Humanistic & Developmental Astrology
This is a popular article originally published on the Kepler College website -along with a new developmental model of Astrology. These represent a fusion of my Astrology and Psychology knowledge thru 2003.
Humanistic Astrology & the 'Peak Experience'
Since the phrase, 'Humanistic Astrology', was first coined by the Great Dane Rudyhar, Astrologers have increasingly embarked on a new oddyssey, a quest to plumb psychological depths and practice the arts of counseling. Modern torchbearers such as Stephen Arroyo have spoken at length of the need to turn away from outer event-oriented 'predictive' technique and instead focus on the inner life, to which a language of symbol naturally lends itself. Though the public persona of astrology still retains the tinge of the ever-popular sun sign columns, Astrologers as a group have gained and grown much from new perspectives.
In many ways, Astrology and Humanistic Theory are a perfect match. It is a marriage of opposites. Humanistic Theory is often criticized for being too abstract, with no concrete model that is precise and useful. Astrologers, on the other hand, are said to be able to rationalize anything by delving into complicated chart factors. It's like Jack Sprat and his wife 'together the platter is cleaned. Actually, though each has fundamentally opposite mechanics, the two share a common starting point 'the individual.
Humanists, as the term implies, believe in people. People are seen as inherently creative. This creative force is called self-actualization. We become truly, and wholly ourselves. Abraham Maslow saw this process as occurring in a series of steps or stages. Fulfilling more complex needs and attaining higher consciousness at each level, the self- actualized individual reaches 'peak experiences' where his/her understanding of self and relationship to the universe are wholly realized, infusing life with meaning and inspiration.
Astrology too, begins with the individual. The chart is an entirely unique map of the heavens at a specific point in space and time 'the birth of a person.
This map is seen as a blueprint of how the individual manifests and relates to universal energies symbolized through a progression of signs, planets and houses, which build upon each other in steps and stages of cyclical growth. Unlike Humanistic Theory, which eschews specific standards or types for unencumbered purity of attitude and approach, Astrology is replete with standard 'cookbook' typologies because it is a symbolic language, and inherently more complex. This 'cookbook' approach is largely being abandoned by the modern Humanistic Astrologer, because it has no root in the individual. Such discourse on isolated elements of a language really only amounts to talk for the sake of talk. The Humanistic Astrologer has much loftier goals 'the infusion of meaning into an individual person's life, and the realization of the essence of this individual and his/her path toward self-actualization.
Where then do we find this Force, these 'peak experiences' that will liberate us from our flat cookbook world and turn us into Jedi Knights, ready to merge with the Cosmos itself' It would be easy to pick one point in the chart and hold it up to be revered, extolling its virtues in an endless cacaphony of meaningless drivel. The Midheaven: Your Gateway to Self-Actualization. Or even better, pick a much maligned member of the cast and pretend to know THE TRUTH that so many others have tripped right over. Saturn & Self- Actualization: A Goat's Eye View. With enough hobnobbing, manufactured credentials, the right marketing approach, and a little talent (in turning a phrase), I guarantee these titles could be big sellers, regardless of content. And when the excited consumer (what a condescending term) gets it home and pores over its pages feverishly, they will find their enthusiasm start to dwindle. The book will last a couple days or so, only to wind up on the shelf, never fully read because it contains not answers, but confusion. It has nothing to do with them as a person. It is about a point on a chart that doesn't even exist. Yet this same person will buy the second title, hoping in vain that it contains some gem of truth that they missed in the first. Why' -Because people want someone to believe in them. The Self-Actualization principle is Real, and they are hungry for it.
It might make sense at first to look for peak experience at the apex of the chart, or in the more mystical elements such as Neptune or the 8th house, and we may even find them there. But such a fractured approach could never hope to reveal the total pattern or structure of our existence. It is by nature isolating and does not lend itself to adaptation in other areas of life.
An equally useless, though more true, answer to our question is that the chart as a whole is the self-actualization principle. It is. The nativity is an exact blueprint of how the individual manifests and/or relates to The Universe. So just sit yourself down, meditate on your chart as your personal mandala, -Hey, it may work for somebody.
