Astrology

Regarding the letter from M G Sherlock denouncing Astrology [ FT400:75]: I have had a lifelong interest in astrology as well as astronomy, which began when I was a small boy and flourished when I was about 16 (I am now 75). My introduction to astronomy came when I was about 10, via The Amateur Astronomer by Patrick Moore, in which he denounces astrology in no uncertain terms. To my later regret, I took very good heed of this. Later, in about my 16th year, I discovered the work of CG Jung, which has become another lifelong interest. I read of Jung’s own fascination with the subject and his experiments in it. Jung’s writings, as it were, “gave me permission” to pursue my interest in astrology. One of Jung’s daughters, Gret Baumann Jung, became a professional astrologer.

Over the years, I have studied many horoscopes. Some I have done in essay form for study courses so my ideas have been mentored. I have, for example, studied the horoscopes of some of the WWII leaders, great artists such as Picasso and Braque, musicians such as Pablo Cassals, writers such as Evelyn and Auberon Waugh and many lesser known people, family, friends and acquaintances. In the vast majority of them I have discovered fascinating truths, which fitted in with Jung’s own observations. He regarded astrology as “the psychology of the past”. I have also studied what is known as mundane or political astrology, which is the astrology of world events, including some events of WWII and the student riots in France in 1968. In the latter, using astrology, I uncovered events previously unknown to me.

My own feeling about astrology is that as it relies very much on the interpretation of symbols and does not respond well to quantitative statistical analysis. (Neither does art appreciation.) The best approach to astrology, therefore, is through psychically oriented work, such as the writings of Jung, Steiner, Elisabeth Vreede (astronomer and also astrologer) and general Western

esotericism. For a technical introduction, TeachYourself Astrology by Jeff Mayo will get you started. Astrology probably “fits best” with people who have some form of theistic belief and a belief in reincarnation, so atheistic logical positivists might have difficulties. “Getting a hang” on astrology is a long journey, but one worth making as it uncovers so many other fascinating subjects. The really competent astrologer should possess a wide general knowledge, indeed be someone of considerable erudition.

So why are astrologers’ predictions usually ‘tripe’? The modern view of astrology is that it is perhaps not so much a predictive art but more a means of insight into people and situations. Unfortunately, the temptation is for the astrologer to “stick their neck out”, since if the prediction is right it will bring them fame and fortune. Sir Patrick Moore was a very gifted amateur astronomer and a brave man who risked all in WWII (and nearly died), so it pains me to disagree with him about astrology.

Brian Perry

Bridgwater, Somerset