Occupy Wall Street and the Astrology of 2012
On September 17th just as Venus (money) in Libra (fairness) was about to square Pluto (power) in Capricorn (governments and social structures) a few dozen people came to Zucchotti Park (Liberty Plaza) adjacent to Wall Street in the financial district of downtown Manhattan and set up camp. They came to non-violently protest corporate greed, political corruption and extreme income disparity in America. For the first few days no one seemed to notice the encampment but by day five the media had begun to pay attention to this disparate group calling themselves ‘Occupy Wall Street.’
Since then this small protest gathering has gained considerable momentum and is now being called a political ‘movement.’ This movement has continued to grow and has spread to cities and towns all across the United States including the Alaskan tundra! It has also spread around the world from Tahrir square where Egyptian protestors declared they ‘stand in solidarity with OWS’ to Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Japan, Australia, South Africa, Canada and elsewhere in hundreds of international cities on five continents across the globe.
So what’s going on? At its core, I believe this movement is a harbinger of revolutionary global social, financial and political change and is a direct manifestation of the Astrology of 2012.
Have you noticed the growing number of references recently to the 1960’s? People have been saying that what’s going on now with OWS reminds them of the anti-war protests and sit-ins that happened during the ‘60’s. These people are rightly comparing these two-time periods because they do indeed have a powerful common connection and it’s astrological. That common connection is Uranus and Pluto.
During 1965-66 Uranus and Pluto came together three times in the sign of Virgo at 16 and 17 degrees. Astrologers call this ‘coming together’ between two planets a conjunction. Conjunctions always begin a new planetary cycle between two planets. Most people are familiar with a very common planetary cycle — the cycle between the Sun and Moon. Every 28 days the Sun and Moon begin a new cycle we call the New Moon.
Though each Sun/Moon cycle lasts for 28 days, we primarily recognize and pay attention to only four days during their cycle: the New Moon (conjunction), the 1st quarter Moon (waxing 90 degree square), the Full Moon (180 degree opposition) and the 3rd quarter square (waning 90 degree square).
Astrologically, the most important times associated with ANY planetary cycle occur during these same four distinct events: conjunction, 1st quarter square, opposition, and 3rd quarter square. Since the total length of any planetary cycle depends upon the relative speeds at which the two planets involved orbit around the Sun, different planetary cycles take different amounts of time to completely unfold. For example, while the Sun/Moon cycle takes only 28 days, Jupiter/Mars cycles take a little over 2 years, and Saturn/Uranus cycles take 45-46 years. The cycle between Uranus and Pluto takes 127 years! What began as a new cycle between Uranus and Pluto in 1965 is now approaching its next important point of cyclic unfolding – its 1st quarter square.
So what does this all mean?!
The place to begin our understanding of this important astrological event is with a brief explanation of the archetypes associated with the planets and signs involved at the start of this cycle. This is because the starting point of every planetary cycle foretells what will ultimately unfold in that cycle. Thus we’ll begin with an archetypal description of the planets Uranus and Pluto, and of the sign Virgo.
Uranus represents the principle of revolution and liberation. It frees us from the limitations of old ways that are preventing further evolutionary growth and change. Pluto represents the life, death, rebirth process. It facilitates evolution at the deepest and most profound levels. Virgo represents work, health (including environmental health) and service. Its energy typically manifests through crises that require thorough analysis of problems so that necessary adjustments can be made that will bring about healing or resolution of those crises.
Anyone who lived through the ‘60’s in America can certainly attest to it being a time of crisis and great revolutionary social change. The fight for minority rights resulted in landmark Civil Rights legislation President Johnson signed into law in July 1964. The Women’s Liberation movement gained attention and prominence as it further evolved. Tragically, it was also a time marked by many deaths as assassinations took the lives of President Kennedy (November 1963), his brother Bobby and Martin Luther King (April and June 1968). The Vietnam War claimed more than 50,000 lives and still more loss of life occurred when four unarmed student protestors were shot by the Ohio National Guard at Kent State University in May 1970. Revolution was the zeitgeist of the time as protests broke out all over the country demanding social justice and political change.
Fast forward to the present and consider the tenets of Occupy Wall Street. The movement is calling attention to extreme income disparity and wealth inequality, high unemployment, lack of affordable health care for all, erosion of individual rights such as privacy rights, voting rights and worker’s collective bargaining rights, degradation of the environment, unending wars and a system of government so corrupt that it is unable to solve the crises at hand and has lost credibility with its citizens. In short, OWS protests decry corporate and government policies that pursue profits at the cost of people and the environment.
