Monday, November 21, 2011

Astrological Counseling - Blending Ancient and Modern Therapies

By Bond Jones


In 1929, the eminent psychologist C.G. Jung wrote that astrology was assured recognition during 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. Whilst this ancient tradition has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years and its principles and practice 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 from your influence of its younger sibling, the art/science of psychology. The many several schools of psychological thought - 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. Though the field of astrology has benefited more than the years from the influence from the various schools of psychological thought, it now looks clear that if astrology is being identified like a legitimate counseling or healing method we have to recognize that the astrological procedure and language is really a complete "psychology" (soul study) in and of itself.

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

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

This type of particular information about an individual's psychological make-up and positive capability just isn't right away obtainable towards conventional psychotherapist, counselor, or psychologist. Several hours of interviewing and therapy can be required prior to the exact same facts is revealed.

Although the psychologist, in particular, has numerous personality tests that may be administered to reveal some of the same aspects inside natal chart, this details is usually not readily obtainable for discussion in the customer as could be the horoscope. The advantage how the mental health professional has, of course, is that once tough aspects from the personality or emerging potentials are discovered, he or she has the training and counseling skills required to support the client integrate them.

Having briefly discussed some of the similarities and differences in between astrology and psychology, it seems right to discuss just how astrological counseling fits to the picture. Astrological counseling is really a fairly new contribution on the healing arts. It represents a unique blending of the ancient tradition of astrology with the modern-day science/art of psychology.

Astrology, as traditionally practiced, typically consists of the one including a half- to two-hour consultation. In a frequent consultation the astrologer would cover the client's strengths and challenges, life direction or purpose, and current life cycles. In most cases this amounts to an enormous quantity of facts how 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 customer can start to realize his or her very own distinct way of being.

Astrological counseling initially provides a lot of the exact same sort of info as that gained from a frequent astrological consultation. The difference getting that Astrological counseling supports and builds on the understanding gleaned within the horoscope via ongoing interaction having a skilled "guide" or counselor. This ongoing interaction can assist to integrate the understanding gained in the birth chart so that the buyer can begin to modify, transmute, and attune natal "energies" so that you can express him or herself during the most sure and powerful way possible.

Dane Rudhyar, undoubtedly one of the most profound astrological writers, once mentioned that "the greatest function of astrology is to supply the person human being with a knowledge of how very best to act so how the closed center of the ego may possibly open for the power of his/her inherent destiny" since it not just 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... and a way of rediscovering and re-experiencing just how magnificent we actually are.




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