William Lilly

Astrology is like surgery, in that you cannot perform it on yourself. Although we may know how to it is not recommended. But that is often what we do, looking ahead and making predictions for ourselves and being our own Astrologer.

Even the greatest Astrologers such as William Lilly had difficulty predicting for themselves. As in one scenario where Lilly drew up a horary chart to buy a property. He twisted the chart in his favour on an overvalued property. Even with Lilly's tremendous track record, human beings alike are suspectible to the same distraction for an accurate astrological reading, namely hope.

We all want to see what we would LIKE to see. And hear what we'd like to hear. Unfortunately often the Astrologer must be the bearer of bad news. Our inherent internal subjectivity acts as a filter for objectivity.

Astrology is difficult work as it requires emotional detachment from the issue at hand. And focus on what the reading says. Cutting through the extraneous information to the heart of the matter.

So does that not mean we cannot do ANY readings for ourselves? My teacher Ron Bippus put it best when he stated that which has a greater level of emotional attachment can be done with less accuracy. Therefore, in asking a lost object question for yourself. You're mind is clearer and closer to objectivity since the same emotional weight is not placed on the issue. Therefore you're not bending the rules to your liking. However a relationship question will be of greater distortion due to greater expectations.

Objectivity is also blurred in performing readings for close family and friends. As we wish for the best of circumstances for them. And I have personally mustered readings based on the fact of not wanting accept a negative outcome for them.

However, with training one can reach a greater level of objectivity and focus. Yet, one has to treat oneself like the random client that walks through the door. Being abrupt, cold and calculating and firm in your findings.

With all that said, it's probably much easier to ask fellow Astrologer friends to do your Astrology. And for you to do theirs.

And if you have no friends, when all else fails....CHANNEL THE ANSWER!

A little boy once came home from school. After writing his examination his father asked him

FATHER : "Jimmy, how did your test go?"

SON : "Dad, it went horrible, I failed that test"

FATHER : "Now there Jimmy, don't say that. Be POSITIVE!

SON : "Dad, I'm POSITIVE I failed that test."

The moral of the story is to think on the bright side. Often Astrologers can be in the business of predicting doom and gloom. As traditionally draughts we're predicted, the falling of kingdoms and great catastosophres. However, the value of verbalizing negative information is questionable.

However, if an event is considered 'fated', than it does help to relieve a state of uneasyiness. As the client may be consoled that the event was meant to be. And encouraged to let go of the matter. That is if you believe in fixed fate. A single track wheel of destiny which we cannot alter. However, on the flip side it may encourage the client to never change the state of any affairs which present a challenge and friction. Also it may also make the client dependant on the Astrologer to predict every outcome before taking action.

Now as a practitioner of both modern humanistic astrology and classical astrology. My standpoint as of now is somwhere in between on the question of fate and free will. I believe that there is SOME free-will and SOME fate. However, I believe that there is MORE free-will than fate. Therefore, not EVERYTHING can be seen in an Astrological chart. Otherwise, we might as well fire god and undercut his business. And certainly destiny does not operate on a single track like a train ride which you cannot abort. Allowing you to shift onto a parrallel track moving in the same general direction without crashing into the tree. Yet there are some events which are fated, but moreso BOUND to happen based on all the karmic indicators. As a man who eats McDonalds every day for every meal is bound to have a heart attack. He's building a KARMA for a heart attack.

Yet Astrologers are not always correct in their interpretation of a reading. (Duh?? Is that why I never met that fiery Aries woman at the bus stop like the newspaper said) As it is a subjective art with much room to interpret general details. An Astrologer can ONLY predict probabilities. In addition the Astrologer wish to sway things in their favoured direction may also be a factor. As an Astrologer may wish for the negative prediction to come true to prove to the client the effectiveness of Astrology.

The question may arise what should the Astrologer do when faced with having to be the bearer of bad news? Do so with tact and humility. As the client needs to feel comfortable that there are always chances to turn things around. Even though when the odds are stacked against us.

In the scientific world the placebo effect is an undeniable variable in a test. As suggestions and thoughts DO influence our action. So a mere suggestion from an Astrologer effects the actions of the client to varying degrees.

Astrology is and can only be used for determining the PROBABILITY of events occuring. As to date there is no complete measuring tool to mathematically evaluate the significance of each Astrological indicator in a chart. An commendable attempt has been made with Cosmodynes and William Lilly's table of planetary powers. And they are a move in the right direction. But yet that are too many indicators to be 100% certain.

