How to Use Predictions

For the more fatalistic among us, the question often arises: why bother with astrology if we can't change our karma and hence our future?  While I agree that most things have to happen, I believe that there is room where individuals can act to refocus the energy that is around them.  A prediction for a difficult or frustrating day needn't be so frustrating if we are forewarned about it.  Yes, things will likely not go the way we would like.  In this sense, there is no changing our future.   What we can change is how we react to it. 

 

If we know beforehand that we have a difficult day in store, then we it arrives we needn't get as flustered by it.  We will be stressed by overwork, or an over-demanding boss, but if we know this is the ineluctable nature of our planetary karma at work, then we may not feel to victimized by it.  We can build up our resistance to it.  As various spiritual traditions teach us, we can learn to be happier through acceptance of all that is.

 

One potentially difficult element of the negative forecast is ensuring that people do not take it too much to heart.  For the more sensitive and impressionable clients I encounter, this is a real concern that must be addressed.  Bad news, no matter now trivial, is usually not welcomed by these kinds of people.  That is why it is a good idea to communicate effectively just what sort of troubles may be in store. 

 

Like most astrologers, my aim is to help people, to make their lives easier, and to give them hope.  Forecasting troubles can sometimes accomplish this by lessening the shock or discomfort when they occur.  This is a template that best applies to relatively minor travails and even the most sensitive among us can benefit from this approach. 

 

For larger issues, the astrologer has to be extra careful not to upset the client.  Where some doubt remains in my mind as to the exact nature and timing of the unfortunate event, I generally keep the prediction more neutral in tone.   In some cases, I won't say anything at all.  There will always be occasions when the astrologer is flat out wrong and has worried the client unncessarily.   This is a scenario that needs to be avoided at all costs.  Even if a potentially dangerous period is upcoming, it is more helpful to suggest that certain types of issues may benefit from their attention.  If serious money or employment troubles lie ahead, then suggesting more saving and a reduction of expenses can be helpful without unduly alarming the person.  Even if the worst comes to pass, the astrologer has at least passed on some useful information that can be of some benefit. 

 

 

Christopher Kevill
http://modernvedicastrology.com

 

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Christopher Kevill
http://modernvedicastrology.com

What's Wrong with Astrology?

With the US election upcoming, the silly season is in full force. Every astrologer has their prediction at the ready and is prepared to back it up with lengthy analysis. And yet half of these astrologers will be incorrect -- probably more, since most astrologers lean to the left and are therefore predicting a win for Kerry. So much for objectivity. The problem isn't in making wrong predictions. I do that, too. Every astrologer does.

The problem lies in what happens afterwards. How will these people make sense of their error? How will they come to understand where they went wrong? This is the real problem in modern astrology as I see it: there is a inability to accumulate new knowledge. Mistakes are made, and lessons go unlearned. Mistakes then recur and are later forgotten.

When they get something right like an election call, they also fail to conduct a post-mortem. They mistakenly assume that since they are right they don't need to look more closely at their method. This complacency undermines the development of their abilities. Too often, astrologers are content to rest on their laurels. Shouldn't we remind them that elections and other contests such as sporting events are only 50-50 propositions where astrology is no more useful than flipping a coin? A correct prediction of this type is no more a confirmation of one's technique than a novice investor mistakenly assuming he has market savvy in the midst of a bull market.


Christopher Kevill
http://modernvedicastrology.com


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Power and Astrology

One of the dangers of astrology lies in the power imbalance between the astrologer and the client. This is often magnified in the Vedic context because of the prevalence of the concept of karma in the minds of both parties. The astrologer attempts to outline the karma of the client. Freewill is minimized or eliminated. The astrologer can outline the future or life purpose of the client and this can create a gratitude in the client. What else can it create? A fascination, a worshipping, and a dependence. The astrologer assumes an exalted pseudo-spiritual position. He alone can see what is best for the client.

This may have few effects in most balanced people, but in some types of people that frequent astrologers, balance may be lacking. Typically visit astrologers when they are in distress and are vulnerable. They are highly suggestible to a trusted source. They are therefore susceptible to falling for a charismatic person who takes them over and relieves them of their own autonomy. Of course, there is less likelihood of abuse if the astrologer is honorable. Even there, however, dependence can still be created. People dependent on astrologers live in fear, without joy and spontaneity.

Some people cannot cope with life. They need help from religion, from beliefs, from leaders. The search for security and escape from uncertainty and anxiety is a lifelong quest for most people. There may be a fine line, however, between the normal human need to minimize the anxiety of existence through bonds with others and spiritual beliefs and when these needs become too pronounced that they lead to an unhealthy dependence on astrologers and religious leaders.

Some people want to give up their power to others -- it is their only way to function. Voluntary submission. If these options for submission were removed, the liberal in us would be well pleased but it would force some people into a painful state of freedom. Freedom of choice and an unrestrained will are just not on for some people, although perhaps they should be given as much chance as possible to discover if they truly wish to relinquish their power.


Christopher Kevill
http://modernvedicastrology.com


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Saturn

How bad is Saturn? It's a frequent question, especially by people who have it prominently placed in their charts or who have it bearing down on their ascendant by transit. Like all the other planets, it changes it capacity for good or ill depending on the other factors that are influencing and influencing the other key points in the horoscope. It is widely believed that having transit Saturn conjoining one's ascendant is never a happy time and I think this is correct more often than not. However, not all Saturn's are created equal and not all ascendants have the same ability to roll with Saturn's punches. Without offsetting favourable influences on transit or natal Saturn, a Saturn transit to the ascendant can bring loss, isolation, failure and loneliness. As a default position, this is usually the best assumption to make, and then one has to elaborate a more nuanced and balanced interpretation from the other factors at work.

Perhaps that is how we should interpret the natural malefics: start with a default negative position of their effects, and then work backwards to incorporate more specific effects that can mute its bad side. At times, they will be influenced by so many positive factors, that the results will ultimately beneficial. The malefic becomes a benefic.


Christopher Kevill
http://modernvedicastrology.com


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