Astro Elements and Psychological functions

I'm currently in the garden, the grass having being recently cut offers up the sharp scents of spring, the sun in it's fiery domain has warmed me enough that ill type this blog from the welcoming arms of the lawn, with a fresh cup of tea by my side and the chirping of some birtds echoing on the breeze I cant help but ponder the bigger questions.

One which comes to mind it the ongoing debate: if there is a direct connection between the astrological elements and Jung's four types or psychological functions and if so could a natal chart (or honorary casting) be utilised to highlight the individuals or situations dominant and inferior element correlated with the four Jungian functions.

This seems to be an ongoing point of agitation for many astrologers, especially thought who seek to synthesize the two theories. While it is clear that the two systems of understanding are in fact related they may, for many reasons be open to direct correlations.

Points of contention
If we cast an eye to one of Jungs books: “Psychological Types” (My current copy was published by Princeton University Press and translated by Gerhard Adler, pages 510-511, 531-532 are especially noted for this topic) we can see that Jung clearly related the four classical temperaments and astrological elements with the concept of four psychological types. However he never went into much detail, neglecting to state which element and type related to one another.

From this there has arose a fast amount of differing theories, one of my favourites actually is in which the four classical temperaments of Choleric, Melancholic, Sanguine, Phlegmatic are named the four quadrants of the astrological chart, instead of being marked with the elements.
However we can quickly find ourselves with the teachings of Aristotle: On generations and corruption, like wise with pseudo Oscellus: On the nature of the universe and Plato: Tiameus, all associating the four classical temperaments (or humours) with the four elements.

Choleric (Fire)
Sanguine (Air)
Phlegmatic (Water)
Melancholic (Earth)

Aristotle in his wisdom even placed Earth in opposition (in its astrological aspect and not the philosophical or psychological context) to fire and Air in opposition of Water. This would be exactly in line with Jung's placing of Intuition in opposition to Sensing and the placing of Thinking in opposition to Feeling.

The elemental Numbers
There are several methods and techniques offered up by astrologers past and present on how to count the elements found within the chart.

This can be a little confusing but it may help to remember that in a chart the elemental placement of the planets and luminaries (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) are each in need of being “counted”.

In counting the elements, one of the more popular methods is:

Give two points for the elements that the Sun and Moon are located in.
Give one point for each for the elements that Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are located in.

An elemental overview:

Fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

If we take todays major alignments:

Sun – Aries
Moon – Gemini
Mercury – Taurus
Venus – Taurus
Mars – Leo
Jupiter – Pisces
Saturn – Virgo
Uranus – Pisces
Neptune – Aquarius
Pluto – Capricorn

Fire (Intuitive) - 3 points

Earth (Sensing) - 4 points

Air (Thinking) - 3 points

Water (Feeling) - 2 points

In counting the four elements and comparing them with Jung's functions we discover the following:

As a Sensing Earth Jung Theory would have the inferior function in Fire, however in todays alignments its in Water.

So although the quick counting of the elements is a nifty short cut that sometimes works quite well, it isn't a stead fast rule of interpretation.

There are many reasons as to why a quick correlation between the two systems is a lot more complex and difficult than simply counting up the planetary elements.

Yes its true that there are many times (including my own natal chart: Cancer/Water) where looking at the zodiacial element of the Sun sign can point out the primary psychological type and if not can be highlighted as a secondary type or auxiliary function. Although due to the lack of reliability I tend to avoid using the elemental markers as a primary trend of interpretation.

Some thoughts to ponder:

*Elements are not necessarily confined to their Zodiacal placements. The moon for example regardless of the Sign, when in a conjunction with the Ascendant creates the element of Water in the chart.

*While Jung did relate the four classical temperaments and astrological elements with the four functions, he however never did explain which function went with which element. There is an endless array of reasons as to why he chose to neglect this aspect of the work however it would appear, at least on the surface, that while Jung did think the two concepts were similar in form and understanding he did not consider them to be the same.

*Many (myself numbered among them) have never being convinced that any of various type indicator tests accurately measure Jung's four types, and if so for how long would they remain constant. In this the ever changing ebb and wane of Self such a report risks telling us more about who the person tested we would like to be, rather than who we actually is.

While the counting and analysis of the chart elements may offer up a skillful tool of interpretation if you neglect looking at the chart to identify the more dominant zodiacal elements and how they can manifest themselves you risk neglecting and overlooking many productive and practical points of understanding.

As an astrologer I find it intriguing as to why there is such a need to constantly prove something works and link it with the more orthodox and socially embraced theories of personal placement and understanding. Lets focus on what works and aids rather then which is proven and relies on the crutch of another system or theory. To think in such a way is to forget that all things are theories and that nothing is unshakeable.

Right now for myself and those I read for, what works is the utilisation of type indicator tests to help knit together and guide the complex themes and aspects of a chart for interpretation. After all at a core and basic level astrology is about enabling people to gain a better understanding of who they are, and where they are going so that they can live healthier more fulfilling lives.

In order to honour that ideal it is best never to reject any potential tool of empowerment of bridge of understanding - illumination i never the less illumination.

