Dr. Taryn Deane, ND
@DrTarynDeane
Exploring the depths of your soul and trying to understand why you do the things you do can be an exhausting task. Some question the point of all this work, but by the end of this article I think you’ll see why it’s a worthwhile exercise and not nearly as difficult as it sounds.
What is astrology?
I’ve recently made the realization that there is a lot to be gained from Astrology – the ancient science (which predates astronomy and psychology) and studies the interactions among stars and planets based on intricate mathematical cycles. Meaning that before we ever knew anything about our brains or outerspace, we used math to make sense of our personalities and place in the world.
“Astrology in general, but especially natal astrology, is primarily and essentially an answer to the universal human need for being deeply certain that the universe in which we live not only is a universe of order, but a universe full of meaning. This universe has “meaning” for us, mortals and sufferers; it is a meaning we can be made to see, to feel, to understand once we are led to realize that all events, all crises, all traumas since our birth make sense in terms of a whole-view of our entire life. Each is a necessary phase of our total development as a whole person.”
– Dane Rudhyar, author, modernist composer and humanistic astrologer
We use a lot of words to describe our identity (sister, teacher, doctor, friend, athlete…etc.), but rarely consider one aspect of our existence that we know, for certain, to be true: our birthdate. Why is it so strange to believe that when we entered the world would affect the way we perceive and live in it?
It very well may be “hocus-pocus”, but you must admit when you read a horoscope that’s bang on, you can’t help but wonder and momentarily find peace in knowing that there’s a reason we’re all here. There’s a lot to be said about the power of the mind when it comes to manifesting certain things to happen. I like the idea of using astrology and other self-study tools to design, create and live your dream life.
How to use your birthdate to gain insight into your soul
Growing up, I was only aware of Western astrology, where I’m born under the Aquarius zodiac sign. I related well with the description and everytime I pick up a newspaper, I flip to the back to read my horoscope, usually finding some timely truth in it. Having learned a bit more about native medicine, I was beyond thrilled to discover their brilliantly designed astrological calendar, which shares the same timeline as the zodiac model, but named for the moon instead. In it, I’m born under the Rest and Cleansing Moon and have the Otter as my animal totem. Chinese astrology similarly uses animals (and mystical creatures) to describe 12 phases that determine many aspects of our life, but especially our career and finances. By Eastern standards, I was born during the Year of the Rat.
What to do with this new information
Compare the qualities of your sign(s) to those of your current state of self-awareness by doing a couple more tests (total time required: 22 mins) and determining your enneagram number and personality type.
Collect a list of strengths and weaknesses and analyze past events with this new bit of self-information. See if you can decipher any themes or patterns and use astrology to help you get clear when faced with difficult decisions. When you are clear about what you value in life and what your natural state desires, the stress of dealing with the present dissipates as you learn to trust your instincts and find pleasure wherever you are.As a result, you will be a healthier, happier version of yourself.
Worst case scenario, you disagree with what presents itself, but I urge you to read the rest of the signs, totems and descriptions and perhaps you’ll find one that fits better. Through that process alone, you’ll get an idea of how you perceive the world, which can help you communicate in your career and relationships and can even help your health practitioners understand why certain health concerns continue to arise for you…if they are open to that sort of thing 😉
What do you think? Does your sign describe you accurately? I would love to hear your thoughts and experience in the comments below.
Dr. Taryn Deane ND hails from New Brunswick but now calls Vancouver home, where she moved 7 years ago to study Naturopathic Medicine. She currently practices downtown at Evoke Integrative Medicine, where she specializes in skin, sex and self-esteem by following a unique holistic approach to the underserved population suffering from these ailments.
Born into a family of teachers, it is no surprise that when she is not practicing, Dr. Deane is committed to improving the education of holistic healthcare practitioners. She’s thrilled to be teaching at both her alma mater – the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine – as Chair of Clinical Diagnosis, and at the Institute for Holistic Nutrition where she passionately teaches nutritionists about the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur. In her spare time, she loves playing sports, dancing and spending time wandering around the Kitsilano community with her rescue mutt, Monte.
Reference:
- Rudhyar, D. CyberWorld Khaldea. Rudhyar Archival Project. The Future of Astrology.1973. Available at:
http://www.khaldea.com/rudhyar/astroarticles/futureastrology.shtml Accessed January 15, 2015.
