Astrology and Psychoanalysis

by Jana Astanov
featured image: Jana Astanov, Venus Retrograde, Digital Collage 2020

Part 1: Astrology as a transformative metaphor

Part 1 of the series on Astrology and Psychoanalysis. In this article I present an approach to astrology as a dynamic system of interpretation using the healing power of metaphors and storytelling in the context of the hero and heroine’s journey. 

Evolutionary path

As you travel on an evolutionary path your soul learns through this both metaphysical and earthy experience called life. The moment of your birth creates an unique astro chart which is also your roadmap, unfolding throughout your life. It is a key to understanding not only your strengths and talents but also the obstacles and challenges you’ll find along the way.  It reveals the purpose of your life, and how to get there without sabotaging your own efforts. Through the transits and progressions it also shows the timing of the events in your life, along with what each time period means, how long it lasts, when it will be over and specific strategies for handling it for best success and happiness.

Astrology as a transformative metaphor

When metaphors are used in a therapeutic context through stories full of symbolism that lead to the power of identification they can be a source of potent inner transformation and healing. This is also the case in the context of the analysis of planetary energies during an astrological consultation.

Astrology as an advanced psychoanalytical model

The more we understand the meaning of basic planetary symbols, the more familiar we become with the myths that constitute planetary archetypes, and consequently, the more our journey progresses. Layer after layer we discover a rich world of our needs, motivations, desires, and goals. We confront a pantheon of planetary archetypes, each providing us with psychological profile, modes of operating, and the areas of life where they find their expression. The longer we search on a quest of self understanding, the deeper we dive which brings me to the conclusion that astrology functions as an advanced psychoanalytical model.

Cultural context, the age of information or the Aquarian paradigm

Popularity of astrology amongst the millennial generation outgrew the popularity of other spiritual currents including monotheistic religions. Its complexity has grown far beyond the limited view of Sun-based horoscopes popularized in the 1960s. Nowadays, each planet, and both Luminaries (the Sun and the Moon) find their own place in the collective consciousness through the ever growing literature, online communities, YouTube vlogs, online classes, conferences, and support groups. For all of us fluent in the interpretative arcana of basic astrology, we can enrich our self-inquiry beyond the 10 planets, and explore the array of asteroids, to name the most popular: Ceres, Vesta, Juno, Pallas Athena, my personal favourite Hygyie, as well as North and South Nodes, Chiron, Dark Moon Lilith, Trans Neptunian planets, dwarf planets, the list goes on… 

Evolving archetypes

The astrological journey into our own psyche, extends onto our relationships, community, work, and historical and cultural context defined by the generational planets. The metaphor of a journey assumes a dynamic approach with the ever changing landscape, ever evolving archetypes, and our own identity and motivations. If the beginning of this psychoanalytic odyssey constitutes our natal astro chart, then there are important milestones on the heroine’s journey defined by the transits and progressions of advanced interpretation.

Deep focus – the art of astro readings

For example, if give an initial reading to a person who is 36 years old, I would read her natal chart, her Saturn Return chart at the age of approximately 28, and then I would focus on the current transit of Jupiter at around 36 years old to help the person understand its impact on her life,  and thus maximize the benefits and minimize the pitfalls.

Furthermore, I would talk to her about the progressions, explaining the current phase of her journey and its implications. This reading would take on average 2 hours, but in ideal situation I would like to extend it onto a longer session, touching on the most difficult aspects of the chart and helping the client through the process of self understanding, through a more integrated approach linking our emotional and physical body through the breathing techniques, hypnotherapy, tapping, visualization, or shamanic journeying.

An invitation

Astrology is a way of finding our place in the world, and the world’s place in us. If you are ready to explore the symbols and cycles that govern your life path contact me creatrixmagazine88(at)gmail.com

Astrological journey

I have been practicing astrology professionally since 2015, however, my interest in this secret wisdom dates back to when I read my first astrology book at the age of 8. From 2000 and onwards, I deepened my knowledge through encounters with an inspiring teacher, Leszek Weres, a Polish astrologer with a PhD in international relationships from MIT, as well as Vedic astrology with a wonderful writer and teacher Ronnie Gale Dreyer, amongst many other influential astrologers whose classes and lectures I attended. 

Yannanda, of ASTRALOOP
The One Who Speaks With The Stars

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