What is Esoteric Astrology?

Esoteric astrology includes but goes beyond the astrology with which most of us are familiar. Whereas most widely practiced forms of astrology refer primarily to the personality levels of the psyche, esoteric astrology seeks to incorporate the personality within a broader contextual framework linking the personality with the soul. Esoteric astrology specifically addresses the substructures underlying one's belief systems, attitudes and life processes; it is thus more concerned with causes (energies and forces) than with effects (events).

Esoteric astrology has come to be specifically associated with Alice A. Bailey and other members of the theosophical movement. The word "esoteric," however, simply means "hidden," and refers to that which is not apparent at first glance. Broadly speaking, therefore, esoteric astrology refers to any systematized endeavor to reach beneath the surface significance of a chart in order to plumb its deeper meanings. The field of esoteric astrology has developed through the contributions of great thinkers, from H. P. Blavatsky (founder of the Theosophical Society) to Alice A. Bailey, Rudolf Steiner, Alan Leo, E. H. Bailey and many others. Their thought and writings have helped to externalize what is known as the western mystery tradition, often referred to as the Ancient or Ageless Wisdom Teachings.

Esoteric astrology encompasses highly individualized meanings and multiple levels of interpretation and synthesis; because it incorporates many layers of study and dovetails with other levels of astrology, it is a complex and specialized field in which comprehensive preparation supports sensitive interpretation. Esoteric astrology keeps pace with us as we grow, identifying the ways in which various aspects of ourselves become ripe for integration and transformation to higher levels of expression. If you are interested in learning more about esoteric astrology, you might enjoy reading the article entitled "Getting Started in Esoteric Astrology".