Reflections Of A True Astrology Rebel

by Robert Wilkinson

Since I was attacked on the website Astrology Rebels by violent people who are degrading the celestial science, I’ve been thinking of my 47 years as an Astrologer, and remembered that I was a true “astrology rebel” when I began my journey back in 1971.

When I first started studying the celestial science, I literally didn’t know my elbow from my right ear when it came to anything more profound than hamburgers and beer. As I explained in my recent interview in the extraordinarily well done new astrological ezine Celestial Vibes, I came to study astrology as I was curious about how some of it seemed accurate, and some of it seemed totally off. (I’ll do a review of that magazine soon. In the meantime, consider buying a copy, since I’m sure you’ll like my somewhat long interview! )

As I studied all kinds of books, I saw there are many contradictions in astrology. Along the way, I came to understand that there were many superstitions in previous eras, and just as psychology has advanced since Freud’s primitive and misguided theories, so has Astrology. I found many things that seemed “set in stone” in the past have given way to a more holistic view of what Astrology is and is not. While we must honor our predecessors, we must also honor our own place in moving the understanding of Astrology forward within the context of our times.

I remember being excited with each discovery, and after a couple of years slogging through the books, it all seemed to be coming together in a coherent way. I learned about the four “building blocks” of Astrology, those being planets, signs, houses, and aspects. At some unknown point, I began to understand things without needing a book or person to explain them, and by 1975 I had mastered so much of the craft, both philosophically and practically, that people began to find me and demand that I do formal paid chart readings and teach structured classes.

I jumped into it enthusiastically, and it seemed I couldn’t teach enough classes to satisfy the demand. Then reality struck! I heard that one prominent astrologer in our city was really, REALLY mad at me, and putting me and my work down in public forums every chance she got. It seemed really strange to me that any astrologer would put down another astrologer in public, and so I dispatched 2 friends who knew her cordially to find out what her problem was.

The main gripe was that she taught that Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were irrelevant in chart readings, and she didn’t like me teaching that these Transpersonal planetary energies in fact pervade our lives on every level. She also didn’t like that I taught my students the fact that those with a Transpersonal planet in one of the angles of the chart (near the Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendent, and Nadir – 1st, 10th, 7th, and 4th house respectively) serve as spiritual catalysts for others they meet on the path of Life. I suspect she also didn’t like the fact that more people wanted to take my classes than hers…..

It wasn’t like she was discreet or subtle about it. I had bucked her conventional wisdom and challenged her authority without meaning to, and she was very public in trashing me. At the time I offered to debate her, anytime, anywhere, about any differences we might have. Of course she never took me up on it, since bullies and blowhards tend to be all talk and no action.

That helped me remember that courage is everything when it comes to standing for the truths we find in our direct experience, and that how others perceive us as a result of gossip and innuendo means absolutely nothing in the long run. So in my freedom to explore the endless pearls of wisdom in the art and science of Astrology, I inadvertently became a “rebel” against the conventional wisdom of at least one of the “authorities” in my city.

I also found myself a “rebel” being attacked by conventional thinkers more than a few times along the way. I was once challenged in a national convention to prove that astrology can be an accurate predictive science for those who master that branch. One can win raffles and predict the outcome of sporting contests, but then as now, I insist that is not the point of the craft. In fact, I specifically discourage that line of investigation, due to the karma of arousing the astral desire mind (Kama-manas). The arousal of greed and desire is never a good thing, regardless of what is offered as justification for that greed and desire. Of course that’s the spiritual man speaking.

I’ve been challenged to demonstrate the accuracy of astrology in predicting character and the timing of outcomes many times, and amazed more people than I can count. The signing of contracts, the scheduling of surgeries and weddings, the time to have a meeting and more are all affected by the timing on these events. Inevitably, each time I prove the accuracy of the celestial science, the more people want to know more so they can feel at ease in their lives. All beings want harmony and less suffering in their lives, but sometimes the lower nature doesn’t understand that what it wants is destructive to the integrity of the Higher Self.

