Table of Contents

• Astrology: A Unique Lens for Understanding

  • Navigating Differences

  • The Uniqueness of the Chart

  • Levels of Abstraction

• Join Our New Astrology Class

• Explore Astrology As a Spiritual Path

• Symbolism of Leo – The Lion

• Astrology Q + A

Astrology: A Unique Lens for Understanding

By now, I hope I have successfully communicated the lens through which I understand astrology. I believe it's a robust tool that can impart a deeper understanding of ourselves so we can live fuller and more fulfilled lives, and in doing so, have a positive impact on the world around us.

Right now, in the media, we see a question arising about what type of world we want to live in. The call is for each individual to decide what they want to contribute, knowing that this contribution shapes the amount of health and joy we experience in our lives.

It’s enlivening to see and serves as a reminder that, for some of us, this is a question we often ask ourselves: what ways can we create, express ourselves, and be of service in doing so?

Navigating Differences

We also know that with the polarized reality that we live in, it can be difficult to reach toward someone with a different perspective and ask questions out of curiosity rather than judgment. When a gap is too great, we feel discouraged and even take it personally as though that person's reality is somehow our fault or meant as a slight against us. But this is far from the truth.

I believe a core thing astrology reveals is that we all live a distinct reality. Yes, every astrology chart is made up of the same archetypal building blocks, but at our moment of birth, the amalgamation of these elements is completely unique.

The Uniqueness of the Chart

If you were to print out and line up 10 charts together, you would be able to observe vast differences, even without knowledge of the meaning of the symbols. The way these differences play out in an individual chart is wholly unique to them.

This is the lens through which we all see the world. The natal chart is a unique blueprint, a chart of potentials that the individual then breathes life into, along with the environment they were raised in and the others they interacted with.

That is why I am always cautious of overly generalized terms and attributes being applied to a person. Such blanket statements fail to acknowledge the profound uniqueness of each individual. 

No moment in our lives is ever exactly the same as another because each one is shaped by a complex interplay of factors that are unique to that instant in time. 

This does not mean that we don't have some similarities in the way we see things. In fact, what makes astrology wonderful is that it does give us a shared language. But given that we are all unique, we need to use that language with finesse in order for it to really mean something.

Levels of Abstraction

One of the key concepts I introduce early in my courses is the idea of levels of abstraction. The concept is that at higher levels of abstraction, we refer to general things, while at lower levels, we focus on what is unique to each individual. 

For example, consider Sun Signs and how broad correlations can be observed among large groups of people who share the same Sun Sign. However, when we want to learn about a person’s feelings, deeper motivations, and what will bring them fulfillment, it’s important to consider their entire chart, not just the Sun Sign.

When using astrology we can stay mindful of how we navigate between these levels of abstraction. This means recognizing when we’re discussing broad traits, like ambition or leadership, and when we’re exploring more specific qualities, such as a love for music or the type of art someone is drawn to create. By doing this, we gain a richer and more accurate understanding of ourselves and others.

This way of thinking helps us see the natal chart as something dynamic and evolving, rather than static. Only in seeing this can astrology be used as a tool to expand our individual potentials, not to limit them. By understanding this, we can better appreciate our own path and the paths of others.

Join Our New Astrology Class

This class, like all my courses, is designed to help you learn and use astrology for healing and personal growth, combining insights from psychology and philosophy.

In our small, supportive groups, you'll feel comfortable sharing your charts and experiences. We begin with the basics, even if you already know some astrology, and I’ll help you see Signs, Planets, and Houses in a new light. This strong foundation makes advanced learning easier and shows you how to apply astrology in practical ways.

If you want to learn more about this philosophy, order my book below.

Explore Astrology As a Spiritual Path

Order a copy of Astrology as a Spiritual Path today! It reimagines the nature and purpose of astrology and unveils a new methodology for practitioners and students to discover their true spiritual path.

Symbolism of Leo – The Lion

By Kimberly Maxwell

Leo is Latin for lion, which is its symbol. The glyph for Leo, a fire sign, resembles the male lion’s face and glorious mane, the image of which ancient cultures archetypally associated with the radiating Sun, Leo’s ruling planet.

The lion is regarded as the King of the Beasts for its strength, hunting prowess and magnificent roar. Lions travel in large prides of up to 40 with females outnumbering males up to 4 to 1. The females hunt for the pride, using their elegant, silent agility to dominate their prey. The males lead the pride, encircling its perimeter with sovereign instinct to keep their group gathered and protected. The ancients saw lions as sentries of the eastern and western horizons guarding the rising and setting sun. Associated with rulers and gods, the golden lion was considered a supernatural force and symbol of resurrection.

The lion archetypally embodies the Leo nature, known for its vital powers and dramatic flair. As a fixed sign, Leo conquers the wilder fieriness of Aries to radiate warmth and magnetism, drawing people in with the captivating playfulness of light dancing in a campfire. Leo loves being the center of its world just as the Sun is the heart of our solar system commanding all in its orbit. The danger is when this devolves into excessive attention-grabbing pride and autocratic behavior that projects internal ego-created darkness onto others.

From the Transpersonal Astrology approach, the challenge for Leo is to become conscious of its shadowy psychic depths so it can begin to integrate its personality. Resolving the excessive drama of internal conflicts makes its approach to life simpler. As the unification process continues, Leo begins to identify with its own divinity, becoming a courageous, inspiring leader motivated by the need to express its unique creativity simply for the joy of it. At its highest level of expression, Leo achieves true simplicity, fulfilling its cosmic need to radiate from the heart without casting shadows on others.

Astrology Q + A

Does astrology reduce people to stereotypes?

It's true that astrology can sometimes be misused this way, especially in simplistic newspaper or magazine horoscopes that focus solely on Sun signs. This approach is misleading and trivializes the depth of astrology. A natal chart is not static or solely defined by your Sun sign. Instead, it's a unique snapshot of the planetary positions at your exact time of birth, and its interpretation is subjective, varying based on the astrologer’s insights into this complex set of factors.

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