Down the Rabbit Hole (Part 3)

When Fate and Free-Will Lock Horns

James Hillman (1926-2011) was an influential American psychologist and a leading figure in Jungian and Post-Jungian thought. He founded Archetypal Psychology, a field that emphasizes the importance of imagination and mythic images in understanding the psyche and human experience. Hillman’s work represents a radical and creative departure from traditional psychology by focusing on soul-making—how the soul expresses itself through images, myths, and poetic imagination rather than solely through rational analysis. I first learned of James Hillman when I happened upon a book that he wrote in 1997 entitled "The Soul's Code" sparking my interest in the fateful nature of life. It was his exploration of what he called "the acorn theory" that ironically prepared me for my future introduction to astrology that wouldn't come for another 18 years.

Hillman dives deep into a plethora of public figures whose lives had a turning point, eureka moments, or in keeping with the thematic tilt of this blog series, collisions with destiny. Here are a few examples:

• Manolete (1917–1947), the famous Spanish bullfighter, who as a child was frail and shy but grew into a figure of immense courage and intensity. Hillman contrasts traditional psychology’s idea that his macho profession was compensation for childhood frailty, instead suggesting Manolete’s soul was attuned to his destiny from early on.

• Pianist Van Cliburn, whose early prodigious talent was linked to extraordinary intuitive abilities that shaped his life’s work.

• Director Martin Scorsese, whose childhood asthma kept him indoors, fostering his cinematic creativity by framing his vision of the world from behind windowpanes, which shaped his adult artistic expressions.

• Journalist Dorothy Thompson, who as a child was subjected to strict punishments designed by her minister father, which paradoxically matched her soul’s blueprint by preparing her for a life of writing and intellectual rigor.

• Philosopher John Stuart Mill, educated intensely at home despite not attending formal school, perfectly embodying his unique destiny through rigorous study from an early age.

Assuming you have read parts 1 & 2 of this blog series, you are now well-acquainted with the fascinating and intricate discussion surrounding the role of named asteroids in astrological delineation. Currently, there are over 25,000 named asteroids, each holding unique significance and potential insights into our lives. The remarkable aspect of incorporating asteroids into an astrological chart is that they serve to fill in the gaps that often surround the deeper characteristics of an individual's persona. By examining these celestial bodies, we can uncover layers of meaning that may not be immediately apparent through the more commonly referenced planets alone. The depth of understanding that asteroids can reveal is truly mind-boggling, offering a nuanced perspective on personal attributes and life experiences. Asteroids can represent names of important people in your life, such as family members, friends, or mentors who have significantly influenced your journey. They can also signify significant places you have lived or currently reside in, which may carry emotional resonance or pivotal memories that shape your identity. Furthermore, they illuminate the reasons behind your preferences, interests, and passions, shedding light on the gifts and talents you possess that may have been overlooked or underappreciated.

It’s almost as if the planets provide a foundational outline of your astrological profile, while the asteroids act as the paint brushes that add vibrant, intricate details to that outline, creating a more comprehensive and colorful picture of who you are. As an astrologer, it is not uncommon for me to receive astonished reactions after revealing insights that a particular asteroid placement indicates or clarifies in someone’s chart. Responses such as "that's freaky!", "that's wild!", or "excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor!" are frequent. These moments of surprise and disbelief highlight a significant phenomenon: the collision between the deeper reality of the collective unconscious and the often rigid frameworks of the western rational mind, where reason, logic, and analytical thought reign supreme. This clash can lead to profound realizations and a deeper understanding of oneself, as individuals begin to recognize the intricate connections between their experiences and the cosmic influences represented by these asteroids.

In this ongoing exploration of asteroids within astrology, I will delve deeper into specific examples, examining how certain asteroids relate to various aspects of life, such as relationships, career paths, and personal challenges. By doing so, I aim to further illuminate the powerful role that these celestial bodies play in shaping our destinies and guiding our journeys through the complexities of existence. As we continue this journey, it becomes increasingly clear that asteroids are not mere footnotes in the astrological narrative; they are vital characters in the story of our lives, each contributing to the rich tapestry of our experiences and insights.

