Carl Jung and Astrology

It is interesting to notice the cycles of thought and predjudices around the science and art of astrology.

Ancient astrologers such as Galileo, Nostradamus and others have in turn been revered, put to death, or incarcerated for their beliefs.

Prominent scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton have studied astrology, even though it seems he dismissed it and prior to his death owned only four books on the subject. (http://www.phys.uu.nl/~vgent/astrology/newton.htm)

In modern times there seems to be a mixture of thought on the subject depending on who you talk to. The church still appears to be teaching that astrology is evil and "against God" and the New Age movement is all for it.

In a letter written to Hindu astrologer, B.V. Raman, September 6th 1947 - Dr. Jung wrote: "Since you want to know my opinion about astrology I can tell you that I've been interested in this particular activity of the human mind since more than 30 years. As I am a psychologist, I am chiefly interested in the particular light the horoscope sheds on certain complications in the character. In cases of difficult psychological diagnosis I usually get a horoscope in order to have a further point of view from an entirely different angle. I must say that I very often found that the astrological data elucidated certain points which I otherwise would have been unable to understand. From such experiences I formed the opinion that astrology is of particular interest to the psychologist, since it contains a sort of psychological experience which we call 'projected' - this means that we find the psychological facts as it were in the constellations."
(http://thezodiac.com/astrojung2.htm)

Personally, I am an advocate of Carl Jung's ideas and incorporate the useful techniques offered by astrology with counselling as a methodolgy to help people better understand themselves and how they relate to others.

What the planets reveal about your psyche

The sign of the zodiac where each planet is placed, the natal house the planet occupies and the aspects made by the planets to one another, are all factors that have an influence on how, potentially, the amazing story that is your life will unfold. Each planet is like a character in a play. Wouldn't it be wonderful to know how those characters are best expressed to make the most of your position as stage director?

So, the sign and house placement of each planet will qualify how each planetry energy will be expressed and the aspects to other planets will describe what sort of relationships your main characters may experience.

The Sun shows how you shine light on what you want. It represents your creative and higher self.

The Moon represents what you need and emotional patterns. It also represents the feminine principle.

Mercury represents how you think and communicate, how you learn and process information.

Venus tells the story of love and money. How do you give and receive love? What are your values? What is your earning capacity and self worth? What do you really enjoy?

Mars shows how you take action in the world and express your will. What does Mars say about your sexuality?

Jupiter is all about enjoyment and the higher realms. What are your beliefs around religion or spirituality? Are you an optimist who accepts opportunities enthusiastically or do you find yourself holding back?

Saturn is the teacher in our play and represents our most important lessons. It is also the time keeper of life and challenges us to ensure that important structures are in place to support us in our education, career, relationships, belief systems and so on. Two of the most challenging times of life are referred to as the first and second Saturn Return. These periods of life are critical in that whatever structures we have put in place that no longer work for us are challenged to be re-examined and re-worked. These periods take place at around 28-30 years and around 58 years of age.

Uranus is our inner rebel and wants to make sure we are free to express ourselves based on what our intuition is telling us. Uranus shows our point of difference and represents what makes us unique.

Neptune represents how we dream, imagine and fantasize. If we want to escape, Neptune is there showing us how. Neptune is the higher octave of Venus so it also describes how we connect with Love at a higher level than the mundane. Neptune describes our relationship with the more expanded states of consciousness which may be reached through meditation.

Pluto likes to get very deep and meaningful and is our planet of power. Pluto is the ruler of the underworld and knows all about our darkest moments and what we need to transform. As the planet of death and rebirth, It represents our psychological evolution.