Art, Archetype, and Astrology

Richard Tarnas defines an archetype as “a universal principle or force that affects--impels, structures, permeates--the human psyche and human behavior on many levels.” Since the time of the earliest cave paintings and communal rituals of indigenous people, these universal patterns have been made visible and tangible through the arts (painting, music, poetry, dance, and drama). Archetypal patterns are also revealed through myths, fairy tales, and religious motifs, in cultures around the globe. Astrology is yet another system based on the universal archetypes, and even astronomy has named planets and asteroids after mythological beings. In his essay, An Introduction to Archetypal Astrology (http://www.cosmosandpsyche.com/pdf/IntroductiontoAstrology.pdf), Tarnas explains the connection between archetypes and astrology:

“Jung thought of archetypes as the basic constituents of the human psyche, shared cross-culturally by all human beings, and he regarded them as universal expressions of a collective unconscious. Much earlier, the Platonic tradition considered archetypes to be not only psychological but also cosmic and objective, as primordial forms of a Universal Mind that transcended the human psyche. Astrology would appear to support the Platonic view as well as the Jungian, since it gives evidence that Jungian archetypes are not only visible in human psychology, in human experience and behavior, but are also linked to the macrocosm itself--to the planets and their movements in the heavens. Astrology thus supports the ancient idea of an anima mundi, or world soul, in which the human psyche participates. From this perspective, what Jung called the collective unconscious can be viewed as being ultimately embedded within the cosmos itself.”

Due to the universal nature of archetypes, we can see the same archetypes showing up in diverse cultures during different eras of human history, clothed in a variety of garb and bearing numerous names. Yet each is used to symbolize the same themes, energies, characteristics, or qualities. For example, the Great Mother archetype is seen as Mother Mary in Western culture, Kwan Yin in China, Tara in Tibet, and Isis, in ancient Egypt.

In art history, we can see the goddess, Venus, portrayed in many forms, from the famous Venus de Milo sculpture, created in Greece (c. 130-100 BC), to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus (c. 1485–87), to Michael Parkes’ contemporary Venus (2007).

These same universal forces that inform culture and religion are flowing within us and around us all of the time. Both astrology and the arts provide powerful ways to understand, consciously experience, and physically embody these invisible forces that underlie our existence. Let’s use the archetype of Aries, for an example.

Aries is often called “The Warrior”. Wherever we have Aries in our birth chart is an area where we would do well to be assertive, bold, and courageous. We can look at a Rembrandt painting of the warrior god, Mars, or watch a war movie, such as “Saving Private Ryan” or sing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. We can take a martial arts class, do the warrior pose in yoga, or pick up a sword and actually feel Aries in our own bodies. Each of these approaches will further your understanding of the Aries archetype and assist you in using the energy of Aries in your daily life.

As an experiential astrologer, I believe that interacting with the archetypes of astrology through the expressive arts is an especially potent way to learn astrology and to work with the dynamics of your own chart. You can paint the emotional intensity of Scorpio, sing Sanskrit chants to invoke Pisces, write love poems to touch Libra, or delight Taurus with a sensual dance.

If you would like to see the archetypes of astrology come to life before your eyes and feel them move within your being, please join Sajit and Eric, at our upcoming classes in Asheville. For details about the classes, click here: http://www.soulvisionconsulting.com/classes.html.
If you are a kinesthetic learner, Sajit offers astrology consultations that combine movement work along with astrological insights, to assist you in experiencing the energies of your chart in your body and learning how to effectively use these energies in your life.

Sajit Greene, M.A.
Astrological Counselor and Authentic Expression Coach
www.SoulVisionConsulting.com

Bridging Worlds: Liberation and Manifestation

This post is an excerpt from Elements & Evolution: The Spiritual Landscape of Astrology.

There is a focus on liberation in most spiritual models, and rightfully so. Shouldn’t we learn how to move beyond the ego and reach greater soul realization? On the other hand, there are those who advocate living in the “real world” of our most immediate sur­roundings as the best way to truly be “spiritual.” These two approaches are aligned respectively with the yang (air, fire) and yin (earth, water) elements. Depending on our particular attunement to the elements, there is often a preference for either liberation or manifestation. These two different approaches can easily polarize, but progressing to the fire level and consciously bringing that aware­ness into the parameters of everyday life is to bridge worlds. Being in the world but not of it is the ideal being championed in this book (Elements & Evolution: The Spiritual Landscape of Astrology). This integration is the true masterwork.

