Down the Rabbit Hole (Part 2)

When Fate and Free-Will Lock Horns

Note: I strongly encourage that if you have not read part one of this blog series that you do so to understand its full context.

Picking up where we left off, it is essential to delve deeper into the fascinating world of astrology and how practitioners of this ancient art learn and refine their skills. One of the primary methods through which astrologers hone their craft is by meticulously confirming that the delineation of astrological symbols, planetary positions, and aspects resonates with the real-life experiences that individuals are undergoing. This process is known as correlation, and it serves as a cornerstone of astrological practice. By observing the alignment of celestial bodies and their corresponding influences on human behavior and events, astrologers strive to establish a meaningful connection between the cosmos and personal experiences. Astrologers often gather extensive data, meticulously analyzing case studies and personal charts to identify patterns that emerge over time. This empirical approach allows them to validate their interpretations and predictions, leading to a profound understanding of how astrological influences manifest in the lives of individuals.

In all honesty, the accuracy of these correlations can at times be stunningly disturbing, as they reveal insights that seem almost too precise to be mere coincidence. Yet, at the same time, this accuracy can be enchanting, opening up a realm of possibilities and deeper understanding of the human experience. This leads to a series of profound questions that have intrigued both astrologers and skeptics alike: Is it really all connected? Are the movements of distant planets and stars intricately linked to the events and experiences we face in our daily lives? Furthermore, is time merely a construct that we experience in our human form, or is there a more complex relationship at play? The philosophical implications of astrology invite contemplation about the nature of existence itself. Does the past, present, and future coexist simultaneously, or do they unfold in a linear fashion as we perceive them? Moreover, the question of free will looms large in this discourse. Does free will truly exist, or are we simply actors on a stage, playing out a script that has been pre-written for us by the cosmic forces at work?

This inquiry challenges our understanding of autonomy and destiny, prompting individuals to reflect on their choices and the extent to which they are influenced by external factors. The more exposure people have to astrology's ability to predict and identify significant events, as well as the unique ways in which each person operates throughout their life, the more pressing and relevant these questions become. As individuals engage with astrology, whether through personal readings, horoscopes, or deeper studies of their natal charts, they often find themselves grappling with these existential dilemmas. The interplay between cosmic influence and personal agency becomes a rich tapestry of inquiry, inviting us to explore the very essence of what it means to be human. In this exploration, astrology not only serves as a tool for prediction but also as a mirror reflecting our innermost thoughts, desires, and fears, ultimately leading to a greater understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.

And now as promised in part one of this blog series, Down the Rabbit Hole, I want to present two real life examples from astrological clients that further illustrate the power of asteroids in gleaning greater insight about one's life. I will also be circling back to a blog I wrote last year entitled "Hades Gauntlet" in which I told the story of learning that the person I had been told my whole life was my father, turned out not to be. Applying the technique, I shared in part one of this series, you will see how truly powerful astrology can be. If you did not read Hades Gauntlet, it can be found here: https://www.theclevelandshaman.com/post/hade-s-gauntlet

What are fateful experiences? We could start by defining the meaning of the word fate. Turning to my favorite AI program, Perplexity, here is the answer it provides:

"The word "fate" originates from the late 14th-century Latin word fatum, meaning "destiny" or "oracle." It literally means "that which is spoken (by the gods)," derived from the Latin verb fari, "to speak." This origin reflects the idea of a prophetic declaration or something ordained and predetermined. In ancient usage, especially in Latin and Greek cultures, fate was often personified by goddesses such as the Roman Parcae or the Greek Moirai—three figures who controlled the destiny of humans by spinning, measuring, and cutting the thread of life.

Historically, fate implies a predetermined course of events beyond human control, often tied to supernatural or divine will. Over time, its meaning has included not just destiny but also the inevitability of certain events like death or transformation. The concept balances the tension between inevitability and free will, as fate suggests a scripted element of existence while still allowing room for personal choice within that structure.

Thus, "fate" encapsulates the idea of a predetermined path or destiny, often spoken or declared by higher powers, shaping life's outcomes from beginning to end."

