One of the greatest strengths of astrology is its astounding ability to describe the energy we’re experiencing at any given time. Astrology aligns with the hermetic principle ‘as above, so below.’ Meaning, what is happening up above in the cosmos is a direct reflection (not the cause!) of what is occurring below on Earth. I believe that astrology is an incredibly useful tool when used in an empowered way. I’d like to share with you one of my favorite methods for navigating the energetic ups and downs of life- astrological remediation.
Andrea Gehrz describes astrological remediation as, “the use of any method necessary to heal and soothe existing problems, as indicated within the chart. This includes problems that have existed from birth, or have come in through the main vibrations of traveling planets.” For our purposes, we are going to talk about this subject in the context of what Andrea refers to as ‘traveling’ or transiting planets.
All About Transits
Your birth chart is a snapshot of, among other things, your unique energetic essence. When your natal planets are touched by the vibrations of transiting planets, they form relationships with one another. These relationships can be challenging or supportive. They can catalyze us into action or lure us into complacency. It is difficult to predict the scope and intensity with which we will experience a transit. However, the more familiar one becomes with the depth and nature of the various planetary archetypes, the easier it is to form a loose idea of what might occur when Saturn comes in contact with our natal moon, for example.
For a more scientific, how-to guide for tracking transits, I recommend this article from Astro Butterfly.
Take Your Power Back
It is easy to fall prey to the disempowering doom and gloom that surrounds certain potent configurations such as the Saturn Return. However, I believe all transits are portals through which we can learn valuable life lessons if we are open and receptive to them. As famous astrologer Judith Hill poetically explains, “Future occurrences are dependent upon the sort of seeds that are planted in each individual’s garden. The seeds are understood to hatch under certain planetary weather systems. Outcomes then may be multifaceted and variable.” Assume that a bright future is possible, no matter which way the celestial wind is blowing.
A practice that I find very useful (and you might too) is observing and documenting the effects of important transits as part of my daily journaling routine. Notice the emotions that they elicit, the impact on the physical body, relationships and behavior. This can be especially helpful for future reference should a transit reoccur. It also serves to deepen your understanding of astrology.
What To Do About Challenging Energies
Certain transits may describe an energetic climate that is onerous or less-than-ideal. These challenging energies can ignite problematic behavior or circumstances if they catch us unawares. We have three options for navigating troublesome transits: wait them out until they pass, transmute them using astrological remediation and/or channel them physically through the body.
Astrological remediation seeks to mitigate the magnitude of these energies by healing the energetic imbalance and thus uprooting the problem at hand. You can work with an astrologer, or on your own, to come up with a list of supportive and effective remedial measures. What is so wonderful about this practice is that it approaches each person and situation as unique and tailors the solutions accordingly.
Since astrology is largely anecdotal, I will use my own experiences as an example. I have a Mars-Moon aspect that presents itself symptomatically in the form of digestion issues. My medical astrologer Claire Gallagher, helped me brainstorm a few ways that I could address this problem. First, I can remediate the physical piece, low stomach acid, by incorporating digestive bitters before meals. On an energetic level, a (challenging) mars-moon aspect can manifest as feeling unsafe, especially during mealtimes. This can also contribute to the lackluster digestion. So in addition to the bitters, I also make a habit of praying or expressing thanks before eating.
Astrological Alchemy: Symbolic Substitution
The most common form of astrological remediation is symbolic substitution. Symbolic substitution is “the substitution of hard, planetary energies with easier or more fruitful expressions of the vibrations” (174). On a simplistic level, this might look like watching a scary movie or screaming into a pillow during a Scorpio full moon to transmute the intense energies.
There are two types of symbolic substitution: active and passive. Active refers to anything that expresses the energy outwards in an action-oriented activity. In contrast, passive refers to anything that fulfills the internal urge, yet doesn’t express that urge via a direct action.
This is one of those times where in order to really illustrate the concept, it’s better to show than tell. Here’s an example of how we might use active and passive astrological remediation to support an individual through a Mars-Neptune transit. It is directly sourced from Gehrz’s book, Astrological Remediation:
Mars needs: The need to be passionate, instigate, roughhouse, sweat, rage, contend, move fast and express animal instincts.
Neptune needs: The need to sleep and snuggle, channel art and music, merge with others, experience magic and miracles, feel inspired, seek divinity, seek transcendence, attend to the psychic and spiritual self, and respond to vibrations.
-Possible Remediations-
Active: Practicing martial arts, live action role play, playing Dungeons and Dragons, vigorous swimming, making perfumes or mixing scents, alchemy, tai chi, sexual role playing, energetic manipulation through qi gong, acupuncture, costume-making or drawing anime characters.
Passive: Watching martial arts movies, reading about energy work, taking pictures of one’s rash (a common Mars/Neptune affliction), using flower essences for inflammatory problems, listening to goth/industrial music, reading about drug-related injuries, or practicing reiki (195).
Juicy Journaling Questions
Here are some juicy journaling questions to help you come up with your own remediations. I use Saturn in this example, but feel free to substitute any planet and its properties to suit your personal situation…
- What would be a non-problematic use of the ultra-cold energy of Saturn?
- Is there an activity that would allow the energy of Saturn to be expressed without hurting anyone?
- Is there a use of Saturn that would not be painful or shameful?
- Is there a use of the cold that would lead to health and vitality?
- Is there a use of the Saturnian boundaries and structure that would lead to a better world?
- Is there a use of the Saturn that would be joyful?
That’s it for now my starry-eyed friends! Let me know what transits you’re currently experiencing in the comments below and some ways you can hold space for yourself.
Much love,
Avalon
Source:
Gehrz, Andrea L. Astrological Remediation. Moira Press, 2012.
