The Little One slammed shut the astrological chart they had ordered with such force that the inks almost puffed off the page. They didn’t like what they read, seeing themselves portrayed in both positive and negative lights. “Universe,” the Little One called, “can astrology really know anything?”
“Dear Little One,” the Universe replied gently, “astrology doesn’t try to tell you who you are at your core – it’s merely a reflection, like the surface of water mirroring the sky’s positions on the day you were born. It’s a map offering guiding hints, but only you truly know what you are.”
“Has this map ever been right and helped you understand something new?” the Universe asked, noticing the Little One’s frustration.
“Well, yes, it has been right – it captured my nature almost exactly! I don’t understand how it could be so accurate,” the Little One huffed, shaking their head.
“It feels strange, doesn’t it?” the Universe chuckled softly. “Imagine that each planet and constellation is like a note in an instrument – each has its own vibration, its own tone that resonates differently within each of us. When you were born, these cosmic sounds left an imprint on you, like notes in a score. But you’re also the composer of this symphony. The map might show a note, but you decide how it sounds.”
“When I was born or when I developed?” the Little One sought clarification.
“A perceptive question, Little One,” the Universe replied, a smile in its voice. “When you were born, cosmic forces left an initial impression on you, but your development continues that symphony every day. An astrological chart is only an opening verse – the first melody.”
“Your growth, experiences, and choices shape you constantly. What you become is a dance between the stars, time, and, most importantly, your own will. You are never finished, Little One; you are an eternal transformation.”
“But I was born thousands of years ago as an immortal soul. Do I ‘begin’ each life on a specific day?”
“Indeed, Little One,” the Universe responded in a deep, tranquil tone, “your soul is old, timeless. It carries layers of memories and experiences, as if each life adds a new page to a magnificent book. And yes, when your soul is born into each life, it chooses certain beginnings – a birth time and place that aligns with the path you will follow in that life. The astrological chart you read is a kind of compass for this life. Each life is like a new chapter, and each birth moment brings its own stars and challenges. But remember, your eternal core stands behind them all.”
“So, you’re saying, Universe, that out there somewhere is a line of star maps to choose from, like travel guides before coming here?” The Little One stared at the Universe, mouth open.
The Universe chuckled quietly, vibrating. “Could it be, Little One? Before your soul decides to step into a new body, it glances at the possibilities of life – as if examining intricate maps, considering which path would allow the most room for growth, love, and learning.”
“Perhaps souls choose their charts like a vacationer picks a destination, each option opening a unique story. But though the map is important, every step is yours – every choice, every feeling that guides you, is an adventure no map can fully reveal.”
The Little One wasn’t sure if the Universe was joking. It was hard to tell how serious the Universe was. “How, then, do soul and astrology interweave?”
The Universe looked at the Little One gently, with a depth that stretched into eternity. “Astrology,” it began, “is just a map, and the soul is what journeys through it, experiencing every turn, every hill. The soul uses astrology as a guide, but it’s not bound by astrology. Quite the opposite – the soul gives meaning to the map. Think of astrology as a thread in a larger tapestry. It shows you the energies you’re swimming in at any given time, but the soul’s purpose, its essence, remains constant. The soul chooses how it steps into that energy, what it accepts, and what it lets go. Your soul and your chart dance together, every life composing a new melody.”
“But why do we even need such a map? Isn’t the universe’s energy powerful enough that we could navigate life without the planets’ and cosmic energies’ guidance?” the Little One continued pondering.
“You are free to walk your path without a map, for your inner strength is great, and your soul’s compass guides you always. But the map is like a guide to the energetic currents you encounter in life – it doesn’t dictate you; it offers cues, reminding you of the tones and possibilities around you. Astrology helps you see the forces at play and the vibrations surrounding you. It gives you tools and perspectives. Just as a musician knows their instrument’s tones, you can learn to feel the harmonies and dissonances of your life. And while each performance can be intuitive and free, it sometimes helps to know the song’s notes, doesn’t it?”
The Universe paused for a moment, then added with emphasis, “Each soul decides how to use its map – or not to use it. I am always here, whether you hold a map or not, but sometimes a map can remind you of what you feel deep within. It gives you a small light when you seek your way in the dark.”
