Archive for Thursday 27th March 2003 - The 10 World's greatest mysteries...
No. 10 The mystery of fate, luck, and astrology

Since you are reading Jonathan’s astrology page, you are probably aware of the mixture of fate and luck that runs through life. You may wonder, is your life already scripted? If so, to what extent can you alter the pattern? There is obviously a script at the start of every life. It determines where and when you are born, and who your parents are. Thereafter, you are free to go your own way – subject, perhaps, to the script.

The question of the balance between destiny and free will is at the centre of philosophy. The traditional view, given by Plato, is that you choose the script of your life before birth, and you are bound to follow it. You may think you can get away from it, but whatever you do, it is all in the script. Where, in that case, does free will come in? The traditional answer is that it is in how you play your given part. It is like being an actor on stage. Your performance could be triumphant or it could be a fiasco. If you do well, everyone loves you and you feel good. If you flop, people turn away and your life is miserable.

The good thing about accepting the script is that it makes you less worried about the future. It is all taken care of. But it brings you the responsibility for playing your part well. That is where astrology comes in. It reminds you of your part in the drama, and how to make the best of it.

John Michell

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