASTROLOGY

The tools of astrology can be a powerful resource for improving the human experience, helping to better define and understand ourselves, life, world events, career, relationships and timing. While most people are familiar with their Sun Sign and general attributes associated with that sign, the zodiac is better understood when framed as a sequence of symbols representing the twelve phases of the cycle of evolution, planets, signs and houses (traits). The Zodiac begins with the First House which is focused on the Self (Aries) and goes counter clockwise expanding beyond to include others and the world at large (Pisces). Each sign is ruled by a House and has specific attributes, a corresponding Planet and Earth Element. Fire Signs tend to be passionate high achievers, Earth Signs are practical and grounded, Air Signs are creative and fun while Water Signs are typically sensitive and compassionate. The same attributes that may be a strength can also be a weakness if not expressed with equilibrium. For example, when in balance, fire signs can be energetic leaders with tremendous passion for life, however, when not in check, Fire Signs can “burn” themselves out and harm others by being overly critical, insensitive and selfish.

Medical Astrology (iatromathematics) and the Zodiac Man is an ancient medical system that associates the 12 Astrological signs, Sun, Moon and Planets with different parts of the body, diseases, foods and herbal remedies. Each Zodiac Sign has a specific personality and constitution as well as a propensity toward certain strengths, weaknesses, diseases and illnesses. The following are areas that may cause issues based on the zodiac:

Aries - Head, Brain, Eyes and Face

Taurus - Throat, Neck, Thyroid, Ears and Lips

Gemini - Shoulders, Lungs, Hands and Arms

Cancer - Stomach, Breasts, Chest, Pancreas and Ribs

Leo - Heart, Spinal Cord and Forearms,

Virgo - Intestines, Lower Spine, Liver, Spleen and Fingers

Libra - Kidneys, Skin, Lumbar Region

Scorpio - Bladder, Anus, Genitals, Nose and Appendix

Sagittarius - Hips, Thighs, Sciatic Nerves, Arteries

Capricorn - Knees, Joints, Teeth, Skin and Hair

Aquarius - Legs, Ankles, Lower Blood Circulation

Pisces - Toes, Feet, Lymphatic System

In order to get the most out of astrology and the mystical teachings of the cosmos, it is best to do a birth chart determined by the exact time and location of one’s birth. This astrological fingerprint sheds a light on core personality, passions, purpose, family and career. By understanding and gaining greater insight into one’s true nature, strengths and weaknesses, astrology is a powerful tool to aid in working with one’s special gifts and overcoming weaknesses to live according to the highest self with fulfillment, confidence and understanding.

Another interesting aspect are the Triplicities - the grouping of 3 signs based on the elements that define the temperaments of those signs. Fire Signs are forceful, passionate, accomplished and exuberant (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius). Earth Signs are practical, supportive, stabilizing and grounded (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). Water Signs are protective, passionate, intuitive and emotional (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and Air Signs are thoughtful, intellectual and curious (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)

Quadruplicities further define the qualities of each sign. Cardinals occur at the head of each new season (Aries/Spring, Cancer/Summer, Libra/Autumn and Capricorn/Winter). Fixed are in the middle of the seasons (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) and Mutable at the end of each season (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces). Cardinals are self-starters, good at taking initiative and action but also self-absorbed. Fixed signs tend to be steady, consistent and keep momentum moving forward. The Mutables are fluid and well suited to change and transformation.

In addition, zodiac signs can be classified as either masculine and feminine . Masculine (Fire and Air) signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Aquarius) tend to be analytical and extroverted using outer energy while Feminine signs (Earth and Water) Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces use more inner energy and are generally introverted and intuitive.

WHERE DID ASTROLOGY ORIGINATE?

Astrology as a practice is a compendium of observations accumulated over time as people noticed a correlation between celestial observations and terrestrial events that influenced human behavior on many levels. As early as the third century BCE it was considered a science and spread through the works of Plato and Aristotle then further advanced by the Romans who created the zodiac system. In addition to serving as a compass, humans used the stars to plan their lives, plant crops, prepare for flooding, and find mystical direction. The cycles of the sun, moon and stars were interpreted as signs of divine communication as man searched for meaning and orientation. Astrology helped drive the sophisticated development of astronomy, alchemy, medicine and meteorology.

WHY PRACTICE ASTROLOGY?

Astrology is so much more than a quick peek at the daily horoscope to see what the day has in store. The stars and planets have a definitive influence on one’s life based on his or her sign and the alignment of the universe on a particular day/month. Astrology can be used to understand oneself better and how to best relate to the world and others physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually on a deeper level. Learning how to harness the energy of the planets and the astrological events that happen throughout the year will enhance the quality and overall level of contentment and fulfillment. For example, eclipses occur throughout the year when the sun, moon and earth line up and influence large events and behavioral changes. They influence all signs in different ways and are classified as either Solar Eclipse (moon blocking sun and foreshadowing positive change, rejuvenation and inspiration) or Lunar Eclipse when the earth moves between the moon and sun causing a shadow on the moon making it appear to go dark. The Lunar Eclipse is tied to conclusion and endings; both positive and negative. In addition, Full Moon Connection and Divination is practiced by many across the different spiritual paths as a time to tap into the full and balanced energy of the sun and moon. It is a time of heightened awareness, emotions and sensitivity and the perfect occasion to practice gratitude and appreciation for self, others and the universe.

The New Moon and shift in energy is a time for new beginnings and perfect for setting intentions and goals, starting new projects and making positive changes.