101 Foundations of AstroPsychology
AstroPsychology differs from traditional, event-oriented astrology by virtue of its growth oriented, psychological focus. In this course, astrological archetypes are introduced as geometric forms having four modes: sign, planet, house, and aspect. The zodiac is depicted as a symbolic map of the human psyche in which each sign represents a fundamental human need, archetypal character(s), developmental stage, and behavioral style. Each planet is described as a psychological function that is geared toward satisfying the primary need of its associated sign(s). Houses are introduced as environmental stages upon which planets enact their roles, and aspects are defined as angular relationships between planets that are subjectively experienced as internal dialogues. Outer events have tremendous significance, but they are understood as synchronistic reflections of an evolving psychic structure and as vehicles and catalysts to further development.
102 Planets in Signs & Houses
This course focuses on chart synthesis at its most rudimentary level. Participants are introduced to astrological grammar and how it can be applied to planetary sign positions as parts of speech. Rather than memorize chart interpretations from books, participants analyze the underlying syntax of astrology and learn to think and speak the language by applying formal rules. Students learn how to construct well-crafted sentences that combine motivation, function, traits, states, and events. Additional rules are presented for interpreting planetary house positions. Houses are defined as psychological environments that provide contexts for specific types of growth and development. Planets in houses symbolize situationally specific states, ways of meeting environmental challenges, and parts of self that are externalized via synchronistic characters and events. Colleagues explore how to make flexible, layered interpretations that combine sign and house positions into a single, integrated statement.
103 Planetary Aspects & Personal Myths
In this course, aspects are explained as personal myths that emerge from the underlying dynamics of the larger story structure. Participants explore how aspects can symbolize intrapsychic conflict, emotionally significant childhood experiences, major life challenges, and internal dialogues. Special emphasis is placed on how the meaning of an aspect changes in accordance with level of psychological maturity. As people develop, evolve, and resolve internal conflicts, this is reflected not only in changes of attitude and behavior but also in the events one attracts and the quality of one’s relations with other people. Students are introduced to a variety of psychological concepts that are incorporated into aspect theory, drawing from object relations, psychodynamic theory, personal mythology, and narrative therapy.
104 Significators & Dispositors: Horoscope as Evolving Story
This course focuses on chart synthesis from a narrative perspective. Colleagues explore how house significators and planetary dispositors tell a story that reveals one’s path of evolutionary unfoldment. Planetary dispositorships expose the skeletal structure of one’s personal mythology. While the story’s main theme is usually outside of conscious awareness and control, astrology provides a way of revealing, resolving, and re-mythologizing this drama. A method of chart synthesis is proposed that combines aspects and dispositorships into a single, coherent narrative. Particular emphasis is placed on how the life story is capable of being lived on successively higher levels of integration. Participants are introduced to narrative therapy and memoir writing as a way of facilitating integration of the chart as a whole.
105 Psychopathology & Healing in the Horoscope (I)
This course focuses on how to identify, understand, and address potential challenges in the birth chart. Proper use of the horoscope in diagnosis is explored, and colleagues are introduced to DSM diagnostic criteria. Astrological archetypes are examined in the context of their correlations to various mental disorders when carried to dysfunctional, unbalanced extremes. In this course, our focus is on the potential dysfunction of the first six signs, Aries through Virgo, and their corollary planetary rulers. Concepts of healing are also explored, especially as these relate to integration and individuation.
106 Psychopathology & Healing in the Horoscope (II)
In this course, our focus is on the potential dysfunction of the second six signs, Libra through Pisces, and their corollary planetary rulers. Special attention is given to hard aspects from outer planets and their relationship to intrapsychic conflict, defense, and symptom formation. Colleagues explore how human suffering can be a catalyst to the development and actualization of inherent capacities. In examining the etiology of pathology, conventional theories of causation are compared and coordinated with traditional ideas of fate, karma, and reincarnation.