by Marra PL. Lanot
Scanned by Astrology Friends Philippines for “Poetry of Stars Exhibit.”
As a boy, Serafin Lanot would accompany his mother gazing at the stars. Later, as a young man, Serafin the dreamer sensed there was a meaning in them without knowing what it was. Then, in his 60s, after his first major stroke, he began to learn of the names of the stars, the constellations, and the planets. He read books on esoteric gnosis – numerology, dreams, palmistry, tarot, handwriting or graphology, etc. — until he was convinced astrology was the science to use in order to help others.
As a loner, he never joined groups such as writers’ circles, which he thought were organized as self-serving mutual-admiration societies. But he did have lasting friendships with people who worked for the common good.
Lanot realized his dream of aiding people through astrology. As in his past
associations, it was without fanfare, publicity or self-promotion. He likened himself to a father confessor who elicited his clients’ trust and whose secrets he kept confidential. In exceptional cases, where perhaps a personality is a very influential public figure, someone who can shape a nation’s direction or future, for instance, he found it useful to publicize the astrological chart of that particular person.
Sometimes the well-known person would seek advice, sometimes Lanot would draw an astrological chart on his own and offer unsolicited advice to the pleasure of the unsuspected client. Most often, however, clients would voluntarily come to him from the right, from the left, and from the center or near center. Like a doctor, he was open to anyone of whatever political stripe who needed assistance. His only requirement was that the person who came to him was really in need of ways to solve her or his political or personal problems. In other words, there should be a sincere interest in astrological guidance and not mere curiosity or entertainment.
One chart Lanot did was that of Corazon C. Aquino (January 25, 1933-August 1, 2009), popularly and endearingly known as Cory, the widow of Ninoy Aquino, and the savior who ended Ferdinand E. Marcos’s almost 20-year martial-law rule. Lanot coined the phrase “Cory magic.” He correctly predicted in his column Cosmic Chatter in the Bulletin newspaper that the Cory magic would catapult her to hero status and that she would topple the dictatorship. This, in spite of black propaganda that branded her as an ignorant housewife who knew nothing.
During the coup attempts, some perceived Cory as a coward because she reportedly hid under the bed and because she dashed to Cebu instead of staying in Manila. No, said Lanot, Cory was not a coward, she was, in fact, brave for staying put as President. She could have cut short her term and chosen to shirk from her responsibilities as head of state. Flying to Cebu was a sound step as friends and supporters protected her there.
Some coup leaders, on the other hand, wanted to know if they would succeed in stealing power. Lanot told them that coup ventures were bound to fail and that one prominent leader had the guts but not the ability for tactics and strategies. He, furthermore, Lanot stressed, would always be the bridesmaid, never the bride.
From the left, again the question was: Would they come to power? Probably not, Lanot replied, because the dragnet was strong. Besides, chances were the left-leaning advisers of Cory might soon be edged out. While democracy had been restored, Cory should have taken the opportunity of her revolutionary government to effect real changes in the political and economic system. The clans of the rich or oligarchy would still rule realpolitik.
One troubled soul asked if her imprisoned daughter would be harmed or would be freed. Lanot carefully read the chart and eased the mother’s mind. The daughter, he said, would be safe and unharmed like she had a charmed life. Lanot also foresaw that another detainee would be released before the end of March. And so it happened.
On matters of love and relationships, artists, educators, and celebrities also came to Lanot. Two couples could stick it out, Lanot explained, if only they gave way and pushed ego aside. Because they didn’t listen, no matter the love still felt, each of the two couples parted ways.
Then there was this beauty queen and her husband. The husband sought suggestions as to whether to stay with his wife or bolt out. The husband, it turned out, felt the flame dying out. He found himself romantically involved with another woman. Lanot saw no moral or passionate reason for the woman or man to stay together and said it was better to seek other pastures.
Serafin Lanot never charged for counseling. Clients would sometimes give gifts or food or nothing. Lanot was happy enough that they came and that he was of help. Astrology did not bring fame or fortune, just the satisfaction that it solves mysteries and proves a lot of things right.
One day, the anchors of the American television series, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, visited Serafin Lanot at his residence. They said they wanted to feature him on their show. That did not push through. Obviously,” Lanot chuckled, “they noticed I was neither rich nor famous.”