Astrology, Plant Medicine and Modern Healing Practices

Divination for Self Discovery

Astrology is a form of divination that dates back thousands of years and has been used for various purposes, including self-discovery, self-care, and healing. In recent years, astrology has been integrated into psychedelic therapy for individuals struggling with trauma, addiction, and anxiety.

Psychedelic therapy involves the use of psychoactive substances, such as psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, or ayahuasca, to help individuals confront and overcome emotional and psychological challenges. Astrology can be a valuable tool in this type of therapy by providing a deeper understanding of one's individual patterns and tendencies to act out in negative ways.

For instance, astrological signs, houses, and aspects can reveal the root causes of one's emotional pain and the tendencies to turn to substance abuse or unhealthy coping mechanisms. By exploring these patterns, individuals can gain a better understanding of themselves and the underlying reasons behind their behavior. This knowledge can help individuals take a more proactive and self-reflective approach to healing, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and self-awareness.

Furthermore, astrology can be used to enhance the therapeutic experience of psychedelic therapy. This can be done by incorporating the individual's astrological chart into the work between a client and their therapist, guiding them towards insights and insights into their unconscious mind, and helping them make connections between their own life experiences and the cosmos.

My work is to assist in this process by providing the astrological support needed by a client in their work with their own therapist or journey guide.

In astrology, each planet is associated with specific archetypal energies, and these energies can be used to explore the unconscious mind. For example, the planet Saturn is associated with authority, structure, and responsibility, and individuals with strong Saturn influences in their chart may have a tendency to be overly self-disciplined and rigid in their behavior. Understanding the planetary influences in one's chart can help individuals to better understand their unconscious motivations and tendencies.

Jung believed that the unconscious mind was the source of much of our psychological pain, and that the goal of therapy was to bring unconscious material to the conscious mind where it could be examined and integrated. Similarly, astrology can be used to bring unconscious material to the surface, allowing individuals to explore and integrate their unconscious patterns and tendencies.

Astrology can help individuals understand the cyclical nature of life and the universe. Jung believed that the unconscious mind was connected to a greater collective unconscious, and that all human experiences were part of a larger cycle of life. In astrology, the movement of the planets can be seen as a reflection of this larger cycle, and individuals can use astrology to understand their place in the larger cosmic tapestry.

Astrology can also be used to explore the shadow aspects of the psyche, or the unconscious parts of the self that are often neglected or repressed. By examining the planetary influences in one's chart, individuals can gain a better understanding of the parts of themselves that they have rejected or ignored, and can work towards integrating these parts into their conscious awareness.

Archetypes and Symbols Reflecting our Unconscious 

Both Tarnas and Grof recognize the value of astrology in understanding the unconscious mind and in facilitating personal growth and transformation. Tarnas argues that the movements of the planets can be seen as archetypal symbols that reflect the unconscious aspects of the psyche, and that understanding these symbols can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their unconscious patterns and tendencies.

An exploration of these ideas can also be found in the TV series “Changing of the Gods” 

Grof, on the other hand, believes that exploring the unconscious mind is an important aspect of personal growth and healing, and that the use of psychedelics and other methods can facilitate this exploration. In his work, Grof often incorporates astrology into his therapeutic practice, using the individual's birth chart as a guide for exploring their unconscious mind and helping them to integrate unconscious material into their conscious awareness.

The work of Tarnas and Grof highlights the importance of exploring the unconscious mind in personal growth and transformation, and the integration of astrology into therapy can be a valuable tool in this exploration. By incorporating the individual's birth chart into therapy sessions, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their unconscious patterns and tendencies, and can work towards integrating this material into their conscious awareness, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

While I do not provide licensed therapy sessions, my work as an astrologer can support a persons therapeutic work as well as their work with their psychedelic journey guides.

Pluto is associated with themes of transformation and rebirth, and is often considered the planet of power and control. When emphasized in a person's birth chart, Pluto can indicate areas of the individual's life where they may struggle with control, power, and intense emotions. Pluto's role in a person's life can aid individuals in identifying areas where they need to release control and let go of old patterns.

In a similar way, Uranus often signifies themes of independence, rebellion, and individuality. When emphasized in a person's birth chart, Uranus can indicate areas of the individual's life where they may experience sudden change, or where they may struggle with expressing their individuality. Uranus, on the other hand, can help individuals identify areas where they need to be true to themselves and embrace their unique path, and can support the therapeutic process.

