Archetypes and the Planets

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.   

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        

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      

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.

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.

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.    

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.    

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.  

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

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)    

In this episode, I introduce my new co-host, Jenny Montgomery [www.Jenny-Montgomery.com] ​​Jenny is a consulting astrologer who specializes on readings with an emphasis on developing the authentic self. Her approach is based on traditional techniques and informed by themes in Jungian psychology: shadow dynamics, soul health and purpose, and reconciling the spirit of our depths with the chaotic spirit of our times. In this episode, we talk about how we were both introduced to astrology, her PhD dissertation on an 11th century Islamic astrologer, and the resistance we both felt about discussing this language with those who are inclined to dismiss it. Jenny also provides us with a great example of astrological remediation for the upcoming Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Taurus [April 16 - 23]. Here is the link describing it: Garments (jenny-montgomery.com)   For those looking for Andre Kahr, you can find him on his YouTube channel [ProActive Astrology] here: ProActive Astrology - YouTube I will be dropping by there from time to time to continue our conversation!        

In this episode of Archetypes and the Planets, Béa and Andre explore the upcoming year and what may be in store archetypally. The next two years include a lot of change as the three outer planets move into new signs. What might these changes bring? Nothing is set in stone and all we can do is connect some of the themes associated with these archetypal principles but buckle up! Things are shifting….

In this episode of Archetypes and the Planets, we explore the upcoming ingress of Pluto into Aquarius. We had a taste back in March when it ingressed into Aquarius for two months before returning to Capricorn. Some of the themes that were highlighted then were developments in Artificial Intelligence, the ongoing battle between democracy and fascism and advances in the medical field. What connections do these things have to the previous period when Pluto was last in Aquarius in the late 18th century? What is in store this time around?  

In this episode, Andre and Béa explore the many conversations Venus can have with the other planets [Mars through Pluto with a little Eris thrown into the mix] and what those conversations can mean in an archetypal way. Charts explored include: Bill Gates, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley and more.  

In this episode, we explore the archetypal conversations that occur between Mercury and all the other planets. Charts examined include the ones of Jimmy Connors, Sylvia Plath, Steve Jobs, Nikola Tesla, David Bowie and more.    

In this episode we explore how planetary aspects to the natal Moon in the chart can impact the personality.  These planetary conversations can be challenging or supportive depending of the nature of the geometric relationship between the planets in question, but they always imply a meeting of archetypal forces.  Please be sure to share this discussion with others who might be interested and don't forget to give us a "like" and leave a review wherever you hear this podcast so others will find us as well.

In this episode, we begin our exploration of planetary aspects. Aspects are the conversations that the planets have with each other and which colour the expression of their significations. We begin the Sun and what it means when it conjuncts [or occupies the same space] as the other planets. Chart examples include Joseph Campbell, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Buckley.       

In this episode we shift to an often overlooked part of any astrological examination---the elements [Fire, Earth, Air, Water.] From the work of the pre-Socratic philosophers to CG Jung and typology and finally, the recent work of neuro-anatomist, Jill Bolte-Taylor, we explore ways to deal with the element in the chart that might be weak, but which is often the place where the solutions can be found.  In a tribute to his earthy chart, Andre provides you with some practical ways of getting that missing element online through a simple exercise with the breath.   *Note: As my weakest element is air I managed to bungle up the air signs by suggesting that tow of the three air signs [Gemini, Libra, Aquarius] are Mercury ruled. Obviously not. Only Gemini is ruled by Mercury. Libra is ruled by Venus and Aquarius by Saturn.           

"Discovered" in 2005, you might be inclined to discount this planetary body which demoted Pluto due, in part, to the work of self-described Pluto killer, Mike Brown. The mythology of this dwarf planet is fascinating and important. She plays the key role in igniting the Trojan War and is also responsible, according to the poet Hesiod, for the turning of the natural world on one day when the sun rose in the West and set in the East. What was happening around 2005 and is there a connection to these stories? In this episode, recorded for Andre's channel in 2022, we argue that there is. And it's a strong one.  We felt we could not improve on our exploration from last year and so we leave you with this conversation about the warrior goddess and what her "discovery" portends for us all. 

In this episode, Andre and Béa explore the archetypal Pluto, demoted in the world of astronomy but still very much present in the archetypal world which scoffs at our attempts to repress things. In this episode we explore the personal, the political, the motivational and the inevitable expressions of this archetype. Is Pluto the planet of transformation as the moderns claim? Well, yes. But expect to roast a bit at first, because nothing comes without the sacrifice of something the ego holds dear.