Theos-Talk Archives (September 1996 Message tl00026)

The Theory of Relationships - Psychology & Astrology

	All human religion and culture is filled with rich and ancient
symbolism.  This symbolism has come down to us through many beautiful
myths which illustrate universal human beliefs as well as through vastly
intricate psychological symbol systems such as Masonic rituals and
astrology charts.  These symbol systems hold in them much that is of
value in the understanding of the nature of humankind. Indeed, =

mythological astrology and astronomy are two of the oldest scholarly
disciplines known to us and do seem to prove very useful from a
historical perspective -- but while today astronomy is accepted by all
scientists as a legitimate area of research, the symbolic system of
mythological astrology is not held in such high esteem.  This lack of
scientific interest occurs despite the widespread acceptance of symbolic
systems like astrology by people in general in the west (indeed by
Presidents, executives and many prominent individuals), their use in the
Bible and in all major world religions and their official acceptance by
whole nations in the east (such as India). =


	The so-called practice of astrology today (as a projective
psychological mythological symbol system) is, however, very much removed
from the helpful educational role it played in the pristine symbolical
relational sciences (an aspect of psychosophy) of which it was a part in
ages past. (1)

	The obvious widespread use of astrology and other mythological symbol
systems by humanity today would seem to call for a large research effort
along these lines and, if symbolic mythology is at all a reflection of
human psychology then it would be true that statistical and mathematical
research methods applied to the hypothesis offered by symbol systems
such as astrology will show the usefulness of such symbol systems as a
necessary area of the psychological sciences.  However, just as the vast
majority of qualified scientists do not wish to research such a thing as
astrology, so the vast majority of sincere students of symbolic
mythology lack sufficient scientific and mathematical training to
legitimately demonstrate an appropriate level of scientific validity for
symbol systems to the intelligentsia of the world.  =


	Moreover, the many publicly practicing charlatan astrologers and many
invalid claims by astrologers as well as astrology=92s incomplete public
presentation, and most significantly the selfish misuse of its symbolism
have greatly hampered the appropriate use of the symbolical
psychological systems in their proper role of educating and helping
human beings.  There has been some research done by qualified scientists
on astrological symbol systems but usually wrong or incomplete
hypothesis were tested.  Also there has been statistical research done
by a few astrological investigators but it has usually lacked a
sufficiently rigorous scientific methodology or theoretical closure to
be convincing to the skeptic as to the value of symbolic relational
philosophy.  To wit, as written by one student, the ancient system of
astrological symbolism needs to =93be lifted out of the hands of those
interested in predictional astrology, out of the hands of the thousands
who at this time spend much time =91casting=92 horoscopes (seeking to
interpret their usually erroneous conclusions), and placed in the hands
of trained mathematical scientists and in the hands of those who have
given as much time to scientific training along astrological lines as is
now given to training a reputable physician, a chemist or a biologist.=93=

(2)

	A theoretical model of why mythological and psychological symbol
systems (such as astrology) can be useful needs to be explicitly stated
so that any relevant research may be seen as clearly indicative one way
or another regarding the question of a symbol system=92s appropriate
usefulness in the understanding of human nature.  We shall call this
model by the very general phrase of The Theory of Relationships.  The
central tenet of this theory is that all relationships are determined by
vibratory resonance and that this resonance can be directly
psychometrized in an appropriate symbol or combination of symbols.  This
tenet requires that we posit the existence of energy levels and
frequencies of patterns which are electromagnetic yet psychological in
nature and that symbols can be directly associated with such energy
patterns through their innate resonance.  =


	This theory makes many obvious predictions which are completely
scientifically testable (see below) and a basic factor analysis of the
many aspects of an astrology chart with conventional personality tests
(such as the MMPI) would, it is predicted, reveal many enlightening
correlates.  Symbols can be ideographic (as in astrology), based on
color, based on sound or can be mathematical in nature (as in geometry
and numerology).  In this theory variable relationships exist to some
degree between all that is and the associative strength of for example a
relationship between two people would be determined by the degree to
which each resonated to the same vibration or frequency, such frequency
vibration being determined by psychological typology and events such as
shared experiences.  =


	Resonance relationships represented by symbol systems can be both
multi-dimensional in a spatial sense and qualitative in nature yet still
be empirically verifiable.  According to one researcher: =


	=93The language of symbolism, the science of the stars, the lines
engraved on forehead and hand by life=92s experiences, all these are mark=
s
of recognition, points of contact which rightly interpreted indicate
past, present and future events, as surely as the rising of the sun
indicates the beginning of a new day.

	=93If all these facts can be understood and accepted, the majesty,
purpose and power of Cosmic symbolism, which includes astrology and
prophecy, may be seen, and that great phenomenon of life be dignified
and raised to its true position in the minds of men instead of, as now,
being relegated to the shades of superstition and made a by-word and
epithet of contempt by some, and used for the deception and beguilement
of their fellowmen by others.=94 (3)

	Understanding the qualities or resonance patterns of age-old yet
persistently present symbol systems would provide a firm framework on
which to build an understanding of human psychological processes and to
build a modern understanding of our relation through reflective
resonance patterns with broader natural energy processes.  Along the
lines of astrological symbolism the following research suggestions have
been made by an interested co-worker who has studied Tibetan philosophy:

	=93Some day it will be of interest to make a scientific research and
investigation into the power of balance which Libra wields and a
consequent analysis of the effect of Libra in an individual life. It
might then be possible to discover whether the particular life in which
a man carries forward the process of reversal may not perhaps be one in
which the sun is in Leo, with Libra rising. Such statistical studies
have not yet been made, but there is much to be done along these lines;
I only make suggestions, but it will, I think, be found that this is the
case. A proper investigation likewise into the life history of
spiritualism and of the mediums associated with it may prove that the
majority of the mediums in the world who are of a low grade type or
purely trance mediums=97negative and usually unintelligent =97are born in=

Cancer with Pisces rising, or in Pisces with Cancer rising. Such studies
would necessarily have to deal with hundreds of cases and be carried
forward over a long period of time in order to prove the point which I
seek to make. It would also be interesting to make an analysis of those
particular incarnations and their horoscopes wherein the polar opposites
both appear in relation to each other -- one as the sun sign and the
other as the ascendant, for these lives usually express some degree of
either equilibrium or of consummation; they will not in any case be
negative lives or lacking in direction, event or purpose....

	=93You will note that my purpose in this section of our treatise is to
evoke interest and enquiry and to incite students to scientific,
statistical and analytical investigation. Only in this way will my basic
premises be proven and eventually substituted for the present
unsatisfactory methods =97 methods which most astrologers who have any
real capacity and insight regard as deplorable and unsatisfactory." (4)

	In conclusion,  The Theory of Relationships can appropriately resolve
many age-old issues and provide an efficacious perspective from which
many helpful psychological understandings can be seen and demonstrated
by scientific research. =


References
----------
1.  The Secret Doctrine Vol. II:  Anthropogenesis by H.P. Blavatsky.
2.  Esoteric Healing by A.A. Bailey, p. 277.
3.  Teachings of the Temple, Vol. 1, p. 197.
4.  Esoteric Astrology by A.A. Bailey, pp.  183-184.
-- =

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