Correlative Thinking

Correlative Thinking (aka associative thinking) is at the core of 'pattern thinking'. This is the construction of a frame work where objects ("things") have a similar pattern of energy. The cosmic pattern of 'as above, so below' is an understanding of how things are interdependent and influence each other in a structured way such that this system has its own root causes (causality) and it's own logic.

Astrology is often dismissed by critics as unscientific, however the study of patterns (correlative science) in the scientific world has gained a lot of momentum in itself over the last few decades and notably, the cosmic pattern mentioned above 'as above, so below' rings very true when we look at the study of the minute. In particular the world of fractals - where patterns repeat themselves from the above (at a macro level) to the below (at the micro level).

From the thinking of Aristotle, Socrates and Plato in the pasts of antiquity to the current social thinking of today, patterns abound. We would do well to take heed of the lessons of our forefathers and learn from history. It is not just a question of philosophical thinking or logical thinking or truth thinking for that matter, it's a question of using your noodle wisely.  Those who do not are condemned to repeat the same mistakes as our predecessors

Underlying the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the concept that the forces of nature, which govern the cycles of change occuring in the external world around us, are duplicated within ourselves in our human bodies and minds (aka The Great Macrocosm and Microcosm). This pattern is one which will be seen to repeat in various guises.