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The following articles are excerpted from abbreviated versions of articles appearing in The Mountain Astrologer, a popular publication featuring the insights, philosophies, and experience of some of the most highly respected practitioners in the astrological field.

In attempts to pass on the essence and message of the primary themes of these authors, I hope not to have detracted from the continuity or integrity of the original material by excessive selective editing, paraphrasing, and adding occasionally my personal 'two cents worth'.

The submissions were chosen on the basis of their relevance to the power of astrology as a tool in determining the very real, ever-present correspondences between cosmic patterns and the human condition.

The topics address some divergent and interestingly different perspectives on how these correspondences have separated then interrelated to in part over time and seem to be slowly merging in the present for a more comprehensive, effective application of this awesomely fantastic mirror, symbol system, and craft. If the profiles and contributions of these authors can be further brought before the public through these inclusions, so much the better.

The human psyche is at the center of astrology, rather than the planets begin perceived as things that do things to people.
- Liz Greene interviewed by Nicholas Campion -1.02; 2/3.02

Tasting the Moment - Caroline Norris 6/97

Astrology also deals with synchronicity (the hypothesis that each moment contains a particular force that corresponds with certain motions within the bodies of all life-units on all planes.) So it's an untruth to declare that the planets' movements "cause" a certain earthly event of human tendency. This is giving a greatly exaggerated influence to bodies, which, in themselves, form but the minutest building blocks of unimaginably vast organisms in which we live, move and have our being.

Astrologers can become sensitive enough to understand the right moment to pose a question -- and how incredible to realize that the answer lies in the very moment the question is expressed. Q and A thus becomes two inseparable aspects of a single moment (Horary). Imagine that we can become so adept as to need no visual aid of visual symbolism for this moment -- but to simply use our new sense organ, and answer simultaneously, together with all past, present and future causes and effects and all outcomes connected with it.

Astrology and Subtle Energy - Alastair Cooper 4/5.98

In our culture's present search for a new mode or model to work with, there has been a marked focusing on the great ancient cultures in which the foundations for the forms of today's astrological practice were born. These cultures were responsible for the widespread appearance of pyramids, Stonehenge, earthworks and countless stone structures gracing the globe. Most significant and essential features of their veiled 'magical secrets' are found in astrology, geomancy, numerology, mathematics, music and geometry: fields the ancients knew to be intimately connected. Their feats were so beyond the comprehensibility of status quo science and moderns to fathom, given our blind-sided frames of reference, they've been vehemently ignored and dismissed by most as totally beyond acceptance.

Is it really too far a stretch to imagine that a race capable of the amazing feat required to construct the pyramids might have some reasonable ideas about practicality and efficiency? After all, astrology and the calendar were central to all their designs! If, as the ancients did, one believes in the essential unity and wholeness of the universe, how could the heavens not be considered as strongly influencing life here?and that life here has some sort of reciprocal influence upon the heavens?

A vital aspect of the ancient sciences is the attribution of vibration to all things, the concept of resonance re observing and experiencing the music of the spheres?just as does quantum physics call its fleeting particles of matter, and employs extensively non-causality and relationship. While there are readily measurable known energies, however minute, that could account for various astrological phenomena (the earliest being planetary angularity findings validated by radiologist John Nelson in the 40's), scientists' primary complaint about astrology is that they recognize no forces strong enough to account for any astrological effects. Astronomy and physics recognize only two long-distance forces: 1. gravity 2. electromagnetism, which includes all radiating energies of heat and light sent over power/phone/fibreoptic cables -- energy hitting us 24/7 not only from our own technologies, but from the atmosphere and all spheres beyond.

Nonetheless, there must be another, far more profound and subtle energy active in astrology -- a universal linking communication medium not limited to the relatively slow speed of light as electromagnetism is. There are other important factors to consider, one being no knowledge about measuring certain gravitational forces of the stars.

The ancient concept of the aether, seen as a matrix/medium for electromagnetism transfer, is becoming fashionable again but recognized as "zero point energy": the source of an all-pervading, nearly infinite energy potential. Some theorists assume the existence of many other energy modes besides electromagnetism. The esoteric term subtle energy applies here, referring to energies so finely woven into the fabric of the eather beyond the scope of electromagnetically-based instruments to efficiently detect.

"Scalar waves" is the young science in which one will find a more appropriate arena for tuning into astrologically active vibrations. Even in conventional manufacturing with highly refined materials, steel ball bearings can turn out faulty in the incorrect lunar phase, as the steel's crystalline nature is compromised. Such relates to subtle energies of the planets and where choices can be made. "So long as substances are in a solid state, they're subject to forces of the Earth, but in the liquid state, planetary forces come into play." - metaphysician Rudolf Steiner What is seen is not the effect of any measurable quantity of planetary energy transfer but rather a patterning/restructuring of the aether, which shifts the probabilities for molecules to positioned in various forms.

