Patterns are reflected by
the astrological birth chart
Although astrology is not usually taken seriously
by the psychotherapeutic community, we should remember that Jung himself
considered it valid and sought for a way to include it in psychological
work. I have found astrology to be quite compatible with processing. The
relationship between the planets at the time of birth represents the energy
potentials of the inner self and corresponds to the energy relationships
between the chakras. Blocks in the chakras can be immediately identified
and worked with directly through breath, bodywork, and precise processing.
Transits and progressions to the chart will show when in our lives important
issues will come up – these are the times to work with those issues.
An exploration of the chart contains insights about
personality type, motivation, basic psychological makeup, and most important
for our work, the specific feelings that are likely to be suppressed in
the subconscious. The chart also substantiates one’s experience. If
one has potential for sexual compulsiveness, or fear issues, or anger, or
a certain type of relationship experience, or even a potential for substance
abuse, for example, the psychological interpretation of the chart clearly
shows this. This capability of astrology is invaluable in helping us take
responsibility for ourselves instead of believing that others or our childhood
“caused” our condition. It is obvious that we came into life
with those patterns in place.
Even so, astrology does not provide the solution;
it only identifies the problem – processing provides the solution.
Before I had a working knowledge of the principles of EC processing, I approached
astrology as a system to warn me about what was troublesome about my own
or another person’s character that had to be avoided; I had no concept
of acceptance. The result was suppression of feelings and experience. In
using astrology, we must remember that integration of patterns, not avoidance,
is our central purpose. However, astrology is by no means essential; processing
therapy can proceed quite well without it. The patterns will emerge soon
enough. I recommend using it only if you have an interest. When it is not
used, you begin by working with the emotional energy that is felt.
We come into life with but a few major patterns. Our
life’s work is the integration of these patterns that cause us so
much pain. We must understand that progress will proceed slowly. Slow but
steady progress is actually the most powerful kind of transformation, because
when we get overnight results, the results go as quickly as they come.
