Archetypes and the Planets

Barriers and Boundaries: Exploring Psychological Defenses in Astrology

In this episode, Béa and Jenny consider the definition of “psychological astrology” and revisit a classic by Dr. Liz Greene, “Barriers and Boundaries: The Horoscope and the Defenses of the Personality.” What does each sign or planet fear most, and what are its defenses against these primal fears? How are such defenses adaptive, even creative, and when do they cross the line into pathology or self destruction? 
 
We contrast 20th century psychological astrology with current trends in traditional astrology. Have efforts to recover Hellenistic, Islamicate, and Babylonian astrology in recent decades emphasized technique while often downplaying the voluminous psychological material implicit in traditional delineations? How do fate and remediation show up in each approach? 
 
We look at the vibrant archetypal astrology movement inspired by Stan Grof which often employs holotropic/psychedelic depth work to “enter” and work directly with the deepest fears in the chart. Lastly, we consider the current Zeitgeist and how fears and defenses can play out on the national and global level.

Dreams: Unlocking the Unconscious with Astrology, Jung, and AI

In this episode, Jenny and Béa discuss dreamwork—how to get started, what to do if dream recall is challenging, and the catalytic role of dream groups in enriching our engagement with the unconscious. We look at vivid dream symbols that are rooted in powerful natal astrological placements as well as world transits. Finally, Jenny chats with John Temple, a dedicated student of Jung and creator of the Temenos dream app, which uses a sophisticated “workbook” format and AI to amplify dream symbols in unexpected ways. Join us for a far-ranging conversation that examines John’s personal journey with dreams, the psyche’s reaction to “contact” with AI, and a dream of Jenny’s that grapples with the arrival of this new technology in the realm of the unconscious. 
Books mentioned:
Jeremy Taylor, The Wisdom of Your Dreams
Jeremy Taylor, Dream Work: Techniques for Discovering the Creative Power in Dreams
Robert A. Johnson, Inner Work
 
 
 

The Life and Work of Marie-Louise von Franz

In our latest episode, we explore the life and work of one of Carl Jung’s greatest students and collaborators, Marie-Louise von Franz. We examine von Franz's considerable contributions to Jungian psychology, particularly in the areas of alchemy, fairy tales, and dream interpretation. We analyze von Franz's birth chart and look at her synastry with Jung. Additionally, we take a brief look at von Franz's collaboration with Wolfgang Pauli—a relationship we will explore in depth in a future episode.
We recommend several resources for further exploration of Von Franz's work:
"The Fountain of the Love of Wisdom" edited by Emanuel Kennedy-Xypolitas: A collection of anecdotes and memories about Von Franz.
"The Way of the Dream": A 9-hour documentary featuring Von Franz interpreting dreams.
"Number and Time": Von Franz's exploration of number and its psychological significance.
"The Valley of the Diamonds" by J. Gary Sparks: A guide to understanding "Number and Time".
"C. G. Jung: His Myth in Our Time": Von Franz's biography of CG Jung.
Deciphering the Cosmic Number: The Strange Friendship of Wolfgang Pauli And Carl Jung: by Arthur I. Miller.
 

The Life and Work of Emma Jung

In this episode we discuss the life and work of Emma Jung, Carl Jung's wife, challenging common misconceptions about her role in his career. We explore Emma Jung's contributions to Jungian psychology, particularly her research on the Grail myth, highlighting her intellectual independence and significant impact on his theories. Using their birth charts to guide us, we explore the complexities of their relationship, emphasizing both its challenges and enduring bond. Finally, we also touch upon Emma Jung's family background, her unique perspective, and her lasting legacy within the Jungian community. 
Books Mentioned: Labyrinths: Emma Jung, Her Marriage to Carl, and the Early Years of Psychoanalysis, Catrine Clay
The Grail Legend, Emma Jung and Marie-Louise von Franz

The Perils of Prediction

In this episode we discuss various issues related to astrological predictions regarding the outcome of the 2024 elections, including failed predictions, technique, philosophy, and ethics. Why do we seek certain knowledge of outcomes, and is this what astrology is “for?” Are we called to commit to our best guesses, as in dream interpretation? Our conversation ranges into speculation about Pluto’s era-defining journey through Aquarius, which will last until 2044, and how the feminine principle may show up as outer planets shift into masculine signs. 
 

Uniting Order and Chaos

In The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, CG Jung wrote: "[I]n all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order, in all caprice a fixed law, for everything that works is grounded on its opposite”.
In this episode, we discuss Dr. Bernadette Brady's book, Cosmos, Chaosmos and Astrology. This book explores the evolution of astrology from its origins in ancient creation myths to its modern-day interpretation. In that journey, Brady maps some of the philosophy and practices of astrology onto the findings of chaos theory and complexity. The work offers a view of astrology which is neither a pseudo-science looking for a causal agent nor a subject that requires a spiritual component. This is an important work and one which helps make sense of a subject that is all too often dismissed or misunderstood.
Other books mentioned:
The Moment of Astrology: Origins in Divination, Geoffrey Cornelius
Cosmos and Psyche, Richard Tarnas
Archetypes and Strange Attractors, John R. Van Eenwyk
 
 
 
 

Typology and the Birth Chart

In this episode, we welcome Anita Ashland to discuss the connections between the Jungian typological model and the birth chart. Our conversation delves into the various typologies, with special emphasis on the "inferior function" - a critical aspect that simultaneously exposes our vulnerabilities and unlocks our potential for personal development. The books we mention include:
Marianne Meister, The Key to the Self
John Beebe, Energies and Patterns in Psychological Type
Daryl Sharp, Personality Types
Marie Louise von Franz & James Hillman, Lectures on Jung's Typology
You can find Anita Ashland at AnitaAshland.com 
She is on Instagram: @anita.ashland 
Her blog: ReadingInDepth.com
 
 
 

The Moon and Her Cycles

We're back after a short summer break exploring lunar cycles and their relationship to broader planetary movements. We examine the Moon's role in progressed charts, highlighting the significance of progressed Sun-Moon conjunctions that mark new 29-year cycles. Our discussion draws on insights from Dane Rudhyar, Robert Blaschke, Esther Harding, Nor Hall, and Irene Claremont de Castillejo.

An Exploration of Dreams

In this episode, we explore dreams from both ancient and modern perspectives. We discuss how dreams can be viewed subjectively and objectively, considering personal experiences alongside universal symbols. We also look into possible connections between astrological elements and dream content. The conversation covers the potential healing effects of dreams and how they might aid in emotional processing and problem-solving. Finally, we examine the practice of group dreamwork, considering how sharing dreams with others can benefit individuals and communities. Books mentioned include: The Interpretation of Dreams, Artemidorus; Works of Sahl & Masha’Allah [translated by Benjamin Dykes]; Healing Dreams, Marc Iain Barasch; The Way of the Dream, Marie-Louise von Franz; Where People Fly And Water Runs Uphill, Jeremy Taylor; Your Secret Self: Illuminating the Mysteries of the Twelfth House, Tracy Marks.

Episode 24 | Healing and the Birth Chart -- Marion Woodman & Monika Wikman

In this episode, we delve into the impact of illness on the narrative of one’s life by examining the contributions of Marion Woodman and Monika Wikman. Both are Jungian analysts whose extensive commentary on the topic stems from their own paths to healing. Particularly noteworthy is Woodman’s focus on the body, marking her as a key figure in the dramatic integration of this theme into broader discussions. The literature reviewed includes Woodman’s works “Bone” and “Addiction to Perfection,” Monika Wikman’s “Pregnant Darkness,” and the writings of Dr. John Sarno.