Astrology in the Workplace

by Dianne Eppler Adams

How important is it to find harmony and good human relations in the workplace? We spend more of our life with our coworkers than with our families or mates. Yet, the only common bond we may have with our coworkers is the desire to achieve or make money. What greater opportunity for differences in personality and behavior to create conflicts and tensions!

Astrology's philosophy of oneness and order in the Universe can help the understanding of differences that may occur and that create conflict at work. Some generalizations can be made knowing only the Sun sign, while the placement of other planets in a person's chart can reveal other differences in more detail.

Let us say a problem arises. What should be done? When should the boss be advised? A Scorpio might want to keep it quiet until devising a strategy and then pick an optimum time to share the problem with the solution. An Arian will launch into action to solve the problem, often without thinking about how that impacts others. A Libran will poll everyone involved to find an agreed upon approach, always seeking to balance differences.

Diversity in the workplace actually works to the advantage of the employer by offering greater resources, more ideas and more options for problem-solving. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) are naturally action-oriented, full of initiative and born leaders. They make good managers and decision-makers. Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are more inclined to stick to the task at hand, even if it is routine. They are steady and reliable, even if a bit stubborn. Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) shine when it come to customer service or accommodating the ups and downs of a changeable work environment.

The Sun sign's element may also be expressed positively in a work setting. Fire signs (Aries Leo, Sagittarius) are optimistic and energetic even when the olds seem against them. They may fearlessly launch a new project or pull up a failing account from red ink into the black. Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are practical and tend well to the daily details, like balancing the checking account and keeping track of cash flow. Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are great idea generators. No brainstorming sessions should be held without them. While Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) have the sensitivity to respond to customer needs. They will know what the customer's hot button is and how to massage it.

Although I have been very general in discussing this subject, it is my belief that harmony comes when we are all able to express our best abilities in an accepting, appreciating work environment. It is in the team (the whole) that completeness may be found - not in any one person.

An interpersonal conflict in the workplace can often be defused by simply understanding that the differences you notice may also be assets that the other person contributes. Because a Virgo in your office may see the pitfalls in any plan of action, you can be free to be creative and visionary with your ideas, knowing he/she will alert you to what could go wrong.

If you are experiencing a personal challenge with a coworker, consulting an astrologer can help uncover what part of the issue may be yours and (knowing only the birth date of the other person) what part may be the other person's.

For example, I have enjoyed being consulted to help maximize the cooperation and understanding between three team members of a small nonprofit organization. Recognizing through Astrology what gifts each person brings to the team can increase the harmony and decrease the likelihood of conflicts that deter and erode productivity in the workplace.

Forty hours a week or more are too many to live in conflict. If you come to learn about and honor the diversity in your workplace, you'll also discover that differences can be your greatest assets.