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10 Feb 2022
#13 | The Labyrinth | Theseus & the Minotaur | Daedalus & Icarus
00:57:13
The Ancient Greek myth of the Labyrinth is one of the most rich, complex and compelling stories of the ages. It provides us a metaphor for moving through the winding tunnels of our own individual Psyche as well as a navigation tool for our modern days in the apparently post truth world.
Pick up Ariadne's Thread and come along for a journey into:
* The nature of ancient stories and why we need to leave the more gruesome and unappealing parts in, despite it making us uncomfortable. * An ode to the Nodes in Scorpio - Taurus (briefly) * Ancient Bull Cults spreading from Crete to the Indus Valley in the Age of Taurus (circa 4400 - 2200 BCE) * Zeus & Europa, King Minos, Poseidon, Daedalus, Theseus, Ariadne and Icarus - as they all weave their way into the tapestry of this epic tale.
Cover Art: Maestro di Tavarnelle Theseus and the Minotaur, aka The Labyrinth ca 1500-1525
If you're enjoying what you're hearing please consider joining the Patreon community.
Thank you to Marlia Coeur who has provided us with the soundtrack for the show. You can find her on Spotify and YouTube.
Persia Juliet joins the show and opens with the Ancient Indian Epic love story of Shiva & Sati. It's a story panning many epochs and lifetimes exploring love, longing, passion and the Yogic Path.
Persia shares a glimpse of her own story: from spontaneously performing yoga rituals as a child to the world of Bikram Yoga and on to becoming one of the premier teachers in Sydney. We weave this, as only she can, into the life she's living and how the teachings embedded in this story have shaped her experiences.
Persia is a teacher trainer and international retreat host, specialising in Yin, Theming & Planetary Vinyasa. Her passion for teaching is greatly influenced by energetic anatomy, the link between emotions and organs, astrology and lunar cycles.
Her current offering, starting soon(!), is a 100 Yin TT called Soma Chandra. Discover more here.
If you're enjoying what you're hearing please consider joining the Patreon community.
Thank you to Marlia Coeur who has provided us with the soundtrack for the show. You can find her on Spotify and YouTube.
Stuart Gadenne joins the podcast to talk all things Norse Mythology.
We delve into the attempts of the Gods to punish and silence the Trickster God Loki, and how that led to the inevitable end of times in Ragnarok. The parallels with Greek Mythology are also explored. And we look into the heart of the soul of Masculinity. What do these old tales have for us modern humans searching for a place in this world?
Stuart Gadenne joins the podcast to talk all things Norse Mythology.
We delve into the attempts of the Gods to punish and silence the Trickster God Loki, and how that led to the inevitable end of times in Ragnarok. The parallels with Greek Mythology are also explored. And we look into the heart of the soul of Masculinity. What do these old tales have for us modern humans searching for a place in this world?
#17 | Tara Judelle | 'I Don't Know' is the Most Intimate
01:33:11
Tara Judelle is a world renowned yoga facilitator moved by bringing humans into their innate sense of freedom and purpose. After 30 years experimenting in all forms of movement, Tara co-created the School of Embodied Flow™ in 2014, making her one of the first yoga teachers to bring the work of Body Mind Centering and Tantra together. From a background in literature, film writing, directing and dance, Tara brings students on a journey of discovery of their numinous self through laughter, meditation, embodiment, movement & inquiry.
Tara was one of the first five teachers on the platform called Yogaglo which was one of the first online yoga platforms (launching in 2009). Her deepest inquiry is how to bring the felt sense of capital S self into the felt sense of our embodiment to facilitate awakening. She is also interested in using the body as a gateway into flow states, and how to bring the meditative awareness into open eyed interactive awareness. Teaching reciprocity and yielding is one of the things closest to her heart.
Recently she has been studying more somatic psychology and Internal Family Systems, and looking at how the energy of what we could call Core Self radiates as a frequency that tends to heal/melt held patterns or parts.
"I suppose if I could do anything in the world it would be to help humans to remember their creative, dynamic felt sense of Self energy and to melt the masks that we have learned to take on. "
#18 | James Mattingley | The Return by Geneen Marie Haugen
01:10:13
James Mattingley returns to the show with another powerful poem:
The Return by Geneen Marie Haugen
Some day, if you are lucky, you’ll return from a thunderous journey trailing snake scales, wing fragments and the musk of Earth and moon.
Eyes will examine you for signs of damage, or change and you, too, will wonder if your skin shows traces
of fur, or leaves, if thrushes have built a nest of your hair, if Andromeda burns from your eyes.
Do not be surprised by prickly questions from those who barely inhabit their own fleeting lives, who barely taste their own possibility, who barely dream.
If your hands are empty, treasureless, if your toes have not grown claws, if your obedient voice has not become a wild cry, a howl,
you will reassure them. We warned you, they might declare, there is nothing else, no point, no meaning, no mystery at all, just this frantic waiting to die.
And yet, they tremble, mute, afraid you’ve returned without sweet elixir for unspeakable thirst, without a fluent dance or holy language
to teach them, without a compass bearing to a forgotten border where no one crosses without weeping for the terrible beauty of galaxies
and granite and bone. They tremble, hoping your lips hold a secret, that the song your body now sings will redeem them, yet they fear
your secret is dangerous, shattering, and once it flies from your astonished mouth, they-like you-must disintegrate before unfolding tremulous wings.
Celebrating the Astrological New Year and the first new moon of the Year in Aries: The Story of the Zodiac. We go from the Oceanic realm, the dreamtime of Pisces into the Creative Fire of Aries which begins the cycle. Each sign as an element of compensation of the sign before it. And then, eventually, back into the ocean.
Then, a take on what Astrology actually IS. The miracle of it surviving through to modern day and into the realm of Rationalist Materialism. The attempt to 'explain' how it works that often falls flat. And another way to think about it in imaginal terms (which doesn't mean not real).
And finally - a passage from James Hillman and his speech to an Astrological conference in 1997, repeated in 2005. You can find that here.
Today's episode explores the ancient myth of Narcissus & Echo - paying close attention to Ovid's take on the myth from his book Metamorphoses.
The word Narcissist is commonly used these days, but the myth itself remains in the background. Today it is brought into the middle of the discussion and looked to for ways to heal the condition of Narcissism as an individual ailment, as well as a modern cultural phenomenon.
#21 | Margie Templeton | Arnold Mindell's Process Work | On Narcissism
01:13:01
Today's episode follows on from the last (Episode 20) on the myth of Narcissus & Echo.
This week I'm joined by an old friend and mentor - Margie Templeton. Margie spent 35 years in New York as a practicing psychotherapist beginning her career in the 1960s. She received sessions and guidance from Arnold Mindell and Max Schuuback: two of the early pioneers of Process Work.