One of my favorite questions to pose when someone is grappling with their doubts about the perceived irrationality of believing in a connection between the Universe and our individual lives is to simply ask, "Where do your thoughts come from?" This question, without fail, elicits a blank stare. It serves as a profound reminder that if we cannot even articulate the origins of our own thoughts—those fleeting, often inexplicable ideas that flit through our minds—how can we be so presumptuous as to dismiss the ancient axiom "As Above, So Below," which has its origins in Hermeticism? This phrase is specifically derived from a revered text known as The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, a foundational document within the Hermetic tradition. The teachings encapsulated in this text date back to a period between 200 CE and 800 CE, drawing upon a rich tapestry of earlier Greek, Egyptian, and potentially Arabic mystical traditions that have influenced philosophical thought for centuries.

Essentially, the phrase "As Above, So Below" encapsulates a profound philosophical concept that posits a fundamental correspondence between various planes of existence. This includes the macrocosm, which refers to the vast universe or heavens, and the microcosm, which pertains to human beings and the earthly matters that occupy our daily lives. This principle suggests that the patterns, laws, and principles that govern the cosmos are not isolated phenomena but are instead reflected in human life and the material world around us. It emphasizes the notion of interconnectedness and unity across all levels of reality, inviting us to consider how our individual experiences might mirror the larger dynamics of the universe. Based on my extensive experiences as an astrologer, where I have had the privilege of sitting with hundreds of individuals and meticulously delineating their natal charts, I can confidently assert that there is indeed a connection.

Each chart serves as a unique map that reflects cosmic patterns at the time of an individual's birth, suggesting that our lives are intricately woven into the fabric of the cosmos. This connection is not merely a philosophical abstraction; it manifests in the ways we resonate with celestial movements and how these movements may influence our emotions, decisions, and life paths. The idea that our thoughts and experiences are intertwined with the universe invites a deeper exploration of our existence, prompting us to consider the profound implications of being part of a larger whole. In this interconnected web of existence, every thought, action, and experience reverberates, echoing the ancient wisdom of "As Above, So Below."

Let's return now to looking at real life examples of asteroids placed in charts. Turning back to my own chart, I have experimented with various concepts and ideas that might be confirmed or illuminated by asteroids. I was born in Gary, Indiana (and for the record, in the same hospital as Michael Jackson), spent my childhood years in Portage, Indiana, and Calumet City, Illinois. Upon graduating from high school, I made the significant decision to move to Utah to attend college, a transformative period that shaped my academic and personal growth. After completing my college education, my first job offer came from a company in Cleveland, Ohio, where I have remained ever since, establishing my career and building a life that I never anticipated. This led me to muse if there is an asteroid named Cleveland? If there was, my second thought was, wouldn't it be crazy if it landed in my third natal house, which is associated with one's local environment and neighborhood? Well... there is an asteroid Cleveland, and the third house is where it fell:

Adding to the list of remarkable asteroid placements I have cited in parts one and two of this blog series, we have yet another stunning synchronicity that deserves contemplation. Consider this for a moment: how many city names are there across the globe? I'll wait... Next, consider the unique and somewhat serendipitous path I took that ultimately led me to Cleveland, Ohio. This journey, of course, skates ever so thinly along that line that divides fate and free will, a topic that has intrigued philosophers, astrologers, and thinkers for centuries. For some, I understand this is an uncomfortable notion. We cherish our freedom; we want to believe that our lives are a product of our own improvisational choices. However, my experience as an astrologer, combined with the lessons learned from living life in general, has taught me otherwise. My intuitive sense is that we have a script we are following; however, we have also been granted the ability to exercise free will, allowing us to ad-lib our way through life, which can lead us off script at various points. If you have seen the movie "The Adjustment Bureau," which was released in March 2011, you might remember the intense struggle depicted as the main character grapples with the concept of free will. Here is a description of the movie from Wikipedia:

