HOW ASTROLOGY WORKS is a mystery. An ancient art honed through thousands of years of practice, this age-old scientia intuitiva is based on the principle of correspondence, the notion that the universe is an interwoven fabric. The astrological concept of a celestial-terrestrial connection has been with us throughout the ages, reflected in diverse spiritual traditions the world over and epitomized by the hermetic maxim, "As above, so below."
The starry vault of heaven is in truth the open book of cosmic projection, in which are reflected the mythologems, i.e., the archetypes. In this vision astrology and alchemy, the two classical functionaries of the psychology of the collective unconscious, join hands.
— Carl Jung
Archetypes are symbols that speak to us from a very deep, collectively human place. "Mythologems" as Jung referred to them, is a term which conveys the multifaceted quality ("gems") of these universal themes ("mythos"). Similar to dream imagery, they are instinctively attractive, occurring throughout the world in interesting theme-and-variation motifs that can vary a great deal without losing a discernable and fundamental pattern. We find these representations collectives in all cultures which suggests human beings everywhere dip into the same, communal pool. Archetypes are like riverbeds, Jung wrote, which dry up when the water deserts them, yet can be found again at any time. Each is like an old course in which the water of life flowed for centuries, digging a deep channel for itself. What a beautifully poetic mind Jung had.
Even though there is compelling observational evidence for astrology's underlying principle of interconnection, no scientific explanation can account for it. Nevertheless, modern physics, systems biology and mathematics have been moving towards parallel understandings of the seemingly magical interplay of energy and matter: concepts that ancient wisdom systems, such as astrology, have understood for thousands of years.
Despite profound scientific breakthroughs since the early 20th century, a troubling lack of respect for the unknown and the mysterious remains. An odd, stubborn adherence to a narrow, mechanistic view of the universe, despite modern physics overturning that apple cart well over 100 years ago, is exactly what Jung was getting after when he stated: "I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud." A truly scientific mind seeks to remain open-minded, unbiased and curious: rerum novarun cupidus. As physicist Werner Heisenberg reminded us, existing scientific concepts cover always only a very limited part of reality and "the other part that has not yet been understood is infinite."
The concluding paragraph in Jung's introduction to the I Ching I think offers a useful way to hold non-rational experiences that exist outside of verifiable, mechanistic proof. His insights very much apply to astrology as well.
"The I Ching does not offer itself with proofs and results; it does not vaunt itself, nor is it easy to approach. Like a part of nature, it waits until it is discovered. It offers neither facts nor power, but for lovers of self-knowledge, of wisdom, it seems to be the right book. To one person its spirit appears as clear as day; to another, shadowy as twilight; to a third, dark as night. He who is not pleased by it does not have to use it, and he who is against it is not obliged to find it true. Let it go forth into the world for the benefit of those who can discern its meaning."
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Spring Evening at Inokashira Park ~ Kawase Hasui
I currently offer two session options: 60-minute and 90-minute over the phone at US $175 and $225. For every reading, I draw up and analyze several charts: natal, natal aspects, transits, secondary progressions, solar arc directions, and the current solar return chart — the necessary foundation for a meaningful reading of the highest quality.
What Clients Have Said
"Elaine, your reading has enabled me to see the big picture as I've never seen it before. I've been aware of much of what you've spoken, but not had the clarity to deal with it. I really have had such an awakening with your reading, for which I will be forever thankful." — M.O
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"I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how often I go back to the reading you did for me. I listened to it twice, taking notes the second time, and now when I am feeling a little lost...or pissed off (:-) or just like I can't make sense of anything, I go back and re-read or listen to sections of it and it helps IMMENSELY! Thank you for all your talented and thoughtful work!" — T.F.
BLUE IS THE COLOR of peace and contemplation. It symbolizes cool water and infinite sky — representative of the empty state from which all existence arises and returns. In Christianity, blue is the color of the Virgin Mary in her incarnation as Queen of Heaven, representing faith, compassion and love. Similarly, the Romans and Greeks earlier associated blue with Venus/Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.
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"... your reading has enabled me to see the big picture as I've never seen it before. I've been aware of much of what you've spoken, but not had the clarity to deal with it. I really have had such an awakening with your reading, for which I will be forever thankful." — M.O
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Over the past several months I've noticed that I repeatedly come back to your reading for grounding during challenging times. It continues to touch and guide me in the places where I need it the most. I've had several astrological readings and your reading has been the most meaningful in a way that has lived with me. — D.R.
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Notes
The beautiful Japanese woodblock print above, "Spring Evening at Inokashira Park (1931)," is the work of Japanese artist Kawase Hasui, a leading print designer of the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement in early 20th-century Japan.
© Elaine Kalantarian, all rights reserved