If we seek refuge from our confusion by returning to Humanistic Theory for reference, we will remember the aphorism 'start where the person is'. The human experience is our anchor. I can remember my own peak experience.
In my early twenties, disillusioned, out of money, and without desire to accumulate a mountain of debt, I left school to 'see the world'. I came to know, and love, the freedom of the open road. Traveling the West, with only my guitar and a blanket for possessions I came to trust my instincts, resourcefulness, and the Universe in a deep, profound way. I can remember the thrill of spending my last dollar, exhilarated by the chance to watch the universe unfold just for me. I was young and strong, I would find my way.
Along my way I met many people eager to help. They offered food, rides, work, but rarely advice. Many told me they admired me for doing something they had always dreamed of. Many spoke to me of deep personal experiences and seemed to believe that by dint of my experience, I would understand. I remember being humbled and honored by this, and it is these memories that eventually brought me to the counseling arts.
Eventually my travels brought me to a community and love at first sight. This, like the others, was a peak in and of itself. Looking into someone's eyes that seem to speak to you and know you. She was eating ice cream and simply handed me the spoon, smiling. Unless you've been there it sounds absurd, but it is one of the most profound facets of being human I have experienced.
It was unrequited. She had another boyfriend, and although she didn't really want to be with him, she couldn't see running off with me either. I don't blame her. She was right. She wanted a family. I was essentially a homeless vagabond, whose main source of income was street performing. That didn't make it any easier. One day, desiring escape from the situation, I decided to climb one of the acclaimed 14,000 ft. mountains in the vicinity. I came to know the reason why they call it a 'peak' experience. Up there it is tremendously quiet. Every sound is muffled by the thin air, yet profound in its singularity. The view was incredible, a magnificent panorama of endless peaks receding before me ablaze with fall color. It seemed as if I could see the curvature of the earth. As I looked down whence I came, I realized how small my personal problems were in the face of this totality of being that is planet Earth 'small enough to face, small enough to accept.
Now that I am an Astrologer, I know that this period of time coincided with my second Jupiter return. Jupiter had completed two revolutions of the Sun and again returned to the spot he occupied at my birth. My particular experience did involve a Capricorn theme, as Jupiter is ruler of the Midheaven in my chart. Another part of my journey makes sense through the concept of exaltation. Each planet manifests itself most fully in one particular sign where it is said to be exalted. Sounds like a peak of experience. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer where her nurturing energies foster his expansion. Because of Cancer's association with the Moon, this suggests an inner peak of experience. Indeed it is so. The inner sense of trust in the universe 'even when it doesn't turn out in your favor, is the most rewarding thing I took from this experience. It is also one of the foundations of Humanistic Theory.
The concept of exaltations makes sense in the case of Saturn returns as well. Saturn is exalted in Libra 'the sign of partnerships, and indeed many people do chose to marry around this time in their life. Weddings are fun and definitely qualify for peak experience. Incidentally, though I was sidetracked by another failed relationship (she got the house 'I got the dog) I did manage to fulfill Saturn's quest on time. Saturn is the contraction principle. Saturn makes Jupiter's expansions concrete. Only six years after standing on a mountain, penniless, with armloads of trust, I found THE ONE. We married and bought a house in 1999. The interest rates have been rising ever since. Whew! 'made that one by the skin of my teeth.
Of course, there are a variety of paths winding through these two Gates to Adulthood. The 'normal' expression of these energies is to pursue Jupiter's expansive energies in the educational arena. Diploma in hand, one can then devote his/her nurturing energies to their career, and with luck Saturn will reward the individual with concrete establishment or advancement. Most writings don't speak of Saturn in relation to rewards, yet one only has to look at the lives of the standouts in any field and it becomes evident. They paid Saturn's toll in advance and the discipline and hard work paid off. Each planet (each Gate) has its price however, and if the 'normal' individual neglects to integrate Jupiter's expansive quest on an inner level, they may find themselves with 'wild oats' to sow later in life. Saturn is not the only taskmaster, All deficits must be paid 'and the Universe is a much more efficient collector than even the government! At any rate, the ages 22-24 and 28-30 usually become significant turning points in our lives.