Special thanks to Dr, Z for the rants and points of discourse that lead to this post :)

Reviewing January - The Gate Keeper.

Happy New Year!

On the dawn of a new year as the light caresses the horizon of a new celestial adventure; I am drawn to remember that in numerology, 2009 is represented as a 11.

To my understanding eleven is the number of both division and unity – the balanced equilibrium of both individuality maintained within a synod of one – a year that denotes that we shall be divided for the sake of union.

The year of the eleven also suggests that this will be a beautiful year of spirituality and self-empowerment, a time filled with opportunities and karmatic stirring's to release old worn-out attitudes and negative behaviours – willing us on to spread our corporeal wings and reach new found heights - to become the 'bigger and better' person whom we can deny only ourselves in being.

This is a year that promotes the thinking more about re-connecting with others, and becoming one with ourselves, embracing our dark side as well as our light, by committing ourselves to resolving the conflict within and by taking responsibility for the state of the world, both in our own back gardens and the greater playing fields of life.

In 2009, some of us will experience a drastic change in our personality, some will feel the craving and desires to act on generosity, sharing kindness and compassion while others will return to a more primal sense of being with an opportunity to face unresolved aggression and assertiveness in a world filled with uncertainties and shaken foundation... all are ways to gain a greater inner peace and a calm the hunger of belonging.

It is a year of both self-discovery and self-sacrifice, to simultaneously experience a death and a rebirth in our renewal of hope and faith – the true alchemy of being Human.

The new year dawns with a new moon in the responsible Capricorn – this should aid in bringing us a satisfied feeling, for in part we have reclaimed the focus on providing for others during the last few weeks, and we can now create a more stable and secure environment for ourselves.

There may be a stirring need for seclusion, keeping thoughts private and out of the limelight, to rest, renew and rejuvenate. Less time will be spent on relationships and communications as we will best utilise such a time to recharge the self with a time of peace and quite.

On Friday (the 1st of the January) Mercury entered the freedom loving Aquarius and will remain there for the next few weeks – this should help us to find refreshing new ways to combat and overcome roadblocks and resistances within our lives, expect to spend allot of time analysing relationships while reaching out for new friends and companions to escape the boredom and repetition of the moment. Others of course may reach further then most and carve for themselves a totally new relationship – one based more on the mind then the innate sexuality and physicality of being.

Yesterday (Saturday the 3rd of January) Venus entered the domain of the dreamy Pisces, this warms of getting stuck and procrastinating in the ideals of a dream (as it lacks the utilisation of force) so it may be best to refocus on hard practical work then the chasing of a dream – a Venusian Pisces beings the wisdom that there is enough time for dreaming, but it may be best to begin how we would like to continue – strong foundations make for a sturdy development.

The adventurous Jupiter makes his yearly transit into Aquarius tomorrow (5th of January) and gives us plenty of food for thought as well as the courage to experiment with our new strategies and plans. We may feel more daring (or possibly careless) and just take brave steps into the unknown, helping us to cross paths with hidden opportunities, but also to enrich our self-confidence. The wisdom of Jupiter reinforces the need for a proactive approach and assimilation of desires, so it may be best if we to succeed that we write down a plan of action and the steps needed to reach the goal – this limits the Mercurian Pisces effect while maintaining the integrity and authentic flow of pro evolutionary self choice, and fulfilling this choice by acting on it.

A luminous full moon in intuitive Cancer may reveal special knowledge or signs that confirms our motivation and direction. On the Eleventh of January, a chatty Mercury goes retrograde for a few weeks, and we may experience confusion with our course, or possibly doubting our objective.
At this time fax machines and computers have a greater tendency to find fault, messages and voice-mails may get delayed, or even possibly lost, and this whirlwind of scattered energy can also create allot of misunderstandings. Double check all forms of communication, and be sure to priorities thoughts and ideas, and take notes to stay on track.

A confident Sun enters Aquarius on nineteenth of January, empowering our ability to stretch ourselves beyond any previous limitations. We continue to make our advances in life, one day at a time, without allowing any outside influences to get in our way. Solitude, or distancing ourselves from others is also very possible at this time – as a need for self individuality is a common hunger experienced by such a celestial combination. These vibrations seem to be truly focused on each of our paths to stir a sense of individuality. If relationships are sensitive or shaky, an emotional shutdown is at this time very likely.

During this month's Mercury retrograde, confusion gets a bit more tipsy as he lands in Capricorn on twenty first of January. We could be worrying more than usual, which will have us to nervous to take the plunge to move forward.

We must do our homework and find proven facts to keep our heads clear and focused. Lazy Venus opposes Saturn on twentieth forth of January, and if we don't do our research to work through uncertainties, expect to suffer some sort of consequence.

A new moon rises on the twenty sixth in quirky Aquarius, at the same time a powerful Solar Eclipse will be energising our intentions for the next six months, this brings forth the reminder to make sure to focus the thoughts on things of a positive and loving nature, this will not only aid the generation and self maintenance of many ideas but it will also activate many sparkling thoughts of a personal and financial nature moulding them into a working plan of action!