Astrology – The Ultimate Influencer,
Choice, Fate, Destiny and the Age of Aquarius
Dianne Collins
International Best Selling Author
Years ago I had to come to terms with the psychic Divine science of Astrology. Could reading the planetary energies determine your fate? Fortunately wisdom came to me and I would tell people, “Astrology is in the realm of duality. However, when you reside in the transcendent realm you can go beyond its influence to command your own destiny.” This is a big statement, I realize, for anyone who might believe that you cannot change what appears to be fated for you. Or for whatever you imagine to be fated for all humanity for that matter. Let’s explore.
The distinctions between duality and transcendence, Fate and Destiny are more important than ever at this time when the interest in Astrology is exploding exponentially. We must use discernment as we listen to astrologers and other seers making predictions—as such definitive statements even with the best of intentions can lead us astray.
In the realm of consciousness, dualism indicates a reality of separation, for example, between mind and heart, self and other, the material and the spiritual. Transcendence is the state in which we know ourselves in our Divine nature, one with All That Is. In a transcendent state we realize a higher truth: there are distinctions yet no actual separations.
We live in a relational Universe. There is no actual separation between ourselves and the planetary energies and zodiacal signs that influence us. We are born with free will. We have choice. At the same time, Astrological influences are important and powerful and most assuredly worthy of being keenly aware of.
“The fool obeys the stars; the wise man heeds them.”
-Evangeline Adams (1868-1932)
American Astrologer known as the Mother of Astrology
I like to think that Divine Creator uses the planets to direct our attention where we need to be to advance the evolution of consciousness, both individually and collectively. Think of it this way: the planets influence, yet they do not determine.
This is consistent with a quantum world view which indicates that reality is not fixed and static and absolute. The nature of reality is probabilistic, not deterministic. This is also reflected in the wisdom of the Taoist ancient black and white symbol of Yin-Yang. Masculine and feminine principles are balanced and harmonized within the outer edge of a unifying circle that encompasses them both.
Fate or Destiny?
Fate is something that appears to be unalterable. You were born in a certain country to a particular family situation. That surely seems unchangeable at this point : ) What about Destiny? Your astrology chart is a blueprint of the soul’s journey this time around. It shows your potential, your gifts and talents, interests and tendencies. How it all plays out is to a great extent (though not absolutely) up to you. Destiny is something you can shift and change. The astrology chart is a master plan of our soul’s possibilities. If you believe in predictions you render yourself a victim of Fate. If you know that in a transcendent state you can influence how your Destiny unfolds, you place yourself in command of your Destiny. Command doesn’t mean you can control all circumstances. It does mean you have 100% sovereignty over how you choose to be related to whatever circumstances come your way. It does mean you have choice in directing your path.
The Self Realized master, Paramahansa Yogananda wrote about astrological influences in his classic book, Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda famously was to be married three times according to his chart. At that time in India there were arranged marriages. It came up several times for him to be wedded, but it did not happen. With his free will, he chose instead a monastic life of a spiritual celibate.
You have been dealt a hand of life comprised of distinctive characteristics. If you believe as I do, your soul chose your astrological blueprint as the best one for your own evolution. How you play your hand is up to you. My first astrology mentor taught me how this works. Suppose you are born to be proficient wielding a knife. Will you be a sculptor, a butcher, or a surgeon? This is the gift of understanding your role in your own Destiny.
Destiny is an interesting phenomenon. It seems magical and romantic. I love to tell people, “You are destined for greatness.” It is to inspire them to take action and develop the divine gifts they came in with. Now I impart that message to you: You are destined for greatness.
You and I have incarnated in this most exciting and auspicious time!
How else do the distinctions between Fate and Destiny play out? You and I and all of us have been born into this breathtaking Age of Aquarius. Was it fated or did our soul choose to be here now? It’s a paradoxical both/and answer. It is our Fate. We’re here now. There is no interpretation necessary to determine that! But what does it mean for us? This is where Destiny takes on a leading role.
I met one of my great mentors in Astrology many moons ago. Iris was an uncannily clairvoyant psychic astrologer. One day she said to me, a twinkle in her eye, “Dianne, you’re a little ahead of your time. But don’t worry—in another 20 or 30 years everything you’re interested in now is going to be popular.” She was referring to my interests in higher consciousness, ageless wisdom, mysticism, quantum physics, and the psychic sciences. I thought, really? You mean I have to wait another 20 years for the greater reality to become mainstream?
Well, time does fly, as it is said, and here we are. The Great Shift, the Age of Aquarius, the time of the 6th Sun, the end of the Kali Yuga (dark age) and return of the age of Light. Whatever way you prefer to name this era we have chosen to be part of, you don’t need an astrologer (or a student of Astrology such as myself) to tell you this is no ordinary time. We are in a time of evolution unlike any we have witnessed or known, a leap to a higher state consciousness that ushers in unity and harmony and a golden age.
People have spoken about it for decades and prophesied it for centuries though no one knew for sure what it would look like. We still don’t know though we are starting to grasp a clearer sense of it. With technologies advancing at superluminal speeds, societal institutions “under construction” and revitalized spiritual yearnings, what is key is our relationship to it. We have choice.
