The Night Sky and the Life We Grow

When you go out into the woods and look at trees, you see all these different trees. Some of them are bent, some are straight, some are evergreens, and some are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree.

The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying, "You are too this," or "I’m too this." That judgment mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees, which means appreciating them just the way they are.

— Ram Dass

I’ve had this jasmine plant for a few years now. It came in a small mason jar container, which I kept it in for a long time. I watered it and placed it near a window, where it grew a bit and stayed alive. I wouldn’t say it thrived, but it did okay. I had been meaning to transplant it for a while, since it was becoming stunted and root-bound. I’m not much of a plantsmith.

I finally got the supplies needed and attempted the transplant. The mason jar it came in was not ideal—the rim’s circumference was much tighter than the overall jar, making it difficult to pull out. I lost a chunk of the root system in the process and feared that in attempting to give the jasmine a better life, I had destroyed it completely. Initially, it was droopy and discolored. I gave it as much TLC as I could, and it’s now getting greener and perking up. Seeing its resilience, I am now determined to make it the healthiest jasmine plant I can.

I recently learned that some ancient astrologers compared a human life to that of a plant. This really resonated with me—thinking about the circumstances a person grew up in, how they were nurtured, and the influences around them. The factors that go into keeping oneself alive and what it takes to thrive.

The birth chart is a unique lens through which to see life—a snapshot of the sky at the moment an individual was born. It reveals one's gifts, challenges, communication style, motivation, and so much more, especially when we incorporate timing techniques. A trained astrologer will help you understand the beautiful, unique walking contradiction that you are, rather than putting you into a box, as pop astrology often does (e.g., advising you to avoid a certain sun sign etc.). It’s not about psychic skill, though I’m sure there are psychics who layer astrology as a tool in their practice. It’s truly about observing and understanding our lives better, as well as being more in touch with the cycles we go through that hopefully help us grow into the most authentic and productive version of ourselves. Not productive in the mass-production sense, but productive in the way we are meant to contribute to life—like how a plant flowers or bears fruit.

To grow into ourselves, we often go through tough times, learning about our strength and ability to bounce back. Sometimes the difficult things we experience give us purpose and tenacity. So, how are you doing, dear plant? Are you getting what you need? Are you basking in the light? Perhaps you’re meant to be a unique flower, but you’re shadowed by cacti that think you should be a cactus too—because they only like other familiar cacti. (What pricks.) Maybe you’re as symbolic as a lotus, still growing and producing a striking flower in muddy, murky water. Or perhaps you’re a patient olive tree, waiting for the right time to bear fruit.

If you need help, reassurance, or guidance, your birth chart and the ancient language of the night sky—along with the support of a professional, dedicated consulting astrologer—can be of service. We are all alive in this earthly experience—growing, learning, and witnessing the sun rise with unwavering consistency each morning. Everyone deserves to be seen for who they are, respected, and encouraged to bloom into their most authentic self.