As the times become more and more uncertain, it is our natural inclination to seek predictability. Astrology has long been one way for the Family of Man to find a meaningfully clear and efficient path through life. Frequently people ask how astrology can help them. Why and how does astrology work? Many people wonder, ‘is it the same as fortune telling’? The sources for insight are celestial bodies, but the interpretation part of astrology is very much an art.
Consider some interesting facts from the history books. For ages, astrologers were soothsayers mainly to royalty and or the wealthy. Respected and leaned people had the advantage of this fine system of stellar assistance. The list of possible guidance that one may glean from astrology is varied and long. Some people look for and get validation of their life path, along with a clearer vision of what is appropriate at the time. Astrology often helps a person refine that which they already know; and provides details on timing by addressing actual calendar time. It gives a handle on which tools to use, and puts a spotlight on places where one might be resistant. Just like in the story of Rapunzel, the very act of naming the witch takes away her power. Our unconscious is brought into light by identifying situations as well as personal qualities in ourselves. With guidance and conscious choices, we can adjust our course as we sail into life.
British Law
As a profession, astrology suffered from the same ill wind that eradicated millions of healers in Europe- religion combined with socio-economic class struggle. Astrologers were regulated by law in 16th century England. Prior to 1700 in England there wasn’t much of a middle class, rather just the very rich and the very poor. Many of the poor people were transients who stole from the rich in order to survive. In addition to theft, many of them also took to telling fortunes using any method the consumer wanted; i.e. – tea leaves, crystal ball, or a horoscope.
The British Vagrancy Act was legislated to make it harder for these transients- the gypsies- to earn a living. In the Vagrancy Act, (c.1730) the terms ‘Astrologer’ and ‘Horoscope Reader’ first appeared as explicitly illegal. By the 1800’s, gypsies wandering throughout the United States appeared on the scene, practicing their craft of prediction as one means of livelihood. Along with many other British laws, the Vagrancy Act was adopted by the United States colonies, effectively naming ‘Astrologer’ as an illegal or regulated profession.
One of the most famous early American Astrologers was Evangeline Adams; born (approximately) 1868 and died in 1933. (She was apparently not forthcoming in revealing her true date of birth). Evangeline Adams came to early professional notoriety by accurately predicting a hotel fire, and she later became famous for her predictive accuracy in a New York City court room. She also incorporated palmistry as part of her intuitive repertoire.
American Law
Adams was consulted by famous clients such as singer Enrico Caruso and financial wizard JP Morgan. It was her relationship with JP Morgan that was the basis of her being framed and subsequently place on trial in an American court of law- for ‘fortune telling’. Allegedly, personal enemies of Morgan managed to have her set up in a sting operation, in order that she be prosecuted for that old law stemming from the British Vagrancy Act. Adams was summonsed to preserve her career in court. And, in a coup famous in modern astrological history, Adams successfully defended her profession by accurately interpreting the natal chart of an associate of the judge. Some sources say it was the judges son, others infer a close friend.
Evangeline Adams was for a time also a close personal friend of occultist Aleister Crowley. They reputedly collaborated on either one or two of her first books, but the writing credits went only to Adams. Her first book is ‘Astrology, Finding Your Place in the Sun’; the second is ‘Astrology, Finding Your Place Among the Stars’. I have read them both, and they are very different. It’s the writing style that was most telling. Both style and content of the first book remind me of Crowley’s tarot manuscript, ‘Book of Thoth’; full of long drawn out sentences with nebulous images. Her second book, ‘Finding Your Place Among the Stars’ is descriptive and passionately written; it’s like reading a novel with thrilling tales of sex, death, intrigue, and love. Adams’ first book may be a reflection of her short lived attraction to an individual, but the second one is an expression of her love for her craft.
Natural Law
If astrology is a predictive art that can pinpoint trends in an individual’s future, is it possible to foretell earth changes as well? The shock of disaster caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami from the December 26 earthquake will be with us for a long time, and the heart of humanity has been opened even more. Amazingly, this natural disaster was predicted by a team of geological research scholars affiliated with the University of Madras, India. The research team, headed by N. Venkatanathan, presented their prediction in New Delhi on December 22, 4 days before the event. The team states that by observing planetary positioning and correlating earth geology of a certain area, placement as well as magnitude of earthquakes can be predicted with accuracy at least one month in advance
The prediction was remarkably precise as to both time and place. Mr. Venkatanathan predicted a 6 to 7 magnitude disaster would occur on December 26th at 00:30 GMT near Banyak Island, Sumatra, Indonesia. (The actual event was a magnitude 9, it was 28 minutes later, at 00:58 GMT; and located off the west coast of northern Sumatra, only 157 kilometers away from the predicted epicenter). The earthquake predictive team did not anticipate the subsequent tidal wave and destruction caused by this tragedy.
The Indian geologic research team also wants to establish recognition protocol for earthquake precursors such as fore shocks and changes in ground water level. When two or more planets, including the Sun and Moon are exactly aligned with the Earth, the Earth is caught in the middle of a huge gravity struggle between the Sun and the planets. These gravitational stresses actually change the orbiting speed of the Earth. When the orbit speed changes, the tectonic plate also is affected; just as people standing on a moving bus would collide with each other if the driver were to suddenly apply the brakes. This momentum and subsequent gravitational halt is predictable and can be calculated using available scientific software. Certainly this is a brilliant example of how modern advances combine with an ancient art.
Even in India, where astrologers are respected and known for their accurate predictions, the geologic research team was not taken seriously until after the earthquake event. Certainly, this type of research promotes a major advance in blending physics and metaphysics. Astrology is a reminder that we are interwoven not only with others of our species, but also with the stars and our lovely home planet Earth. Think of astrology as a vessel that helps us sail through life with a supportive wind; one that helps us get even better at going with the flow.
