If we approach the structure of astrology without prejudice, we soon will become aware that we indeed encounter profound knowledge. We sense that our eyes are sharpened and that we recognize the astrological types. They are not measurable like geometric figures. But that is their quality. They have no value that can be measured by a cipher.
Without doubt there is a basic essence within each of us that rests deep below our personal peculiarities and that shows itself of one cloth in the traits of our body, mind and character. Knowledge that would put us in touch with this essence would be of great value for us.
When we take a look deep inside the individual we reach a primary ground made up of enmity and harmony. This gaze probes to account for the talents and the flaws of the individual which are interwoven like in a play of light and shadow. Taken just by themselves, strengths or weaknesses do not account for much but seen together they could act like lock and key.
Looking at people as one looks at the signs of the zodiac shows them outside the social and moral sphere in their essential makeup. We gain a better judgement how the distinct talents join themselves into a whole and about their individual rank in the constellation.
If astrology would do just this: to sharpen one’s gaze for the essential uniqueness that each person is, that would already be much in a time that blurs, erases and cheapens that distinction. This is not so much a gain of truth but a gain in our creative faculties, as in the visual arts.
The astrological symbols are figures, nothing else but figures in a course on logic that wants to sharpen our mental capabilities. They only point at realities. But with ever accelerating intensity they unlock a latency deep in us. They lead us to buried caverns. Venturing there will not be without rewards.
Ernst Jünger, 'An der Zeitmauer', 1959 (translation C.C.)
Ernst Jünger (1895-1998), Portrait by Horst Janssen