My Astrology Journey Part 2: Transitioning from Modern to Traditional Astrology
August 3, 2024 | by alchemywithcourtney.com
Photo by Josh Rangel on Unsplash From Modern to Traditional Astrology
Like most astrology enthusiasts, my first exposure to astrology was modern/pop astrology. While it’s fun, relatable, and easy to dive into, modern astrology oversimplifies a lot of the foundational information and just doesn’t do a great job of explaining the “why” behind its techniques. In order for concepts to make the most sense to me, I need to understand how things work, what the concepts are rooted in, and how ideas have evolved over time.
When I transitioned into studying traditional astrology, it was like a lightbulb turned on in my head! Strengthening my traditional foundation helped me make more accurate, nuanced interpretations and gave me a more straightforward approach to understanding each of the components of a chart. While I still believe that some concepts and applications of modern astrology are useful, studying the fundamentals of traditional astrology gave me a deeper and more thorough understanding of astrological principles and how to apply them correctly.
The Challenges of Traditional Astrology
In my opinion, the problem with traditional astrology is that many of the texts are hard for a beginner astrology student to approach due to their very technical manner or to the fact that they’re simply hundreds of years old and the structure of language is different than what we’re used to now.
Some might argue that this is a natural filtering method that ensures only the most dedicated students will study astrology, but I believe that traditional concepts should be more accessible so that beginners can get their feet wet with more accurate information than they’d get with a foundation in modern astrology. The first book I read about traditional astrology has some impeccable, eye-opening information, but the first time I opened it, I was immediately overwhelmed and didn’t return to it for years! When I was finally ready to return to it, concepts that I’d been struggling with for a while made a lot more sense to me.
Bridging the Gap
My goal now is to share what I’ve learned in a more accessible way that helps beginners or modern students increase their confidence in their practice with a stronger understanding of foundational astrological techniques. This is meant to be an introduction, and like taking a 101 class in college, students can gain enough working knowledge to either stop there or choose to dive deeper knowing that they now have solid knowledge of the basics. Something I really appreciate about modern astrology is the psychological application, and I believe that combining this with a traditional understanding offers a more holistic approach to using astrology as a tool for self-discovery and growth.
RELATED POSTS
View all
From Curiosity to Spiritual Awakening: My Tarot Journey
September 1, 2024 | by alchemywithcourtney.com
