The Psychology of Astrology and The Connection of Energy and Mental Health
- Brainz Magazine
- Mar 24
- 6 min read
Written by Alicia Cadiz, Licensed Psychotherapist, LMHC
Alicia Cadiz is well-known when it comes to relationships and breakups. She is a Licensed Psychotherapist, CEO, and Founder of Healing With Alicia, a mental health counseling private practice. Alicia helps clients holistically connect the mind, body, and soul as one, most importantly, in a safe space where you can fully trust your therapist.
In the ever-evolving world of mental health, we often seek tools that not only address the surface-level symptoms but also penetrate the deeper energies that influence our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. One of the most fascinating ways of exploring these deep forces is through the lens of astrology, a practice that dates back thousands of years and examines the influence of celestial bodies on our lives. Psychology, particularly through Carl Jung’s therapeutic modalities, offers a modern framework to explore the depths of the human psyche. What happens when these two fields, astrology and psychology, intertwine? This article explores how Carl Jung’s ideas on the psyche and the therapeutic process can align with astrology to offer a holistic perspective on mental health.
Carl Jung: The archetypes and the unconscious mind
Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, revolutionized psychology with his concept of the collective unconscious, the shared reservoir of memories and experiences common to all humans. Jung proposed that this unconscious mind is not only personal but also universal, shaped by archetypes, which are primal, symbolic representations of human experiences. These archetypes, such as the Hero, the Shadow, the Anima/Animus, and others, form the foundation of Jungian therapy, helping individuals better understand the underlying patterns in their lives.
For Jung, psychological healing wasn’t just about addressing symptoms; it was about integrating the unconscious with the conscious mind. This integration could only occur through a process called individuation, where individuals reconcile the conscious and unconscious aspects of their psyche to become whole.
Astrology, like Jung’s ideas, offers a symbolic language that seeks to explain the forces that shape us. Just as Jung’s archetypes serve as models of the unconscious, astrological symbols (like the signs, planets, and houses) act as tools for understanding the deeper forces at play in our mental and emotional lives. Both frameworks offer symbolic blueprints that reflect our inner world, providing an essential guide for self-discovery and healing.
Energy and astrology: Understanding the cosmos within
Astrology operates on the principle that the positions and movements of celestial bodies, such as planets, stars, and the moon, have a profound influence on our lives and psyche. Each planet and sign in the zodiac embodies specific energy qualities that reflect different aspects of the self. For instance, the Moon symbolizes our emotions, the Sun represents our core essence and identity, and Mercury governs communication and thought processes.
In many ways, astrology works as an energy map, illustrating how these celestial forces impact us energetically. When we are aware of the positions of these planets, we gain insight into our internal energies, emotional states, cognitive patterns, and overall life purpose. Just as Jung believed that understanding archetypes could facilitate psychological healing, astrology offers a similar approach by mapping the energetic influences that shape our behavior, thoughts, and emotional responses.
For example, the archetype of the Shadow, Jung’s term for the unconscious, repressed, or denied aspects of the self, can be explored through astrology by looking at the position of Pluto, the planet of transformation, and the unconscious. A person with a prominent Pluto placement in their chart may struggle with confronting their Shadow, requiring therapeutic intervention to embrace these hidden parts of themselves.
Astrology and Jung’s concept of the individuation process
Jung’s individuation process, the journey toward wholeness, mirrors the healing process in astrology. Both are aimed at integrating the conscious and unconscious self and reconciling internal contradictions. Astrology, much like Jung’s model, believes that the process of self-realization requires an alignment of the energies that make up our personality, emotional state, and thought processes.
A birth chart, or natal chart, is the astrological snapshot of a person’s life at the moment of their birth. The birth chart shows the positions of the planets, sun, and moon in relation to the twelve zodiac signs and their placement in the twelve houses. These aspects form the unique energetic blueprint for each individual, offering insight into how a person’s psychological traits and energies might manifest. Jungian therapy, with its focus on integrating the conscious and unconscious, complements astrology by helping individuals use these insights for self-growth.
For instance, if a person has a strong Mars placement in their chart, it may signify an individual with a lot of energetic drive and assertiveness. However, if this energy is unbalanced or repressed, it could manifest as anger or frustration. In Jungian terms, this would be a part of the individual’s Shadow that needs to be integrated. Astrology provides a map, while Jung’s therapeutic methods guide the process of transformation.
The role of the elements in astrology and psychology
Both astrology and Jungian psychology recognize the importance of balancing opposites. In astrology, this is often symbolized by the four classical elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each zodiac sign is associated with one of these elements, and each element represents a fundamental aspect of our psyche:
Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Creativity, passion, and action
Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Stability, practicality, and materialism
Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Intellect, communication, and social connection
Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Emotions, intuition, and sensitivity
Jung’s concept of psychological balance also aligns with this elemental understanding. The fire element corresponds with the ego and the conscious will, pushing the individual to take action. The earth element reflects the more grounded, material aspects of life, including our need for security and structure. Air, in its intellectual and social capacities, speaks to our thought patterns and communication styles. Water governs our emotional depths, intuition, and connection to the unconscious.
In therapy, just as astrology might show an imbalance in one of these elements, Jung’s work would encourage the exploration of the unconscious to heal and integrate those elements into the conscious self. For example, someone who has a lack of water in their chart may struggle with emotional expression, which could result in repressed feelings, much like an individual who avoids confronting their emotional world in therapy.
Bridging the gap: How astrology enhances Jungian psychology
Jung’s deep exploration of the unconscious and his archetypes provide a powerful psychological tool, but astrology adds a layer of nuance and specificity that can aid the therapeutic process. By integrating astrology into Jungian analysis, therapists and individuals alike can map the emotional, mental, and spiritual landscape with more precision.
For example, a person with a prominent Saturn placement may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or fear of failure, something that could manifest in their personal and professional lives. In Jungian terms, this could be interpreted as a challenge related to the archetype of the Father or Authority, where unresolved feelings of inadequacy need to be confronted. In astrology, the transits of Saturn could reveal times of challenge or growth, which provides a context for understanding when these themes will be most activated and when healing is possible.
A holistic approach to mental health
The combination of astrology and Carl Jung’s therapeutic modalities offers a rich, integrative approach to understanding mental health. While astrology provides the energetic framework through which we can understand our intrinsic patterns and tendencies, Jung’s psychology encourages us to confront and integrate these energies in the pursuit of psychological wholeness. By recognizing the interplay between celestial forces and the unconscious mind, we have an opportunity to heal in a way that addresses both the visible and invisible forces that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
When we approach mental health with this holistic perspective, one that bridges the gap between astrology and psychology, we open the door to deeper self-awareness, healing, and growth. Understanding our energies, our unconscious patterns, and the cosmic influences at play in our lives can lead to a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Read more from Alicia Cadiz
Alicia Cadiz, Licensed Psychotherapist, LMHC
Alicia Cadiz is a leader, breaking barriers, in the world of mental health. Alicia always knew she wanted to dedicate her life to holistically helping others reach their highest potential. She studied the work of Carl Jung at a young age and bases her therapeutic approach on his teachings. She explores every category of a client, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, as she helps uncover your shadows and unconscious self, bringing light and awareness to the parts of ourselves we want to hide. Energy does not lie and neither does the power of the universe.
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