Tell someone you’re into Astrology and you’ll likely to be met with a reaction similar to if you’re a teenager who just said you believe in Santa Claus. A mixture of condescension, incredulity and pity. How can anyone with an intelligent brain believe in such nonsense? This kind of response is tiresome and insulting.
Astrology is labeled “pseudoscience” and discredited because of lack of empirical proof of it’s legitimacy. Yet it’s totally normalized for people to believe in God without scientific proof. Though Astrology is not a religion, it lies in the realm of spirituality, which means it cannot be validated by the mind alone. There is a mystical, intuitive and artful aspect to Astrology that cannot be described with logic. Its truth may be felt and known, its beauty perceived despite lack of scientific proof.
If you’ve ever worked with kids or animals, or in an emergency room then you know the influence of the full moon on human behavior. As animals, we’re part of the natural world, which means that we’re influenced by nature. Just as your mood may be impacted by the weather, your emotions may be impacted by the cosmos. The astrological weather influences us just as the weather outside influences us.
Astrology is a complex and intricate study. It cannot be boiled down to the predictions of your Sun sign in the local newspaper. Astrological experience is unique to us as individuals. Not all Libras are the same, for example, as the exact time and place of birth creates a detailed chart of energetic influence. Furthermore, these influences are not fixed. We all have the ability to alter how we perceive and respond to experiences regardless of our astrological chart. But knowing what those influences are can help deepen self awareness and facilitate profound personal growth.
It’s like we’re all given a pair of goggles at birth that impacts how we view life. Knowing how those goggles color the world helps you expand your awareness to gain broader perspective. Paying attention to the astrological weather at any given time helps you know how to work with the energy around you.
I’m not an Astrologer. I have a fairly rudimentary understanding of Astrology. I’m curious and I strive to understand planetary influences for my own personal and spiritual development. As a mental health professional, I’ve found that this study supports my work with others. I don’t often bring up the subject in counseling sessions, but I do often notice the impact of certain planetary transits on people’s moods or experiences. And when people are open to it, I encourage them to learn more about their personal chart so that they can deepen their understanding of themselves. Astrology is a core part of the shadow coaching work I do because that work is all about discovering what lies in the unconscious mind. Astrology provides a useful framework for examining aspects of self you may not have considered otherwise.
Astrology does not determine your fate. It provides helpful information that can support your process of discovery. It can serve to contribute details to a map for living life. Unless you have some solid scientific evidence that proves how to live the perfect life, it’s best not to scoff at others for exploring things in their own way. To each their own!
And that’s all I have to say about that 😉
With Love & Compassion,
Adina Arden Cooper
I'm a lover, a guide and a supportive companion. An artist, an ally and an advocate. I help individuals connect more deeply with themselves and with others through shadow work. I believe that shared humanity is a powerful strength and that our stories connect us in beautiful and sacred ways. As I stumble, skip, or soar my way through this life, I invite you to join me on the journey. Likewise, I'm honored to travel with you. In witnessing one another, we find meaning.