Astrology has been making a great resurgence in the past few years. It may be because people are tired or frustrated or fearful of the shape of our world. It may be because the normal standards are no longer working for them and they are looking for alternative means to re-discover their spiritual being, faith, and understanding of others on a deeper level. Or it can be multi-factorial given the complexity of our daily lives. Much of it has to do with the movement of the zodiac and that we are moving into the Age of Aquarius, a period of awakening in astrology. It is a confusing time for many people. For me, astrology has been an awakening to the areas of my being that I have always somehow known on a deeper level.
What is astrology?
It is much, much more than reading your Sun Sign (zodiac sign) in the weekly horoscope portion of the newspaper or magazine.
I practice what is known as “Evolutionary Astrology,” which involves a more psychological approach and is really perfect for inspiring personal development. Evolutionary Astrology suggests that our souls chose the time, date and place of birth to give us the opportunity to fulfill our soul’s purpose from lessons from previous lifetimes.
Astrology is a tool for learning who we really are. It deepens our understanding of ourselves and others and helps us to navigate our journey through life. It helps us to gain insight into our soul’s purpose, providing insight into such areas as career, love, friendships, personal development, and how we relate to others and understand others on a deeper level.
The way in which astrologers use this tool is through the reading of an individual’s birth chart, which is arrived at by using the time, place and date of an individual’s birth. The birth chart is a snap shot of the sky at the moment of your birth and describes your whole personality — you can get an idea of your traits, strengths, weaknesses, actions, soul lessons, and more just by looking at where the planets are located in relation to the signs of the Zodiac. This chart is a blueprint, or map, of the soul’s incarnation in this lifetime.
You can actually tell a great deal about a person just from their Sun Sign, Moon Sign, and Rising Sign, before even tapping into the other factors motivating the chart. These three Signs explain the dynamic nature of your personality.
When interacting with people, we usually meet them slowly, bit by bit. We rarely give our entire selves away upon first meeting someone. The Rising Sign in astrology represents how you appear and are perceived by others, or the first impression you make upon them. It is the “mask” you wear. It shows how you present yourself and the way in which you weave your way through life. Image it as the receptionist to your persona. When people meet you, they meet your Rising Sign first and then your Sun Sign.
The Sun Sign is our core being or ego and how we most often identify as our true self. It is the part of you that shines in the world and shows the way that you are dynamic in this life. An understanding and acceptance of your Sun Sign helps you to recognize your basic nature and personality that remains constant in this life and helps you to understand the choices you make.
The last part of your personality that others will meet is your Moon Sign. The Moon is all about emotions and feelings and how you react to things instinctively. Your Moon is your soul, your most private and intuitive self. The Moon is a very feminine energy and inclined to be deeply nurturing. Usually only those who know you well and who you trust will meet your Moon sign.
Remember, when you meet someone, you meet their Rising Sign, then their Sun Sign and then the Moon Sign. It is a very quick way to get a basic understanding of yourself or others.
For an example, my Rising Sign is Gemini, my Sun Sign is Taurus and my Moon Sign is Aquarius. In a very simplistic way, you could say that when someone first meets me, they encounter that part of my personality that is social, talkative, fun-loving and very curious about everything. As they get to know me better, they will encounter that part of me that has a bit more substance and is more grounded and solid. A loyal and faithful friend. They will see that I can be counted on, reliable and determined to create what I set out to do. Then, if trusted, they will meet my Moon. Although kind and compassionate, my emotional nature is probably more directed toward social consciousness with a drive to help humanity. I want to help and heal those in need. They will also get to meet that part of me that is more unique, independent and freedom loving.
On a personal note, astrology came along at a time in my life after I had experienced many losses and questioning the Universe. I had always been interested in the Metaphysical, especially astrology, most of my adolescent and adult life. I constantly wondered, “Why am I here? What is my purpose? What makes me feel and act certain ways? Where do we go after death? Is this body all there is or is it a vessel for our soul? Is this life merely another lesson on our road to evolution?”
Close to 10 years ago, I was guided by intuition or spirit to enroll in The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and began my education for a certification in Holistic Health Coaching. In addition to learning about proper nutrition and lifestyle, I was introduced to alternative mind-body connections and spirituality from teachers such as Deepak Chopra and Simon Brown (connecting the elemental energies and nutrition).
Eventually, I began studying crystals and energy work, and finally, seriously began my studies of Astrology, a subject I had been drawn to for many years. I ultimately found those beautiful “ah-ha” moments. I slowly began to understand myself; questions began to be answered and I felt I was finally moving toward my life direction.
I look forward to sharing more information about this subject, including working with the magic of Moon cycles, to guide and manifest your dreams and goals.