The Dynamics of the Chart.

"When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once 'A shower is coming'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say 'There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"

These are great words of wisdom extracted from the bible; unfortunately, most do not know how to interpret their present times, their own identity, or even the path which they should follow. An understanding of the dynamics of the chart would help to achieve a more balanced and happy life, through an understanding of the self and the nature of the world in which we live.

The Tides of Fate

The astrological chart serves as an indicator to our identity and of the opportunities available at any given time within our environment. Each of us must function within that environment; and everything we do, say or think has an impact on that environment. Conversely, this environment also impacts on us as individuals. Therefore, it is important to remember that we are a part of the eternal ebb and flow of life; and that we ride upon the tides of fate. This is inescapable.

Our choices and freewill operate on another level; and this is where one becomes the master of his destiny, determining either success or failure. When one flows with this tide of life and takes advantage of the opportunities which are presented, then success can be assured. However, as in swimming against the riptide, one places the self in danger of exhaustion and defeat. This does not mean releasing our dreams and ambitions, but merely planning one's path and tapping into the universal flow of energy to carry us towards achievement.

Energy Management

So often we label things in terms of polarity such as good/bad, right/wrong, black/white. These are labels created by man and indicate judgmental attitudes. This perspective must be realigned if one is able to better manage life. In truth, the reality of the situation is simply that it exists. It is neither good nor bad ... it just is. Therefore, in learning to manage one's life, the aspects in the charts must also lose their negative and positive images.

The traditionally hard aspects are those which contain the impetus for change, bringing matters into actuality. They are of the "kinetic" energy type. The traditionally easy aspects indicate a static state where the energy can be labelled "potential".

With the "kinetic" aspects the need for action of one kind or another is obviously pronounced. If one is in a state of awareness, then accommodation can be made for this action, which will occur regardless. However, if one is caught unawares, then obviously life will be much more troublesome. Conversely, with the "potential" aspects, there is a feeling of well being as the flow of the universe carries us along with it, producing only a natural and easy form of evolution. In this state the forces surrounding one are in a state of equilibrium and therefore do not cause problems.

Planetary Indicators

Throughout life, times for various purposes are indicated: a time for change, a time for solidification and a time for rest. These can be mapped through various methods such as the progressed and transiting aspects, eclipses, solar returns and so on. The type of action necessary is indicated by the planet itself; the power of change is indicated by the aspect formed. The aspects within the natal chart determine one's nature and ability to handle these directions.

Pluto aspects call for transformation. It is "a time to be born, a time to die". This happens naturally with the easy aspects. With difficult aspects, the transformation is so charged with power the transformation may become difficult to handle because of entrenched attitudes and feelings. Neptune requires that its time is one for creativity, imagination and experience with the senses. It is not a time for decision, but for observation. It is "a time to keep silence ... and "a time to heal". Uranus calls for change, it is "a time to break down". With the difficult Uranian aspects, one should be aware of the change and allow it to happen at it's own pace. Radical action can cause more trouble than it is worth if handled incorrectly.

Saturn represents a solidification of efforts and is therefore "a time to gather stones together ...". Such work may be tedious, but is also an important aspect of life. It may also be a time to be alone in order to accomplish one's responsibilities. Jupiter is the planet of expansion. It represents "a time to build up" as well as " a time to laugh" because of it's positive nature.

Mars is the planet of action. This simply speaks for itself as does Venus, which is "a time for peace ... a time to love" and "a time to keep". The latter phrase refers to our possessions. Mercury is "a time to speak", whilst the Moon is "a time to plant, a time to pluck up what is planted". The Sun is "a time to be born...." and a time for action. Between the Sun and Pluto we have the alpha and omega of life.

Inborn Tendencies

The radical chart indicates our natural abilities to handle the life forces which continually swirl around us. We are the encapsulation of these universal energies at the time of our birth. Furthermore, the power of the mind is so unimaginably great. Even with those who are not aware that this is so, such ignorance does not alter this inherent power. With the ignorance of such knowledge, unimaginable havoc or lethargy can be created.

Those with many of the kinetic aspects are those with continual dramatic changes in their lives. For such individuals it is important to flow with these changes, as quite frequently it is these individuals who demand to take control of such energies. In doing so, most create havoc in their own lives as such control is often in discordance with the universal flow. Therefore it is important for such individuals to map their lives according to their aspirations, but to endeavour to do so in accordance with the universe.

Those with a majority of the potential aspects are quite often caught up in an atmosphere of lethargy. They are often so content to let things be, because life comes so easily to them. This, in a negative sense, can be a waste of talent as there is so much to contribute if a little effort is made.

Within each chart, usually both types of aspect exist, enabling each and everyone of us to fully utilise our potential. It enables us to balance one against the other, if only we are aware of our options. In an healthy chart, then one is able to maintain the equilibrium that nature intended. It allows us to achieve the riches of life, to which we are all entitled; and coupled with an understanding of the nature of these aspects, it is then possible to transmute previously negative forces into positive ones.

The Magic of Life

Perhaps the greater intelligence of the universe knows how to harmonise the fluctuations in life, including those ripples which we create ourselves or in which we are caught up. Perhaps it knows better than we do ourselves, from our own limited perspective. By accepting these natural options provided, one is able to solidify one's position. Neither resist change nor force it ... allow yourself to live. Resistance creates stress as surely as pure force does. When change is inevitable allow it to happen. When time seems to stand still, allow it to be so.

The change that must ensue is one of attitude. In knowing what is appropriate and a requirement; and in the allowance of such to take place, one is able to partake in the creation of the " now". An understanding of these keywords - resistance, force and allowance - will create the magic of life. It is of further importance that one does not worry needlessly about the future: if the correct basis is established in the "now", then whatever is built upon that basis will be straight and true.

There is a Season ...

No truer words were spoken than these that follow. Remember them, be inspired by them and gain your mastery of life.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, a time to heal; a time to break down, a time to build up; a time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to mourn, a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain has the worker from his toil?