Astrology and Choice: Self-Control and the Stars (and Shakespeare)

‘Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.’
— William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2

Astrology enthusiasts and seekers of self-improvement often turn to the stars for guidance, but Shakespeare’s words remind us that our destiny is not solely dictated by the cosmos. Instead, it’s about how we harness our astrological influences and exercise free will to shape our lives.

Hiking down the ancient Inca steps on Huayna Picchu in the Andes Mountains, Peru, 2014. Photo by Leah Gillis. Explore the breathtaking and challenging historical trail.
Hiking down the ancient Inca steps on Huayna Picchu in the Andes Mountains, Peru, 2014. Photo (and hike) by Leah Gillis.

The above quote about astrology is intriguing. According to those who understand astrology best and use it as a tool for self-improvement (I mean, why else would we?!), the goal is to embody the best traits of our signs and avoid the negative ones. It’s a goal, right?! But the stars don’t make us do anything. We have free will. We choose. Knowing about astrology helps us make better choices and provides a roadmap. And who doesn’t want a map to figure something out?!

Astrology and Self-Control: Navigating Choices with the Stars

Understanding astrology is like having a roadmap for personal growth. It helps us recognize our strengths and weaknesses according to our astrological signs, empowering us to make better choices. While astrology provides insights, it doesn’t control our actions. We always hold the reins over our decisions.

Using Astrology as a Guide, Not an Excuse

Often, people will mention their less positive traits as typical of their sign, like it’s a point of pride or, worse, an excuse. So, how do astrology and choice go together?

“Mistakes were made” is not the same as “I made a mistake.”
“What was I supposed to do? He/She/They made me.”
“I’m a ___ (fill in the blank with any astrology sign), what do you want?”

Look, if you’re a Pisces who is unconditionally loving, has very good self-esteem, no addictions, and strong boundaries – brag on! Inspire us all with your healthy, unconditional love-giving self. The thing is, if you are that person, you won’t be bragging. Aye, the rub! Or better, the lesson…

People often use astrology to excuse bad behavior – this happens a billion times over during Mercury in retrograde. A controlling Scorpio or a smothering Cancer might blame their big feelings for their behavior, ignoring that they are entirely capable of restriction, waiting, delay, putting a pin in it, pausing, and holding up. They completely ignore that they can choose to observe themselves without dragging everyone else onto their emotional roller coaster (Pisces included, lol).

“The fault is not in our stars but in ourselves.”

People often admit negative traits about themselves, traits they know don’t serve them and want to change, but blame them on their astrology. “It’s not my fault I love love so much; I’m just a Libra.” “I can’t make them feel better about being wrong; that’s not my job; I’m just an Aquarius.” “It’s not my fault; the facts are the facts; I’m just a Gemini.”

Just. Someone once mentioned to me that “just” is very rarely that. (It was a Libra. Brilliant guy but also an asshole. Lol.)
“I have feelings, but this is about work, and that’s different,” think Capricorns everywhere. “If I see a problem, I have to tell them,” said Virgos to no one’s joy (except they are right, gosh darn it!). “I sure am going to make sure I eat the best food and am comfortable always,” is a Taurus credo.
“It’s not harsh; it’s true; I’m just a Sag.” “So what if I’m taking up all the attention; I’m just a Leo.” “I couldn’t help but explode at them; what do you want? I’m just an Aries!”

Okay, lol. Roast over.

Astrology in the Modern World: Reflecting on Historical Figures

J.P. Morgan, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Theodore Roosevelt used astrology. As did the guys who founded the U.S.A.  

We do not promote the patriarchy or the hoarding of wealth or resources, and lately, the planets are hitting us hard on that unhealthy structure. There’s been no balance. Choices have been made that haven’t benefited everyone. Humanity has gone very off course, and correction via the stars is helping us as well. Well, it’s coming through us, and the stars are guiding and reflecting.

Astrology and the Age of Aquarius: Navigating Current Trends

We are currently experiencing profound shifts as we enter the Age of Aquarius. This era emphasizes the breakdown of outdated structures and the creation of new, equitable systems. Uranus in Taurus is highlighting flaws in our financial and food resource systems, urging us to rethink our security and sustainability. Meanwhile, Chiron in Aries is bringing to light our wounds of identity, encouraging us to heal and move forward without being hindered and negatively influenced by past pains.

Pluto’s transit through Capricorn has shown us the failings of traditional leadership, social and financial structures. As Pluto moves into Aquarius, we are called to rebuild these systems from the ground up, striving for comprehensive and transformative change. 

Please know Pluto does not play and will not accept half-measures. We are able to really redo for the better from the studs up. We are changing; divisions based on gender, religion, country, and money (all man-made, oof) are proving to be not just unkind but harmful. What is a border anyway? What is it for?

“Not from the stars do I my judgment pluck,” — Shakespeare, Sonnet 44

Embracing Your Astrological Symphony: Making Choices That Matter

We have freedom, yes, but if you are a Virgo and see a stain, of course, you are going to try and get it out—even if it’s not your house, lol. We are who we are, and our traits are all for the good. Even the challenging parts. Why? Because that’s what we are here to change. And even those have a purpose.

This is the game of life. Well, part of it. Knowing astrology means we have a heads-up on what to do to make our lives better and to make better choices. What we do creates our life. A Sag that controls their tongue is going to have blessings on blessings, while a Pisces that speaks up about their needs healthfully is going to have blessings FOR speaking up. It’s all about balance and choices.

Our chart is an orchestra. Everything blends together to create a beautiful symphony that is us.

The orchestra is always at the ready. The symphony is always playing. When we know our charts and the stars’ motions, it makes the music more beautiful because we have the sheet music. We are in concert with the forces that birthed us both. We are working with forces to help us—the same forces that created you, me, this computer/phone/tablet, the clothes you have on, and the sky.

Conclusion: Astrology and Free Will

Astrology offers valuable guidance but is not a determinant of our fate. It’s a tool to better understand ourselves and navigate our choices. By embracing our astrological strengths and managing our challenges, we can craft a life that reflects both our unique qualities and our highest aspirations.

Explore your astrological chart and use it as a guide to make empowered decisions. The stars may influence us, but ultimately, it’s up to us to shape our destiny. The choice is always ours.

Wise souls have used guidance from above forever. The choice is always ours…

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Leah
Leah

Wants to know. Has some questions. Very Sag. Always up for pizza. Planning several trips. Big fan of joy. Wants to talk about it. All of them. Is sure we can figure out this whole living thing. Is rooting for you.

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