How does astrology “work”?
Nobody knows exactly why specific planetary aspects correlate so precisely and profoundly to our intimately felt experiences here on Earth. Our natural predisposition is to think of it as a kind of physical or causal force like gravity: Mars “caused” Achilles to do this. But that does not seem to be the richest way of framing things, especially in an astrology reading. Rather, it seems best described as a kind of co-creative dance. Freedom within a definite circumstance . . . not unlike how our personal biographies and family history deeply shape—without completely determining—our lives.
What is a natal chart?
At the time of our birth, the planets, Sun, and Moon were in particular places in the sky. Our birth or natal chart is just the snapshot of those positions. If two or more of these bodies formed a specific geometric alignment to one other (e.g., a 90° square or a 180°opposition), they are considered to be in aspect and thus form a distinct archetypal combination that is energetically experienced and felt by the native (the person with the aspect in their birth chart). These planetary aspects have specific meanings that are generally agreed upon by the modern astrological discipline. Natal chart readings are about exploring the primary aspects of one’s chart; these are operative throughout one’s life.
What is archetypal astrology? How is it different?
Archetypes are a just a way of naming those rich constellations of meaning that each heavenly body represents in the birth chart. I’ve come to like using the phrase archetypal astrology to describe my approach because it is a good way of signaling that this is not your typical newspaper horoscope variety of astrology. In truth, the form of astrology I practice applies the same basic interpretive understanding as other sincere and professionally educated astrologers. The only notable difference is that I focus almost exclusively on the planetary aspects as the primary aspects of a clients birth chart, and view the signs as secondary details—adding a slight flavor, if you will, to the aspect or planet in question.
Is astrology valid?
I love this question. Here, ask yourself what sounds more plausible: are humans bizarre cosmic aberrations—creatures of meaning and intelligence surrounded by an unintelligent and purposeless universe that is utterly alien to our own essence? Is our consciousness and capacity to feel and experience meaning, moral purpose, and love just epiphenomenon, mere accidents of genetic mutation?
Or is it perhaps, just maybe, more likely that having emerged and evolved from the universe, that all of our intelligence and ability to experience meaning, love, and purpose are somehow also embodied and constellated in the cosmos itself as a whole? In that case, astrology—inexplicable though it may be in strictly physical terms—is not really that far out.
Seen from the latter perspective, those who champion science and empirical positivism above all other forms of knowing can be understood to share a surprisingly similar dogma with your typical religious fundamentalist: the belief that human beings (“man”) is somehow fundamentally different and utterly unique from the very cosmic womb out of which he evolved. That it is his to subdue and observe from a distance. That we are, so to speak, in the world, but not exactly of the world, despite the obvious beauty and intelligence underlying the sheer existence of Life and the natural world—us included.
Yeah, I’ll let you decide which sounds more plausible . . .
Is astrology predictive?
Astrology is not concretely predictive. The archetypes of the planets are far too rich and multivalent for humans to concretely predict or control (at least, no humans that I know of). However, astrology consultations, if done well, should certainly give one a sense of the quality of what’s in store, from an archetypal perspective, and also validate what you are living through in the present. As my former teacher Richard Tarnas put it: astrological knowledge is kind of like knowing the direction and speed of the winds before going surfing.
Is astrology fatalistic?
If you’ve read my thoughts up until this point, you will understand that the astrological meaning of our natal chart is more like a blue-print from which there are a wealth of possibilities and creative potentialities, rather than a ready-made script. It is freedom within a given circumstance, like an improvised melody within a given key (to borrow another metaphor from Rick Tarnas).
And hence why astrological consultations are useful: not for telling how “fate” has decreed things are or will be—but rather for helping to align one with the inherent possibilities and the archetypal currents, so to speak, of one’s birth chart. In short, the practice of astrology is all about affirming and amplifying the life-forces coursing through us.
What about Pluto’s recent demotion from planet-hood?!
Updates to astronomical classifications be damned! Pluto, despite its diminutive size and distance from the Earth, still holds a crucial place in the charts of many individuals—including mine! Perhaps there are others to discover and include, but Pluto will always, I imagine, be in the “Pantheon” of really important astrological bodies.
Any more questions? Just ask away! Email them to Jordan at truenatureastrology@gmail.com