In this episode we explore how writers—those mythic figures of our cultural psyche—embody astrological archetypes. From the enigma of Shakespeare’s authorship to the Neptunian dreamscapes of García Márquez, we ask: what patterns recur in the charts of those whose words reshape worlds?

Jenny dives deep into the Shakespeare authorship debate through the lens of astrology, comparing the birth charts of Shakespeare and the fascinating Amelia Bassano—court insider, musician, and possible contributor to the plays. Together, we reflect on Neptune’s veil, Mercury’s signature, and the literary imagination as a mirror of the collective unconscious.

Béa brings her own obsessions to the table: the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez, the witty social commentary of Jane Austen, and the radical linguistic experiments of James Joyce. What do their charts reveal? And how do these planetary patterns resonate with the creative forces that shaped their genius?

🪐 Writers discussed: Shakespeare, Amelia Bassano, Gabriel García Márquez, Jane Austen, James Joyce

In this episode, we explore how eclipse placements and Scorpio themes in the British Royal Family’s charts reveal patterns of duty, sacrifice and buried tensions. We then turn to Tim and Jeff Buckley, tracing recurring astrological signatures of grief and abandonment back to their Irish immigrant roots and the trauma of the Potato Famine. By mapping family charts together, we uncover how generational wounds and strengths continue to shape personal destinies.

Do you ever wonder how your family’s past might quietly shape your destiny? In this episode we delve into ancestral patterns hidden in astrology charts. From repeating family dramas to generational secrets and trauma, we explore how becoming aware of these unseen influences can empower you to rewrite your story. Tune in to discover how your ancestors' stories live on--and how you can consciously change the narrative.

The books mentioned in the podcast episode are:

In this episode, Béa and Jenny consider the definition of “psychological astrology” and revisit a classic by Dr. Liz Greene, “Barriers and Boundaries: The Horoscope and the Defenses of the Personality.” What does each sign or planet fear most, and what are its defenses against these primal fears? How are such defenses adaptive, even creative, and when do they cross the line into pathology or self destruction? 

We contrast 20th century psychological astrology with current trends in traditional astrology. Have efforts to recover Hellenistic, Islamicate, and Babylonian astrology in recent decades emphasized technique while often downplaying the voluminous psychological material implicit in traditional delineations? How do fate and remediation show up in each approach? 

We look at the vibrant archetypal astrology movement inspired by Stan Grof which often employs holotropic/psychedelic depth work to “enter” and work directly with the deepest fears in the chart. Lastly, we consider the current Zeitgeist and how fears and defenses can play out on the national and global level.

In this episode, Jenny and Béa discuss dreamwork—how to get started, what to do if dream recall is challenging, and the catalytic role of dream groups in enriching our engagement with the unconscious. We look at vivid dream symbols that are rooted in powerful natal astrological placements as well as world transits. Finally, Jenny chats with John Temple, a dedicated student of Jung and creator of the Temenos dream app, which uses a sophisticated “workbook” format and AI to amplify dream symbols in unexpected ways. Join us for a far-ranging conversation that examines John’s personal journey with dreams, the psyche’s reaction to “contact” with AI, and a dream of Jenny’s that grapples with the arrival of this new technology in the realm of the unconscious. 

Books mentioned:

Jeremy Taylor, The Wisdom of Your Dreams

Jeremy Taylor, Dream Work: Techniques for Discovering the Creative Power in Dreams

Robert A. Johnson, Inner Work

In our latest episode, we explore the life and work of one of Carl Jung’s greatest students and collaborators, Marie-Louise von Franz. We examine von Franz's considerable contributions to Jungian psychology, particularly in the areas of alchemy, fairy tales, and dream interpretation. We analyze von Franz's birth chart and look at her synastry with Jung. Additionally, we take a brief look at von Franz's collaboration with Wolfgang Pauli—a relationship we will explore in depth in a future episode.

We recommend several resources for further exploration of Von Franz's work:

In this episode we discuss the life and work of Emma Jung, Carl Jung's wife, challenging common misconceptions about her role in his career. We explore Emma Jung's contributions to Jungian psychology, particularly her research on the Grail myth, highlighting her intellectual independence and significant impact on his theories. Using their birth charts to guide us, we explore the complexities of their relationship, emphasizing both its challenges and enduring bond. Finally, we also touch upon Emma Jung's family background, her unique perspective, and her lasting legacy within the Jungian community. 

Books Mentioned: Labyrinths: Emma Jung, Her Marriage to Carl, and the Early Years of Psychoanalysis, Catrine Clay

The Grail Legend, Emma Jung and Marie-Louise von Franz

In this episode we discuss various issues related to astrological predictions regarding the outcome of the 2024 elections, including failed predictions, technique, philosophy, and ethics. Why do we seek certain knowledge of outcomes, and is this what astrology is “for?” Are we called to commit to our best guesses, as in dream interpretation? Our conversation ranges into speculation about Pluto’s era-defining journey through Aquarius, which will last until 2044, and how the feminine principle may show up as outer planets shift into masculine signs. 

In The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, CG Jung wrote: "[I]n all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order, in all caprice a fixed law, for everything that works is grounded on its opposite”.

In this episode, we discuss Dr. Bernadette Brady's book, Cosmos, Chaosmos and Astrology. This book explores the evolution of astrology from its origins in ancient creation myths to its modern-day interpretation. In that journey, Brady maps some of the philosophy and practices of astrology onto the findings of chaos theory and complexity. The work offers a view of astrology which is neither a pseudo-science looking for a causal agent nor a subject that requires a spiritual component. This is an important work and one which helps make sense of a subject that is all too often dismissed or misunderstood.

Other books mentioned:

The Moment of Astrology: Origins in Divination, Geoffrey Cornelius

Cosmos and Psyche, Richard Tarnas

Archetypes and Strange Attractors, John R. Van Eenwyk

In this episode, we welcome Anita Ashland to discuss the connections between the Jungian typological model and the birth chart. Our conversation delves into the various typologies, with special emphasis on the "inferior function" - a critical aspect that simultaneously exposes our vulnerabilities and unlocks our potential for personal development. The books we mention include:

Marianne Meister, The Key to the Self

John Beebe, Energies and Patterns in Psychological Type

Daryl Sharp, Personality Types

Marie Louise von Franz & James Hillman, Lectures on Jung's Typology

You can find Anita Ashland at AnitaAshland.com 

She is on Instagram: @anita.ashland 

Her blog: ReadingInDepth.com