A brief overview of Astrology
How a system that started thousands of years ago is still useful to us today.
When people think of Astrology, they often think of their Sun Sign and the pop-astrology blurbs online, and in newspapers and magazines. While these are fun, they are overly simplified and do not go to the depths of the information that Astrology can provide us. While Astrology’s popularity has gone in and out of fashion over time it has been used for thousands of years. Sometimes a core part of a society and others hidden due to fear of persecution or ridicule.
In simplified terms, it is a language that helps us to understand ourselves.
Let’s take a look at the history…
Astrology has a history dating back thousands of years. A simple blog entry is obviously not going to be able to explain the full complexity of its impact and use throughout time. However, I am going to do my best to very simply explain where it started, to our best knowledge and the use it can have today from my perspective.
The first written accounts of people looking to the stars dates back to Mesopotamia, where it was used to predict mundane or global events. Things that would be impacting people on a larger scale or the ruler of the time. Everyday people were not using it for personal reasons. Eventually this developed into two distinct, but useful forms of Astrology- Western Astrology, which has many forms under it including, but not limited to - Whole Sign, Placidus, and Koch. And Vedic Astrology or Eastern which is utilizing the sidereal chart.
While I have listened to a few lectures on Vedic astrology, I have not studied this form, so my understanding is very rudimentary. In simple terms when comparing the two and their approach, Vedic Astrology is considering the actual placement of the zodiac signs in the sky, while Western Astrology considers the seasons and is setting the astrological signs based on seasons and not the cosmos.
While I am practicing Western Whole Sign Astrology, I do see the merit and benefit of all forms. I find this topic fascinating and believe that understanding how Astrology can be useful is beneficial. I want to share a little about its history, progression and how it can be of use to modern day people.
As I had mentioned previously, the first known written accounts of astrology charts and their use dates back to Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE and correlated earthly events to celestial omens. If something was seen in the cosmos it was considered an omen for things to occur on earth. The phases of the moon, movements of planets and a streak of a comet across the sky were considered divine communication. Telling of the fate of a king, or the outcome of war. The Priest-Astrologers of the time would meticulously track celestial events and interpret the meaning for the kingdom.
This is the origin of the principle “As above, so below.”
As history unfolded the Egyptians began to develop their own system of Astrology. Their belief system-worshiping of different stars, influenced the development of archetypes in Astrology. Another of the major shifts in Astrology seems to have occurred around 550 BCE when the Persian Empire conquered Mesopotamia. This is thought to be a turning point in astrology from Mundane Astrology focused on the world at large to personal birth chart interpretations. The oldest known birth chart is from around 410 BCE. I find it interesting to think about the impact of this. Seeing the individual as a unique entity and providing insight into oneself is interesting to think about how it shaped viewpoints. From these ancient origins Astrology eventually developed into the two unique systems that are most popular today- Vedic and Western.
Over time Astrology became more widespread and accessible to everyday people, particularly with the invention of the printing press. With Astrology being more accessible different theories and concepts began to emerge, but it also brought scrutiny.
Astrology, as it should, has been challenged by scholars of both the church and scientific communities. Like anything we should use discernment, critique and analyze its use. However, when we do this, it is important that we approach it in a way that is non-biased and are knowledgeable about the concepts, practices and how they are used.
There have been many articles written debunking the idea of Astrology by the scientific community. What these articles or discussions fail to do is understand astrology and what it is doing in modern times. While we now have a scientific understanding and are no longer seeing celestial events as omens from the gods this doesn’t invalidate its purpose. This is assuming that Astrology can be dismissed because it isn’t scientific. This idea is making the wrong assumptions and is at its core missing the point.
Astrology is a language of archetypes. The planets are not exerting a force that is impacting you. Instead, they are symbolic representation of what is showing up in our lives. It gives us in-depth insight into ourselves, patterns and potential
While there are concepts in astrology around planets being Benefic and Malefic indicating the planet in general being easier or harder to work with. They are all playing a part in our evolution and understanding of ourselves. While Saturn is considered a malefic planet it is a wise teacher. Where Saturn shows up in our charts is where we have lessons to learn. It is requiring us to put the work in and build structure and take responsibility. Other planets such as Venus are benefic and allow us to see where we can relax and things flow more easily for us and where we appreciate beauty.
I acknowledge that this is a simplified way of looking at things. That how things show up in our personal charts and how they are being impacted will determine the ease and flow of energy.
Understanding the archetypal energies of the planets empowers us in our own lives. Instead of a defeatist mentality that blames the planetary influences. The astrological chart can show us where things can flow more easily or create more hardship. We are not meant to resign ourselves. Having Saturn in a certain place does not mean that you will not have success in that area of life. It indicates that you are meant to take your time, learn and build structure to have success. Understanding the archetypes behind the planets and the signs allows us to take charge and see how to best utilize our own astrological chart and the transits.
Personally, I do believe in a higher power, spirituality, greater knowing or whatever term you prefer to use. However, whether you have a spiritual or faith-based belief system or one that is strictly grounded in scientific principles - astrology can be useful. I do not believe that we have predetermined or destined fates. But instead, we are being given information and knowledge through our astrological charts about ourselves and the world around us. That we are meant to have experiences that both light us up and that challenge us. That we grow and evolve through these moments. Learning more about ourselves. That we are co-creators of our fate.
One example that we often hear people refer to is Mercury going retrograde. Yes, Mercury retrograde can cause difficulties with communication and technology. But take a moment when Mercury goes retrograde to think things through and be self-reflective before speaking. If Mercury is in retrograde in your natal chart this too will impact how this transit impacts you.
Mercury retrograde is not a bad thing. It is just making us slow down, take more consideration and be deliberate in our communication.
Having an understanding of our astrological charts gives us deeper, more profound understanding of ourselves. While it can be affirming to see why something has shown up in our lives as more difficult, we are not meant to stay in a place of excuse, fear and pity.
Understanding the meanings and archetypes behind the various placements can help us to see how we can best show up for ourselves and others. To empower ourselves in our own lives, not seeing the astrological chart as a fated destiny, but a blueprint of possibilities and guidance. Encouraging us to show up empowered and conscious in our decisions.
While I do not remember all the sources that I have utilized over time that allowed me to reflect and think about these concepts, I would like to share some of the Astrologers whom I have listened to and learned from.
Chris Brennan- The Astrology Podcast
Adam Elenbaas- Nightlight Astrology
