I use astrology in several ways:  to gain greater understanding of myself and others; to obtain a more objective view of what I am experiencing during a current time period; and to plan for the future so I can utilize upcoming windows of opportunity.

Astrology can help explain what each of us is experiencing on any given day. This is because at the moment of taking our first breath, our internal wiring is "set" and is shown by the positions of the planets at the moment of our birth. This is revealed in our individual astrological chart.

As the planets continue to move through the constellations of the zodiac they activate our internal wiring, causing us to emit an energy that attracts certain experiences into our lives.

By being aware of these planetary influences, we can understand what we are experiencing in a whole new way and use it to our advantage. For example, if transitting Saturn (which shows the profession) is squaring natal Moon (which shows personal needs) during a given time period, we are likely to feel depressed during these days (or weeks, depending on how long the particular cycle lasts.)

By KNOWING what is going on we can see our feelings of depression as an indicator that it's time to consciously evaluate our career goals and our personal needs for nurturing - are we in balance, or do we need to give more attention to one of those areas? That would be the best way to use this aspect when it occurs (which it does for each of us once every 7 1/2 years) rather than just passively accepting a period of depression or blaming others for our feelings.

In addition, I use the scientific timing of astrology to plan the best times to start new ventures, have a business meeting, or go out to meet new friends. This enables me to make the best possible use of my time. For example, if I want to meet a new boyfriend, I go out to events I enjoy when my chances of meeting a potential "Mr. Right" are greatest.

Of course, there is still the challenge of handling opportunities properly once we have created them. This is where growth of character comes in, along with a willingness to respond to situations differently than we have in the past in order to create results that are more positive.

Personally, I also consult the Goddess Oracle and the Tarot Cards when I need additional insights to help me come into proper alignment with what is currently going on in my life. For example, I recently began dating a new man with whom I feel a real inner connection. At one point I became anxious because I hadn't heard from him.

I consulted The Goddess Oracle with the question:  "What is ______ experiencing in terms of his relationship with me?" The answer that came back was:  "TIME OUT - Stop, look and listen. It's time to slow down and accurately assess your position."

This was so helpful, because I was able to see that he was becoming vulnerable and had to pull back and re-group before connecting with me again. And I could feel the correctness of this answer. Prior to consulting the Goddess, I hadn't even considered the situation from his point of view, I was only aware of my own insecurities.

Using astrology and consulting other esoteric guidance systems that are connected to the higher realms definitely help me to gain a more objective picture of what is going on so that I don't get trapped in my own issues and withdraw inappropriately, or take actions that are counter-productive. This allows me to consciously cooperate with the positive energy and abundance that naturally flows through all of our lives.