Astrology and Its Practice
quotes for clarification

Astrology offers a deeper view into the workings of nature and the mysteries of existence. It offers a view that is inclusive, cosmic in scope, humbling, inspiring, and a challenge to some of our deepest assumptions about what is really going on in our lives. Astrology is a road map for living and a power tool for expanding awareness. 2

The philosophical premise upon which psychological astrology is based is that a person’s reality springs outward from his or her inner landscape of thoughts, feelings, expectations, and beliefs. 3  

Astrology is, above all, a language. Its advantage is that it is optimized for the communication of psychological information. No other system of symbols can approach it for delicacy of nuance or laser-like penetration. There is no other way to be so absolutely, compassionately objective about one’s self or another person. 4

 It is important to see the horoscope as an energetic map of interwoven forces waiting to be uncovered, explained, and interpreted. 15

Looking at the birthchart is like looking at a picture on the front of a seed packet: you can see from the picture what the seed is meant to grow into and become. 5

The astrological birthchart is a mandala, or logos, a word of power. But a true mandala is more than a static geometrical figure—it suggests a process of unfoldment, to use the word of Carl Jung, of ‘individuation’. 20

The astrological birthchart is the best guide we have to lead us back to ourselves. But in the end, we alone are responsible for what we do with our lives, for the degree to which we accept or reject our true nature, purpose and identity. 7

[on forecasting astrology] It is not so much the event which happens to the person as it is the person which happens to the event. 24

 Holding a mirror before the self, astrology tells us what we already know deep within. 8

The weakest link in the interpretative chain is always the astrologer, not the accuracy of the astrological symbolism. 16

Astrology begins with geometry and ends up with a kind of magic. A good astrologer will have studied the rules of this marvelously intricate and symmetrical system, then use his intuition to let a holistic meaning come together in front of him — almost as if it were arising from the screen. 21

The astrologer stands in the transitional territory between heaven and earth like the metaphysical priest or medicine man, communicating what the relevant planetary energies are revealing. 18

In approaching the horoscope contemplatively, we allow space for intuitive guidance beyond our limited ability to ‘interpret’. Realizing that each horoscope we consider stands in for a real life, a real spiritual being incarnated in flesh and blood, we cannot but stand in awe of what is revealed to us. A skillful combination of sound method and spacious contemplation cultivates a healing approach. 22

The role of the astrologer lies centrally in the task of encouraging and supporting conscious, evolutionary choices on the part of his or her client. 11

A birthchart is a living statement, full of insights, guidelines, and warnings. It describes not a static fate but a flowing life pattern, full of options and risks. An encounter with an effective astrologer should leave a person not only entertained but inspired to live more fully and confidently, with a deeper sense of purpose and a keener alertness regarding the comforting lies we all love so well. 12

The true astrologer is a specialist in human destiny. He can be consulted on all matters affecting the actualization of our potential — that is, on all matters referring to the question: "How can I become what I innately am as an organic whole of human existence?" […] He cannot be expected to tell his client what will happen next month or next year or what he must do; this would be the province of a soothsayer or an oracle. The distinction is most important and ought to be made very clear in order to avoid deception and illusions. 19

Astrology must address the life in us, not the stasis. 14

The astrologer should realize that he is privileged to serve as a guide to others struggling to find their way amidst the storms, whirlpools, and shipwrecks of life on the material plane. What label is worn really matters very little. One could be called a psychologist, astrologer, counselor, consultant, guide, friend, good neighbor, or servant. What matters is the quality of the work, the quality of consciousness that pervades and hopefully illuminates one’s in-depth personal encounters with others. 13