I was invited to write an essay as a guest astrologer at NoelTyl.com. Here is the link.
The topic is "Managing the Spirit", how to deal with spirit-oriented clients in a way that's grounded and helpful. It was a great honor being asked to write for his site!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Taking Chances - Today
Seth Godin's post about taking advantage of today's opportunities (instead of staying put and avoiding failure.)
It is relevant because what seems so obvious in hindsight is never so clear in the present. Astrologers also deal with this uncertainty when consulting clients that are facing major decisions.
Godin advises that we take the plunge, and offer something remarkable to the world.
It is relevant because what seems so obvious in hindsight is never so clear in the present. Astrologers also deal with this uncertainty when consulting clients that are facing major decisions.
Godin advises that we take the plunge, and offer something remarkable to the world.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Analysis of Intensified Mercury by Noel Tyl
Noel Tyl talks about natal Mercury aspected by Jupiter, Uranus, or the Moon. As usual, his questions and insights are intriguing and thought provoking (here is the original link, active as of Dec 2007):
- Moon-Mercury frequently produces a "talker", who needs to talk in order to discharge emotional tension. Similar things could be expected of Jupiter-Mercury and Uranus-Mercury.
- When Mercury is intensified through connection with Uranus, this may lead to excessive communication, a "talking (or writing) that doesn't stop."
- The key question Tyl asks is, is hyper-communication a way for the person to avoid uncomfortable feelings? The person may be complicating things unnecessarily so as not to face the real emotions underneath.
- Usually such behavior is disempowering, as it leaves emotions out of relationships.
- The remedial factors: adding more focus on warm, caring communication, paying attention to people's (and one's own) emotions. Perhaps trying to speak less but adding more substance and impact.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Uranus and Neptune in Synastry - Celebrity Example (Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie)
The previous post brings to mind two theses:
1) Someone whose horoscope shows strong Uranian emphasis and not so much emotional sensitivity component may have a difficulty maintaining a deep, lasting bond with others.
2) In synastry, strong Uranian tie without accompanying emotional (Moon, Venus, Neptune) ties may not last, due to lack of the dependence factor.
Looking at Brad Pitt's chart (12/18/1963 6:31AM Shawnee, Oklahoma), we notice very little emotional/sensitive component that would enable the formation of emotional bond: No emphasis on Water elements, Capricorn stellium, unaspected Sun in Fire sign dominating the horoscope ("dissociation complex"); Mars ruling 5th is at the Sun/Moon midpoint, fortified by Jupiter, Uranus-Pluto (sexual drive, athleticism, empowered masculinity). And Uranus squares his Ascendant axis.
Indeed there is very little about Pitt that is "weak, helpless and in need of support," (see the Jung quote in previous post) and this isn't just about being put on a pedestal as a male sex symbol, but more to do with his internal makeup; Absence of Water emphasis necessitates a grand cause that would enable Pitt to feel emotionally connected to the world.
Pitt's divorce with Jennifer Aniston in 2005 occurred during he was experiencing Uranus opposition and tr Neptune square Neptune: a very strong shift in life perspective having to do with further individuation and emotional ideals. The simultaneous intensification of Pitt's relationship with Angelina Jolie (6/4/1975 9:09AM Los Angeles, CA) was much more than a sexual attraction, as we'll see further.
The synastry chart between Pitt and Jolie provides interesting insights:
1) Jolie's Neptune conjoins Pitt's Ascendant axis - her vision affecting his identity core; also, Jolie's humanitarian Jupiter (ruling 6th and conj her MC) impacts Pitt's Mercury-mindset.
2) Jolie's Saturn opposes Pitt's Mercury-Moon-Venus stellium: though being much younger than Pitt, Jolie appears to be the one showing leadership in this relationship.
These two points corroborate what happened: after getting involved with Jolie, Pitt has transformed into an enthusiastic social activist, following her lead. Her humanitarian activities gave him the grand cause he was looking for, to feel the emotional connection to the world.
Another point of interest is that Jolie's natal chart shows Uranus square Venus-Ascendant, making this also a strongly Uranian chart, albeit with more emotional emphasis (Cancer ASC-Venus).