Almost everyone currently alive has Neptune sextile Pluto in the natal chart. (Note that Pluto is transpersonal, though it concerns the interface of the transpersonal with the psychology and emotional status of the separate self). The Neptune/Pluto sextile concerns the integration of the transcendent (Neptune) with the psychological (Pluto) and gives us a context to learn how to balance the two channels. Ancient wisdom traditions rooted in mystical ex­perience (Neptune, liberation) long predate the opening of psycho­logical insight which has flourished in recent decades, especially since the Uranus/Pluto conjunction of the 1960s. Indeed, spiritual practices which include the emotional and psychological realms (manifestation) are becoming more widespread. Now at the Ura­nus/Pluto square, our task is to further this integrative process and honor all levels of reality simultaneously.

It is indeed true that we are developing upwards, not downwards. We move from the personal to the transpersonal and increasingly broaden our awareness. At the same time, the manifesting channel is just as relevant, as Spirit is continually emerging through us. In fact, an overemphasis on liberation results in what has been termed the “spiritual bypass” in which painful experience is denied or glossed over in favor of emotional suppression and glib opti­mism.

Ascending (air, fire) spirituality is attractive for those who, consciously or not, may want to evade the unpleasantness of painful experiences. Joining with lofty spiritual teachings and having peak experiences can be truly affirming and exalting. Many spiritual paths, however, do not adequately address the psychological, emotional, and somatic (water, earth) realms. This oversight is a common criticism of the New Age movement, though this ten­dency for bypass can be found in many paths.

We are just as involved with the manifesting channel as we are the liberating. Although less immediate than our everyday real­ity, transpersonal realms inform our experience while also envelop­ing us. Inspiration and creativity come from Spirit for us to deliver into the world. Spirit is continually whispering to us in the guises of synchronicities, spirit guides, or our dreams. Ignorance of such guidance does not diminish its reality or relevance. Fixation on the yin elements to the exclusion of meta­phys­ical exploration is also quite common, as this stance aligns with our mainstream paradigm of reality. Modern psychology and many body-centered modalities rightfully address water and earth but neglect the spiritual dimension.

Though most charts carry a particular elemental emphasis (by way of the planetary placements), we all have all four of them in our charts, just as we all have bodies, hearts, minds, and souls. Sometimes we make excuses by claiming that since an element is weak in our chart, we are “off the hook” concerning that element’s function. This attitude is misguided and a recipe for imbalance and the resulting consequences. If there is an element with less empha­sis, it may actually require more effort and focus to properly inte­grate it. The key is to engage with all four elements no matter what our inherent attunement is.

Eric Meyers, M.A.
Astrological Counselor, Author, and Teacher
www.SoulVisionConsulting.com

The 10 Faces of Libra

Happy Autumnal Equinox! The seasons are changing -- nights are gradually getting longer than days. The Sun enters Libra, so let's take an in-depth look at the 7th sign.

In Elements & Evolution: The Spiritual Landscape of Astrology, I illustrate how each part of the system has an evolutionary relationship with all of the other parts. First off, each sign has its own evolutionary purpose. Then, in the great Evolutionary Cycle, every sign builds from its predecessor while providing a foundation for its successor. Therefore the evolutionary storyline follows a sequential order whereby each sign directly relates to the one before, and the one that follows. All of the remaining signs provide another “face” to the sign in question. Here’s how it works.

The evolutionary task of Libra is to develop the “I—Thou” connection, to be in relationship. In the Evolutionary Cycle, developing competence (Virgo/Stage 6) prepares us to enter equal relationships, which are necessary for us to hold our power (Scorpio/Stage 8) with others, and ultimately, in the world.

The opposition between Libra and Aries deals with the issue of behavior, how we conduct ourselves with others. The evolutionary purpose is for an individual (Aries) to learn through the
process of socialization (Libra). Others provide a mirror for self-reflection.

With the trine, the combination of Gemini and Libra produces communica­tion—sharing our thoughts (Gemini) with another (Libra). Information (Gemini) is transferred into interpersonal contexts (Libra). Libra’s other trine is with Aquarius; this pairing brings the interper­sonal dynamics of Libra to the collective level. The theme here is sociological—how we can all get along harmoniously on this planet. The integration of this trine produces culture—the collec­tive agreements, customs and behavioral norms that serve as social glue.

Next is the square. The integration of Libra and Capricorn produces civiliza­tion. Capricorn involves institutions, the structure of government, and other social systems. Libra adds laws to bring about fairness, social norms, diplomacy, and outreach. Capricorn cements Libran concepts (liberty, equity, and judicious­ness) into form. The square between Libra and Cancer addresses the issue of getting personal needs met (Cancer) in relationships (Libra). Cancer is emotional and wants depth and nourishment, while Libra calls for harmony, agreement, and cooperation—the integration is romantic love.