As in Quantum mechanics nature is made of PROBALISTIC reality. As it is even POSSIBLE in the Quantum world for my hand to pass through a wall like a ghost. Possible, but HIGHLY improbable.

Even a 10% chance is a chance. I certainly would take a 10% chance of a getting killed in a car accident seriously. So why wouldn't as serious consideration be given to a 10% chance of a positive outcome. Especially when they there is a significant reward for success.

Often times Astrologers spend so much time staring at the stars and watching their transits. While life passes them by. And they wonder why they have become old, cynical and unrecognized. Without taking any chances and risk and expecting their lucky ship to come in.

The bottom line is, it's best to focus on the positive outcome at all times. Positive thinking breeds positive results. And even when the sh*t hits the fan, it doesn't smell as bad when you're positive.

James Randi

It never ceases to amaze me, the time and effort and length skeptics go through to disproving Astrology. Now their two types of skeptics, ones who claim to be skeptics. But really are of no solid opinion, since they have had no direct experience with Astrology. Perhaps misunderstanding authentic Astrology being the watered down variety presented in newspapers and magazines.

The second are the professional naysayers. THe ones who ATTACK Astrologers for their beliefs and promotion of themselves. Whether I personally agree with anything or disagree, I think it's wrong to attack people for their beliefs. Whether that be for their religious ideals, who they choose to sleep with or anything for that matter. Unless it's directly hurting or manipulating people.

James Randi is one who has made a career to defaming many in the paranormal world. First of all I wish he'd shave off that ugly beard of his. Now some of his work I believe is very valid in it's test. Calling upon peoples outlandish claims to be able to communicate with the dead, talk to aliens or walk on water. However, at times his test are rigged against the test subject.

View a video on a test done by James Randi

As the example of the above clip, James Randi has conducted a test using Sun Sign Astrologer. Clearly to most Astrologers, Sun sign astrology would not be a valid test.

Really it comes down to, what difference does it make to anyone what a person believes in or not? Whether they choose to believe in Astrology, Spirit, Christianity or Islam. How does that really affect them personally? Like get a life already...

After 10 years of study in Western Astrology, in the last 7 months I have begun the journey in examining Jyotish Vedic Astrology. Entering this new intellectual adventure, I attempted to coax many of my fellow astrologers to learn with me. And I was surprised at the resistance I received. Some of the objections I took note of included :

1) Their hands are full trying to learn Western Astrology. As there is still so much more to learn.
2) Learning a different systems may confuse their current understanding of Astrology.
3) Jyotish is too fatalistic.
4) There is no hard proof to show that it is more effective.

Now in reference to the first point. I do believe in the modern age there is an endless amount of information available on the subject of Astrology. However, Modern astrology has widened the subject but not necessarily deepened it. Although, I wouldn't go as extreme to jump on the band-wagon of classical astrologer John Frawley that "There is nothing new under the sun". But I am agreement with that a whole lot of verbal diaheria has been added to the Astrologers repertoire. As studying every modern technique often leaves one more confused than informed. If anything, Jyotish Astrology has a greater resemblance to Classical Astrology (Or what some may associate with as Horary which is really classical Astrology) before the modern era. In its strict rule base and malefic and benefic conditions of the planets. Studying Jyotish may help to strengthen an Astrologers fundamentals in Western Astrology. Since the important common denominators are shown between both systems.

Speaking to the second point, I do not believe the systems of Western and Indian Astrology vary that much. The greatest difference is a Sidereal Zodiac versus a Tropical Zodiac. And using a Sidereal Zodiac seems like a positive response and defense to smug scientist who claim Western Astrologers are not actually viewing the constellations as they truly appear today. As the precession of the Equinox are not accounted for. And Indian Astrologers are actually viewing the stars in their current modern day position. But end of the day, Venus is still Venus. And Mars is still Mars. The general nature and structure of Astrology is the same. Planets which are dignified and dehibilatated are similar to the Classical Western system. If anything, I consider using Jyotish as another technique to my arsenal. As many western astrologers would not falter to integrate a new technique such as a Venus Return, Midpoints, Solar Arcs, Relocation Charts, etc. Though in practice I have found parallel information can be found in a western chart via a Indian Chart. Pointing to the same information, albeit a different way.

