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Astrology as a Symbolic Language.
Since you've decided you want to learn a new language, the Language of The Cosmos, let's start at the beginning. You've read many times here that Astrology is a Symbolic Language, but what does that mean? For starters; when we talk about the planets, we're not talking about the actual PHYSICAL planets in the sky - we're talking about the ENERGIES that eminate from those planets. The planets are merely the SYMBOLS of that energy.
Here's how Isabel Hickey explains it in: Astrology, a Cosmic Science (Copyright 1970 by Isabel M. Hickey); "Astrology deals with Symbols. The signs of the Zodiac are Symbols of great and potent forces. The physical planets are but the outer forms through which soul energies manifest. It is these that affect us, not the physical planets. When you meet a person you are not affected by his physical body. Yet you respond to his character and personality to your benefit or detriment. So it is with planetary energies."
In Astrology, every Planet has a symbol, every Sign has a Symbol, every Aspect has a Symbol. Every Symbol has its own meaning, too, and they are important. To give you just a brief idea, look at the symbol for the Sun, since it is the oldest known Astrolical Symbol. It is a circle with a dot in the center. The circle represents the eternal self, the Soul. In Alan Oaken's Complete Astrology (Copyright 1988 by Alan Oaken)he explains: The Sun's glyph signifies the emanation of light, i.e., life giving energy from the unlimited resources of the Divinity. The circle is a symbol of infinity, as it is a perfect shape without beginning or end. The Circle is the totality of all matter which comprises the One-Supreme-Atom: The Universe of Universes. The dot is the point of Light which is sent forth as fount from which the Light comes. the Sun's symbol reveals Man's divine origin and shows him the unlimited possibility of growth which can be achieved through the conscious attunement to the dot of divinity within each being." In case you don't believe in that, or you want the simple short-hand version: The circle is the Universe. You are the dot. And that's just barely scratching the surface of ONE Symbol. But perhaps now you can understand why the Astrologers say this is a Language of SYMBOLISM.
If you examine the Symbols for the Planets, Signs, and Aspects, you will see that they are comprised of a combination of Glyphs. The main Glyphs are: O (the Circle: Spirit ), + (the Cross: Matter), ) (The Semi-Circle: Soul), . (the Dot:The Beginning), and | and A Vertical Rod and Horizontal Rod: Force of The Absolute). For the Signs and Planets, each of these Glyphs represents a specific occult/spiritual concept that is integral to and a specific part of each Astrological Symbol. For Aspects, they are space saving and communicate the energies of the Aspect involved. Taking the time to learn more about each of these glyphs will help you gain a deeper understanding of not just Astrology and the principles on which it is based, but of yourself and your place in this universe.
(Sources: Astrology, A Cosmic Science by Isabel M. Hickey, Copyright 1970 by Isabel M. Hickey; A Spiritual Approach To Astrology by Myrna Lofthus, Copyright 1983 by Myrna Lofthus; An Astrological Guide To Self-Awareness by Donna Cunningham, Copyright 1978 by Donna Cunningham; A to Z Horoscope Maker And Delineator, A Text book of Astrology by Llewllyn George; How To Be A Great Astrologer, The Planetary Aspects Explained by James Braha Copyright 1992 by James Braha)
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