DO THE STARS INFLUENCE US?
Over the centuries a lot of research has
been done and a lot of material written and broadcast on the subject of
astrology. One aspect that has been examined by scholars is whether the stars
do influence our behaviour.
Perhaps the first question to ask
is what exactly astrology is. That would then be the basis on which a
discussion can be held and inferences made. A number of definitions have been
offered. Molly Hall in an article entitled `What is astrology? `, says: “The
stars and planets have always inspired a sense of wonder. Many cultures look
skyward and see the face of the divine there. There's a cosmic dance on the
grand scale, and one on the intimate scale, going on for each of us. Astrology
is the study of patterns and relationships -- of planets
in motion, our birth chart, synastry with others, the make-up of elements
-- and using that knowledge as a tool to find meaning”. She explains further that “Astrology's premise
is that the planetary movements influence the Moments in Time. Since we're part
of the story of the Universe, our moment of birth recorded on the celestial
clock is meaningful. The planets continue to move, engaging with the fixed in
time energies of our birth chart.”
Ed Grabianowski
posits that astrology is “the study of the influence that distant cosmic
objects, usually stars
and planets, have on human lives. The position of the sun, stars, moon and
planets at the time of people's birth (not their conception) is said to shape
their personality, affect their romantic relationships and predict their
economic fortunes, among other divinations. Cafe Astrology.com puts it this way:
“For centuries, humans have
looked to the heavens for guidance. Astrology is, put simply, the study of the
correlation between the astronomical positions of the planets and events on
earth. Astrologers believe that the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets at
the time of a person's birth have a direct influence on that person's
character. These positions are thought to affect a person's destiny, although
many Astrologers feel that free will plays a large role in any individual's
life. We, at Cafe Astrology, feel that Astrology can be used as a powerful and
fun tool for understanding ourselves, others, and the world around us. We use
many different tools, or languages, to define and understand our world. For
example, we can use psychological tools and terminology to explore human
behaviour. Similarly, Astrology gives us rich tools for understanding human
character, and offers us a language for communicating our observations with
others. Randall Curtis in the book, `Planetary Clusters`, written under the
aegis of Institute of Planetary Psychology uses the expression, “heavenly
solutions to earthly problems” to describe astrology.
Whatever way one looks at the
subject, God – the higher being –comes centre-stage. If we accept that God the
Creator of all and everything is so much more superior to us and we are so much
more inferior to him, then we can easily understand how his ways can be
numerous, complex and beyond our understanding. So how can we who are so
microcosmic dispute that is which is so macrocosmic? Once we acknowledge that
God is the Supreme Being, then we cannot contest the fact that that the heavens
(which he created) and we (whom he also created) are inextricably interlinked
and interwoven.
Carole Taylor who is Director of
Studies at the Faculty of Astrology in London (United Kingdom) in her
`Introducing Astrology` rightly quotes and Orphic prayer as far back as in the
4th Century BCE as saying “I am a child of Earth and Starry Heaven,
but of Heaven is my birth.” Taylor also quotes Dane Rudhyar in the publication
`An Astrological Mandala` (Vintage Books, p 383) as saying “the significance of
astrology is that it can transform the profane into the sacred, the facts of
astronomy into the revelation of a cosmic order manifest in the cell and the
human person as well as in the solar system and the galaxy.”
On what astrology can do to us,
Taylor states that it “takes us into the very heart of life – it is at once
intuitive and intellectual,
down-to-earth, and deeply magical; a system of thought and a very
pragmatic tool: a philosophy of an interconnected earth and sky which over the
centuries has inspired both scientists and artists, and is capable of
describing and illuminating every stratum of life on earth, from the workings
of the individual human psyche to the rhythms and cycles of the natural
environment.”
Although many people`s knowledge
of astrology is limited to what the media tells us about the horoscope, Taylor
explains that the constitution of what astrology represents is more complex
than that. The discipline comprises many branches among which are the horoscope
(predictions based on the interpretation of the individual`s birth chart),
natural chart work (working the potential of a single chart), synastry (the
study of relationships between people), horary (the answering of a particular
question), electional (the choosing of an ideal time to begin a new venture),
and relocation (analyzing the effects of a move or a visit to another part of
the world)”. Further to the different branches astrology offers, Taylor points
out that the discipline has many applications among which are its being “a
consultative tool for use alongside psychotherapy or contemporary therapies
(and I add, `counselling`; a discipline which is increasingly being used to
point pupils and students in the right direction ); in business and financial
fields; as inspiration for art, design, music and other forms of
self-expression; and of course, self development and a better understanding of
the world and the people around us.”
