Kirk Little, an astrologer and expert on notable figures in astrology, reflects on the life and work of Geoffrey Cornelius, who argued that astrology is a form of divination. They discuss the evolution of astrology from mere fortune-telling to a respected discipline, emphasizing its philosophical depths. Kirk highlights personal experiences with omens and the participatory nature of astrology, asserting its role in crafting personal insights. The conversation also touches on the historical significance of astrology and its resurgence in modern times.
Astrology is framed as a form of divination that provides meaning beyond simple predictions about future events.
Kirk Little's personal journey into astrology began unexpectedly during the 1970s, leading him to study and understand it deeply.
The late 20th century saw the rise of psychological astrology, integrating psychological theories to enhance astrology's relevance and validity.
Geoffrey Cornelius argued that astrology should be appreciated for its interpretive richness, rather than judged by scientific standards.
The podcast highlights how mundane astrology connects celestial events to historical occurrences, emphasizing its significance in understanding societal dynamics.
Deep dives
Astrology as Divination
Astrology is presented as a form of divination, shaping one’s understanding of the relationship between celestial events and human experiences. Jeffrey Cornelius, who recently passed away, is celebrated for his pivotal work in establishing astrology’s status as divination, moving away from strictly predictive models. His central thesis posits that astrology serves not merely to forecast events but as a lens through which meaning can be derived about personal and collective human experiences. The discussion highlights how astrology transcends simple fortune-telling, entering the realm of existential reflection and personal interpretation.
Kirk Little's Astrology Journey
Kirk Little shares his personal journey into astrology, which began serendipitously during a hitchhiking experience in the 1970s. Encountering someone who recognized his astrological sign ignited his curiosity, leading him to study astrology more seriously. He underwent a three-year apprenticeship with a local astrologer, where he gained exposure to various astrological methods and the psychological dimensions of astrology. This foundation ultimately shaped his understanding of astrology’s intricate relationship with human psychology and its capacity for personal insight.
The Influence of Psychological Astrology
The conversation delves into the transformation of astrology during the late 20th century, particularly the impact of psychological astrology on the practice. Figures like Liz Greene challenged traditional perceptions, merging astrological insights with psychological theories, thus enhancing astrology’s legitimacy. This movement allowed astrology to be perceived as not just a mystical practice but as one that addresses deep psychological and emotional issues. The blending of psychology and astrology became a critical aspect of modern practice, appealing to a broader audience seeking self-understanding.
Challenges of Scientific Validation
The podcast discusses the challenges of validating astrology scientifically, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s when various studies scrutinized astrological claims. The results often favored skeptics and led to widespread doubt within the astrological community. Jeffrey Cornelius' work, however, framed astrology as divination, indicating that it shouldn’t be evaluated through the same lenses as hard sciences. This critical shift in perspective allows astrology to be appreciated for its interpretive richness rather than strictly deterministic or predictive capabilities.
The Nature of Birth Charts
The discourse around the significance of a person’s birth chart raises crucial questions about objective versus subjective interpretations in astrology. While noting that astrologers traditionally focus on calculated birth times, the discussion reveals how these charts can predict traits and tendencies rooted in that moment. Jeffrey's philosophy aligns with the sentiment that any birth moment carries inherent significance, akin to synchronicities found in broader divinatory practices. Thus, the individual birth chart serves as a vital analogy that reflects one’s life potential within astrological practice.
Mundane Astrology and Cultural Contexts
A significant part of the conversation centers on mundane astrology, highlighting the role of celestial events in societal and historical contexts. This form of astrology connects celestial omens with significant historical occurrences, advocating for its continuing relevance. Through empirical observation, astrologers trace the impact of specific planetary configurations on world events, adding depth to the study of astrology. The importance of mundane astrology expands our understanding of astrology as a comprehensive practice influencing both personal and societal experiences.
The Importance of Eclipses
The podcast emphasizes the significance of eclipses as celestial events that symbolize change and transformation, often marking pivotal moments in human history. The example of Jeffrey Cornelius' death occurring close to an eclipse resonates as an omen, intertwining the personal with the cosmic. Eclipses serve as markers of significant shifts and powerful transitions, both personally for individuals and collectively for societies. This perspective leads to further contemplation on how astrology facilitates a dialogue with celestial forces, revealing patterns and meanings relevant to our lives.
Tradition vs. Modernity
The dialogue touches upon the tension between traditional and modern understandings of astrology, especially regarding its reputation and practice in contemporary society. Historical astrology was often intertwined with cultural beliefs in divination, which contrasts sharply with the skepticism present in today's scientific discourse. Jeffrey Cornelius sought to bridge this gap, asserting the value of astrology as a philosophical and practical tool for understanding human existence. His work illustrates the ongoing struggle to reclaim a sense of purpose and legitimacy for astrology in a world often dismissive of its value.
The Role of Ethics in Astrology
An underlying theme of the conversation involves the ethics of astrology and how ethical considerations shape interpretations and predictions. Jeffrey emphasized the importance of discretion and understanding when advising on personal matters, particularly concerning sensitive subjects like death or loss. Ethical astrology requires practitioners to navigate the fine line between providing insight and overstepping boundaries in people's lives. By incorporating ethics into astrological practice, astrologers can uphold the integrity of their work while fostering deeper connections with their clients.
Hermeneutics and Interpretation
The importance of hermeneutics—the theory and methodology of interpretation—is highlighted as a foundational tenet of Jeffrey Cornelius’ approach to astrology. He advocated for a comprehensive understanding of symbols within their various contexts, emphasizing the multivalence of astrological symbols. This approach encourages astrologers to engage with charts thoughtfully and reflectively, drawing on personal experience and knowledge. In doing so, they can offer more nuanced interpretations that resonate with clients’ experiences and needs.
In episode 463 astrologer Kirk Little joins the podcast for an in-depth discussion about the life and work of Geoffrey Cornelius, and his argument that astrology is a form of divination.
Geoffrey passed away recently on August 27, and so Kirk and I got together to talk about his work and the impact of his thinking on our understanding of astrology.
One of the central themes of our discussion is Geoffrey's groundbreaking thesis that astrology should be understood as a form of divination rather than a science based on causal relationships. Kirk and I explore how this perspective shifts the way we approach astrology, emphasizing that the symbols and signs in a chart serve as omens rather than direct influences. This re-framing opens up a richer understanding of how astrology can provide insights into our lives.
We also delve into the importance of symbolic thinking in astrology, particularly how it relates to the interpretation of horoscopes. Kirk shares how Geoffrey's work encourages us to think about astrology in a more fluid and dynamic way, where the meanings of symbols can evolve and resonate differently for each individual. This approach not only enhances our practice but also deepens our connection to the cosmos and the messages it conveys.
Throughout our conversation, it becomes clear that Geoffrey Cornelius was not just an astrologer but a philosopher who continuously sought to understand the deeper truths of astrology. Kirk highlights how Geoffrey's commitment to exploring the philosophical underpinnings of astrology remains an unfinished journey, inspiring us to keep questioning and expanding our understanding of this ancient practice. His work encourages us to engage with astrology not just as a tool for prediction but as a profound means of self-discovery and reflection.
Kirk is the author of a paper on Geoffrey's book The Moment of Astrology:
Kirk Little, "Defining the Moment: Geoffrey Cornelius and the Development of the Divinatory Perspective" (2006)
He hosts a website on astrology and divination that contains a number of other resources related to the subject:
https://cosmocritic.com
This episode is available in both audio and video versions below.
Watch the Video Version of This Episode
Watch the video version of this episode on astrology as divination on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oloBbcWwko
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Transcript
A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 463 transcript
Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode
Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:
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