What is Astrology?
Astrology is a language. - an ancient, symbolic, cosmological language. We don’t need to “believe in” astrology to practice it – it’s not a religion.
This language of astrology can help us identify patterns in our lives and the world around us. It can help us connect to our spirits, to one another, and to the earth. Astrology can open a window to a hidden world – one that reveals to us the weave of our human existence. We can see our ourselves within a much bigger picture and framework, and it can provide us with a profound source of wisdom and healing.
I’ve found that the practice of astrology can help us feel a deeper sense of belonging, bringing us home to the sacred role and purpose that each of us has here on earth. Offering a source of guidance for us to lean in and listen to our intuitive selves.
Astrology is also a divination art - just as is tarot, runes, or the I Ching. It’s not a science, and we cannot “prove” astrology, especially not within the framework of empiricism. Which to me feels beside the point. It would be like me asking a scientist to dance their chemistry for me; or translate their data into mythic archetypes in order to validate their findings. Although, I think I might enjoy that!
Astrology rather, is a way of seeing - and of being seen.
Just as when we stand before an artwork and immerse ourselves in the experience of it - the colour, texture, form and symbolism; what senses might be engaged, what resonates or challenges us…we don’t ask that artwork to “prove” itself, or our experience.
When we listen to a piece of music, or watch a dance performance, whatever we have experienced, whatever emotions or thoughts move through us, they speak their own kind of truth.
We seek meaning and value from these things in different ways than that which can be weighed and measured; for the human spirit hungers for art, story, beauty, meaning and inspiration.
Astrology too, allows us entry to the Otherworld of the Symbolic, engaging the mythic mind – something we all possess. We can develop deep, personal relationships to stories and archetypes, and feel that they are reflective of our own hearts and experiences; for as above, so below. This way of seeing and being seen can be a wellspring of inspiration, enchantment, illumination and hope.
