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Outer Planet Cycles and Jung's Red Book, with Becca Tarnas

The Astrology Podcast・92 minutes read

Becca Tarnas discusses outer planet cycles, Jung's Red Book, and archetypal astrology, emphasizing the significance of archetypes in transcending concrete definitions. She delves into astrology's connection to historical events, explaining how planetary alignments shape critical turning points with long-lasting effects.

Insights

  • Archetypes in astrology, such as Saturn, embody abstract principles like discipline and time, transcending simple definitions.
  • Becca Tarnas, a second-generation astrologer, integrates Platonic forms and Jungian archetypes in her archetypal astrology practice.
  • The Red Book by Jung and outer planet cycles significantly influence Jungian psychology, emphasizing the encounter with imaginal beings.
  • The Saturn-Pluto conjunction in January 2020 manifests themes like corruption and ecological crises, reflecting global challenges.
  • Historical events, like wars and societal shifts, are linked to outer planet alignments, showcasing astrology's narrative perspective on human affairs.

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Recent questions

  • What is archetypal astrology and its significance?

    Archetypal astrology delves into transcendent forms that unify meanings associated with planets, signs, and aspects, embodying principles beyond concrete definitions. It aims to work with underlying concepts in life manifestations, offering flexibility and growth through archetypal perspectives.

  • How did Becca Tarnas become involved in astrology?

    Becca Tarnas, a second-generation astrologer, delved into astrology after studying theater and environmental studies, seeking answers to ecological crises. Growing up in an astrologically-inclined environment, she appreciated discovering astrology authentically, rather than having it imposed.

  • What is the significance of Jung's Red Book in astrology?

    Jung's Red Book signifies depth psychology, emphasizing the reality of imaginal figures encountered in his experiences. The book's publication helped dispel concerns about Jung's sanity, providing insight into his psychological understanding and encounters with archetypal beings.

  • How do outer planet cycles influence historical events?

    Outer planet cycles, like Saturn-Neptune and Saturn-Pluto, play a significant role in shaping historical events. These alignments lay the foundation for developments that unfold over time, with critical turning points during hard aspects like squares and oppositions.

  • What themes are anticipated during the Saturn-Pluto conjunction?

    The Saturn-Pluto conjunction, with themes like scandals, corruption, international conflict, and ecological crises, manifests significant intensity within a 15-degree orb. It serves as a stress test for existing structures, revealing weaknesses or strengths under pressure.

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Summary

00:00

"Becca Tarnas: Archetypal Astrology and Jung"

  • Chris Brennan hosts The Astrology Podcast, Episode 251, featuring Becca Tarnas discussing outer planet cycles and Jung's Red Book.
  • The interview takes place on April 22, 2020, starting at 4:57 PM in Denver, Colorado.
  • Becca Tarnas is a second-generation astrologer specializing in archetypal astrology, blending Platonic forms and Jungian psychological archetypes.
  • Archetypes are transcendent forms that unify various meanings associated with planets, signs, and aspects in astrology.
  • Archetypes, like Saturn, embody principles such as death, time, structure, and discipline, transcending concrete definitions.
  • Archetypal astrology aims to work with transcendent concepts underlying specific manifestations in life.
  • Becca Tarnas delves into astrology after studying theater and environmental studies, seeking answers to ecological crises.
  • Becca's intuitive understanding of astrology stems from growing up in an astrologically-inclined environment.
  • Becca's parents used astrology to understand her better, with her father, Richard Tarnas, hand-calculating her birth chart.
  • Becca appreciates finding astrology on her own, rather than having it imposed, allowing her to engage with it authentically.

15:19

"Archetypal Astrology: History, Growth, and Influence"

  • The speaker initially didn't fully understand the significance of astrology and cultural history in their father's work until later.
  • The book on astrology by the speaker's father was a significant event in the astrological community, particularly at Kepler College.
  • The speaker was involved in the design of the book cover, focusing on representing myths, gods, and goddesses.
  • The speaker began studying astrology in graduate school at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
  • The Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness program at the California Institute of Integral Studies offers courses blending transpersonal psychology with astrology.
  • The Archai Journal, an academic research journal, was formed by a research collective in 2007, focusing on planetary alignments and human events.
  • The Archai Journal was revived with Issue 5 in 2016, exploring archetypal cosmology within an academic context.
  • Archetypal astrology allows for flexibility and growth, with a focus on the perspective of archetypes.
  • There haven't been major technical disputes within archetypal astrology, with an emphasis on planets and aspects.
  • The speaker recently edited Issue 7 of the Archai Journal, titled "Historical Roots and Current Flowerings," with a strong Jungian theme emerging.

