According to astrology, there are 12 types of people on this planet. Millions of people around the globe believe that their zodiac description actually fits them accurately, as they say "to a T". Then that at time of birth says you have certain personality characteristics based on the planets influences. Whether you're suppposed to be outgoing, social, artistic, good with money. Or you're cold, miserable, too serious, reserved, and focused to much on material pursuits.

The problem I have have with it is that it can be easy to stereotype people, since there are zodiacs that are more favored then others while there are some zodiacs that are stigmatized and get bad rap. You know, "I don't like this person because he/she is an Aries", Or "Capricorns are to serious."

Then you have people that pay visits to astrologers to hear them predict their future or make important life decisions based on their natal chart. Decisions that are financial, medical, or has to do with relationships.

My question is that is our destiny written in the stars? Or is it us that have the real influence on the plaents? Why do so many people by into it?

Answer: Okay, let's get back to basics:

"This is how all illusions came about. 7 The one who makes them does not see himself as making them, and their reality does not depend on him. 8 Whatever cause they have is something quite apart from him, and what he sees is separate from his mind. 9 He cannot doubt his dreams' reality, because he does not see the part he plays in making them and making them seem real." T-27.VII.7:6-9

Everything that "seems" to be happening in the world, including everything I see, think, hear, taste, smell, believe, etc., etc., etc., is happening in my imagination. As a matter of fact, I am typing this email to me, for there is only one of us in the room! From the ego's perspective, this is hard to accept for the ego is the one responsible for all projections, however, from the Holy Spirit's perspectives, this is simply me reminding myself of who I am.

So if everything that I see is my own projection, the issue is not whether these esoteric practices are true of false, but whether do I want to to keep putting my attention on them or not. I personally don't care for any of them, but I don't judge them as good or bad because for all I know, they could be illusions employed by the Holy Spirit to help lead those who are not quite ready to awaken, to at least start getting their feet wet into the realm of spirituality.

Remember that ego uses illusions to perpetuate in our mind the idea of us being separate, while the Holy Spirit uses those very same illusions to help us remember who we are. Sometimes we are not ready to hear our own Inner voice. In that case, the Holy Spirit may use another illusion in order to convey a massage. That being said, if you are going to expose yourself to any of those esoteric practices, all I can say is, practice inviting the Holy Spirit before making a decision. As for me, the answer I always receive is the same; "It is all an illusion, don't put your attention on any of it. Turn always within, where the answer always is."

You could say that my numerology chart suggests certain traits about me that seem accurate, but do I care about it? Not at all! For in doing so, the ego is using that little gap to put my attention once again on illusions. I just offer my decisions to the Holy Spirit, and trust that whatever is taking place is simply what it is, without giving it any importance. It is really that simple. Just practice putting your attention within, and when the ego throws you a teaser such as "the next best thing" or "the next spiritual practice", or "the 2012", or some kind of astrological prediction or numerology stuff, blah, blah, blah, just look at it, and let it be.

If you keep putting your attention on illusions, and within at the same time, all you are going to end up doing is confusing your self. Remember:

"That is why you must choose to hear one of two voices within you. 5 One you made yourself, and that one is not of God. 6 But the other is given you by God, Who asks you only to listen to it. 7 The Holy Spirit is in you in a very literal sense. 8 His is the Voice that calls you back to where you were before and will be again. 9 It is possible even in this world to hear only that Voice and no other. 10 It takes effort and great willingness to learn. 11 It is the final lesson that I learned, and God's Sons are as equal as learners as they are as sons." T-5.II.3:4-11

And regarding your destiny written on the stars? Does it matter? Just keep offering your thoughts to the Holy Spirit for reinterpretation, and trust that everything is unfolding perfectly for your highest good. Remember that the "real" goal is, to wake up! To remember Who we really are! To remember that God and I are One!

Read this paragraph often, it summarizes what I just shared:

" Simply do this: Be still, and lay aside all thoughts of what you are and what God is; all concepts you have learned about the world; all images you hold about yourself. 2 Empty your mind of everything it thinks is either true or false, or good or bad, of every thought it judges worthy, and all the ideas of which it is ashamed. 3 Hold onto nothing. 4 Do not bring with you one thought the past has taught, nor one belief you ever learned before from anything. 5 Forget this world, forget this course, and come with wholly empty hands unto your God." W-pI.189.7:1-5

Nick Arandes was part of the self-help movement for close to 20 years. Published 4 books, produced CDs and DVDs, wrote countless articles and touched the lives of many people worldwide before becoming homeless, broke and diagnosed with a thyroid tumor. Then something happened that forever changed his life! A miraculous turn of events led him to the teachings of A Course in Miracles. As a result of putting the principles of The Course into practice, and experiencing a powerful inner transformation, he published What Happens When You Let God. To find out more about Nick's work, or to order your copy of the book, simply log on to: www.TruthAndMiracles.com