Gary Christen | February 2025
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Astrolabe Library of Articles and Lectures
NORWAC audio recording, Introduction to Symmetrical Astrology
Overview
Gary shared his journey into astrology, including his studies at Rutgers University and his work as an astrologer for Jack Savit, a steel businessman. He also discussed the evolution of astrology, highlighting the work of Alfred Witte and Arthur Henry Blackwell, and the upcoming features in the new version of the Solar Fire astrology software. Lastly, Gary and Leyza discussed the future of astrology, the potential impact of AI on the field, and the importance of understanding the lives of classic astrologers.
Gary's Astrological Journey and Background
Leyza and Gary discussed Gary's astrological background and his journey into astrology. Gary shared that his sun is in Taurus, his moon is in Libra, and his rising sign is in Cancer. He also mentioned that his chart is broken into two sections, with a T-square involving the moon, Uranus, Venus, and Jupiter, and a sun-mars conjunction trined by Saturn. Gary's astrological journey began when he was a child, with his interest in astrology sparked by a columnist named Sidney Omar. His interest was further fueled when he was 17 and studying at the New York School of Visual Arts. He eventually became a volunteer at the New York Astrology Center, where he studied with many notable astrologers and became business partners with Rob Hand for 25 years.
Gary's Journey in Astrology at Rutgers
Gary shared his journey of pursuing a student-initiated major in astrology at Rutgers University. Despite initial opposition from the computer science department, he successfully completed the degree with the support of Dr. Kenneth Negus and the Art Department. Gary's degree was the first accredited course in astrology taught at a university established on the East Coast. He also took courses at Baruch College and Fairleigh Dickinson to accumulate transferable credits. After overcoming various challenges, Gary received his degree in Foundations of Astrology and went on to work for the New York Astrology Center, specializing in the Uranian system.
Early Career in Astrology and Tech
Gary reminisces about his early career working as an astrologer for Jack Savit, an eccentric billionaire who heavily invested in astrology for his steel business. Gary describes how Jack had an extensive library dedicated to astrology books, language books, and pornography. Gary and his colleague Rob competed to develop astrological software and routines. Later, Gary, Rob, and others formed a quasi-profit think tank called Astro-Graphics Services to develop astrological software for emerging microcomputers, rivaling another company called Matrix. Gary discusses the early history of computerized astrology, tracing its origins to programs developed at universities and by professionals like Neil Michelson. He also shares humorous anecdotes about the challenges of providing technical support for early astrological software.
Uranian Astrology and Traditional Approaches
Gary explains that traditional astrology has been moving in two main directions. One direction, represented by astrologers like those in Boston, follows the approach of Isabel Hickey and Evangeline Adams, focusing on symbolic connections between planets and signs/houses. The other direction, which Gary has taken, is Uranian astrology developed by Alfred Witte. Witte rejected symbolic attributions as magical thinking, instead emphasizing the direct interactions between planets through aspects and conjunctions. He also revived the ancient use of planetary pictures like the Pars Fortuna, which had been overshadowed by the development of house systems stemming from a mistranslation of Ptolemy. According to Gary, Witte systematized astrology by finding underlying theoretical structures rather than just listing aphorisms, making it more conceptual and predictable.
Astrology Evolution and Transits Discussed
Gary discussed the evolution of astrology, highlighting the shift from primary directions to solar arcs as a key to life. He explained the concept of transits to natal charts and how they were integrated into single charts, a significant development in the field. Gary also advanced the idea of using a graduated dial to measure aspects and create house structures, which became a versatile tool. He emphasized the importance of hard aspects in creating events and the integration of all these elements into single charts.
Evolution of Astrology and Projections
Gary discussed the evolution of astrology, focusing on the work of Arthur Henry Blackwell. He explained how Blackwell's invention of the polar azimuthal equidistant projection allowed for a more accurate representation of celestial bodies and their movements. Gary also highlighted the importance of this projection in understanding the rising, culminating, and setting of celestial bodies, which he demonstrated using a polar azimuthal equidistant projection chart. He emphasized that this method of astrology predates Hellenistic astrology and is more in line with the way ancient indigenous cultures observed the sky.
Solar Fire Software Updates and Astrology
Gary explains some upcoming features in the new version of the Solar Fire astrology software, including native support for Apple computers, improved map integration, and the addition of dials and other visualization tools. He discusses how the work of Alfred Witte and Arthur Blackwell will be incorporated, providing historical context and new perspectives. Gary also talks about how astrology has undergone a split in recent decades between traditionalists and psychological/evolutionary astrologers, but he believes this division will start to heal after 2024 due to astrological influences. He suggests that astrology lacks a strong philosophical foundation, which will need to be addressed going forward.
Astrology's History and Revolutionary Science
Gary discussed the history of astrology, particularly the pivotal 1983 conference at Mills College in California. He mentioned how the New York Times published a manifesto against astrology in 1976, signed by 176 scientists, and how a statistician named Dennis Rawlings exposed the fudging of data by the Committee for the Investigation of the Paranormal. Gary also talked about the concept of astrology as a revolutionary science, which was developed after the committee's announcement of their findings. He mentioned that he is working on a book about astrology, titled "An Approach to Astrology," and that the symmetrical viewpoint is a springboard for future astrology.
Astrology's Future and AI's Impact
Gary and Leyza discussed the future of astrology and the potential impact of AI on the field. Gary emphasized the importance of understanding the lives of classic astrologers and the freedom that comes with being an astrologer, as they don't have to answer to anyone and can live a life of their choice. He also highlighted the need for astrologers to be available to certain groups and communities. The conversation ended with Gary sharing his wisdom on enjoying the present and not worrying too much about the future.
Bio and Contact Information
Gary Christen, originator of Symmetrical Astrology, is a C.A. NCGR PAA, PMAFA, ISAR CAP, ASP Faculty and the first person in modern times awarded an accredited BA in Astrology (Livingston College, Rutgers University, 1974). An international lecturer, professional astrologer, serving the nonprofit community since 1969 and was nominated for the 2018 Regulus Award (Discovery, Innovation and Research), Gary co-founded Astrolabe (with Rob Hand) bringing astrology to micro computers starting in 1978. Astrolabe publishes SolarFire, Celeste and Nova Chartwheels (among other titles) under Gary's guidance. Gary also teaches and is currently writing “An Approach to Astrology,” an introduction to the materials comprising Symmetrical Astrology, which is the forward evolution of Uranian Astrology and the works of AH Blackwell.
Gary can be reached via email at astrolabe@alabe.com.