Indeed revolution is once again in the air and in the streets! So what will Occupy Wall Street accomplish? Let’s take a look at the chart (12:00 pm, September 17, 2011, Manhattan, New York) to see.
With Scorpio on the Ascendant, Pluto is the ruler of this chart. As stated earlier, Pluto is associated directly with evolutionary growth. Evolution is facilitated by choice-making. Specifically, it is facilitated by free will choices. The $64,000 question is, “What choices will the Occupy movement make?” Equally important of course is what choices are made in response to the protestors by those in positions of power.
Pluto is in Capricorn in the second house. The second house is about resources, particularly those resources necessary for survival. OWS argues that the inequitable distribution of resources is at the very heart of our financial crisis. Pluto in this second house reflects the need for evolutionary change relative to wealth distribution and the economy.
In turn, Saturn rules Capricorn and is in Libra in the 11th house. Libra represents extremes. This is why Libra is associated with the need to learn balance, fairness and equality. So it appears that OWS is on to something as it points out the extreme inequality of wealth distribution and income disparity between the rich and poor.
Some background info about Capricorn is in order before we go any further into this chart analysis. Capricorn represents the principle of contraction. Transiting Pluto entered Capricorn in January 2008. While the global economy grew during Pluto’s prior 1994-2008 passage through Sagittarius, the sign representing the principle of expansion, it began to contract just as Pluto entered Capricorn. Pluto’s change of sign from Sagittarius to Capricorn is reflected in the economic downturn that has diminished the personal resources of so many over the past three years through job losses, decreases in 401(k)s and retirement accounts and housing foreclosures.
This same contracting influence has also led to growing government debt as tax revenues have significantly decreased and benefit costs have simultaneously increased due to high unemployment. It should be no surprise then that the subject of increasing political debate worldwide over the past three years has been debt and deficits. Clearly, we’ve reached a point in time where we must make decisions (choices) about how to resolve the financial crises that threaten the global economy.
Okay, back to the chart analysis…
Pluto is trine (120 degrees apart) retrograde Jupiter (rules Sagittarius and therefore expansion) in Taurus in the 6th house (the workforce). This symbolizes how massive the financial crisis is among the working class. The 6th house is naturally associated with Virgo so Jupiter’s position here confirms that the problem of how resources are shared has indeed reached a point of crisis.
Pluto in Capricorn is just about to be exactly squared by Venus in Libra in the OWS chart. Venus rules money and resources. Libra symbolizes the need to learn how to be in relationships as an equal – not dominating or being dominated by others. This core astrological signature represents Occupy Wall Street’s focus on the gross inequality and unfairness associated with extreme income disparity; the rich dominating the poor.
Venus sits near the top of the chart and is therefore in a stronger position than Pluto. Venus has also just opposed (180 degrees apart) Uranus, the planet of revolution which is also forming a square aspect (90 degrees apart) to Pluto. Working class people are fed up and are beginning to take their power back.
OWS is demanding change to the status quo (Pluto in Capricorn). Venus seems to be saying that the changes (choices) needed to heal the economic crises will be championed by the power of the people (Venus in Libra), not the people in power (Pluto in Capricorn). Ordinary people will lead the way towards change.
The most dynamic feature of this chart is the 10th house Mercury squaring the Nodes of the Moon. At 14 degrees Virgo (crises) Mercury is only two degrees away from the degree at which this current Uranus/Pluto planetary cycle began in 1965 (16 degrees Virgo). Mercury rules information and communication and the 10th house rules leadership. A simple interpretation of this astrological signature is ‘speaking truth to power.’ And that truth is that the majority of people are in crisis!
Mercury in Virgo also indicates a need for clear analysis of the facts of the crisis. It signifies the need for changes that can ultimately resolve the crises. Pressed for ‘demands’ OWS has consistently said it is dedicated instead to initiating a necessary and truthful conversation (Mercury) about the needs of the people and how to best meet everyone’s needs, not just the needs of the rich.
In Evolutionary Astrology, a planet square the Nodes is called a ‘skipped step’ and carries a karmic quality. Skipped step planets are always a primary focal point in any chart and reflect a lesson that’s been underway for some time but not yet completely learned because of the desire to ‘skip ahead’ before that lesson is fully mastered.