The synastry shows strong Uranian conection between the two (his Uranus sq her Sun, her Uranus sq his Moon-Venus): it seems they strengthen each other to individuate further, meaning that as long as they're looking in the same direction, they won't get in each other's way. Clearly this is not a relationship based on dependence, but an alliance based on shared vision (which includes children).
Being strongly individuated, extremely non-dependent people, their relationship may lack the deep emotional element to stabilize it; as long as their shared projects (including raising children) remain meaningful to both of them in their paths toward individuation, they'll continue to benefit from the alliance. But after their fascination with each other wears off (say, after getting legally married), such projects may not be enough to hold them together.
Either way, Pitt has clearly found a new, meaningful dimension in his life from this relationship, and that transformation is significant enough, whether the relationship lasts or not.
1) Someone whose horoscope shows strong Uranian emphasis and not so much emotional sensitivity component may have a difficulty maintaining a deep, lasting bond with others.
2) In synastry, strong Uranian tie without accompanying emotional (Moon, Venus, Neptune) ties may not last, due to lack of the dependence factor.
Looking at Brad Pitt's chart (12/18/1963 6:31AM Shawnee, Oklahoma), we notice very little emotional/sensitive component that would enable the formation of emotional bond: No emphasis on Water elements, Capricorn stellium, unaspected Sun in Fire sign dominating the horoscope ("dissociation complex"); Mars ruling 5th is at the Sun/Moon midpoint, fortified by Jupiter, Uranus-Pluto (sexual drive, athleticism, empowered masculinity). And Uranus squares his Ascendant axis.
Indeed there is very little about Pitt that is "weak, helpless and in need of support," (see the Jung quote in previous post) and this isn't just about being put on a pedestal as a male sex symbol, but more to do with his internal makeup; Absence of Water emphasis necessitates a grand cause that would enable Pitt to feel emotionally connected to the world.
Pitt's divorce with Jennifer Aniston in 2005 occurred during he was experiencing Uranus opposition and tr Neptune square Neptune: a very strong shift in life perspective having to do with further individuation and emotional ideals. The simultaneous intensification of Pitt's relationship with Angelina Jolie (6/4/1975 9:09AM Los Angeles, CA) was much more than a sexual attraction, as we'll see further.
The synastry chart between Pitt and Jolie provides interesting insights:
1) Jolie's Neptune conjoins Pitt's Ascendant axis - her vision affecting his identity core; also, Jolie's humanitarian Jupiter (ruling 6th and conj her MC) impacts Pitt's Mercury-mindset.
2) Jolie's Saturn opposes Pitt's Mercury-Moon-Venus stellium: though being much younger than Pitt, Jolie appears to be the one showing leadership in this relationship.
These two points corroborate what happened: after getting involved with Jolie, Pitt has transformed into an enthusiastic social activist, following her lead. Her humanitarian activities gave him the grand cause he was looking for, to feel the emotional connection to the world.
Another point of interest is that Jolie's natal chart shows Uranus square Venus-Ascendant, making this also a strongly Uranian chart, albeit with more emotional emphasis (Cancer ASC-Venus).
The synastry shows strong Uranian conection between the two (his Uranus sq her Sun, her Uranus sq his Moon-Venus): it seems they strengthen each other to individuate further, meaning that as long as they're looking in the same direction, they won't get in each other's way. Clearly this is not a relationship based on dependence, but an alliance based on shared vision (which includes children).
Being strongly individuated, extremely non-dependent people, their relationship may lack the deep emotional element to stabilize it; as long as their shared projects (including raising children) remain meaningful to both of them in their paths toward individuation, they'll continue to benefit from the alliance. But after their fascination with each other wears off (say, after getting legally married), such projects may not be enough to hold them together.
Either way, Pitt has clearly found a new, meaningful dimension in his life from this relationship, and that transformation is significant enough, whether the relationship lasts or not.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Individuation vs Connection: Astrology of Human Relationships
A human relationship is not based on differentiation and perfection, for these only emphasize the differences or call forth the exact opposite; it is based, rather, on imperfection, on what is weak, helpless and in need of support - the very ground and motive of dependence.Jung seems to suggest that we connect to others through our weaknesses rather than strength.
C. G. Jung in The Undiscovered Self [boldface mine]
Astrologically, Uranus stands for individuation and differentiation. While Uranian individuation makes us interesting and unique, it is not necessarily conducive to strengthening emotional bonds with others.
