astrology as a tool in the healing process
by Jill Kirby | 21 january, 2000
Astrology is holistic. It reveals the whole self, in all its multi-faceted layers of being. When people talk about healing, they are most often referring to the treatment of some specific physical ailment or disease. (Our own "Health Care System", about which we hear so much these days, might more accurately be referred to as a "sickness care system"). However, from a holistic standpoint, the physical is not separate from the emotional, psychological, spiritual aspects of the self. When I look at a horoscope, there is no clearcut differentiation between these levels of being. Part of the problem with our western modes of 'healing' lies in the attempt to separate the physical level of manifestation in disease from the interrelated, and more complex associated factors. In many cases, this adds to the problem and, rather than facilitating the healing process, creates an even greater sense of fragmentation in the self.
Everything is energy. Your thoughts, feelings, emotions and physical body are all energy. The horoscope reveals your unique energy pattern. It is composed of many different factors which are meant to function as a whole. The process of healing is really the process of integration, wholeness. To integrate means "to make whole or complete...to bring parts together into a whole; unify". Integrity is defined as:"a being complete; wholeness ... unimpaired condition; soundness". The integrity of the system is compromised when dis-ease is present.
Astrologically, the root causes of a physical health problem can generally be seen in the birth chart of the individual (through a very careful and thorough analysis of all the factors in the chart). There will often be a predisposition to certain types of disease, or parts of the body more likely to be the site of disease, should it occur. Each of the zodiac signs, and their planetary rulers, relates to particular parts of the physical body. Each also relates to particular needs, urges, desires, motivations and modes for fulfillment. In almost every chart, there will be some conflict indicated between some of these energies.
"Our own 'Health Care System' might more accurately be referred to as a 'Sickness Care System'."
When this
occurs, the individual will tend to repress or suppress one of the
conflicting needs in favour of the other, in order to relieve the internal
stress of the conflict. However, this often leads to a sense of
fragmentation, as parts of the self are discounted, disowned or buried -
eventually the resulting sense of dis-ease may manifest as physical
illness. Whether it manifests as physical illness or mental or emotional
distress, the healing process requires a recognition and re-integration of
all the parts of the self.
Seeing the meaning in the health challenges you face can also be a part of the healing process. Rather than feeling victimized by some external force or betrayed by the body, you might benefit from a deeper understanding of the purpose of that challenge in your life. To quote Caroline Myss (Why People Don't Heal and How They Can)
-
"Negativity is not
the only source of illness: It can also emerge as the answer to a prayer.
It can guide us onto a path of insight and learning upon which we would
otherwise never have set foot. It may be a catalyst for expanding personal
consciousness as well as for understanding the greater meaning of life."
None of us can 'know the mind of God'. We all have our own agenda, our own goals and ideas about what our life should look like and the path we are on. However, this is generally a conscious process, an ego process, and not always in alignment with our spiritual growth and the wisdom of the 'Higher Self'. The birth chart holds clues to what it is you really need for your spiritual growth (and physical well-being).
The planets share the names of the gods of the Roman pantheon. For those of you familiar with the ancient myths, you will know that each of the gods demanded due attention, and, if it was not forthcoming, they created all sorts of mayhem; much like some children (even grown up ones) who, if they cannot get attention for their achievements, will resort to ever-escalating negative behaviours. Each of us has all of the planets somewhere in our birthcharts. Whether they are at war with one another, or coexisting in harmonious relationship, each planet (energy) must be allowed its own expression, according to its position in the chart (sign and house placement, and aspects to the other planets). The first step in this process is to become consciously aware of what the disparate parts of the self are, and how best to create avenues of expression for each.
Energy is vibration and the different energy 'bodies' vibrate at different frequencies. The physical body, composed as it is, of matter, vibrates at the lowest frequency, while the emotional, psychological and spiritual 'bodies' vibrate at ever higher frequencies. According to many who do energy work and can see the aura, a problem can often be seen in the auric field long before it manifests in the physical body. Perhaps this is so because of the denseness of matter and its slow vibratory rate. This explanation makes sense to me, but it is only conjecture on my part. Certainly, the activity in the birth chart at any given time will give indications as to disruptions and disturbances in the energy pattern, and challenges that need to be met. It is not the degree of stress that matters, but how it is handled.
Astrology provides a unique opportunity for increased self awareness and understanding that can be invaluable in the healing process. We are, each of us, whole already. We only need to reconnect with the feeling of wholeness within ourselves. Once we find that sense of integrity and inner peace, it will be reflected in the world around us.
To contact her, check out her website at holisticarts.ca.
