ASTROLOGY PHILIPPINES

By Resti H. Santiago   The narrative of a modern nation-state is not complete without a retelling of the sacrifices of its heroes, especially around its birth. Some stories were written in blood and these should not be forgotten by each succeeding generation. The film "Heneral Luna" is one such effort -- a brilliant, entertaining and moving one. In medieval society, the distinction between classes is clear-cut and this is astrologically defined as well. Some are meant to write or to teach (Mercury), some are meant to lead (Sun), some are meant to take care of others (Moon),some are meant to bring about prosperity (Jupiter), some are meant to bring honor to the country using their God-given talents (Venus) but in times of conflict, war or the fight for freedom, we turn to Mars to bring out heroism among the populace. In Philippine's war with America at the turn of the 20th century, one man stood out -- Heneral Antonio Luna. According to astrologer-translato...

By Resti H. Santiago Andres Bonifacio The concept of fate was not very popular in the 20th century because the previous century's mantra was all about freedom. This may partly explain why astrology has to be reformulated. But denying fate would not eliminate it from our lives. If we are to believe Plato's "Myth of Er," fate is actually an agreement or arrangement that we had with God, sealed by the Fates, prior to one's incarnation. Denying that there is no binding agreement does not free us from what has actually been agreed upon. It is for this reason that I want to emphasize that despite 20th century thought, fate still exists. But that does not mean there is no free will. A more realistic approach that astrology can show is that there is fate, and there is free will. The reason why astrologers can make predictions is because there is fate. The reason why astrologers can err in their interpretation is because there is free will. Clotho, from where...

By Resti H. Santiago Photo by Noel Mapalo It's National Heroes Day and it's a good time for us to look up at our heroes and learn from their struggles. Astrologically speaking, anyone can be a hero, a star in his or her own right. There is no specific astrological configuration that we can look for in a natal chart to determine beforehand that an individual will become a hero or not. Why is this so? Because becoming a hero is a choice. The interaction between the struggle that a group of people is experiencing and the inner struggles of an individual with a strong sense of "fate" and mission becomes magnified and urges that individual look beyond himself and to think of the greater good. Such is the case with Gat Andres Bonifacio who was able to channel his "martial" energy in addressing the needs of the times. He did initiate the "Revolution" in 1896 but he could have chosen otherwise. If he did not choose to join Rizal's L...