Through the sextile, Libra has a connection with Leo. These social signs pertain to engagement. Sharing (Leo) supports connecting (Libra), and this aspect lights up interactions in life-affirming ways. The territory here is not exclusively romantic, though the vibe could be like the energy experienced on a successful first date. Libra’s other sextile is with Sagittarius, the sign of direction. The integration is politics, using a broad definition. Collaboration (Libra) supports policy (Sagittarius)—this aspect deals with how people join together to achieve a purpose.

Finally, the quincunx connects Libra to Pisces, which asks us how we could humanly connect (Libra) in Spirit (Pisces)? How do we embrace each others’ souls? With this aspect we connect the scattered pieces of Spirit together through relating. The integration lies with the Sanskrit word Namaste, the common greeting that honors the light of divinity in each other. Libra’s other quincunx is with Taurus. Both of these signs are ruled by Venus, the goddess of beauty. Taurus relates to the senses, the body, and the beauty of the physical world. Libra is conceptual, addressing aesthetics and the airy world of social norms and civility. The meeting point is art. Integration is found through materializing (Taurus) ideals of beauty (Libra).

Using this approach, the 10 Faces of Libra are: relationship, behavior, communication, culture, civilization, romantic love, engagement, politics, Namaste, and art. All of the various components of Libra are represented. For more information on Elements & Evolution, or to purchase the book, please see our website (www.SoulVisionConsulting.com).

Eric Meyers, M.A.

Venus Retrograde: The Descent and Re-Emergence of Venus

This fall, Venus retrograde takes us on a 40-day journey (Oct. 8-Nov. 18, 2010) back through Scorpio territory. She’ll also take a short trip back into Libra for a few degrees. How we relate with others (Venus and Libra) and, in particular, how we relate intimately (Scorpio) is up for reassessment during this retrograde period. How deeply do we want to share with others and on what levels? How do we feel about our sexuality? In what ways do we feel empowered or disempowered? Are we feeling valued, appreciated, and supported? How are the unhealed wounds from the past impacting our current relationships? The deep waters of Scorpio are charged with tremendous power, emotional intensity, and passion. They also hold great potential for regeneration.

Venus retrograde, in Scorpio, can take us on a journey of descent...a descent into the dark shadows of our psyches. If we have hurt, or been hurt, through the abuse of power, the violation of trust, or the misuse of sexual energies, these wounds may be crying out for healing and forgiveness. If we carry feelings of shame, inhibition, or guilt about our sexuality, or if we struggle with issues of jealousy, fear of abandonment, or fear of merging, this retrograde period is an ideal time for inner work and emotional processing. And because Venus in Scorpio deals with intense interpersonal dynamics, our intimate relationships may be affected by what is revealed through this transit.

As Erin Sullivan writes, in her book Retrograde Planets, “More often than not, the area in the chart which is being examined by Venus retrograde has gone unattended for some time-certainly with this deep perspective. One tends unconsciously to withdraw, seeking hidden meaning in experience, hoping to draw value or deeper knowledge from one’s daily interactions.” Perhaps during this retrograde period, we may need some time for both our personal process and working on our relationships.

If we are willing to look within and shine the light of awareness into the shadowy places, Venus retrograde in Scorpio also holds the promise of rebirth and regeneration. She brings us opportunities to reclaim our power and passion, and our capacity for truth-telling. She opens us to the profound gifts exchanged through multi-leveled intimacy. A radiant Venus in Scorpio enjoys the sharing of sexual power and the beauty of the erotic arts. She values and appreciates herself and those she is in relationship with. She trusts in abundance and partakes in the eternal flow of resources between herself and others. As Venus dives into the depths of Scorpio, she may at first find herself swimming with sharks. But with a willingness to heal the past, she may ultimately discover a treasure-chest filled with jewels to share with those she loves.

May you be blessed with power, passion, and pleasure!
Sajit

Additional resources:
Empower Your Authentic Sexuality: A Movement Group for Women http://soulvisionconsulting.com/authentic.html

Laura Boomer-Trent blog: Venus in Scorpio & A retrograde dance of Magnetic Balance http://zodiac-heaven.blogspot.com/

Anthony Fiorenza article: The Venus Transits, The Pentagonal Cycle of Venus http://www.lunarplanner.com/HCpages/Venus.html

Dreams within Dreams

The Astrology of the Film, "Inception"

Christopher Nolan’s latest film, Inception, is a perplexing, fascinating mind trip. Though the plot may strain the limits of what is possible, it’s easy to be taken away into the worlds within worlds which compose this ultimate brain teaser. In between the plot line which has Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) intruding within someone’s mind to plant an idea, and thereby alter the likely trajectory of events, the film portrays the process of spiritual awakening. The end result is a complete questioning of what is real…and what is a dream? The parallels to the astrology of awakening are profound.