As you can see, most people are in touch with and can talk about the arenas of experience denoted by the seven inner (visible) planets (the sun and moon becoming 'planets' in geocentric or earth-centered Astrology). The concepts of planetary cycles and exaltations become a good way for us to look at peak experience with these 'personal' planets. This is not what most people immediately think of as 'peak experience', but it is a great place to start for the Humanistic Astrologer. The inner, personal planets are available in an immediate way to every individual, and they pave the way to the mystical peaks of the invisible, trans-personal planets.
Because the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto do not complete a revolution of the Sun within any modern individual's lifetime, they are said to be trans-personal or generational in influence. Due to the lack of cycle and clear rules for exaltation, our previous assumptions become muddled. Most individuals struggle with these outer influences, simply because they have not yet successfully integrated the seven inner lessons. Many times, as Humanistic Astrologers, the best we can do is to help the individual identify these deficits. Many times these will be indicated by the inner planet(s) being aspected by the outer planet(s) in transit and in the nativity. It doesn't happen often, but if we can cleanse ourselves of these issues for a day or even a minute, we can become clear channels for a 'peek experience' of the infinite Universe.
Just as we need a theoretical orientation in order to deal with clients feelings, if we are doing multiple sessions with a client we will have need for a framework to understand them developmentally. As we counsel clients who have entered into a long-term relationship with us, we would do well to remember their developmental phase and the primary struggle it entails. We may find that we have to peel the proverbial onion with them, going back to free up energy from previous stages before we can fully embrace the current cycle. In this way, Saturn's sickle does not cut so harshly if we have grown enough branches with Jupiter to need pruning.
Developmental Astrology
I tend to depart somewhat from the Humanist school in terms of development, only because I see other theories that more fully agree with the astrological framework. I tend to agree with models such as that put forth by Bruce Scofield[i], which tie human development to the planetary cycles -what I call 'seasons of becoming.' The psychologist that most closely relates to this type of progression was the Neo-Freudian Erik Erikson.[ii]
At birth, the human personality is Lunar ' reflective, dependant, and need-based. The infant is unaware of anything but its own needs and inability to satisfy them. In Astrology, the Moon symbolizes needs and as a satellite 'dependency. We experience thirteen Lunar returns before any other planet makes its return. Thus the first year is symbolized by the Moon. The moon also symbolizes emotional security in Astrology. Similarly, Erikson saw the first year as critical to developing a sense of either basic Trust versus Mistrust.[iii] Conjunctions or hard angles to the Moon from malefics (for our purposes here Mars, Saturn and all outer planets) can suggest developmental difficulty at this stage. However, it is going to take long-term sessions for the astrologer-client relationship to begin to explore this level of awareness.
At one year, a developmental barrage begins to take place. The personality becomes self-aware as an individual identity. Attempts at communication and locomotion begin. One's need to relate to other individuals in greeting/farewell and play begins to form. Not surprisingly, this correlates to the return of the Sun, Mercury, and Venus to their natal positions after one year. The Sun symbolizes the autonomous Self in astrology. Mercury rules language and locomotion. Venus symbolizes the need to relate. Similarly Erikson saw the period between the first and second years as crucial to forming a sense of Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt.[iv] Conjunctions or hard angles to the Sun, Mercury, or Venus from malefics and/or retrogression (by the planet or a planet it is in angle to) can signify developmental difficulty at this stage. Of course, self-esteem issues are going to take long-term sessions to address as well.
At two years, Mars 'the ancient god of war-returns. No wonder they call it the terrible two's! At this point the personality is consumed with self-reliance, the right to say NO! -and energetic expression. In Astrology, Mars symbolizes energy, action, and assertiveness. Similarly, Erikson saw this stage as a time to develop a sense of Initiative versus Guilt.[v] Conjunctions or hard angles to Mars from malefics and/or retrogression can signify developmental difficulty at this stage.
