Dear Friend and fellow Seeker, A story for you: “Can I see it please?,” I asked my friend. His response was “No, get your own!” He took his special scroll to the corner of the lobby to be left alone while he reread the important information meant only for him... I looked back at the machine and its bright, colorful image. The Big Question: Should I do it or not? Let’s back up. This scene took place in our local bowling alley when I was in elementary school. You see, I was in a winter Saturday bowling league for kids. My parents had given me a $1 bill for the snack bar and a dime to call home for a ride when finished. Yes, this was during the early 80s when pay phones existed. They only cost a dime, and you could stuff your face at the bowling alley snack bar for a mere $1. I only spent fifty cents on this given day, so I had two quarters burning a hole in my pocket. Back to my friend and the “machine.” We were waiting in the lobby of the bowling alley for my father to pick us up. The mesmerizing machine, with all the colors, was a horoscope machine. It beckoned me to surrender my fifty cents for the great honor of being given my horoscope. I really needed to know, as navigating the complex world of elementary school was daunting. I couldn’t resist. I had to do it. It was part FOMO and part curiosity. “Clink, clink, bizz, erhhh, plop.” And just like that, my astrological fortune fell into the collection bin at the bottom. I picked it up with great anticipation and moved to the corner where my friend was. It contained predictions for the current month of January for my sign, Taurus. With great care, I opened the little scroll. As I read my scroll, I made sounds of surprise and disappointment. The predictions were so general and unhelpful. I couldn’t understand how some could possibly apply to me. So, I asked my friend if we could compare our scrolls. We are both Taurus’, born within a few days of each other. We were both in shock when our horoscopes were identical. I thought, how could this possibly be, as my Dad drove up to the door. When I arrived home, I just couldn’t let it go. I felt ripped off. There was no internet back then, in the Dark Ages. So, I had to turn to my Encyclopedia Brittanica. I yanked the letter “A” book off the shelf and rifled through it to get to “astrology” as quickly as possible. There was a nice brief summary, but it didn’t really say anything of value that would explain my situation. The one helpful thing was the chart that gave a date range for each astrological sign. I remembered seeing a similar chart on the machine. I hadn’t bothered to look at it because I knew I was a Taurus already. After much thought and contemplation, I determined that astrology is utter nonsense. All the people in the world with the same astrological sign could not possibly have the same horoscope! That was it. Astrology was sent to the penalty box of my mind. Enough of me waxing on about my childhood. Fast forward forty years later… I am on my path to discovery and enlightenment with the core purpose of seeking out ancient practices and traditions that may provide supplemental relief to the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In my travels, I came across Astrology. The new Mike – open-minded yet skeptical and analytical, needed to give astrology a second look. I was surprised by what I found. First off, there are many systems of astrology. The two most popular are Western Astrology (of which I am writing) and Hindu Vedic Astrology. I have seen numerous contentions that Vedic is considerably more accurate than Western, but I cannot render judgment on this question at this time. Secondly, I found that horoscope scroll of my childhood was, at best, just a novelty item for fun and, at worst, complete utter nonsense. The scroll was based on something called Sun Sign Astrology. In and of itself, it has little value. Curiosity got the best of me, so I dove further into the field of Astrology. Allow me the honor of telling you some of what I have learned and how it can be used for self-reflection in building one’s mental health base. Western astrology, often referred to as “astrology,” is a discipline with a rich history, mathematical foundations, and a surprising connection to science. Astronomy and astrology were once one and the same “science.” The Origins of Western Astrology: A Glimpse into History Western astrology has ancient roots that can be traced back to civilizations like the Babylonians and the Greeks. The Babylonians developed the zodiac, a 12-sign system that divided the sky into 12 equal parts. These signs are based on the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of a year. The Greeks further refined this system, attributing personality traits and characteristics to each zodiac sign, creating the foundation for modern Western astrology. Observation and the Zodiac The heart of Western astrology lies in the observation of celestial bodies. The positions and movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets, especially in relation to the zodiac, are crucial to astrological interpretations. Astrologers believe that the positions of these celestial objects at the time of a person's birth can influence their personality and life path. For example, a person's Sun sign, determined by the position of the Sun at their birth, represents their core identity. The Moon sign relates to emotions and instincts, while the positions of planets like Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter add further layers of personality traits and tendencies. This observation-based approach to astrology is at the heart of the discipline. The Mathematical Foundations of Western Astrology Astrology is not only about observing celestial objects but also about calculating their positions. The calculations involve precise mathematics and astronomy. Astrologers use complex formulas to determine the positions of celestial bodies, which can be highly accurate. Modern technology has made these calculations more precise, but the fundamental mathematical principles remain the same. My review of the core calculations show the involvement of calculus in the equations. And this was all done by hand years ago. The astrological birth chart, or natal chart, is a detailed map of the celestial positions at the moment of a person's birth. This chart is created using mathematical calculations and is unique to each individual. It is a powerful tool for astrologers to provide insights into a person's life, personality, and potential. In addition, one may use Astrology as a tool for contemplation and self-reflection. For example, you can compare your natal chart to a chart as of the current moment to self-reflect upon where you currently are in your life and what may be affecting you. This is called Transits Astrology. The Science of Astrology While astrology is not currently considered a science in the traditional sense, it does have some intriguing connections to science. Some studies have explored correlations between astrological factors and personality traits, although the scientific community remains divided on the validity of these findings. Astrology's intersection with psychology and the human experience is an area of ongoing research and debate. It's important to note that astrology operates in a unique space, where psychological, spiritual, and symbolic factors intersect. As such, it doesn't adhere to the same standards of empirical science, but its impact on individuals' lives is real to many who seek guidance from it. In the end, whether you're a dedicated astrologer or simply curious about the stars, Western astrology offers a rich tapestry of insight into the human condition, providing guidance and self-reflection for those who choose to explore its mysteries. So tonight, if you look up at the sky, remember those ancient people who observed the heavens to better understand themselves and the world they lived in. On Monday, May 1, 2023, I released my free guide, "10 Celtic Practices to Level Up Your Mind and Relieve Anxiety and Depression." All subscribers were sent their very own copy of my Celtic goodness. If you did not receive it, please let me know, and I will make sure that you do. You can contact me at mike@guarneriny.com. Also, if you know someone else who might be interested, please direct them to http://join-free-guide.mikeguarneri.com . Here they can sign up and receive their very own copy of the guide. I am here to serve. With a skeptical mind and an analytical eye, —Mike Guarneri "May the Road Rise to Meet You!" Who is Mike?Mike is a recovering accountant making his way through the world of ancient and spiritual practices and traditions. His goal is to uncover truly valuable ancient and spiritual customs and practices that upgrade your mind (and life)—and here's the key—without any of the b.s. you find everywhere else! |
Copyright 2023 - Mike Guarneri All Rights & Lefts Reserved |
1080 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590 |