ASTRAL REFLECTIONS
BY TIM STEPHENS
AUGUST 14 – 20, 2011
	
       All times/dates are PDT.
       To paraphrase Charles Spurgeon: a lie will go round the world before the truth gets its pants on. In the case of modern Christianity and astrology, the latest version of “truth” has taken about 100-150 years to get its pants on. That’s when our modern Protestant sects, “discovering” that astrology implied fatalism and a lack of free will, arose to renew an old fight against astrology. Many of these Protestants would be surprised to learn that astrology was studied right up to the 18th century by seminary students. They might also be surprised, if they visit Europe, to find hundreds of cathedrals covered in astrological carvings, Jesus shown with zodiacal glyphs, etc. The truth is, astrology and Christianity have undergone alternating phases of marriage and divorce for 2,000 years. At present, modern Christians equate astrology with Satan. They might as well believe the Bible was written by Satan, for it is, both on and under the surface, a prime document of astrology.
       The Bible’s two most distinct, stunning and extensive descriptions of God, in Ezekiel and Revelations, are 1) remarkably similar, and 2) are, remarkably, descriptions of astrology, in which the elements and symbols of astrology are shown to be more central to God than his own angels.  
       Ezekiel says he first saw God “in the land of the Babylonians.” (Babylon was the birthplace and center of astrology.) He describes God as “an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light” (Eze 1:4). In “the center” of this cloud were the “four living creatures” that were universally accepted as representatives of astrology. Each had “four faces and four wings…each had the face of a man…of a lion...an ox…also…an eagle.” They “sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.” Each creature was connected to a moving wheel. Each wheel is actually composed of two wheels intersecting each other – a fair description of the two wheels used by astrology: one for the signs, one for the houses. These wheels are important to Ezekiel: he spends entire paragraphs repeating the fact that they are connected to the creatures, that they are filled with the “spirit of the living creatures” etc. The creatures themselves cannot be mistaken: they are the four fixed elements of astrology: Taurus the ox (earth), Leo the lion (fire), Scorpio the eagle (water) and Aquarius the Man (air).  Upon these four creatures the throne of God sits. Each wheel and each creature “including their backs, their hands and their wings” are “completely full of eyes” (Eze 10:12) indicating God’s omniscience (and the prime purpose of astrology).
       Over 600 years later, in Revelations, the four creatures reappear, but do not have four faces each. Instead, each is a different creature: one an ox, another a lion, an eagle, and a man (again, representing the same four creatures, the four elements of astrology). Again, they are covered in eyes “even under their wings.” As God sits upon his throne, the closest things to him are “seven lamps” (the sun, moon and 5 planets – only 5 were known at that time) and the four creatures of the zodiac. Together, the creatures have 24 wings. Next, in concentric circles, are “24 thrones” occupied by “elders.” The 24 thrones are the 12 signs and 12 houses of astrology. (In astrology, the signs and houses are called “thrones.”) When the four creatures of astrology speak, the 24 elders fall down and worship God. Beyond the elders “ten thousand times ten thousand” angels join the chorus (Rev 5:11). The creatures of astrology and the 24 “environments” of astrology – the 24 thrones/elders – are closer to God than the angels. When Christ appears (Rev 5:5) he too, stands “in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the 24 elders.” 

Start Nothing: 5:26 a.m. to 5:54 a.m. Sun., 1:12 a.m. Mon. to 5:01 p.m. Tues., and 4:50 a.m. to 5:36 a.m. Fri.


Aries   March 21-April 19
This is your last week of romance, Aries, so enjoy it. (If you’re married, whenever I say “romance,” you can substitute nature’s beauty, creativity, fun, love of children – the biggest romantics become the most loving parents.) Retreat, rest and contemplate Sunday to Tuesday eve – an old flame might light your solitude. Your charm and energy flow forth Tuesday night through Thursday. Wednesday’s tough – wait until Thursday to chase good things. (But remember, start nothing new before August 26.) Chase money Friday/Saturday – luck rides with you! Avoid home friction all August.

Taurus   April 20-May 20
The recent sluggish pace continues. Sink into it, rest, relax, soak up nature. Shore up security, home affairs, children, gardening, etc. Your home is a haven of beauty and affection all August. A former plan, visitor (relative) or home repair, project might return –okay, but don’t start anything big (in any area, before August 26). Some irritating duties or errands might draw you into more activity than you want: that’s okay, just get them done. Your popularity and optimism rise Sunday to Tuesday. But retreat, rest Tuesday eve to Thursday.  Friday/Saturday, your energy surges!

Gemini   May 21-June 20
Be careful with money to September18. More comes in, more goes out. You could be spending lots, and not know it (e.g., until your lawyer’s bill arrives). Tell people to stop charging you. Delays, cancellations affect communications, travel, errands, schedules, appointments. Be patient. Re-visit old haunts, contact old friends, old loves. (Result: a reassuring, mild happiness.) Career/reputation pressures rise Sunday to Tuesday – all’s fine! Your hopes and popularity rise Wednesday (problems) and Thursday (sweet). Retreat, rest Friday onward. Start nothing new before August 26.

