Underlying rhythm: the foundation of human existence
To truly understand the impact of cosmic cycles, our starting point must be to understand how we, as humans, perceive them. It is similar to reading a map when one understands the language in which it is written. And this “language” of our perception already contains inherent natural and biological cycles, which form the basis on which we perceive reality. By examining these cycles—circadian, annual, and lunar—we gain not only a deeper understanding of ourselves but also the keys to understanding how the influence of cosmic cycles may manifest in our lives.
Astrologer:
Agree, humans are always in focus.
Skeptic:
And what interests us about humans?
Author:
To understand the impact we need a model. Let us define the major components of human life.
Our existence is defined by fundamental time cycles set by nature:
circadian rhythm
The Earth’s rotation on its axis creates the cycle of day and night, setting our 24-hour circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep, wakefulness, and various physiological processes.
annual cycle
The Earth’s rotation around the Sun causes seasonal changes, creating annual cycles that affect our activities, agriculture, and even psychology.
lunar cycle
Cycles lasting 29.5 days, particularly noticeable in the female menstrual cycle, have long been associated with fluctuations in fertility, emotions, and energy.
four stage cycle of life
Human life, like all phenomena in the universe, unfolds within linear time. We see that everything has a beginning and an end, and each process can be divided into four stages:
emergence/birth
The initial spark, the beginning of a new cycle.
development/development
A period of nurturing, learning and expansion.
Activity/Maturity
The peak of the cycle is characterized by action, productivity, and interaction with the world.
collapse/death
The end of the cycle, a time of reflection, closure and closure.
This four-stage cycle can be represented as a circle divided into four quadrants, each of which represents a specific stage of existence.
Personal and social: two parts of a whole
Human development can be divided into two areas: personal and social. Initially, people focus on personal growth, developing their skills, identity, and understanding of the world. They then enter the social sphere, interact with others, form relationships, and contribute to society.
This can be presented more clearly, in the metaphor of the process of human evolution. seeds and sunFirst, the seed germinates underground, hidden from the sun, representing an internal, individual stage of development. As it evolves, it passes through the surface and reaches the Sun, symbolizing the transition to the outer, social realm.
This metaphor divides the sphere of existence into two hemispheres: the lower, internal, associated with personal processes, and the upper, external, associated with social contacts. This division is reflected in astrology, where the lower hemisphere of the chart is associated with the self, home, and personal life, while the upper hemisphere represents the public sphere, career, and social status (see diagram below).
we must not forget biological imperative – The drive to reproduce, which naturally leads us to interact with society to find a partner and start a family. This once again emphasizes the inextricable link between the personal and social spheres.
Life course model: from birth to social recognition
Let’s note right away that a person cannot be described by a single model. There are many of them at different levels. Let’s create a general model that is familiar from classical astrology. The basis will be the following sequence diagram.
Lower hemisphere, individual.
- Birth: The first cry, the first breath – the beginning of a personal path.
- Growth and survival: Consumption of resources necessary for physical/intellectual development.
- Cognition of the world: interacting with the immediate environment, gathering information through the senses.
- Creating one’s own space: striving for comfort and security, creating an individual identity.
- Creative self-actualization: expression of individuality, often associated with reproduction.
- Completion of the cycle: care of children, depletion of vital powers.
Upper hemisphere, social.
7. Integration into society: First experience of interacting with a wider group of people.
8. Social resources: obtaining benefits and opportunities through public structures.
9. Collective Intelligence: Exchange of knowledge, participation in group activities.
10. Social status: occupying a certain position in society, career.
11. Contribution to the common objective: realization of creative potential in a social context.
12. Heritage: An attempt to leave a mark in history, to be cared for by future generations.
Author:
Thus, by taking into account these interconnected cycles and layers – biological, personal, social and symbolic – we can create a complex model of a human being. This model serves as the basis for understanding how the cosmic rhythms expressed through planetary cycles manifest in our lives.
Astrologer:
A bit unusual. But it seems like we’re talking about the same thing, just in different words!
Skeptic:
something like cosmology + philosophy