Taylor calls astrology “an
immensely rewarding subject – a potent language of archetypal symbols which
becomes particularly powerful when used in a modern psychological context. She
states that the basic components of a person`s birth chart are not just the
zodiac signs (such as Libra, Aries, Taurus, Cancer, etc), but also the “Houses”
and the “Aspects”, as well as the “Planets” (the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus
Mars, Jupiter, etc). Taylor concludes on that point that “these components
interweave to form a picture which describes with great accuracy the character
and experiences of the (birth) chart`s owner, from the seemingly mundane
aspects of life to the rich and complex inner world of the psyche”. Basically,
therefore, the planets tell us what is being done, the houses tell us where it
is being done; and the signs tell us how it is being done.
The Zodiac represents a ring
of 12 signs – like the 12 months of the year, like the 12 disciples of Jesus
Christ, and like the 12 tribes of Israel. Each is represented by a symbol with
which from the behavioral view point it has something in common. The 12 signs
and their various symbols are as follows: Aries (the Ram), Taurus (the Bull),
Gemini (the Twins), Cancer (the Crab), Leo (the Lion), Virgo (the Virgin),
Libra (the Scales of Justice), Scorpio (the Scorpion), Sagitarrius (the
Archer), Capricorn (the Mountain Goat), Aquarius (the Water Bearer), and Pisces
(the Two Fishes swimming in opposite directions).
Although Taylor does not mention the
role played by the four natural elements that are Fire, Earth, Air and Water in
astrology, their importance makes it necessary for us to include that aspect in
our study. Fire burns and inflicts pain, but it also cooks our food. When a
fire breaks out, it can rage at terrific speeds. The Earth is fixed and stable
and dependable. It is also fertile. It is coldly realistic. The air is
intractable, free and non-conformist. Yet it is needed by every living thing.
Water has been said to be a “universal solvent”. Without it man cannot live. The 12 signs of the Zodiac are divided into those
four groups of the four natural elements. Under the Fire Element are Aries (March
21 – April 20), Leo (July 23-August 22) and Sagittarius (November 22- December
21)). The Earth signs are Taurus (April 21 – May 21), Virgo (August 23 –
September 22) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19); the Air Signs are
Gemini (May 21 – June 20), Libra (September 23 – October 22) and Aquarius
(January 20 – February 18); and the Water signs are Cancer (June 21 – July 22),
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) and Pisces (February 19 – March 20).
Molly Hall describes the Fire
Signs as having “a simmering at-the-ready stance, as they hunt for things that
light them up. They're prone to sudden illuminating flashes of insight and
bursts of enthusiasm. Like fire itself, they can flare up when inspired, making
them seem very passionate about life. They like to live large, and often feel
frustrated by mundane chores and duties. Fire signs are known to be intuitive,
and to rely on gut-level instincts. Going on faith in their inner guidance gets
them far, but they have a tendency to skip crucial steps, or to be unaware of
the emotional impact of their actions.” Regarding the Earth Signs she says “it's
common to hear someone described as "earthy." Such a person blends in
with their natural habitat. They're sensual, meaning they engage with life
through the five senses. It takes time to sense the dense physical world, and
earth signs can operate at a slower, more thorough pace than the other
elements. They're oriented toward what's real, and often this makes them very
productive, able to create tangible results. But if there are no balancing
elements, earth's extremes could lead to being a work-a-holic, hoarding of
possessions, pettiness, getting stuck in the mundane, stubbornness, etc.”
Similarly, the Air Signs are those
which “use their minds to make sense of their lives. With Air, there's more
space between the life lived and the observing mind. This can lead air signs to
appear detached, aloof, remote, cool. Sometimes they'll try to talk their way
through feelings or analyze a situation instead of encountering its full
emotional weight. The gift of Air is flexibility, and their ability to
experience life through many prisms. They're often excellent communicators,
storytellers, interpreters and journalists. They link people together socially,
and often have a curiosity that keeps them out and about.” The Water Signs on
the other hand are attuned to waves of emotion and often seem to have a built-in
sonar for reading a mood. This gives them a special sensitivity in
relationships, knowing when to show warmth and when to hold back. At their
best, they are a healing force that brings people together -- at their worst,
they are psychic
vampires, able to manipulate and drain the life force of those
closest to them. Water signs are tuned into the many shades of meaning in
relationships, and at times can absorb "vibes" from others. They have
to work harder than other elements to maintain their personal
boundaries.”
