approach), and, from an esoteric standpoint, all of astrology that is not esoteric is exo-
teric. Although modern esoteric astrology can appropriately claim an ancient lineage,
the reformulation of the ancient wisdom tradition as put forward by Helena Blavatsky
and the Theosophical Society in the nineteenth century has been the single most
important element in the shaping of contemporary astrology.
Esoteric astrologers are more interested in utilizing the elements of astrology
for philosophical speculation than in the practical application of astrology to the con-
cerns of everyday life. Hence, the erection and interpretation of individual horoscopes
plays a relatively small role. In Fred Gettings’s Dictionary of Astrology,he describes eso-
teric astrology as “founded on the premise that the cosmos is a living being, that the
destiny of the solar system is intimately bound up with the destiny of humanity, and
that human beings reincarnate periodically onto the earth.”
Sample speculations characteristic of the esoteric approach are the notion that
the individual soul incarnates in each of the 12 signs of the zodiac in succession
(Manly Palmer Hall) and that each of the zodiacal signs has an “esoteric ruler,” differ-
ent from an “exoteric ruler” (Alice A. Bailey). Other significant features are utiliza-
tion of the notions of reincarnation and karma to explain hard aspects and soft
aspects, the correlation of the planets with the charkas(the “energy centers” of the
Hindu yoga tradition), and a spiritual interpretation of the elements. Beyond the
aforementioned thinkers, other key shapers of modern esoteric astrology are Alan Leo,
Max Heindal, and Rudolf Steiner.Sources:
Gettings, Fred. Dictionary of Astrology.London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1987.
McEvers, Joan, ed. Spiritual, Metaphysical and New Trends in Modern Astrology.Saint Paul, MN:
Llewellyn Publications, 1988.
Simms, Maria Kay. Twelve Wings of the Eagle: Our Spiritual Evolution through the Ages of the Zodi-
ac.San Diego: Astro Computing Services, 1988.ESOTERICRULERSHIPS
In esoteric astrology, the 12 signs of the zodiac are said to have esoteric rulers—ruler-
ships by planets other than their usual planetary rulers that are activated only in
“highly evolved” (spiritually evolved) individuals.ESOTERICTECHNOLOGIES
Esoteric Technologies is an Australian private limited company specializing in devel-
oping and publishing astrology software. Esoteric Technologies was formed in 1993
and launched its first product, an astrological program called Solar Fire, shortly there-
after. This was the first commercial grade astrology program to become available for
the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Since that time, the Solar Fire program has become one of the world’s leading
western astrology programs. It now has one of the largest market shares of astrologers,
from beginners through to professional consultants.Esoteric Rulerships
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