One afternoon, my wife called and asked that I speak with a high school friend of hers who she had serendipitously run into while waiting to pick up our son from football practice. Unbeknownst to her this friend who she had not seen in years was sitting in the vehicle next to her waiting to do the same for his son. Peering out of the car window they recognized each other. As she recounts, he appeared distraught, down, and just overall in a malaise. Not the person she knew him to be.

Upon rolling down their windows what began to unfold could without a doubt fall into the above cited description of a fateful moment. This father began to share the current conflagration that was enveloping his family's life. Locked in a legal battle with a family whose son had attended middle school with his son over an explosive moment that had been building over the course of an entire year he was drained and distraught. The quick and dirty was that this other boy who had a reputation for being provocative and had finally gotten on his son's last nerve by getting directly in his face at which point an altercation ensued.

In trying to meet with the family after this contentious event and have an adult discussion, they refused and lawyered up! The battle that was ensuing was ugly. Back now to the parking lot, as my wife listened, and even though no names were mentioned, she got this sinking feeling. "Wait a minute, I think we know this family" He confirmed that indeed this sounded like the same family. What this father didn't know is we had similar experiences with our son and this same child. In fact, we ultimately got fed up with the constant drama and had taken the extreme step of moving from the neighborhood in search of more normal surroundings. After a brief discussion on the phone, this father and I decided to meet for breakfast within a few days.

I can still remember the moment. Upon walking into this breakfast meeting it felt very fated on my end as well. There was a familiarity, and truthfully this guy could pass off almost being my brother. I could immediately feel the heaviness in his heart. It was quickly evident that I was there in the role of a shaman. As you will learn shortly when I show a portion of this father's natal chart, the asteroid Randall is domiciled in his 10th house of public image, contribution to the world, and ironically in the house of the father in astrology... all in the bold, loyal, and generous sign of Leo. This confirms the role I stepped into over the ensuing year.

My focus was to bring balance and calm to what was in reality a whirling microcosm of tumult expressing humanity's worst tendencies. During this encounter I did a lot of listening. To this father's credit, he was humble and balanced in his explanation of what had transpired. No excuses were made but rather the expression of a desire to make things right through constructive dialog rather than the unfortunate tendency in our culture to seek money believing it's the solution. We discussed the importance of maintaining one's integrity and to not wish ill upon the other party involved but rather do the opposite, send love and healing energy. This is a very difficult thing to do when involved in such a lamentable entanglement as this that was feeding on deep and intense negative energy daily. Somehow though, it felt like an event that would become a positive turning point, one that awakened something in this father that was demanding to emerge. It also had a productive and healing impact upon his relationship with his son, albeit after quite a storm.

I will not go into the details of what transpired over the one year plus timeframe things persisted, however, suffice it say things got resolved. What is most important is that this tremendously perplexing episode has led to this father, and know if he were writing this himself, he would concur, discovering a new element of his own soul. This was in every sense of the expression, a "dark night of the soul experience". One that tested long-held beliefs, one's integrity, and the emotional well-being of those we love. He passed with flying colors and continues to be a pillar of strength and source of love and support to many. And for me, I gained a new spiritual brother, sharing this human journey.

Now, let's look at those asteroids.

If you look at the chart above, you will see that remarkably when you add the asteroid Randall and the asteroid Keller to my friends' natal chart, my first name, Randall, lands in his 10th house. This is the place of one's reputation, public status, community standing, and how one contributes to the world. It is also the place of one's moral qualities. In this instance, my presence here was to act as the shaman, walking with my friend through a dark and troublesome time in a generous and heart-based manner (Leo) to seek the high road but also to defend who he is and what he has meant to so many. Equally synchronistic is the presence of my last name, Keller, being in his 8th house. This is the place where we encounter crisis, visit our own shadows, and are often reborn through some troublesome event that breaks us open so the light can come in. My last name is domiciled in the zodiacal sign of Gemini which foreshadowed the manner in which in the role of a shaman I engaged with my friend.

Gemini asks that one look at all sides of something, both your own perspective and that of others. Gemini requires one to adapt and be versatile. Communication is a must. This was the blueprint my relationship and interactions followed during the time I was called upon for support and healing work for a father who needed a listening ear, and someone to help him through the process of evaluating the shadows that often arise through intense power struggles with others.

