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Astrological
Opportunities
by
Jeri Noble
Very
often, so-called "negative aspects" in astrological charts
really represent important opportunities for personal and spiritual
growth. The expert astrologer who wrote this article (click
here to learn about her SPECIAL OFFER TO BLISS READERS)
suggests how to take them, in her clear and concise introduction
to the ancient art of Astrology.
New
students to astrology can frighten themselves with harsh aspects
and scary transits. This is because a new student must necessarily
practice "cookbook" astrology as they're getting started.
"Cookbook
Astrology" and the Art of Synthesis
Cookbook
astrology is the technique of looking through a manual, and reading
the interpretation for one specific aspect or transit. For example,
an interpretation of Sun square Saturn might read:
"You
are often depressed and struggle with many difficulties in life."
Then
you read another aspect, Sun conjunct Jupiter: "You are a cheerful,
lucky individual and may sometimes overextend yourself."
Both
of these interpretations are essentially correct, but how in the
world can they describe the same person? Because we're human beings,
messy, complicated and wondrous, we just don't fit into neat little
slots.
These
manuals are very useful, giving us the opportunity to get a feel
for the different planetary energies and how they work together.
The next step in interpretation after the manual, is synthesis.
Synthesis
is the act (and art) of putting together the various way that planetary
interactions occur and making a whole picture of them. This is where
you "see" the picture of the person, event or question in the chart.
Synthesis
can be taught. Every astrologer will do this a bit differently,
and will have their own means of perceiving.
"Painting"
the Chart
For
me, the chart is a rich painting, filled with shadings, layers and
textures. A layer might be a planetary configuration such as a bucket
pattern. A texture could consist of the house placements involved
and the signs would be shadings of color. This is my particular
visualization, and others may operate differently.
However,
the astrological synthesist is able to assemble in some way, the
various planetary factors in order to interpret some part of a human
being's life.
The
best way to learn synthesis that I know of, is to study a variety
of charts of well-known people. Go ahead and look up their aspects
in your book. Notice how these aspects were modified in real life,
and see if you can understand why, astrologically.
This
may involve researching a variety of astrological texts, to gain
other astrologer's insights into the workings of a particular planet
or aspect. There are plenty of cookbooks out there and they can
all add something to your understanding.
My
experience has shown that the more grounded in the basics the astrologer
is, the better the interpretation. This simply means a thorough
comprehension of planets, signs, houses, qualities and aspects.
There really are a finite number of these and they are less difficult
to memorize than the multiplication tables (a lot less difficult).
Communicate
with other astrologers. Ask questions. There are plenty of forums
on the web for astrological discussions, and most cities have an
astrological group of some kind that you can get involved with.
Astrologers are, for the most part, friendly people and won't bite.
You might be amazed at some of their parties! Discussion of chart
elements is a favorite topic, and you'll get used to whipping out
your ephemeris at a moment's notice.
The
"negative" aspects as opportunities for growth
Frequently,
the so-called "negative" aspects and transits can be translated
into positive ones. Sometimes it takes no effort at all.
For
example, I have a very strong Mars and Uranus. These two in combination
or even singly in aspect to other planets could imply danger. However,
I've lived with these all my life and am well accustomed to dealing
with their effects.
This
means that if an uncomfortable transit comes along involving either
of these that's probably the worst it will be, uncomfortable. For
someone whose Mars and Uranus aren't as prominent, we might want
to advise against dark streets, driving, etc.
I
have learned to take any powerful transit as an opportunity for
growth, even the very harsh ones.
For
example, Saturn will soon be coming up to square Neptune. This is
traditionally known as a "depression" aspect. What I like to do,
is to look at the highest expression of these energies and consciously
"work them", (this is what I advise clients to do as well).
The
higher expression of Saturn includes self-discipline, knowing your
personal direction, and being an authority. Neptune is our mystical
sense, artistic and devotional. (I'm cheating here because I have
them conjunct and have had plenty of practice).
This
gives us the opportunity to discover and reveal our personal gifts
to the world, knowing what we're capable of and being willing to
share it. We can be grounded and centered with our talents while
still being able to share the beauty. Since it's a square, we can
realize that this is a learning experience and be willing to make
a few mistakes and adjustments along the way.
The
subjective experience of this transit for the unprepared could be
a sense of worthlessness, feeling that the struggle isn't worth
it and perhaps just wanting to end it all. There's a big difference
between using a transit and being used by it, as you can see.
In
my opinion, every difficult aspect or transit can be improved upon
in our expression of it, and as astrologers, we have the opportunity
to do so. We are still human and the forces which the planetary
bodies represent are big, so we may not always be perfectly successful.
However, the opportunities exist for greater wholeness with each
"close encounter" with a significant energy and we can take advantage
of this.
Copyright
© 2000 Jeri Noble - All Rights Reserved
|
**A
SPECIAL OFFER TO BLISS READERS**
Jeri
Noble's monthly birthday gift to each sign as we're in it is a
free computerized astrology report detailing your chart,
with explanations of its meaning.
If
this is the month you were born in (or when that month comes),
click here
and send your name and your date and time of birth, and you'll
receive Jeri's free chart.
The
author
Do
you want to ask questions to the author of this article?
You can do it, sending an e-mail to info@bliss2000.com
Meanwhile,
let's introduce her. She is
Jeri
Noble
She
has been a professional counselor for over 25 years in a variety
of modalities. These include past life regression therapy, astrology,
and rebirthing.
Jeri
lives with her life partner Tom, (that's right, Tom and Jeri)
and their dog Silky in the New Age mecca, Sedona, Arizona.
An
avid bookworm and writer, she produces newsletters, horoscopes
and affirmations for her two websites, Circles
of Light Internet Magazine and AstroEvolution.com.
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