The "perfection" is an idealized image of self held unconsciously, and always accompanied by judgment toward the weak (to whom the "perfect" one projects all of his weaknesses.) The signature of idealism is the connection between Mercury, Venus, or the Sun, in any combination; also, involvement between Jupiter and Neptune, or their contact with Sun or Moon.
When such idealistic signature is tied to the Ascendant or the Sun, we could look for the idealistic image held by the ego about itself to create a rift in relationships, through projection of one's imperfection to others. In addition, emphasis of Fire or Air may exacerbate superiority complex (Fire through its force, Air through intellect.) Judgment results from idealized self image.
Some celebrities have a difficult time with this, as they often play the image of perfection in the public imagination, and may come to internalize the idealized image about themselves: when you believe you are perfect, you won't be able to establish connection with another person on an emotional, vulnerable level.
The "weakness" Jung refers to seems to suggest the vulnerability and sensitivity of Water signs, and perhaps Neptune. In synastry or transit, Neptune involvement is an interesting clue of romantic relationship.
One couple I know has the woman's Neptune = man's Sun/Moon midpoint, her sensitivity and vulnerability making a deep connection to his core. They share an idealistic vision together, and has a strong emotional bond. Another couple had synastric conjunctions between his Moon and her Venus, and her Moon and his Venus: these are also vulnerable emotional contact that makes lasting connections possible.
In contrast, Uranus doesn't seem to bode well for connection in synastry or transit - here we feel very different from the other person, so much so that connection seems impossible or unnecessary. I once had a girlfriend whose Venus was conjunct my Mars-Uranus conjunction. As the inter-aspect suggests, the relationship was sexually exciting; but there was no emotional connection.
Would a naturally Uranian birth chart have a difficulty in keeping stable relationships? Maybe - Wayne Dyer just popped into my mind (he has Uranus conjunct Sun): he is definitely an individuated person, and he has divorced three times out of three.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Transformation of Neptunian Archetype: part 1 - Neptune and Wealth
As a culture, we're remarkably committed to measurable results: through the massive development of science and global capitalism in the last century, we have learned to place great values on activities and personal/organizational traits that are conducive to increased productivity.
While the importance of tangible, measurable results is obvious in the business world, even religious and charitable organizations must pay attention to how much capital they are able to raise in order to effectively accomplish their goals. The focus on tangible results has permeated even the traditionally more abstract fields such as art and literature: We honor the best selling author, the most frequently quoted scholarly work, most expensive work of art, etc.
On a personal level we are encouraged to set tangible goals in dieting, exercising, time management and monthly sales figures. In short, we have come to honor measurable results over intangible values, and this has important implications for the parts of our psyche that has not much to do with measuring: enter Neptune.
The stereotype for Neptune dominated individual is that of an impractical dreamer who is artistic and/or "spiritual", in a sense that he believes in the existence of intangible forces. He is portrayed as a gentle, poetic soul who is compassionate but tends to be victimized in a conflict.
While not denying these classic descriptions, I also believe the Archetype has evolved through the aforementioned cultural change, and necessitates further adjustment in our understanding of it; When looking at Warren Buffet's chart* [August 30, 1930 at 4:35PM in Omaha, Nebraska], we see the dominance of Neptune quite clearly through its involvement with the Sun and Moon.
The biography states that, born around the beginning of Great Depression, he dreamed of becoming very, very rich since before he was 5. Neptune rules his 2nd house (money), and trines Saturn in Capricorn, the co-final dispositor of the chart. Here the dream was about money, and practical business orientation of the dominant Saturn has supported it and made it a reality.
When a vision or a dream becomes achievable, it just might cease to be impractical. The collective dream we have about being very rich is illustrated in the media coverage and TV shows about the wealthy. The bubbles that form and burst in myriad investment vehicles in the financial market is very dreamlike (Neptunian) in the collective euphoria it produces, which is always followed by the cold awakening (oil crash in 1980's, tech boom in 1990's, real estate/subprime bubble of 2000's illustrate this dynamic well.)
