It’s all in the stars
by Charlotte Knottenbelt
It’s
been used by societies all over the world for thousands of years to
gauge when to plant crops, fish and hunt. Certain US presidents have
been known to seek advice from astrologers and postpone important
signings to times when the planets are more favourably aligned, and
astrology has even been harnessed by some to make money on the stock
market.
For Carole Lydon, the art of using planetary movements to make sense of life on earth has developed into a satisfying sideline to her day jobs in International Relations and Chancellery at UniSA.
Carole first became interested in astrology when she had her chart done four years ago. Intrigued, she took up study at the Adelaide School of Astrology, and she now consults in her spare time, while working towards a day when she can indulge in her passion full time.
“I’m a bit of a voyeur – I love getting into people's heads which is basically what I do with it,“ she says. “I think everyone has an innate desire to know more about themselves.
“Astrology can help show people their strengths and weaknesses, and provide options and solutions on how to overcome problems you’re experiencing.“
“A lot of people come to me with a dilemma – for example it might be that they’re unsure of what vocational direction they want to head in. While I never say what they should do I can go through their chart and tell them where their talents lie.“
The people who come to Carole for readings don’t fit a stereotype – she gets everyone from professionals to students, to new mothers wanting their baby’s chart read.
And then there’s what’s known as ’mundane astrology’ – where astrologers use the planets to predict the outcome of elections, wars and other current events.
The million dollar question is, does it work? Carole, and millions of others the world over are convinced that it does.
“The basic premise of why astrology works is like this: The solar system is like a giant cosmic clock with components that move in a predictable manner. We are just part of that clock. Women, fishermen and mental health practitioners will testify to the effect of the full moon. So, why not the other planets? When you discover their qualities and observe their effects it’s rather convincing.“
As an exercise as part of her studies, Carole has successfully predicted stock market moves and even the winners of Big Brother. So what’s her predication for the current BB series winner? “I haven’t actually compared all the charts for this series, but I think Ryan will walk away with the money – but it doesn’t take an astrologer to guess that!“