The Nodes are in the signs of Sagittarius and Gemini. These are the signs associated with truth and honesty as well as lies and distortions of truth. The Nodes fall in the 1st and 7th houses of the chart which are the houses naturally associated with the signs Aries and Libra. Aries (1st house) and Libra (7th house) make up the ‘relationship axis’ and represent the goal of equality that enables everyone to get their needs met.
The message of this skipped step is that the resolution of our current crises requires that people speak up and speak the truth. It also reflects the need to listen (7th house/Libra) to the voices and opinions (Gemini) of everyone involved – not just the powerful and the privileged.
The ‘voices of the people’ are reflected through a tremendous diversity (Gemini) among the OWS movement participants. Occupy protestors represent all ages, races, ethnicities, political parties and work backgrounds. It is sadly symbolic that Scott Olsen, a two-term Iraq veteran, suffered a fractured skull and brain damage when hit in the head by a police fired tear gas canister as they routed Occupy Oakland on October 25th. As a result he sustained a loss of speech capacity – he lost his voice. Since then, he’s experienced a dramatic recovery and is once again participating in OWS rallies and marches. So far, the more those in power – the police and politicians – try to silence the voices (Mercury) of the common people (Gemini), the more they unwittingly energize the OWS movement.
The resolution of this skipped step (Mercury square the Nodes) is symbolized by the North Node in Sagittarius in the 1st house. But the way forward toward that resolution is through the South Node in Gemini in the 7th house — listening to and treating as equal — the voices of ALL the people. This will bring out the truth which then must be faced head on. Interestingly, the Occupy movement has organized itself into ‘General Assemblies’ and is using an arduous but ultimately democratic consensus decision-making process to discuss and determine what actions to pursue on behalf of their members and mission.
Perhaps the most intriguing thing to understand about the OWS chart however is its birth time. To explain the importance of this timing we must go back to the current Uranus/Pluto cycle that began in 1965.
Historically, Uranus/Pluto cycles have always corresponded with progressive and irreversible global social revolutions. As mentioned earlier, this planetary cycle is nearing its 1st quarter square. The Uranus/Pluto 1st quarter square is at the very heart of the Astrology of 2012 and is the core astrological reason why the year 2012 is expected to bring about unprecedented global change! Tremendous forces of evolutionary and revolutionary change are already manifesting and there’s no doubt that more will come – LOTS more!
Specifically, the energy inherent in any cycle’s 1st quarter square is characterized by the need to choose what forms to build or what type of structures must be developed in order to ultimately enable the fulfillment of the seed intention of that cycle. 1st quarter squares represent foundational structures and forms. Therefore, the revolutionary changes associated with Uranus/Pluto’s 1st quarter square will challenge us to create new forms of social, governmental, political and financial structures and institutions. OWS members say they are committed to creating a new, different and more equitable social paradigm. Indeed they are!
The influence of this 1st quarter square has been unfolding for a few years now beginning with Pluto’s entrance into Capricorn in 2008. But it really began to intensify last summer when Uranus moved into Aries. And it accelerated even more when Solar and Lunar eclipses also began to occur in the signs of Cancer and Capricorn in June, July and December of 2010 and in January 2011. Consider the following examples of major global events that have taken place since January 2011:
On January 8th U. S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot by Jared Lee Loughner in an assassination attempt that took the lives of six and injured nineteen other people in Tucson, Arizona. On January 14th Tunisia’s President Ben Ali stepped down as uprisings all across northern Africa called the ‘Arab Spring’ had begun. Protests spread to Egypt by January 25th and soon thereafter to Libya. On March 11th a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan and was followed by a devastating tsunami. On August 5th the first-ever U.S. credit rating downgrade happened after Congress nearly failed to reach a deal to raise our debt ceiling. The Gadhafi government was finally brought to an end with the dictator’s death on October 20th and on November 12th Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi stepped down marking the greatest political change in that country in over 20 years. That’s a LOT of global social, financial and political change in a relatively short period of time and it’s only a partial list of events!
It’s worth noting that while the overall influence of this 1st quarter Uranus/Pluto square is already underway, this square aspect will not technically be exact for the first time until June 24, 2012! Thereafter, Uranus and Pluto will exactly square one another a total of SEVEN TIMES between June 2012 and March 2015!
