4/11/98
Welcome to the Witchcraft Dawning Newsletter, Ralph has put together a wonderful introduction to Astrology for you this edition. I'll let his writing speak for itself. The next edition will be an extended article on Walpurgisnacht (or Beltain), so be ready for a lot of reading :) Enjoy, Markus
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Astrology is a complicated science, but it is a powerful, "magickal" tool in that it deals with awesome natural energies. These energies are not limited to the earth. They also include the planetary energies of our solar system which is our home in an almost inconceivably infinite universe. The science & study of astrology can be found in records dating back to 3000 BC and appears to have its origin in Mesopotamia. The word, "astrology", originated from the Greek words, "astro", (star) and "logos", (meaning or reasoning). Through the ages, the human race has depended on the study of the earth in relation to the other planets of the solar system to understand many aspects of both communal and individual life. Some main areas of life affected by the study of the planets that still exist today are farming, fishing and the prediction of the tides. It has been said that the tides, here on earth, are determined, or at least greatly affected, by the gravitational pull of the moon. Throughout history, farmers have relied on the seasons and phases of the moon to help determine the type of crops to raise and most favorable times to plant and harvest them. Fishermen and hunters have learned to determine the feeding times and instinctive behavior of their game through the use of the seasons and positions of the moon.
Many of the great minds of history, such as Ptolemy, Pythagoras, Copernicus, Newton, Kepler, Brahe and Napier, aided in the development of astrology as a science through their studies of astronomical data and the phenomena of the universal laws of physics. On the more psychological plain, Carl G. Jung was credited for the further development of the phenomena of synchronicity and man's unconscious symbolism as a means of connecting with something greater than just physical existence. By definition, the phenomena of synchronicity implies that anything that originates or exists at a peticular moment in time carries with it the qualities of that moment in time. This belief gives understanding to how the planetary influences at play at the time of birth help to shape an individual's astrological personality or characteristics. In the study of astrology, one cannot argue with the validity of the astrological data which determines the factual planetary positions, but one can debate the validity of the astrological interpretations or delineation of those positions.
The debate seems to arise out of a lack of empirical or scientific evidence supporting the interpretations. In the early days of the development of astrology, the planet's positions and influences were considered all important in the living of daily life. Astrology and Astronomy grew hand in hand with the ongoing discoveries of the laws of physics. As time progressed, the mathematical facts that proved the laws of physics, and the positions of the planets began to take precedence over interpreting the meanings or influences of those positions. Consider, for a moment, the fact that the gravitational pull of the moon has been said to have a major effect on the incredibly large bodies of water, known to us as oceans. In turn, consider the fact that the human body is composed of a greatest percentage of ... yes ... water.
Now, if the amount of water in the human body is considered to be significantly less than the amount of water in the tremendous bodies of water, known as oceans. It would logically follow that since the moon has such a tremendous effect on those incredibly large bodies of water it may also have an effect on the human body - however minute that effect may be considered to be. There are, of course, many variables to this view, but the basic statement still holds true - "however minute that effect is considered to be". Understand, we are not talking about the concepts of determinism, blind cause and effect or "fate". We are discussing energies and potential effects of those energies. Dropping an apple results in the display of the power of gravity, and although we cannot for a second see gravity, we continuously feel its effects. The study of astrology is a fascinating approach and addition to the journey of self-discovery or self-awakening. There is a very powerful awareness of the "self (higher & lower)" that comes with the study of astrology. Through the study of the human condition, it has been said that a human being is much more than a physical extension interacting in an external environment, and that physical extention is, in fact, only a small part of the core of existence!
The interesting thing about astrology is that it can be used as a tool in the journey of self-retrieval, or it can be used as a vehicle for just plain enjoyment and fun! An astrological personality report is usually referred to as a natal report. The natal report charts the positions of the planets in our solar system at an exact moment in time. The horoscope is a representation of the planet's positions and orbits in relation to the earth at the specific time of your birth and can be viewed as your individualized "astrological fingerprint". It is a charting of the planetary positions in zodiac signs, houses and aspects to each other at the time of your birth. This "freeze frame" of the solar system is calculated from your unique date, time and location of birth, and it is filled with information in relation to what the planetary energies at play have to say about you as an individual.
The positions of the zodiac and planets will never again be the same as at the time of your birth again. The natal report is compounded from factual astronomical data, and it differs greatly from the common Sun Sign daily horoscope reports that you may be familiar with through reading your favorite magazine or newspaper. The natal chart is a study of the planetary energies at play at the time of your birth. Each planetary position is calculated by the use factual astronomical data and will be charted to provide you with your individual "universal identification". An individual natal profile is compounded through the calculation, charting and interpretation of the data given and will only be as accurate as the accuracy of the date, time and location of birth submitted for charting. The natal report is an incredible tool in the journey of self-discovery and understanding. Through becoming familiar with it, you may see aspects of your life or personality that you may have already known were there or aspects that you may have not been familiar with at all. At this point it is important to understand that the chart interpretation grounds itself in aspects of your "being" or personality.
"Whatever is born, or done, in this moment of time, has the qualities of this moment in time." - Carl G. Jung Here are some brief and simple character traits of the signs of the zodiac.
ARIES Needs freedom and likes to project self. Not much concern for social approval. Concerned with being responsible, practical and reasonable.
TAURUS Needs others and has empathetic nature. Has ablilty for self-sacrifice, but is also egotistic, self seeking and materialistic. Needs security. Stable, constant, persistent, creative.
GEMINI Appears to be shallow and self absorbed. Has a mysterious and almost sinister humor. Analytical and has a high degree of mental stimulation understanding things quickly. Very fond of games and trickery. Quick reflexes and communications.
CANCER Needs emotional security, nurturing and personal relationships. Very tactful and intuitive, but can be very protective and possessive.
LEO Prideful and assertiveness. Persistent and stubborn, and can be egotistic and self-centered. Loves self expression and to be admired by others.
VIRGO Has need for perfection and has difficulty with final decisions. Fussy, loyal, precise and efficient.
LIBRA Has need for balance and harmony. Decisions are sometimes very difficult to make. Needs relation with others to develop self awareness. Enjoys social activity and loves beauty.
SCORPIO Has difficulty with analyzing and communicating feelings. Lives intense and dramatic. Has a tendency to stir up trouble for others due to own confusions. Intense, mystic, passionate.
SAGITTARIUS Concerned with the future. Very intuitive, to the point of knowing without thinking what people will do. Has a desire to help people but can be blunt. Puts greater value on wisdom than knowledge.
CAPRICORN Somewhat introverted, tense and sometimes over serious. Frequently finding self alone. Can be bossy and controlling.
AQUARIUS Needs social interaction in order to help define oneself. Mentally stimulating and inventive. Can be detached and creative.
PISCES Has tendency to escape reality. May dilute reality with the possible use of drug and alcohol abuse. Has a passion for animals. Desires to be of service to others. Spiritual and transcending.
Article by Ralph *******************************************************************
Editors: Ralph M ralphm@hotmail.com &
Markus James Key Witchcraft Dawning Webmaster http://www.oocities.com/CollegePark/4885/index.html witchdawn@hotmail.com
(
geocities.com/collegepark)