We discuss Margie's journey from growing up in the 1940s and 50s until her graduation from high school in the mid 60s and the options available for women at that time. Her path led her into studying psychology and then discovering the creative, artistic, eccentric world of Process Oriented Psychotherapy.
At 32:25 we discuss Narcissism from a clinical, personal and social context with the intention of deepening our understanding of the phenomenon. It's a deep, winding and enriching conversation.
#22 | Asclepius | The Roots of Western Medicine | Lunar Eclipse May '22
00:37:40
Asclepius is the god of medicine in Ancient Greece. The gifted student of Chiron, he entered the dreams of his patients and healed from inside the Soul.
One of the great 'Asclepiads' - the descendants of Asclepius (through master-student lineage) - was Hippocrates whom many consider the Father of Modern Medicine.
This episode wanders through the entanglements of history and mythology to trace this lineage and discover how we have arrived at the current scientific model of modern medicine.
This mythologem fits snuggly into today's Lunar Eclipse, primarily exploring the healing axis of Scorpio-Taurus with a square to the intensely rational Saturn in Aquarius.
Special thanks to my personal Chiron figure, Brian Clarke, for his thesis entitled Fate & Disease: Myth, Astrology, Health. If you'd like to know more on the topics discussed I highly recommend reading this article.
#23 | Zoë Tryon | Earth Wisdom in the Amazon | Part One
00:51:12
Zoë Tryon is a renowned activist, speaker, and artist known for her work with indigenous communities globally. She is the Founder of One of the Tribe Journeys, a travel company that offers privately led, immersive experiences with indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Andes. Through One of the Tribe, Zoë has led journalists, filmmakers and celebrities to witness places in the world few will ever see. Zoë also founded the One of the Tribe non-profit to raise awareness for the issues facing indigenous communities and has acted as a cultural liaison between indigenous and Western leaders since 2006 when she first began living with the Achuar Tribe in the Amazon. Since then Zoë has lived and worked with the Achuar, Shuar, Kichwa, Sapara and Waorani peoples across Ecuador. She has supported education, health and economic capacity building projects, advocated for environmental and constitutional rights, and worked closely with indigenous partners on the largest environmental lawsuit in history.
Zoë speaks worldwide on the interconnected issues of environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility and how we can apply extraordinary wisdom from tribal cultures to our lives today. She is an ambassador for Amazon Watch, a champion for the Clearwater Campaign and a creative activist for the Creative Visions Foundation. Her artwork is held in private collections around the world.
#24 | Zoë Tryon | Earth Wisdom in the Amazon | Part Two
00:54:46
Zoë Tryon is a renowned activist, speaker, and artist known for her work with indigenous communities globally. She is the Founder of One of the Tribe Journeys, a travel company that offers privately led, immersive experiences with indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Andes. Through One of the Tribe, Zoë has led journalists, filmmakers and celebrities to witness places in the world few will ever see. Zoë also founded the One of the Tribe non-profit to raise awareness for the issues facing indigenous communities and has acted as a cultural liaison between indigenous and Western leaders since 2006 when she first began living with the Achuar Tribe in the Amazon. Since then Zoë has lived and worked with the Achuar, Shuar, Kichwa, Sapara and Waorani peoples across Ecuador. She has supported education, health and economic capacity building projects, advocated for environmental and constitutional rights, and worked closely with indigenous partners on the largest environmental lawsuit in history.
Zoë speaks worldwide on the interconnected issues of environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility and how we can apply extraordinary wisdom from tribal cultures to our lives today. She is an ambassador for Amazon Watch, a champion for the Clearwater Campaign and a creative activist for the Creative Visions Foundation. Her artwork is held in private collections around the world.
#25 | The Homeric Hymn to Hermes | Astrological Mercury
00:52:41
Today Mercury makes his way back into Gemini - his Astrological home. This episode is a tribute to the Prince of Thieves, God of the Crossroads, Guide of Souls (Psychopomp) and Friend at the Feast.
In Greece he was known as Hermes. In Rome he was Mercury. But all through the myriad of cosmologies throughout the world he leaves his fingerprints, shapeshifting into countless forms, causing delight, mischief and mayhem everywhere he goes.
Brian Clark joins the podcast again, this time to talk all things Hermes/Mercury. In the sky at the moment Mercury is in its home of Gemini whilst the Sun has made its way into the early degrees of Cancer.
As such, Hermes leads us into a discussion of his links to the sign of Cancer and his connection to Hestia - the first born of Chronus and the Goddess of the Hearth. We ponder what the wheel of the Zodiac would look like if, like in ancient times, Cancer was in fact the first sign.
We also dive into the image of the Bee Oracle, Mercury as the god of the crossroads, Hermes the 'hypnagogue' who takes us in and out of sleep, the importance of dreams and sleep in a healthy Pscyhe, Mercury's position as the hinge in between worlds, and so much more.
It truly was a delight to reconnect with Brian - a mentor in the deepest sense of the word.
#27 | Báyò Akómoláfé | The Trickster Worldview | Esu & the Crossroads
00:49:05
Báyò Akómoláfé joins the show today to discuss the role of Tricksters and Monsters in connecting us into emergent thought and taking us beyond our regular programming of 'two-ness'.
Báyò is a poet at heart and a deep thinker. He sees himself as a 'trans-public intellectual'; (a concept imagined together with and inspired by the shamanic priesthood of the Yoruba healer-trickster)- whose vocation goes beyond justice and speaking truth to power to opening up other spaces of power-with, and queering fond formulations and configurations of hope.
#28 | The Frog King | Sun vs Saturn | The Uranian Impulse
00:59:29
In old times when wishing still helped one, there lived a king whose daughters were all beautiful, but the youngest was so beautiful that the sun itself, which has seen so much, was astonished whenever it shone in her face. Close by the King's castle lay a great dark forest, and under an old lime tree in the forest was a well, and when the day was very warm, the King's child went out into the forest and sat down by the side of the cool fountain, and when she was bored she took a golden ball, and threw it up on high and caught it, and this ball was her favourite plaything.
Now it so happened that on one occasion the princess's golden ball did not fall into the little hand which she was holding up for it, but on to the ground beyond, and rolled straight into the water. The King's daughter followed it with her eyes, but it vanished, and the well was deep, so deep that the bottom could not be seen. At this she began to cry, and cried louder and louder, and could not be comforted....
This is the beginning of the story of the Frog King, the first story in the Brothers Grimm Collection. And it's where we begin today as we explore the tension between the golden light of the individual and the deep well of the collective unconscious with the help of this old tale rich in symbol and wisdom.
#29 | Jason Holley | Mythic Storytelling Astrologer
01:19:31
Today I'm joined by Jason Holley, an Astrologer/Psychotherapist currently residing in the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Jason's approach is imaginative, soulful, deep, profound, sacred and sometimes profane.
