Strangely enough many of us choose to deny that an evolved state can be achieved rather than to accept the success of the appropriate human beings who serve as examples of greater people than ourselves.  The heroes and heroines we admire or to whom we give adulation are living proof of some gradient that exist in the qualities we look for, should we wish to appraise the measure of a super- human being.

However, there are millions of people the world over who agree that the birth of Jesus and his life path to the ultimate Sacrifice symbolizes very satisfactorily the evolutionary journey of the human consciousness from self assertion to the final surrender of the personal ego to the whole, to Universal Consciousness or God.

In astrological symbolism Jesus encourages us to progress from the strong egocentric Aries nature to the sense of at-one-ment with all humanity typified by the Piscean nature.

At Christmas time when the birth of Jesus is celebrated as thanksgiving for spiritual guidance, it is also a time for intuitive response in knowing that each has the potential to follow His example and learn to express all the zodiacal energies blended and exemplified in the Christ through supreme Love.

It becomes evident, that, for whatever reason, we tend to be naturally grouped in a mould of talents and behaviour common to others born within the same zodiacal framework and birth time. To accurately draw up an astrological chart, it is important that we relate to the true moment of birth, to the minute if possible. This is calculated by reference to astronomical calculations published in an ephemeris and is readily available to professional astrologers. For those who are happy with a rather broader interpretation, there are many quick calculating systems to use as a beginners’ guide.

The satisfaction of studying the human psyche within the astrological system is that it recognizes the extreme complexity of human nature but gives us with a simple starting point to observe why we share a similar body type with others; why our circumstances share similar points with others of the same zodiacal sign; why our latent talents can be seen from a young age; where our weaknesses in character exist; and many other features that are inherent in our overall psychological pattern or ‘recipe’.

When we have absorbed the basic studies of the zodiacal signs we then learn to see that the placement of the planets in the heavens at our birth. The planets then focus the particular influences rather than the previous generalities of the zodiacal sun sign or birth sign. These activate the difficult energy patterns or advantageous ones relative to our health, wealth, relationships, emotional fulfilment or intellectual goals.

Further, beyond the physical personality, the ancient science of astrology is complete in recognizing the attributes of the soul and the spirit of the individual that inhabits the psychological mechanism known to modern psychology.

The most potent reminder through astrology is that you, as an individual are unique and so will experience life uniquely and can offer a rare gift to the world.

Spiritual evolution is another matter. It works upon the increase of consciousness and intelligence. The aim to encourage the growth of the spark of intelligence that resides in each living creature and in the forms of all species in the vast kingdoms of nature, from the first slow stirrings in the minerals, to all plant life, insect, bird and animal, to the independent mind and intelligence that possesses the power of free will and resides in human form.

Although spiritual evolution may also be based upon our learning and our ability to adapt to human circumstances, it is concerned with the advancement of our immortal soul. This is slowly achieved by the gaining of wisdom and life’s truths and by the constructive expression of the noblest qualities we possess. This is provided in a system that provides opportunity for the human soul to learn and to grow gradually, through a succession of incarnations.

This is where the understanding of Astrology comes into consideration as to the manner whereby we as individual souls can learn all the lessons earth life has to teach us….the courage of Aries, the strength of Taurus, the power of speech of Gemini, the compassion of Cancer, the power of love of Leo, the exactitude of Virgo, the balance and beauty of Libra, the passion of Scorpio, the aspiration and wisdom of Sagittarius, the perseverance of Capricorn, the universality of Aquarius, and the willingness and sensitivity to sacrifice personal ego for the general good that is best known to those who understand Pisces.

This sketchy outline of the life curriculum for human learning is only a hint as to the deeper issues involved. But we can begin to see a better reason for our birth chart with its defined encouragements and cautions if we use it to help focus upon our personal disciplines for this present personality and circumstances.

As far as already confirmed, astrologers, both by astronomical progressions and by historical examples and known world teachers, that humanity as a whole evolves in what seems to be the reverse order of the zodiac from our present standpoint. For example, Jesus Christ the great spiritual Avatar exemplified the teaching of the Piscean era with the symbol of the fish being dominant. The anticipated teacher for the Aquarian Age with its symbol of the water bearer, will guide us in a different fashion to suit our present needs, 2000 or so years later. And after that our earth history will be subject to the Capricornian energies of a future millennium.

