Speak up for Sidereal Astrology!

[Jim Eshelman]

The following letter appeared in the September 1975 issue of American Astrology's "Many Things" column, almost a year and a half after Donald Bradley's death. It was signed "David Bennett," the pen-name of John Kahila. I find it as on-point today as it was 48 years ago.

I wish to direct a few remarks to the Siderealists ho read this magazine. For far too long, it has been the custom to "let Garth Allen do it." For instance, when I first read Mr. Kustesky's letter ("Treasures Found in Trashcan" in the May issue) my immediate response was "Someone else will answer it." Burt that someone else is no longer with us, because in fact only Don Bradley (Garth Allen) could be depended upon to take time from even the most important research in order to defend Siderealism against its critics. Fagan, Firebrace, and Gleadow were all outstanding Sidereal pioneers, and their death was a grievous loss - not just to Siderealism , but to astrology in general. But the death of Don Bradley threatens to be devastating; it will be many years before Siderealism (let alone astrology as a whole) can boast of a supporter of such genius and good sense.

This is not to suggest that Siderealism is going into a total eclipse. Good ideas have a way of transcending the limitations of their adherents, and winning out in the end against all odds But it is essential that the present generation of Siderealists realize that we are now the "leaders in the field." There is no longer any Cyril Fagan or Don Bradley to do our work for us. It is we who must accept the responsibility for setting astrology on a solid humanistic and scientific basis. If we avoid that responsibility, then 400 years from now some scientific history may say of us, "if only they had tried harder... science would be centuries ahead of where it is today."

[SteveS]

Excellent! I have included this letter in my work when guiding other people to the great work done by Donald Bradley for Sidereal Astrology.

[Veronica]

Do you remember Jim, years ago when you first told me that I was not what I thought I was? I wish I still had my ol pc that had those threads and messages saved......

I've often reflected on that conversation and the hows and whys of it all.
I am grateful that you found the words to explain to me, why I was wrong and what was correct. You took a chance on me, and to this day I still get feelings of confusion and uncertainty about myself and who and what I am, but I am better then I was and will only keep getting better.

My friend has been trying to get me to offer astrology classes and charts to people. I have often thought I could, very easily, set myself up with a good printer and offer help to those who need it.
I honestly though am very concerned about the negative backlash.
I strongly feel that there are people in the world who use Sidereal astrology for their own gains,reasons, needs and that they very aggressively do not want the world to know about it and to know how to make the best of the transits.
I posted here on your forum, my real...my real name and birthdata and real thoughts and feelings and challenges because I am sick of people hiding behind fake names and obscure events that dont have any humanity at all behind them, people so fearful that they hid behind anonymity and vagueness and mystery without a firm foundation. You didnt Jim, you didnt hide, and I fully trust that if I flew to L.A. and looked you up...you are a real person...the person you are saying you are. I feel 95% of the people posting here are not who and what they say, and I feel that's is bc they are afraid.
I'm afraid too. I'm afraid for my children that maybe Big Brother really is watching everything I say and do and if I try to push Sidereal Astrology like I feel it should be...they they will push back and hurt my babies.
Sidereal astrology can be weaponized, and manipulated and used for good or I'll, and I remember what Karen told me, I am wrong most all of the time about peoples true nature, people are hungry and scared and like thier cages for the most part, that most people are not looking to help humanity but only themselves.
But I am here, everyday because I feel at this point that astrology as is, is a huge lie and that while it helped get us to where we are now, we are here and can see the errors and we have the tools now to help individuals navigate the currents and storms of life.