In 1929, the eminent psychologist C.G. Jung wrote that astrology was assured recognition from the field of psychology because "astrology represents the summation of all psychological knowledge of antiquity." Almost 70 years later, however, astrology is still waiting. Even though this ancient tradition has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years and its principles and practice share marked similarities with modern psychological thought, astrology has largely been ignored by the psychological community.
In spite of this lack of professional recognition, the field of astrology has grown considerably through the influence of its younger sibling, the art/science of psychology. The many different schools of psychological thought - Freudian, Jungian, humanistic, existential, and transpersonal, among others - have all contributed to the expansion of astrology as a language of the human experience.
As a result we can now consult with Jungian astrologers, humanistic-oriented astrologers, transpersonal astrologers, and so on. Although the field of astrology has benefited over the years from the influence of the various schools of psychological thought, it now seems clear that if astrology is to be recognized as a legitimate counseling or healing approach we need to recognize that the astrological system and language is a complete "psychology" (soul study) in and of itself.
Basically, the aims of astrology are very similar to that of the various "schools" of modern psychology previously mentioned. All, in their own way, are concerned with understanding the human psyche and with integrating the various aspects of the personality, thereby creating wholeness.
The advantage of using astrology as a tool for understanding and "whole-making" is that the natal chart or horoscope provides a detailed "blueprint" of our unique psychological structure. Even more important, astrology can reveal both our strengths and areas of challenge, and at the same time give us a broader perspective on how we can constructively manifest our potential in these areas.
This kind of unique information about an individual's psychological make-up and positive potential is not immediately available to the traditional psychotherapist, counselor, or psychologist. Many hours of interviewing and therapy may be required before the same information is revealed.
Although the psychologist, in particular, has many personality tests that can be administered to reveal some of the same aspects in the natal chart, this information is usually not readily available for discussion with the client as is the horoscope. The advantage that the mental health professional has, of course, is that once difficult aspects of the personality or emerging potentials are discovered, he or she has the training and counseling skills necessary to help the client integrate them.
Having briefly discussed some of the similarities and differences between astrology and psychology, it seems appropriate to discuss just how astrological counseling fits into the picture. Astrological counseling is a relatively new contribution to the healing arts. It represents a unique blending of the ancient tradition of astrology with the modern science/art of psychology.
Astrology, as traditionally practiced, usually consists of a one and a half- to two-hour consultation. In a typical consultation the astrologer would cover the client's strengths and challenges, life direction or purpose, and current life cycles. In most cases this amounts to an enormous amount of information that the client is then left with to integrate by him or herself. Hopefully by seeing the horoscope as a mirror or symbol of inner psychological and spiritual processes, the client can begin to understand his or her own unique way of being.
Astrological counseling initially provides much of the same type of information as that gained from a typical astrological consultation. The difference being that Astrological counseling supports and builds on the understanding gleaned from the horoscope through ongoing interaction with a skilled "guide" or counselor. This ongoing interaction can help to integrate the understanding gained from the birth chart so that the client can begin to modify, transmute, and attune natal "energies" in order to express him or herself in the most positive and powerful way possible.
Dane Rudhyar, certainly one of the most profound astrological writers, once said that "the highest purpose of astrology is to provide the individual human being with a knowledge of how best to act so that the closed center of the ego may open to the power of his/her inherent destiny" as it not only provides intellectual understanding but also the opportunity to deeply know and honor oneself on an emotional/spiritual level as well. Astrological counseling is truly a synthesis... and a way of rediscovering and re-experiencing just how magnificent we truly are.
James Jarvis, M.A. is a transpersonal counselor, master astrologer, and LifeQwest? Coach who specializes in helping you "Create the Life of Your Dreams." Sign up for James' free bi-monthly LifeQwest? E-zine and receive a free 12-page report, "Keys to Right Livelihood," plus monthly horoscope, coaching tips and special discounts on services. http://lifeqwest.com
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