posted November 13, 2015 03:49 PM            

(Actual depiction of me as a child in grandparents' library. Okay, not really. But they did have a mansion, and it was HUGE to -- well -- anyone.)

Story became my way of coping with the vagaries and inconsistencies of my life; the turbulent adolescence, the misplaced childhood. The complicated young adulthood. It was through these characters, and their most basic archetypes, that I first began to explore identity, relationship, and even conflict. It became a natural match, given the young age at which I began studying astrology.

Now, the myths come to life before my eyes, in the charts!

The aspects belie the conflict; the signs and houses the nature, the approach, the masks worn and costumes adorned. Man, I was hooked. I didn't even know that I wasn't alone in my devoted love of this.

So now I'm beginning to wonder, as I delve more deeply into these psychological dynamics (per my education, experience, and training) that play out ...

... between the BLACK MOON / LILITH and the young, desperate PRIAPUS as he seeks satiation through merging; why this is such a potent tie, creating a powerful lunar relationship at the core of one's psyche.

... HADES / PLUTO and his 'abduction' of PERSEPHONE / PROSERPINA, and her evolution into Queen of the Underworld, maiden into matron, and eventually, 'crone'.

(How does the triple goddess operate in synastry?)

How is PARVATI / KAALI reconciled in relationship to SIVA, as she struggles to become actualised without losing fealty to this powerful god?

And, of course, the most classic in many ways, one that's remained precious to me for decades -- EROS / CUPIDO / VALENTINE / AMOR and PSYCHE. How does the archetype grow and change? Are these different 'faces' of Cupid relevant as we explore EROS/PSYCHE themes? What of the relationship to mother APHRODITE / VENUS?

How does Psyche's differ from Parvati's and Persephone's journey? Must the AMBROSIA be brought from HERMES / MERCURY, heralded by ZEUS / JUPITER, to begin the divine wedding?

How about ISIS and her mission to reassemble her brother-husband OSIRIS? How many times have we not felt charged with a similar objective in our deepest karmic relationships, where our partner is riddled with trauma, struggling to resolve a fragmented psyche? Is this an essential facet in the Hieros Gamos, or Sacred Marriage?

How representative is LANCELOT in Arthurian synastry, where strong links exist between ARTHUR and GUINEVERE? Should this later addition be disregarded, or can it provide context clues in classic love triangles?

What of SHERLOCK, IRENEADLER and MORIARTY? Where we find them might we also find a complicated nemesis relationship in which 'The Woman' is made pawn between two powerful, devilishly clever, but emotionally unavailable men?

Do ARTEMIS and APOLLO show a strong sibling relationship, in which we can even feel twinnish and of the same family?

And, among my personal favourites and deeper studies -- if the archetypes of Wonderland are rampant in a synastry, can we not learn the underlying 'story' through context clues?

These are the stories that have obsessed me for ages, and the lens through which I cannot help but view synastry, beginning with a close study of the natal, and how these influences are operating at the base level.

I think I've always wanted to write this, but I'm not sure if there isn't already something immediately comparable (I don't believe I'm aware of it, or I'd have it!) or if it'd even really be of interest to others.

posted November 13, 2015 04:01 PM            

Part of my job involves studying cultural history and I LOVE the power of the narrative - it's always mega-powerful in shaping opinion and defining reactions. In fact, that's one of the chief fascinations of astrology for me - identifying the truths in ancient stories about people being people.

posted November 13, 2015 05:05 PM            

However, I think "non-romantic" relationship archetypes are much more fascinating. Family, friends, enemies, mentors, etc. "Signs to find your soulmate!!!1!11eleventy" is dull and beaten to death. Give me "how to identify your past life siblings", or "signs you've met your murder victims from another universe", or "recognizing lessons you chose to deal with in this life". Even "lighting the path to your true potential", or "how to spot your innate limitations, and why they're there".

posted November 13, 2015 06:04 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Blind writer:
... Give me "how to identify your past life siblings", or "signs you've met your murder victims from another universe", or "recognizing lessons you chose to deal with in this life". Even "lighting the path to your true potential", or "how to spot your innate limitations, and why they're there".

True love sells though, I suppose.

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It's never been up for debate why I love you, but this is just further confirmation.

posted November 13, 2015 06:28 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Aubyanne:
It's never been up for debate why I love you, but this is just further confirmation.

Still wonder how that would work, though. 'Murder Karma' is definitely a thing. And, all things considered, I think those involved are doing pretty well with it. And, yeah, that's kinda a tough pill to swallow.

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I just think that more often than not, the subject in question is not The One, so it more interestingly begs the question - okay, who are they really? Life does not equal Romeo (because face it, most querents are Juliets). Life is your terrible step-mother, your quirky little brother, your much-adored familiar, your trustworthy uncle, and that cousin that smells bad. It's the Madame who consistently praises your poise, and the buddy you sneak out to topple cows with every Saturday.