Astrology, the age-old science of studying celestial bodies, has significantly influenced the thoughts, decisions and behaviours of many women leaders across the globe. Businesswomen, politicians, and influencers alike, have used astrology as an empowering tool, providing clarity and boosting their confidence. In this article, we will explore how astrology aids women leaders in their journey to success.
Astrology, unlike its more rigid cousin astronomy, is a nuanced study. As Cambridge professor and historian, Dr. Nick Campion, once observed, "Astrology does not merely predict events, but provides a framework within which we can understand ourselves better." (Campion, 2012).
Astrology's popularity amongst women leaders can be attributed to several factors, the most significant of which is its ability to foster a sense of self-awareness. Astrological birth charts, for example, provide a detailed snapshot of the celestial alignments at the moment of a person's birth. These charts can be interpreted to reveal insights about a person’s strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, and potential life events.
Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, and an open believer in astrology, once said, "Astrology has been a source of self-understanding for me. It's not a prediction, but rather an indicator of my inherent strengths and weaknesses, helping me make better decisions in my career and personal life." (Rometty, 2018). Rometty, like many other women leaders, uses astrology as a form of self-reflection, contributing to a stronger understanding of her capabilities and providing a clearer path to success.
Astrology also presents an opportunity for women leaders to foster resilience. By providing a framework to understand life's highs and lows, astrology encourages acceptance of the ebbs and flows of life. This perspective helps leaders to manage adversity and uncertainty with grace. Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, and a known proponent of astrology, remarked, "In leadership, resilience is key. Astrology helps me recognise that life is cyclical, allowing me to weather the storm with patience and determination." (Huffington, 2019).
Indeed, astrology plays a significant role in decision-making for many women leaders. The patterns and planetary movements, for instance, are considered when planning business ventures or making strategic decisions. While astrology does not make decisions for you, it can certainly provide additional insights and confidence in one's choices. Astrologer Joanna Martine Woolfolk, in her book "The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need," asserts, "Astrology can provide a fresh viewpoint, revealing potential outcomes of choices, which helps leaders make informed decisions." (Woolfolk, 2012).
While astrology has a significant role to play in boosting confidence and success among women leaders, it's important to highlight that it is just one tool among many. Leaders still need to rely on their judgment, experience, and intuition. Astrology serves as an auxiliary lens, enhancing the overall perspective, not a complete replacement for rational decision-making.
Astrology also acts as a source of empowerment for women leaders. In a world often skewed towards masculine modes of operation, astrology offers a more feminine, intuitive approach. According to Dr. Jennifer Freed, a psychologist and astrologer, "Astrology allows women to tap into a universal energy that is both powerful and nurturing. This can be a source of immense confidence for women leaders." (Freed, 2020).
This embrace of feminine energy can also lead to a more inclusive leadership style. Astrologer Chani Nicholas, in her book, "You Were Born For This," emphasises how understanding astrological patterns helps leaders develop empathy, "Astrology nurtures our understanding of others' unique experiences and perspectives. As a leader, this empathetic viewpoint encourages a more inclusive leadership style." (Nicholas, 2020).
To conclude, it is evident that astrology offers women leaders a powerful tool for enhancing self-awareness, fostering resilience, aiding decision-making, and empowering them. While astrology does not replace rational judgement or hard work, it provides a nuanced and valuable perspective.
So, whether you're a leader looking for a boost of confidence or an entrepreneur seeking insights for your next big move, astrology might just be worth exploring. In the words of Carl Jung, "We are born at a given moment, in a given place, and, like vintage years of wine, we have the qualities of the year and of the season of which we are born. Astrology does not lay claim to anything more." (Jung, 1951).
References:
- Campion, N. (2012). Astrology and Popular Religion in the Modern West. Ashgate Publishing.
- Rometty, G. (2018). In an interview with Fast Company.
- Huffington, A. (2019). In an interview with Forbes.
- Woolfolk, J. M. (2012). The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need. Taylor Trade Publishing.
- Freed, J. (2020). In an interview with Goop.
- Nicholas, C. (2020). You Were Born For This. HarperOne.
- Jung, C. (1951). Letter to B.V. Raman.