Astrology is primarily psychological, which is to do with the soul or psyche. It is an inner, intuitive discipline rather than a science in the modern sense, although the calculations which underlie it are of course scientifically accurate to the highest degree. The personality, of which astrology can give us a rich and complex profile, is, like the body, a vehicle of the higher purpose which we serve in earthly life. Just as modern science has found more and more sophisticated ways to genetically "map" the body's complex make-up including its disposition to various pathological developments astrology offers us an equally complex means to map the psyche or personality.

Astrology is a powerful tool for understanding two very important and inter-linked processes in life. Firstly the day to day reality and our adaption to it, and secondly our hidden or inner purpose and the lessons which are inherent in that.

In the first of these we are living and focussed in the life of an incarnate being. As such we may be unaware of, or resistant to, the more complex psychic reality of `who and what we are' as a multi-dimensional being of which this incarnation is only one small facet. The reality of our multidimensionality is contained in the placement of the transpersonal planets. It is through their aspects to the personal and collective planets that the potential for our experience and understanding of this reality is constellated. In particular it is through the effects of transpersonal planet transits that the tension between our trance-like identification with the with earthly life and the reality of our greater being is so heightened that it breaks into consciousness.

Astrology is on one hand a very subtle and complex tool for self knowledge on the day to day level of experience. Here it give us explanations for many of our actions behaviours and urges, and as such is a tool for self acceptance. If one can accept who one innately is, and begin to work with rather than against one's nature, then the processes of nurture with which we attempt to change ourselves may be far more effective. In this area the focus of astrology is primarily on the personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars), the Ascendant and Jupiter and Saturn (planets related to collective life and values) as indicators of our personal desires, styles and attitudes in relationship, social life and self expression. This aspect of astrology, through aspects to the transpersonal planets, also shows the possible outlets for the deeper forces in the psyche which flow (or don't flow) into our lives through the gateways of the personal planets.

It is in this sense that astrology offers a great potential for increasing self knowledge, and therefore self acceptance, which makes it is a most useful psychological tool. In this it focuses one on the here and now, on ever day life and realities, not on escapist fantasies and phenomena.

On the other hand astrology is a powerful tool for understanding our relationship to the transpersonal aspects of human experience - the religious, spiritual or metaphysical dimensions. The outer or transpersonal planets and the Nodes of the Moon, connect us to the deeper purposes which we serve knowingly or unknowingly in our lives. These planets (Pluto, Neptune, Uranus and Chiron) move in long cycles that have a collective as well as individual significance, and, as I indicated above, their linking with personal planets indicates the manner in which one will experience such transpersonal realities.

Deeply unconscious patterns in the individual psyche are here revealed, things that seem to run in families or have the quality of what may be called karma or fate. The Nodes of the Moon also indicate deeper psychic patterning, karmic issues or spiritual lessons. The deeper layers of psychological patterning such as psychosomatic responses, psychic and spiritual abilities and dimensions of the personality, transcendent or transformational energies, addictive/neurotic/ psychotic possibilities and psycho-sexual dynamics are all potentially indicated by outer planet configurations in the chart. In other words the deeper life of the soul, the lessons one has in serving it in this life and the multi-dimensional aspect of our greater being may be revealed through these factors.

Periods of transit activity by outer planets are important indicators of where, how and when energies from the deeper layers of the psyche will break through and demand our attention. Such times are times of trial and challenge but also of great potential benefit; times of transformation, healing and emergence of creative energies and hidden psychic or spiritual dimensions into one's life. Transits are times of cyclic emergence of energies for psychological change and spiritual development. They are "trigger" points which open up times of heightened opportunity for growth, although they are often initially experienced as times of disruption and upheaval. Looking at signs and houses in major transits can prepare one for dealing with the emergence of these energies in particular arenas of life.

It is important to understand that outer planet and Saturn transits are not "points in time" and understanding that they may extend over several months (up to a year sometimes) may be important preparation for gaining the fullest benefit from them.

© Rodney Ravenswood 1996