Book Reviews · Mythology

The Once and Future King: notes for Neptune in Aries

While reading the hugely enjoyable The Once and Future King by TH White last year I kept coming across sections that made me think: Oh, that’s Neptune in Aries! So here’s a collection of quotes and my rambling thoughts about what King Arthur and Merlin can teach us about fighting, war, justice, morality, humanity, and… Continue reading The Once and Future King: notes for Neptune in Aries

Astrology · Mythology

Ancient Astronomy and Lunar Standstills

Last time we explored the current major lunar standstill or lunistice which happens once every 18.6 years and lasts for about 2 years. During this time the moon rises and sets in more extreme positions and reaches higher in the sky than the sun in the summer and lower in winter in the northern hemisphere.… Continue reading Ancient Astronomy and Lunar Standstills

Astro Journal · Mythology

Planet Myths: The Story Behind Venus

Venus represents the principle of attraction and relationship and shows what you value and desire, how you relate to others and attract people or things into your life. She may be the planet of love and beauty but she also has a dark side, especially when she feels disrespected or overlooked, and can even be… Continue reading Planet Myths: The Story Behind Venus

Mythology · Psychology

Exploring Faust: Thomas Mann and the End of the West

We’ve been exploring the development of Faust and how the myth has changed over the centuries. Last time we covered Goethe’s version, the favourite because it paints our obsession with progress as a good thing. The world has changed a lot since it was written and we can now see where that obsession has brought… Continue reading Exploring Faust: Thomas Mann and the End of the West

Mythology · Psychology

Exploring Faust: Goethe and the Myth of Progress

Last time we looked at the history of the Faust legend and the first popular version by Christopher Marlowe. The tale grew out of the Reformation and it reflected the needs of the time. But as the Renaissance morphed into the so-called Age of Enlightenment in the 17th century, people needed a new myth and… Continue reading Exploring Faust: Goethe and the Myth of Progress

Mythology · Psychology

Exploring Faust: History and Christopher Marlowe

The legend of Faust tells the tale of a man who makes a deal with the devil to gain magical powers. The devil’s representative is Mephistopheles, who gives Faust power for twenty-four years, after which the devil takes his soul to hell. There are many different versions of the tale and it changes to reflect… Continue reading Exploring Faust: History and Christopher Marlowe

Astro Journal · Mythology

Planet Myths: The Story Behind Jupiter

Jupiter represents your need to grow and improve yourself, to make progress and expand into new areas. It stands for the search for meaning and the desire to connect with something greater than yourself, to find faith and confidence in life, as well as grace and joy. Jupiter takes about 12 years to orbit the… Continue reading Planet Myths: The Story Behind Jupiter

Astro Journal · Mythology

Planet Myths: The Story Behind Mars

Mars represents your will and survival instincts and how you direct your life force to achieve goals. It shows how you assert yourself and express your desires, initiating action to get what you want. Depending on placement and aspects, there’s no messing about with Mars – he’s direct and courageous, urging you to go forth… Continue reading Planet Myths: The Story Behind Mars

Astro Journal · Mythology

Planet Myths: The Story Behind Neptune

Neptune represents your need for transcendence and the desire to escape limitations through surrender to a timeless vision or ideal. It’s associated with the creative expression of imagination, dreams and fantasy, as well as religious devotion and mystical union that dissolves the boundaries of the self. Neptune takes about 165 years to orbit the entire… Continue reading Planet Myths: The Story Behind Neptune

Astro Journal · Mythology

Planet Myths: The Story Behind Uranus

Uranus represents your need for freedom and change and the desire for independence from tradition and the status quo. It’s associated with sudden awakenings and insights that revolutionise your perspective and turn your life upside down, pushing you towards individuation and liberation. Uranus is the next planet out from Saturn and its orbit takes 84… Continue reading Planet Myths: The Story Behind Uranus

Astro Journal · Mythology

Planet Myths: The Story Behind Pluto

Pluto represents how you relate to the cycles of life and death and the process of transformation. It’s associated with the primordial instincts and the elemental forces of nature and power. Whether you’re ready or not, Pluto confronts you with the necessity for regeneration and the evolution of your soul. Pluto is a dwarf planet… Continue reading Planet Myths: The Story Behind Pluto

Astro Journal · Mythology

Planet Myths: The Story Behind Saturn

Saturn represents your need for structure, limitation and security. As the reality principle, it stands for the workings of karma and necessity. It keeps you grounded in the material world through your relationship to time and the facts of existence, suffering, old age and death. In the past, Saturn was known as the Greater Malefic… Continue reading Planet Myths: The Story Behind Saturn