Cobb has found the ways and means to enter peoples’ minds. This is accomplished by an innovation, mentored by his father-in-law (Michael Caine), which allows him to share dream space with others. Within dreamtime, he can alter a subject’s interior landscape, which has profound impact on the subconscious which runs the show in waking life. The catch is this: due to sharing dreams, the deeper Cobb ventures into another, the more he must face the deeper layers of unconscious material in his own mind. So, to do his job well, he must solve the riddles of his own shadow, while not getting lost in the endless labyrinth of his own, or others’, psyches. This is the actual situation we all find ourselves in!

It is the astrological Moon that relates to our unconscious. We absorb life, which becomes internalized as who and what we are. Anything deemed objectionable, or too painful, is pushed down so we can proceed through life. When this repressed material is demonized, we set up an elaborate defense system to continue the pattern of avoidance. Eventually, we must face these “demons” in order to diffuse the attachment we have in keeping them at bay, which keeps us trapped in the ego dream.

Inception remarkably displays the ego dream. We see how we simultaneously create our reality, while also inhabiting it, in the dream state. All the “people” in the dream state are projections: representations of our versions of them. The big question is whether the condition of the ego dream functions only within our sleeping dreams, or is the “ordinary” reality also a dream? Are the people in your life “real,” or are they your projections? Are you awake right now?

By freeing the repressed material, we learn to liberate from the dream. This usually involves some form of confrontation with the shadow (Pluto), the inevitable emotional experience that accompanies this confrontation, and eventually, a release of our psychic hold on it. Those who have taken measures to free these attachments have access to a broader, creative reality in the present (Sun), instead of endlessly orbiting around the contents of yesteryear (Moon).

The movie ends without giving a clear indication of where dreaming begins or ends. This is for me and you to decide, as we may be sharing a dream just as depicted in the movie. The only way to find out is to take measures to liberate. The mission of Soul Vision Consulting is to assist people in this process. We focus on the Moon, the personalized ego dream, to give information about the attachments in the soul. The astrology chart gives many useful suggestions of how to work with this material, and also what life could be like upon its resolution. Happy Awakening!

Eric Meyers, M.A., Astrological Counselor and Author

www.SoulVisionConsulting.com

New Book Released Today!

Eric is pleased to announce that his new book, Elements & Evolution: The Spiritual Landscape of Astrology, is being released today! It discusses how the 4 elements interrelate to structure and catalyze evolution. This book has an ambitious scope, adding many new concepts and innovations to the field. It is most suitable for readers who are interested in a spiritual understanding of astrology, and who seek an overarching philosophy of evolutionary growth. It is a great thrill for Eric to release this labor of love! Here is an excerpt:

Elemental Deficiencies

The most common situation of elemental imbalance occurs when one element is less represented than the other three. In some cases, there are no planets in any of the signs of one of the ele­ments. Some people are particularly strong in two elements and weak in the other two. And others carry an elemental balance. Re­gardless of our elemental composition, we must learn to engage all four. Let’s first look at the situation in which one element is absent or at least less prominent than the others.

Without the grounding energy of earth, there may be a ten­dency to fly off into mental speculation. We may be out of touch with our body and averse to creating structure. There is likely to be plenty of thrill-seeking, a zest for unbounded experience, and an endless advocacy of open-ended possibilities. A challenge here is that with our head in the clouds, the bills may not get paid. If dis­cipline and resolve are attended to, this combination can manifest as inspirational and effective. If not, then life is full of unlived potentials. Implementing earthy organization and attention to mun­dane matters is crucial for worldly advancement. Some form of body awareness technique, such as yoga, tai chi, or a mindful approach to athletics could be helpful. Charge dominates this com­bination, with air being the only neutral element. Air creates the space for processes (fire, water) to spread and wander. This is a passionate combination, especially about ideas.

When air is missing or minimal, there tends to be a lack of objectivity, perspective, and reason. There is heavy grounding—earth and water anchor fire, which creates a sense of urgency, strong opinions, and drive. Accomplishment of some kind is of prime importance, though being high-strung is the pitfall. Money or belongings may have an increased focus, and it could be difficult to see the larger picture. The lack of objectivity may lead to overly-charged thinking. Some form of mindfulness practice would be helpful in terms of learning not to get caught up in dramatic inten­sity. Those of us lacking in the air element would also benefit from watching video of ourself or recording thoughts on a voice re­corder. Upon review of this material and the self-awareness it can foster, more detachment and objectivity can emerge.