Borrowing from Steiner, Lawrence Edwards (the Vortex of Life, 1992) devised a very sensitive means of measuring plant bud growth via projective geometry to determine their growth formation not as gradual, but in cyclic stretching and swelling patterns. Since Steiner had determined correspondences between various major European trees and planetary rulers, Edwards found for instance, the beech tree to be associated with Mars, and that its buds would stretch and swell in sync with the Moon's conjunction and opposition to Mars.

Here again is a sensitive case of new material (plant cells) being patterned from a chaotic, disorganized supply of nutrients in solution. Edwards was also as able to show that buds from a tree growing in an electromagnetic field under power lines no longer followed the stretching & swelling patterns of its neighbors in a field-free environment. While the field-impacted tree did grow, it was unable to follow the more subtle shaping factors given by the planets in motion. At all times in any organism's cellular processes, various crystal-like materials are being created, & it is there we can see the planets at work. (There is more to the DNA model than merely the unfolding of a blueprint, showing that nature & nurture, genetics and the environment, are inextricably linked.)

The point here is that the action of subtle energies can result in observable effects by a continuous weaving and recycling of the energy available to it. And it can be argued that labeling an energy as strong or weak is arbitrary, as it's entirely dependent on how that energy is measured.

All living cells are surrounded by an electrically-charged membrane which can detect at all times these scalar waves. This was a radiation technique employed by research biologist Dr. Glen Rein who was able to demonstrate that DNA helixes could be made to coil or uncoil at will. This change of helix angle is an important step in the cell replication process. Also discovered was the ability to duplicate the effects of various homeopathic remedies by similarly radiating water with controlled scalar energy-effects unachievable using conventional electromagnetic energy forms. The manipulation of DNA and the patterning of water are two of the most important cell activities, and as in the crystallization process, this is a most important area in which astrology will be in evidence.

As technical skills for detecting subtle energies improve, ongoing research will show how these aetheric patterning events interact in the chemistry, chakras or brain waves of humanity?whereby the music of the spheres will be acknowledged as a constant backdrop, adding its variation and urgings to the workings of nature. "We may someday be able to create environments where planetary transits can be synthesized artificially -- at which point we will have to ask for ever more clarity and integrity where it is we think we want to go, for we'll be in possession of some deeply formative life forces..."

Neptune in Aquarius; the Sun and Moon; Astrology Today - Interview: Charles & Suzi Harvey 6/7.97

We are entering another Renaissance period, but if astrology & the model of the universe that astrology signifies is not heard & integrated into the world culture, then the renaissance simply cannot happen. In general, journalists & the media show their most cynical side in their treatment of astrology as entertainment. (Basically, the media reflects where society's consciousness is, rather than being a prophetic harbinger of where it's going.) More & more academics are seriously looking at astrology now: Pivotal amongst the avante-garde are Peter Roberts, Professor of Systems Science at London University, Percy Seymour, Head of Astronomy at Plymouth University. The late physicist David Bohm's ideas have been applied by scientist Will Keepin. Astrologically, we're potentially at one of the pivotal moments in consciousness.

In Aristotelian terms, the planets & their cycles are formal causes, not material causes; they're merely sounding out "the ideas of the time", which are informing the world & human consciousness of what kind of time it is. "When we have a great idea, in truth it's the great idea that's having us."

Astrology's lunar perspective relates to body & place, both feminine functions, which root us in our instincts, to a specific family & connection w/the past, & to fate. The solar dimension relates to the creative impact that discovering the meaning of the archetypes can move us into more purposeful action & dialogue with the gods. Lunar meaning has to do with making something real over time, knowing that something must come to birth, we grow into it; solar meaning has more to do with the intuitive, sudden, abstract quality of intellectual knowing.

The Sun is related to Spirit & the fiery, purposeful, vitalizing life process; the Moon is related to Soul as she who contains all the processes of being, life, & consciousness. It is she who through the tidal forces she exerts on all living things, regulates much of the daily, monthly, and the more complex rhythms of mother Earth. Circling the Earth, she is bringing the Sun spirit into connection with the earth. These two principles are constantly ebbing & flowing, & between them weave together animus & anima in their creative interpretations; the points where these two principles intersect are deeply creative & powerful.

Neptune's entrance into Capricorn in November '84 had much to do with the dissolving of the beaurocratic state; Neptune in AQ (early '98) speaks most vividly of a revisioning of social responsibilities worldwide & that our own individual progress is ultimately dependent on the health & well-being of every other individual, the world as a whole. This placement is also going to be about a growing awareness of how relative truth is, as well as the reality that the knower shapes his knowledge; hopefully Neptune here will be the harbinger of a truly more realized brotherhood of man. The ecology issue surfaced rather ferociously throughout the planet Pluto's transit through Scorpio from late '83 through late '95; (We've become aware of just how destructive our appetites can be!) There is clearly a much deeper symbiosis between ourselves & our world than most of us would want to admit.