And just to close the loop, if you train your eyes on the lower portion of the chart above you will see a darkened area appearing in the 4th house of this chart. The 4th house in a natal chart represents our home, family, and emotional foundation. This darkened area is the exact name of the other party involved in this conflict. Albeit in the disruptive, upsetting, and sudden developments sign of Aquarius. The correlation is stunning. Further, when you look at the positioning of me in the 10th house and this individual in the 4th house, we see what is known in astrology as an opposition. This is an aspect that represents something challenging, opposing agendas, differences, energies that seem at odds but connected. I can assure you this paints a perfect picture of this chapter in my friend's life story.

The second example comes from a recent astrological consultation I did for a long-time client. At the conclusion of her annual year-ahead reading, we took a moment to look at a few important people in her life that have had an impact, albeit in two totally different ways. A few years ago, one of her favorite aunts passed away, naming her not only as an executor but also one of the beneficiaries of her estate. This was a long and trying process for my client, one during which we had several conversations. Ultimately, the estate got settled, and my client received her portion of the estate, which was a meaningful sum of money. Upon inquiring about her name, I had to ask for the name to be repeated several times as it was unusual, not one you hear often, if ever. Once I thought I knew the spelling, I began to search the database of named asteroids and found what was a close match to her aunt's name or even a seemingly more ancient derivation. Press enter and boom! That name landed in my client's 8th house of inheritances and shared resources. This house also has correspondence with death, dealing with property and possessions of the deceased,

Intrigued and curious, she asked if we could try another name. In recent years, this client had developed a strong collaboration with an Indian mystic/yogi who has worked with her in multiple workshops she has conducted. This has been an extremely meaningful and perhaps fated partnership from which she has grown and learned a lot. Once again, we were not dealing with a name anyone would classify as common, at least in English-speaking countries. Searching the database again, this name did appear. We placed it in her chart, and it landed in her 11th house. Of course it did! And what does the 11th house signify in astrology? It is the house of friends, groups, associations, and yes, it is the place we collaborate and engage in cooperative behaviors. When you dive deeper into some of the more nuanced associations for the 11th house, further insight can be obtained. I like to reference Rex Bill's classic "The Rulership Book" as it seems to have the most comprehensive correlations.

For instance, there is a reference to finances and income from one's business. Adding to this theme, the asteroid representing the Indian mystic/yogi with whom my client has had this successful collaboration was in Libra in the 11th house at her birth. Libra is the sign of partnerships, finances, as well as cooperation. Bills also indicates that this is also the house of counselors, which she would concur has been a role he has filled. This is clearly a fated connection.

What I am about to now describe won't make sense without the background story. That can be found here: https://www.theclevelandshaman.com/post/hade-s-gauntlet.

In early 2024, I learned the father I had been led to believe was my father, was not. Through a series of seemingly fated events within a matter of days my real father was revealed, unfortunately he was deceased. Upon learning of this new technique, I wondered where my biological father's name might be placed in my chart via asteroids. Repeating the process I have been outlining in this blog and my previous one, I searched the database of named asteroids. My biological father is Charlie May.

Here is what appeared when I placed these in my natal chart:

Both his first name and last name appear in my 8th natal house. His last name is in the sign of family, ancestry, and roots. As a side note, I found a reference in Rex Bill's "The Book of Rulership" to the name May being connected to the sign of Cancer. Almost like the universe smirking at me followed by a giggle. So, my biological father, who was hidden from me for all these years (8th house), is in the sign representing family and heritage, located in the astrological house that correlates with family secrets, the hidden, losses, the parent of the same sex as the native, the liberation of the soul, and karmic debts. Is anyone seeing this? Needless to say, this was a bit of an emotional moment for me.

What are we to make of all of this? There is something much bigger than us going on. Something grander, mysterious, and sacred. We are connected to others and all that is in ways we are yet to understand. Anciently, when we were closer to the time this miraculous experience called life was in a more primal state, we recognized this connection with all things on a more profound and instinctual level. Today there seems to be a greater disconnect than ever before. Yet at the same time, if we were to view the earth from space at night, it's almost like we would see random bursts of light all over the globe. This to me would represent souls awakening to this profound and amazing revelation, "as above, so below." And further, "the kingdom of God is within." Expect more on this topic in the months ahead.