Even so, regardless of
affiliation to a Natural Element, each of the 12 signs still has specific
characteristics which distinguish it from the other signs. <Whatsyoursign.com> has summarized them
thus: Aries is “active, demanding, determined, effective, and ambitious”, the
key words for Taurus are “security, subtle strength, appreciation, instruction,
and patience”, and for Gemini it is “communication, indecision, inquisitive, intelligence,
and change”. The Cancerian is characterized by “emotion, diplomacy, intensity, impulsiveness,
and selectiveness”. For the Leo, it is “power, authority, warmth, generosity, faithfulness,
and initiative”, while the Virgo stands out through “analytical power,
practicality, reflection, observation, and thoughtfulness “. The Libra stands
for balance, social justice, the truth, beauty, and perfection”. The Scorpio is
“transient, self-willed, purposeful, an unyielding”. The Sagittarius is “philosophical,
in motion, always experimenting, and optimistic.” The characteristics of the
Capricorn are “determination, dominance, perseverance, practicality, and a
strong will.” Those of the Aquarian are “knowledge, humanitarianism, sacrifice,
and insightful.” For the Pisces, they are “fluctuation, depth, imagination, reaction,
and indecision.”
Taylor takes a different but
similar view of the characteristics of individual signs, here below
paraphrased:
-
ARIES is the
first of the 12 signs and represents what Taylor calls “the initiatory energy
of spring”. Aries represents “the impulse to be first, ahead of the rest,
driving the pace or being a courageous pioneer”. The sign is “bold and fiery,
taking the initiative and directing its energy with speed towards a target.”
-
TAURUS is calm
and placid. Taylor says the sign is an energy field which is “earthy and
measured, taking pleasure in the organic rhythms of the natural world or the
sensuality of taste and touch.” People from the sign tend to “act slowly, with
deliberation and often with unwillingness to change, let go, or move,” Their
strong point is “gradual accumulation, the slow building or bringing to
fruition of whatever it happens to be, often with a strongly material or
physical dimension to it.”
-
GEMINI which is symbolized
by the “Twins” is said to “stand for duality,
often representing a split between to opposites but with a lightness dexterity
(and I add, freedom) that can allow easy movement between the two, like an
alternating current – two jobs, two homes, two creative talents, and son on.
Communication and language, dialogue, exchanges, networks, bridges and links of
all kinds feed the Gemini spirit, as does learning and the uptake and
dissemination of knowledge and ideas in this most cerebral of signs.”
-
CANCER embodies
the Protective claws “of the Crab, which is its symbol. As such the Cancerian person
aims to “nurture, foster, defend and keep safe”. He or she also has a “strong
orientation towards family and tribe, gravitating towards that which is felt to
be familiar and secure, and will defend his/her territory with tenacity” The
Cancerian is “a highly sensitive sign, sensitive and emotional – planets here
often act from “gut instinct” rather than from a place of clear rationality or
logic.”
-
LEO is symbolized
by the Lion which is widely known as the king of the jungle. The lion carries
itself around with the unshakeable feeling of superiority and even ownership
that cannot be challenged even by an elephant. The lion, as we know, is “proud
and regal”. Leos tend to act in a bold manner and dramatically too, and Taylor
adds, “with a sense of showmanship, grandeur and bravura.” Leo is by nature
warm, bright in outlook, creative and playful. Taylor adds that “in this person
is embedded the myth of kingship (and I add, natural leadership) – a bright
central flame around which everything revolves and which provides leadership,
fidelity and loyalty.”
-
VIRGO is the sign
characterized by perfection, care, orderliness and precision in what they say,
do and expect from others. This is the sign of craftsmanship and engineering,
and the results-based approach to problems. Virgo people are humble but at the
same time have high expectations of others. In fact, it is said that they
usually set standards that are “too high for the ordinary human being”. The
Virgo person is reserved and tends to go for that which is useful and has a
purposeful outcome. Virgoans do not like speculation, let alone gambling of any
type because they want to be sure of what they say and do and sure of its
outcome. Taylor adds that: “the sun is in Virgo during harvest time and an
agricultural anecdote is appropriate here – this is the sign denoting the
process of sorting wheat from chaff, what is useful from what is not, giving it
dominion over the digestive organs in the human body as well as a connection
with the gift of being able to research, analyze, appraise and evaluate.”
-
LIBRA: According
to Taylor , this sign which is symbolized by the scales of justice is in a
process which about “weighing and balancing, making it a fine adjudicator or
referee – its famous capacity for indecision may even be seen as part of this
process, since Libra is concerned with justice and a fair outcome. As a
dualistic sign, it is interested in the notion of relationship and interpersonal
connection, one-to-one, making it socially skilled, diplomatic, charming and
courteous.”
-
SCORPIO: The Sun
moves into this sign in late autumn in the northern hemisphere “when the
natural world begins to draw its energy in readiness for a rebirth in spring.”
As such, Scorpios tend to express themselves with deep feelings, passion and
intensity. The sign is secretive to a certain extent – not always showing or
saying everything that is in its mind, yet having a feeling which is very
intense and passionate. They tend to bottle up feelings at times when they
speak up and be heard. As a result, they can sometimes suffer in silence.
