A Brief History

     Astrology is the study of the symbolic meaning of the planetary bodies that make up our solar system, and of the relationships that those bodies make to one another. In its earliest phase, which according to some occurred around 5000 bce and some claim much earlier in an ancient civilization which has since disappeared, astrologers were astronomers who studied the movement of the planets against the backdrop of the constellations.

     Astrology's second phase, during the first millenia bce, formalized the division of the zodiac into twelve 30 degree signs as we now know it. Some sources say that it was during the Greek civilization, with its emphasis on the individual, that astrologers began casting horoscopes and studying the effect of the planets on individuals, which was the beginning of psychological astrology. Hippocrates, in the 5th century bce, outlined correspondences between the four elements as found in astrology with four different temperaments, the roots of 20th century Jungian psychology. In the 4th century bce, Plato is said to have described the influence of the heavenly bodies this way: each planet has its own musical chord, contributing to the heavenly harmony of the music of the spheres. Modern astrology found its root in the work of Ptolemy in Alexandria, Egypt during the the 3rd century ad.

    In the western world the study of astrology fell out of favor first during the DarkAges, when the early Christian leaders attempted to squelch any attempt by individuals to access the divine without Church intercession. Thanks to Arabian scholars, it resurfaced in the 9th century when Ptolemy's work was translated by scholars in Baghdad and made its way to Europe along with other scientific knowledge that had been suppressed by the early Church. In the 12th century Arab astronomical tables offered more sophisticated calculations for increased accuracy. and then the Age of Reason (1450-1750). In later times, as astronomical tools became more sophisticated, a split occurred between the science of astrology and the metaphysics of astrology, the use of astrology became more specific and more involved with the study of the planetary symbols as they relate to the individual.

     The foundation of an astrological analysis of an individual is the horoscope or birthchart, the map of the sky at the time and place of the birth of the individual. The birthchart is similar to the ancient maps of the solar system, showing the placements of the planets and luminaries (the sun and moon) from the perspective of the individual; hence, astrology is considered to be "person-centered." The birthchart is then divided into twelve divisions, or "houses," each of which represents a sphere of existence and personal development.

     Astrology has traditionally been a method of forecasting the future, and in fact there are many astrologers still practicing today who take a fatalistic approach to the birthchart (i.e., Saturn is square your Sun, you will die young). This approach assumes that we do not control our own destiny, but it is in fact mapped out for us and we are just motorists in a vehicle that is programmed for a certain destination. The more humanistic approach to astrology originated in the late 1960s and has continued to develop into a sophisticated psychological tool. This approach recognizes that although certain aspects of our physical being and personality are predestined, we are given the free will to make choices which will affect the outcomes of the crossroads of our life.

     The symbolism of astrology includes "planets" (including the Sun and Moon), the "signs" of the Zodiac, and the houses in which these symbols are placed. The planets describe a function of the human personality, the sign that the planet is in describes the way in which that function is likely to be expressed, and the house placement shows the area of life that is likely to be impacted by the expression of the planet. The angles that the planets make to each other describe the way the various functions interact within our being, and illustrate where internal conflicts may be present, as well as indicating where our strengths and talents lie. This knowledge can lead to increased understanding of our inner motivations and help us to maximize our potential as unique human beings. I have found that the birthchart is a map to help navigate the best path to our destiny.

     Astrology can also be used in other ways. "Synastry" is the use of astrology as a tool to better understand the intricacies of relationships. Two birthcharts can be compared to discover how the energies of the two individuals combine in relationship to each other, and to see where potential disharmony may lie and how it could best be averted. "Transits and progressions" are terms for the study of the angles made by current planetary placements to the birthchart ("transits") and the evolving birthchart as it changes over time "progressions" to determine the cycles and growth that the individual is likely to experience in a given period. In this way periods of crisis can be managed by determining the influences that are operating and how best to navigate the rough waters.

     In selecting an astrologer, it is generally a good idea to spend a few minutes talking together. Good communication skills are essential for the practicing astrologer, and it is important that you feel comfortable with them. You may want to ask about their level of experience, although this is not necessarily as important as their skill level so long as it is commensurate with the fee that is charged. Most astrologers in our area charge between $60 and $150 for a reading. You will want to ask the astrologer what will be covered during your appointment time. If you are seeking information on a specific area, you will want to be sure that the astrologer has some understanding of that area. For example, if you are seeking advice on where to relocate, you will want to work with someone with knowledge on relocating charts. If a medical problem is the issue, you will want to see someone with experience in medical astrology.

     Once the astrologer has been selected, they will need your birth data to calculate the birthchart. Most astrologers will want to calculate their own charts even though you may have already had it done, and thanks to computer programs this is now the easiest part of an astrological reading. Your birthdate is essential, and the time and place is extremely helpful as it sets up the rising sign, the placement of the Moon, and the structure of the twelve houses. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can write to the Records Office of the town where you were born. Here is a link to a site with that information. Many astrologers see clients in their homes or offices, but telephone appointments are usually also available or the astrologer can simply tape a reading and mail it to you if you live out of town.

     Despite the skeptics that have hounded astrologers throughout the ages, astrology continues to be as popular as ever. I have never seen a skeptic who was not convinced after having their birthchart interpreted by a competent astrologer!! Whether you are looking for the right career, need help with relationship issues, or going through a rough time in your life, astrological counseling can provide the keys to help you to unlock the door to self-knowledge and ultimate freedom.