We discuss his project of breathing life back into the signs of the Zodiac by embracing their underlying mythological roots, re-pairing Astrology's philosophical basis with that of the mythic from whence it was born.
Our discussion begins with a sinking into the land that he joins me from, the small island of Kauai, and how life there tends to veer away from the productive and into the dreaming. This leads us into the inter-subjective layers of reality and the importance of bringing in the Self in our consulting work rather than imagining ourselves as 'objective observers'.
As the conversation weaves and flows we find ourselves in a discussion of Zeus, or the Astrological planet Jupiter. We explore this figure beyond the typical ideas of the lofty king of the gods seated at the top of Mount Olympus and open up to his mutability, shape-shifting, being pulled into the messy experiences of Life, definitely NOT in charge.
Jason Holley (he/they) has been a practicing astrologer for over 30 years and a psychotherapist (LPCC) for 15 years.
Jason facilitates living and embodied experiences of astrology through one-on-consultations, online and in-person study courses, seminars, immersive workshops, and retreats. Jason’s approach interweaves astrological symbolism, mythology and storytelling, depth psychology, astrodrama, art-making, dance and movement, and other experiential methods. Jason has spoken and led workshops at most national and international astrological conferences in the US, UK, and Australia, and is a faculty member for Astrology University and MISPA online.
This work responds to the deep longing for the remarriage of Eros and Psyche — of Love and Soul — in modern life; and the restoration of each person’s felt sense of connection with our Circle of Animals inside and out: our ancestral, cultural, animal, natural, and spiritual relations.
Jason is currently completing two books: Constellations of Meaning, a psychological exploration of the myths of each of the twelve zodiacal constellations; and Psychological Approaches to Sect, a consciousness-oriented re-imagining of the ancient teachings about Day and Night affinities in astrology.
#30 | Orpheus & Eurydice | Pisces-Virgo | Dust Gathered on Ancient Festivals (Client Dream)
00:20:54
In this slightly new format of the show we explore a dream that I client brought to me this week. In this dream she is in the rubble of an old building and looks down to see dust gathering on the remains of ancient festivals. The feeling is of a deep sense of loss. Into this feelings comes a woman with dark hair called Cynthia (linked to Artemis) who comes to guide her through her exploration.
The dream brought to mind the tragic Love Story of Orpheus & Eurydice that formed the basis of the Orphic Mystery Cult of Ancient Greece.
We explore these themes with the backdrop of the Pisces Full Moon conjunct Neptune. Interestingly it was a Virgo Full Moon opposite Neptune when Corona captured our attention in March 2020. Listen in to hear what this all means, especially in light of the Neptunian Sea Monster, Typhon.
#31 | Dr Carolina Herbert | The Chiron Return | Apology & Forgiveness | John O'Donohue
01:11:04
Dr Carolina Herbert joins us on the show again to discuss her experience of the Chiron Return: a process that occurs for us all in our late 40s/early 50s.
We begin with a poem from John O'Donohue from his collection, To Bless the Space Between Us. It's a poem entitled For Someone Awakening to the Trauma of His of Her Past. This sets the scene for the story of Chiron told from his birth until his eventual release from his physical form to join the constellations.
Then, Carolina generously shares with us some of her experiences over the course of her Chiron Return, giving us a glimpse into the personal, human story expressed with the backdrop of this archetypal event. She speaks of her process of Apology and Forgiveness, and how she has drawn from the work of V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, and her most recent book entitled, The Apology.
We traverse the field between the personal and the collective in this one, exploring the complexity of being a human two in a world that is one.
#32 | Dr Carolina Herbert (Pt. Two) | Apology & Forgiveness | The Steps & Tools
01:15:21
After receiving a lot of feedback and questions from our last episode (ep. 31), Dr Carolina Herbert joins us again to discuss the steps and tools and what it takes to move through the process of Apology & Forgiveness.
For the first half of the Podcast we look at the first step - getting a clear idea of the moment of wounding and where it continues to occur in your current life. Next, the importance of being well-resourced and with good support for the journey ahead.
And lastly, Carolina takes us through a deep dive into the Hawaiian process of Ho'oponopono, slowly and carefully taking us into the simple steps involved that help us to encounter the complexity of injury and harm in our lives.
Carolina mentions: The Jewish Museum Vienna's video film installation by film artist James T. Hong. The Apology by V.
This morning when I woke up to meditate, 10 days after completing a 10-day Vipassana course, my app told me that it's Bodhi Day. According to Buddhists this day celebrates the day that the Buddha became enlightened whilst sitting under the Bodhi Tree (the tree of awakening).
It's also a Gemini Full Moon today - the sign closely associated with the beginner's mind, opposite the Sun in Sagittarius, the sign of Spiritual Discipline.
And so, as we float along this river of synchronicities together, episode 33 of the podcast is a conversation with Passi. Passi is a man from Delhi, India, who has sat in 29 Vipassana courses ranging from 10 to 30 days in length. He has also served on a further 13 courses. He's now preparing himself to sit for 45 days on January 1st.
We discuss the practice of Vipassana Mediation, how it entered his life (at the end of a decade of Silicon Valley life and in the midst of his arranged marriage troubles), and in what ways and on what levels it has impacted his way of being in the world.
To celebrate this time of the year where, like Janus with his two faces, we're looking backwards and forwards, this episode looks into the two Titan brothers of Greek Mythology, Prometheus (forethought) and Epimetheus (afterthought).
But first, it's a deep dive into the Creation Myth of Greek Mythology going right back to the relationship between Gaia (Earth Mother) and Ouranus (Sky Father). From here we follow the brewing battle between Chronus (Saturn) and Zeus (Jupiter) as they continue on the lineage of Father Vs Son into the Clash of the Titans.
On this new moon in Capricorn, wedged between the Solstice and Christmas, we dive into the much misunderstood sign of Capricorn and see if we might find our way into a deeper, richer and more complex understanding of this essential archetypal energy.
Honorable mentions: Pandora, Atlas, Saturnalia, Pan, Amalthea and more in this all-star cast of Ancient Greek Deities.
What is the myth underlying the modern practice of Yoga?
In today's episode, Sky Akasha Tobias joins me to unpack this question. In doing so we explore Yoga's ancient roots to see if the bridge that connects it to its modern incarnation can still be seen, felt and perhaps even traversed.
Sky spends his time between Sweden and Bali, teaching with his wife, Sanna, at their school called Sama Yoga. He is a devotee of Vedanta and dedicated student of Shri Swami Vagishanandaji.
