The image of the journey is a familiar metaphor. We know about the journeys of Ulysses, Gulliver, Dante, and Sinbad the Sailor. The theme of journeys and traveling is a thread woven throughout the fabric of collective experiences. When we undertake the journey, we move out of the known and step into uncharted territory. We come to crossroads and must decide which path to follow. We encounter people on our journey who can change our minds, even our lives. We come face-to-face with frustrations and opportunities which test our mettle and sharpen our wits. There are obstacles and miracles along the path; obstacles to overcome and miracles to light the way.

In ancient times, travelers often sought guidance of divine communications or oracles to better understand the journey ahead of them. The well-known oracle at Delphi comes to mind. Armed with insight and equipped with information, the traveler set out, more confident in his/her ability to “collaborate with the inevitable,” to work with the energy of change. The is oracular consciousness which can listen to and interpret the messages of an ensouled universe. Ancient travelers on journeys of long-ago and far-away believed in the wisdom of oracular consciousness.

In this contemporary age of information super highways and lives lived at something approaching break-neck speed, it is difficult enough to hear the guidance of oracles, let alone trust the message! Astrology is one language of oracular consciousness available to us. Like mythology, astrology uses a symbolic language to describe the inner terrain of the psyche. Astrology can provide a road map to navigate and explore this landscape.

Astrologers are often asked, “What’s going on in the stars?” We sense a change of direction is occurring in our lives. Sometimes, we don’t understand the significance of what is happening to us. We simply know we’re in turmoil and some guidance would be helpful. When we can see the meaning in our current situation, we can relax and “collaborate with the inevitable.” Instead of resisting change and fearing unknown territory, we can work with the opportunities that change represents.

This is the beauty of astrology. Think of the birth chart as the story of your life’s journey. The current placements of the planets (transits and progressions) are the signposts along the way. These patterns tell the nature and timing of the changes we are experiencing, whether we have come to a crossroads, and how to proceed. Using astrology as a road map allows us to make better choices and expand our options. From this perspective, we do away with fatalistic notions that the planets are making us miserable or happy, rich or poor, lonely or unfulfilled. The planets are making us do anything. They simply reflect where we are in our life’s journey.

During a Uranus transit, for example, an individual will often experience sudden, unexpected changes, a feeling of restlessness, and simultaneously, a sense of being in the right place at the right time, talking to the right person. In contrast, during a Saturn transit, time may seem to slow down, outside circumstances might feel frustrating and an individual may feel stuck or even depressed. An astrologer might counsel the person experiencing Uranus’ energy to push the known limits, to expand their horizons, and to try new, creative and exciting approaches. The astrologer may counsel someone experiencing Saturn’s energy to be patient, to roll up their shirtsleeves and to invest time and effort into making changes in their life.

Astrology is a tool that can make a difference in the quality of our travels, whether we are experiencing a predictable life cycle, which everyone undergoes at certain ages, or individual life transitions, which can occur at any time in the course of our journey through life. The Saturn return, which occurs between ages 28 and 30, is a predictable life cycle that marks the threshold of psychological adulthood. Many individuals will begin a career at this time, make a commitment to a relationship or assume more responsibilities in their personal or professional life. Using current cycle charts, an experienced astrologer can clarify the purpose of the year, where the changes are happening, significant people in the cycle, and, of course, how to effectively work with upcoming changes. For example, a Gemini ascendant in a current cycle chart may indicate a year of learning and a focus on communication whereas a Sagittarius ascendant may indicate a year of travel and possible relocation.

Like the ancient oracles, sometimes astrology simply helps us ask the right questions as we journey through the cycle. Astrology speaks through ancient symbols that awaken inner wisdom, an essential element of any successful journey. And, along the way, we realize the experiences encountered and the wisdom gained are the real treasures.