You may have heard or read there are monumental planetary shifts occurring within a concentrated 15-month time frame, and including the shifting of the Nodes which my esteemed co-columnist, Carolyn Mulkerrin, wrote a magnificent piece explaining it. [See the January issue of the IFGT newsletter.]
Before we delve into the transformational energies we are feeling now and in particular I will focus on the qualities of an Aquarian age, I offer an ultra-simplified quick lesson for context.
A 1-minute Lesson in Astrology
Natal Chart, Transits and Houses
When I met Iris I made a conscious decision to not learn Astrology as it seemed a hefty course of complex study. And yet, just from being in her presence I was learning. I share this to let you know that even if you may not want to engage in the study of Astrology—since it is a highly intuitive system, you may find yourself picking up on it just because of its growing prominence in mainstream culture. We are all in the quantum field of it now.
I think of Astrology as a map of the sky dotted with constellations and planets, light energies that influence us with their inherent characteristic qualities and their relationship to one another (called “aspects”) and to our own natal chart. The natal chart is a snapshot of the position of the planets at your moment of birth. The transits are the continuous movements of the planets along their orbital paths.
In Western Astrology the chart is a “wheel” a 360 degree circle divided into 12 sections, 30 degrees each, called Houses. The Houses indicate the various areas of life—House of self, money, communication, relationships, career, etc. This is a highly simplified explanation as each of the 12 Houses have many different characteristics. For example, the first House of self indicates what we “show” to the world, one’s personality, physical appearance, the characteristic energies we have been uniquely given to work with to develop ourselves. The reason the time of birth is so important is because the time designates which zodiacal sign is on the cusp of each House, beginning with the first House of self. The rest follow suit, with each of the 12 signs “ruling” one of the 12 Houses or areas of life.
Four Outer Planetary Shifts within 15 Months
The Times They Are A Changin’
The outer planets (furthest from the Sun) are associated with influences on the collective humanity though they also affect each one of us as individuals. There are four outer planets changing signs within a 15-month time period, marking the end of one era and the start of another. This makes for a huge energetic shift in a relatively brief time frame. We will be feeling it. The question is how shall we use it to best advantage for ourselves and for the planet at large?
A few factors make the shifting of the four outer planets into new signs intensified. One significant factor is that the outer planets, considered to affect collective evolution, have longer cycles. When they enter a new astrological energy field, it indicates a momentous change in energies. For example, Neptune with its cycle of 14 years in each sign can define a generation. Uranus with its cycle of 7 years is synonymous with developmental phases for human beings. Pluto which spends 10-20 years in each sign is considered the planet of transformation. Saturn’s cycle of 2 1/2 to 3 years in each sign indicates where we need to discipline ourselves to build and manifest.
Another hugely meaningful factor now is that two of the four, Neptune and Saturn are each leaving Pisces and entering into Aries. What makes this remarkable is that Pisces is the end of the Zodiac and Aries is the beginning of the Zodiac. The energy influence is nudging us collectively and individually to wrap up loose ends and start fresh and new. For the purpose of this discussion we will focus on Pluto in Aquarius as an activation of the Age of Aquarius. For now, let’s just contemplate these four dramatic changes:
- Pluto ended a 16-year cycle in Capricorn and entered Aquarius, November 19, 2024 where it will remain for the next 20 years.
- Neptune, a 14-year cycle in each sign, moves from Pisces into Aries, March 30, 2025
- Uranus, a 7-year cycle in each sign, shifts from Taurus into Gemini, July 7, 2025
- Saturn, a 2 ½-3 year cycle in each sign, is moving from Pisces into Aries, May 25, 2025
Pluto’s Big Move from Capricorn to Aquarius
One of the most impactful cycles now is a 20-year cycle of Pluto in Aquarius. The Age of Aquarius (as in all astrological ages) is said to be 2,160 years. There appears to be no definitive agreement as to exactly when the Age of Aquarius began. There is agreement, however that we are at the beginning of it now. This is emphasized by the entry of Pluto into Aquarius for the next 20 years. Our intelligent solar system is setting up the new age for us. Pluto in Aquarius is an activation and acceleration of the Aquarian energies defining an era of profound transformation.
Planetary energies create cycles upon cycles. Seeds are planted when the planets aspect one another. They connect and then they move on. However, the energetic seeds they planted continue in the underlying energy.
Pluto in Capricorn from 2008-2024 sowed the seeds of restructuring societal systems and structures. Capricorn rules corporations, government, and structures in general. Pluto is the planet of transformation. It “digs up” to reveal what needs to be transformed, always to make it better.. Restructuring does not mean throw out the “old” and bring in the new. Restructuring is a refinement. What should stay and what should go and what simply needs some adjustments. This requires discernment and thoughtfulness. Which brings us to a main quality of Aquarius—higher mind.
As you consider the specific energetic qualities of the Age of Aquarius you can tune in to how it might affect our collective evolution as well as how it applies to you personally, depending upon which is the Aquarius House in your own chart.
