Even the most rudimentary understanding of astrological time is beneficial: all types of relationships can be enhanced, on a daily basis, by aligning oneself with natural time; and for the deep-seated relationship problems, the traditional astrologer is able, through a variety of methodologies, to assist.

“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” - Theodore Roosevelt

The Importance of Relationships

Nobel Prize winning novelist, Toni Morrison, says: "There is a loneliness that can be rocked. Arms crossed, knees drawn up, holding, holding on, this motion, unlike a ship's, smoothes and contains the rocker. It's an inside kind - wrapped tight like a skin. Then there's a loneliness that roams. No rocking can hold it down. It is alive, on its own. A dry and spreading thing that makes the sound of one's own feet going seems to come from a far-off place." While what is (possibly being) alluded to in the quotation are matters of a more spiritual nature, the beauty of those words is applicable to human relationships. Interaction with people, on all levels, is essential to our emotional wellbeing as a species; that is why in the penal system, solitary confinement is still viewed as a means of further disciplining the person, and is applied when the inmate requires additional punishment, over and above his incarceration. Numerous studies have been conducted among the elderly who reside in retirement homes; those who have been abandoned by their families and receive no visitors deteriorate emotionally, mentally and physically very soon after admission.

Romantic Relationships: Single People

Astrology is one of the few tools that can truly prise open the exterior and assess what lies within, thereby being able to authentically assess compatibility. While an astrological forecast for the forthcoming year may highlight the potential to meet someone, it still requires a concerted effort on the part of the individual to maximise that potential. If we desire to meet someone, we are required to invest effort into doing so: contrary to most Hollywood blockbusters, the love of your life will most likely not be involved in a bumper-bashing with you, nor find you irresistible when you are doing your weekly shopping at the supermarket and you both want the last tub of yoghurt on the shelf; in all likelihood you have just popped out to the shops while working in the garden and you are not putting your best foot (or face) forward at that time.

Most people today enjoy the status of being single as a result of intelligent and mature choices made throughout their lives and most lead happy and successful lifestyles. However, man was not created to be alone and as individuals we only mature emotionally when we are involved in an intimate relationship with another human being. Peripheral relationships cannot compensate for the flexibility, compromise, joy and yes, sadness, which are to be found in intimate relationships. It is for this reason that if we are to live fully-balanced and profound lives, we need a partner.

That said though, most single people invest more time, effort and money in choosing the right pair of shoes than they do in finding a partner. Somehow we are still attached to the notion that love is fated and therefore requires no assistance from us, sadly to our detriment. As one of man's most innate desires is to bond on an intimate level with another person, single people experience various levels of loneliness, hence the problem becomes circular and can lead to frustration and estrangement from others.

Romantic Relationships: Couples

Many couples view the deterioration of their relationship as a natural ebb of life; jokes and snide remarks abound at social gatherings where couples have been together for extended periods of time, the varnish having worn off the foundation. When the situation becomes unbearable, the resultant affairs and implementation of the Cold War further add to the loneliness of the individuals; and if there is no intervention to halt the downhill slide of decay, divorce is, in most cases, inevitable. It is stated by many divorced people that for years prior to the divorce, the loneliness had already manifested. Nobody of sane-mind gets married to divorce and possibly an understanding of natural time could assist in these relationships; obviously one needs to ensure that the willingness to improve the situation exists and that there is a level of maturity prevalent within that entity.

Business Relationships

These relationships, while possibly not as emotionally intense as romantic relationships, can be somewhat complex. Interacting in the workplace with colleagues, superiors, partners or junior staff requires an understanding of human behaviour and the chameleon-like ability required to adapt one's personality to others can be taxing. As hard as we try, it is impossible to detach our emotional natures from interaction at work and too often we wonder why yesterday we appeared to have an amazing connection with someone, or the meeting was plain-sailing, yet today everything jars and discord abounds.