In regards to the third statement that Jyotish is too fatalistic. I believe they have defined the line between fate and free-will much more clearly than Western Astrology. As traditional western Astrologers tend to lean to the extreme of believe that EVERYTHING is fatalistic. Alike robots going through the motions of the train track of life. While Modern Astrologers may bend the concept of free will too far. To the point where Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Mars no longer seem like malefic forces as originally assigned by the classical system. Jyotish explains events as the result of karma. That the results of the present are based on the thoughts, action and deeds of the past. And that there are fixed karmas and flexible karmas and a range in between. And that with many astrological indicators come closer to a fixed Karma. However there are remedies and thought manifestations which can help change your karma.

Lastly, there is the argument there is no proof that Jyotish is more effective. Now not having studied the art of Prasna which is the equivalent of Western Horary Astrology. I cannot make a complete comparison on effectiveness. As I do believe strongly in the effectiveness of Western Horary Astrology in predicting events. But I do believe Jyotish to be more effective for SOME things. For instance, often the jyotish techniques of Yogas allow one to derive information which would not be possible through Western Astrology. Charts which I have struggled to find indications of wealth or success in relationships have appeared easily in an Indian chart. As there is not an equivalent for the techniques of planetary Yogas in Western Astrology. But most importantly, where Western Astrology has grown to its heyday in the middle ages and died in the modern age. Astrological learning, tradition and education has been an unbroken tradition in India. It is supported by the government and used and respect in the modern day Indian Culture. As it is customary to make important decisions through the government via Astrological Indications. As marriage often does not take place before consulting an Astrologer.

However, beyond all these objections I believe its FEAR that is the primary motive amongst some astrologers to expand their horizons. For some it may mean rocking their boat, forcing them to step down from their 'expert' position. Or force them they may to admit they have been wrong in the past on some information or predictions based on lack of knowledge.

Yet radical changes often lead to radical results. As only the insane man attempts the same routine expecting a different outcome. Unless one is completely satisfied with one's level of understanding of the stars. I for one, am not.

So open your mind, intellect and heart to something which may challenge you to grow. Force you to think in new ways. Breaking down the walls and structures of what you thought you knew. Yet in the end becoming a more enlightened and better Astrologer.

Poor Bob just discovered that Jupiter transiting his 5th house doesn't mean he'll have a more active sex life.


It never ceases to amaze me. How Astrologers spend all their time staring at the stars. And yet not enough time living.

The extremist will refuse to sign any contracts when Mercury is Retrograde. Or enter partake in any new endeavour until Mars leaves Taurus. Or expect a wonderful new relationship to appear when Venus Sextiles Neptune. Or their progressed Moon enters the 7th house.

With all that work, sometimes it adds to a whole lot of nothing.

Being an Astrologer I obviously believe in its validity. However, one must take things with a grain of salt of what others say. In additionally one must take RISK.

True Astrology can point to the quantum probability and likelihood of an event happening. But their plenty of contracts that we're signed when Mercury was retrograde. Many new endeavours began when Mars entered Taurus and we're successful. And nothing happened for many people when Venus Sextiled their Neptune. It's just basic statistical probability. And astrology only sways the statistical probability.

End of the day, you never know what's REALLY going to happen. Because even if their is fifteen percent chance of something happening. That's still a chance. And we don't always have the luxury of choosing the 'ideal' circumstances. Not everything is attributed to Astrology.

So get off your computer, and go live life!!! Right now!!! I said right now, you're obviously still reading this...


I'm watching you.....

Like many other fields, disagreements within its own inner circles occur in defining the limits of Astrology. However, with Astrology's controversy and public scrutiny; It becomes increasingly more important as astrologers to be relaying a consistent message to the general public.

Some questions which never have been agreed upon in Astrology include :

1) Fate Versus Free-Will : Traditional astrologers lean towards viewing reality in a fatalistic manner. While Modern Humanistic Astrologers believed the future can be altered.
2) How Astrology Works : What is it that makes Astrology possible? Is it the physical vibrational forces that the planets emanate travelling onto the earth such as the law of gravity? Or the using the theory of Synchronicity as suggested by Carl Jung.
3) Predictive outcomes : While their are rules which are fairly universal in Astrology. Such as the the nature of Venus is opposite of that from Mars. Astrologers cannot agree upon the predictive outcome of the matter. As two different astrologers viewing a clients transit may have different intepretations of the planetery energy. While they may agree upon the general nature of the transit. The exact outcome of how it plays it in the clients life may be drastically different.