Scorpios are peace-loving by nature and are capable of making incredible
sacrifices for the one they love or that which they believe in. Taylor comments
that Scorpios “can show fixity, loyalty and a reluctance to let go, but can
also engage in a process of ruthless elimination when this is deemed to be
necessary.” The Scorpio loves intensely, totally and loyally and is very
emotional and sensual.”
-
SAGITTARIUS is “the
archer whose arrow is shot hopefully into the far distance.” Taylor states that
Sagittarians “tend to need a broad canvass on which to plant their particular
picture and they often display boldness, optimism and confidence. With
Sagittarius, bigger usually feels better, and the instinct is to cover ground
and feel free.”Ganeshaspeaks.com says that “The Sagittarius-born people are
optimistic and always look at the brighter side of things. This helps them to
give their best even in difficult situations (…) The Archers will speak the
brutal truth, and they always mean what they say. Their comments can, however,
sometimes be too harsh and may hurt other people (…)They are intelligent and
enthusiastic people, always interested in different kinds of subjects and can
easily impress others with their conversation (…)The Sagittarius-born people
are philosophical and have a strong sense of right and wrong. They love to exchange
views on spiritual matters (…) These people are very generous. They can go out
of their way to help others in achieving their objectives, and to lead a
comfortable life (…)The Sagittarius-born people are adventurous. They will
never shy away from taking risks to keep the excitement alive (…)They are prone
to taking things for granted, and taking unnecessary risks. Their careless
approach to life attracts criticism from everyone (…)Their honesty can
sometimes be too brutal, which hurts others. A lesson on how to speak tactfully
can help them a great deal (…)The people born under this Sign are prone to be
restless and can push things too far, especially when their energy is not channelized
properly (…)Outer looks mean a lot to them. They don’t have enough patience or
inclination to look below the surface to see the actual substance (…) Their
interest in things can be short-lived, and keeps fluctuating. Thus they end up
being less efficient than they can be. They find it extremely difficult to
deliver consistent performance (…) The Sagittarius natives can be
over-confident. They tend to believe that they can do no wrong, and thus
actually end up making many mistakes.
-
CAPRICORN has a “civilizing
influence” which makes people of the sign bring to society, civic order,
regulation and a system that is we’ll run. According to Taylor, Capricorns have
a tendency to be mature, dignified and reserved. They display a certain ability
for hard work, focused attention and results to match effort. They have a
dogged determination in their approach to life. They are good at making plans
and seeing them through.
-
AQUARIUS: The symbol of
this sign is the Water Bearer, which does not mean it is a Water Sign. The Water
Signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. The water jar borne by the Aquarian is symbolic
of its ever-present disposition to “give” to humanity; even more that humanity
is prepared to ask. That is why in the sign`s symbol of the Water Bearer, we
see someone pouring water non-stop, yet there is nobody at the other end
tapping it. Taylor says the Aquarian as being non-conformist, self-willed and
independent in spirit. She adds that “they tend to play the game by their own
rules, with a view to the freedom which comes from innovation and
experimentation.”Aquarius is eternally and unavoidably attached to the common
good. The Aquarius person seeks for the human race – rather for itself –
equality and a world characterized by horizontal structures (equality) rather than
vertical structures (hierarchy and domination of others). The Capricorn has a logical,
intellectual and rational approach to life. While the philosophy of the Aries,
for example is “me first, others next”, that of the Aquarius tends to be
(others first, me nest”
-
PISCES is the twelfth
and final sign of the Zodiac and as such is the opposite of Aries which is the very
first sign. So while Aries initiates and pioneers, Pisces on the other hand “disintegrates
and dissolves so that the life cycle can close and begin again with Aries. As
such, Pisces which embodies experiences from the other eleven signs that precede
it tends to be sympathetic – sometimes too sympathetic. Pisces can be
vindictive in the sense that when someone hurts that, instead of seeking out
the person and confronting them directly, they instead withdraw from that
person. Pisceans tend to be too generous and can often give “all of what” they
have to someone in need. The strong points of the Pisces are intuition, and a
fertile imagination, just like it is with the other two water signs – Cancer and
Scorpio – That rare gift enables them to discern that which has not been
written and that which has not been said.
Conclusion
The above study indicates that far
from being a haphazard concoction, man`s relationship with the universe is
carefully designed and regimented by a higher being who binds us humans to
himself, his universe and to each other in a very intricate and perfect manner.
Yes, the stars do influence us. Even so, this does not mean that we lead predetermined
lives. It simply means that we have a role to play in the shaping of our lives.
The idea is that since each sign has both positive and negative aspects, we can
work on our negative ones and learn from the positive ones of other people.
