- Sher School of Astrology
- Posts
- Shared Humanity, Individual Expression, and the Power of Real Dialogue
Shared Humanity, Individual Expression, and the Power of Real Dialogue
Volume 33: Transpersonal Astrology in Practice
Jim Sher
02 Aug
As someone who has used astrology for over 45 years and taught it for 25, I recall that an astrologer once asked me if I don’t get tired of teaching the basics to new students over and over again. The answer for me is that I never do. In this article, I want to explain one of the reasons why my enthusiasm for astrology always remains high.
The Foundation of Uniqueness
The essence of astrology to me is that it combines two seemingly opposite things. On one hand, astrology gives us a common ground of our shared humanity. Every chart is composed of the same archetypal principles of planets, signs, and houses. This is the foundation of all astrology. But at the same time, each horoscope is different from every other one—thus, astrology also describes our uniqueness. None of us are the same as anyone else. In fact, the more a person embraces all aspects of their chart, the more unique one can become.
What I have just expressed is self-evident. It is obvious. But do we stop and realize this fully, consciously, and then extrapolate further on it? If so, we might actually celebrate our life and the lives of others in ways we often do not. Human beings struggle and suffer in their daily grind of survival and can become lost in that. Yet, we are also able to step back and take a broader look. Perhaps we do this most as we age and look at all we’ve been through to get us to where we are now—hopefully more mature, balanced, and appreciative of life.
None of us are the same as anyone else. In fact, the more a person embraces all aspects of their chart, the more unique one can become.
When I teach astrology, I give the basics, of course, and then expand as the lessons progress. But I also keep the classes small—no more than 9–10. This is quite deliberate. Why?
The Power of Dialogue
What I have just expressed above is general, abstract, and perhaps idealistic. To live it week in and week out is another matter entirely. It is lived through engaging in conversation, dialogue, and inquiry with others who are different from ourselves. In my classes, I ask students to express their “experience” of the principles of their natal chart, as well as their “experience” of transits, progressions, returns, etc. The emphasis is not on the mental understanding—which is important, of course—but on the “experience” they have of it. This is where we experience our shared humanity.
A Culture of Listening
There is another aspect of dialogue that is so important. In real dialogue, one trains oneself to really hear—to listen to what the other person is saying. We may agree or disagree, but if we are truly listening, we do neither. We receive the other… with little or no evaluation. A kind of culture is created in the class that makes it less of a class and more of an encounter with another human being. We express, listen, and respond—and this becomes mutual and shared. We see how similar we are to one another and also different. Both are true simultaneously.
When this occurs—when true dialogue is experienced—something new happens. Surprise happens. Not only do we surprise ourselves, but we surprise others too. Something arrives in the room that didn’t exist before. This is the power of dialogue. Understanding occurs at a deep level, not only of astrology but of being human and sharing that with another human being. The experience is unspeakable and very real… leaving a person feeling less alone and separate, while also remaining unique and special. The dichotomies and paradoxes I’m expressing here are now being lived. This is what transpersonal astrology is capable of becoming.
In case you haven’t yet purchased it, Astrology as a Spiritual Path invites readers to explore astrology as a profound journey of self-discovery and personal evolution, where the cosmos and the self intersect. This book reveals how astrology can serve as a powerful guide to uncovering unconscious patterns, illuminating it as a tool for expanding consciousness and connecting with your authentic self.
Whether you’re a seasoned astrologer or new to the practice, Astrology as a Spiritual Path offers valuable insights. Discover how it can enrich your journey toward self-understanding, purpose, and transformation.
See the book website: astrologyasaspiritualpath.com.
AstroWatch
By Jim Schultz
08/01/25 – 1:49 pm – Venus waxing cardinal square retrograde Neptune
This is Venus’s second cardinal crisis of action square today. With retrograde Neptune involved you may find yourself questioning something you did earlier, or perhaps something you are planning on doing. If so, try stepping back and looking at the “big picture.” Have you been having a dream that seems to keep repeating? Do you find yourself questioning some “belief” or “truth” that you have? Neptune may be trying to confuse or deceive you or He may be trying to “wake you up,” to challenge something that no longer works for you. You should decide which it might be before you act.
Nine hours later (10:45 pm), Venus will make a waxing inconjunct/quincunx to retrograde Pluto. This is the last aspect before their opposition. Did all those crisis of action squares leave you feeling tired or off? Take some time to recenter and focus. Find your balance.
08/02/5 – 11:47 am – slow Moon goes Out-of-Bounds South
The Moon is at 24 Scorpio 25’ when She goes beyond the southern or lower boundary of the Sun. South represents the past, things we know, have done, memories, both positive and not. When confronting obstacles or challenges, allow yourself time to remember how you successfully handled similar ones in the past. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
08/02/25 – 6:07 pm – slow (OOBs) Moon goes Void-of-Course
Following a waxing sextile to Mars, the Moon goes void-of-course for almost 5 hours until entering Sagittarius at 11:00 pm. This is their first aspect since their conjunction about 4-5 days ago. Have you been working on something new since then? If so, how is it coming along? What is your next action to keep it on track?
As the Moon leaves deep intense Scorpio for adaptable, optimistic Sagittarius, things may start to feel less heavy, more positive, optimistic even.
Explore Past Volumes
Get up to date with previous articles.
Stay connected with us
Visit our website at sherastrology.com or email us at [email protected].
Reply