Astrology: Is it in the stars, or all in your head?

For this blog installment, I’d like to consider one of the most misunderstood subjects in the metaphysical world: astrology!

Contrary to popular belief, real astrology isn’t about the so-called “horoscopes” one typically finds in a daily newspaper. Though they can be fun to read for a few minutes of entertainment, such mass-produced “horoscopes” are to astrology as French fries are to haute cuisine.

Astrology is an ancient practice with roots in many cultures. Egyptian, Indian, Chinese, and Mayan peoples, among others, have studied astronomical phenomena for thousands of years. In old times, astronomy and astrology went hand in hand. Nowadays, astronomy is a “hard science” and consists of observations of celestial bodies. Astrology on the other hand is largely considered unscientific, insofar as it cannot be proven through the scientific method proper, and consists more of the study of celestial bodies’ influences on Earthly matters.

People often talk about “the stars” when they refer to astrology. However, the planets in our solar system are of more immediate concern to most astrologers, along with the Earth’s moon. Some also incorporate the movements of asteroids, comets, and even the moons of other planets into their calculations. Stars are relevant mostly insofar as they make up the constellations in our sky, which serve as a backdrop for the movements and relationships of closer bodies.

To do an authentic horoscope, it takes more than just your date of birth. The month and date of birth reveals your Sun sign; this is the “sign” most of us know, the sign we read about in the newspaper astrology columns. But this is only one piece of the puzzle. The location (by latitude and longitude) and exact time of one’s birth are also crucial.

A birth chart, as it’s known to astrologers, will contain the placements of all the planets in the solar system, as they appeared at the moment of one’s birth. The aspects, or angles, of these bodies to one another are the basis of astrology. There’s also the concept of the “rising sign”, which is the constellation appearing at the horizon when one was born. All of these factors influence one’s horoscope or chart, and it can become quite complex.

Done properly, astrology is not meant to provide simplistic predictions of future events. A chart can let you know about general trends and personal tendencies, but these are not set in stone. As with things like genetic traits, much depends on the choices made by the individual, and what you do with the astrological influences at work in the birth chart.

For instance, you may be born with red hair, but how you wash and style it is up to you. You might even choose to make a radical self-change and dye it another color. Likewise, how you deal with your astrological traits is your choice. Perhaps you are born with a tendency toward over-emotionalism, which might be revealed by the Moon’s placement in your birth chart. If you’re aware of this, you can mindfully work for personal growth in this area, accentuating the positive and learning to cope with any less desirable aspects of yourself.

Centuries ago, the historic philosopher Francis Bacon noted that astrological influences “rather incline than compel”. There is wisdom in this. A horoscope should be considered a starting point for personal growth, not a definitive summary of one’s character or fate. Furthermore, when all the cosmic influences are taken into consideration, there is a wide scope of possibilities when it comes to the way astrological effects can play out in real life. It’s not as simple as “If you are a Taurus, you’re stubborn; if you’re a Cancer, you’re sensitive.” Astrology recognizes that individuals learn and grow, and that as the heavenly bodies continue to move throughout our lives, so will we evolve as humans.

Ready to learn more about astrology? You can dip your toes in the water by getting a birth chart calculated; this can be done online through various websites. Some are free; others charge modest fees which may include interpretations. Be cautious, however, when it comes to computer-generated information. The best astrology is done by practitioners who have developed knowledge and skill in the field. 

If you want to get hard-core insights into your horoscope, it’s best to find a professional astrologer that you can trust. Each individual will vary in his or her approach, and it’s worth finding someone whose attitude resonates with your own. Some astrologers work privately; others are affiliated with metaphysical businesses or other organizations. Many of them can be found through Internet search engines. One good resource is the Astrological Society of Connecticut, found online at myasc.org.

Ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself if there’s anything to astrology. But why not become educated about what it really is before making that decision? Go beyond that superficial “horoscope” in the daily news, and you may find that the heavens hold wisdom for you.