Tales Of A Cosmic Seeker, Part 1
I have been fascinated by astrology for most of my life. My first significant exposure to it came when I received a birth chart reading at the age of 16. The astrologer was an intriguing older woman with deep piercing eyes. Her name was Ms. McDonald. She lived in Laguna Beach, California, and my reading took place in her apartment, near the deeply blue and pulsating Pacific ocean. What she told me that sunny and beautiful California afternoon, sent me on an exciting search for more understanding. I have been relentless in trying to learn how planets in the sky can affect lives here on earth. Though the answers to that question are complex, a simple way to put it is, planetary vibrations operate like electricity. It’s hard to describe their mechanics, but it’s obvious that they exist and they are felt.
Still, even though it encompasses a system in which one can easily observe it’s effects, astrology and astrologers often get a bad rap in our society. Admittedly, there may be some who practice this craft who are worthy of the bad press. But that is no different from any other profession. Are all laywers, doctors or even priests, beyond repudiation? No.
That seems obvious. But still many, especially people of religious faith, do not understand the value of astrology. It must be pointed out, by the way, that most people who don’t ‘believe in it’ have never actually studied astrology. Instead of examining its vast symbolism for themselves, they choose to believe what they have heard about it. I have a recent example from my life.
A few days ago, someone I admire and care deeply about expressed his concern about me and my association with astrology. He took me quite by surprise when he said, “You’re my friend, and we’ve known each other for years. You spend a good amount of time around people of the faith. What influence does faith hold over you, or, which holds a greater influence?”
My response was honest. “I accept all of it. As Muhammad Ali once said, in response to being criticized for being a Muslim, ‘all those Muslims, all those Buddhists, all those people of other faiths all over the world, they can’t ALL be wrong.’ I agree with him,” I told my friend. There is room in life for coexistence of different beliefs, philosophies, faiths, etc.”
“Pluralism?”
“Pantheism”, I responded, one God, many faiths.”
“Hmm...”
I continued, “It’s just like with the so called races of people around the world. In actuality, there is ONE (human) race, with many ways of experiencing and expressing life’s values.”
And then he said what was really on his mind. “For me Christianity is the only one that proves its’ claims.”
To which I could happily respond, “I love Christianity!”
He went on, “The stories have it all, and they answer all my questions.”
“Yes, I said, I can see that!”
Finally my dear friend said, “I love and live for the message. Especially in these days and times.“
I concluded our conversation with a simple, “Amen to that.“
I don’t disagree with him. I love and respect all of the world’s religions AND I have a passion for studying the movement of planets and discerning their possible influences on human behaviors. This is not an either/or proposition. Yes, these times, as my friend implied, when the world is facing a pandemic that seems to be of biblical proportions, require a compelling and consistent point of view for anyone who is listening. And It is clear to me and many others that astrology is precisely such a system which can help bring clarity to people’s lives. I will discuss how it can help in detail, in another post. Of course, though it is profound, astrology does not replace the omnipotence of God, but it certainly points the way to important messages we are meant to receive.
In fact, to my Christian family and friends, I invoke the Bible itself as a reference for the value of studying the planetary movements. Anyone who accepts the Bible as inerrant must also then accept the story told in the book of Mathew of the three wise men. Though it is told in one of the four new canonical gospels, this often repeated story has more old testament references (and thus connections to ancient traditions) than any other New Testament source. What’s interesting, however, is that the Bible doesn’t give much by way of description of who these three men were. We are only told 3 things: 1.) They were wise; 2.) They traveled from far away to find Christ and; 3.) A star lead them to Jesus’ birth place.
Do we need any other biblical justifications for astrology than this?
As an aside, I always appreciated that the same chapter also gives some credence to clairvoyance, when it tells how the wise men were warned, in a dream from God, not to report back to Herod, the King. They heard God’s voice and they went in another direction! Yes! In one chapter, we get strong allegorical advice that stars transmit deeply meaningful information AND that we would do well to listen to the voice of God in our dreams. So much for CNN!
The same stars that those three ancient men followed still exist in the sky today. It is still wise to pay attention to their messages.
Namaste,
