The Spiritual Spectrum of Astrology

For a lot of us, the questions of where we came from, who we are, and why we’re here have probably crossed our minds at some point in life. And while a number of humans turn to religion or their own spiritual belief system, there is something to be said about our connection to the cosmos. Your astrological sign doesn’t just explain your character traits or personality, but can give a much deeper meaning and understanding of yourself and your purpose in life. We were fortunate enough to sit down with a few leading astrologers from different backgrounds and beliefs to get their take on the meaning of our celestial connection.

Kathryn Higson | Hellenistic Astrology

Project Hindsight was formed in 1993 by Robert Schmidt and his wife, Ellen, in partnership with astrologers Robert Hand and Robert Zoller to translate and interpret the surviving texts of the Western astrological tradition. This is what helped bring forth Hellenistic astrology to the world. 

Higson was a close friend and student of the Schmidts, and they left Project Hindsight to her to continue to disseminate their work.

How does Hellenistic astrology help guide your spiritual outlook on life? How can our connection to the cosmos help us understand about our journey of life — past, present, and future?

One of the core concepts in Hellenistic astrology is called “Heimarmene,” which is a fate concept that literally means “your allotment in life.” Each degree of the zodiac is called a “moira,” which is also the word for a portion or share and is related to the Fates, or the Moirai. So in this way, your destiny is delivered to you through the zodiac. Your natal chart represents your gift in life — it is what you step forward out of the greater cosmos with, and it is uniquely yours. 

What are the most valuable tools you find yourself using and practicing from this belief system?

One of the most valuable astrological procedures that Schmidt uncovered and spent years reconstructing is “zodiacal releasing,” or “zodiacal releasing from the Lot of Spirit.” It’s a timing technique, where you take the “Lot of Spirit,” which is a function of the natal position of the sun, moon, and ascendant, and progress it through the zodiac as your life moves forward. In this way, you can accurately predict ebbs and flows in your journey as it relates to your lifework. 

How can someone begin to explore the world of Hellenistic astrology with no prior knowledge? Any tips for beginners?

The best way to begin exploring Hellenistic astrology is by listening to Schmidt himself. He was a lively lecturer and would give long talks while hosting students for entire weekends or longer. If you are totally new, Schmidt’s audio course called “The Same and The Other” is a great place to start. If you have an understanding of technical astrological language, but are new to Hellenistic astrology, starting with “Zodiacal Releasing from Spirit” or “Hermetic Lots” can be really powerful.

"Your natal chart represents your gift in life — it is what you step forward out of the greater cosmos with, and it is uniquely yours." 

Learn more at www.robertschmidtastrology.com or https://projecthindsight.net.

Dennis Flaherty | Vedic Astrology

Dennis Flaherty is among the most recognized names that have promoted Vedic astrology in the West over the last 30 years. He co-sponsored the “Sacred Astrology” conference in 1995 exploring the spiritual dimensions of both Eastern and Western astrology. In the last 25 years, he has instructed students through his Vedic astrology diploma course. 

How does Vedic astrology help guide your spiritual outlook on life?

The Vedas, the spiritual texts of India, have limbs known as Vedangas. Vedic astrology, or “Jyotisha,” is one of the six limbs and is known as the “Eye of the Veda.” Jyotisha translates to “the study of light.” Light removes darkness so we can see a path forward; the study and practice of Vedic astrology provide a spiritual path to participate consciously in the cosmic flow. Each soul has a “dharma,” or path and purpose in this world, in the pursuit of “moksha,” or spiritual emancipation, which is the final goal of this life. 

What can our connection to the cosmos help us understand about our journey of life — past, present, and future?

The study of Vedic astrology is the study of time and space, which is why we calculate a birth chart for when and where the soul enters the river of time. The sages of India do not view time as linear and equal, but rather as cyclic. The people of India believe in the doctrine of “Saṃsāra,” or rebirth. They consider the soul a perennial, and the placement of the planets in the signs and domains of the birth chart represents a purposeful cosmic mandala of the soul’s past and present journey. 

"Light removes darkness so we can see a path forward; the study and practice of Vedic astrology provide a spiritual path to participate consciously in the cosmic flow."

What are the most valuable tools you find yourself using and practicing from this belief system?

In Vedic astrology, the planets are all masculine, but the sky is expressed as feminine; the daughters of the cosmos, in which the agency of the planets is given birth. Each of the daughters has a story in the mythology of India — to understand these stories of where the moon, the sun, and the planets are placed in the sky is to understand our story. This is a most extraordinary tool, as how can a person evolve and progress if they are ignorant of the forces that have shaped their identity? Only by knowing your story can you begin the process of changing your story in the ongoing journey to emancipation.

How can someone begin to explore the world of Vedic astrology with no prior knowledge? Any tips for beginners?

There are many websites that provide free Vedic charts, and an impressive selection of books for beginners. In addition, there are free and affordable Vedic astrological programs that can jump-start your journey. As a founder of the Council of Vedic Astrology (CVA) over three decades ago, it would be remiss of me not to mention our organizational website where you will find a list of our internationally recognized Vedic astrologers.

Learn more at www.vedicsciences.com or by calling 425-778-6487, and at www.councilvedicastrology.com.

Susan Levitt | Chinese Astrology

Astrologer and lover of how the planets are named for the ancient Roman gods, bringing them to life. Susan also studies traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese astrology is a branch of Chinese medicine, and Susan  sees the parallels between Chinese and Western astrology.

How does Chinese astrology help guide your spiritual outlook on life?

Chinese astrology is based on the seasonal cycles of nature. By following the Chinese lunar calendar, you know what to do, what to eat, even when to think and meditate to stay in alignment with the cycles of Mother Nature. This creates a spiritual outlook from respecting the timing of nature's cycles and beauty.

What can our connection to the cosmos help us understand about our journey of life — past, present, and future?

We can have an understanding of time’s passage and our growth from past experiences that create our present. By understanding our present state, we can then create the future with the information provided by Chinese astrology. For example, 2025, the year of the Wood Snake, is a time for contemplation and to shed skins of the past.

"By following Chinese medicine, including the rhythms of Chinese astrology, I was able to heal."

What are the most valuable tools you find yourself using and practicing from this belief system?

Chinese medicine saved my life. I was so sick with an autoimmune disorder that I couldn't even get out of bed. By following Chinese medicine, including the rhythms of Chinese astrology, I was able to heal. Now I am in the best health of my life, especially mental health.

How can someone begin to explore the world of Chinese astrology with no prior knowledge? Any tips for beginners?

I wrote my book Taoist Astrology to help people begin to learn Chinese astrology, especially the five-elements theory of Chinese medicine. If you read my book, you will know astrology, but you will also understand the Taoist cosmology that is the basis for feng shui and other Chinese healing arts.

Learn more at https://susanlevitt.com.