The movie The Adjustment Bureau is about a politician named David Norris who unexpectedly meets and falls in love with a ballerina named Elise Sellas. However, mysterious agents from an organization called the Adjustment Bureau intervene to keep them apart. This Bureau controls people's lives according to a predetermined "Plan" created by "the Chairman," and humans only have the illusion of free will. David learns that his relationship with Elise conflicts with their destined futures—his potential path to the presidency and her career as a famous dancer. Despite the Bureau's efforts using supernatural means such as teleporting through doors, David tries to fight for his free will and to be with Elise. The story explores themes of fate, free will, love, and the struggle to control one's own destiny.

Furthermore, due to my extensive experience of being given the privilege of sitting with hundreds of individuals and examining their soul's design and purpose through the lens of a birth chart, I have come to believe that the aforementioned script is more of a broad outline. This outline provides for a number of variations, but those variations are not unlimited and seem to stay within a defined scope. The so-called repeating patterns, difficulties, or disappointments that many of us encounter throughout our lives, I would postulate, can more often than not be considered the handiwork of cosmic helpers or energies attempting to coax us back to the main script. Over the years, regular readers have heard me opine that I don't know why the position of the cosmos at the time of our birth tells us so much about who we become, but it does. There are a multitude of other things in life that I accept daily that I would be hard-pressed to explain, but nonetheless, they continue to be. This intricate dance between fate and free will is a fascinating aspect of our existence, inviting us to explore the deeper meanings behind our choices and the cosmic influences that shape our destinies.

Moving now to another example of asteroids in action. I have an astrological client and friend who has found deep solace and meaning in the study of eastern philosophies and teaching yoga. In doing so she has immersed herself into the study of the various deities that make up the pantheon of Indian Gods and Goddesses. There has been one in particular that has resonated with her more than the rest, Hanuman. Who is Hanuman? From the resource Brittanica we learn the following:

Hanuman is a significant deity in Hindu mythology, revered as a divine monkey god and a devoted companion of Lord Rama. He is a central figure in the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana, where he leads an army of monkeys to help Rama rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Known for his immense strength, courage, loyalty, and supernatural abilities—such as flying and shape-shifting—Hanuman is celebrated as a symbol of devotion (bhakti) and selfless service.

Hanuman embodies strength, perseverance, and unwavering devotion, and his influence extends beyond India, inspiring related myths and characters in other Asian cultures.

During a recent exchange discussing the additional information asteroids can add to astrological delineation this friend asked "Check for Hanuman. Does that asteroid exist? I'd be curious if that pops up in my chart" I replied that I would check for that and get back with her. I found Hanuman and added it to her natal placements. Interestingly, it formed what in astrology is known as a grand fire trine to Mars and Neptune. Here is that chart and below it is the delineation I sent to her of what it means:

Asteroid Hanuman in a Grand Fire Trine with Mars and Neptune

Hanuman in Aries, 5th House:

Hanuman—the revered monkey god symbolizing courage, perseverance, devotion, and spiritual strength—when placed in Aries brings an energetic, pioneering spirit to self-expression, creativity, romance, and pleasure (5th house themes). The Aries energy intensifies Hanuman’s qualities of bravery and relentless pursuit of goals, suggesting a native who approaches creative projects and love affairs with boldness, enthusiasm, and resilience. This placement encourages fearless, dynamic leadership in personal expressions and risk-taking endeavors.

