Community Spirit, March 2018

Astrology is a symbolical language and for those who explore it, it opens up a world
far beyond superficial and inaccurate newspaper Sun sign columns. But despite its
revived popularity in recent decades, its reputation is still controversial and it is
often associated with fortune telling and dubious occult practices. It still remains
largely unknown and misunderstood. And not surprisingly, considering the
existence of many unscrupulous individuals who claim to be able to ‘tell your
future’ through astrology or are quick to pass moral judgement and dub character
traits as good or bad based on what they ‘see’ in the natal chart. Some succeed in
satisfying people’s curiosity, as we are all hungry for any information which can
clarify our life choices and give us some direction. The more specific the
instruction, the better.
Trouble is, predictions often get realized not because of some predefined ‘fate’ the
astrologer has been able to spot in the chart, but merely as self-fulfilled
prophecies. ‘Saturn transits your 7th house this year and it means your marriage is
going to break up’, you’ve been told. The marriage may possibly end, but that was
only one of many available scenarios revolving around relationship issues which
the chart reflects. Yet, believing in that one in particular when someone readily
pointed it out is the strongest factor behind its actualization.
It is not my purpose here to defend astrology or convince anyone to believe in it. I
can only urge whoever is interested in the matter to do their own research and
make up their own mind – without prejudice. Personally, I am yet to meet someone
who would at the same time know anything about the subject and refute its
immense value.
So, what is a birth chart and how can it be helpful in practice?
The astrological birth chart is simply a map of the Sky at the time and place of
birth. It is a piece of astronomical data. A register of where all planets in our Solar
System were placed on their path around the Sun at that particular moment and
from our point of view here on Earth. It is a still image of the giant clock of the
Universe where everything is in constant motion. At any time, all elements in it
form a unique pattern of relationship to one another and that pattern becomes the
personal fingerprint or the musical score of whatever is born at that moment. A
couple of examples of birth charts are on the next page.