Archetypes and the Unconscious: Key Concepts in Jungian Psychology

By astrologyplace May 30, 2009

Article by Noel Eastwood: The Insights of Psychological Astrology

When I first delved into Stephen Arroyo’s book, Astrology, Karma, and Transformation, I found myself fascinated by the realm of psychological astrology. It was a revelation to encounter an astrologer who understood an individual’s personal life challenges by delving into the conflicts concealed within their natal chart. By deciphering our clients’ unique internal struggles or karmic lessons, astrologers possess the ability to utilize psychological knowledge as a guiding light towards personal freedom. Conflict, an inherent facet of our human existence, resides within every one of us. Its manifestations become most apparent when projected onto our external world, especially those we hold close relationships with. To unravel the complex puzzle of conflict, we need only closely examine the planetary aspects, which symbolically depict the varied interplay between archetypes and planets.

Each planetary aspect provides a glimpse into our expectations within relationships or situations. Consider, for instance, the Moon in Virgo opposing Saturn, an alignment that reveals our anticipation of encountering a cold and critical motherly figure (or wife figure). We brace ourselves for a challenging connection, grappling with the burdensome weight of her disparaging remarks. Moreover, this aspect exposes our predisposition to perceiving society at large as restrictive and devoid of emotions.

Conflict, as portrayed through the planets’ placement in signs and houses, as well as their relationship to each other through aspects, engenders a state of constant activity. Conflict, in its essence, lies at the very core of existence—it is an ever-present force. By unearthing these conflicts, we gain invaluable insights into the recurring patterns of our behavior, dysfunctional relationships, and the very reasons why we find ourselves caught in a repetitive cycle of failures. Astonishingly, we actively seek out that which inflicts harm upon us. For instance, when the Moon is in a challenging aspect to Saturn, it reveals our persistent pursuit of a nurturing mother figure, even though we anticipate her rejection and control.

Learning Lessons and Insights:

Acknowledging that conflicts reside within us all is a vital step towards self-awareness and personal growth. By recognizing and accepting the existence of these inner tensions, we can begin to to move towards resolution and transformation. Our difficult aspects often manifest through projection onto the external world, particularly in our close relationships. By examining the planetary aspects, we can unravel the dynamics at play and gain a deeper understanding of the patterns that shape our interactions. Planetary aspects unveil our subconscious expectations within relationships and situations. By bringing these expectations to conscious awareness, we can challenge and reevaluate them, leading to healthier and more fulfilling connections. The realization that we actively pursue things that can harm us can be disconcerting. Nevertheless, by revealing the patterns of self-sabotage ingrained in our astrological configurations, we can intentionally opt for different paths, liberating ourselves from the cycle of repetition and fostering personal growth.