Of course, there is a continuum on which these functions develop. Normal healthy initiative can become over-functioning aggression. However those who fail to develop initiative, ambition, and purpose are left with feelings of guilt and resignation. This is why it is extremely important to show patience as a parent and let a developmental phase play out somewhat as 'just a phase' and not be too eager to suppress behaviors before it is time 'that is until the next phase calls for new development. These phases do build upon one another. It is necessary to have a sense of trust in order to relate, and it is necessary to be able to relate in order to develop healthy initiative, and so on.[vi]
Now the next planetary return does not occur until Jupiter completes a twelve year cycle. Does this mean that Astrology assumes no development takes place between two and twelve, or that development is 'latent' -a la Freud' Hardly! In order to continue our examination of development, we must remember that each cycle can be divided quarterly. Thus Jupiter's twelve year cycle can be seen to take place in four, three-year quarters, with the return (New) and opposition (Full) phases taking on special significance.
So the period between three and six years of age can be seen to correlate to the waxing toward full functioning of the Jupiter principle. In Astrology, Jupiter is the expansion principle. Whereas Mars represents only a call to action, Jupiter represents the achievement of that action's goal. Larger than all other planetary bodies combined, radiating its own energy, and holding many moons, Jupiter symbolizes systems 'language systems, school systems, and knowledge systems or theories. Thus these years can be seen to be the beginnings of socialization 'fitting in to the social system. Interestingly enough, it is at five or six years that children enter the public school system and begin to develop objective self-awareness. Similarly, the early school days were seen by Erikson as necessary to experience feelings of success and competence. In contrast, if these experiences are limited either by authority figures or circumstance, the resulting failures can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Erikson called this Industry versus Inferiority.[vii] Conjunctions or hard angles to Jupiter from malefics and/or retrogression can signify developmental difficulty at this stage.
Jupiter's return at twelve years roughly coincides with the onset of puberty. This is a time of great expansion as the physical body develops secondary sexual characteristics and the hormones run wild. This necessitates an expanded world-view, including the opposite sex and a desire for intimacy. But the process unfolds in fits and starts because of the overlapping and overlaying of contrary developmental principles, and it is not until the second Jupiter return at 24 that we are truly able to develop lasting intimacy.
The next planetary body, Saturn, orbits to return in about 29 years. Saturn's quarterly cycles occur roughly every seven years. Saturn is the symbolic opposite of Jupiter. Saturn is the contraction principle. Saturn makes concrete Jupiter's expansions. Saturn's rings remind that one victory does not make a war. Real success depends on repeated, sustained efforts. Saturn's rings also symbolize limits and authority figures who impose limits on over-expanded, out-of 'bounds energies. The period between seven and fourteen can be seen to correlate to the waxing toward full-functioning of the Saturn principle. It is at fourteen that children enter High-School and are assumed to be capable of the self-discipline required to become an active member (albeit supervised) of the community.
In the teen years, Erikson saw the struggle between Identity versus Role confusion.[viii] Young people seek to find out who they are by joining groups, trying different jobs, friends etc. If they have maneuvered the previous stages successfully, chances are that they will eventually settle into a role they feel comfortable with. If not, the resulting role confusion can be incredibly disruptive during the opening square of Uranus at 21 with the restless and often reckless energies that are unleashed. Worse, it could threaten the eventual ability to develop genuine intimacy in early adulthood.
Erikson saw early adulthood as a process of Intimacy versus Isolation.[ix] A failure to develop intimacy can retard emotional growth and personal satisfaction. This is the basic struggle for all people as they move through the second Jupiter and first Saturn returns at 24 and 29. Thus we can define these cycles as Seasons of Becoming 'becoming a fully functioning human being. Conjunctions or hard angles to Jupiter or Saturn from malefics and/or retrogression can signify developmental difficulty at this stage.
It is my experience that the first and second Jupiter returns are about exploring possibilities. Around these two returns, almost anything is possible, because while we are young we have what the Buddhists call 'beginner's mind.' The direction of expansion, ideally, would be similar at both returns and eventually lead to Saturnian mastery at 29. This, however, would require exceptional sensitivity, support, and guidance on the part of an adult. If the expansion of possibilities is stymied at the first return 'it will become all that more important at 24. Often, the 'dreams' of the first return are re-visited in a rebellious fashion at the Uranus quarter return of 21 and the second Jupiter return is the source of real direction. With any luck, this adult choice is supported or at least stuck with until the Saturn return when the individual gets down to the real work of making it 'professional.'