Trine to Neptune in Sagittarius, 2nd House:

This harmonious aspect connects spiritual ideals and visionary depth (Neptune in Sagittarius, the sign of higher wisdom and philosophy) to the native’s 5th house creativity and courage. It suggests a poetic, imaginative approach to self-expression and material values (2nd house themes). The native is likely to possess dreamlike inspiration fueling their creative pursuits and can manifest spiritual ideals into practical resources or self-worth. The trine provides spiritual protection and intuition, blending devotion (Hanuman) with visionary insight (Neptune).

Trine to Mars in Leo, 9th House:

Trining Mars in Leo, the house of higher learning, travel, and philosophy, further fuels assertiveness, leadership, and boldness in matters of belief and adventure. This aspect empowers the native to courageously pursue expansive goals and explore new horizons with vigor and creativity. The Leo energy adds theatrical flair and charisma to the native’s quest for knowledge and adventure, reinforcing the warrior spirit of Hanuman.

Summary:

• Hanuman in Aries 5th house denotes fearless, devoted energy in creativity, romance, and personal leadership.

• The trine to Neptune in Sagittarius 2nd house infuses the native’s pursuits with spiritual vision, idealism, and intuitive resources.

• The trine to Mars in Leo in the 9th house empowers expansive, bold action in philosophy, travel, and higher learning.

• Together, these aspects form a harmonious energetic triangle connecting courage, spirituality, and passionate adventure, supporting the native's ability to overcome challenges with devotion and inspire others through creative and philosophical pursuits.

Her reply:

"I just hosted my first Hanuman Chalisa class today. Got 4 students to learn about Hanuman. I easily memorized the 40-verses. The placement is freaky accurate!"

Followed by...

"These show up naturally in my house. I only bought one."

Followed by this picture...

Once again, I ask you to pause, reflect, and allow yourself to consider the implications of such an exchange. I often quote famous Swedish psychologist Carl Jung in my blogs. He spent a good portion of his life pondering the concept of fate vs free-will. It was my discovery of his theory of synchronicity that has spurred on my own spiritual journey. Jung felt that fate is a paradoxical force that can be both a "charisma and curse," having positive and negative aspects. Fate to Jung is an experience of opposites and embodies a will that may not coincide with the ego's will, often feeling like a power beyond individual control, whether divine or infernal. Jung believed fate can feel burdensome, destructive, and unavoidable, but if one submits to fate and relinquishes ego will to the higher Self—the inner divine core—it becomes a spiritual blessing, a "charism" that allows personal growth and integration of the self.

Quoting from the Jungian Center:

"Ultimately, Jung's perspective on fate embraces both limitation and freedom: fate as a reality imposed upon us, but also as an opportunity for conscious self-realization through submitting to and integrating the forces beyond our ego control. In this way, fate becomes a path to fulfill one's vocation or calling with deeper meaning and spiritual growth rather than mere victimhood to external circumstance."

Here is another recent conversation I had with another astrological client concerning key asteroids placed in her chart. At the young age of 20 she had her first child. In astrology, children are found in the fifth house and specifically, one's first child. Raising children is a daunting task at any age, but when having a child at a young age there are unique challenges that present, not the least of which is one is still growing and learning a lot themselves. Lamentingly, she shared that because she was so young herself, and possessing fears she may not be up to the task, she was perhaps overly hard on her son out a concern that she needed to make sure he became self-sufficient and possessed the life survival skills she thought he would need. This created intensity.

This also put a strain on their relationship that often put them at odds. She described her son at times as being a bit resentful and closed off, and often secretive. When college time came, he moved out and never really came back and post college he moved quite a distance away. This led to us searching for her son Anthony in her natal chart. In the catalog of named asteroids there are multiple Anthony's listed but none of them just "Anthony" so the process was one of plugging in all the available Anthony's and to work backwards. There was an Anthony asteroid that landed in her fifth house of her first child. This is visible in the chart below. Additionally, you will see that there is also an Anthony that falls into her third house. This we determined is her husband and her son's father. More on this next. Here is the chart:

