Fate and Free Will

Here are some astrology quotes on free will, it is the age old question regarding how confined we are to planetry influences and what choices we have to improve our lot. Various astrologers offer diferent perspectives on the nature of man and his psychic restraints.

"For as long as humankind has sought to understand our place in the universe and our connection with a higher power, we have struggled with the question of whether our lives are predestined and planned out, or whether they are entirely of our own creation. The fate vs. free will debate has gone on for centuries, although it was arguably brought into focus by the church, since one of the cornerstones of the churches power was the tenet that individuals had to make a conscious choice as to whether they wanted salvation or damnation.

The church does not have a history of playing nice with people who hold different belief structures; at various times in history, and with varying degrees of success, the church waged war on all things divinatory. Astrology has been a casualty of war many times; in fact, the Church was so effective in this campaign that Western astrology almost died out entirely in the Middle Ages.

Today of course, most New Age spirituality places great emphasis on our gift of absolute free will; that we make our own choices, and must learn to take full responsibility for the world we have created for ourselves. If this is the case, then why can astrological predictions be so accurate? How can a birth chart show who we are if we are truly free to choose for ourselves. The answers is this: we do have absolute free will; however, we almost never use it. This is why predictive astrology works, and this is also how natal astrology has evolved into such a powerful tool for self-discovery, understanding, healing and transformation." By Kevin Burke, Understanding the Birth Chart.

"If we pass the test, then fate will move onto the next set of lessons, like a pupil graduating to a higher class, but the lessons will not cease. So in this model, and it is only a model, fate at a particular time presents the individual with an option, or lesson, arranged in a variety of ways, a little like a multiple choice list. The individual, being fated by the quest for wholeness, selects one or more options on the list, either consciously or unconsciously. We would like to think an option is selected based on the individuals desire for maximum personal growth but an individual has free will in these matters. So the individual’s ability to choose an option is assigned free will, and allocated to fate is the nature and timing of the multiple choice list." By Bernadette Brady, The Eagle and the Lark.

"To a degree we are in tune with the cosmos, we have developed a free will and we can rule the planetary influence; which means the influences come all the same and affect us, but by rising above them we may divert them into proper channels; - we are no longer slavishly subjected to them but rule them to a degree. Men high and low, moral and immoral, all are subjected to cosmic influences, but in different ways. When I speak in this sense about the highest amongst us, I don’t wish to be understood wrongly. There are exalted individuals who in a sense have liberated themselves of the cosmic influences, but only through their will having become one with the will of the Logos, (the Creator of the Cosmos), in other words because they have become in tune with the cosmos. And yet, I keep supposing, even for these highest among the high ones, that they - as long as they walk in a physical body and therefore needs must experience the limitation through this, - will experience a harmonious aspect of e.g Jupiter as helping, beatifying and beneficent and a disharmonic aspect of e.g Saturn as depressing and opposing and limiting." By AQ Libra - Astrology - Its Techniques and Ethics.

"A lot of people are frightened by astrology because they believe it claims to predict fate. Once upon a time, during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it claimed to do precisely that. But astrology has evolved since then, just as medicine has. We in the West - unlike India - don’t like to think there’s any factor shaping our lives, except ourselves and the tax collector. The social service acknowledge a little pressure from environment, psychology from childhood. But for the most part we want to believe we’re free to make choices and decisions. Any impingement on our personal freedom is acceptable only if it comes in a recognizable form, like bad weather, or the ’act of God’ as it’s called in insurance policies. We call those accidents.

And when something happens that we can’t control, we whinge and moan a lot. Particularly if it’s another person that we can’t control: the child grows up differently form our original plan, the husband who leaves, the wife who decides not to be submissive and adoring anymore, the mother who interferes, the boss who doesn’t appreciate our work. We don’t see these unpleasant intrusions as fate, we see them as nuisances, obviously due to the stupidity of others, and we do our best to eradicate the cause, which is naturally the fault of the other person. But is it really the fault of the other? And how free are we? Astrology offers a humble suggestion. Numerous poets, philosophers and psychologists have offered the same suggestion in different languages throughout the centuries. Here are Rainer Maria Rilke’s words for it: "What is within surrounds us." By Liz Greene, Astrology for Lovers.