Cancer   June 21-July 22
Even if you’re jumping out of your pants with impatience, Cancer, don’t start anything before August 26. Your determination, courage and assertiveness are at a two-year peak, but there will be drive, time and luck enough to launch something August 26 to September18. Meanwhile, focus your energy on past or ongoing projects/people. And, if nothing else, just bask in your slowly but widely growing popularity! Sunday to Tuesday are mellow, wise, gentle: show love. Careful Wednesday: authorities, bosses are in a black mood – Thursday’s the opposite! Friday/Saturday bring happiness!

Leo   July 23-Aug. 22
Your energy and charm remain high, Leo. But start nothing important before August 26. Your “wisdom planet” is in a place of retreat, secrets, watching and contemplating until September 18 – you’ll “get it” Sunday-Tuesday. Though you’re assertive, romantic and adventurous now, your wisdom, your best conclusions, will come from those “quiet moments.” A former “friendly romance” might reappear: to little avail Tuesday/Wednesday, to great benefit Thursday! But realize romance in 2011 is a diversion, not a future. Your career, your education is more fruitful, as Friday/Saturday show.

Virgo   Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Your hopes grow about a sexual or financial situation (investment?) a research project, or a health concern. (These fail Wednesday, but Thursday blesses them.) Don’t start a new relationship or project, especially in these sexual, etc. areas, before August 26 – in the three weeks following (to September18) you’ll be able to grab them with more luck and energy. Welcome and handle a former tax, government, head office, charity, spiritual or similar contact or obligation. Your legal position is strong. Relationships please early week. Gentle love mellows you Friday/Saturday.

Libra   Sept. 23-Oct. 22
A former lover or “flirty friend” might return, or your thoughts bend strongly toward him/her. If you’re both free, why not? It’s pleasing, without danger. But don’t pursue it Tuesday (though you’re tempted, it signals “empty results”) nor Wednesday (strong resentment) – Thursday is perfect. If it (or any attraction) appears Friday or Saturday, then don’t fool yourself: one of you is contemplating cheating on someone. Tackle ”mutual” chores Sunday, routine chores Monday/Tuesday. Seek co-operation, agreement Thursday, not Wednesday. Research, finances lucky Friday/Saturday.

Scorpio   Oct. 23-Nov. 21
The accent remains on your career, status, reputation, and dealings with VIPs, authorities, bosses and parents. Strictly avoid legal hassles to September 18 – don’t mix legalities and authorities (e.g., judges, police).  Otherwise, higher-ups admire you, even want to do you a favour – help them! A former boss or career role might return. It’s harmless, and could benefit you. Forget “control” – loose and flexible receives. Romantic notions sweeten Sunday-Tuesday. Work and co-workers irk you Wednesday, benefit and bless you Thursday – time actions. Exciting meetings Friday/Saturday!

Sagittarius   Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Your home’s a haven of peace and sexy attraction Sunday (even Monday/Tuesday) – but don’t start new home-related projects (e.g., buying sheets, renting, renovations) – nor anything important in any area – before August 26. An old flame, former teacher, or fellow traveller might pursue you – all have same sweet intent. You could be attracted to a former book or belief. No harm in love or book; these will “fall away” in two weeks. Wednesday/Thursday are romantic – Wednesday, at best, offers “crippled love.” Thursday gives sweet, smooth success. Tackle work, Friday/Saturday.

Capricorn   Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Plug away at a pile of work, Cap. Start nothing new before August 26 – stick to routine chores. DO NOT buy equipment. A former financial situation/opportunity, sexual “opening,” lifestyle opportunity, health concern or research project could return. All these are viable and blessed with mild good luck, as long as they don’t involve dishonesty or immorality (e.g., a chance to fall for that same married person again). Errands, friends and communications fill Sunday to Tuesday: Sunday best. Stop, think Wednesday. Rest, improve home Thursday. Romantic notions Friday/Saturday.

Aquarius   Jan. 20-Feb. 18
A month of meetings, opposition and opportunity continues. The most productive of these will have a link to the past. A former business associate, spouse or serious lover, might return – with a good outcome, so welcome them – unless the situation’s unethical (e.g., you or that former spouse have re-married). Work demands a lot of communication, bits and pieces, travel now to September 18 – until August 26, make lists, check schedules, etc. Start nothing new before that date. Shop Sunday, not Monday/Tuesday. Safety, Wednesday! Good friends, talks Thursday. Home, Friday/Saturday.

Pisces   Feb. 19-March 20
Your energy and charm surge Sunday to Tuesday, and the whole period’s filled with contentment. Romance is around you also, so Sunday, especially, could trigger something sweet! (You can be effectively assertive this day.) However, don’t start any big new relationships or projects of any kind before August 26. Stick with past or ongoing affairs. Work is easy, co-workers affectionate, but delays and mistakes are rife, so double-check here. Take care with money Wednesday – shopping, coecting money much luckier Thursday. Friday/Saturday are for friends, travel, gab sessions.


www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 416-686-5014.


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