By Emma Vidgen 

I haven’t always been an astrologer – nor have I always been interested in sustainability. I’m not proud to admit it, but there was a time in my life where ‘more is more’ was my MO when it came to shopping, especially clothes. But in the past decade I’ve grown increasingly passionate about living slower. It’s no coincidence that the shift coincided with my astrological education. Studying the rhythms and cycles of the sky, I’ve developed a whole new appreciation of time, space and the environment. While it may seem unusual, these are just some of the ways astrology has shifted the way I think about wellbeing, sustainability and the world around me.

Astrology has deepened my awareness of seasons

An inherent awareness of time, seasons and cycles is the bedrock of astrological knowledge. Understanding planetary phases and the correlation of those rhythms to life on earth is ultimately what it’s all about. Becoming aware of the sun’s season in each of the 12 signs of the zodiac (which last about 30 days each) was my first step towards nurturing a more seasonal mindset. Just as I began to understand the kinds of adventures that are best undertaken during each season  (e.g. tackling something hard during Capricorn season, prioritising rest in Cancer season and so on), I became more attuned to the seasons on our calendar. Knowing when berries are at their best, or tomatoes are next-level, was one of the simplest ways to live more in step with nature. 

Astrology taught me about the preservation of energy

One of the first things I learnt about astrology was the phases of the moon. What really struck me tracking the moon over a month (it takes roughly 27 days to complete a cycle) was the parallel between the lunar cycle and my own physical cycles. At the new moon at the start of the lunar cycle, the moon is dark. As the weeks unfold, it grows in light, until it reaches its peak at a full moon, halfway through its cycle – just like the follicular phase in our menstrual cycle. From there, its light gradually wanes – just like the luteal phase. Watching the light grow and disappear is a pertinent reminder of our physical energetic cycles. Like the moon, we are not meant to be ‘on’ all the time. Some days we’re new mooning, some days we’re full mooning. We aren’t always ready to light up the sky… and that is totally OK. 

Astrology made me more mindful of the environment

It’s easy to get caught up in the language of astrology, but one of the most beautiful things it has taught me is to go outside and look up at the night sky. The very first astrologers began looking at the sky and recording the movement of the planets and their correlation to events on earth at least 4,000 years ago. Just looking up on a regular basis is both grounding and awe-inspiring. Looking at the stars reminds me of my tiny but unique place in the universe and puts everything in perspective.

Astrology taught me about impermanence 

Astrology turns on the basis that the planets are always moving. Holding this basic concept close is a reminder of the frailty of life and nature. For all the freakouts you’ll see on social media every time Mercury retrograde rolls around (three times a year, but who’s counting?), it is but a moment in time that will arrive… and inevitably end. Remembering this basic truth, that cycles begin, peak and end, helps keep me grounded (especially when things are rough) and reminds me to treasure the little moments of beauty when they arise because these too will not last forever.

To learn more about astrology, check out Emma’s forthcoming book The Astrology Of You: Finding Love, Creativity and Soul Purpose In Your Birth Chart

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