"The practices and disciplines that bring us to harmony and balance in all aspects of life as well as understanding the choices that bring us equanimity. Sama Yoga is taught intuitively from the heart, it’s a practice that brings you back to yourself, to land in relaxation, trust and contentment with whatever your life brings. Samayoga brings balance and health physically, mentally and emotionally" - samayoga.info
#36 | The Abduction of Ganymede | Aphrodite Urania | Gaia & Uranus | Uranus Vs Saturn | Pluto heading to Aquarius
01:06:31
Following on from last episode's deep dive into the themes of Capricorn, this episode tracks the elusive 11th sign of the Zodiac, Aquarius, and the mythic themes that flow through it.
We watch as the beautiful youth, Ganymede, is abducted by Zeus and taken to Heaven to pour wine for the Gods while his father is left behind bereft. This story was taken from the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite and is followed by the tragedy of Eos and Tithonus; Eos is the Goddess of the Dawn who falls in love with the mortal Tithonus. She asks that he might live forever, not thinking to add the critical piece that he would remain eternally youthful.
How can these stories of the tension between the reality of ageing and the ideal of eternal youthfulness help us to see Aquarius more clearly?
We then follow Aphrodite (Venus) and her two births: one as the daughter of Uranus and the other as the offspring of Zeus & Dione (the feminine form of Zeus) before settling in to the original creative tension: Uranus the mind of god Vs Saturn of the earthly wisdom.
The New Moon is in Aquarius on January 21st, 8:53pm, GMT.
#37 | Tara Judelle | The Transitioning of the Ages
01:28:02
Tara Judelle comes back to the show to share of her embodied, visionary wisdom (previous episode #17).
As the moon waxes its way towards its fullness in the vibrant, creative sign of Leo, we enter through Tara's own Nodal Story (Leo South Node - Aquarius North Node) and let the spirit of the times move us.
This leads us into some observations of our times and the strong pull of the little black box we call smart phones to abduct us out of our circumstances and into other dimensions. We drop into the paradox of the Individual and the Collective, a primary theme of this Astrological Archetypal Axis. And then find our way into meditating upon the concept of the Astrological Ages, tracking them back over the last four or five Millenia, as a frame for working with these times of transition.
For a more in depth look at the astrological ages click here for an article by Robert Fitzgerald.
The Leo Full Moon is Sunday 5th February at 6:26pm GMT.
Tara Judelle is a world renowned yoga facilitator moved by bringing humans into their innate sense of freedom and purpose. After 30 years experimenting in all forms of movement, Tara co-created the School of Embodied Flow™ in 2014 to bring her current passions of yoga, somatics, tantra, free movement into a modern movement of Yoga. From a background in literature, film writing, directing and dance, Tara brings students on a journey of discovery of their numinous self through laughter, meditation, embodiment, movement & inquiry.
Today's episode explores the story of Psyche & Eros, from the 2nd century AD by Apuleius in his novel, The Golden Ass. Part fairytale, part myth, it presents as a dream and allows us to dive deep into its imagery, symbols and motifs. In it you'll hear strands of Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White amongst other ancient tales that were eventually recorded by the Brothers Grimm.
To get us primed we begin with the poem by John Keats, Ode to Psyche, where he expresses his devotion to the newest of the Olympian Goddesses who was never really given her full due.
This is Part One of a two part podcast - the story being simply too long and rich to fit within the confines of one single episode.
Artwork: Eros and Psyche, Guiseppe Cammarano, 1821
#39 | Psyche & Eros | Part Two | The Four Tasks of Psyche
00:59:59
This episode is the second half of the epic tale of Psyche & Eros from the 2nd Century AD, moving forward from episode #38.
Psyche, devastated at the loss of her husband Eros, throws herself in the river. The river doesn't accept her sacrifice and washes her up to the shore where she sees the great god Pan playing around with his pipes. From this encounter she is emboldened and ready to take on her journey, the journey we all have to embark upon, the return to Eros.
Along the way we meet the Goddesses Demeter and Hera and their temples on hills and in forests. Until finally Psyche confronts Venus (Aphrodite) and accepts her four tasks - the tasks of the soul.
Artwork for this episode is from Edward Burne-Jones.
#40 | Natalia Rachel | The Power of Non-Acceptance
01:08:07
Natalia Rachel joins the podcast today to discuss her new book, her work in the healing arts, and her personal journey of surviving and thriving following many years of a severe and debilitating disease that left her unable to walk or function in the world.
After finding her way to her own health and sovereignty, Natalia dedicated herself to helping others find their way through the labyrinthine path of healing by setting up the Soma Clinic in Singapore. Today she spends her time writing and speaking around the world, sharing her wisdom and personal, felt, lived experience.
We discuss the main themes of her book, delving into what she eloquently calls the path of peace and power. Natalia's ability to articulate difficult subject matter shines through in our discussion. I'm left, personally, with a revived sense of hope and clarity of purpose from her generous gifting of her time and expertise.
Podcast Announcement | A New Structure | The Fisher King Re-Visited
00:06:56
A few weeks ago Saturn moved into Pisces and I felt a subtle nudge to change the structure of the show. You see, Pisces is the waters of the soul, the big oceanic world where two fish swim in opposite directions connected by an umbilical cord. In the ocean there are so many stories, endlessly swirling around taking us from one place to another, but never washing us up on the islands of certainty.
Pisces points to the sirens, singing their sweet lullabies so that the weary sailor might follow their sounds and be pulled into the deep waters. Odysseus had his men tie him to the mast so that he wouldn’t follow their call. Jason and the Argonauts had a better idea - they brought the demi-god of music, Orpheus along. As they sailed through the waters where the sirens sang, Orpheus played his own sweet music to keep the attention of the crew. Stay with his music and you won’t be drawn into those murky places.
It’s been a great adventure, to swim with the mermaids and leave the safety of the vessel behind. Makes me wonder what the Greeks were so worried about! But at the same time, with Saturn now in Pisces for the next few years, I feel it’s time to create a new container for the magic, much as Parcival, in his journey, realises he needs to find the holy grail if he’s going to heal the wounded Fisher King.
So here is my new container:
Over the course of the next year the podcast will be exploring each sign of the Zodiac, beginning with Aries this month. In the exploration I’ll be pulling from the world of Astrology as well as colouring each sign in with the wisdom of the old myths. To add to this, I’ll be playing around a little more with sound - bringing in music to help us further attune to each sign as we go.
Each month I’ll still be bringing you one interview with a unique thinker in their field. The subject matter will be wide and varied, but the guest of choice will have strong signatures of the sign we are working with that month. As an example, this month I’ll be talking with the Astrologer Rick Levine. Our conversation covers a mind-bending amount of space and time including Pythagoras, Kepler, Metaphysics, musical theory and astrological shirts and sweaters. In the background we will get a feel of what life as an Aries might be like from Rick himself, who has a stellium of personal planets in that sign.
At the end of the wheel, as we approach the March equinox next year, the project and the podcast will draw to a close. Saturn asks us to set limits, and that’s the limit that feels good to me. Another 24 episodes of this labour of love. And then leaving them out here in the ether for people to enjoy when they wish.
