Like any belief system, astrology has its enemies. Try talking about Libras being indecisive or Cancers being sensitive in a social setting and you’ll probably receive a few sarcastic comments and snickers. Those comments are not unwarranted—after all, it’s natural for humans to resist being pigeonholed into a specific personality type or having the future be set in stone. Nevertheless, it leads one to ask: is it possible for astrology to incorporate free will, and maybe win over some of those naysayers?
For Rob Brezsny, the answer is yes. In a recent interview on SFGate, Brezsny provides a perspective on astrology that is profound—one that incorporates depth psychology and philosophy. Sounding like a scholar of Jung or even Nietzsche, Brezsny talks about becoming interested in astrology as “a language that was not in opposition to rationality and logic but provided an alternative way of thinking about the world.” He sees it as a “way of looking at the world mythically.”
The interview proves to be an interesting read, as Brezsny comments on the doomsday predictions that are all-too-common in today’s New Age circles and even offers a astrological reading for President Elect Obama. Overall, you get a sense that Brezsny is unique among astrologers—he empowers us to create our own paths using imagination and to not fall victim to negative, obsessive thoughts. His unique approach to astrology allows for the use of free will (hence the name of his popular website “Free Will Astrology“), and his wise words might even win over some of the naysayers out there.
For those of you who are interested in learning more about Rob Brezsny’s philosophy, check out Pronoia is the Antidote for Paranoia (new expanded edition available in September 2009). Also, be sure to look for his monthly astrological readings here on the North Atlantic Books blog.
CLICK HERE to read the recent interview in SFGate
CLICK HERE to learn more about Pronoia
CLICK HERE to check out Rob Brezsny’s website
