Archetypes and the Planets

Discover the fascinating journey of Marie-Louise von Franz, a pivotal figure in Jungian psychology. Delve into her groundbreaking work on alchemy, fairy tales, and dream interpretation. Explore her transformative relationship with Carl Jung and how their discussions shaped her career. The podcast highlights her astrological influences and the significant events that informed her understanding of storytelling and dreams. Also, learn about her collaboration with Wolfgang Pauli and the complex dynamics of their relationship.

In this episode we discuss the life and work of Emma Jung, Carl Jung's wife, challenging common misconceptions about her role in his career. We explore Emma Jung's contributions to Jungian psychology, particularly her research on the Grail myth, highlighting her intellectual independence and significant impact on his theories. Using their birth charts to guide us, we explore the complexities of their relationship, emphasizing both its challenges and enduring bond. Finally, we also touch upon Emma Jung's family background, her unique perspective, and her lasting legacy within the Jungian community.  Books Mentioned: Labyrinths: Emma Jung, Her Marriage to Carl, and the Early Years of Psychoanalysis, Catrine Clay The Grail Legend, Emma Jung and Marie-Louise von Franz

In this episode we discuss various issues related to astrological predictions regarding the outcome of the 2024 elections, including failed predictions, technique, philosophy, and ethics. Why do we seek certain knowledge of outcomes, and is this what astrology is “for?” Are we called to commit to our best guesses, as in dream interpretation? Our conversation ranges into speculation about Pluto’s era-defining journey through Aquarius, which will last until 2044, and how the feminine principle may show up as outer planets shift into masculine signs.   

In The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, CG Jung wrote: "[I]n all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order, in all caprice a fixed law, for everything that works is grounded on its opposite”. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Bernadette Brady's book, Cosmos, Chaosmos and Astrology. This book explores the evolution of astrology from its origins in ancient creation myths to its modern-day interpretation. In that journey, Brady maps some of the philosophy and practices of astrology onto the findings of chaos theory and complexity. The work offers a view of astrology which is neither a pseudo-science looking for a causal agent nor a subject that requires a spiritual component. This is an important work and one which helps make sense of a subject that is all too often dismissed or misunderstood. Other books mentioned: The Moment of Astrology: Origins in Divination, Geoffrey Cornelius Cosmos and Psyche, Richard Tarnas Archetypes and Strange Attractors, John R. Van Eenwyk        

In this episode, we welcome Anita Ashland to discuss the connections between the Jungian typological model and the birth chart. Our conversation delves into the various typologies, with special emphasis on the "inferior function" - a critical aspect that simultaneously exposes our vulnerabilities and unlocks our potential for personal development. The books we mention include: Marianne Meister, The Key to the Self John Beebe, Energies and Patterns in Psychological Type Daryl Sharp, Personality Types Marie Louise von Franz & James Hillman, Lectures on Jung's Typology You can find Anita Ashland at AnitaAshland.com  She is on Instagram: @anita.ashland  Her blog: ReadingInDepth.com      

We're back after a short summer break exploring lunar cycles and their relationship to broader planetary movements. We examine the Moon's role in progressed charts, highlighting the significance of progressed Sun-Moon conjunctions that mark new 29-year cycles. Our discussion draws on insights from Dane Rudhyar, Robert Blaschke, Esther Harding, Nor Hall, and Irene Claremont de Castillejo.

In this episode, we explore dreams from both ancient and modern perspectives. We discuss how dreams can be viewed subjectively and objectively, considering personal experiences alongside universal symbols. We also look into possible connections between astrological elements and dream content. The conversation covers the potential healing effects of dreams and how they might aid in emotional processing and problem-solving. Finally, we examine the practice of group dreamwork, considering how sharing dreams with others can benefit individuals and communities. Books mentioned include: The Interpretation of Dreams, Artemidorus; Works of Sahl & Masha’Allah [translated by Benjamin Dykes]; Healing Dreams, Marc Iain Barasch; The Way of the Dream, Marie-Louise von Franz; Where People Fly And Water Runs Uphill, Jeremy Taylor; Your Secret Self: Illuminating the Mysteries of the Twelfth House, Tracy Marks.

In this episode, we delve into the impact of illness on the narrative of one’s life by examining the contributions of Marion Woodman and Monika Wikman. Both are Jungian analysts whose extensive commentary on the topic stems from their own paths to healing. Particularly noteworthy is Woodman’s focus on the body, marking her as a key figure in the dramatic integration of this theme into broader discussions. The literature reviewed includes Woodman’s works “Bone” and “Addiction to Perfection,” Monika Wikman’s “Pregnant Darkness,” and the writings of Dr. John Sarno.    

In this episode we take a look at the phenomenon of projection through the lens of the birth chart. Projection is a term increasingly being thrown around in the current political climate but what is it exactly? Why do we project and how do we retrieve our projections? Books mentioned include: 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦-𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘑𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺, Marie Louise von Franz; 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, James Hollis; 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, Liz Greene; 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴, Richard Idemon.    

In today’s episode, we delve into a pivotal phase of the life cycle: the journey into adolescence. This coincides with two planetary cycles, the first Saturn opposition to itself, and the first Mars 15-year cycle. The weight of this transition is echoed in our cultural lore and legends. We dissect the progression of this metamorphosis through the lens of the Parsifal narrative and discuss strategies to support youths during this transformative era. To conclude, we reflect on the role of mentorship and the imperative to assume the mantle of mentor as we cross the threshold of midlife.