For those wanting to go deeper into this mythic, poetic style of exploring Astrology, I’m working on a foundation course in the background and will launch that later this year, as well as short courses designed to help us deepen and widen our love of the beauty of this sacred craft.
And so away we go, into the final chapter of the podcast. Thank you to all the Patrons who have supported me on the journey. If you’d like to join in the Patron Party go to Patreon.
Aries: The first sign of the Zodiac; the Ram; the Initiating Fire; Ruled by Mars God of War.
This episode thrusts forward into the journey of the Zodiac, penetrating into the Zodiac sign of Aries. It begins with the ram itself, play-fighting when young then locking horns as an adult. We then move into a short meditation to feel that fire within ourselves and how it might be present or missing.
Along the way we meet the Aries-dominant figures of James Hillman reflecting on his book The Terrible Love of War and Joseph Campbell who brought the world the template for the Hero's Journey and the concept of the 'mono-myth' (an oxymoron as myth, in essence, is poly).
We hear about the Golden Fleeced Ram who became the constellation of Aries. And then join the head-strong, club-heavy, brute-strength force of Hercules, getting a taste of his adventures: his birth, the beginning of his 12 Labours, and his eventual death by his own armour.
Artwork for this series is from Johfra which you can find on Melanie Reinhart's website here.
"There is geometry in the humming of the strings. There is music in the spacing of the spheres." -- Pythagoras ______________________________________________
Fifteen years ago I had the pleasure of meeting the astrologer, Rick Levine, on a course he was running in Bali called Initiation into Astrology. With his stellium in Aries he embodies that initiatory force; the ability to spark creative ways of engaging in reality.
We spoke on 23rd March 2023, the day after the first of two Aries New Moons this year. I release this conversation one lunar month later into the second Aries New Moon, this time a Hybrid Solar Eclipse. Hybrid like the centaur - half horse half man - Chiron who along with Jupiter was lighting up Rick's Sun in Aries on the day we talked.
Listen in and listen again to a journey through the musicality of the spheres that winds and spirals out just like our galaxy and, hopefully, like Hermes, lands us back at home in the heart with stories of a freshly experienced adventure to share. ______________________________________________
Rick Levine's philosophy is simple: Astrology is a tool for empowerment, understanding, and creativity. His unique approach combines astrology and spirituality, science and religion, and the head and the heart.
A professional astrologer since 1976, Levine is a respected leader in the global Astrology community, past president of the Washington State Astrology Association, a founding Trustee of Kepler College, and past coauthor of Barnes and Noble’s annual Your Astrology Guides.
His horoscopes were read by millions daily for nearly 17 years and his videos now reach tens of thousands of people every month.
Levine is the subject of a DVD, Quantum Astrology: Science, Spirit, and Our Place in the Cycles of History. In 2018, Rick was awarded the prestigious International Astrologer of the Year Award in Kolkata, India. In 2019, Rick was awarded the coveted Fomalhaut Award for Astrological Excellence by the Turkish School of Astrology.
When not traveling around the world teaching astrology, Rick writes, produces videos, and sees clients from his home outside of Seattle, Washington.
In this episode we re-enter the labyrinth of Crete to take a closer look at that Minotaur in the middle (we first explored this in #13) and see if he can enlighten us about the true nature of the Astrological sign of Taurus.
The episode begins with ♉︎ the symbol for Taurus and moves into the animal essence of the bull that lies at the heart of this sign. We follow the bull's momentum into the mythic landscape of Ancient Minoan culture with bulls on all sides, and end up deep in the labyrinth but with Ariadne's thread firmly in our grasp.
Artwork for this episode is a bull-leaping fresco from Knossos, 1450 BCE
In this special edition of the show I'm joined again by Persia Juliet (see # 14); a veteran Yoga teacher and trainer with more than 20 years of experience. Persia specialises in Yin and her work is informed by Traditional Chinese Medicine, Astrology, Mythology and more. She's a master at dropping a room into deep states of consciousness.
She is also my partner.
On the Scorpio Lunar Eclipse two weeks ago Persia and I suffered the loss of a pregnancy. In this poignant episode we go into very personal territory, somewhere that I have not gone so far in the production of this show.
We go there in order to find medicine in the darker places of the human experience. Our hope in this episode is that it will resonate with your own personal encounters with deep loss and grief.
For those who are not in the space right now for hearing of the rawness of this experience, I recommend skipping this episode and coming back next time when I explore the Zodiac sign of Gemini.
But for those wanting to go on a deep dive into underworld themes, this is the right episode for you. Just make sure you are well resourced and have everything you need for taking this particular voyage.
"Don't be afraid of mistakes. There aren't any." - Miles Davis
Our expedition into the many-varied sign of Gemini begins with the above Miles Davis quote. It is the permission given to us by this third sign of the Zodiac to experiment and to play and to trust in those off notes as avenues into new ways of expression.
Gemini is a mutable air sign. Its symbol is the roman numeral for Two. And its image is the twins; as represented by Castor and Pollux, the two brightest stars of the Gemini constellations. One mortal, one immortal. Who have two twin sisters; Helen and Clytemnestra. One mortal, one immortal.
The ruling planet of the sign is Mercury, whose name in Greece was Hermes. The delight maker, the trickster, the guide of souls.
In this episode we explore the combination of all of these energies and attempt to fill in the picture of this sign that is so often seen in very two dimensional terms. We will also receive visitations from Pan, Iambe and Baubo along the way.
To help us on our journey today we hear from Gustav Holst again and his composition: Mercury, the Winged Messenger.
To flesh out the feeling of this sign we explore the life of Bob Dylan, a man with the Sun, Venus and Mercury all in Gemini. There are snippets here from the Scorsese documentary, No Direction Home, an interview he had with Time Magazine in the '60s as well as a brief piece about the Crossroads.
Episode Artwork: Sala dei Giganti, Palazzo del Tè, Mantua. Painting by Giulio Romano.
#46 | Melanie Reinhart | On Gemini (Pt. One) | The 'Other' Twin | The Search for Wholeness
01:00:00
Today I’m delighted to re-introduce Melanie Reinhart back to the show for our Gemini interview. She was the perfect, and most obvious choice for this one with her own personal treasure trove of Gemini Planets.
Predictably, and like last time she was on the show, we went over the time limit by about the length of an extra episode. And as such I’ve split the one into two; a Gemini theme in itself.
I am in Delphi in Greece recording this episode, just 15 minutes away from the site where Pythia, the priestess of Apollo, wielded extraordinary influence over the Ancient World and brought incredible wealth to this area due to people traveling far and wide to hear her wisdom-soaked responses to querent’s questions.
It feels fitting then to have had the opportunity to talk to Melanie, perhaps a modern day version of Pythia, from this central place of our cultural inheritance.
