The common definition of a map is a diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads etc.

The common definition of a chart is a graphical representation of data.

A weather chart is a map showing the principle meteorological elements at a given time, over an extended region.

So the idea that the psychological features of your soul can be represented in a chart hasn’t caught on yet; but your birth chart is a map showing the principle psychological elements of your not-conscious soul-mind at the time of your human birth.

What is a model?

A model is any simplification, substitute or stand-in for what you are studying or trying to predict so it’s convenient and similar to what it represents.

Models are very common.

The ingredients list on a carton of milk is a model of its contents.

The chapter title in a book is a model of its contents and your financial budget is a model of your income and expenses.

Almost everything you encounter from the video of your last holiday to a cake recipe is a model.

And when scientists use rats in laboratory experiments the rats are models of humans.

The model – whatever it is – is the basic element of the scientific method and the scientific method is just a way of thinking about models.

And you must be able to recognize a model when you see it and appreciate its limitations.

Maps are models

A map in an atlas is a model of the country it represents.

A map in a street directory is a model of a town’s streets and other landmarks.

So, a model is a small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, often larger object.

And your birth chart is a detailed smaller model of a very large object – the planets and zodiac signs in the sky.

Your birth chart is a map

Self-understanding and self-research require a model of your mind or character.

You need an authentic self-information provider and Hermetic astrology uses your chart.

It’s the only model used in Hermetic astrology and the character traits and behaviors it models can be measured.

And because it unites two dynamic environments – the inner-world astrological environment and the outer-world physical environment – it can be rightly called the only interactive mental-physical model in existence.

The primary focus of Hermetic astrology is you and the events and conditions that sustain your development.

It recognizes that you have a character – or intelligence type – and that your skills, abilities and life experience are the logical outcome of your character doing its thing.

And to see and observe your character in action and to scientifically assess its potential and forecast its future requires a model of your not-conscious psychological landscape.

Astrology for Aquarius – sharing our knowledge