Every sign in the zodiac and every planet has its own mythological story or divine figure associated with it. According to Carl Jung, these symbols and archetypes come from a universal part of the human psyche—a shared heritage that goes beyond individual experiences. You can find these symbols in myths, dreams, and art from all cultures. Let’s take the Moon as an example: it’s packed with meanings and associations that have been shaped by human consciousness over thousands of years. In Greek mythology, the Moon is often associated with Hera. It symbolizes themes of marriage, women, and childbirth, reflecting Hera’s status as the goddess of femininity and the queen of the gods. Alternatively, viewing the Moon through the lens of Hathor, an Ancient Egyptian deity, shifts its associations towards joy, the emotional essence of femininity, and motherhood. In this way, the Moon embodies the nurturing and protective qualities associated with motherhood. Ishtar, from Mesopotamian civilizations, brings forth the attributes of fertility, love, war, and sex, highlighting the duality and complexity of life’s forces.
Beyond gods and goddesses, the symbolism of the Moon encompasses much more. It connects to deep, universal images like the womb, symbolizing where life begins; the World Tree, which shows growth and connection between the sky, earth, and underworld; and the depths of the ocean, representing our deepest feelings and the force of life itself. These symbols touch on something deep inside all of us, something that Carl Jung believed is part of our shared human experience—universal images and themes that live in our subconscious.
The Collective Unconscious
According to Jung, this layer is home to what he called the collective unconscious. This isn’t just about the private thoughts and feelings you keep to yourself. It’s a shared part of our unconscious that all humans have in common. The patterns and symbols found here, known as archetypes, are the building blocks for the stories and symbols we see in mythology, religions, dreams, and even the movies and books we enjoy today. These archetypes are like the psychological version of instincts—they shape the way we see the world and understand ourselves.
The planetary gods and zodiac signs carry greater significance than antiquated myths or trivial astrological knowledge. They’re alive and kicking in the world of symbols, constantly evolving and speaking to us on a deep level. They give us a way to talk about the big, archetypal forces that shape who we are, how we act, and what we want out of life. As a symbolic language, it serves as a bridge connecting our personal experiences with the broader, universal story, helping us figure out where we fit in the grand scheme of things and unraveling our internal landscape.
By diving into these symbols and myths, we start unraveling the deep layers of the human psyche, finding meanings and insights that shed light on our own lives as well as on what it means to be human as a whole. So, when we talk about astrology, planets, and zodiac signs, we’re not just chatting about what’s your sign. We’re delving into the narrative of the human spirit, the story of us all, woven into the stars and written in the language of the gods.
You see, our lives are interwoven with threads of myth and psyche, much more vibrant than we often give them credit for. Within mythology, those gods and goddesses, heroes and villains, aren’t simply ancient figures, now forgotten. No, they’re causing a stir in the here and now, playing out their dramas on the modern stage of our lives.
Take Zeus (Jupiter), the big guy in the sky, symbolizing power, authority, and sometimes a bit of a roving eye. If someone’s life is overshadowed by a “Zeus-figure,” it could mean living a life filled with exploration, seizing opportunities, and, let’s be honest, enjoying the pleasures of life, both in and out of the bedroom. This presence hints at a life that’s not just about power but also about experiencing everything to its fullest, with a dash of mischief and adventure thrown in for good measure. Recognizing this can be like turning on a light in a dimly lit room, suddenly seeing the contours of why we feel certain ways or why we’re repeating patterns that don’t serve us.
Or consider Medea (Scorpio), with her heartbreak and fury, unleashing chaos in the wake of betrayal. Who hasn’t felt that burning fury, the kind that makes you want to tear your life apart, scattering the pieces in your wake? Identifying these moments as “acting out the rage of Medea” can offer a profound lens through which to view our emotions and reactions, providing a deeper understanding and a pathway to transformation.
By linking these mythological figures and stories to Jung’s archetypes, we uncover a powerful tool for self-exploration and insight. Our personal horoscope, with its unique pattern, becomes a map to uncovering our individual mythological drama. This is not about destiny written in the stars in an unchangeable fate kind of way, but rather about understanding the energies at play within our psyche and life.
This approach provides a rich, symbolic language to articulate aspects of our personality and life experiences that might otherwise be difficult to express.It’s akin to suddenly gaining access to a vast library of human experience, enabling us to draw parallels, gain insights, and perceive the bigger picture of our lives.
Moreover, understanding these archetypal dynamics can lead to compassion for ourselves and others. Realizing that we’re all playing out these ancient dramas, in our own ways, can bring a sense of connection to the human condition, a realization that we’re not alone in our struggles or joys.
So, when we examine our horoscope or delve into mythology, we’re doing much more than indulging in ancient stories or astrological curiosity. We’re engaging in an act of self-discovery and connection, using mythology to understand the complexities of life with greater awareness and understanding. It involves uncovering meaning, establishing connections, and, ultimately, reaching toward wholeness and self-realization.
Read the book “Mythic Astrology: Internalizing the Planetary Powers” to learn more about this type of astrology.