Discovering Astrology: Unveiling Your True Essence and Purpose

When I decided to write an article about the art and wonder of astrology, I wanted to go beyond the well-known benefits of this powerful reflective tool. So I did what I do whenever I need inspiration, I consulted the ^[1]I Ching, and its profound response and wisdom motivated me to share its wisdom and perspective on astrology through my blog.

What is the I Ching?

For those unfamiliar with the I Ching or Book of Changes, here’s a quick summary:

• Considered an oracle or divination text, the I Ching is one of the oldest Chinese sacred texts used for divination and for guidance. The I Ching is focused on helping us understand the nature of change.
• It combines philosophical text with a system of symbolic hexagrams to provide insights and wisdom.
• There are 64 hexagrams, each made up of six lines that can be either broken (yin) or unbroken (yang), representing different states and processes of a situation.
• To use it as a divination tool, an individual poses an open-ended question (on any topic – the more specific the better) and then tosses three equal-sized coins to count heads or tails. Depending on the outcome, an unbroken or broken line is drawn to generate a six line hexagram.

Acceptance and Self-Understanding

I posed the following question to the I Ching to help inspire this blog:

How should I introduce astrology to those that are new to the subject?

The hexagram I received was Hexagram 22 – Beauty or Grace with line two changing. When a changing line is received, additional context is provided by reflecting on the changing line and the transformed hexagram. In this case, Hexagram 26 – Great Taming or Nourishment of the Great or The Taming Power of the Great

“Inside, the strength of simplicity and self-knowledge. Outside, the beauty of acceptance and gentleness.” – ^[2]Brian Browne Walker

All three translations of this hexagram agree that it is comparing our inner nature to the outer self-image we create in order to relate to others. These outward versions of ourselves are necessary and beneficial when we’re acting in a specific role with a defined purpose – as a mother figure to a child, a teacher to a student, or a good friend to someone needing support. However, when we express ourselves through one of these roles, we’re only expressing a small piece of our inner nature. When the situation or person we interact with changes, the image we’ve crafted for ourselves—shaped by what we believe we need to be to satisfy others’ needs or expectations—also adjusts to fit the new circumstances. Over time, our wardrobe of images grows and becomes more complex. We’re often left wondering who we truly are when we’re not defining ourselves through our relationships with others.

This is where astrology shines: It helps us peel away the layers of self-image we’ve created over our lifetime, revealing our true essence – the simplest form of ourselves which is beautiful, uniquely designed, and perfectly whole as symbolized by the circle of our natal chart. When we grow to appreciate the beauty of our own design, we increase our ability to see the beauty in the design of others. Judgement and contempt at someone’s differences are replaced by wonder and curiosity as we admire all the ways the creative life force chooses to express itself in physical form. The sacredness of life overwhelms us and we are filled with gratitude and humility.

Perspective and Empowerment

Changing Line 2

When a changing line is received from the I Ching, it provides additional guidance and insight related to the question. Changing line 2 addresses the frustration we experience in life when we’re faced with challenges or a situation that we want to change quickly or force. These experiences, often outside our control or responsibility, happen to us to build maturity and character. The I Ching teaches that we must wait patiently and continue to nurture ourselves and do our best to move through the challenge. In this way, we come out on the other side wiser, more confident, and empowered.

Astrology can help provide perspective on our challenges and reveal the lessons we need to learn enabling us to shift from being victims of fate to empowered drivers of our own destiny. We may not like something about our life, but we can work on it and, over time, improve the situation and mature from it. One of astrology’s most valuable offerings is its ability to summarize and time key life cycles and transitions. Persevering through difficult periods becomes easier when you recognize their transformative potential and understand how they fit into your soul’s greater evolutionary journey.

Preparation and Change

Hexagram 26 – Great Taming or Nourishment of the Great or The Taming Power of the Great

When Hexagram 22 fully integrates changing line 2, it emerges as Hexagram 26 – Great Taming. The transformed hexagram represents the final piece of context to the I Ching’s response to a question. Hilary Barrett’s translation of this hexagram opens with insightful key questions to consider.

“How can you make the most of the potential?” and “How would it be to master this?” – ^[3]Hilary Barrett

The analogy she poses in her translation is of a farmer taming the energies of nature to build up natural resources and nurture the growth of his crops. Successful farming, or any form of gardening, requires learning the cycles and patterns of nature. Farmers and gardeners develop an intuitive understanding of the balance of elements needed to support abundant crops and plants. Fire or the Sun’s warmth is needed in moderate amounts to encourage a plant’s growth, water and fertile soil nurture the plant’s development, and air in the form of a gentle breeze provides both pollination and distribution of seedlings.

Our lives are no different. There are universal energies present that influence and impact us in ways that aren’t always evident. Astrology provides a forecast, similar to a weather forecast, of the planetary energies influencing us at any chosen moment. If we learn to understand our natal charts, and how to interpret the signs of change, we can anticipate and prepare for challenging times and reinforce our peace of mind. The translation from Brian Browne Walker states:

“A spiritual understanding that is not practiced under fire is without value; only by applying our knowledge in trying situations do we come into genuine possession of it.” – ^[2:1]Brian Browne Walker

Like a wise gardener who plans ahead, envisioning the beautiful synergy of plants in full bloom, we too can explore new opportunities and life experiences during times of abundant energy. By uncovering our unique gifts, we can begin enriching the lives of others through heartfelt service.

What the I Ching taught me tonight, was the incredible value of astrology in helping us free ourselves from old energies or baggage so we can wholly, and confidently, re-engage with our life purpose and be of service to each other.