
What are the operative bases of Astrology?
When we try to approach truth through a more subjective means based on a non-rational approach, there is a problem with defining the variables because there is no objective, operational variables mix so you can’t quantify them. For example, if I take a sample to survey people who believe in astrology, that is subjective. There are so many ways to approach and verify that question: based on their individual horoscope aspects correlated with their perception of its truth to their lives or belief in astrology based on the underlying principles in Astrology such as ” as above, so below”, i.e. the macrocosm and the microcosm are mirror images of each other so that the planets’ configuration in the sky have a corresponding effect on their psyches. For Astrology, cause and effect are basically not capable of being determined because the independent and dependent variables cannot be operationally and objectively quantified. So we cannot say, for example, that Saturn conjunct the Mercury in a natal chart causes depression. But correlations can be made. In fact the Kepler Conference has conducted empirical studies that find correlations between various topics of concern at https://www.facebook.com/TheKeplerConference/ Roberto Assagioli, MD who founded Psychosynthesis has stated in the study of Transpersonal Inspiration that ” In the first place an erroneous conception of the scientific method is widely held, which would limit its use to quantitative and statistical techniques suited to the natural sciences. Furthermore, the mind is reluctant to admit the existence of non-rational reality and values; it confuses the super-rational with the irrational or even anti-rational. There is also the fact that the descriptions of experiences in this ‘higher sphere’ are generally couched in terms associated with religious doctrines, employ pictures, symbols and forms no longer accepted or recognized as valid by modern mentality.” (Assagioli in Parfitt, Will,Lesson 10. Course 1, Elements in Psychosynthesis, Global Issues in Action, copywrite, Avalon Distance Learning.) I accept that empirical science does not embrace the super-rational; a rejection that has been fraught with struggles to bring my voice to the fabric of transpersonal inspiration which is how I use Astrological Psychology. Science sees my work as a branch of study that is often designated as‘pseudo-science’. Based on the erroneous assumption of the scientific method that limits the use of quantitative and statistical techniques to the natural sciences, my work is out of the scope of valid inquiry. Carl G. Jung, MD provided support by researching Synchronicity and Causal Principles as both valid approaches to truth but both at differing ends of a continuum.
Carl Jung and physicist W. Pauli studied Archetypes in Astrology. Archetypes are ” primary images which the soul can perceive with the aid of innate ‘instinct’ (Kepler). The agreement with the primordial images or archetypes were introduced into modern psychology by C. G. Jung and functioned as ‘instincts of the imagination’. (Jung, C. G and Pauli, W, The Interpretation of Nature and the Psych, Bollingen Series III, NY, NY, 1955, p. 153). Since the Archetypes are in the realm of the Soul and are not capable of being operationalized by using the experimental method, a different way of finding meaningful correlations of the individual and the soul is necessary. Synchronicity is the explanation in which we find meaning within the correspondence (or correlation) between the Astrological archetypes such as planets with their angular relationships in the horoscope and the individual. In Jung’s experiments, he studied the archetype Mars expressing “intense emotional excitement when found in aspect with the Sun” in women subjects within twenty marriage pairs. This aspect occurred at a higher frequency than other Mars aspects. Thus Jung concluded that the relative ‘defeat of the powers of the conscious mind constellates the moderating archetype… Mars’. This I interpreted to mean that emotional excitement erupts from the unconscious of the Psyches of these individuals; with the consequence that the ability of conscious filters to inhibit it fails in individuals with this configuration. (On Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle” in The Interpretation and Nature of the Psyche, Bollingen Series III, NY, NY 1955, p. 81).
When I want to connect with clients who have given me their birth data, I can without fail find for them meaningful correlations between aspect patterns and their psychic states. They report to me that is meaningfully true about 90% of the time. (based on their subjective evaluation). I have also found that stating statistics of correlations from studies relevant to clients experience also, i.e. that high attribution of blame usually results in couple divorce (Gottman, John, Four Horses of the Apocalypse, Blog) ; this statement does have a meaningful connection for them. My points are basically this: We need both Scientific studies and Synchronistic correspondences to make meaningful sense for our clients. And I use Astrological Psychology to identify psychic states and match them to my clients as well as empirical studies when topics come up that require evidence based conclusions.