Using Astrology to Navigate Life’s Challenges

How many people truly understand how precious life is? If someone gives up on life easily, it shows they haven’t learned to love themselves—let alone others. Still, many never consider suicide yet face brushes with death through unforeseen accidents. This reminds us that we must meet whatever fate brings. Can we escape destiny? If you’re curious, study your natal chart and slowly uncover the guidance it offers. Then learn how to navigate the trials fate sets before you.

Many people ask whether destiny is fixed or can be changed. I believe that if God has granted us life, He has also sketched a blueprint for it. That blueprint isn’t a prison; it’s there so we can work with our own hands to reshape our fate. We mustn’t be passive—we should use our strength to change what we can. Of course, some fated patterns are very difficult to alter; how much can be shifted depends on your self-cultivation and understanding of metaphysics. In life, most principles are tied to cause and effect. The Earth is round; metaphorically, many things move in cycles that return to a circle. Astrology operates within this cause-and-effect web, which is why aspects have a basis. You have to read the entire chart; every aspect has its origins.

Speaking of tests involving life and death, consider this: from infancy, life can present the first trial. It arrives quietly, without warning—accidents, injuries, near-deaths. We must try our best to evade such tests; even if we can’t, at least we tried. Some babies encounter hardship right after birth: some don’t cry immediately; some are born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. These are among life’s earliest tests.

If we pass that, what is the second test? Some people are fortunate and start life healthy, yet challenges often emerge around ages three or four. If you’re afraid of water, there may be a karmic reason. For example, a brush with drowning at age two or three can be reflected in the natal chart. The fixed stars Suhail (Tianxie 1) and Miaplacidus (Nanchuan 5) can signify near-drowning or drowning when badly aspected. Treated as malefics under adverse aspects, their placements deserve attention. If your chart shows Nanchuan 5 afflicted, for instance, it’s wise to avoid boating.

Miaplacidus tends to show a stronger link with drowning than Suhail. However, Suhail in the 8th house can be serious and may point to fatality. Suppose a chart has Suhail in the 12th house square the Moon in the 10th; the Moon also squares Mercury in the 6th and the Sun in the 7th. This suggests the incident happened in childhood, because the Moon often reflects early life and the home environment. The Moon–Mercury square here can indicate a drowning experience. Why involve the Sun in the 7th? The 7th house signifies partners or, in childhood, playmates. The Sun often represents male figures; if the native is female, that could be a boy playmate. Put together, the picture is a young girl playing in water with a little boy; a miscommunication leads her into the water, and she nearly drowns. A square is not a rescuing aspect; the boy, being a child himself, can’t save her. To judge whether the child escapes mortal danger, check whether the Moon receives supportive aspects. Harmonious ties from the Moon to Venus or Saturn, for example, can mitigate the crisis, turning it into a frightening scare rather than a fatal event.

Among the major planets, which configurations are associated with suicide or self-harm? The outer planets often feature prominently. Neptune can correlate with depression and suicidal thoughts; Pluto with situations of coercion or extreme crisis that push one toward fatal choices; Uranus with sudden, accidental deaths. Traditionally, Saturn is linked with longevity, Mars with violent death, and Mercury with incidents involving water or drowning. These are brief, general observations based on the planets.

For Neptune to be implicated in suicide, there is usually profound psychological struggle. For example, Neptune in the 12th square the Moon and Saturn can signal long-term depression and, in severe cases, a decision to end one’s life when facing an incurable illness. The Moon in the 12th can also incline toward self-destructive themes, especially when under hard aspects from Pluto; once Pluto “judges,” the Moon can fall into despair and, feeling wronged or unable to obtain what it seeks, gravitate toward thoughts of death. Uranus in the 8th can correlate with risk-taking or a casual attitude toward danger. Uranus conjunct Venus and square the North Node and Lilith can incline someone to perilous, impulsive acts tied to unrequited love. Uranus in the 1st square Mars in the 9th can point to accidental car crashes and cautions against long-distance travel. Pluto in the 1st square Mars in the 3rd can bring frequent conflicts; in extreme cases it can show complications from surgery, including cosmetic procedures. With multiple squares, the impact can feel devastating, as if life has been upended.

The above covers natal aspects; what about annual progressions? Saturn in the 8th house is a caution sign. In women’s charts, progressed or annual Saturn in the 8th square the Moon can bring low mood and, more importantly, health concerns. A progressed Mars in the 1st square Neptune and Saturn can indicate setbacks; if it also squares the Kitchen God (Vesta), it can be hard on health—correlating with self-harm risk, irritability, and feeling crushed by life. In men’s charts, Pluto square the Moon—or Pluto in the 8th square the Moon—can align with endocrine imbalance, fatigue, irritability, vivid dreams, and a strong urge to withdraw for inner peace; when mood sinks too far, the impulse to destroy everything can arise from deep within.

If Pluto squares the Moon and the Moon then conjuncts the Kitchen God (Vesta), the physical load can feel overwhelming; obstacles seem to multiply, leaving one hollowed out. Exhaustion unsettles the mind and frays the nerves—another face of tormenting depression. In annual progressions, it’s best not to have Pluto conjunct the IC; if Pluto conjoins the IC and squares the Valley God in the 6th, it can point to the loss of older relatives. Pluto in the 1st square Saturn and the Moon in the 4th can likewise indicate separation. Under such patterns, take extra care of your health and be prepared for life’s tests; these configurations can correlate with unexpected illness or even death.

Life is fragile; our task is to cherish it. Neither death nor fate is the true terror—the real question lies within you. Do you have the courage to challenge your destiny, or will you simply resign yourself to it?