How is astrology different than other esoteric or metaphysical technologies like the I Ching, tarot, or numerology?
What unites the metaphysical technologies of astrology, I Ching, tarot, and numerology is that they are symbolic, interpretive, and they assume various degrees of ontological status, that is, they claim that their symbolism connotes that which is real. There is the assumption, too, that underlies these technologies that everything that happens is meaningful and happens for a reason in life but that these technologies serve as clearer, more focalized attempts at distilling meaning and purpose in our lives. The apparent difference between astrology and other metaphysical tools is that astrology is an empirical metaphysical system based in nature where others are constructed and fashioned from the imagination and deep wisdom of the totality of life. This is not to imply that metaphysical technologies other than astrology do not tap into something meaningful nor correspond to authentic structures of reality. When one throws the I Ching one may gain as much insight and meaning into a partic
