The art and science of astrology often faces - and for good reason - deep skepticism, misunderstanding and outright disregard. This is primarily due to the prevalence of "mainstream” or influencer-driven, Tik-Tok astrology, which oversimplifies, sensationalizes and flat-out bastardizes a sacred practice that has a 5 thousand year history of stunning accuracy.
And as we’ll see below, mainstream astrology cannot pass the litmus of Natural Law. It’s completely divorced from the science of astronomy. Ergo it can never hope to be accurate beyond that of a wild-assed guess..
Mainstream astrology as practiced in the west (AKA, Tropical astrology) disregards a critical astronomical phenomenon - procession of the equinox - and in doing so cannot even accurately place the location of the planets against the backdrop of the constellations.
This is a serious misunderstanding of true astrological practice.
The long and sordid history of how mainstream astrology went so terribly wrong is beyond the scope of this post. You’ll have to jump in the Functional Astrology™ community (see below) to find out about that.
But for now, if you’ve ever had a knowing that there’s something to this astrology thing, but everything you’ve been exposed to thus far has been at best airy-fairy and at worst, consistently flat out wrong, read on. Because Functional Astrology™ will change all that. Functional Astrology™ is grounded firmly in Natural Law and offers a profound framework for those willing to look beyond the mainstream bastardization of this sacred practice.
Understanding Natural Law
Functional Astrology™ is built on the foundation of Natural Law, which is succinctly encapsulated in the Hermetic Principles. These principles, ancient and profound, offer a blueprint for understanding the universe's workings. But before we delve into these seven pillars of Truth, it's essential to understand the historical context and origins of Hermeticism, the philosophy from which these principles arise.
A Brief History of Hermeticism
Hermeticism is a philosophical and esoteric tradition based primarily upon writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, a syncretic combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. The origins of Hermeticism can be traced back to Hellenistic Egypt, around the 1st and 3rd centuries CE, a time when Greek and Egyptian cultures intermingled.
Hermes Trismegistus is a legendary Hellenistic figure who is believed to have been a great sage or philosopher. The name means "Thrice Great Hermes," reflecting his exalted status. The writings attributed to him, collectively known as the Hermetica, cover a wide range of topics, including philosophy, astrology, alchemy, and theurgy.
Key Texts and Influence
The Hermetica consists of various texts, but some of the most important include the Corpus Hermeticum, the Emerald Tablet, and the Asclepius. These works are written in a dialogical format, often featuring Hermes Trismegistus imparting wisdom to a disciple.
- The Corpus Hermeticum: This collection of texts is the most significant of the Hermetica. It consists of philosophical discourses that discuss the nature of the divine, the cosmos, the mind, and the nature of existence itself.
- The Emerald Tablet: This is a short, cryptic text attributed to Hermes Trismegistus that has had a significant influence on Western alchemy. Its famous maxim "As above, so below" encapsulates the Principle of Correspondence, and is the underpinning of Functional Astrology™.
- Asclepius: Another critical text, which survives in a Latin translation, expands on the teachings found in the Corpus Hermeticum and includes discussions on astrology, the divine, and the nature of the soul.
The teachings of Hermes Trismegistus were highly influential during the Renaissance when many scholars rediscovered these texts and sought to integrate their esoteric wisdom with Christian thought. The Renaissance magus Marsilio Ficino translated the Corpus Hermeticum into Latin, making it accessible to a broader audience and further cementing its impact on Western esotericism.
The Seven Hermetic Principles
The Hermetic Principles, derived from these ancient texts, form the cornerstone of Hermetic philosophy and offer a framework for understanding the universe's operation. Here’s a closer look at these 7 principles:
1. The Principle of Mentalism: "The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental." This principle suggests that the universe operates within a mental framework, indicating that our reality is fundamentally shaped by consciousness and thought. The idea that the cosmos is a creation of the Universal Mind encourages us to consider the power of our own thoughts and the role of mental processes in shaping our experiences.
2. The Principle of Correspondence: "As above, so below; as below, so above." This principle highlights the interconnectedness of different planes of existence, asserting that patterns repeat themselves across the macrocosm and microcosm. It suggests that understanding the greater universe can provide insights into the smaller, individual aspects of our lives, and vice versa.