Part of the reason for these agreements is the inability to sufficiently test different theories. As their currently is not enough in the way of Astrological research to iron out the fine details. Yet their is a scientific field which stands close to Astrology. With scientist who are working dilligently to determine the nature of reality. This field is known as Quantum Mechanics. Which to date has been the closest possibility to describe that Astrology scientifically CAN work

In a nutshell, Quantum physics is the study of the interconnectedness of matter when viewed on the sub-atomic level. The result of Quantum Mechanics findings have revolutionized our way of thinking. And destroyed our conceptions and theories of the nature of reality built over the last few centuries. Representing a hubris for some in the scientific community. As it re-united science with spirit, albeit in different form. Where it once dissected in the age of enlightenment. In the effort to seperate from the empire of church, moving science away from all ideas with religious suggestion

Examples of ideas that came in conflict include :

1) The earth and the planets revolves around the Sun : Challenging the Christian ideal that the Sun and the Planets revolve around the Earth.
2) Darwinism and the Theory of Evolution : Contradicting the idea that man was created in the likeness of god.
3) The big bang theory : Versus the idea that God created the universe in 7 days.

However the greatest impact occurred in the age of enlightenment that the universe was understandable and comphrehensible. Via through the understanding of mechanical laws. These laws include that of Newtonian physics, mathematics, chemistry to name a few. Therefore mastery of the laws of nature would lead to absolute understanding of the universe. Which created the mission science in the following centuries. With the resultant of revolutionary changes in technology, health and our lifestyle.

Yet Quantum Physics has discovered the laws of nature are not absolute. Only from our perspective do these laws exist.


PRINCIPAL OF UNCERTAINTY - FATE VS FREEWILL


One of the key concepts of Quantum Mechanics is the principal of uncertainty. This has best been demonstrated in the double slit experiment initially conducted by phycisist Thomas Young.
What the Bleep do we Know - Double Slit Experiment

The double slit experiment demonstrated that MIND does in fact influence manner. As particles had no physical connection to the observer change their behaviour while being observed. Moving through one particular slit when monitored in that region. And through and opposing slit when conversly watched.

Though the scope of the double experiment was small. It implied a great deal which served to contradict our picture of reality. Some these challenges include
1)Objective universe : Absolute reality did not exist. Thoughts are things and effect matter without any direct cause and effect relationship
2)Connectiveness : We are connected to the universe. Despite not being an visible any connection. Our influence extends beyond our body
3)Consistency : From the viewpoint of newtonian physics the laws of science should be consistent 100% of the time. If they are not there is another law to explain it's opposing behaviour. Similar to the law of interia for a moving object.
While these question pose a challenge for all of us in the way we look at life. In reference to Astrology they relate in the given framework
1)Objective universe : What we BELIEVE to be the outcome of a prediction has an effect on the actual outcome.
2)Connectiveness : >This principal helps to support Astrology through the theory of entanglement. As one of the fundamental hurdles of skeptism of Astrology is believing that we are connected to something outside ourself.

3)Consistency : We can understand all the laws of Astrology. Precisely understand their mathematical motions. But even with an idealistic mastery of how planetary forces interact with each other. 100% certainty is not a possible.



omac

Yet Quantum Physics has shown these laws are not as Science had disconnected from Spirit. And sought to explain everything in mechanical laws. Therefore the laws of classical Newtonian physics, implied that theoritically all the physical laws we're understood. Then nature could be manipulated, predicted and understood. Seperating any notions or idea that are no followed without reason or proof. As there was no proof to support that we are seperated from the universe aside from our physical body.

The advancements and technology of today has demonstrated our proficiency in understanding the mechanical laws. What would have been considered sorcery at one time, as commonplace. Inventions such as the lightbulb, the automobile, the Internet would have blown the mind of the medieval man. As it would be considered from the lack of understanding of the mechanical laws that they we're created by magic.

However, we have now probed so deeply into the nature of reality. It only APPEARS that the mechanical laws are absolute, fixed and constant throughout the universe. As studying matter on a sub-atomic level. Quantum physicist have found a number of startingly reality. Some of them include 1) Although particles across the universe may not be connected. They can resonate with each other and respond instantaneously (Faster than the speed of light, indicating they are not communicating through matter) 2) Although particles appear to be in one place (Entanglement). They are in many places at once. They only appear localized in one centralized space when we observe them. The most abstract example would state that even though when we view the moon in the sky it appears to be in one place. However when we look away, it disperses and spreads out through space and time.
3) Mind DOES affect matter. As experiments with particle slits and particle guns have demonstrated that particles are indeed influenced alone by being observed.

