by Darrell Steen

The influences which describe the past, present, and future (called Transits) do not describe what has happened or what will happen; they describe what you would like to do, feel compelled to do, and what would be in your best interest, psychologically and spiritually.

You have the ability to do anything at anytime; freewill is thee primary, overriding factor in all matters.  This means that you have just as much ability to choose the wrong course of action as the right one.  And then, on top of that, your conditioning -- that is the circumstances that you were exposed to as a child, your parents influence, and cultural expectations -- all directly influence your decision making process in ways that are obvious and others which are totally sub-conscious.  So, astrology is one factor, among many others, that are a part of who and what you are now.  When this cultural and familial conditioning, or programming, is at odds with your basic personality, problems result.  The trick is to know which responses and expectations are culturally imposed or genuine to you basic nature.  Astrology is very clear about which is which.

There are a number of things that cannot be seen in the chart.  For example, if you were to have 'good' influences and choose to indulge in addictive, self-destructive activities, and then lie to the Grand Jury about it, you will not have a good time.  If you are having  'good' influences and choose to drive under the influence, or step in front of a moving truck, you will not have a good time.  These things cannot be seen in the chart because of freewill.  It is possible to behave in ways that undermine the success of the very things that you are trying to accomplish.  We all have been around that block before, trying to separate ourselves from our past.  The point is that freewill is a very powerful thing and to use common sense when trying to understand how astrology can influence your development.  If you put yourself in a situation where there is no hope of improvement, where others call the shots, personally and or professionally, then the planets are not going to make things change or get better.  You must act.  You must remove yourself from the oppressive situation before anything positive can happen.

Those who are afraid of change, those who avoid psychological and spiritual growth because it can be painful, those who seek the comfortable rut of security, and who play stereotypical, politically correct, socially approved roles for themselves and their families, may find a reading a bit disturbing.  (Fortunately, for me, not many people who are this way seek a reading)

Astrology sees you separate and distinct from all cultural and societal expectations.  It sees you as a unique and special Child of God, full of potential and afraid of nothing.

There are many roads to enlightenment and any path that is worthy should demand being self-conscious and engaged in life.  Astrology is one way of achieving this.

You are the center of your universe. Your personality, consciousness, and soul unfolds, grows, and changes just as the universe does.  It is a direct response to the events and circumstances encountered in the material world.  Your personality constantly expands and evolves because it is a direct reflection of  the universe evolving, growing, and changing.  Living in, and moving through, this universe of time and space forces personal evolution. It is the purpose of life.

The birth chart is a map of the terrain ahead.  It is not the terrain itself.  You must choose what roads to take, how fast or slow to go, car, bike, walking, etc.  The point is to get moving. In any long journey, there will be detours and delays, excitement and wonder, boredom and fatigue, happiness and fulfillment; living life must be a passionate endeavor - and having a map helps a great deal.

Steen, Darrell. "Astrology and its range of influence."

Darrellsteenastrology. Web. 15 Feb. 2010 <http://darrellsteenastrology.com/astrology_and_its_range_of_influence>.