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Strategies, Games People Play:
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Mars Perihelion, Moon Wobbles, Solar
Bobbles & Retros:  Summer 2003

November 2003 Eclipses, Moon Wobbles
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Are habits a karmic condition? Is there such a thing as "karmic habits"? Indeed, all habits are a result of karmic patterns. In Sanskrit, the word "karma" literally translates to habits.

Astrology, being the mother of astronomy, is the fastest, most precise tool available for determining the habits and karmic patterns of the soul. "To everything there is a season," and a reason. As the motion of the planetary bodies reflect a cyclical and rhythmic movement, likened to the steady pulses and rhythmic heart-beat of our individual lives, so are we all subject to automatic actions resulting in unconscious behavior.

The horoscope, a map of empyreal influences, acts as a blueprint for the life of the soul’s journey and evolution through this terrestrial plane. This blueprint can also be compared to DNA cells which literally translate hereditary material. The natal chart literally translates one’s tendencies, dispositions and karmic patterns.

Contrary to popular belief, there is more to astrology than a person’s Sun Sign. Saturn’s influence in the chart makes one controlled by habit as the planet Saturn rules over karma and tends make habits fixed. Habit is also the result of automatic action governed by the Moon. Furthermore, if the majority of planets were fixed at birth, or the constellations Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn are prominent in the birth chart, this would tend to make one a "creature of habit".

Planets in retrograde motion at birth are another indication of repetitive behavior patterns. In fact they play a strong role in Karmic Analysis because when a planet is retrograde the energy is more internalized, as well as more unconscious. Subconsciously they produce the tendency to repeat what you were in the past. This configuration in the Birth Chart represents an automatic response. Karmically, retrograde planets can indicate the misuse, abuse or neglect of the particular energy in past lives. So the soul returns to review its apparent setbacks, first by initially repeating it, and then is magnetized towards correcting it and healing. In fact, retrograde planets become the focal point for transformation and development in this lifetime. Sometimes apparent weaknesses are actually hidden personality strengths, as often the presence of negativity serves the soul with challenges and opportunities for growth. Retrograde planets give one the energy and drive for accomplishment.

Besides the proverbial "creature of habit" there are good and bad habits. But let us not forget, the only thing constant about the universe is that all things change. There is a time for making and a time for breaking habits. For example, lunations can be useful in affecting change. Form the new moon to the full moon, new habits can be formed. From the full moon to the new moon, old habits can be broken. Saturn returns can also be utilized for breaking and forming habits. Often, people wonder why they, not only struggle with stubborn habitual patterns, but are frustrated with their seeming failure to change them. Due to universal laws and cycles, it simply is not the right time. Doing anything out of its proper time is like trying to hike a mountain with the wind in your face. You’re out of sync. By going with the flow of your individual cycles, your chances of success is greater when you change with your personal transits. Like the wind on your back: you not only get a push but, with some effort, can soar to even greater heights.

Timing is everything in life. Astrology is not only used as a analytical tool, but can accurately be used as a guide to planning and achieving your goals in life. To everything there is a season.

Many seek to know what the causes are behind stubborn habits they may be conscious of and struggle with. Addictive behavior, substance abuse, financial troubles, relationship issues and even fanatical religious leanings are merely the "effects" of a karmic "root" which "causes" one to turn to these repeated actions over and over again.

Through Astro-logical Analysis the karmic causes and roots of these unwanted repeated actions can be found in one’s blueprint. The only thing actually written in stone is the past. With this understanding, one can then make the decision to take control and overcome any fixed behavior pattern, turning it into victory and transformation, resulting in changed karmic patterns for the future, as well as soul growth and inevitable evolution. Awareness is the beginning of the healing process. Through awareness and understanding, combined with your free-will and freedom and choice, you have the opportunity for celestial liberation and can break free from karmic bondage.

Originally published in the Tampa Bay New Times June 1993