yes, they really work, and in my experience, yes they are very conscious. two nights ago, i was looking up aquarius 18, the degree which is the fosus of an easy opposition in my chart. i read and contemplated the symbol, went back to my chart and realized that the focus could also be at aquarius 19. so... i went back to the symbols and (like the headstrong and sometimes disrespectful aries/aquarius in conversation i am working to overcome) i huffily asked to just see aquarius 19. i silently shouted if you catch my drift. i can't remember exactly what symbol came up next, probably because i was so shocked, but i got a symbol indicating the "little me" was barging in on a bigger picture and i needed to get my bearings, find some humility, wise up, and ask nicely. i hung my head in shame, gathered myself into a higher form of communication and asked to be shown what i might be guided to see: you guessed it: aquarius 19 pops up for me to read. chills, and with respect.