"On the surface the Hindu astrologer is apparently a fatalist, but individually he has a firm belief in free will within certain well defined limits. The very well established belief in re-incarnation and transmigration makes him a fatalist so far as the rewards and punishments of past lives are concerned, and it is to causes set in motion in a former birth that he traces the inevitable fate of the present life; for he has a wider comprehension of the laws of Karma than the western astrologer. The belief in fate and free will is only partial, for a man is neither wholly fated nor wholly free, and the only way to measure the extent of his limitations is to endeavour to realise his condition of knowledge or ignorance; which, in a well organized society. Would attract him to the caste or status in society to which he naturally belongs. A man with knowledge will endeavour to work with one who has power to help him, while a man who is ignorant may apply to a money lender charging a large percentage of interest, and thus making conditions more and more hopeless." By Alan Leo, Esoteric Astrology.

"In this view, knowing the basic archetypal dynamics and patterns of meanings in one’s birth chart allows one to bring greater awareness to the task of fulfilling one’s intrinsic potential, as in Jung’s concept of individuation. The more accurately one understands the archetypal forces that inform and affect one’s life, the more flexibly and intelligently responsive one can be in dealing with them. To the extent that one is unconscious of these potent and sometimes highly problematic forces, one is more or less a pawn of the archetypes, acting according to unconscious motivations with little possibility of being a co-creative participant in the unfolding and refining of those potentials." Richard Tarnus, Cosmos and Psyche.

"Observing them, he expects to notice that, while the aspect is in force, each recipient of it will undergo an experience of the type described in his textbooks as ’Uranian’; but he can tell in advance upon what level any given native will take the aspect. Some resent and fight the change in their circumstances, most are made unhappy by having to adapt themselves, a few by taking the tide at flood gain worldly advantage, but others increase their understanding, make spiritual progress, and suffer little or nothing. The influence will arrive in any case, but the free will consists in deciding to use it well or badly, cheerfully or sadly." By Rupert Gleadow, The Origin of the Zodiac.

Nostradamus The Millenium & Beyond

Nostradamus The Millennium and Beyond, Prophecies to 2016, is written by Peter Lorie and Liz Greene, first published in 1993. The book contains an Astrological preface that explains the astrology behind Nostradamus' predictions. The opening paragraph says:

"Prophecy is at the best of times a chancy business whether undertaken by a 20th century economist or a 16th century astrologer/clairvoyant. Polls that predict the outcome of presidential or parliamentary election are as liable to error as the apparently impenetrable outpourings of a Delphic oracle. But, despite its strangeness and allusiveness, prophetic vision has an ancient and honorable lineage. It was prophecy, after all - visionary and astrological - that predicted the birth of Christ. Such is the power and fascination of prophecy that we keep on trying, not only to find out who will be the next national leader, but, whether Nostradamus really did predict Hitler, AIDS, and the end of the world."

The allusive business of tapping into symbols for predictive purposes is questioned. The same symbol that may represent an earthquake on a literal level and bring down a building, may appear on the financial level shaking up the economy. Nostradamus didn't know about the outer planets and the author suggests that modern astrologers can add further insight and clarity to these future visions and offer a different perspective. Besides his prophetic visions, Nostradamus, considered himself a Scientist and he regarded astrology/astronomy as the "celestial Science". According to records stored in the Library, he studied Greek Astrology. Some of his writings adhere to the fact that he had a dislike of amateur astrology, but it did not mean he disputed the power of the planets.

Before embarking on his future path, he experienced one of his darkest times when working as a doctor trying to cure the Plague. He lost his wife and child to this deathly disease and his personal reputation was ruined. Nostradamus experienced a relatively difficult phase before beginning his work. However, today, he still stands as one of the most enduring prophets of our time, and perhaps this can be accredited to the long span of his predictions. The authors of this book claim to offer startling new revelations behind the puzzling metaphors and verses that have confused interpreters for a millennium.

Along with the aforementioned fundamental dilemma, many of his writings have been penned in french and Latin and so two different translations are brought forth. Nostradamus is described as having poetic leanings and a powerful sense of the symbolic. However, to add weight and complexity to deciphering his pictorial language, his work is not in chronological order, and therefore interpretation is even more challenging. Studies have concluded that Nostradamus assembles his readings into topics rather than dates. Religion, famine, earthquakes would all be assigned to the same text.

