Saturday, July 30, 2011

Astrological Counselling - Blending Historical and Modern Treatments

By Ricky Hindricks


In 1929, the eminent psychologist C.G. Jung wrote that astrology was assured recognition within the field of psychology simply because "astrology represents the summation of all psychological knowledge of antiquity." Almost 70 many years later, however, astrology is nonetheless waiting. Even though this ancient tradition has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of many years and its principles and process share marked similarities with contemporary psychological thought, astrology has largely been ignored by the psychological community.

In spite of this lack of professional recognition, the field of astrology has grown considerably in the influence of its younger sibling, the art/science of psychology. The several numerous schools of psychological idea - Freudian, Jungian, humanistic, existential, and transpersonal, between others - have all contributed towards expansion of astrology like a language on the human experience.

As a result we can now consult with Jungian astrologers, humanistic-oriented astrologers, transpersonal astrologers, and so on. While the field of astrology has benefited more than the years during the influence from the numerous schools of psychological thought, it now appears clear that if astrology is being known as a legitimate counseling or healing approach we need to recognize that the astrological technique and language is often a complete "psychology" (soul study) in and of itself.

Basically, the aims of astrology are really similar to that from the numerous "schools" of modern psychology previously mentioned. All, in their very own way, are concerned with understanding the human psyche and with integrating the many aspects from the personality, thereby doing wholeness.

The advantage of utilizing astrology as being a tool for understanding and "whole-making" is that the natal chart or horoscope provides a detailed "blueprint" of our unique psychological structure. Even far more important, astrology can reveal both our strengths and areas of challenge, and likewise give us a broader perspective on how we can constructively manifest our capability in these areas.

This type of certain details about an individual's psychological make-up and sure ability isn't right away out there on the conventional psychotherapist, counselor, or psychologist. Several hours of interviewing and therapy can be required before the exact same information is revealed.

Although the psychologist, in particular, has many personality diagnostic tests that can be administered to reveal some of the same aspects within the natal chart, this facts is usually not readily out there for discussion of the buyer as could be the horoscope. The advantage that the mental well being professional has, of course, is that as soon as difficult aspects with the personality or emerging potentials are discovered, he or she has the training and counseling skills needed to aid the consumer integrate them.

Having briefly discussed some of the similarities and differences between astrology and psychology, it appears appropriate to discuss just how astrological counseling fits to the picture. Astrological counseling is often a relatively new contribution for the healing arts. It represents a unique blending in the ancient tradition of astrology with the contemporary science/art of psychology.

Astrology, as traditionally practiced, typically consists of the a single plus a half- to two-hour consultation. Inside a normal consultation the astrologer would cover the client's strengths and challenges, life direction or purpose, and contemporary life cycles. In most cases this amounts to an enormous quantity of data that the customer is then left with to integrate by him or herself. Hopefully by seeing the horoscope like a mirror or symbol of inner psychological and spiritual processes, the buyer can start to understand his or her personal certain way of being.

Astrological counseling initially provides significantly on the exact same sort of information as that gained from a typical astrological consultation. The difference getting that Astrological counseling supports and builds over a understanding gleaned inside horoscope through ongoing interaction having a skilled "guide" or counselor. This ongoing interaction can assist to integrate the understanding gained from the birth chart so how the buyer can start to modify, transmute, and attune natal "energies" so that you can express him or herself inside the most sure and powerful way possible.

Dane Rudhyar, absolutely probably the most profound astrological writers, once stated that "the highest function of astrology is to offer the person individual with a knowledge of how most effective to act so that the closed center in the ego may possibly open towards power of his/her inherent destiny" as it not only provides intellectual understanding but also the opportunity to deeply know and honor oneself on an emotional/spiritual level as well. Astrological counseling is actually a synthesis... including a way of rediscovering and re-experiencing just how magnificent we genuinely are.




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