How I Transformed My Astrology Readings by Adding 3 Astronomical Observations
When I adopted knowledge that came straight out of basic astronomy, I was able to transform my readings from a 2-D understanding into a moving 3-D relationship. This is not about incorporating the latest images from NASA or recent astrophysics theories. It’s about getting personal, much like comparing the experience of looking at a map compared to when you actually get on the road. So whether you are the client or the astrologer take a look at the following suggestions that can make a difference with your experience.
You don’t need any fancy equipment, just your vision and the outdoors.
Here are the three areas:
1st Observation: Find Helios’ chariot
Go outside where you live and locate the area where the sun rises and sets. This path is called the Ecliptic. Connect the points with an arc and there you will find the moon and during the night the visible constellations of the zodiac and planets. Keep checking back from time to time and watch how new stars come into view.
Daytime Astronomy: photograph of the Sun from one location over a day showing the Ecliptic, used by permission Chris Cook Photography
2nd Observation: Which way are we moving?
This one is subtle but powerful. I found that it is easiest to observe during a sunset. Again, go outside and watch the sun approach the horizon as it is setting. Turn your back to the sun and look forward to the darker colors of the approaching evening. Realize that while we seem to be still, the earth is spinning, rotating away from the sun and taking you with it at tremendous speed (1000 miles per hour). Now when you look at your chart, visualize how it relates to your position. So now when you view your Sun position and the zodiac, you know where to look.
3rd Observation: My star
Even the granddaddy of astrology, Ptolemy, would endorse this one. He wrote about the importance of night sky observation. A key to developing a relationship with astrology is to keep it grounded by observing real stars in the sky. You don’t even need a telescope. This is called naked eye observation. It helps to tie it to a constellation because the next time you go out, the same stars have moved. Looking for a resource? Check out Sky Phenomena, A guide to naked-eye observation of the stars by Norman Davidson.
Beginner Astronomy Guide: Sky Phenomena by N. Davidson
If you are like me and you don’t always have an astronomer at your side, you can still find your way with a smartphone. There are several apps that are simple to use. You just point your camera at the sky and on the screen, the objects are identified. I recommend SkyView® Free because its free and you can try it out before investing in more sophisticated versions. Below are two screen shots looking at the constellation of Leo with two of the viewing formats (Normal/Night Sight). It works with both Android and IOS. Just note that the free versions are not 100% accurate but they still give solid results.
Screenshots from SkyView® Free in Daytime and Nightime modes
To choose your star, sit outside preferably on a moonless sky, and see which star catches your attention. If you don’t know its name at first, that’s fine. Just keep coming back. Later on, you can check with an astronomer about its specific name.
How did I get here?
From day one my astrology teachers emphasized the importance of night viewing. I couldn’t just rely on my computer-generated diagrams and lists.
So I went out, took off my glasses, and looked out at points of light. As a city kid, I didn’t see a dark sky unless we were camping. No surprise, but I felt lost. I could find the moon…I felt embarrassed. In my 20s, I was a fan of my local planetarium and had even taught astronomy, but this approach felt new. Something was waking up. Then an invitation arrived to attend a star-viewing event. I found myself away from the city lights, surrounded by astronomers and their telescopes. Over the next four hours, I followed their laser pointers as pointed out stars in view, listened to the latest findings, and watched the night show.
The invitation
So what changed? Is it a matter of astronomy versus astrology? Is one field better than the other? While astronomers take great care to distance themselves from astrology, there is room for each field to strengthen the other. They are different; but why not work with the best of both?
I invite you to have a foot in both worlds. As an astrologer what’s going on up in the sky is personal. It seems obvious but for the first time, I grasped how much the two fields have in common and how my understanding of astronomy has translated into more confident readings.
As a client if you have a living relationship with what’s going on it deepens your understanding and opens the door to transformation.
As a researcher and astrologer, I am looking to share techniques that can help us bridge the gap between our daily experience and that which feels unknowableW
Author: Maria Morales
I enjoy sharing my love for personal growth through Astrology. I consider myself a perpetual student since I learn more about our marvelous journey with each client I meet.