Some of the people do realize their capitalistic vision, and nobody calls them "dreamy and impractical" after they succeed. But many people get destroyed in chasing the dream, through failed ventures or by being sold wholesale on one of the boom&bust cycle (they look amazingly smart on the way up, but look dazed and confused on the way down, just like your normal Neptunian.) Time seems to prove in the long run who has been the impractical one.
In short, the archetype of Neptune has evolved in the culture to encompass the dream about wealth - a very measurable, albeit relative, attribute.
*4:35PM is a rectified time. Biography states Buffet was born during a "hot Summer day", which guarantees the Neptune's square with the Moon.
While the importance of tangible, measurable results is obvious in the business world, even religious and charitable organizations must pay attention to how much capital they are able to raise in order to effectively accomplish their goals. The focus on tangible results has permeated even the traditionally more abstract fields such as art and literature: We honor the best selling author, the most frequently quoted scholarly work, most expensive work of art, etc.
On a personal level we are encouraged to set tangible goals in dieting, exercising, time management and monthly sales figures. In short, we have come to honor measurable results over intangible values, and this has important implications for the parts of our psyche that has not much to do with measuring: enter Neptune.
The stereotype for Neptune dominated individual is that of an impractical dreamer who is artistic and/or "spiritual", in a sense that he believes in the existence of intangible forces. He is portrayed as a gentle, poetic soul who is compassionate but tends to be victimized in a conflict.
While not denying these classic descriptions, I also believe the Archetype has evolved through the aforementioned cultural change, and necessitates further adjustment in our understanding of it; When looking at Warren Buffet's chart* [August 30, 1930 at 4:35PM in Omaha, Nebraska], we see the dominance of Neptune quite clearly through its involvement with the Sun and Moon.
The biography states that, born around the beginning of Great Depression, he dreamed of becoming very, very rich since before he was 5. Neptune rules his 2nd house (money), and trines Saturn in Capricorn, the co-final dispositor of the chart. Here the dream was about money, and practical business orientation of the dominant Saturn has supported it and made it a reality.
When a vision or a dream becomes achievable, it just might cease to be impractical. The collective dream we have about being very rich is illustrated in the media coverage and TV shows about the wealthy. The bubbles that form and burst in myriad investment vehicles in the financial market is very dreamlike (Neptunian) in the collective euphoria it produces, which is always followed by the cold awakening (oil crash in 1980's, tech boom in 1990's, real estate/subprime bubble of 2000's illustrate this dynamic well.)
Some of the people do realize their capitalistic vision, and nobody calls them "dreamy and impractical" after they succeed. But many people get destroyed in chasing the dream, through failed ventures or by being sold wholesale on one of the boom&bust cycle (they look amazingly smart on the way up, but look dazed and confused on the way down, just like your normal Neptunian.) Time seems to prove in the long run who has been the impractical one.
In short, the archetype of Neptune has evolved in the culture to encompass the dream about wealth - a very measurable, albeit relative, attribute.
*4:35PM is a rectified time. Biography states Buffet was born during a "hot Summer day", which guarantees the Neptune's square with the Moon.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Not Doing Nothing - Possible Benefits of Neptunian Solitude
One manifestation of Neptune (either through natal emphasis or transit/arcs) is solitude: you get unplugged from the world and relationships with others as much as possible. While this may appear to be hiding, that isn't always the case - something active may be going on. Here are some examples:
- Robert Bly stresses over and over again how important solitude is to a poet. He lives in a farm with large acres of land, and somewhere in the woods he has built a hut that he goes to spend days alone to work. He says even his wife doesn't know the location of the hut! Bly has natal Moon conjunct Neptune. He is anything but shy or timid when teaching workshops or reading his poetry; it's possible that his fierceness is born out of time spent in creative solitude that allows him to distill his thoughts.
- In religious or spiritual community, a "retreat" (a Neptunian word) is often held. The practitioner retreats from the world, not talk to anybody, and sits in meditation, but internally he is deeply engaged with his psychic content. Afterwards he may come out with a clearer mind and a better defined self image, which allow him to be empowered in the world.
- Late Emily Remler (a superstar jazz guitarist) said, in the beginning of her career, she was very dissatisfied with her playing in jazz. One day she was so fed up with herself that she stopped going out, stayed in her room to practice all day and night for weeks. When she came out of this intense practice period, she played so well that everyone took notice.
