Evolutionary Astrology — Alchemy of the Soul

Evolutionary astrology employs the Western coordinate system, which is based on the tropical zodiac. Despite using this structure, its interpretational scope is centered around the Eastern philosophical concept of reincarnation. With these tools evolutionary astrology delves deeply into the past life dynamics that set up the conditions for the present life. What is more, this system also indicates a way out; it suggests taking particular directions now to improve future circumstances. Hence it’s name: “evolutionary.”

Along with reincarnation comes another concept - the soul. The soul is a person’s essence. This essence cannot be destroyed; as an energetic entity it merely changes form. It belongs to spirit, even beyond the astral and causal realms. As the soul progresses over a series of many, many lifetimes it gradually becomes more consciously aware of its own nature and purpose. It begins to realize itself as being eternal. In this process a shift occurs from identification with the ego to identifying with spirit. This alchemy of the soul brings permanence to the reality of spirit. The results of this process are demonstrated in the actions of truly enlightened souls such as Gautama Buddha, Jesus of Nazareth, or Mother Theresa. In their love and devotion for spiritual union with the Source, they mastered their lives - a tribute to humanity.

The inherent human condition of suffering with it sense of existential finitude and search for meaning is lifted by taking control of a transcendent discipline. Deep freedom is gained when the true nature of the soul becomes apparent through direct inner perception. This is the reason why yogis practice yoga, and spiritual people meditate. It is also what makes evolutionary astrology a great asset.

We live in a time where the ego, the body, and material things are glorified. Although natural to a certain degree, these desires for finite things create more and more attachments. This forms deep bondage to our physical existence, which naturally and inevitably must end some day. At this point it becomes important to understand that suppressing or transcending individual desires is not possible. Within the parameters of right action and respectful attitude these desires require to be fulfilled. When suppressed they end up distorted. They then find their outlet and expression through imbalance, complexes, compulsive behavior, addiction, rage, or secret obsessions.

We are all in a perpetual state of becoming, which is what evolution is about. The soul carries its specific dynamics forward from life to life until the individual has a desire to become aware of them, and to resolve or evolve them through conscious effort. Once aware and with sustained effort to complete these dynamics, the capacity for growing beyond them manifests. It opens up a deeper perspective. But it also requires the responsibility of taking command as the captain of our soul ship. We are all accountable for the realities we create and experience. So it makes sense to minimize dispensable desires by living a simple lifestyle without accumulating unessential stuff that keeps us tangled up in useless action.

With evolutionary astrology a person’s inner and outer life circumstances are referenced and put into perspective. Longings, security issues, compulsive behaviors, deeper callings, irrational fears, inherent resources, genetic makeup, illnesses, talents, and gifts are the result of past experiences and accomplishments. In this context it is easy to see how life will prompt certain fated conditions and events to occur. Rather than taking the initiative to act from a self-empowered standpoint, a common reaction is to feel victimized by what is happening. Understanding how challenging circumstances or relationships fit into the broader context of life makes it easier to cope. When we cooperate with the challenges at hand, new opportunities and experiences manifest by way of vibrational resonance. The captain is now successfully navigating through treacherous waters.

In the case of karmic patterns it is possible to realize the consequences, to adjust one’s attitude and to take the correct action. Once sincerity and effort has been demonstrated sufficiently, the karmic condition will be worked out. In some cases it is possible to determine astrologically what the time frame of this resolution would be. The sense of being the victim of unremitting defeat, continuous lack of power, or perpetual frustration is removed. The captain continues to grow into the role of a confident commander.

Cultivating an inclusive view, evolutionary astrology sees each and every aspects of existence as equally valid. A deep respect for all life with its cycles is the result of a cosmology based on natural principles. It is accompanied by equality and a tendency to share and give, which is natural for humans. This has been the way of human life for many thousands of years.

In more recent times (approximately 6-8,000 years), however, the sense of superiority stemming from mental concepts and man-made religions encouraged the exclusion or persecution of others with different values, of which the inquisition during medieval times is but one example. True humility and respect for organic, earthly living has been replaced by values that judge mental and spiritual functions as separate and superior to physical and emotional expression. These inherently human responses were considered inferior, and have therefore become suppressed. The consequence is conflict and distortion of natural instincts and desires.

These dynamics have been carried forward into the present.  With the shift from the Piscean to the Aquarian age, all these dynamics are now coming to a head. On an individual level it means that patterns, which dictated behavior over many lifetimes need to be reevaluated and released. These patterns are detectable through evolutionary astrology. When the light of conscious awareness shines onto all aspects of human experience, the sources of dysfunction can be removed. The pressure to change and grow past imbalance, distortion and suppression has reached an urgent level for many individuals, let alone our planet.

Copyright 2010, Katharina Wehrli