Clive Richard Weeks Spiritual Counselling, Readings & Courses How Does Astrology Work Page

H o w D o e s A s t r o l o g y W o r k ?

The Basis Of Astrology

Contrary to popular belief, the positions of the stars and the planets do not make us behave in certain ways. Rather, the magical axiom "as above, so below" applies. This statement means that the state of the external universe (the macrocosm) and our internal make-up (the microcosm) are reflections of each other. By this rule, our thoughts and deeds affect the state of the universe, and the universe as a whole affects who we are and how we act. Jung called this concept synchronicity.

This principle echoes the concept of Karma. It also confirms scientific evidence that, at least on a physical level, we are all affected by the motion of the Sun, Moon and planets. The physical effects are the result of gravitational, magnetic, particle stream and radiation effects.

So how do we connect the planets and constellations to personal traits and actions?

We do this through psychological archetypes. Since the earliest times - at least as far back as recorded Sumerian culture, about 3-4,000 BC - the human race has associated the planets with gods. These gods were each given well defined, if rather excessive, character traits. The motions of the planets in the sky were well matched to the behaviour of the gods with whom they were associated. How these primitive cultures managed to do this is unclear - unless they knew far more about the solar system and stars than we give them credit for. Anyone wishing to follow up on this concept can read "The 12th Planet" by Zecharia Sitchin.

So when we talk about a planet's influence in a client's chart, we are really talking about the archetypes which that planet represents. The archetypes can help us to understand how certain character traits can act out, in both positive and negative ways. They can also tell us what influences will support or oppose particular traits.

The Natal Chart

However, before the astrologer can tell you all of this, he or she must create a natal chart. This is effectively a map of the heavens at the time of birth. This can be accomplished by computer or by using books of tables. An example of a computer generated chart - that of Leonardo da Vinci - is shown below.

To derive a useful amount of information from the chart, the location and time of birth must be known to a reasonable degree of accuracy. Other pertinent information is also useful if you happen to know it - for example, whether or not daylight savings time or special war time was in effect when and where you were born.

How The Chart Is Used

Using this chart as a map of the psyche by the "as above, so below" principle, the astrologer can reveal information which he or she believes to be relevant to the client's situation. The astrologer can determine the client's basic character, how well various character traits blend together, likely professions, how well he or she may relate to other people, and what future or past influences are operative.

The natal chart shows what signs the planets are in at the time of birth. If the birth time is accurately known, it will also show which "house" each planet is in. The houses represent twelve major areas of your life: for example, the fourth house represents home life and parents; the sixth house represents work, service, health and sickness. The house that a particular planet falls in, is where its influence will be strongest. This information in the chart can reveal health, talents and career, how we operate in relationships, fortune, and much more.

The chart also shows the angles that planets make to each other. Theses are called "aspects". Aspects show how two (or more) planets relate to each other. In other words, do their influences complement and amplify each other. Or do they oppose each other, perhaps resulting in a feeling that you are always being pulled in two directions.

The aspects (angles) that current planet positions make to planet positions in the natal chart are referred to as "transits". Using transits, the chart can be used as the basis for looking at past, present and future psychological events which may or may not be reflected by actual events. For example, if your concentration is lower than usual on any given day, you may be more likely to have an accident of some sort. This is one example of how psychological states can be reflected in the physical world.

By applying interpretive analysis to the above, the astrologer can help his client to chart their way through life. He or she can point out areas of opportunity, as well as some of the personal habit traps to avoid.

In short the astrologer counsels their client.

This is where the personal approach is more effective than merely supplying the client with a computer generated report. Such reports may have detailed summaries of various chart features, but they fail to fully integrate this into a meaningful chart interpretation. A skilled astrologer can synthesise the discrete chart elements into an overall picture. In addition he or she can slant the information presented so that it is totally relevant to the client's current situation. In this way the client can leave with a fresh set of perspectives and insights on their situation. There may also be some alternative approaches to the situation, suggested by the chart, that the client hasn't considered.

This is a very personalised service that the skilled astrologer offers.