astrology & you poetryman: lifeforce

Astrology & You

THETHE POETRYPOETRY MANMAN match made in the heavens

By Frank Fratoe Lifeforce Lifeforce

Each one of us is the conflux where rain, air, and fire meet to produce an awareness that we never pale to nothingness because oceans riding within through a floodtide of years bring us the Earth’s renewal when heat and water intermix.

Yes, we are infinitely humble with wonder beyond ourselves offering grandeur everywhere to make us seem bits of dust but then look inward for sea and wind and our eternal sun who tell us and our eternal sun who tell us we are lifeforce which cannot ever pass away.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves. “We are born at a given moment in a given place and like vintage years of wine we have the qualities of the year and of the season in which we are born. Astrology does not lay claim to anything else”. -C. G. Jung

As a college student in the 1980s, I was drawn to exploring different ways to understand my life, my purpose here on Earth. I changed my field of study several times and often felt overwhelmed at the need to choose a career path. It was during this time that I had the fortune to meet a professional astrologer. I booked a reading with her, and she drew up my chart. I left the reading deeply moved at the way she seemed to understand my past and my present. She did not predict my future but helped validate what I already knew and gave me a sense of what I might work toward. I graduated with a Master of Social Work Degree and feel blessed each day with the work I am able to do as a therapist.

After the reading, I told myself that someday I would study astrology in depth, so 25 years later when I was preparing for empty nest, I jumped in with both feet! That was six years ago, and I continue to be blown away with how helpful a birth chart can be within the context of therapy. From depth psychology insights to basic symptom reduction, astrology can be a wonderful resource.

By Dianne Bachman

Modern astrology tends to be strength based. Traditional therapy models tend toward a focus on pathology. We diagnose, and the definition of diagnosis is: "the process of identifying and determining the nature of a disease or disorder by its signs and symptoms." In psychology we speak to the personality, the ego. In Astrology we look at the ego as it interacts with the ongoing evolutionary journey of the Soul.

Here are three reasons why I choose to include astrology as part of my professional life: 1) Psychological Astrology is strength-based, dynamic, and hopeful 2) Astrology can be incredibly accurate if incorporated as a conversation in the therapeutic milieu 3) Astrology has been around for about 4900 more years than the field of psychology and incorporates ancient wisdoms, the germ of which have not changed through the eons

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that people should avoid engaging in more traditional approaches. Each person is unique and resonates with various counseling modalities. I am saying that, for me as a therapist, astrology adds depth, profound perspective, and a dynamic vehicle for change. Now, here is the weekly weather for December: December 1 thru 7: We start out with strong relationship energies. There can be the opportunity to reflect on family responsibilities and how they fit. How are we different and where would we benefit from being more independent? There is also a heavy Pisces/Neptune vibe this month, so it would be important to do a reality check before making any changes. The pathway forward can be confusing or vague. Toward mid-week, Chiron's conjunction with the Moon can activate the urge to break free from that which binds us a little too tightly!

December 7 brings a full Moon in Gemini. The Sun illuminates the Moon as well as Mars, so there is quite an intensity to our need for knowledge, clarity, and dynamic communication, especially the ability to communicate our unique, personal needs.

December 8 thru 15: The energy to think of or express our needs continues to be present. This is a good week to plan travel (for now or the coming year) if that is something that inspires or excites you. Toward midweek, we may find ourselves daydreaming more or wanting to escape into fantasy. Meditation could take us to new depths BUT staying grounded is also important this week. The planetary energies are a bit watery for a few days.

December 16 thru 23: Jupiter moves into the sign of Aries on December 20, squaring the Sun in Sagittarius, bringing enthusiasm, travel, and a sense of expansiveness to the week. The new Moon in Capricorn on the 23rd invites us to plant the seeds of practicality and structure in our lives. Sun in Capricorn allows us to reflect on our wisdom, building solid foundations.

December 24 to 31: Mercury stations retrograde in the sign of Capricorn on December 29th. What a wonderful opportunity to review your year! Remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyable. With Mercury in Capricorn, we could feel a bit down or burdened with all the expense and tasks the season brings. So, get a little sunshine each day, reach out to others, and take loving care.

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at FourwindsastrologyLLC@gmail.com Artwork Mandala by Carl Jung