“Great Spirit provides us with the means to explore our universe and try to make sense of it. Astrology is just one of those means.”

This deep knowledge and understanding of the inevitable movement of energy systems provides us with powerful and valuable insights. With these insights we are better able to run our lives positively and productively. With greater knowledge we understand how to live in harmony with ourselves and our fellow man rather than to judge.

The systems and maps of Astrology, developed over many centuries, reveal the complex and wonderfully woven pattern of an individual’s self. When we read our astrological chart we may see our own individual ‘jigsaw shape’ in the puzzle of humanity.

Through an individual’s birth chart (map of their life path)- their choices, goals, gifts and challenges, plus the major players on the stage of their life, may be viewed with ease. Once reminded of these original choices, an individual is able to move forward in a clearer way to fulfil their life’s purpose productively.

Further it is possible in observing current movements of the heavenly bodies in relation to the original blueprint of an individual’s birth chart, to understand time-frames for benevolent and challenging influences that are current and upcoming over the next days, months, years.

Through analysis of the chart the astrologer can clearly define an individual’s:
- career path
- life calling
- partnership ideals
- financial arena
- deep life lessons
- pivotal relationships
- health markers

HISTORICALLY

Historians know that astrology was used in Babylonian times, though its true origin has not been pinpointed. Since ancient man’s world was dependent upon the elements and seasons, his awareness of the constellations was a vital part of life. There is much evidence from around the world of his observing and measuring the heavenly bodies and living and worshipping through them. From Stonehenge which accurately aligns the sun and moon, as well as many of the brightest stars in the heavens, to the Incas and Mayans who used moon and planetary placings to plan rituals and sacrifices, from ancient India and the Middle East to China, Greece and Rome. All were busily gathering data and recording their findings. The Chaldeans of Babylonia had developed a form of astrology by 3000BC and the Chinese were practicing astrology by 2000 BC. Artefacts from the sixth century BC show that in ancient Greece the daily risings of major stars were recorded. Astrology was widely practiced in Europe until Christian leaders such as Augustine in AD 600 condemned it. However Astrologers were consulted by royal courts until the thirteenth century, the era of the witch-hunts, when it was banned as deemed no longer moral.

SCIENTIFICALLY

We are not separate from, but an integral part of, the cosmos. We know we are subject to its influences just by looking at the magnetic pull of the moon on the tides, the sap in plants, the blood flow of mammals.

Researchers have shown that each of the other major heavenly bodies has its own effect on water (through magnetism, radiation, electro-magnetism, or forces as yet not understood). As our brains are 90% water even the subtlest of shifts in energy from one of these powerful influencers must have its effect on us.

A meteorologist reads the patterns of cloud and temperature to know what weather influences we may expect. Similarly, an astrologer reads the patterns of planets and heavenly bodies to know the energetic influences we may expect.

ABOUT SHAMANISM

Shamanism is about being connected to the spirits in all things.

In ancient times we were ‘connected’, our very survival depended upon it. We understood the earth’s heartbeat, the messages of the stars, and the patterns and energies that surrounded us. We had respect for all the beings (seen and unseen). We were connected to all that shared the universe with us, especially our own spirit guides.

In today’s world we have forgotten how to connect, yet we carry the ancient wisdoms still in our hearts. The study of shamanism provides us with the tools to reconnect – with ourselves, with our spirit guides and with the wisdom of the animal spirits so that we may work in harmony, power and peace.

Though the term 'Shaman' originated with the Tungus people of Siberia, it has come to be used in modern society to include similar experiences and practices in cultures all over the world. In ancient times all people in the tribe would have had some knowledge of the spiritual realms, but it was the medicine man or shaman who had the greatest experience in walking between the worlds of spirit and ordinary reality. Thus it was he who was tasked with the healing and spiritual leadership of the tribe. He would naturally have found his way to this place of contact with the spirits through a spontaneous near-death experience or vision quest.

In today’s world we can learn gentler techniques to access the same realms. Thanks greatly to the methods devised in North America by Michael Harner, there has been a revival of interest in this ancient tribal spiritual practise. In modern shamanism we learn to ‘journey’ into the sacred world and access these same helpers for ourselves, for others and for the planet.

Using rhythmic drumming, dance, and song the shaman, in an altered state of consciousness, makes a soul journey to the spirit realm. Here the shaman may connect with their personal power animals and spirit guides, the wisdom of the ancestors and universal healing knowledge. This extraordinary journey through time and space to another dimension accesses information beyond cultural and religious boundaries.

The shamanic journey is a voyage of the soul, not the mind, in fact the more the head gets ‘out of the way’ the more wisdom is received from the spirits. When first learning to journey the technique requires a little practice, but you will generally be pleasantly surprised by the images and messages you discover. In more advanced shamanism the doorway is opened to boundless wisdom and understanding.

Knowledge of other realms of being and consciousness and the cosmology of those regions is the basis of the shamanic perspective and power.