Monday, December 3, 2007
The Cave, Fairy Tale, and Astrology of Fear
The very cave you are afraid to enter
Turns out to be the source of
What you are looking for.
The damned thing in the cave
That was so dreaded
Has become the center
-Joseph Campbell
The last word refers to the center as in “Live from your own center”, which is another one of his sayings.
This quote describes the psychological region that is very hard for us to go near to, out of sheer fear. I could give the following metaphor:
“Maybe I was born inside this cave, and left something very precious in there, a kind of birthright. But now there is a witch that lives in this cave (or it may be a giant, who knows). Whenever I go near it, she slowly whispers to me things like ‘you know that you really are not lovable’ or ‘your mother didn’t love you’ - stuff like that.
Growing up as a teenager, I was terrified of this cave and the witch, and so I didn’t go near them. Thus my birthright (whatever it was) remained lost to me, and somehow I felt like an impostor.
In my 20’s I started to practice meditation, learn astrology and got to know older people who were really into healing and self growth, 12 step programs and such. I started to realize that I really needed what was in the cave if I were to feel authentic. So I pushed through my fears (with help of close friends who have done this before me), and started confronting the witch.
Well it was really scary, and I cried several times, but the witch started giving me back some of the stuff that was left in the cave. It was still shiny, and it felt good to have it back. The witch has now retreated to the deeper part of the cave. I hadn’t had the courage to go quite deep into that part of the cave yet, but I will if I want more of my stuff back…”
…That’s the kind of image I had when I read the quote. The fairy tale is mine, but I believe people who have done psychological work on themselves can relate to it (and come up with their own versions.)
Astrologically, it’s a Plutonian image, and perhaps 4th, 8th and 12th house (I identify it primarily as 8th house, because of the taboo factor.) Fear is often symbolized by Saturn, by sign and house rulership/tenancy.
In my case, Saturn rules the 11th house (love received from others) and is in square with Mars in 8th (which raises the psychological tension): the fear of being unlovable is my cave. Sun (the birthright) conjunct Nodal axis (mother) is also located in 8th house (the cave), placing the mother archetype in the darker part of the psyche (hence the witch.)
So my natal chart seems to relate strongly to the image of the cave (and the witch), and psychological work was (and is) a necessity for me to start feeling okay about myself. I don’t go near the cave so often these days, but now and then I feel the need to do so come up in the form of sudden fear or maybe depression, and I try to honor it through getting to the bottom of it, so maybe I can go a little deeper this time.
When the client has a Plutonian birth chart (with strong Scorpio and 8th house), and/or if they are going through a major Pluto transit, chances are that they may be interested in hearing about these things, especially if they are carrying unhealed psychological wounds. Noel Tyl says a person with Pluto in 8th house often benefits from psychotherapy, so that’s also a good measurement to keep in mind.
I think I’ve become a decent cave guide over the years of spending time in my own cave. I can listen and talk to people who are also in the cave, and tell them it’s actually a really good thing that they are going through. Astrology helps me understand what their particular caves (or witches, giants, or what have you) are.
Do you know what your own caves are?
Turns out to be the source of
What you are looking for.
The damned thing in the cave
That was so dreaded
Has become the center
-Joseph Campbell
The last word refers to the center as in “Live from your own center”, which is another one of his sayings.
This quote describes the psychological region that is very hard for us to go near to, out of sheer fear. I could give the following metaphor:
“Maybe I was born inside this cave, and left something very precious in there, a kind of birthright. But now there is a witch that lives in this cave (or it may be a giant, who knows). Whenever I go near it, she slowly whispers to me things like ‘you know that you really are not lovable’ or ‘your mother didn’t love you’ - stuff like that.
Growing up as a teenager, I was terrified of this cave and the witch, and so I didn’t go near them. Thus my birthright (whatever it was) remained lost to me, and somehow I felt like an impostor.
In my 20’s I started to practice meditation, learn astrology and got to know older people who were really into healing and self growth, 12 step programs and such. I started to realize that I really needed what was in the cave if I were to feel authentic. So I pushed through my fears (with help of close friends who have done this before me), and started confronting the witch.
