Archetypes and the Planets

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.
 
 

Episode 23 | Projection and the Birth Chart

In this episode we take a look at the phenomenon of projection through the lens of the birth chart. Projection is a term increasingly being thrown around in the current political climate but what is it exactly? Why do we project and how do we retrieve our projections? Books mentioned include: 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦-𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘑𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺, Marie Louise von Franz; 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, James Hollis; 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, Liz Greene; 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴, Richard Idemon.
 
 

Life Transitions -- Adolescence, Mentorship and the Saturn/Mars Connection

In today’s episode, we delve into a pivotal phase of the life cycle: the journey into adolescence. This coincides with two planetary cycles, the first Saturn opposition to itself, and the first Mars 15-year cycle. The weight of this transition is echoed in our cultural lore and legends. We dissect the progression of this metamorphosis through the lens of the Parsifal narrative and discuss strategies to support youths during this transformative era. To conclude, we reflect on the role of mentorship and the imperative to assume the mantle of mentor as we cross the threshold of midlife.
 

The Brontë Sisters--their Extraordinary Lives and Creative Work

In this episode we explore the lives of the Brontë sisters—focusing primarily on Emily Brontë and her groundbreaking work, Wuthering Heights—and how it connects to trauma, the animus, the discovery of Neptune, the Gothic, vampires, and so much more! We both love the Brontës and had a glorious time discussing their lives and work!
 
Links to the charts discussed:
 
Emily Brontë:
 
https://www.astro-seek.com/birth-chart/emily-bronte-horoscope
 
Charlotte Brontë:
 
https://www.astro-seek.com/birth-chart/charlotte-bronte-horoscope

Episode 20 | Astrological Themes & Trauma in Jung's Life and Work

In this episode we discuss the work of Jungian analyst and Clinical Psychotherapist, Donald Kalsched, author of two powerful books---The Inner World of Trauma and Trauma and the Soul.  In his work, Kalsched  shows how "depth psychotherapy can open both analytic partners to "another world" of non-ordinary reality in which daimonic powers reside, both light and dark." Using Carl Jung's chart to explore Kalsched's approach, we focus on two periods of Jung's life where he experienced a "descent of the soul" and explore how these traumatic years shaped his work and life. 
 
Link to Donald Kalsched's talk at Pacifica: Donald Kalsched – Glimpses through the veil: Encounters with the numen of clinical work (youtube.com)