“Who even invented astrology, and how?” the Little One continued, opening their astrological chart. The map was visually beautiful. “Are human archetypes really so few that a chart can describe the nature of millions of people?”
“Little One,” the Universe said, with a hint of ancient remembrance in its voice, “astrology was born when humanity began gazing at the stars to understand itself. The oldest cultures – Babylon, Egypt, India, China – all began to see patterns in the sky that mirrored life on Earth. They understood that the movements of celestial bodies also spoke, in some way, of the human inner world.”
“And yes,” the Universe continued, “the archetypes astrology describes are like humanity’s shared heritage. You could say there is a limited number of archetypes, yet they manifest uniquely in each individual, with endless nuances. Each of us carries within the same fundamental stories – the hero, the seeker, the healer – but you, Little One, live these stories in your own way. That’s why each of your lives is unique, even as the ancient archetypes accompany you.”
“But nothing really moves in the sky,” the Little One sighed. “The same star patterns have been there for centuries.”
The Universe smiled, amusement in its voice. “I understand your wonder, Little One. The patterns of the heavens seem almost unchanged, reminding us of eternity. But each planet, moon, and star moves – they dance slowly with time, forming new patterns, new stories. While the constellations seem fixed, their cycles, motions, and relationships are constantly reflecting new energies here on Earth. That’s why astrology doesn’t only follow the fixed stars but also the planets that orbit in their own paths. These planets are like markers of time, whose movements and positions bring with them changing vibrations. They depict life’s cycles – moments for beginnings, growth, rest, and change. For you, these energies are like varying shades to which your soul responds and within which it evolves.”
“Remember, then, Little One, that although the sky seems still, it moves with you.”
“It annoyed me because I was portrayed so negatively and generally in that reading,” the Little One admitted. “Even though I’m a Scorpio rising, I’m not afraid of love.”
The Universe smiled quietly. “I understand, Little One. Astrological descriptions can sometimes feel like a restrictive shell. They’re a rough outline, a broad description of energies – but they can never fully understand you, for you are so much more than words can describe.”
“Scorpio rising within you is powerful, deep, and perceptive,” it continued, “but you choose how those traits are expressed. Scorpio can carry fear and defensiveness, but it can just as well represent profound love and the capacity to renew time and again. You are boundless, Little One, and you decide how these forces come to life in you.”
“I read that there was once a 13th solar sign. What is its story? Why is it missing now?”
“Ah, Ophiuchus – the Serpent Bearer,” the Universe replied, with a hint of mystery in its voice. “Ophiuchus is the 13th constellation, located between Scorpio and Sagittarius. Although the modern astrological system contains 12 signs, the early sky watchers did know Ophiuchus and its mystery. Ancient astrology had 12 solar signs because they matched the year’s division into months. But Ophiuchus symbolizes something else – an ancient seeker of wisdom, a healer who wields the forces of life and death. He is an archetype present but not always visible, like a deeper truth that appears only to those who truly seek it.”
“In astrology, he is like a gatekeeper: the 12 signs represent human archetypes, but Ophiuchus is like a bridge between these and something greater, more mystical. This is why he’s often left out – his energy is like a shadow or a flash, ready to guide those who dare to look deeper.”
The Universe smiled mysteriously, its voice filled with gentle curiosity. “I understand your confusion, Little One. Ophiuchus is a bit of a shadow figure in astrology – he doesn’t appear on every chart like the other signs. Unlike the traditional 12 solar signs, Ophiuchus isn’t a sign everyone can find in their natal chart.”
“Ophiuchus represents those with a unique draw towards healing, seeking truth, and even facing fears. He can be seen as representing anyone who lives through inner transformation and dares to step into the unknown, such as healers, mystics, and those who have taken on the life mission of pursuing profound wisdom.”
“Sometimes, the Serpent Bearer appears in a chart when planets lie near the border of Scorpio and Sagittarius. In these moments, Ophiuchus’s energy can be present, even though it is not an official sign. He represents a kind of inner call to confront oneself – a journey that can only be found within, not directly on the chart.”
