The Concept of Archetypal Astrology and Free Will
Archetypal astrology is a fascinating and unique approach that combines traditional astrology with the theoretical works of visionary thinkers such as Carl Jung and his follower James Hillman, along with the philosophy and cosmology of Platonic thought. This approach identifies patterns, referred to as ‘archetypes’, universal themes or forces, that play out in various ways throughout individual lives and societal phenomena.
A distinct feature of archetypal astrology is its relationship with free will. Unlike some other astrological systems that have deterministic views about the influence of celestial bodies on human life, archetypal astrology respects the role of individual freedom and choice.
Archetypes and Our Lives
At every moment, several universal forces or archetypes are at play, informing our lives through a variety of influences. Archetypal astrology provides a map to understand these forces, akin to the wind’s influence on a ship’s journey in various directions. Similar to the wind, these archetypes do not dictate our path but provide potential directions, giving us the necessary tools to navigate through the varying waters of life.
Each archetype is responsible for many dimensions of our experience. They showcase themselves through unique expressions, manifesting in both noticeable and subtle ways. For instance, Venus, representing love and beauty, may manifest through a beautiful piece of art one day, and the next, as self-love and acceptance.
The Role of Free Will
While archetypal astrology recognizes the influence of these universal forces or archetypes on us, it considerably respects the significance of free will and individual autonomy. Unlike deterministic cosmic narratives that may make us feel like mere puppets in the hands of fate, archetypal astrology emphasizes the co-creative relationship between humans and the cosmos.
The forces at play do not dictate our behaviors or life outcomes, as a deterministic view might suggest, but rather provide influencing factors that affect us to varying degrees. Free will, in this context, is our ability to respond to these influences, the ‘winds of the cosmos’, and to navigate our journey to the best of our ability.
Archetypal astrology provides a complex and nuanced understanding of human life, where celestial forces and human autonomy work in conjunction. There is no domination of one over the other, rather an intertwined and interactive relationship.
Interactions of Astrology with Psychotherapy
Given that archetypal astrology identifies patterns in our behavior and lives, it comes as no surprise that it shares a close relationship with the field of depth psychology, particularly Jungian psychology. Psychotherapy using astrology helps to comprehend archetypal patterns at play in a person’s unconsciousness, providing deep insights into their behavior and life experiences.
Consequently, astrological information adds a wider dimension to the therapeutic process, offering a unique perspective on a person’s character traits, relational dynamics, emotional tendencies, and life patterns.
In summary, archetypal astrology provides a fascinating, nuanced perspective on life, emphasizing the complex interplay between celestial forces and our autonomy. It upholds the beauty of unpredictability in human life and cherishes the active participation of individuals in their destiny. Complemented by psychotherapy, this perspective unfolds a profound approach for self-understanding and growth.
