Taking the woo-woo out of Astrology

» Posted by Chantelle Baxter on Aug 12, 2011 in Blog, Life Lessons, Woo-woo | 2 comments

My transformation from rational, level-headed western woman to flowing, intuitive hippie is almost complete. I’m not quite at the point where I can leave my arm pit hair in it’s natural state, but hey, you never know when I’ll cross that line. (I can already see the horror on @davedixon‘s face).

Last week I had my first astrology reading and to be honest, I was pleasantly surprised. If you’d asked me to have a reading a couple of months ago, I would’ve laughed. Astrology was right up there with psychic powers – It all seemed a bit woo-woo to me. But, what was the harm right? Worst case scenario I lose $50, best case I learn something.

It helps that I know my astrologer. There is nothing woo-woo about Yuko. She’s a successful japanese business woman who runs two (or three) businesses. Yuko has a calmness about her – she’s a yoga enthusiastic and meditator. Two big ticks in my book.

Yuko shared some platinum grade knowledge that I think everyone should know. Astrology goes way beyond a generalised horoscope.

Astrology says : You will experience six ‘ground zeroes’ in your lifetime.

What are ‘ground zeroes’ you ask? It’s when everything in your life turns to shit and you undergo a serious transformation.

My first GZ was in 97-98 when I went from angelic 13 year old to a drinking, drugging, promiscuous 14 year old. My second was in 07- 08 where I lost myself in an extraordinarily unhealthy relationship.

Why is this good news? Because it means that we live in a constant state of change. No matter what we do to build an illusion of security, we’re still going to experience heartbreak, loss and ultimately transformation. In fact we’re going to hit rock bottom at least 6 times in a life that spans 70+ years.

Knowing about ‘ground zero’ means we’re excused from playing it safe. The more we chase security, the riskier life becomes – ‘ground zeros’ are going to hit, no matter what fortress we build around our lives. In fact, they’ll hit us harder if we’re unaccustomed to change. Mix it up.

Astrology says : From age 27 – 30, you will find yourself hit repeatedly with a large stick as the universe attempts to get you onto your ‘true’ path. Oh yeah baby, Saturn Returns.

From age 27 – 30, Saturn (the planet) will enter your life and attempt to smack you onto the right path. If you’re way off course, Saturn is going to have some serious ass whooping to do.

I’ve watched friends move through this period – I’ve seen them work their asses off to achieve their ‘dreams’, but despite their best efforts, they never make any headway. In astrologies opinion, it’s because Saturn is screaming “You’re on the wrong path honey! Your dreams will come true when you’re living your truth – take a left here and things will change..”

You have a purpose. There IS a reason you’re here. The earlier you align yourself to that, the smoother your Saturn Return will be. From age 27 – 30, you’ll start to seriously question your career, your relationship, your family, your money – EVERYTHING – anything you’re avoiding is going to come up. So if you’re Facing 30 and Freaking Out, check out this great article about Saturn Returns.

Astrology says : We’re all here for different reasons – we each have a unique life purpose – don’t worry about the people who don’t get yours.

This was a big ‘ah ha’ moment for me. I’m one seriously judgemental chick – I can’t begin to tell you the amount of times I’ve poo-pooed people who choose to conform to the status quo. I’m a self-proclaimed expert when it comes to telling you how to live your life. Ask aunty Chantelle, she knows best.

Astrologies wisdom tells us that we’re all here for different reasons. My opinion is irrelevant. There is no ‘right’ way to live your life. You should live aligned to YOUR highest truth.

Proof? Check out my funky little astrology map. There are a bunch of planets squished into the top right hand corner. They’re spread quite evenly across three houses. The planets say – “If you focus on these areas, you’re aligned with your soul’s journey and your heart will sing.”

My map says that in order to live my highest truth, I should put my energy into my career, travelling and healing others. Energy in these areas will make my heart sing. Through Yoga and my work with One Girl, I spend a large amount of time in these three houses.

There are 9 other houses on the map where your planets might reside. You planets might be partying in the family, romance and money houses – hence, what makes your heart sing is going to be completely different to mine. You know those people who have a 9 – 5 job, white picket fence and 2 children? They could actually BE happy. That could be their truth!

Give respect and compassion to people whose planets party in different houses. If people don’t understand your life purpose, don’t worry – their planets are sending them a different message – they can’t hear yours.

If you enjoy comparing yourself to everyone who crosses your path, Stop. Your path is different. Just because you weren’t born an entrepreneur / supermodel / baby-maker in this lifetime, doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.

Celebrate the beauty in your uniqueness.

If you’re interested in finding out about your own astrological destiny, contact Yuko on yuko@greenebooks.net. She’s more than happy to do a Skype reading with you – and no, I’m not receiving commission – I just think she’s great.

Remember, self awareness is power. Know thyself.