Astrology Theory and Practice 1: The Roots of Tradition

Astrology Theory and Practice 1: The Roots of Tradition

This is the first in a series of articles exploring a concise definition of modern Western astrology, focusing on the roots of tradition. Classical astrology has made a comeback in astrological circles in the last 15-20 years, thanks in large part to Project Hindsight, an excellent research program led by Robert Schmidt, Ellen Black, Robert Schmidt, Robert Black, Robert Schmidt, Robert Black, Robert Black, Robert Black, Robert Black, Robert Schmidt, Robert Schmidt, and Robert Black. Black, Robert Hand, and Robert Zoller in 1993, who studied "Greek" and "Latin" to better translate existing They studied "Greek" and "Latin" to better "translate" existing classical astrological sources into English. Robert Schmidt is the editor-in-chief.

The study and research of classical astrology is of great "historical importance", showing modern Western astrologers techniques that they have forgotten, ignored, or seldom used. Examining such ancient methods from a modern perspective can yield valuable information. But looking back at the history of the teaching and practice of astrology, modern astrologers see a huge difference, not only in the techniques, but also in the "belief system", which is much more fundamental and important. In fact, the most important difference between modern Western astrology and classical astrology is philosophical. Read this article and decide which astrology appeals to you more: classical astrology or modern Western astrology?

As you will read, this depends a lot on your belief system. People who believe in "fatalism" and the impossibility of changing their "destiny" are likely to be attracted to classical astrology, but those who believe that "destiny is in your own hands" and that you can achieve more with hard work are likely to be attracted to classical astrology. However, those who believe that "destiny is in their own hands" and that a more fulfilling life can be achieved through hard work will be more inclined to choose modern astrology. Some may say "both are true," and "some things are meant to be and some are not." Of course, it depends on how you define "destiny". Is the weather forecast "destined"? "Is the color of your eyes and hair predestined? In modern language, none of these predictive elements are "predestined". It's one thing for the weather forecast to say there's a 70% chance of rain, but it's quite another to predict what "someone" will do when it rains! Similarly, the weather may be perfect for farming, but someone may choose not to go into the field!

Modern astrology is a predictive science; this needs to be made clear! I am shocked when I hear people say that modern astrology does not utilize astrological techniques as a predictive tool! I talked to Jeff Joule about this last fall when he was in Beijing (Jeff Joule will be visiting China again this June) and I told him that some astrologers in China say that modern astrologers "don't make predictions". Jeff replied, "What?! I've never heard that in the U.S.? Who said that?" But there is a difference between responsible and irresponsible predictions. I believe it is irresponsible at any time to make a prediction that is true to its word and negates the ability of a person to make better choices. I have been counseling clients on forecasting for 37 years and I have never imposed absolutes on any of my clients. Time and time again, clients have come back to me and told me "Thanks to your predictions, I made the right decision and the results were great!" A client once told me that I "saved his life - word for word! There are no words to describe the satisfaction!

There are different views in the astrological community about the "way" of forecasting. Those who are clearly "psychological astrologers", such as Glenn Perry, do a great job of articulating the dangers of deterministic predictions and reminding astrologers to look at the psychological impact of every prediction. I couldn't agree more with Glenn Perry, but I'm more open to predictions. Astrologers make predictions in a variety of ways. But most modern Western astrologers naturally engage in the business of making predictions - even if they are simply making "behavioral predictions", as counselors do. Every birth chart is, in the end, a prediction script.

It is an interesting argument to claim that classical astrology is more accurate than modern astrology. Not to mention that this argument is disrespectful to modern astrologers who are trying to practice astrology, I just can't imagine what the basis for this claim is? It is obvious to want predictions to be accurate; it is natural to want prediction systems to be reliable. Some astrologers put a great deal of effort into seeking out "magic bullets" in the hope of making long-term predictions that are consistently correct. However, if you are looking for absolute "scientific accuracy" and demand that "every step of the way" is exactly as predicted, you will end up being disappointed with all astrological prediction systems, simply because personal freedom encompasses so many variables that it can be categorized as a chaotic system. The reason is simple, because personal freedom contains so many variables that it can be categorized as a chaotic system. Of course, if you believe that free will is an illusion, and that the ever-changing chaotic system is a mirage, then you will continue to seek the "holy grail" of astrological prediction.

I'm not a scientist, and I can't produce statistics to support my 37 years of astrological predictions. But I can tell you that my clients have been following me for years. I use predictions as a creative planning tool and my clients come back year after year for horoscope predictions. During my career, I have also maintained consulting relationships with a number of business clients. Had I not been able to accurately predict business trends, these clients would have left and I would not have been able to sustain a full-time career as an astrologer. For example, for more than 25 years I have been performing forecasting services for a company that went on to become the largest architectural analyst firm in the world. The name of the company was A.W. Hutchison & Associates.I advised the executives of this company from its infancy until the owners sold the company and chose to retire. (I have gotten permission from the principals of the firm to write out the name of the firm.) The company was primarily made up of engineers and architects who needed "accurate and valuable" forecasting information to support team building and crisis management. I can tell you that "engineers" don't respond favorably to misinformation, and if my forecasts are inaccurate, they won't continue to consult with me. I was even involved in analyzing the strategy for the successful sale of the company to Navigant Consulting International.

This is just one example from my career, but I know many modern astrologers who have done and continue to do similar work. Those who claim that modern astrologers are merely selling "placebos" to women are not only intentionally insulting astrologers, they are slandering these women, and showing their bias and ignorance as well. Nature/evolution chose women to procreate and reproduce because they can control stress better than men. My experience has taught me that men are dumber than women, and that their lives are more risky than women's. Men don't want to stop and ask for directions even when they are lost, they just keep going in circles. Women, on the other hand, will stop and ask for directions instead of wasting gas and time running around for nothing! Women are not looking for comfort, they are looking for "information".

One final note on predictions: when economists make predictions, or sociologists predict social trends, no one calls them "fortune tellers"! Even in Western societies, astrologers are still sometimes "denigrated" as fortune-tellers, in large part because of the fatalistic philosophy of classical astrology. I will give some examples of classical astrological interpretations in a subsequent article to show why modern astrology has emerged in the West as a serious form of counseling, as well as a tool for self-awareness and personal growth - rather than as a traditional fortune-telling technique. (Zodiac Signs /astro/)

I would like to define modern astrology for students who are serious about studying astrology, however, as I always tell my students "please study and delve into any area of astrology that interests you"! Classical astrology is definitely worth reading and studying. Advanced students should at least familiarize themselves with the history and origins of Western astrology, and experience first-hand the philosophical differences between the ancient and modern worlds.

Pagination Navigation Astrology Theory and Practice 1: The Roots of Tradition Astrology Theory and Practice 2: Classical Astrology Astrology Theory and Practice 3: Pioneers of Modern Astrology Astrology Astrology Theory and Practice 4: Astrology Reinvented!