Bill Sheeran - astrology talk Venice 1997 page 5

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Astrology and Unpredictability

A talk given at the 2nd CIDA International Congress, Venice, Italy October 1997

Here we have the resolution of the paradox of the co-rulership of Aquarius by Saturn and Uranus. The system is both predictable and unpredictable at the same time. The factors influencing precision are firstly the specificity of detail required, which introduces a proportional increase in unpredictability. Secondly this is counter-balanced by increased knowledge of context and history, which introduces greater predictability. Thus there is an inter-penetration between predictability and unpredictability, between Saturn and Uranus. Of course the skill of the astrologer is also very important too.

In my opinion, astrology would benefit if there was more discussion and debate about these kinds of ideas. And especially from the creation of a theoretical or philosophical frame work that takes the best from the past, but also which integrates into it the flavour of our contemporary consciousness. Without this we are stuck with a reliance on dogma and faith, which has its drawbacks, particularly in terms of astrology's ability to evolve.

For any astrologers interested in these ideas, there is a lot to be gained from studying the models of systems dynamics which have been developing over the last 50 years in science and mathematics. Most of them are available in popular forms for the lay-person. They can be found under various names, such as general systems theory, complexity theory or chaos theory. All these models are the product of efforts to move beyond clockwork thinking and simplistic concepts of determinism. They all challenge the dominance of traditional Satumian concepts in science, which at this stage have themselves assumed the status of dogma. They also provide useful insights as regards the efforts to develop a contemporary theoretical perspective for astrology.

There is room in astrology for the Uranian archetype of freedom and unpredictability. Its integration doesn't exclude other approaches, but simply adds to them. It creates a space within astrology where the cutting edge of contemporary consciousness can make its presence felt. Perhaps it does confront Satumian astrological traditions and dogmas, but as Uranus moves through Aquarius, and Pluto through Sagittarius, it may be time for some of us to engage in a bit of deconstruction, and take a solid step from the pre-modern into the post-modern era.

Thank you.