Remember, the beginning of this cycle, when the exact conjunction of Uranus and Pluto occurred three times, was between October 1965 and June 1966. But looking back, we know that its overall influence was felt for years before 1965 and years after 1966. In total, the influence of the beginning of this current Uranus/Pluto cycle lasted for nearly the entire decade of the ‘60’s. Similarly, the current Uranus/Pluto 1st quarter square’s influence will be felt for more than the three years of its exactitude (2012-2015). Astrologers expect the total time of influence and manifestation of this Uranus/Pluto 1st quarter square to last from about 2008 to about 2017. Of course, this timeframe includes the year 2012!
In astrology, timing is everything. And the timing of the birth of Occupy Wall Street has taken place within just a few months of the first exact 1st quarter square between Uranus and Pluto which is the cornerstone of the Astrology of 2012. So the birth of the OWS movement correlates with the timing of the Uranus/Pluto 1st quarter square which itself correlates directly with the Astrology of 2012. As stated earlier, we know that global revolutionary social change always occurs with a Uranus/Pluto cycle. Protest movements come and go, but in my opinion, the timing of OWS clearly sets it apart from other uprisings in quite a remarkable way. The birth time of OWS both reveals and portends that it is on to something and that something is BIG!
So what can we expect from OWS in the future? Occupy Wall Street’s goal of speaking up and speaking the truth has the potential to keep growing for at least another couple of years or more. In addition to the upcoming seven Uranus/Pluto squares that will occur between June 2012 and March 2015, this timing is also reflected in the aforementioned square forming between Venus and Pluto in the OWS chart. A common astrological method used to ‘progress’ charts forward in time reveals that the Venus/Pluto square won’t actually be exact (90 degrees apart) until February 3, 2013. Until then, its influence will surely continue to grow and accordingly, so will the influence of OWS. By similar progression, the square of Mercury to the Nodes will not exactly culminate until June of 2013.
So it looks like OWS may indeed have significant staying power. Their intention to carry on even as many of their encampments have been destroyed is evident in their latest slogan, “You cannot evict an idea whose time has come!”
Some say OWS has already been successful. The movement has not only gone global, but has also changed the prevailing political discourse (Mercury) from ‘out of control deficit spending and big government’ to the ‘extreme income disparity’ at the root of the financial crisis. Some also credit pressure from the OWS movement with Bank of America’s decision to rescind its ill-conceived debit card user fee enacted last summer. The change OWS seeks to bring about is already happening. However, upcoming transits throughout 2012-2015 will surely test and challenge OWS’ resolve.
If OWS is to continue to succeed it must maintain its core values of truth and honesty. It must also continue to be as inclusive as possible welcoming the voices and opinions of ALL who wish to participate. A peaceful (Libra) approach to restoring equality and justice will be required in order to prevail so OWS must also remain true to its principles of non-violent protest. Finally, it must focus steadfastly on creating a radically new and different social, cultural, financial and political paradigm. This new paradigm must be consciously designed to meet the needs of EVERYONE.
Fortunately, the time is right for this kind of revolutionary paradigm shift as we enter 2012 and the approaching 1st quarter square between Uranus and Pluto!
Viva la revolution!
Like this:
Mars Retrograde in Virgo
Every couple of years Mars turns retrograde for approximately two and a half months. The last time Mars went retrograde was from December 20, 2009 to March 10, 2010 in the sign of Leo. This time the retrograde will occur in Virgo from January 23rd to April 13th.
There are many interpretations of this astrological signature. Keeping it simple however, requires only that we look to the archetypes of Mars and Virgo to further understand the energy and influence of this celestial event.
Virgo is the sign associated with work, health and service. This sign typically operates through crises that lead to intense self-analysis in order to understand what needs to be changed or adjusted to resolve the perpetual or cyclic nature of the crises. Once the necessary adjustments have been made, self-improvement occurs.
Unfortunately, Virgo tends to focus disproportionately on what’s wrong instead of what’s right. This negativity often devolves into judgment and criticism and the need to ‘atone’ for past mistakes. A feeling of ‘not being good enough’ can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors and can even become the causative factor for illness. Unconsciously, Virgos often use crises to distract themselves from themselves! They’re so busy putting out fires that they never get around to addressing their own personal ‘stuff.’ Another classic Virgo tactic used to avoid doing necessary self-improvement work is becoming a workaholic. There’s never enough time to do what needs to be done to take care of the self.
