How Much Clout Does Astrology Have?

[Marierama]

It is a noble effort to study to change and improve our character that we may become the kind of person we need to be to attract what we desire. But what about the impact of our astrological birth chart?

Some may dismiss astrology as useless. I am not one of them. I appreciate that the energies surrounding us when we are born probably do have significant impact on our character and the outcomes in our life.

But when I study my birth chart (or at least read what astrologers have interpreted for me) I could easily get annoyed that I am destined to be always in a partnership, dependent on another, make my fortune through inheritance (I want to generate income myself! etc etc)

So when I find restrictions and annoying quirks in character according to my star chart, how can I overcome or reverse these effects?

[Scott H Young]

If you're a fan of a subjective belief system, I think you've already found your problem. Belief makes reality. Believe that this is your destiny and it will become that way. Set out a new intention, it is your life.

[Marierama]

So Scott, are you saying there is no objective reality in this universe, that everything is absolutely subject to our beliefs? Can one wipe off the ancient science of astrology by saying that if you refuse to believe in it, then the energies of the stars and planets will have no effect on you?

This is an interesting attitude to life. If I don't like something I can refuse to think of it anymore and it will have no effect on me. In fact, if this could be so, life would be very much easier.

There is a fine line between subjective and objective reality. What a world of delicious controversy we could conjure up with this line of thought if we wanted to.

But I refuse to give energy to my Sagittarian philosophical whim...

[The Probabilist]

Originally Posted by Marierama

So Scott, are you saying there is no objective reality in this universe, that everything is absolutely subject to our beliefs? Can one wipe off the ancient science of astrology by saying that if you refuse to believe in it, then the energies of the stars and planets will have no effect on you?

What kind of an effect does it have upon you? If it's positive, there's no reason behind choosing to refuse to believe in it. If it's negative, eliminate it from your belief system. That's one way to look at subjective reality and what I think Scott was telling you.

[Marierama]

Strangely enough, my life has validated many of the defining attributes of my star chart. I was not always interested in astrology, and in fact it is not a major interest even now, but I can see that it works. I lived my days in the best way I knew how, before I ever heard about star charts. Then once I was given an interpretation of my birth chart, I just had to say "Wow! How spot on is this?"

So, having seen its efficacy displayed in the past, I can see its power, (alas mostly constricting) for the future. But maybe that's what the challenge of change is all about.

[Angela]

This thread reminds me of my friend, V, who excitedly took up feng shui, bought the books, the flutes, the mirrors, de-cluttered, moved her furniture for better flow, added color and shape to delight the eye, and generally made her home lovely and liveable.

BUT! It turned out that V had been following "black hat" feng shui, but was informed that the other, compass-based, feng shui was better. There were tears. "Oh, no! Now I have to throw everything out and start again!" She was devastated.

My point is, if you use a tool that enriches your life, makes you grow as a person, makes you feel good, or assists you in your path, use it! If not, toss it! The tool is not the work!

You say, "I can see that it works" and "its power is constricting." IT doesn't work, IT doesn't constrict you -- that's YOUR job, not astrology's. The planet's position at the time of your birth is not the reason you're always in a partnership or always dependent upon another person. Make your own destiny!

Did William Shatner in that Twilight Zone episode where he makes all his decisions based on the little fortune telling machine teach you nothing!?!

[Marierama]

Angela! Thanks for the push...XOXOXO!

Now I'll take deep breaths, square the shoulders, see myself as a real tigress, anchor the thought and be driven to change. Off with the old fetters of subjective beliefs; I leave them where they fall.

I am the creator of my reality, I am the captain of my ship and the mistress of my soul.

I'm off to make my own destiny.....

[Angela]

Bon voyage, Marierama! Be sure to write back with details of your adventures!