With fire in low supply, there may be a lack of enthusiasm, energy, or spark for life. The tendency is to be grounded, detached, and, at the extreme, depressed. Neutrality dominates and is charged by water; emotions, rather than inspiration, runs the show. Life may easily turn into a series of tasks instead of an enjoyable adventure. Ideas are easily grounded into form—this combination may be a wiz at mundane tasks. There is a scientific or analytical bent moti­vated by satisfying underlying needs for competence or industrious­ness. Missing the whimsical influence of fire, this com­bination is the most reliable and steadfast. Efforts in the direction of recreation help the imbalance. Having a hobby, being able to break away to travel, and exercise can each serve to break up routine and get the energy moving. Checking in as to what is really motivating behavior is useful. Finding a cause to believe in and to help generate some passion creates greater balance. Success is probable here, but align­ing with what is truly valued or important is the challenge.

With a lack of water, there is a tendency to avoid emotional and interpersonal process. The presence of both yang elements fuels an outward focus, and earth expects results. We might steam­roll others and lack receptivity to their needs. The neutrality empha­sizes pragmatics, while the yang elements want a broad reach. There may be a drive to make a social or global impact instead of investing in personal matters. There is toughness in this dry combination. It has a “We can do it!” attitude. A helpful question to then ask is, “Why do you want to?” Greater integration is found through re­ceptiveness. Listening and empathy skills are helpful to develop. Having children or supporting others’ vulnerability in some way may assist in settling into the heart. Spending time in actual water may be calming.

Having an elemental imbalance can make us completely use­less in the related function. However, with successful evolutionary momentum, the bolstering of the missing element enables the others to maximize their potency. If we lack earth we can focus on discipline and still attain success. If we lack air we can develop rea­son and be well-informed. If we lack fire we can cultivate enthu­siasm and become inspirational. Those who lack water who learn to deepen can make a meaningful impact. Taking measures to develop these inferior functions pays off substantially. Lacking an element is not a sentence to incompleteness. It’s an invitation to stretch ourself toward wholeness.

Eric Meyers, MA

The Three Faces of Libra

Saturn, Venus, and Mars have an important meeting in the sign of Libra, this summer, and each has its own voice and its own role to play. They’re asking us to take a look at how we are doing in our relationships. Saturn entered Libra on July 21, 2010 and will continue its sojourn through Libra until October 2012. On August 7, 2010, Saturn, Venus, and Mars fill out the Libra portion of the Cardinal Grand Cross (see June blog post). Because Venus and Mars travel more quickly than Saturn, these two will adjourn their Libra meeting in September of this year. Let’s hear what these planets have to say about how we do relationships…

Venus in Libra (Aug. 6-Sept. 7) is sweet and genteel. She’ll invite you in to share a cup of tea and pleasant conversation and send you home with a bouquet of flowers. If you’re having troubles with your mate, Venus in Libra will try to help you work it out. She delights us with beauty and soothes us with peace, harmony, and balance. She wants to bring us closer to friends and loved ones and encourages us to communicate with respect and civility.

Mars in Libra (July 29-Sept. 14) is passionate about relationships and can be fierce when things are not fair. He is a warrior for peace and justice. Mars in Libra stands up for what is right. He motivates us to assert our needs and respect the needs of others. He knows that in healthy, stable relationships power and responsibility are shared equally. He calls for a balance between autonomy and togetherness.


Saturn in Libra takes a serious and realistic look at our relationships…
not just intimate relationships, but all kinds of relationships. Saturn asks: Is the relationship harmonious? Is there an equal balance of power? Are both people getting their needs met? Is the communication assertive rather than aggressive? Are both partners cooperating? Does the relationship have a firm foundation? What is the purpose of the relationship? Does the relationship call for more commitment? Do certain areas of the relationship need to be renegotiated? Is it time to complete the relationship?

With Saturn in Libra for the next two years, we will have many opportunities to evaluate our relationships. The old relationship paradigms are being broken down, and we’re experimenting with new ways of relating. The old ways of power plays, abusive relationships, co-dependence, male domination, and “don’t rock the boat” just don’t work. Relationships that aren’t balanced may tumble and break. Relationships that are harmonious, peaceful, and loving will be seen as worth an even stronger commitment.

Mars, Venus, and Saturn have different voices and different approaches, but while dancing through Libra, they will work together to rebalance our relationships. May they weave more harmony, equality, peace, and love through all of our relationships. May we have the strength to say “No”, the pleasure of saying “Yes!” and the clarity to know what brings us peace.
-Sajit Greene, MA, LPC