Astrology, most often, is seen as a gateway to the unknown, a palette of prognostications, a roadmap to human behaviour. Yet, one particular school within this universe of knowledge often overlooked is Archetypal Astrology and its relationship with Free will. This discipline emphasizes the strong psychological undercurrents that shape individual behaviour, imagining celestial bodies as ‘gods’ whose influence we constantly navigate.
The underpinning framework of Archetypal Astrology is based on Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung’s theories of archetypes and collective unconscious. Believing that universal, mythic characters reside within the collective unconscious of people, the world over, Jung’s theory lays the foundation for the leap into the cosmos, positing that the ‘cosmic patterns’ embodied by the planets also color our unconscious activities.
Engaging with the archetypal forces – the ‘gods’ or mythological characters embodied by planets – brings a certain depth to comprehending human behaviour. Consider Saturn’s archetypal expression as the Senex or wise old man: encountering Saturnian experiences can lead to personal growth through trials and challenges, thus embodying the archetype. Similarly, the planet Venus stands for the Aphrodite archetype, indulging in pleasure and harmony, colorings one’s experiences when under her domain.
What makes this realm of astrology appealing is the participatory perspective it employs. Instead of presenting the universe as a deterministic force, Archetypal Astrology allow us to ‘participate’ in creating our fate. The cosmos may provide the rhythm and the beat, but ultimately, it is our dance to perform. The concept of free will resides at the center of this cosmic dance- influencing how we choose to engage with those universal energies exerting influence over us.
Our engagement with these archetypal forces can be passive or active. Passive engagement may mean resigning oneself to the whims of fate or blaming all personal misfortune on the ‘ill will’ of the planets. On the other hand, active engagement involves recognizing and owning one’s responsibility in the face of planetary influences. It includes adapting, learning and growing with the cosmic tide, thereby practicing free will.
The art of interpretation also plays a crucial role in the practice of Archetypal Astrology. While the cosmos may suggest certain situations, it is up to the individual to interpret these messages in light of their personal context. It is equally integral to remember that astrological forecasting does not purport exact events but rather illustrates periods of heightened sensitivity to certain archetypal dynamics.
Astrologer Richard Tarnas further elaborates that every planetary archetype can be expressed in a wide spectrum of potentialities which can range from the most constructive to the most destructive. To give an example, Mars symbolizes aggression, courage, and desire. Depending on personal attitudes and consciousness levels, this could manifest as destructive conflict or courageous innovation.
In conclusion, Archetypal Astrology is a profound and rich tradition that views planets as mighty energies or ‘gods’, influencing our life. However, how we navigate these energies and their impacts ultimately rests in our hands through the exercise of our free will. As we dance to the cosmic rhythm, we continue the eternal process of understanding and expressing ourselves while gaining deeper insight into the mysteries of existence.
