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Astrology:
Science & Profession
by Stephen Arroyo
In what ways can astrology be considered a science? In general, it can be
designated a science simply because it comprises a set of principles and laws
that have been accumulated through observation; and many of these principles can
be tested and observed to be reliable. Just because one can find ideas and
theories within the vast tradition of astrology that do not usually work, and in
fact some which are completely unreliable, does not mean that a wholesale
rejection of all astrological tradition is called for.
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Every science is constantly growing and
changing, and the theories come and go, are discarded or refined, or are
encompassed by a more complete theory; astrology is no exception. But the
fundamental principles of astrology, if properly understood, are quite reliable.
Specifically, I believe that the astrological
psychology that is currently available (although the serious student does have
to search with considerable determination to find it) can reasonably be said to
constitute a sort of cosmic psychology.
My book "Chart
Interpretation Handbook" (from which this article is excerpted) is in fact an attempt to
set forth some of the fundamental principles and guidelines of this cosmic type
of psychological science. When the astrological basics are interpreted with
accurate, contemporary language and real understanding of what they signify in human psychology, they can
then describe individual predispositions and illuminate the mystery of
"human nature" far more than the constantly-changing theories, fads,
and fashions of orthodox psychology.
Much of modern psychology has to rely on
guesswork about people's drives and motives, and it usually attributes
everything to an indecipherable mix of hypothetical "genetic and environmental
factors." The resultant theories often are merely the projection of one person's
individual viewpoint, experience, and prejudices.
Astrology paints its pictures of human nature
with much more varied colors on the vast canvas of the sky. A far broader range
of human potentiality is thereby portrayed — and portrayed more clearly. Based
on the observations of millions of people over long periods of time, astrology
can legitimately claim to be a psychological science in the true sense of the
word, when astrological fundamentals are properly understood and applied. Proper
understanding assumes that the areas of traditional application where
astrology's reliability falls short are honestly recognized and fully
acknowledged.
Ultimately, psychology needs a cosmic
framework for dealing with the energy forces that enliven the child of the
cosmos, which every human being is. By placing the human being in a cosmic frame
of reference, astrology has a unique capacity for re-attuning a person's
consciousness to his or her essential nature and encouraging a depth of
self-knowledge which is profound. No other theory or technique that I know of
can illuminate human motivation or the quality of individual consciousness or
experience so clearly, simply, and accurately.
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Article Source |
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 This
article is excerpted with permission from the book "Chart Interpretation Handbook"
by Stephen Arroyo, published by CRCS
Publications, PO Box 1460, Sebastopol, CA 95473.
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About The Author |
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Stephen Arroyo is the author of
numerous best-selling books on astrology, all of which have presented a
type of astrology that is modern, innovative, and directed toward
self-understanding. His widely acclaimed work has led to his being
awarded the British Astrological Association's Astrology Prize, the
International Sun Award by the Fraternity of Canadian Astrologers, and
the Regulus Award. His books have been translated into 9 languages. He
is internationally renowned as a pioneer of in-depth astrology, which
his writings express with remarkable clarity. Stephen Arroyo
is the author of
Chart Interpretation Handbook;
Astrology,
Karma & Transformation;
Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements;
Relationships & Life Cycles;
and more. |
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If astrology is utilized correctly, there
need be no overlay of complex language or theory; it can just be a simple
explanation of cosmic factors and life energies operating within and through the
individual.
If astrology does indeed constitute such a
profound and unequalled psychological science, the reader may then wonder how it
can be introduced more effectively into society.
Apart from the individual's personal use of
astrology for self understanding and tuning into the rhythm of his or her life,
I have for many years felt that astrology's greatest power and healing potential
is experienced in the one-to-one counseling arts. There is no doubt in my mind
that the level of accuracy and usefulness of astrological information is far
greater in a dialogue situation than in a "reading" that may or may not have the
person present.
I wonder therefore if the future of
astrology as a professional endeavor might not incorporate the title of
"Astrological Counselor" or possibly even "Clinical Astrologer"?
If any professional specialty like this
would ever be established, it could only be done through the achievement of a
clearly defined purpose, unified standards, and a high quality of practice. In
short, a standard of excellence would have to be established, and quite
demanding requirements accepted as the foundation for this new profession. This
would of course take many years to achieve, and it would be slow to show results
since the anti- astrology prejudice of the establishment is a powerful one.
However, without a vocational opportunity
for intelligent, capable people to practice an accepted profession and earn a
reasonable livelihood, how will astrology ever attract and keep the kind of
people who can make it prosper and grow and who can provide the kind of expert
astrological services that the public has a right to expect?
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