TRANSFORMATIONAL ASTROLOGY

In this section we look at the use of astrological analysis to facilitate spiritual evolution and transformation of the human condition.

In the more traditional and medieval branches of astrology, incluidng Vedic or Jyotish, there is an underlying assumption that one's destiny is already written and can be predicted using astrology. The rules for interpretation are fairly rigid, and the focus is on prediction. Traditional astrologers use only the seven visible planets and lights and do not include the outer planets.

In the mid-twentieth century a new astrological field emerged which was called "Humanistic astrology." Dane Rudhyar was one of the earliest proponents of this field, which was centered around the person rather than the event. The focus of astrological practitioners became more of an effort to enhance the life of the individual, rather than to predict one's fate. The work of Carl Jung became the basis for a more psychological approach to reading the birthchart in which the planetary systems reveal the psychological makeup of the individual and explain behavior patterns.

Another astrological system known as "Evolutionary Astrology" incorporates a study of the Nodes of the Moon and the placement of Pluto in the chart to evaluate the evolution of the soul in various incarnations and assist in the journey forward.

Transformational astrology as I practice it takes Humanistic and Evolutionary astrology a step further by incorporating an analysis of the patterns of energy manifestation in the body/mind/spirit system as it is revealed in the birthchart, and explores ways to improve the flow of energy and improve balance in the psychology, physiology, and spirituality of the individual. We negotiate with belief systems that come in from the past, and in so doing we transform the present and the future. Chiron is an important player in the realm of transformation astrology, as are the three "transpersonal" or "transformational" planets: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.