Well it was really scary, and I cried several times, but the witch started giving me back some of the stuff that was left in the cave. It was still shiny, and it felt good to have it back. The witch has now retreated to the deeper part of the cave. I hadn’t had the courage to go quite deep into that part of the cave yet, but I will if I want more of my stuff back…”
…That’s the kind of image I had when I read the quote. The fairy tale is mine, but I believe people who have done psychological work on themselves can relate to it (and come up with their own versions.)
Astrologically, it’s a Plutonian image, and perhaps 4th, 8th and 12th house (I identify it primarily as 8th house, because of the taboo factor.) Fear is often symbolized by Saturn, by sign and house rulership/tenancy.
In my case, Saturn rules the 11th house (love received from others) and is in square with Mars in 8th (which raises the psychological tension): the fear of being unlovable is my cave. Sun (the birthright) conjunct Nodal axis (mother) is also located in 8th house (the cave), placing the mother archetype in the darker part of the psyche (hence the witch.)
So my natal chart seems to relate strongly to the image of the cave (and the witch), and psychological work was (and is) a necessity for me to start feeling okay about myself. I don’t go near the cave so often these days, but now and then I feel the need to do so come up in the form of sudden fear or maybe depression, and I try to honor it through getting to the bottom of it, so maybe I can go a little deeper this time.
When the client has a Plutonian birth chart (with strong Scorpio and 8th house), and/or if they are going through a major Pluto transit, chances are that they may be interested in hearing about these things, especially if they are carrying unhealed psychological wounds. Noel Tyl says a person with Pluto in 8th house often benefits from psychotherapy, so that’s also a good measurement to keep in mind.
I think I’ve become a decent cave guide over the years of spending time in my own cave. I can listen and talk to people who are also in the cave, and tell them it’s actually a really good thing that they are going through. Astrology helps me understand what their particular caves (or witches, giants, or what have you) are.
Do you know what your own caves are?
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Survivorship bias in astrology
In learning from how eminently successful people (Gauquelin's phrase) respond to astrology, a natural survivorship bias enters: we risk reaching a false (or rather, incomplete) conclusion through learning only from cases where the outcome was successful, and ignoring the failed cases.
In the Neptune example posted earlier, I studied a collection of rather impressive lives. When I asked for real life examples from others regarding the Neptune transits, I also got the less positive examples, such as illnesses, job loss, deception from employees, etc, with no clear view of benefits or positive results in sight.
Such examples fit the textbook description of Neptune transit - ego wipeout, confusion, deception, etc. This balances our perspective with regard to Neptune transit (it may be that negative experiences are more common, and successes limited to a few fully individualized and lucky people.)
One question then, is 'what was different in the case of successful outcomes?' The dynamic of "tension and release" could partially explain this, in that the people that experienced the break or the success during Neptunian transits were already working on some Neptunian (idealistic, creative, imaginative, etc.) endeavor professionally (Johnny Depp, Steve Jobs, Kurt Cobain) or socially (Martin Luther King Jr.) But even among such Neptunian professions, there would be failed outcomes as well as successes (perhaps more failures than successes.)
One benefit of focusing on interesting, mostly successful lives may be that we can refute the perpetual negative bias that are associated with certain astrological measurements, by showing a manifestation at a higher level (however rare the occurrence may be.)
In the Neptune example posted earlier, I studied a collection of rather impressive lives. When I asked for real life examples from others regarding the Neptune transits, I also got the less positive examples, such as illnesses, job loss, deception from employees, etc, with no clear view of benefits or positive results in sight.
Such examples fit the textbook description of Neptune transit - ego wipeout, confusion, deception, etc. This balances our perspective with regard to Neptune transit (it may be that negative experiences are more common, and successes limited to a few fully individualized and lucky people.)
One question then, is 'what was different in the case of successful outcomes?' The dynamic of "tension and release" could partially explain this, in that the people that experienced the break or the success during Neptunian transits were already working on some Neptunian (idealistic, creative, imaginative, etc.) endeavor professionally (Johnny Depp, Steve Jobs, Kurt Cobain) or socially (Martin Luther King Jr.) But even among such Neptunian professions, there would be failed outcomes as well as successes (perhaps more failures than successes.)
One benefit of focusing on interesting, mostly successful lives may be that we can refute the perpetual negative bias that are associated with certain astrological measurements, by showing a manifestation at a higher level (however rare the occurrence may be.)
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