Intersection of Ancient Astrology and Modern Mind

Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in Hellenistic astrology, which was developed in the Hellenistic period (3rd century BCE to 1st century CE) in ancient Greece and Rome. Hellenistic astrology emphasizes the use of astrology as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery, and its principles and techniques are well-suited for use in therapy for trauma, addiction, and anxiety.

One of the key principles of Hellenistic astrology is the concept of fate vs. free will. Hellenistic astrologers believed that astrology could reveal one's potential destiny, but that individuals also had the ability to choose their own path and shape their own destiny. This perspective can be particularly useful in therapy for trauma, addiction, and anxiety, as it can help individuals understand the unconscious patterns and tendencies that may contribute to these issues, but also empower them to make positive changes in their lives.

Hellenistic astrology also emphasizes the use of astrology as a tool for self-reflection and self-discovery. By examining their birth chart, individuals can gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses, their unconscious motivations and tendencies, and the areas of their lives where they may need to make positive changes. This self-reflection and self-discovery can be a valuable tool in therapy for trauma, addiction, and anxiety, as it can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their unconscious patterns and tendencies and work towards integration and transformation.

I have studied Hellenistic astrology with Adam Elenbass who originally came to astrology through his own practice of ayahuasca. Elenbass has asserted that astrology can be a valuable tool in helping individuals understand and heal from past traumas. 

My approach is to explore the astrological influences present at the time of a traumatic event, as these influences can provide important insights into the unconscious patterns and tendencies that may have contributed to the trauma.

Astrology and ayahuasca may have a strong connection, as both are based on the idea that there is a deep interconnectedness between the individual and the universe. Astrology can provide individuals with insight into their unconscious patterns and tendencies, and ayahuasca can provide individuals with a profound experience of connectedness and release, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of their unconscious patterns and tendencies.

Additionally, astrology can provide individuals with an understanding of the timing of their life events, including when they are likely to experience certain life transitions, such as healing from trauma, overcoming addiction, or overcoming anxiety. This understanding can be particularly valuable for individuals who are considering using ayahuasca, as it can help them choose the right time to take the substance, when they are most likely to experience the deepest release and healing.

Another plant medicine, psilocybin, has been used for thousands of years for their powerful effects on consciousness and have been shown to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Astrology and psilocybin have a connection in that both can provide individuals with a deeper understanding of their unconscious patterns and tendencies. Astrology can provide individuals with insight into their unconscious patterns and tendencies through the interpretation of their birth chart, while psilocybin can provide individuals with a profound experience of release and connection, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of their unconscious patterns and tendencies through the experience itself.

Astrology can provide individuals with an understanding of the timing of their life events, including when they are likely to experience certain life transitions, such as healing from trauma or overcoming anxiety. This understanding can be particularly valuable for individuals who are considering using psilocybin, as it can help them choose the right time to take the substance, when they are most likely to experience the deepest release and healing.

The combination of astrology and psilocybin can be particularly powerful, as astrology can provide individuals with a deeper understanding of their unconscious patterns and tendencies, while psilocybin can provide individuals with a profound experience of release and connection. By combining these two approaches, individuals may be able to experience a deeper and more profound healing process, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Evolutionary Astrology Connects the Known and Unknown

One of my other teachers of astrology, Timothy Halloran, is a practitioner who combines astrology with therapeutic techniques to support personal growth and healing. His approach is informed by the principles of evolutionary astrology and the work of Jeffrey Wolf Green, which hold that astrology can be used as a tool for understanding one's unconscious patterns and tendencies, and for exploring the timing of life events.

In his approach, Halloran uses astrology to help individuals gain insight into their unconscious patterns and tendencies and understand how these patterns may be impacting their lives. He has communicated many times on his YouTube channel that by understanding these patterns, individuals can make more informed decisions about their lives and take steps to address any unconscious tendencies that may be holding them back.

Halloran's approach involves using astrology to understand the timing of life events and to explore relationships, helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of the forces that are shaping their lives. 

The combination of astrology and personal mental health in Halloran's approach is informed by the principles of evolutionary astrology and Jeffrey Wolf Green's work, which hold that astrology can be used as a tool for understanding one's personal evolution and growth. 

My own work integrates the approaches of archetypal astrology, evolutionary astrology and ancient Hellenistic astrology to support the healing journey of individuals engaging in the path of plant medicine. I have personally traveled that path for over 30 years and can directly relate to the experiences that individuals go through on their journey and how to integrate those through astrology. 

I am happy to work with individuals on their own or with the support of a therapist or journey guide. I do not act as a journey guide and cannot assist in acquiring plant medicine. For that you may find resources at the Tam Integration Society.