32:03

Exploring Jung's Astrology and Psychological Concepts

  • A book review of "Jung on Astrology" edited by Safron Rossi and Keiron Le Grice is discussed, highlighting Jung's writings on astrology.
  • Liz Greene's two volumes on Jung and astrology are reviewed, focusing on "Jung's Studies in Astrology" and "The Astrological World of Jung's ‘Liber Novus’".
  • Nan Savage Healy's book "Tony Wolff & C.G. Jung: A Collaboration" is reviewed, including an astrological analysis of Tony Wolff's chart.
  • Laura Michetti's article on the origins of the Saturn return in Persian astrology is mentioned.
  • Various pieces on the relationship of astrology to transpersonal psychology, Wordsworth and the Romantic poets, and the role of Prague in astrology are discussed.
  • Gerry Goddard's work on transpersonal psychology and archetypal astrology is highlighted.
  • Richard Tarnas' piece on the role of astrology in a civilization in crisis is mentioned.
  • The publication of Safron Rossi and Ke Grice's work collecting Jung's quotes on astrology and Liz Greene's work documenting Jung's relationship with astrology is emphasized.
  • The significance of Jung's Red Book, its publication in 2009 after 13 years of editing, and its impact on understanding Jung's psychological concepts are discussed.
  • The complexity of Jungian archetypes compared to astrological archetypes and the encounter with imaginal persons in Jung's experiences are explained.

47:31

Jung's Red Book: Imaginal Realms Explored

  • 'Imaginal' is distinguished from 'imaginary' as something perceived within a psycho-spiritual realm, not merely made up.
  • Jung, with his scientific and mystical background, presents empirical evidence of encountering imaginal or archetypal figures.
  • Astrologers benefit from understanding the ontological reality of archetypal beings in astrology.
  • The Red Book signifies depth psychology, emphasizing the reality of imaginal figures.
  • The Uranus-Neptune opposition from 1899 to 1918 influenced Jung's Red Book experiences.
  • Jung's key texts, like "Answer to Job" and "Psychology of the Transference," serve as a commentary on the Red Book.
  • Jung's family hesitated to publish the Red Book due to its personal and transpersonal nature, eventually releasing it in the late '90s.
  • The release of the Red Book helped dispel concerns about Jung's sanity and provided insight into his psychological understanding.
  • Jung's break with Freud in the early 1910s led to his descent and exploration of the collective unconscious.
  • The Saturn-Pluto conjunction and Jupiter-Uranus conjunction were significant astrological alignments during the First World War, influencing the war's intensity and naive excitement.

01:05:10

"Planetary Alignments Influence Historical Events"

  • Technology advancements in warfare, like machine guns and tanks, rendered old battle tactics ineffective during the first world war.
  • The war ended in demoralization due to the mismatch between tactics and technology.
  • The shift in energy during the war is attributed to the transition from Saturn-Pluto to Saturn-Neptune alignments.
  • The Battle of the Somme in 1916 exemplified the lack of imagination and demoralization during the war.
  • Outer planet cycles, particularly Saturn-Neptune and Saturn-Pluto, played a significant role in shaping historical events.
  • Mundane astrology allows for a qualitative understanding of historical events based on planetary alignments.
  • Individuals born under specific outer planetary alignments may come into prominence during similar alignments later in life.
  • Barack Obama's rise to presidency coincided with the Uranus-Pluto square alignment.
  • Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley's works were influenced by Uranus-Pluto alignments, reflecting feminist themes.
  • Outer planet conjunctions lay the foundation for significant developments that unfold over time, with critical turning points at hard aspects like squares and oppositions.

