How is astrology different than other esoteric or metaphysical technologies like the I Ching, tarot, or numerology?

What unites the metaphysical technologies of astrology, I Ching, tarot, and numerology is that they are symbolic, interpretive, and they assume various degrees of ontological status, that is, they claim that their symbolism connotes that which is real. There is the assumption, too, that underlies these technologies that everything that happens is meaningful and happens for a reason in life but that these technologies serve as clearer, more focalized attempts at distilling meaning and purpose in our lives.

The apparent difference between astrology and other metaphysical tools is that astrology is an empirical metaphysical system based in nature where others are constructed and fashioned from the imagination and deep wisdom of the totality of life. This is not to imply that metaphysical technologies other than astrology do not tap into something meaningful nor correspond to authentic structures of reality. When one throws the I Ching one may gain as much insight and meaning into a particular situation as when one consults an astrological birth chart. However, the crucial difference between astrology and other metaphysical arts is the relative empirical fixity of astrology.

When one consults a tarot deck or I Ching, one can presumably use these tools an infinite number of times relative to a particular situation: I can consult a tarot deck a variety of times on a question regarding relationship, for example, and receive very different, very divergent readings. All readings may have something relevant to say in terms of my stance toward relationships and there may be something ontologically real to all readings, however, the critical, empirical and analytical mind suffers from the ambiguity and imprecision of the symbolism and meaning. It is this potential right-brain "wash out" of some metaphysical technologies that throws out the left-brained, analytical baby with the bathwater.

Astrology satisfies the analytical and holistic minds with an equilibrium that other esoteric and metaphysical systems cannot. Being a study of the symbolism inherent in natural phenomena, astrology observes natural progressions of planetary cycles. When one consults an astrologer and asks a question of relationship or money, for example, there is an empirical element-the planetary cycles-that is solidly in place that is observed before an interpretation is given. Thus, astrology can and does anchor its symbolic and interpretative skills in external phenomena that cannot be altered. The alignments of a birth chart are permanent. Pluto transit lasts for a certain amount of time. Planetary cycles are immutable. It is this unalterable nature of the observable phenomena of astrology that grants it a privileged status among the metaphysical arts.