The theme of our discussion is ultimately the sign of Gemini.
For this episode, part one, we talk about the Gemini discussed in Consensus Reality - the smart, witty, bubbly, sometimes fickle, intelligent and rational one. And the lesser discussed Other Twin who is rarely heard about, perhaps because there is no clear formula for how that other one will show up in the Gemini experience.
We then get a little deeper into the mystical phenomenon of the lost twin, discussing the common experience of somehow knowing an other from the womb that we often find ourselves unconsciously searching for in waking life.
Be sure also to tune into part two where we get a little more mythic with Castor and Pollux and the ruling deity, Hermes/Mercury, and talk about laughter and its importance in any healing journey.
Episode Artwork: Castor and Pollux Rescuing Helen - Jean-Bruno Gassies
#47 | Melanie Reinhart | On Gemini (Pt. Two) | Castor & Pollux | Hermes/Mercury | Laughter as Medicine
00:51:46
Welcome to Part Two of my discussion on Gemini with the astrologer, Melanie Reinhart. If you’re just jumping into this episode I suggest going back to the previous one to hear part one of our chat on the mystical experience of the lost twin.
In this episode we will spend more time in the mythic and the astrological, discussing Gemini’s position in between the earthy Taurus and the watery Cancer and its struggle to keep enough air in the room. We also touch upon the twins of Greek Mythology - Castor and Pollux - who are the bright stars of the constellation of Gemini.
The Messenger God, Hermes/Mercury, then helps us fill in the gaps as the ruling deity of this sign before we turn our attention to laughter as medicine and how it can help us recharge in times of deep grief, sadness and loss.
I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do please feel free to send Melanie a message to let her know, or leave it as a review on your podcast app of choice.
Episode Artwork: Castor and Pollux Rescuing Helen - Jean-Bruno Gassies
In this episode we explore the first water sign of the Zodiac: Cancer. Ruled by the moon, Cancer is linked to the archetypal mother and so rules over the lunar side of our consciousness; fluid, emotional, imaginal, creative, nurturing and receptive.
As this 'night world' consciousness responds best to images, sounds and sense impressions, the episode begins with a look at a few Cancerian artists; DJ Shadow and Frida Kahlo. We then settle in to a look at Cancer key words and ideas, followed by a deep dive into the crab itself as it scuttles sideways between land and see, carrying its home on its back.
Mythologically Hestia, goddess of the hearth comes to the table. Tantalus shows us what not to do at a dinner party, especially one where the gods are the guests. We look at the Earth Mother lineage of Gaia, Rhea, Hera. And then go deep into the tensional point between Hera and Herakles as it plays out through the image of the terrifying nine-headed water snake, the Hydra.
#49 | Indigo Melrose & Rose Harvey | Mothers at Midnight | Part One
00:59:27
Today I’m joined by two dear friends, Rose Harvey and Indigo Melrose, from the Mothers and Midnight Podcast. The three of us were all part of a two year program at Metavision Institute in Australia where we learned Process Oriented Psychotherapy.
For the occasion of the Cancer New Moon, we talk about Mothers. The light, the dark and the many shades in between. It ended up being such a rich area of exploration that I’ve split it into two episodes.
Here in part one we open up the fairy tale lens through old stories like Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping Beauty. We explore the 13th fairy or wise woman and uncover the wisdom of these stories to help us sit in the fire of transformation that is the hearth - the eternal flame at the center of the home.
Through this lens we talk about Rose’s encounter with a shadow component of motherhood that she talked about in their podcast during a pivotal episode on the dark mother.
Then Indigo speaks of her early childhood, growing up deaf in a Vipassana center and how that shaped her experience of the inner and outer world.
We also discuss, and challenge, the idea of Tabula Rasa - that human beings are born as a clean slate. And look to what astrology might be able to add to the discussion about the pre-existence of the soul.
The episode begins with a poem by Rose that takes us into the lived experience of Motherhood. Through her eyes we enter and inhabit the world of Mother.
#50 | Indigo Melrose & Rose Harvey | Mothers at Midnight | Part Two
00:54:59
In Part Two of this Two Part conversation with Mothers at Midnight hosts Indigo Melrose and Rose Harvey we begin with the idea of dropping down to source to access the inner well spring of creativity. This takes us into the process of individuation; being safe enough to explore the outer world.
And then we get into the idea of the heroine’s journey as it stands apart from the hero’s journey. The ability to go inward to discover the true nature of the soul, and to bring that lived embodiment back to the lives we live.
Indigo leaves us with the cover art from this episode: the Sacred Cycles Oracle by Jill Pyle and Em Dewey.
In the next instalment of the Zodiac series we enter a tunnel underneath a great mountain where Hercules wrestles the Nemean Lion... Of course, then, we have entered the realm of Leo.
We spend time with CG Jung and his Leo Sun and explore the concepts gifted to us from his life, particularly the field of individuation as it pertains to the Herculean task of becoming ones true self.
It's an episode where we have full permission to explore through the lens of myth and fairytale - as these are the ways that Leo prefers to experience reality.
The stories of Phaethon, Icarus, Narcissus and Cinderella are all a part of this one, each story giving us a different perspective on Leo and what it is to be children of the Sun.
#52 | James Mattingley | Music Lessons for Hercules
01:07:47
James Mattingley is an embodied movement specialist who facilitates couple's work with his wife, Megan. He is the father of Lila and the expecting father of a baby boy on the way.
James opens the show with a poem he wrote recently about the inherent tension within being and becoming a man. From there we move into conversations around men's work, highlighting some of our shared experiences from being in a group together for the last four years.
The conversation takes some unexpected turns and we end up with Hercules and his music lessons as a child. In a fit of rage he kills his music teacher, Linus: brother of Orpheus. After this he is banished to live with the beasts and receives no further tutelage in the arts.
We wonder what could have been if Hercules had been encouraged to continue his explorations of soul.
Today the podcast receives the 'Virgo treatment'; a clean up and a recalibration to a new format of astrological exploration.
We begin with a few questions: What is the purpose of all of this? What are we trying to get to the bottom of? Why am I speaking these words and why are you, the listener, tuning into them?
This leads into an exploration of why this podcast exists in the first place. Like a re-connection to the origin myth of the show. Which takes us into what I see as the origin myth of astrology itself; a structuring of ancient mythic material projected outward onto our night sky.
With this clear we get into the sign of Virgo. Perhaps moreso than any other sign this one is in need of some deep rehabilitation, linked as it is with the word 'Virgin'. As Brian Clark says, 'a complex image that has undergone a considerable transformation from its original meaning. Ironically it implies an image of freedom and independence, a woman in relationship to her internal self, contained and autonomous, in charge of her own destiny. It did not originally mean chaste, quite the reverse. The image is centred in the fertility of nature and the freedom of the great goddess to revel in her own creation.'