From a total zodiacal perspective, Virgo is a transitional archetype. It is the last sign associated with development of the individual self (Aries through Virgo) before we experience the need to progressively socialize and integrate into the whole of society with others as an equal (Libra through Pisces).
Following Leo, the sign associated with the full development of the individual ego-centric identity and the need to creatively express that unique identity, Virgo provides a necessary deflation of the ego that prepares us for the task of entering into relationships with others on an equal basis. Virgo teaches humility which is often learned through a process of humiliation that serves to not only deflate the ego, but also to realign the ego-centric identity with its own Higher Self or Divine Will.
Mars is considered by Astrologers to be the ‘lower octave’ of Pluto and therefore directly associated with the Soul (Pluto). Pluto operates at an unconscious level and is the source of the Soul’s evolutionary growth intentions in each lifetime. For most of us, we can only come to consciously know our Soul’s intentions through Mars. This is because Mars is the principle of instinctive action and what it instinctively acts out or acts upon are the desires for growth that emanate from the Soul. So through Mars, we act on our desires and through this process, become the person our Soul intends us to become.
Because Mars always acts instinctively to pursue desires, it typically will not brook any interference in those pursuits. When it meets with such interference or obstruction, anger usually results. This is why Aries/Mars individuals require so much personal freedom. Adequate freedom allows them to instinctively pursue their desires in an unfettered way.
Now imagine the planet of instinctive action, which naturally becomes angry whenever its actions are interrupted or interfered with in any way, having to STOP, turn around, and begin to move BACKWARD through the zodiac! Suffice it to say, retrograde movement does not make Mars happy. What retrograde movement of Mars does accomplish however is a slowing-down of the instinctive impulse to act so that thorough and thoughtful review of desired actions can take place. Mars retrograde facilitates the necessary planning, analysis and preparation that results in greater success once actions are taken.
So in a nutshell, this upcoming Mars retrograde through Virgo will likely bring crises, delays, obstacles and a general thwarting of actions and initiatives for the purpose of necessary review. Taking the time to thoroughly analyze problems and goals will allow for crucial changes and adjustments to be made that will have a positive effect on the outcome of actions that are ultimately taken.
So get ready for review time! The best use of this Mars retrograde is to become more aware of the nature of both desires and crises in your life. Perhaps you’ll notice a pattern in the kinds of problems you typically experience. Or perhaps you’ll discover the extraordinary effectiveness that crises have had in your life relative to keeping you from doing what you know you should and could do for your own health and well-being.
Be prepared to positively manage your frustration when setbacks occur. Consider whatever obstacles do show up to actually be your allies. Accept the nature and timing of those obstacles as totally right and proper. In fact, those obstacles will no doubt be the perfect facilitators of the need to rethink or review your plans. Solicit and surrender to the guidance and direction of your Higher Self through prayer and meditation.
Virgo’s opposite sign is Pisces. Opposite signs always point the way forward for evolutionary growth. Pisces is the sign associated with spirituality and the desire to reunite with the source of our creation. The spiritualization process is often facilitated by disillusionment or disappointments that reveal that what we thought had meaning and would provide happiness or ultimate fulfillment isn’t actually capable of doing so. Through dissolving the meaning we falsely assign to desired people, places and things, Pisces serves to realign us with reality.
Used unwisely, Pisces can also provide an escape hatch for those not yet ready or willing to deal with reality or to see their life circumstances clearly. We all need to ‘let our hair down’ occasionally. But substance abuse and addiction can occur when escape becomes the preferred way of coping with disappointing realities. On the upside, Pisces can provide the inspiration to ‘reimagine’ problems and opportunities.
Neptune rules Pisces and will enter Pisces for the next fourteen years on February 3rd in the midst of the Mars retrograde period. When the Mars retrograde period ends on April 13th, Mars will be within just a degree of an exact opposition to Neptune. This connection is typically associated with severe disillusionment and even deception so be especially mindful of the timely need to face realities squarely and to see things and people clearly as this Mars retrograde comes to an end. Finding the courage to do so will be the factor/choice that allows you to move forward, slowly but successfully, once this retrograde period comes to an end.