Astrology and Relationships

Astrology is the study of the movement of the celestial bodies and their correlation with all life forms on earth; it is the oldest of the occult sciences (involving the supernatural) and is the study of time itself. Time, to a traditional astrologer, is vastly different to others' perception of it. Man is removed from natural time: we view the cycles of nature and the cosmos as an irritation, yet whether we like it or not, natural time exists and is, in essence, far more significant than man-made chronological time. An understanding of natural time, even a rudimentary one, can go a long way in helping to improve relationships. The range of services offered by an astrologer of the Tradition is extensive; almost any aspect of life can be assessed and it is therefore impossible to list every option available: suffice it to say that an astrologer can assist with all types of relationships.

Pre relationship: single people have relied on the wisdom of astrologers through the ages to assist them in finding someone who will complement them; it is the oldest match-making tool known to man and its efficacy was repeatedly tested by the ancient traditional match-makers; even in modern times, marriage in some cultures will not be approved by the elders unless the birth charts of the individuals have been assessed and are deemed complementary. Election astrology can assist in electing the most fortuitous time to get married, launch a business, forge a business partnership, etc. Astrology can assist in employing the correct staff for your business, thereby eliminating a high staff turnover or discord in the work place. During: a synastry consultation can assist in locating the stressors in the relationship and in finding the solutions; this is applicable to all types of relationships. Post relationship: assessment of the nativity can assist with the healing process after a break up, as well as being able to highlight certain behavioural patterns which need to be avoided next time round; again, applicable to all types of relationships.

Elementary Astrological Methodology to Improve on Relationships

Each day of the week is ruled by one of the 7 traditional planets, as is each hour in the day. For this purpose we will keep it simple and address this only as a guideline: knowledge of the daily planetary rulerships can assist in managing relationships by making you aware of natural time and its correlation to matters on earth.

• Monday, ruled by the Moon: give birth to a new relationship/deal/venture; socialise; nurture and be nurtured; provide sympathy and 'mothering'; weep; display compassion; avoid criticism.
• Tuesday, ruled by Mars: engage in combat – close the deal; end relationships that are no longer viable; take charge and make decisions; be authoritative; great day for team building if it involves physical exertion; avoid aggression and arguments.
• Wednesday, ruled by Mercury: sign documents; initiate new deals or relationships; communicate and air grievances; reach conclusions and find solutions; travel or make travel arrangements; write that love letter or send an apology; don't forget to listen; avoid gossip.
• Thursday, ruled by Jupiter: ask for favours or money; return those favours; display flexibility and be magnanimous; stretch the boundaries of the relationship; try something new and out of the ordinary; avoid being too flexible.
• Friday, ruled by Venus: display your feelings - wear your heart on your sleeve; buy a gift for someone who needs cheering up; propose marriage; go on a first date or take your existing partner out for dinner; add romance to your day; avoid extravagance.
• Saturday, ruled by Saturn: start a relationship that requires a solid foundation; make plans that need to be long-lasting; set the boundaries and parameters; discuss legal matters especially wills and inheritances; mourn; avoid being too inflexible.
• Sunday, ruled by the Sun: play – go and do something child-like and fun; listen to music or attend the theatre; brain storm as creativity is heightened; ideal day for anything requiring group attendance, even a family discussion; ask probing questions and get to the bottom of things; avoid laziness.

Conclusion

The practical principle of astrology is about learning to do the right thing at the right time; we have all done the right thing at the wrong time, with disastrous results. The same heated argument we have with our partner on a Tuesday will have a very different tone (and possibly outcome) on a Friday. While it is impossible to live a life cognisant of astrological matters at all times, some knowledge can be most helpful. To experience the efficacy of the craft in its entirety, a traditional astrologer should be contacted; the guidance and insight that can be gleaned from the various methodologies, related to you as a unique individual, can only enhance your relationships; this leads to peace of mind and a happier environment, mentally, emotionally and physically.