This is a book review for Astrology, psychology and the four elements by Stephen Arroyo published in USA and Canada in 1975
It establishes a new science of astrological psychology.
Amazon 4.7 stars out of 348 ratings
Goodreads – 4.3 out of 604 ratings
This book is a philosophical, astrological and psychological summary of some of the greatest minds and their work that have shaped the topics in the previous century. Their work is undeniably the basis for modern understanding of so many sciences – psychology being the most important. You will find a lot of citation of people like Carl Jung, Dane Rudhyar, Joseph Campbell, and many, many more!
It has an enormous influence over millions of people who today use astrology to understand themselves and the others. The point being, this book is a basis for the symbiosis of psychology and astrology. It talks about how the self is explained with the means of astrological symbolisms,why this approach works, where is the science behind it. If you are new to astrology or if you are experienced astrologer, this book will give you a layer of deeper understanding how we got where we are with astrology and psychology.
Also, it will lay down the science for your deeper and meaningful understanding of your chart, the charts of your friends and family, basically any personal chart.
Part #1:
The first part explains in detail the 4 approaches in Astrology among other things like modern psychology, why was the old astrology so limiting, Jung’s archetypes and their application in astrology.
I would like to name part 5 where are listed the astrological approaches which I find particularly interesting
1) Casual approach – Glinn, a scientist who claims we can perceive electromagnetic waves which can explain the influence of astrology
2) Symbolic approach where the planets and signs are considered symbols of cosmic processes and universal principles – I am a fan of this approach. This is the connection with the season and core principle of the sign like – Aries, will for penetration and vegetation
3) Holistic approach – we are all one and we are interconnected, dependent on each other. The Universe is divided to smaller parts and they function is a precise accordance with the principle of the bigger system. The drop is the ocean itself. This is a very popular idea nowadays and I sense there are seeds of truth within it
4) The Energy approach – energy models installed within the individuals that action throughout the individuals. These energies are represented by the planets and the signs of the horoscope
This Approach focused on fundamental energies that give life to any of us!
Part #2:
Second part of the book is more astrologically orientated
It basically helps us understand the Energetic approach. When I say energetic, I mean how to understand the 4 core elements of astrology – Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Then there is a chapter dedicated to the psychology of the individual, followed by a great and valuable explanation what happens when we have imbalance between different energies- for instance lack of water in a fire dominated chart.
Once this is all explained, this is not a cook – book, it is a textbook, I should say this!
Ok, so once all the above is explained the author goes to explaining how the aspects would work and be affected by the imbalance of energies. Remember, the goal of the author is to illustrate how it works, not to list all possible influences.
There is a chapter dedicated to the planets in different elements. Again, not listing all possibilities, but teaching you what to consider in the context of elements and the planetary positions.
Part 15 is dedicated to synastry and how it works when we interact with someone who Is not with the same dominant energy as we are. I find this chapter comforting since it elaborates on the quality of the relationship rather than to scare people not to get involved because he is air and I am water for instance!
Chapter 16 is about the houses. It was brief but filled with good insights.
The annexes to the book are also very, very intriguing.
Again, this is a brief introduction into psychological astrology. You will not find any traditional meanings of the houses, ruler positions etc.
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