In this book the transit of Pluto is examined through the signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius and the poisons and corruptions in life that are brought to the surface to allow the transformative process to begin. The astrological ages of Pisces and Aquarius are both discussed, with the Aquarian age beginning and overlapping with the Piscean age between 1950 and 2050, and the Aquarian age continuing from 2000 to 4000. Nostradamus would have been aware of the "great age" when forecasting. However, since he was unaware of the outer planets, Saturn would dominate the Aquarian age with its emphasis on scientific reason. The Jupiter "great year" under the Piscean rulership is symbolic of the philosophical and religious beliefs that dominated that time.

It is a fascinating book and perhaps chronicles the challenge of living in an age that is ruled by technology and the responsibility this carries, encapsulating the two rulers of the Aquarian age (Saturn & Uranus). Quote below:

Prometheus took fire from the gods and gave it to man. In effect, this is what was happening to mankind today. We are receiving the powers that were originally supposed to be allocated to God, and we are finding ourselves capable of exercising them. In areas such as genetic engineering, where scientists are able to create life, we are faced by moral and religious dilemmas that would have been settled by the church tied to a stake and set by fire. Do we dare to presume that we are able to make life, change life, create the universe around us? Nostradamus and the Aquarian age state very clearly that we are. "All is beneath his feet, like the seat of the heavens." Everything that was once in the realm of heaven is now the realm of mankind, bringing with it the same responsibilities.

Astrologically we are currently undergoing the evolving cardinal t-square of Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto. The past helps us to understand such difficult trends and developments. Prophecies in the astrological community are rife at this present time, due to massive planetary alignments shifting our world's energy. I do believe that prophets could be viewed as rationalists in the sense that what they "see coming" is often discerned through common sense. However, the astrological shifts and the coinciding events on earth cannot be ignored as simply coincidence and a much larger patter is at work, an dit involves our human destiny.

The Astrological Aspects

The Astrological aspects is written by Charles Carter, it was published in 1930. My copy of the book is heavily worn and I have pages falling out, and I bought the book second hand from Amazon. The previous user had underlined study notes for quick reference, and so it's interesting reading what others have found relevant in Carter's interpretations of the aspects.

The book doesn't contain any Pluto aspects as the planet was discovered in the year it was printed. Astronomically Pluto lost its status in 2006, but astrologically it holds the same relevance and is still viewed as a planet, and even in Pluto's loss of astronomical status is it is somewhat in keeping with the meaning of the planet's astrological nature. The need to remain hidden, and Pluto's intent of working its way to the bottom of our souls unconsciously and in an invisible, but powerful way, is still highly applicable to the horoscope. In Carter's work the aspects are viewed and interpreted separately, with the conjunction, soft aspects and hard contacts having their own pages. In the introduction of the book, Carter states:

When we seek to determine the probable external form of aspects in the affairs of life, we meet yet greater variation. What is more absurd to suppose that the same aspect will manifest in the way in the case of a convict serving a life sentence, a millionaire financier, a Bohemian artist, or a soldier on active service? However, while realising these difficulties to the full, I have tried to make a book that will contain something both new and useful.

I believe this a much needed introduction to the astrological aspects, which should be included in all books written on the subject. We never know what kind of variation there will be when expressing a planetary aspect int he horoscope, and the actual station and circumstances of the individual also need to be included. In general, we can get a good grasp on an individual's nature using the aspects alone without any prior knowledge. The book itself contains many new thoughts on the astrological aspects considering its age, and holds plenty of insights into the nature of each combination of planets. For example, using the previous reader's study notes he/she has underlined the following for Sun conjunct Moon.

It can scarcely, of itself, tend to breadth of outlook or adaptability, for the interests will naturally incline to centre on matters of the house that is occupied and the character will be heavily marked with the sign in which the Lights are....eggs are all in one basket.....some degree of self-will and stubbornness...a little vanity and self-opiniation.

