There are 7 Principles of Evolutionary Astrology (a term for psycho-spiritual astrology), by Steven Forrest, which resonate for me. These principles support the differentiation between the type of interpretation that might “sway” one vs. the type that hopefully enhances self-knowledge and a sense of well-being. From “The Inner Sky”:
1. Astrological symbols are neutral. There are no good ones, no bad ones. 2. Individuals are responsible for the way they embody their birthcharts. 3. No astrologer can determine a person’s level of response to his birth chart from that birthchart alone. 4. The birthchart is a blueprint for the happiest, most fulfilling, most spiritually creative path of growth available to the individual. 5. All deviations from the ideal growth pattern symbolized by the birthchart are unstable states, usually accompanied by a sense of aimlessness, emptiness, and anxiety. 6. Astrology recognizes only two absolutes: the irreducible mystery of life, and the uniqueness of each individual viewpoint on that mystery. Astrology suffers when wedded too closely to any philosophy or religion. Nothing in the system matters except the intensification of a person’s self-awareness. In my experience, astrology is a useful psychological tool for some people, and it need not be used or seen as an “occult” practice. "Everything has something to do with spirituality. It depends on how it is worked out...” (Meher Baba). Yet, I readily acknowledge that Baba, or any God-realized being, is far beyond any subject of study or form of typology that may used to classify or understand things of this world.
Books cited: 1. Dane Rudhyar, The Astrology of Personality (Doubleday, 1970), p. xv. And, Steven Forrest, The Inner Sky: The Dynamic New Astrology for Everyone.(Bantam Books, 1984), p.8., Lord Meher, p. 2515, Lord Meher p. 2908 and for the Talmud quote: Sotah 12b
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