It is necessary that eventually each of us personally experiences all that earth life has to teach us, through experience of all energies represented in the twelve signs of the zodiac. This is accomplished through a succession of incarnations some as a male and others as a female as determined by Karmic or spiritual law.

Regarding the order in which individual human beings progress through life’s school, there is some considerable interest. For instance, if born under Leo this life, does this mean that next life we will be under Cancer or do we move from Leo into a Virgo incarnation?  Some would argue that to be forewarned is forearmed!  Personally I do not know the answer nor do I presume to think it is wise to seek so ambitiously. Rather to apply what we already know would seem wise.

This can be achieved by simple reflection, by meditation, by a disciplined session of self talk or by other means, one being a fresh reading and interpretation of your birth chart and the appropriate progressions. An experienced astrologer can provide wise counsel through the impersonal element of professionalism. Someone who knows you well cannot help but be biased. We are also more than inclined to be biased ourselves!

In the spirit of astrology that seeks to keep aspiration and personal culture attuned to the ideal of ultimate development of the soul we seek to offer a reminder of matters that are currently our concern by having been born under one main zodiacal influence this life.

Our birth signs offer us inspiration as our imagination identifies with the finest expression of our Sun Sign and will often give us the self confidence to cope with the problems that are universally applicable to our own life and to all others who share the same astrological sign.

This is a simple path that helps us sometimes through the labyrinth of multiple influences and choices that we are presented with when we explore the complexity of astrology.

To avoid becoming too hard and fast in absorbing information or any interpretation, it is a balancing thought to recall that human souls development occurs over aeons of time so there is no feeling of rush or fear that we cannot correct any ill-advised attitude or action.  In other words, our attitude should be a relaxed one.

Until you consult with your astrologer, if that is your choice, you may like to read of the essential spiritual strengths believed to be inherent in those born in each sign.

Aries the warrior, the initiator, the pioneer – defending the good, the true and the beautiful – with a need for patience and quieter emotions. This person volunteers, inspires and motivates

Taurus – the builder, producer and accumulator with strong, constructive purpose that can be interpreted as stubborn. With a need for some adaptation to circumstances. To shelter others.

Gemini – the restless, creative free artistic spirit that excites and travels far, in mind and body to find new horizons needs a resting place in the mind and soul to refresh the inner self.

Cancer – the caring teacher, sensitive to all, nourishes maternally and expresses unlimited qualities of the Moon. Needs overcome response to shrink in hurt or in shy retreat from life.

Leo – the lion hearted king that rules in sun-like dominance, power and generosity – needs only to avoid insensitivity to others. Love naturally gives, but also learns to receive.

Virgo – the focus is on detail, meticulous attention to work to warrant the name perfectionist for the desire and with the capacity to serve well. Others can receive too harsh their criticism.

Libra – seek balance, fairness in partnership and all things – so beauty, harmony, justice are the fields of expression and romance. But life is not always just. Decisions are made with difficulty.

Scorpio – is the investigator, researcher whose nature plumbs the depths and perceives the heights of success through use of will. Such intensity needs a softer touch in all things.

Sagittarius – known for sagacity, the teacher, counsellor – the free spirit that aspires to taste all, experience all, and to benefit others. To conserve rather than to scatter interest and energies is the lesson.

Capricorn – the traditional, faithful companion, perfect diplomat or manager – noble in action, cautious, yet determined in honour, ambition and in willingness to employ prudence and perseverance in the dealings with others.

Aquarius – humanitarian and scientist by nature, is called to enterprises for the world, in aid that is for the many rather than the few. Needs personal satisfaction and to think of self, also.

Pisces –the poet and dreamer has rare tools in compassion, sympathy, and sensitivity to reach in consciousness the abstract worlds where new ideas are born. Learns to be practical as well as learning psychic self defence.

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The seed of every possible human quality is within each of us and to these we respond. The more we are inspired to cultivate all the virtues and express them in our character, the richer our spiritual life develops as a natural reward for allowing them to grow and flourish in a spontaneous, organic cultivation that is entirely natural to our soul.

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