The third Jupiter return at 36 often finds the individual again growing. There may be new family members 'children or grand-children-as well as new influence in the world of affairs. People, especially children, may respect and seek one's opinion. Erikson saw this stage as one of Generativity versus Stagnation.[x] We develop a concern for the next generation and find our lives enriched by our influence and interactions with them. If we ignore or redirect these inner promptings we may stagnate and suffer boredom or depression. This is where the individual responsibility to search for meaning is most crucial. If we do not find it, the resulting 'bad faith' and angst can be very disruptive at mid-life. The third return is different in that, while possibilities again expand, they are generally tied to Saturnian energies. In other words, they come as a result of hard work already done or they require new commitment. Conjunctions or hard angles to Jupiter from malefics and/or retrogression can signify developmental difficulty at this stage.
This is followed shortly by the mid-point of Uranus' 84 year cycle. At roughly 42 years Uranus is opposite its natal place or in its Full phase. Uranus in Astrology is associated with freedom, because it is beyond the confines of the ancient planets that could be seen with the naked eye 'and thus represents freedom from the known. In individuals that have developed a sense of generativity, this may result in works of genius where something extraordinary is passed on. This liberating urge can be destructive in stagnating individuals living in 'bad faith' who experience the mid-life crisis as a 'second adolescence' when their children have left the home, or may perhaps result in a second career more in tune with their inner promptings. Dane Rudhyar called this 'a process of personal and psychic readjustment which to some extent polarizes what was experienced at the time of puberty; thus I have spoken of it as "adolescence in reverse."[xi] Rudhyar's most apt observation of this phase has to do with the fact that this time intitiates the 'waning phase' of human life. 'The transition from the (waxing phase), intent on productivity and profit at whatever level it might be, to the (waning phase) constitutes the basic "change of life." It implies a radical reversal of the polarization of consciousness, a change from extroversion to introversion, and a reorientation of the desires, motives, and essential character of one's activities. He may serve 'in whatever capacity his personal life has trained him for, however he serves the Whole of which he sees himself a part, but without remuneration. He has given up the profit motive and (theoretically or gradually) the personal ambition motive.'[xii]
The second Saturn return of 58-60 coincides with the fifth Jupiter return. We find our lives winding down and ready for the retirement years. We reap the rewards of any disciplined savings we may have accumulated, and have time for reflection. Our life course is pretty well determined, and if we are lucky we can be content. Erikson saw this stage as one of Integrity versus Despair.[xiii] If we have successfully completed most of the stages and can look back on our lives with satisfaction then we will have a sense of Integrity. If we missed the mark too widely and failed to make amends we may experience despair at not being able to find satisfaction with our life's course. Conjunctions or hard angles to Jupiter or Saturn from malefics and/or retrogression can signify developmental difficulty at this stage.
After approximately seven Jupiter cycles, and three Saturn cycles, if we have continued physical vitality along with psychological integrity -we have lived to see our final cycle 'the Uranus return at 84 years. Uranus represents true Enlightenment and Self-Actualization 'the sense that the whole of one's life is more than the sum of its parts 'and that somehow it has all been well worth it. There is an obvious twinkle in the eye of anyone who has achieved this state and we would do well to seek their counsel.
[i] Bruce Scofield, 'Planetary Circuits: An Astro-Biological Model of Human Development' The Mountain Astrologer Issue # 101 Feb/Mar 2002.
[ii] See for instance: Erikson, Erik (1963). Childhood and Society. (2nd ed.) New York: Norton
-or Erikson, Erik (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: Norton.
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Ibid.
[vi] Ibid.
[vii] Ibid.
[viii] Ibid.
[ix] Ibid.
[x] Ibid.
[xi] Dane Rudhyar The Fullness of Human experience, see http://www.khaldea.com/rudhyar/fhe/fhe_c9_p2.shtml
[xii] Dane Rudhyar The Fullness of Human experience, see http://www.khaldea.com/rudhyar/fhe/fhe_c9_p3.shtml
[xiii] See for instance: Erikson, Erik (1963). Childhood and Society. (2nd ed.) New York: Norton
-or Erikson, Erik (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. New York: Norton.
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