An ancient art, astrology gives insight into human nature. It's a fascinating subject, providing clues to what makes each one of us 'tick', what lifts our spirits and nurtures us, and also what triggers fear and negative thinking. Planetary transits (what's happening in the sky now), when linked to our own unique birth-chart, help with understanding the cycles of life, and what is helpful for us to know now. Astrology increases understanding, both of ourselves and others. At its best it is constructive and non-judgemental, compassionate and promotes tolerance. It can be incredibly helpful in the hands of a skilled astrologer.
Like all things, there is a negative side, and in my 35 years of being involved, I have seen how it can be used in a destructive, unkind, judgemental and prejudiced way in the hands of some-one unskilled. Sadly, as astrology has become more prominent in the media, it has also mostly, become more banal and superficial, usually operating in 'sun-sign' mode only.
This way of depicting people puts people in 12 boxes: true astrology celebrates their individuality. There are 1,440 combinations of planets in different signs and houses, and that's even before the word 'aspect' (the relationship between two planets) is mentioned. We all have the same planets in our birth map, falling in different signs and houses. A birth-chart is like a very complex jigsaw, or a colourful kaleidoscope emanating the most amazing patterns over a life-time.
As well as consulting with individuals, another approach I've been working on is to try and reach more people by filling the gap between sun-sign astrology, and the astrology which only deeply erudite astrologers can understand. It aims to provide help on a practical level for everyone.
I've been writing a planetary weather forecast on and off for five years (first seen on Barefoot Doctor's web-site), gauging the current planetary energies for any particular week, and seeing how they may affect many people. Things like the new and full moons, Mercury retrograde, the elemental balance, etc. The feedback has been positive so far, as many people feel something in the air when there's a challenging planetary formation (for example the recent Jupiter/Uranus conjunction, opposing Saturn, and being squared by Pluto). If you've had a calm, peaceful year so far, with little change and upheaval, you're probably in a minority.
This isn't a perfect system by any means, as how these planetary dances are affecting your own birth-chart is crucial, but it seems a more interesting perspective than lumping people into twelve 'boxes, and it's fun to laugh at the challenging aspects and move beyond them.
Which leads me to the 'and beyond' part of the title. Astrology is a tool which enables you to decide how you will use your birth-map to maximize your potential. Nothing is set in stone. For me, what feels best is to have an awareness of what's happening in the sky now, what's evolving in my own birth-chart, and then to link this with intuition, that sixth sense that knows when something is working/not working.
The combination of astrological awareness and intuition helps me feel comfortable, at ease, and better at decision-making.
How do you tell if something if something, or someone is good for you? Listen to your body. It doesn't lie. A knotted stomach, over-pumping heart, or other physical feelings of unease will signal all is not well. Then there's the small matter of asking your ego to step aside, so that your higher self/spirit, you know, the bit that's really 'you', can hear guidance/help/answers.
Sometimes answers come in dreams, and even if you can't remember the dream, you feel impelled to try something new the next day.
To be in touch with this inner you, certain things help. Slow down, because you won't hear anything if you're rushing about. Intuitive guidance is like a whisper, and can only be heard if you pay attention. Quieten down, turn off the radio,TV, computer, I-player, etc. Look around you and notice in detail what you see. Name some of the things. This helps to put you in the present, rather than dwelling on the past, or angst-ing about the future.
Notice too what messages you are receiving on a daily basis in the form of the media you choose to listen to/ watch/read, and decide whether you like that input. Find time to incorporate messages from supportive friends, and uplifting articles/books/music/films, etc. You choose.
Slowly, as you make more choices about your life, accepting the circumstances you are in, working with them rather than against them, you'll see new possibilities and opportunities.
Look at your birth-chart again,and you'll probably become aware of more options than you'd noticed before, and be clearer about the next step to take.
Life is an adventure. You don't need to know the whole itinerary, it would be much less exciting if you did. Be accepting and thankful for who you are, where you are, and take a moment to decide your next step. Then take it.
Copyright: Sue Walker. August 2010.
Sue Walker, aka 'Astral', is an astrologer, artist, writer and teacher. See www.suewalker.co.uk for her column, and details of consultations, and other work.
