Ever since humans have started grasping the concept of time we have been fascinated by the possibility of being able to catch glimpses of times beyond the present. Of distant, long forgotten pasts and of what the future holds. Oracles promising to advise on future paths have been revered since ancient times and astrology has been one tool many have turned to for this very purpose over thousands of years. So, is it possible to foretell the future using astrology? As is often the case, the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes and no.

One of the main reasons for this is that time in and of itself is just such a difficult concept for us to understand. Perhaps you have heard or learnt already that time is an illusion, that nothing exists beyond the ever-changing present moment? And yet there are skilled practitioners who are able to predict global events or issues on a personal level, sometimes without ever having met the person they concern.

Some may argue that there is no such thing as free will and that everything that happens in our lives is destined and pre-determined. There is no proof for or against this stance, but I would just invite you to think about how that statement makes you feel.

An alternative viewpoint, increasingly favoured by quantum physicists and manifestation experts alike, is that we live in a field of infinite potential where all possibilities exist, simultaneously. Although we can only ever experience one reality at a time, the possibility to switch between them exists as a result of conscious choices we have made with our free will. Personally, I believe this to be a much more life-affirming and liberating view than the previous one.

In this respect, astrology can predict certain themes that we will experience during certain points in time. It can do so with a great deal of detail and nuance when multiple different planets, stars, asteroids and calculated points are used. Exactly how you will experience these themes, however, depends on your own choices, your belief structures and intentions. What astrology certainly cannot do, is to then predict how you’re going to react to these themes once they occur in your life.

For example, with a transit of Pluto to your Ascendant, we can say with certainty that a transformation of your character and the way you present yourself and are received by the world will occur. We can look at other points in the chart to infer which areas of your life will be helpful and supportive in this transformation and which could end up making it more challenging. By looking at the rulership of the Ascendant and your natal Pluto position we can even tell which area of life is likely to trigger this transformation (for example your career) and which area will remain changed as a knock-on effect of this transformation (for example your relationship). We cannot, however, ascertain how exactly it’s going to occur because you have not yet made all the decisions you are going to make up until that point.

So it could be that you are going to receive an offer for a new job and with that new position comes a new sense of identity, even a new personal style, but you have very little time for relationships, leaving potential romantic interests to fizzle out. But now, knowing that this is a possibility, you make a conscious choice not to take that offer. Instead, you are promoted internally within your company, resulting in a title which offers you more freedom. You begin acting, talking and presenting yourself more authentically, attracting a cherished, romantic relationship into your life. These are only two of countless options for the same themes to present themselves.

You are the co-creator of your lived experience and your reality. Knowing what general themes, ideas and adventures life has in store for you, being prepared and understanding what the lesson is behind what you are experiencing, can be an invaluable tool to help you take control of your life and ride the waves rather than being blindsided by them.