That’s why along the way I refused to take gamblers as clients, and refused to ever use astrology to help someone attack or hurt another, or disadvantage one at the profit of another. It seems that’s definitely being “an astrology rebel” in a world hypnotized by desire, wanting more and more things, money, glamor, fame, or whatever feeds the lower nature. The lower nature may “rebel” against the power of the Higher, but it’s just as accurate to state that if we remember we are Spiritual Beings having human experiences, then we are “rebels” against the seductions of the lower nature by standing for a greater Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

Anyway, to choose to take the high road rather than the low road is being a “rebel” against the usual misguided delusion of the world. To choose to serve the best and highest in another rather than play to their glamor, illusion, or desires is being a “rebel” against the glamor, illusion, and greed of the world. To strive to further the highest Astrology has to offer without thought of personal profit is to “rebel” against the selfishness of the world. If these things are being “an astrology rebel,” then I have been one for almost 50 years.

Those who rebel against the lower nature will find the Higher. Those who rebel against hate, fear, violence, degraded desires and greed will find their Eternal Self. Those who rebel against the perpetuation of lower karmas will find themselves part of “the Corrective Force of Nature Herself,” joyously living and fulfilling Dharma. That’s literally why we’re alive in a body. Rebelling against all that is degrading and embracing all that is blessed is truly the only way to live.

So take heart, all you “astrology rebels” out there. Pretenders will melt away in the face of true Astrology Rebels, and you have nothing to fear from disapproval or rejection. All you have to do is stand on the truths you have found, and further the celestial science according to your sense of purpose. That’s good enough for any one lifetime. Aum and blessings.

© Copyright 2018 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[sw]

I'm glad you're an astrology rebel. Keep on rocking!

[Adamsirius]

..you're Aries sun, no? Sounds like classic trailblazing Aries rebelliousness <3

[Nic]

We are as we are and here to do what was meant to be done. If this is seen by other as being a Rebel, what does it matter?

Blessing be to all (including Rebels and non rebels :) )

[Denise]

You are so right - keep an open mind and keep on growing. My first astrology book was Isabel Hickey's classic - still of great value in many ways, but she refused to even address Pluto in any way, and concurred with the thinking of that time that the outer planets were mainly of generational importance (similar to your experience). These days, the role of the outer planets in personal transits is rarely questioned. What is next? Astrological thinking about the role of Chiron, asteroids, and trans-Plutonian objects is still relatively new. And as in the 1970s, there are those who now say that the Kuiper belt objects can only be interpreted for humanity as a whole, though there are a few rebels out there beginning to question that. Only time will tell, as our collective understanding evolves.

[Barbara]

Astrology Rebels attract Rebels as clients who are seeking to walk the Path of Light with Grace and Wisdom. I'm so glad I found you as you've affirmed for me many things I couldn't explain, including my effect upon people given a transpersonal planet in my descendant.

[Robert]

Hi all - Thanks for checking in. Each of you make good points!

Hi Barbara - While I'm sure that a substantial number of those belonging to Astrology Rebels are "seeking to walk the Path of Light," it also seems that there are more than a few ugly people there who drag down the entire dialog. And as I wrote, the moderator seemed very unfriendly to any suggestion that the site had too much sewage on the threads I felt moved to comment on, and I've had a lot of feedback from people who left that group because of too many attacks from "mean girls" and egomaniacs who couldn't handle actual astrology being discussed instead of middle school level sexual snark and put-downs.

And yes, it was clear to me from the beginning that those of us with Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto near one of the angles makes us catalysts for all kinds of things in other people. Because it was my direct observation and experience, I didn't care what the "authorities" said, since in the final analysis we must explore what presents itself for our consideration. It reminds me of what we were told by a great One about being unable to put new wine in old wineskins....

[Peg]

All I know is ... your astrology changed my life for the better. I love being a rebel too. Hell with 'em!!!!