I enjoy authors like Carter, because he is a researcher first and foremost, and thinks as an individual. I would highly recommend this book, there are some gloomier interpretations but it is usually balanced and considered with other aspects of the chart. For a final taster of the book, here is Moon in inharmonious aspect to Neptune, which is Marilyn Monroe's angular natal aspect, and taken from my study buddy's underlined notes, he says:

A kindly easy going character.....probability of complications with the other sex, and probably scandal...An inability to rest satisfied with anything short of perfection is a common and a tormenting condition....tendency to intrigue.....short cuts and get quick rich methods.....women high emotional tension.....a distinct liability to be deceived by others and to suffer various forms of disillusion....In the case of men one or other of the parents is often of a harsh type....The tendency to resort to spiritualistic practices.......sometimes to cause the native to be obsessed by thoughts of the hereafter.

Cumbria Shootings

Uranus' entry into Aries at 0 degrees, coincided with a sudden outburst of violence. Random (Uranus) shots were fired (Aries) in this sleepy countryside town. The event plays a part in the evolving t-square between Uranus (freedom) in Aries (weapons), Pluto in Capricorn (authority) and Saturn in Libra (compromise). And will most likely involve a fierce debate on gun laws.

Derrick Bird had a stellium of planets in the compromising, harmonious and peaceful sign of Libra. However, he also had the Moon in Aries forming an opposition to Mars (birth time is uncertain). A natal Moon-Mars contact often signifies angry feelings and argumentativeness is described by Mercury (communication) in hard aspect to Mars (anger).

A disagreement with his fellow Taxi drivers enraged him after he accused them of stealing his fares. Bird's Librian (stellium) nature would strive for compromise, justice and fair play. Venus in Scorpio diposits his Librian planets and forms a square to Pluto, signifying jealousy and deep feelings of betrayal. According to a news report, Derrick's twin brother and solicitor were colluding to send him to jail for tax evasion, and his family refused to bail him out. Derrick sought justice. Libra is always conscious of the scales unbalanced.

Transiting Pluto in Capricorn (exposing power & authority) formed a square to his natal Mercury-Mars contact in Libra. Transiting Pluto in hard aspect to Mars indicates that he would be prone to self-destructive and ruthless behavior. A Mars/Pluto transit often describes an episode of extreme violence and can equally bring on feelings of depression and anger. Rage bottled up tends to erupt and it could be described as a kind of volcanic 'meltdown'. Pluto seeks to unearth the past and what we haven't sufficiently dealt with and often puts us into situations were we  fight for survival.

Transiting Uranus opposed natal Mercury, and he decided to be a law upon himself and not care what rules he broke (Uranus/rebellion). Under this transit, in particular, it is difficult to smooth out differences and find compromise. Breakdowns in communication are another feature of this contact and what is said is often taken the wrong way. Judgement can suffer too. The aspect suggests transportation difficulties. Uranus opposite Mercury signifies the fall out with neighbours, siblings and the local community.

Neptune formed an exact square to his natal Venus in Scorpio. This may indicate the deception (Neptune) and betrayal over money matters, wills/resources (Venus in Scorpio) and of course the tax evasion (Neptune). We can't blame transits, otherwise we would all commit unimaginable crimes when things get too difficult. The month of Gemini and Uranus' entry in to fiery Aries had quite the wake up call, involving a Twin /Taxi Driver (Gemini) on a shooting spree.

House Move

You Asked: “Change of Residence Astrology". The Moon and fourth house rule the home and any change in domestic life will be signified by an aspect triggering the lunar points. The transits of Uranus often show some kind of disruptive change happening in the environment. If it’s a family move, check out all the charts. Transiting Uranus aspecting the Moon/4th house cusp, often symbolises restlessness and unsettled feeling.

Saturn is also an important transit in the chart at the time of a permanent change in security. My first house move from my parents home, happened under transiting Saturn conjunct the Midheaven. It signified my entry into  adulthood and making my mark in the world. Astrologically, Saturn rules self-sufficiency, maturity and  responsibility and is the planet of separation from dependency and illusion and forming a commitment to a life goal.

I had a  major cycle occurring with transiting Uranus forming a square to natal Uranus. The transition is a generational one and occurs twice in our life, first in our early twenties and then in our early sixties. The first square corresponds to early adulthood and is time of increased freedom. Uranus squared my 4th house cusp (home) signifying upheaval and a shake-up (Uranus) of my roots. My second house move was purchased through a mortgage, and it was my first Saturn Return. TIME to grow old with everybody else. Perhaps I needed something concrete and permanent (Saturn) in my life. Transiting Uranus was also conjunct my Moon.