Virgo and Pisces natives (and to a lesser degree Gemini and Sagittarius) will feel the influence of this Mars retrograde the most. Aries and Scorpio natives will also be significantly affected since these two signs are ruled by Mars. However, this retrograde will have some effect on nearly everyone since we all have Virgo somewhere in our chart. Look to the houses where Virgo and Aries and Scorpio are on the cusps (Mars rules Aries and co-rules Scorpio) for clues about what areas of your life are due for an in-depth review during this retrograde.
Take ‘time outs’ to deeply ponder what’s not working in your life especially if it involves your everyday work routine or health. If a health issue does need attention, consider the usefulness of natural remedies (Virgo). Take steps now to improve nutrition and to ensure that you get plenty of rest. And if diagnoses are confusing or uncertain (Pisces) don’t hesitate to get a second opinion especially if surgery is recommended. Pets may also need extra attention during this retrograde period since Virgo rules them too. Be extra kind and forgiving with everyone especially yourself. And most importantly, resolve to make necessary changes and adjustments one step at a time as this strategy is most effective in overcoming Virgo’s ‘perfection paralysis.’
Every outer planetary retrograde reaches its halfway point when it opposes the Sun. This Mars retrograde will be at its halfway point on March 4th. The ‘review’ process encouraged by this Mars retrograde period will be the most intense during its first half from January 23rd to March 4th. From March 4th to April 13th increasing energy and urgency to move forward and implement plans will begin to unfold. If possible, it will be best to delay the beginning of any big new project or initiative until mid-April when the retrograde is complete. But if you must begin something sooner, at least be aware of the likelihood of setbacks occurring that will probably prove frustrating, albeit necessary for ultimate success.
Above all else, use this retrograde period to generally SLOW DOWN! Turn the focus of your attention inward. The answers and insights you need now to make positive and necessary changes that can result in real evolutionary Soul growth in your life will be found by looking deeply inside. And don’t forget to ask for help from whatever source of higher guidance you believe in. The highest potential and best use of this Mars retrograde can result in tremendous personal healing, for individuals, and for our planet.
Many Blessings, Donna
Like this:
The Soul’s Evolutionary Journey: Fate versus Free Will
“A child is born on that day and at that hour when the celestial rays are in mathematical harmony with his or her individual karma. The horoscope is a challenging portrait, revealing the unalterable past and its probable future result. But the natal chart can be rightly interpreted only by those of intuitive wisdom; these are few.”
Swami Sri Yukteswar
.
Over the years, my work as an Evolutionary Astrologer has given me many opportunities to address the question of fate versus free will as clients often ask, “Is my life path pre-destined, or do I really have free will choice?” My answer is always, “Yes!” I say yes because I believe that fate and free will co-exist and actually work together to facilitate ongoing evolutionary growth.
Let me explain…
I believe that each of us is born out of a primary desire to continue on a path of evolutionary growth. Evolutionary Astrology reveals the precise path of evolutionary growth each individual intends for each incarnation. Additionally it reveals information about past life experiences including where that individual ‘left off’ in their last life relative to their evolutionary growth intentions.
These past life experiences provide insight about past life choices and are directly associated with the ‘unalterable past’ referred to by Sri Yukteswar.1 The ‘probable future result’ he also mentions speaks to the natural law of karma – that every choice made or action taken has a related outcome – a ‘probable future result’ that is commensurate with that choice. In other words, choices and actions have consequences.
Choices and actions take many forms. Besides literally taking action, there are additional human behaviors and attributes that also create karma or have consequences. Among these are thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes and emotions. Besides choosing to take action or act in certain ways, we also choose to think certain thoughts, choose to believe certain things and choose to feel certain ways. All of these behaviors – thoughts, actions, beliefs and feelings are chosen. And all choices and actions have consequences because they set energy into motion that will ultimately manifest. Perhaps the most important attribute of actions and choices however is whether they are chosen consciously or unconsciously. My experience as an Astrologer for the last 27 years tells me that most are made unconsciously. More on this later.
Quantum science now understands that individual and collective human consciousness influences real outcomes or reality.2 This new understanding is reflected in current ‘New Age’ phrases like, “Energy follows thought” and “Thoughts manifest” and “Energy flows where thoughts go.”
The quality of each individual’s consciousness is directly associated with and influences the choices that individual makes. Remember, each choice we make, whether consciously or unconsciously, ultimately manifests and creates our reality. Every thought, feeling, belief and action sets energy into motion — and that energy manifests. Once a choice is made or an action is taken, the energy it carries is set into motion. Once set into motion that energy cannot be altered. It is ‘unalterable.’ It is the energy of each choice that determines its ‘probable future result.’ I believe choices, once made, are what constitute Fate.
