Fate vs Free Will: A Contemplation

Mark Catesby, 1743

The interplay between fate and free will is a challenge for anyone who studies astrology. One can not understand astrology without recognizing the undeniable influence of fate. Our birth charts and the transits and progressions that impact them reveal patterns that undeniably guide the unfolding of our lives. Yet, we also wrestle with the idea of free will, questioning whether our responses to these fated events are truly independent or if they, too, are shaped by the same forces beyond our control. This is not a question with a clear answer, but rather one that invites deeper reflection.

Astrology and the Unfolding of Fate

A birth chart is often described as a map of potentialities, illustrating the core themes, struggles, and turning points that define our journey. The placement of planets at the moment of first breath suggests who we are and the types of experiences we are destined to encounter. Transits and progressions reveal the timing of significant life events, marking times of challenge, struggle, or opportunity. These influences strongly suggest that certain events are fated and woven into the very fabric of our existence before we are even aware of them.

Yet, if these events are predetermined, can we claim true agency in how we respond to them? Are we free to choose, or are our reactions simply another expression of fate?

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