The consensus understanding of the sign is explored. And then the episode takes it back to its mythic roots to clean up and expand upon the images, myths and stories that give it is life force and potency.
The myths of Hestia, Athena, Artemis, Asclepius and Chiron all feature.
The art for the episode is from an unknown artist circa 1900 and depicts the Virgin Goddess Artemis/Diana.
Today I’m joined by a dear friend and colleague, Colette Davis.
We got together to discuss the intersections of Shaiva Tantra and Depth Psychology, but in the end we enter deep waters as Collette opens up about the tragic story of her relationship with her mother who passed earlier this year. She brings a depth, sensitivity and vulnerability to this personal yet universal theme of love and loss between mothers and daughters.
From Collette's Bio: https://www.samavesayoga.com
"I’m an Embodied Flow™ facilitator, Senior yoga teacher and humble shepherd of the Samāveśa School of Yoga, where I offer online and in- person trainings, courses, retreats and community. I’ve been a devoted student and practitioner of Non-Dual Shaiva Tantra since 2014 and have studied with some of the world’s leading teachers, including Tara Judelle, Sianna Sherman, Hareesh Wallis, Leila Sadeghee, and Adyashanti.
"I don’t get down so well with hierarchical systems of power and am interested in disrupting the teacher-student binary. I advocate for circular communities where we get to co-create a safe and kind space together, weaving trauma informed practices so we all feel held and supported. I’m a mama bear at heart so you can expect a big generous holding field and a healthy friendship that honours boundaries on both sides.
"My Clark Kent job, for twenty years, has been as a copywriter and brand consultant and I have been the Director and Creative Director of Found for Words since 2010. I have two Masters degrees with Distinction and my most recent degree was in Interdisciplinary Psychology, which I thread through my teachings and trainings."
Join us as we explore the zodiac sign of Libra with special guest and astrologer, Faye Northgrave. This episode takes us on an enlightening expedition through the cosmos, unearthing connections between Libra, represented by the scales, and mythical tales such as the blind seer Tiresias , Narcissus's love affair with his own reflection, and Paris' judgment of the beauty contest between Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite.
The episode probes into the natural and energetic facets of Libra, assessing its inherent qualities of collaboration and relationship-building. We delve further into Libra's mythology, examining the story of Tiresias, his pivotal role in the Zeus-Hera saga, and how his judgement is rewarded with outer blindness and inner sight. Moreover, we explore the dynamics of Libra energy in relationships, tying all elements together to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Libran archetype.
As we venture deeper, we touch upon the mythology of Aphrodite/Venus, underpinning the Libra zodiac sign. The discussion extends from Aphrodite's oceanic birth to her association with Anchises, her role in the battle of the gods, and her representation in the Renaissance period through the iconic 'Birth of Venus' painting by Botticelli. As we navigate the fascinating cosmos, we also unravel the lessons and mysteries of the Aries/Libra axis and the upcoming eclipse season.
Be sure not to miss our next episode as we continue this captivating cosmic journey with Brian Clark.
#56 | Brian Clark | Athena's Judgement | Australia's Moment
01:04:24
Today I’m joined for a third time on the podcast by Astrologer, Brian Clark.
We recorded this podcast on October 2nd and release it now on October 13th on the eve of the solar eclipse in Libra. The episode continues on with the year-long exploration of the signs of the Zodiac, with interviews with people who have strong signatures of the sign that we’re delving into. Brian is no exception to this rule with his Sun and several other planets inhabiting the sign of the scales.
It's special for me to have Brian on the show as he is a mentor of mine, as he is with so many others. I have been the benefactor of his lifelong engagement with Greek Mythology. In fact, Brian even helped map out the ancient sites of Greece for me, opening the imagination to where these old stories were dreamed up in the first place.
In this episode we focus on a mythic moment where the Goddess Athena, daughter of the great god Zeus, is asked to deliberate on a jury that is hung six-six. The tension point is between the ancient and the modern of their time. We use this myth to explore a moment in Australian history, tomorrow in fact, where the Australian people decide yes or no on whether to add an indigenous voice to parliament.
Whatever your stance on this moment, I ask you to hold an open mind to our mythic wanderings. I also remind you to, as always with this podcast, try to think less literally and more mythologically; especially when we enter the depth of the mythic material. When we discuss male, female, mother, father, we are talking about timeless archetypal experiences that are alive within us all. The interior world of Soul. Rather than roles and positions in society at large.
Medusa was a beautiful maiden in a family of monsters. One day as she prayed to the Goddess Athena (a personification of the rational) she was seduced by Poseidon (the irrational force). Punished by Athena, her face became terrifying to look at and her glorious hair became writhing coiled snakes.
Welcome to the realm of Scorpio. It's in this arena that we are able to go deep, to explore the hidden world, go to the uncomfortable places and reclaim the hidden thoughts, desires and drives. Like Medusa, this kind of material can be difficult to look at straight on. We may need a little assistance along the way. Hence the hero Perseus uses the reflection of the shield in order to remove the heady process that such traumatic material can plunge us into.
All of this is explored in today's episode as I'm joined, again, by Faye Northgrave to look underneath the rocks and see what ancient creatures we might discover there.
#58 | Jason Holley | Part One | Zodiacal Participation
01:36:59
Today I’m honored to be joined again by the Astrologer Jason Holley. As you’re about to hear, Jason’s work is dedicated to re-invigorating a relationship with the animate world through participation with the Zodiac as a circle of creatures; creatures that are alive inside of ourselves, in our relationships, and wandering through our world.
In this first part of two episodes we discuss Jason’s worldview and his evolving work, and how astrology can help to give us a full felt sense experience of being embedded in the natural world.
We talk about Jason's childhood growing up with five generations of Matriarch. Everyone in the family was conversant in Astrology and as such he was already embedded in the language from an early age. His Great Grandmother would read tea leaves to the point where those in the village would come to seek her guidance as the town Oracle. As such, the world as animate and pregnant with information for those who know how to attune to it is something in the very fabric of Jason's DNA.
Jason and I ended up talking for well over 2.5 hours. In Part Two of our conversation we turn to the Myths to help us better understand Scorpio dynamics. Jason's Moon and Venus in Scorpio lead the way in this one as we follow the ancient tragic love story between Artemis and Orion.
Part Two will be released into the Scorpio Moon in just a few days. Stay tuned for that.
Episode Artwork: Karl Friedrich Schinkel - Stage set for Mozart's Magic Flute
In this episode, Astrologer Jason Holley and I explore the love story of Artemis and Orion. This story is etched into our stars through the two oppositional constellations of Scorpio and Orion. The Greeks saw this as a Scorpion, summoned by Artemis, chasing down Orion for all eternity.