01:21:16

Planetary Alignments in World History and Astrology

  • The Middle East was divided by European and American powers after World War I, disregarding the region's actual dynamics, reflecting a colonialist mindset.
  • The demoralization following the First World War, possibly linked to the Saturn-Neptune alignment, led to a need for cessation.
  • The Second World War began with significant conflict, including Hitler's invasions, and concluded with a recognition of the Holocaust's tragedy.
  • World War I occurred from mid-1914 to late 1918, with a notable Saturn-Pluto conjunction around May 1915.
  • The current Saturn-Pluto conjunction, with one exact alignment in January, has manifested themes like scandals, corruption, international conflict, and ecological crises.
  • Graphs illustrating planetary alignments help visualize peak periods of intensity, even if exact conjunctions do not occur.
  • The saturation of archetypal qualities in the collective during the later stages of major world transits, like the Uranus-Pluto conjunction in the late 1960s, is significant.
  • Major changes during outer planet alignments may not be immediately evident, with full effects often becoming apparent in retrospect.
  • Astrology offers a narrative perspective on historical and individual events, emphasizing the importance of actions taken during significant planetary alignments.
  • The upcoming Jupiter-Saturn square Uranus alignment in January, involving Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter, may lead to structural changes and opportunities for innovation.

01:37:15

Astrological alignments impact economy and society

  • Changes in the economy and societal structures are being questioned, especially in relation to capitalism and the environment.
  • The Saturn-Pluto alignment is seen as a stress test for existing structures, revealing weaknesses or strengths under pressure.
  • The current planetary configurations, including Jupiter-Saturn-Pluto and Uranus, suggest diverse outcomes in different areas.
  • Historical events like the fall of the Soviet Union and 9/11 are linked to past planetary alignments, showing significant impacts.
  • Outer planet cycles often indicate critical turning points with long-lasting effects beyond the initial event.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic is viewed as a pivotal moment with long-term repercussions on various aspects of life.
  • The Saturn-Pluto conjunction occurred in January at 22 Capricorn, with significant intensity within a 15-degree orb.
  • Considering both degree-based and sign-based alignments can provide a broader perspective on astrological influences.
  • The conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn amplifies the impact, especially in the context of past financial crises.
  • Mundane astrology faces challenges in synthesizing multiple planetary alignments simultaneously due to their complexity.

01:52:14

Navigating Saturn Return and Astrological Insights

  • Starting with a single approach in astrology, focusing on planets and aspects before expanding
  • Newcomers to astrology may find it overwhelming to navigate various perspectives and techniques
  • Saturn return traditionally begins when Saturn returns to its natal sign and ends upon departure
  • Using a wide orb to calculate Saturn return can provide insights, especially with Saturn close to sign boundaries
  • Orbs are crucial in determining the intensity and duration of Saturn return effects
  • Saturn return themes may linger if Saturn is close to sign boundaries
  • Saturn and Pluto's upcoming movements and separations are discussed, with significant dates highlighted
  • The waxing square between Saturn and Pluto is anticipated to manifest themes from the conjunction period
  • Ecological and international conflict themes are speculated to arise during Saturn-Pluto alignments
  • The interconnected global response to pandemics and the need for global cooperation are emphasized

02:07:39

Global fear of destruction and mortality rise.

  • Collective fear of destruction has been palpable in recent months, reminiscent of the fear surrounding events like September 11, 2001.
  • The fear now is different from past economic worries as it involves a virus beyond human control, leading to a sense of mortality.
  • Jupiter's influence is magnifying the global impact of the virus, resulting in a significant number of deaths and infections.
  • The fear of mass death is a recurring theme in history, linked to Saturn-Pluto aspects during events like world wars and epidemics.
  • The Saturn-Pluto cycle is discussed, with a future opposition in 2036 marking the halfway point of the current cycle.
  • The end of the Neptune-Pluto sextile in the mid-2030s is anticipated, potentially shifting the balance between spiritual and transformative elements.
  • The Saturn-Pluto cycle continues into the mid-2040s, with a square expected as Pluto moves into Pisces.
  • The final hard aspect of the cycle occurs in the early-to-mid-2040s, involving Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto in a t-square configuration.
  • The current Saturn-Pluto cycle concludes in the early-to-mid-2050s with three conjunctions between Saturn and Pluto in Pisces.
  • The end of the cycle signifies the start of a new one, with the potential for significant changes in the coming decades.

02:22:27

"Archai: Archetypal Astrology Resources and Events"

  • The word "archai" is the root word for archetype, meaning 'first' or 'first principle', which is the basis for the journal's name, conveying an archetypal grounding. The website offers numerous free articles, PDFs, and resources on archetypal astrology for visitors to explore.
  • The hosts encourage listeners to visit BeccaTarnas.com for more information, thanking patrons who support The Astrology Podcast. They also mention upcoming events like the astrology conference in Denver in September 2020, providing a promo code for a discount on Solar Fire Astrology Software available at Alabe.com.
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