Consider Webster’s definition of fate: “… the principle or determining cause by which things are believed to come to be as they are, or events to happen as they do; an inevitable outcome; destiny; a pre-determined state or end…”
The good news is we are always making new choices! In fact, human beings are specially endowed with the ability to make choices. We have the freedom to direct our will to make choices relative to what we desire. Think about how many choices you make every single day! As each of us contemplates and makes new choices, we are exercising free will. This, I believe, is what constitutes ‘Free Will Choice.’
Often however, humans become dissatisfied with their reality. They become disappointed or even distressed by certain situations or outcomes to the point where they desire a change in that reality or set of circumstances. Considering that current reality is a consequence of past choices, then to create a change in reality, different choices must be made. There’s an old saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results!” This adage teaches that if a different outcome is desired, a different choice must be made.
Evolutionary growth is synonymous with the process of change. So if you wish to evolve, you must make changes. If you wish to make changes then you must begin by making different choices. Free will choice gives us the opportunity to make changes and evolve by making different choices. Changing our choices means that we will change our outcomes. We will manifest a different reality. Free will choice gives us the opportunity to manifest different ‘probable future results.’
Evolutionary Astrology teaches that choices are the driving force of human evolution.3 Let me state that crucial point again: HUMAN EVOLUTION IS FACILITATED BY FREE WILL CHOICES.
Remember, in every moment we continue to make new choices. In every moment, through what we choose to do, believe, think and feel, we set energy into motion that will create our future reality. Through consciously making different free will choices, we can over time, change and alter the ‘probable future results’ we’ll experience due to the changes in the choices made or actions taken. Through the process of free will choice, we can direct our own evolutionary growth.
The greatest value of Evolutionary Astrology is this: It provides invaluable insight and understanding about what an individual Soul’s evolutionary intentions are. It also allows for the development of conscious awareness of what that Soul/individual has been doing (past life choices it has made) which helps make sense of their current reality (the consequences of those past choices). In other words, it can explain WHY an individual’s life looks the way it looks. Evolutionary Astrology’s value is that it can provide information that allows individuals to be more conscious about the choices they make. This in turn allows them to make choices that will manifest what they want instead of what they don’t want and ultimately change their reality. It short, it helps them to consciously evolve.
This is why Evolutionary Astrology focuses primarily on counseling rather than prediction. Although traditional astrology has primarily been utilized over the millennia for predictive purposes (royal heads of state historically depended upon the predictions of their court Astrologer to help them govern the affairs of their kingdoms), its greater value in my opinion is its ability to support individual Soul growth. By providing crucial information about the Soul’s evolutionary past (what is fated) and its intended evolutionary future (what probable future results conscious free will choices can manifest) Evolutionary Astrology can be invaluable for clients who wish to evolve, grow and fulfill their Soul’s path and life purpose.
This is why I believe it is so important for Astrologers to approach prediction with extraordinary care and consideration of exactly who is responsible for deciding what to do in any given situation. Given the fact that individual choices have karmic consequences, Astrologers operating with integrity must do all they can to provide their clients with pertinent, meaningful and insightful information regarding what they intend to accomplish in this life; their Soul’s evolutionary growth intentions. This then allows the client to become consciously aware of those intentions so that they can take full responsibility for their choices knowing that they are the manifestors of their future experiences and reality.
In summary, I’ll share a simple analogy I often use when discussing the topic of fate vs. free will. In this analogy, life is like a card game. Consider fate as the ‘hand you dealt yourself’ coming into this lifetime. Consider free will choice as how you choose ‘to play the hand you were dealt.’ And finally, consider this: If you know what game you’re playing, it’s a whole lot easier to win!
.
.
NOTES
1 Quoted by the Hindu Yogi, Sri Yukteswar, who was a student of the great sage Lahiri Mahasaya and Mahavatar Babaji, who was the guru of Mahasaya. Sri Yukteswar’s foremost disciple was Paramahansa Yoganada.
2 From the Updated Second Edition, Science and the Akashic Field, An Integral Theory of Everything, by Ervin Laszlo, pg. 118.
3 From Pluto: The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul, Volume I, by Jeffrey Wolf Green, pgs. xxiii, xxiv.
© Donna Lee Steele
