If you have a good look around Beliefnet, you’ll find a dizzying array of world-views — all very different, yet all connected by more than just their presence here. No matter what religion or philosophy we follow, we all bring one common certainty with us: that the Universe is more than just the sum of its parts, and that we are all a part of a Bigger And Grander Picture. I am pleased and honored to bring my own small serving to the banquet.
First of all, what is “astrology,” anyway? Astrology is the art and science of studying the locations of the planets at your time of birth, and relating them to who you are and how you do things. Applying that knowledge can help you understand yourself and the people in your life better, and can give you a grasp of where your life is going, and where and when the next round of rewards and pitfalls can be expected.
Wait… astrology is a science? You bet it is! It follows rules and principles just like any other science. Many of the self-appointed Smart People out there will scoff at this and come up with one reason or another (based on their own incomplete understanding of what astrology is, and their own preconceptions) why it is that astrology has to be a big bucket of nonsense. This completely ignores the fact that many other Smart People understand astrology and use it to their advantage in their daily lives and in their relationships.
Besides: Economics is a science, and how many leading economists saw that last big Housing Bubble coming, anyway? Why is it that after numerous studies into the matter, major investment firms don’t appear to pick winning stocks in the long run much (if any) better than throwing darts at the Stock Market page of a newspaper does? I personally am willing to let my predictive record stand against the equivalent of a dart board, and that’s without any University having a well-funded “Department Of Astrology” either.
Now don’t get me wrong: I love science. But any science that ignores The Human Factor is going to go astray eventually. In my experience, astrology addresses that Human Factor very, very well… at least as well as that other science, Psychology, which is where I have my educational background.
Is astrology also an art? Of course! Medicine is a science, but without the artful application of “bedside manner,” medicine would be pretty useless sometimes. Insisting that everything can be fixed by a healthier diet and more exercise doesn’t do much for a broken leg or schizophrenia. Again, the Human Factor makes its importance known.
I may write about astrology, but more importantly, I practice it to the benefit of the people who talk to me about their obstacles and dreams and frustrations and goals and annoyances and their love lives (or lack thereof) or their money (or lack thereof) or… well, it’s a big Universe, and I’m just happy that I have a chance to understand my little corner of it, to the benefit of others. And in the coming days and months, I’ll be exploring that Universe through the lens of astrology: showing you how it works and what it can do to make your life a better, happier, more functional and harmonious place. I don’t have to “believe” in Astrology… I just see it work.
That’s the real value of astrology: making the world a better place one person at a time. And I am more than happy to be taking this ride with you, Dear Reader. In the following days and weeks, I’ll be presenting real, practical advice on how you can make your world a better place: your emotions, your relationships, and more.
So: welcome to The Universe… specifically, your Universe! How may I help you?