Anthony Husband in Third House ~ Anthony Son in Fifth House

Adding further nuance to this placement we find that her son Anthony represented the natal chart at the 29th degree of Scorpio (the anaretic or karmic degree). Here is an expanded look at that aspect (yellow line connects her natal Sun to her first child, Anthony):

Natal Sun in Taurus opposite Asteroid Anthony

Before delving into her husband, who appears in the third house at 3 degrees and 38 minutes of Libra, let's explore her son Anthony's placement more deeply. He is located in the house of children, specifically the first child, in the mysterious sign of Scorpio. Reflecting on a previous discussion, Mom noted that Anthony tends to be reserved and secretive. For those familiar with Scorpio's archetypal energies, this observation is spot on. Further reinforcing this placement's connection to her real-life experience is its position at the 29th degree. In astrology, this is significant. This degree carries both a sense of omen and promise, suggesting some unresolved karma. It is often linked to the theme of a "last chance" to correct something, perhaps a task left unfinished in past lives.

Moreover, since the asteroid representing Anthony symbolizes a person, it may indicate someone who tests boundaries, especially being conjunct with Uranus, the planet of uniqueness and rebellion, to see how far they can go. Individuals with 29-degree placements often display remarkable foresight and may have unusual childhoods or prodigious tendencies. This can manifest as exceptional intellect or genius, or a childhood that was somehow different. Mom further shared that her son can be quite brash, temperamental, and easily angered. However, she also noted his high intelligence, with her husband often describing him as cerebral. One of his interests is quantum mechanics. According to Mom, "he knows a lot of different things." In a moment of openness, Anthony disclosed to his mother that he has experimented with substances like mushrooms and DMT. All of this aligns with Anthony being influenced by the Scorpio archetype and conjunct with Uranus in his mother's chart.

Additionally, there is an opposition between Mom's natal Sun in the 11th house (also within orb of her 10th house) and the asteroid representing her son in the 5th house. For those unfamiliar with an opposition in astrology, it occurs when two planets (or in this case, the Sun and an asteroid) are 180 degrees apart, plus or minus a few degrees. This aspect presents a challenge, often resulting in something being overemphasized at the expense of something else. Oppositions create a scenario with seesaw swings, opposing agendas that are interpreted and expressed through the opposing signs and houses. The key with oppositions is to find balance.

Now, let's apply these insights to summarize the relationship between this mother and her son. Mom is a Taurus Sun, embodying energies that are practical and determined. This is a fixed earth sign that seeks stability in life, characterized by a slow, methodical determination. Her son, represented in her chart by the asteroid Anthony, is in the sign of Scorpio. This is also a fixed sign but in the water element. Here, we begin to see how this opposition manifests in real life. Like his mother, Anthony is also in a fixed sign, indicating a clash of wills where each party is resistant to changing their beliefs or desires. Adding the element of water introduces a highly emotive dynamic.

Regarding house placements, Mom is represented by the Sun in this chart, residing in the 11th house but close enough to the cusp of the 10th to be considered in both. Her natal Sun's placement here emphasizes groups, friends, ambitions, desires, ideals concerning human and social relationships, career aspirations, community standing, goals, and life position. When juxtaposed with her son in the 5th house, near the 4th house, we see the themes challenging her natural desires and inclinations are posed by having a son at a young age and a son represented in the chart as being in the house that seeks individuality and unbridled self-expression, along with intense familial needs and emotions. This creates the opposing agenda of Mom's desire for success and personal ambitions in contributing to the world and the groups she aligns with versus the needs of the family, specifically her son. Finding balance in this seesaw nature of opposition is crucial.

Concluding this detailed analysis of my astrological client's son and husband, let's briefly examine the Anthony asteroid located in her 3rd natal house (the house of one's local neighborhood and secondary education), which we determined represents her husband. In recounting her story of meeting her husband, it was revealed that she is in an interracial marriage and that they met in high school. Appropriately, the asteroid representing her husband is placed in her third house. As an astrologer, the first thing that caught my attention was the sextile this asteroid forms with her Sagittarius Uranus in the 5th house.

