Dream Interpretation with Astrology

Astrology is a system that can identify personal characteristics and needs.

And empower us through mythological images leading to renewal or

directing us to new levels of personal freedom. Let’s first reflect on ideas

that can point to the value in the systematic use of symbols within the

astrology wheel.

Psychologist Carl Jung coined the term collective unconscious. It refers to

the set of symbolic archetypes that all humans seem to share, regardless of

culture or location, thus having a universal quality. These images appear to

be passed along genetically. Just as many animal species are predisposed

to certain untaught behaviors such as the ability for birds to weave nests.

Interestingly, many unconnected cultures also have myths or symbols that

are alike or similar, especially hero myths. Symbols for water, space, air,

and other overarching images are common in dreams regardless of

geography or culture. The archetypes in dreams are in effect dualistic, in

that they relate to personal matters but also are shared images with greater

humanity. Interestingly early writing in various cultures, was a series of

graphic images that could be read to derive meaning. A pictograph, picture

image or symbol, that everyone could understand.

Jung’s observance of correlations between psychological phenomena and

astrological data contributed to the formulation of his theory of

synchronicity……defined as “the simultaneous occurrence of a certain

psychic (note: mind state) with one or more external events which appear as

meaningful parallels to the momentary subjective state” (James Lewis,

Astrology Encyclopedia, 94) (Jung, Synchronicity,‘55 p 36). Through his

empirical studies Jung surmised that Astrology worked precisely because of

synchronicity, specifically that the individual natal chart “meaningfully

paralleled” the individual.

Dream experiences are finite because they reflect all possible human

experiences, which although perhaps vast are however finite. Although the

particular details of an individual’s experience may differ and dreams reflect

those variations, the themes would tend to be the same. Some possible

themes may include: fear of loss or fear of losing control; fear related to

unknown but anticipated changes, anxiety related to feeling of inadequacy;

anxiety related to relationships, ageing, health or injury; feeling of power,

loss of power, abusing, gaining or losing power in personal, work or social

circles; anxiety related to family members, their safety, mental health or

future (children, parents, siblings); fear of specific anticipated conflicts

including possible results such as loss of self-esteem or death; and loss of

self control. Dreams can reflect our fears and our triumphs, daily events or

in the case of repeating dreams, long term issues. Issues that we may not

be fully appreciative of in our daily typical conscious state. Perhaps dreams

can also indicate future events or future wishes.

The zodiac, or circle of animals, is a set of 12 signs that rotate within a set of

12 houses. Each sign has a glyph that represents it’s characteristics, and

each house carries a meaning that represents different areas of human

interest and life. Therefore even before introducing the planets, we see a

possible set of 144 (12 X 12) possible conditions. However to add further

intrigue, the signs move by degree, with 360 degrees in the circle, the

number of “settings” between signs and house expands greatly. The various

signs are also traditionally assigned in order to the four elements: earth

(practical), water (emotions), fire (motivational) and air (social). (Noel Tyl,

The creative Astrologer, 2000). So now we see now an ever moving circle

within a circle, that depicts major life themes and how they related to specific

areas of life. We can further add that the signs alternate as extroverted

(masculine) and introverted (feminine).

Let’s briefly look at a few of the signs and consider the rich meaning each

suggest, keeping in mind that each sign moves against the back drop of the

12 houses, and can be further highlighted by any or several of the planets.

Aries the ram is the first sign, ruled by Mars the planet of action and

initiative. Aries is headstrong, young and relishes a fight. Moving to the

4th sign, Cancer the Crab we see a creature that is hard on the outside, but

with a soft underside; a lover of land and sea; a moody creature ruled by the

moon. Virgo the Virgin is the sixth sign. She is ruled by Mercury, meaning

intelligence, smart and productive. Virgo is associated with service and

ingenuity. Libra, next to Virgo, is symbolized by scales. The image of an

object, neither animal or human, Libra represents justice and fair practices.

Considering just a few of the signs we can see their colorful nature and how

they can relate to our living experiences.

Now let’s consider how this can relate to our lives and the dreams we

experience. At birth each child is born with a unique Astrology Chart. Each

chart depicts the location, time, and day of birth. An astrologer carefully

“casts” each chart by hand or through the use of modern software. It has

been estimated that the same sky pattern will not be revisited for over

26,000 years. As the child grows and ages his chart (progressed) reflects

those changes. A well done traditional interpretation of a natal (birth) chart

seems to accurately depict an individuals personality and related issues.

Skillful study can further uncover particular issues, and underlying needs.

Each planets position by sign, house and aspect suggests needs “pressing

for fulfillment” (Noel Tyl). In reference to dreams, the images and symbols of

Astrology can parallel those particular repetitive archetypes images

experienced in a dream state. The same issues experienced in life being

reflected in the appropriate chart. Interestingly, numbers in dreams can also

sometimes be placed or found as a reference in a chart. Detailed study of

that/those particular numbers role in a chart can lead to further discoveries.

We begin to see the possibility of not only interpreting dreams through

astrology but also uncovering the underlying cause as well as suggesting

solutions to the related issues. As you make journal entries of your dream

experience, perhaps you can also add a note to contact an astrologer in

order to explore the deeper life issues related to your dreams.

Astrology by Joseph
Dream Interpretation and Astrology
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