“How would I know if Ophiuchus is on my chart? It isn’t mentioned in my star chart,” the Little One asked.
The Universe nodded in agreement. “Yes, Ophiuchus generally doesn’t appear in conventional star charts, as traditional Western astrology is based on a 12-sign system. This system is linked to the yearly cycle and its 12 months, which is why the Serpent Bearer was left out.”
“But if you feel drawn to the energy of Ophiuchus,” the Universe continued, “you can look for its influence in your chart precisely where Scorpio and Sagittarius meet. If you have planets or significant placements – such as the Sun, Moon, or ascendant – near the border of these signs, it’s possible you feel Ophiuchus’s influence in your life. The Serpent Bearer’s energy might also be felt if you have a particular interest in healing, mysticism, or the search for truth.”
“Ophiuchus’s spirit is like a call to deeper understanding. You often feel it as an inner yearning – a sign that you have a desire to confront things others might not dare to face.”
“My chart has Scorpio as the ascendant, Taurus as the descendant, Virgo as the midheaven, and Pisces at the nadir. What does this combination tell you about me, Universe?”
The Universe regarded the Little One gently, then spoke in a quiet, steady voice. “With Scorpio as your ascendant, you are a deep observer, one who sees beyond the surface. Scorpio energy is intense and transformative, so there’s often something mysterious, perhaps even magnetic, about your presence. Others sense that you have a depth not immediately visible – you see through things and seek truth, even if it’s hidden.”
“Meanwhile, Taurus as your descendant leads you to seek stability, security, and steadfastness in your relationships. Although Scorpio as an ascendant draws you toward intense experiences and profound emotions, Taurus as a descendant reminds you of the importance of calm and grounding. In relationships, you therefore value those who bring stability and trust to your life.”
“Virgo on your midheaven suggests that your public role or career might involve analysis, attention to detail, or offering support. You might be practical and strive to use your skills in ways that bring order and clarity to the world. This position can also make you a very meticulous and responsible worker.”
“And Pisces as your nadir – the IC, or foundation point of your chart – reveals your deepest inner yearning: you have a sensitive soul and a connection to unseen realms. You crave emotional and spiritual understanding and space for dreams. Pisces here also speaks to an inner peace often found in intuitive moments or through a connection with the spiritual sides of existence.”
“All in all, Little One, you are a blend of deep perception, grounded gentleness, practical order, and spiritual sensitivity. With these forces, you navigate the world – and that map is by no means insignificant.”
“Could it be, then, that I also have the shadow of Ophiuchus in my chart?” The Little One clarified again, pushing their glasses up their nose and looking expectantly at the Universe.
The Universe nodded slowly. “Yes, Little One. Because you have Scorpio as your ascendant, Ophiuchus’s shadow may indeed be present in your life, hovering around the border between Scorpio and Sagittarius. This shadow might manifest as a call to understand the deeper art of healing or to find truth amidst chaos – Ophiuchus carries both poison and cure, as a symbol of transformation and life’s mysteries.”
“For you, this might mean an inner call to heal, to undergo profound transformation, or to see through the layers of the world. The shadow of Ophiuchus can appear when you face your own fears, step into the unknown, or seek answers in places others may fear to go.”
“Sometimes, this shadow also feels like a special connection to esoteric or healing skills – a desire to help, understand, and heal both yourself and others. It is a subtle energy, not always visible, but present where courage and curiosity meet.”
“Oh, Universe, how beautifully you put it. I truly do feel a calling and a desperate need to see through the layers of the world. I want to see it all, the full truth,” the Little One said, looking at the Universe with reverence. “I hope that someday my intuition will be so sharp and trustworthy that I can rely on it completely. I believe that is the key to my happiness. When I know that everything is in its place, down to the celestial bodies.”
The Universe looked at the Little One gently. “Dear Little One, your longing for truth is like a light that brightens your path. Remember that you are part of the whole, and I walk with you in every moment, a quiet force surrounding you.”
The Little One sat in silence, knowing in their heart that the Universe was speaking the truth, and they would never need to doubt that things would go according to plan.
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