There is not enough space to give Quantum mechanics justice in this blog alone. As there are many others who can better explain its implications. One particular resource the is useful is the DVD movie What the Bleep do we know?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpCSk7WC4GI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QlZ5O8_bGk&mode=related&search=

http://www.amazon.com/What-Bleep-QUANTUM-Three-Disc-Special/dp/B000FKO3JO/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-3953619-3472001?ie=UTF8&s =dvd&qid=1189370337&sr=8-2

http://www.whatthebleep.com/



How this is all relevant to Astrology. For the first time in the scientific community the possibility exist that we live outside of ourselves. Implying Astrology can be valid. Since the principal of Astrology, first must be accepted that we are connected outside of the universe beyond our physical body. As if that cannot be accepted, then there can be no acceptance of astrology. The belief that we are connected outside of ourselves may manifest in many ways. A belief in god, Allah, the Tao, or simply a belief that there is something out there other than ourselves. However, not a strict aetheism. As science have taken the tonality of aesthetism. As it has questioned Gods laws itself. And they Quantum Mechanics theory of entangelement. Helps to support that bodies in space which have no physical connection may resonate in unison. Just as Astrologers have theorized we resonate in unison with the motion of the planets. However, the area of quantum mechanics that challenges astrology is the notion that is confirmed that the MIND DOES AFFECT MATTER.

Therefore, our belief or expectations of certain transits working out or not working out. Effect the outcome. Our belief of what we believe to be part of our character as a Scorpio or Libra, do affect what we get in life. What instigated this thinking was one of the most popular movies today known as 'The Secret'. Which links old ideas of NLP, the Law of Attraction, Positive thinking to newer ideas of Quantum Physics. That based on belief we attract particular circumstances. More on 'The Secret' can be found at the following :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b1GKGWJbE8

http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Extended-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/B000K8LV1O/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-3953619-3472001?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&q id=1189371908&sr=8-1

http://www.thesecret.tv/

However, often what is implied by most Astrologers, as that the very EXPECTATION and thought of anticipation of events can create the reality in itself.

Now I state 'implied' since modern day humanistic astrology may or may not (Depending on who you are talking to) integrated ideas of free will and how they affect results in Astrology.

But traditional astrologers of the Ancient times we're much more fatalistic in their views and predictions. Viewing life as fixed and created before. And this was influenced by a fatalistic society. Which attributed all to Gods Will. However, this is a general stereotype, since throughout history, Religions have switched their opinion or stance on Free Will or altering reality based on choice.

So it is not a question of Astrology alone, but a discussion throughout mankind that has existed how much freewill do we have?

As looking at things from the mechanical universe. One can explain that we're emotional beings, which actually have physical properties and hormonally releases. And that we are a complex network of neurons and synpases firing. In response to stimuli. Therefore although we APPEAR to have a free will. We are in fact on autopilot without even knowing it. Responding to our environment in a mechanical way. Answering our hungers and drives. Just as an animal does by eating when he/she is hungry. Or mating when he/she desires and can find a obligiing mate. The difference in humans is that we are intelligent to be aware and observe our own mechanical process of responding in life.



So therefore life itself COULD be fated since we're operating on autopilot. As one author rote in relation to prediction :
PLACE QUOTE HERE from Quantum Book




But Theories of Quantum physics shows that we do not live in the strict mechanical universe. As the best broken down example is the double Slit Theory. A better representation of it can be presented in the following link :

What the Bleep do we Know - Double Slit Experiment

With the growing popularity of Quantum Physics. The question remains as to why more Astrologers are not taking advantage of its theories to support Astrology.

Quantum Physics is the bridge between science and spirituality. Ultimately concluding that we are all connected to the universe beyond our physical body. Which is the first philosophical axiom that needs to be hurdled over to accept Astrology. As their is no visible connections between the planets and affairs of humans. So somehow Astrology has to be proved on a theoretical basis to explain how it could possibly work.

One subset of the Quantum theory is the The theory of Entanglement. Entanglement states that even though particles appear seperated on the sub-atomic level. They in fact resonate together. That even if a particle placed on once side of the universe and another placed at the opposite side; They would resonate instantaneously when one is caused to vibrate.

Even though the theory of Entanglement does not speak implicity of Astrology. It does support the idea that even though there is no visible connection that we can have a matching rhythm with the planets. That the possibility exist at least theoretically that two independant bodies ie. Planets and Human, can resonate together in unison. Despite not having any visible physical connection.

More on Entanglement can be found at the following links

Quantum Entangelement - Wikipedia Definition

What is - Quantum Entanglement

Quantum Entanglement And Causality