Astrology as a Tool for Self-Awareness and Intentional Living

Key Quotes

"So astrology is the study of how the sky mirrors what happens on earth. Astrology and your astrology chart is a mirror of your life of your life's purpose of your soul. It's a mirror of the events that also happen on the earth and when you're born somebody's astrology chart is literally like a map of their life."

Chani Nicholas explains that astrology is a tool for understanding one's life and purpose by mirroring celestial events to earthly occurrences. She describes an astrology chart as a literal map of an individual's life, encompassing their potential, challenges, and areas for growth.

"So your sun sign is like something you share with people that are born within a 30 day span as you. It's very general. There's a lot to be gleaned from it, but it's not your chart. Only your rising sign can tell us your entry point and then it sets up the entire chart. It sets up the meaning of everything else for you."

Nicholas differentiates between sun signs and rising signs, clarifying that sun signs are general and shared by many, while the rising sign is specific to the exact time and location of birth. She emphasizes that the rising sign is crucial as it acts as an entry point and dictates the interpretation of the entire birth chart.

"So it's a snapshot of the sky at the moment that you were born from the exact location and time that you were born and everything in it is in relationship to each other. So you're actually describing all of the relationships that make up your life."

Nicholas defines a birth chart as a snapshot of the sky at the precise moment and location of a person's birth. She highlights that the chart illustrates the interconnectedness of celestial bodies and their relationships, which in turn reflects the relationships and dynamics within an individual's life.

"So when you're not living in accordance with these these kind of like signs to me in your chart if you're not living in accordance with your purpose then everything is going to feel wrong and everything's going to feel misaligned."

Nicholas explains that when an individual does not align their life with the purpose indicated in their birth chart, they may experience feelings of misalignment and that things are going wrong. She suggests that understanding and acting on the chart's guidance can lead to a sense of things falling into place.

"So your chart isn't your fate, it's an invitation. And I think this idea of fate and free will and you mentioned it earlier, but what does astrology believe about fate and free will? Do we have agency or is everything predetermined?"

Nicholas clarifies that an astrology chart is not a predetermined fate but rather an invitation to understand one's life. She posits that individuals have agency and free will within the framework provided by their chart, akin to having a landscape within which to make choices.

"So if someone's about to enter their Saturn return, what would you recommend they do? Do the things that are hard that are going to require everything from you that are going to be worthwhile in the long run."

Nicholas advises that individuals approaching their Saturn return should focus on challenging, long-term endeavors rather than instant gratification. She suggests this period is an opportunity to commit to actions that will be deeply satisfying and align with one's integrity, even if they are difficult.