3. The Principle of Vibration: "Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." According to this principle, everything in the universe is in constant motion, vibrating at different frequencies. These vibrations create the diverse phenomena we observe. By recognizing the vibrational nature of existence, we can better understand how different energies interact and influence each other.
4. The Principle of Polarity: "Everything is dual; everything has poles." This principle states that everything has its opposite, and these opposites are identical in nature but different in degree. Understanding polarity helps us recognize the dualities in life, such as light and dark, good and evil, and how balance can be achieved by harmonizing these opposites.
5. The Principle of Rhythm: "Everything flows, out and in; all things rise and fall." The universe operates in cycles, and this rhythmic movement is evident in everything from the changing seasons to the phases of the moon. This principle teaches us to anticipate and navigate the natural ebbs and flows of life, understanding that all things are in a state of constant change.
6. The Principle of Cause and Effect: "Every cause has its effect; every effect has its cause." Nothing happens by chance; there is a cause for every effect. This principle underpins the predictive aspect of astrology, where the positions and movements of celestial bodies can indicate potential future events based on past actions.
7. The Principle of Gender: "Gender is in everything." This principle refers to the presence of masculine and feminine energies in all things. It emphasizes the dual nature of creation and the interplay of these energies in the universe. This is not about biological sex but rather the energetic principles of masculinity and femininity present in all creation.
Functional Astrology™: A Science-Based Approach
The art of true astrology cannot be separated from the science of astronomy. Functional Astrology™ respects this by integrating the precise, observable movements of celestial bodies with the interpretative framework provided by Natural Law. By aligning astrological practice with these timeless principles, Functional Astrology™ transcends the superficial blather often found in mainstream horoscopes.
Just as our ancestors came from cultures that were built on the accurate observation and precise calculation of astronomical movements, the Functional Astrologer carries on the work of “calibrate on causation” into the modern day.
If any of this sounds intriguing to you, join me on my Functional Astrology™ Skool community.
Why Join The Functional Astrology Skool Community?
1. Deepen Your Understanding and Appreciation of the Cosmos: The Functional Astrology™ Skool community offers a comprehensive curriculum that explains how planetary positions, aspects, and transits - and a whole lot more - work together within the framework of Natural Law.
2. Personal Growth and Self-Awareness: By understanding the Hermetic Principles and their application in astrology, you'll gain profound insights into your own life patterns, challenges, and potentials. This knowledge can be transformative, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
3. Community and Support: Joining the Functional Astrology™ Skool community means becoming part of a community of like-minded individuals. You'll have access to support, discussions, and shared learning experiences, enriching your journey into the world of astrology.
4. Scientific Approach: If you've been skeptical about astrology due to its portrayal in popular culture, Functional Astrology™ brings a science-based approach that aligns with observable astronomical phenomena and the principles of Natural Law.
Practical Applications of Functional Astrology™
Functional Astrology™ isn't just about understanding the cosmos - although that’s pretty damn cool in and of itself. It's about applying this knowledge to everyday life, for real-world results. Here are a few ways you can use Functional Astrology™ practically:
- Timing Decisions: By understanding the rhythmic cycles of the universe, you can make more informed decisions about when to start new projects, make significant changes, or take action.
- Personal Development: Use the insights gained from your astrological chart to work on personal growth. Identify your strengths and challenges, and find ways to leverage or mitigate them.
- Relationship Insights: Astrology done right can offer profound insights into your relationships, helping you understand compatibility, communication styles, and potential areas of conflict or harmony.
- Health and Wellness: The principles of vibration and rhythm can be applied to understand how celestial influences might impact your physical and emotional health. This can guide you in taking preventive measures or finding optimal times for healing.
Here’s the thing about astrology that has been lost in the West. Our earliest ancestors mapped the night sky and made meticulous and continuous observations of that night sky, then correlated the “above” to the happenings “below”. By observing nature, they knew that all things are simply a fractal representation of something larger, and of something smaller. All in one grand design. And they knew that all things - from the phases of the moon to the tides and seasons - worked in a precise harmony of cycles.
Functional Astrology™ exists to bring that knowledge back.
Click here to join the community.
I’ll see you there,
Keith