Astrology: man's early attempt at psychology

Carl Jung allegedly described astrology as man's first attempt at psychology. I don't know if he really said that or not, or to what extent he used astrology, if he did. But in my own exploration of astrology I have found parallels. The birth chart encompasses all aspects of the psyche, with planets as symbols. Each sign of the zodiac represents different facets of the human condition.

Jung talked about us having a shadow side and a subconscious. In the astrological chart this is represented by the Moon. The Sun, which is what popular astrology focuses on, is what we outwardly express. Our Moon sign represents the more primaeval and instinctive aspects of our personality. The Moon moves round the zodiac faster than any other planet changing signs every 2.5 days, giving it the reputation of having an effect on moods. Our moods can change quite rapidly, just as the Moon changes signs readily.

Mercury with it's proximity to the Sun also moves round the zodiac quickly. It is considered to be the messenger. Where Mercury is positioned in the chart gives information about how we think and communicate. Also how we organise and share our ideas.

Venus is often seen in the early evening or early morning, as a beautiful shining star. No surprise then that Venus represents what we hold dear, possessions and love relationships. The two are more linked than we might think. The Venus sign represents our attitude to both

Mars, the red planet, represents where we get a bit fiery. It's our energy and drive. The Mars sign represents what we put our energy into.

The above planets are considered to be the personal planets as they move round the zodiac reasonably quickly.

Jupiter and Saturn move more slowly and are considered to be the social planets as everyone born within a similar time frame will have the planet in the same sign.

Jupiter can be seen at various times in the night sky, depending on where it is in relation to the Sun. Like Venus, it is big and beautiful. So it is taken to represent expansion. Depending on how Jupiter is positioned in the chart, and how we use the energy, Jupiter can represent our gifts, what comes easily to us, or it can represent excess. Saturn, by contrast with its rings, and the fact that it is the last planet visible to the naked eye, represents our limitations. Where it is placed in the chart, represents the area in which we are learning, sometimes with difficulty.

The outer planets move slowly so are called the generational planets. They are considered to affect the collective rather than the individual. Uranus was discovered at the time of the American Wars of Independence and the French Revolution so has been associated with rebellion and independence. When it transits a sign, it brings change to that aspect of life. Neptune was discovered in the Victorian era when photography was also emerging. Neptune is associated with imagination and also illusion. Finally Pluto, demoted from being a planet in 2006, was discovered in the 1930s. Fascism was on the rise, as was psychoanalysis. Pluto is seen to represent the transformation that is possible when we look deeply within. It is also seen to represent power and the capacity to misuse power.

If you enjoyed this blog, please look out for the next one, in which I will look at the different signs of the zodiac. If you would like me to write a blog on a particular aspect of astrology send me a message and I'll give it a go. Namaste xx