Why is this significant? Because an individual with Uranus in Sagittarius in the 5th house tends to express creativity, romance, and self-expression in unconventional, adventurous, and innovative ways. This placement combines Uranus's desire for freedom and originality with Sagittarius's expansive, optimistic, and restless energy, especially in areas governed by the 5th house like creativity, pleasure, love affairs, and children. Additionally, those with a Sagittarius Uranus placement here often have an unconventional love life, preferring partners who value independence and freedom. They are attracted to unusual, free-spirited relationships with intense excitement and sudden twists, rather than traditional romantic narratives. When I discussed this with her, she agreed that it accurately described her preferences. Given that this aspect is a sextile, it highlights this fated high school romance as an opportunity for her to fully express this energy.

Hopefully you are seeing how remarkable this all is. Clearly, by including these additional clues in this client's natal chart we immediately garner a deeper understanding of her life story. It's as if the natal chart provides the type of clothing we are wearing, and the asteroid represents the extra adornments, rings, watches, jewelry, even tattoos.

In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been willing to share your personal stories and experiences. Your openness enriches our understanding and helps create a community grounded in shared wisdom. The technique of using asteroid placements in one’s birth chart is an intriguing method that can provide us with additional insights about our real-life experiences. Asteroids in astrology serve as powerful symbols that assist individuals in tracing the experiences and recurring patterns they recognize in their lives. By examining these celestial bodies, we can bring to light a newfound awareness that may have previously eluded us. This process can be both awe-inspiring and, at times, overwhelming. The first question I often encounter when discussing this technique is, "Why does this work?" My honest answer is, "I don't know." This response, while seemingly simplistic, can be applied to a vast array of inquiries about our human experience. The questions surrounding "why" are indeed infinite, stretching across various domains of existence and understanding. Children, with their boundless curiosity, exemplify this trait beautifully. They ask profound questions such as, "Why are there zebras or mosquitoes?" or my personal favorite, which I referenced earlier in this blog, "Where do our thoughts come from?" These inquiries highlight the innate curiosity that drives us as human beings, a curiosity that remains a mystery in itself. Given this complexity, I find myself more firmly grounded in the concept of "flow," allowing me to navigate the uncertainties of life with a sense of acceptance and openness.

Eastern philosophy, particularly teachings rooted in Taoism, Buddhism, and related traditions, encourages individuals to release the egoic mind. This practice of stepping into the flow or river of life is viewed as a profound spiritual journey. Personally, I have discovered that embracing such a practice can be incredibly liberating. Releasing the ego entails letting go of our attachments to identity, control, rigid plans, and the relentless habit of mental striving. Instead of clinging to these constructs, we are invited to surrender to the spontaneous and ever-changing flow of life. This flow can be likened to a river that moves continuously and effortlessly, carving its path through the landscape without forcing its course. Consider a sporting event you have attended, where an athlete performs at an extraordinary level, seemingly transcending the ordinary. We often describe this state as being "in the zone." This flow state, frequently metaphorically referred to as the "Tao" (the Way), encourages us to align ourselves with the natural rhythms of existence. It invites us to embrace change, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all things without resistance. By surrendering to this flow, we can experience life more fully, allowing ourselves to be guided by the currents of our experiences rather than constantly fighting against them.

Ultimately, for me, the reason behind astrology itself does not hold as much significance as what it offers us. The insights, reflections, and understanding we gain from exploring our astrological charts—whether through the lens of planets, signs, or asteroids—can serve as powerful tools for personal growth and self-discovery. It is not the mechanics of why it works that matter, but rather how it can illuminate our paths, enhance our self-awareness, and deepen our connections with ourselves and the world around us. Embracing this perspective allows us to navigate our lives with a greater sense of purpose and clarity.