Several years ago, I began to arrive at the office about an hour before I saw my first client. I kicked off the morning with coffee, meditation, and spending precious time with my journal. Since COVID-19 hit and I am only providing telehealth, finding solitude has been a bit more challenging. I am just now getting back into the routine of morning meditation on my birth chart and all things astrology.
Did you know that you can dialog with your birth chart through astrological archetypes? Well, yes, you can, and I am here to tell you that it can be fun, interesting, and extremely helpful in understanding the Self.
What is an archetype in psychological astrology? It is a model that is intrinsic, universal, that guides, reflects or influences our behaviors. Example: Leo the Lion is an archetype for the Sun. Some of what Leo embodies is passion, energy, prominence, showmanship, strength, and power. We all have an inner Leo, though mine is probably experienced differently than the next person, given the nuances of my personality, my personal traits, my family, and my culture.
I’ll give you one example of how the dialog played out for me. At the time, I was working on being more conscious of overextending myself and taking on responsibilities. Here is an excerpt from my journal recording on January 15, 2019:
Last time I sat for a meditation session with my chart, Capricorn wouldn’t talk to me. Instead Cap kept walking back and forth, unloading boxes from the back of a truck, then reloading them into a pile by his front door. When I tried to ask him questions, he told me that he wouldn’t even entertain my presence as long as I insist on staying too busy. But today I decided to try to go back to Cap and try him again. It has been a few weeks.
At first, he was sort of furtive, like “psssst, over here”. Then he relaxed a bit and told me I was doing OK with changes, but I needed to work hard at working less, and I have a long way to go. I asked if there was another archetype who could be helpful. Taurus came up, eating some grass and getting ready to take a nap in the sunshine—a big, slow moving bull. Taurus became upset with Capricorn because Capricorn pushes too much, too hard, too restrictive and negative at times. Capricorn says Taurus needs to “tighten up”. I asked if anyone could help mediate, and Libra stepped up—a crooner in a plaid suit, soft talking and pleasant, spoke to the fact that they are all part of a larger circle and must learn to work together if anything is to be accomplished. Capricorn and Taurus appeared ready for this bit of inspiration, though looking a bit sheepish. They looked at each other for a moment, then Taurus agreed to be more proactive and work on the fear of change. Cap agreed to try to be empathetic toward Taurus and less severe and critical.
Ahhh, the struggles I have with Capricorn at times with my Sun, Saturn, and Venus all under the rulership of that formidable sea goat! And all in the second house, which is where Taurus naturally resides. But we are talking and it’s all good! Even when Cap is in his deepest, rockiest place, he shows me what I need to know in order to gain some perspective, to let go of or to rebuild. He helps me understand boundaries and discernment when it comes to the responsibilities I take on.
So, take a look at your birth chart. Are there signs that seem emotionally charged, challenging, puzzling, or inviting? Choose one and do a little research. Search images, myths, stories about this sign. Begin to have an appreciation for it, keep it in the back of your mind, and your imagination and the archetype will do the rest. You may want to have a question or two ready if that seems appropriate.
Here is how I begin my meditations:
1) Find a comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed and either lie down or sit. Turn the phone off and let the cat out of the room. You may want to have a blanket handy in case you become chilly. Be prepared to sit for at least 10 minutes. Longer is good, too.
2) Close your eyes and settle into your inner landscape by taking a few deep, cleansing breaths. Be prepared to allow your imagination to have free license, no matter how silly or strange it may seem. Suspend disbelief. The goal here is to begin to explore and expand inner vision. Have fun with it.
3) After a few moments, begin to picture in your minds’ eye a staircase leading down to a landing. It can be brick, wood, stone, heavy recycled plastic—whatever seems sturdy and will support you as you descend to the landing. Allow yourself to be there, hearing the sound of your footsteps, the temperature of the air, and anything else that adds depth. If you don’t ‘see’ anything with the third eye, that is fine. Maybe the experience comes more as a thought form than a vision. Everyone is different and there is no right way to do this meditation.
4) As you near the bottom of the steps, see or sense a doorway in your minds’ eye. Again, any doorway that comes up for you is the correct one—no right or wrong way to do this. If it feels right, open the door and step through. I consistently experience a wide ledge that overlooks the ocean, but you may find yourself in a meadow, a forest, or in the middle of a busy city.
5) Gain your bearings. Look around and, again, be there. What is the temperature? What is the time of day? Are there any sounds, aromas, textures? Now you are ready to call out to the archetype (sign or planet). I have found that some are more forthcoming than others. If something other than the archetype shows up, discern if it is kind and wise. If it isn’t kind or wise, then you may want to try again at a later time. If it feels right, ask to be taken to the place where the archetype lives.
6) Allow the scene to unfold but don’t try to push it, especially the first few times. It may take some practice to surrender to this inner world. Again, there is no right or wrong way to do this meditation and you may very well make modifications to suit your own style. This is what has worked for me.
Our inner teachers are waiting and ready to share their wisdom and guidance. All we need do is be still, get quiet and listen.
Namaste.
Dianne Bachman, LCSW 