/lit/ - Literature

Where do you think Rene Guenon got all of his ideas from? For example, reading Symbolism of the Cross, it is astonishing that someone could extract so much information out of a seemingly simple emblem. He says symbols are the best initiatic language because of their polysemy. However, due to their polysemy, how does one know what the "right" meanings are? What I don't understand is, how does he know *his* demonstration is the "metaphysical" one? Aren't all principles metaphysical/universal? How does a traditional authority maintain orthodoxy if any interpretations of the symbol can be extracted? And how does someone render that interpretation to be "effective" and not just "virtual" or theoretical? I understand crafts and theater are more "practical," but is merely drawing out symbols or writing a play enough to effect a realization?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for studying traditional astrology that isn't from New Age sources and the like?