“This is a dawning of the Age of Aquarius …”
-Lyric from the popular song, Aquarius from the 1968 Broadway musical, Hair
In the vibrational frequency of the Age of Aquarius we’re feeling a great emphasis on thinking. The planet Uranus associated with the higher mind and known as “the awakener” is the modern ruler of the sign Aquarius. Aquarian energy is thinking from your higher mind. In my own work in QuantumThink® we have a theme this year, Think for Yourself. Mind as we speak about it is the individualized form of the one All Pervasive Divine Mind. Mastery traditions point out that the mind is “located” in the spiritual heart. The Age of Aquarius is beckoning us to think from our higher mind—thinking that includes the heart, soul and spirit.
It is wise to tune in to the energetic influences and it is just as important to create your relationship with Astrology so you can consciously “think for yourself” to determine their meanings and direct your destiny using the energetic trends to best advantage.
What to know about the energies of Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius is a conundrum in and of itself. Aquarius is the sign of advanced thinking, the higher mind, the nonconformist, the unique individualist, the genius element, the unexpected. It is also the sign of community and humanitarianism. On the one hand our unique individuality is emphasized. And at the same time we are called upon to come together as an harmonious humanity in service to one another and to the totality of life. It’s time to bring your uniqueness to the community and in community.
The symbol of Aquarius is the water bearer—a cherub, angelic figure or youth with an urn of water over the shoulder—bringing water to humankind and pouring new ideas into the evolution of humanity. In the esoteric dimension water symbolizes consciousness, the ocean of consciousness. In this Age of Aquarius we take a quantum leap to a higher state of consciousness.
Zodiacal signs are said to have “rulers”—planets that are associated with them and further influence them. Aquarius has two rulers, the ancient ruler being Saturn, and the modern ruler being Uranus. This is quite an intriguing combination. Uranus which is called “the awakener” where we can expect the unexpected, and Saturn which calls forth discipline and responsibility to manifest into form. So, freedom and responsibility. Doesn’t that make perfect sense? It is time for each one of us to take responsibility for our unique genius, to develop it, and to offer it up to humanity for the good of all.
Remember that the specific energetic trends that characterize Aquarius create the overarching theme for us as one humanity. These are the energies that we are given to work with—bringing in the new state of being and the outer world reflections of that new state. Individually, we each have an Aquarius House (area of life) in our chart. This is where we get to express what makes us unique, and offer it to the world.
Aquarian Energies Simplified
Expect the Unexpected. Uranus, the modern ruler of Aquarius can bring sudden changes and upheavals in the status quo.
Sparking Genius. The Aquarius House in your natal chart is the area of life where your genius is being ignited.
Desire to be Free and Independent. Creating the future anew requires a sense of freedom to be able to do that.
Humanitarian and Compassionate. In the soulful desire to serve humanity, Aquarian energy ignites our compassion for all of life.
Wisdom Made Practical. What about You? Let’s make this personal and practical. Ask yourself: What unique genius do I have that I can express more powerfully now?
A Benevolent Psychic Science
The boon of planetary influences is that we are given the gift of time to acclimate ourselves accordingly, to be in sync with the opportunities we are offered by the arrival of new energies. This year, 2025 is no different in that respect. For a short time the planets will retrograde back into the signs they are leaving, giving us a chance to take care of what we may have missed. In fact, retrogrades are for that purpose. The energy guides us to review, rethink, reorganize and redo. Retrogrades give us time to go inward and reflect upon how we can use the changing energies to full advantage. We have time to clear out what is no longer needed to create space for the new to emerge. We consider what is important to us going forward, how we would like to express ourselves anew, and what we are passionate about now. The message is reflect before you act—nothing impulsive now. Think it through.
Beware of Predictions – Think for Yourself
We also play vital roles in directing our collective Destiny. Now that we have distinguished between Fate and Destiny, we can extend that to the part we play in bringing about our new world. So often people hear the predictions and prophecies of historical figures as well as modern readers and just accept those predictions as “the way it is.” And yet, realizing we live in an Infinite Possibility universe, it is up to us to stay in a state of clarity, free of automatic or conditioned beliefs and remain established in our column of light.
If you want to command your Destiny, establish yourself in a transcendent perspective. Only in that Divine state are we free to choose, unencumbered by any previously conditioned reactions or automatic beliefs.
Why is Astrology the Ultimate Influencer? We are influenced by both the unique blueprint of our soul in this lifetime as well as the transiting planetary vibrations. Astrology is the Ultimate Influencer because it is only in relationship to ourselves that it makes any sense and any difference. You and I are the ones with the freedom to choose how to use the energies. That makes Astrology the Ultimate Influencer.
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Dianne Collins, original thinker, mystic, business woman and futurist, is the creator of the QuantumThink® system of thinking enabling us to naturally master our minds, and is author of the 10-time award-winning bestseller, Do You QuantumThink? New Thinking That Will Rock Your World. Dianne has served on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Global Transformation for nearly 10 years.
Aquarius Image:
The image of Aquarius, the Water-Bearer, was generated using DALL-E AI via Chat GPT. The artwork represents an esoteric and celestial interpretation of the sign, featuring an angelic figure pouring cosmic wisdom upon humanity.