I know, it's exactly your recountment which I dig so much. When you are aware of the astrological influences JUST SO MUCH, combined with personal experience where you feel the stuff happening simultaneous to the stars just as it's happening, then you go back and check the time of your experience to the time the astrological change took place, and you get a confirmation. Isn't that what it feels like? Really cool...I saw stuff on TV recently where it really made me think objectively about Astrology being a form of paganism. Yeah, to an extent I agree with that. But it would be like saying gun control will eliminate murder. Yeah, you can hold the reins back and keep the knowledge as a tool of power, but eventually, the veil is going to thin. The proverbial man behind the curtain ... you can fool some people some times, but you can't fool everyone all the time.
I love the firsthand experiences, and I can think of a couple of instances wherein Astrology has enhanced other personal and important aspects of my life. But it does take a balance, such as making sure you are centered before even touching the potent stuff...
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... it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness