Astrology

By Jade Emory
Oahu Island News, December 2006

"THEEGOTISM"

During the first 3 weeks of each December the sun transits the constellation Sagittarius, which governs religion and philosophy. Our great nation not only joined the original inhabitants, it added the imperative of religious freedom as its own underlying basis.

However, once groups became established in their own interpretation of Divine Truth, many insecure members negated the traditions of the original cultures and imposed their own beliefs upon them. This religious pride is theological egotism, which I have nicknamed “theegotism”.

Swami Muktananda said in 1978, ‘Any religion that puts down another religion is not a religion”. It is people using God instead of letting God use them.

The Lebanese poet, Kahlil Gibran, in his famous book, “The Prophet” wrote, “Do not say ‘I have found the truth’. Say, ‘I have found a truth’.” This teaching’s value is its modesty and respectfulness of diverse, sincere beliefs.

Centuries ago a powerful European church hired the brilliant physicist Sir Isaac Newton to invalidate astrology, because this ancient metaphysical science was lessening the church’s influence over society. But the more Dr. Newton studied astrology to try to disprove it, the less he was able to do so, and he eventually became an astrologer himself.

Throughout all time wars have been fought over whose truth is the only right one, where people not only kill each other with military weapons, but also try to destroy others holding different views with words of slander.

Even today our world is in grave conflict because one path teaches its students to hate, condemn and annihilate others.

The solutions must begin in each humble heart.

3000 years ago it was written in Hexagram 20 of the I Ching, “Contemplate the merits of your life by the effects of your choices.”

If your path unites you with the family of humankind, your choices are truly spiritual. If your path divides you from others, your choices are “theegotistical."

In the Bible (I Corinthians 1:10), people are taught that they should not have divisions amongst each other, but rather to be united in the same purpose. That purpose should be for the highest universal good.

Neem Karoli Baba taught, “The best form in which to worship God is every form.”

Wise words to follow on any path.

Oahu Island News Contributing Editor Jade Emory holds degrees in psychology and education, has taught in American and Canadian universities and has been a counselor since 1970. She may be reached at 808-429-2411 or by email at auntyastrologer@yahoo.com.