Poem Analysis - An Astrologers Song

An Invocation of Cosmic Order and Comfort

Rudyard Kipling’s "An Astrologer's Song" is an uplifting poem that seeks to inspire faith and courage in the face of adversity. Its tone is largely optimistic and reassuring, drawing strength from the perceived order of the cosmos. Though moments of acknowledging hardship exist, the poem ultimately returns to a confident assertion of cosmic support and divine mercy. It uses the imagery of celestial bodies and natural forces to suggest that humanity is both intimately connected to and protected by a higher power.

Kipling's Era: Faith in the Face of Uncertainty

Though the poem speaks of astrology, its deeper message reflects a broader theme prevalent during Kipling's time: the search for stability and meaning in a rapidly changing world. The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by significant scientific advancements and social upheavals. This context suggests that the poem is not about literal astrology, but a metaphor for the comfort and guidance people seek in the face of unsettling change. Kipling's poem can be seen as offering a spiritual anchor amidst the uncertainties of a modernizing world.

Themes of Cosmic Connection and Divine Providence

One major theme is the interconnectedness of all things. The poem emphasizes how "All matter, all spirit, / All fashion, all frame, / Receive and inherit / Their strength from the same." This suggests a unified universe where earthly experiences are intrinsically linked to celestial forces. A second theme is that of divine providence. The poem asserts that even amidst chaos and hardship ("Earth quakes in her throes"), a higher power is at work, ensuring eventual resolution and mercy ("Mercy crowns all!"). The phrase "They that prepare it, / Whose Nature we share, / Make us who must bear it / Well able to bear," encapsulates this belief in a supportive and empowering divine presence. Finally, the poem explores the theme of faith as a shield against fear. The lines "Though terrors o'ertake us / We'll not be afraid" underscores the speaker's conviction that faith in the "Eternal" provides strength and resilience.

Symbolism of Stars and Storms

The stars serve as recurring symbols of order, guidance, and protection. The repeated lines, "What chariots, what horses / Against us shall bide / While the Stars in their courses / Do fight on our side?" highlight the idea that the cosmos is actively supporting humanity. The image of stars "fight[ing] on our side" is a powerful metaphor for the beneficial influence of a benevolent universe. In contrast, the storms, floods, and earthquakes represent the challenges and hardships of life. However, even these chaotic forces are presented as being governed by a higher power ("Till the Sign that commands 'em / Sinks low or swings past"), suggesting that they are ultimately part of a larger, purposeful design.

A Timeless Message of Hope and Resilience

In conclusion, "An Astrologer's Song" is a powerful affirmation of faith, resilience, and the interconnectedness of humanity and the cosmos. While superficially about astrology, the poem’s deeper message resonates with a universal desire for meaning and comfort in the face of life's inevitable challenges. By invoking celestial imagery and emphasizing divine providence, Kipling crafts a poem that offers a timeless message of hope, encouraging readers to find strength in their faith and to trust in the ultimate order of the universe. The poem's final verses, urging the "fearful" to be "cheerful" and sing, solidify its role as an anthem of optimism and unwavering belief in the enduring power of mercy and the cosmic order.