Astrology as a Modern-day Myth - Daniel Johnson 8/9.91

Astrology has most certainly evolved, as it must to keep apace with the times. While unarguably described a mythical belief-system, it nevertheless provides (in the right hands) -- order and meaning. During any session, however, what will be presented is merely one perspective of interpretation. The birthchart is not the person, after all and at best is an imperfect symbolic manifestation of potentialities, yet to this day remains by far the most comprehensive model of the human psyche as there ever existed for any given individual when translated within the parameters of one's cultural frame of reference, belief system and circumstances.

Typically people view astrology from two different camps: dismissing it as either "unscientific" or unfounded mumbo-jumbo or venerate it for any number of reasons, as the 'Truth", or as a progressive, more-encompassing and more spiritual counter to the ever-prevailing lameness and limitations of the bulk of science. Understand, the birthchart is not something greater than oneself any more than is Freudian psychology, modern physics, medical science the tarot, or any other belief system that portrays itself as more encompassing than it actually is.

[Interview] - Dennis Ellwell - 8/9.96

The world should be better because astrology exists, and paradoxically, the whole of science is biased against anything even slightly resembling astrology. Re how astrology could presented in the press other than in the entertainment pages, Ellwell envisions a situation where a business enterprise could get very nervous fearing the advantage possessed by competitors with an in-house astrologer on their team. However to make any significant inroads into society, we will assuredly have to lift astrology "up". "Business people have spiritual biographies too; if we can meet them where they are and show them the right path for their business and for their own self-development, then why not?"

Beside being concerned with clients undergoing some personal anguish, we should also loudly proclaim that individuals already performing well in the world in their particular profession -- could acquire an extra edge through astrology, by dealing with people at whatever level they are at. And to do so, people will need something with a good deal more intellectual muscle than the astrology practiced by Greek, Arab and other ancient cultures were able to present, for in their day, astrology was represented as divination, beautiful, brilliant and fitting for the times, ill-suited for the 21st century. So we do have to adjust to the modern world and make astrology relevant to today's mindset. Up 'til the 1900s, astrologers spoken about planets in terms of body types, illness, herbs, minerals produced, etc., and only since related to in terms of effects on the personality and one's life circumstances, and since then have developed the ability to see how the planets work throughout the whole of creation -a quantum conceptual leap.

Project Foresight is an attempt to project the best in modern astrology in to they future -to see where its heading, the implications of the things we believe, the assumptions behind astrology. I.e., in essence?"How can we do this better?" If people in all walks of life became astrologers, those in the teaching profession, medicine, all areas, the astrologer is going to a different type of job than one not versed. There's no area of life to which astrology cannot make a significant contribution. That means recruiting people in various fields and show them how advantageous it would to see things from the astrologer's frame of reference.

"We are a force for the well-being of others if we discharge our obligations; we're all interconnected in ways we scarcely comprehend; each of us is a transmitting station, and what we're transmitting 24-7 is significant not only for ourselves, but for others everywhere -- and the whole system in which we're enclosed (just as the cells in the body). So to me, only astrology can reintroduce this fact in an intellectually honest way. And our reason for being is our contribution of the whole."

Interestingly, the astrological viewpoint contradicts and undoes the damage caused to the human psyche by astronomy, because, according to astronomy, we're nothing, expendable?mere specks of dust clinging to a slightly larger one as it swirls through eternity. Astrology steps up and says, "No, you are the centre of your universe." The religious viewpoint of the universe to which astrology must adhere more closely than to the approach of science, is that every entity has unique value. So when working with people, one has to be a true friend, every person has a mission. The astrologer's onus is to work towards showing what one was created to do and to contribute to the human condition?by restoring their confidence and sense of identity.

In the fall of 1977, a new orbiting body (now acting like a planet) was discovered orbiting between the paths of Saturn and Uranus, and was named Chiron, (a mythological figure who was king of the centaurs, a sage and healer who taught Earth-wisdom, the martial and healing arts to nobility's youth). Seeing Chiron as a new force in our human condition not there before its discovery with quite the same intensity, Ellwell regards Chiron to be still conducting his school for heroes, wherein people are trained up to do things they never dreamed they could do -- and succeed. Astrology changed with the discovery of Pluto (1930); it took a plunge into depth psychology.

With Chiron's discovery, there happened in the world a very subtle shift in psychotherapy itself -- the model changed to a training-and-skills model, rather then a causation model of trying to determine how someone got into a certain situation. So the question then became, "How can we educate this person, train and develop him to leap over this hurdle?" A Chiron-oriented astrology could function towards perfectibility of the human being, and believing in that perfectibility.