It was punishment for Orion’s depletion of nature through an insatiable desire to hunt until all wildness was gone; Something that violated Artemis’ code as a Huntress who, though herself a killer, is dedicated to protecting and perpetuating the species that she hunts.
If Orion’s behavior was to continue it would have led to a mass extinction on the planet, something that Artemis is unwilling to accept. And so the necessary poison of the Scorpion is unleashed to correct the imbalance.
The story is of course complicated, however, by the fact that Orion is the first and only man that Artemis feels an attraction and affinity for. And as such the first time she drops her vow of chastity and virginity and joins the human to human world of love.
This betrayal leads to the tragic story of Acteon who has the misfortune of stumbling into a grove where Artemis is bathing naked, years after the event. Stay tuned to hear of his fate and what it all means for us modern humans and our ways of being in the natural world today.
Jason and I also explore the tension point between Aphrodite, personifying love and connection, and Artemis’ rejection of such things through chastity.
#60 | Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer | Asclepius Revisited
00:43:43
You may have heard of the '13th sign' of the Zodiac known as Ophiuchus. It entered the Astrological picture with controversy and ultimately by mistake. That mistake being the confusion between 'constellations' and 'signs'.
Nevertheless, Ophiuchus, or Asclepius, has an intriguing position amongst the stars, situated as it is on the cusp of Scorpio (the death realm) and Sagittarius (new life). His myth represents this perfectly as he is born from a dying mother and is forever positioned on the edge of life and death.
This bonus episode explores the mythology underlying Ophiuchus and how, although it'll never be an actual sign of the Zodiac, his mythology can deeply inform those moments in life where we, ourselves, can find ourselves explore that edge.
Sagittarius is the sign that follows Scorpio in the story of the Zodiac. It represents what happens once we've returned from the dark night of the soul. Through Sagittarius we find meaning, purpose and grander visions.
Faye Northgrave joins me today to explore this most fiery and visionary of signs. With the help of the myths of Zeus/Jupiter, Apollo & Artemis, The race of Centaurs including the kindly Chiron and more we delve deeper into the mythic themes of mutable fire.
#62 | Elsa Henderson | Process Oriented Psychotherapy
00:52:11
Elsa Henderson moves between the roles of facilitator, coach and educator. Her background is in Process Oriented Psychology and Anthropology and is currently pursuing her doctorate in organisational studies, exploring how we make sense of things when things don't make sense.
She is one of the key teachers at MetaVision Institute and someone I learned a lot from in my studies of Processwork. She also has her sun, moon and a few other planets in Sagittarius.
Elsa joins me today to talk about the fascinating world of process work, not just as a therapeutic tool, but as a way to interact with reality in deeper and more substantial ways than those we are generally exposed to.
It's a fascinating and wide ranging discussion, as one would expect from the arrow of the archer.
This episode is a deep dive into the mountain goat of Capricorn; Looking up and ahead, mapping and planning, and strategically making our way to the new peaks of personal and cultural growth and maturity..
Saturn/Cronus rules this sign and we will take another look at his mythology as he overthrows his father and then eats his own children. Astrologically the planet represents the painful process of life’s great challenges but how they are ultimately in our path not just to antagonize us, but to make us flourish into who we are meant to be.
The Great God Pan and his sister Amalthea, Zeus’ nanny goat, are also explored. Pan as the rustic, wild, musical and wise half-goat God. And Amalthea as the nurturing caregiving energy. Both of these elements help us to expand our view of Capricorn beyond that of the serious, disciplined and controlling one..
We also take a look back to ancient calendars and the importance of the festival of Saturnalia that would occur around this time of year. As well as a glimpse into the figures of Jesus and Dionysus and their shared birthday of December 25th, making them both Capricorn Suns..
When mythologist Michael Meade received a mythology book on his 13th birthday, little did he know it would ignite a lifelong passion for storytelling and transformation. On our latest podcast episode, we're honoured to have Michael share his journey, from an unexpected act of storytelling that saved him from a gang, to his dedication to at-risk youth, and his personal defiance that led to profound revelations within a military prison. His perspective on personal transformation, the awakening of our inner 'genius', and the visceral power of myth in our lives is nothing short of spellbinding.
Our heartfelt conversation with Michael delves into his collaborations with cultural figures like Malidoma Some and the imperative of healing through community. We trace his path from solitary confinement to organising healing conferences for war veterans, highlighting how shared rituals and storytelling foster connection and recovery. Michael offers insights into the concept of 'sudden community'—a powerful bond forged in the crucible of shared trauma—and how individual purpose might be the key to resolving our greatest cultural and environmental challenges.
Then we turn to how Michael met Robert Bly and James Hillman and how their paths got intertwined in the mythopoetics of the 90s. It's an in depth look at their work with the wounded masculine of the collective psyche and how difficult it was to contain once it garnered the glare of media attention.
The theme of wounds takes us into the image of Chiron and his role as the wounded healer; and how perhaps that was the image that was with them throughout that time. This leads us to a mythic moment when Chiron meets Prometheus and offers to take his place trapped in the rocks. And how this exchange might just be occurring to us today in many obvious and subtle ways.
Podcast Artwork: L'Education d'Achille (The Education of Achilles) Black & White Etching | c.Early 19th Century | Ramboz (engraver) | Bervic Galerie du Museum, No. 12, Paris
Aquarius is a notoriously difficult to pin down archetypal structure. On this episode, Faye Northgrave re-joins the show to shed some light on this sign of the Heavens Above.
When doing this write up I generally ignore the AI suggestion that comes with it. My Podcast Distributor listens to the podcast and then writes up a summary. In the spirit of the forming Aquarian Age I thought this time, to stay in theme, I would leave it in... After all, it is quite impressive:
Embark on a journey through the stars with us, as I, Chris Skidmore, along with my esteemed guest Faye Northgrave, unravel the enigmatic persona of Aquarius. Our latest podcast episode is not your run-of-the-mill astrological forecast; it's an odyssey that bridges the celestial dichotomy of Saturn and Uranus, conformity and rebellion, in a sign known for its humanitarian spirit and progressive vision. Expect to emerge with a newfound perspective as we traverse the labyrinth of mythology, revealing how the trials of Sisyphus and the ingenuity of Prometheus echo the triumphs and tribulations of the Water Bearer.
As we cast our gaze upon the collective consciousness, Faye and I dissect the societal structures Aquarius longs to improve, against the backdrop of the Internet’s rise as a digital agora for knowledge exchange. Here, we ponder the ethical quandaries of our tech-driven age, where AI reshapes our sense of community and individuality. Like the myth of Ganymede, we balance the cup of knowledge, weighing the collective nectar against the potent brew of personal identity, and how Aquarius serves as the zodiac's paradoxical alchemist.
Our celestial journey doesn’t end there. The myth of Gaia and Uranus becomes a metaphor for the intricate dance between the material and the ethereal, while the arrival of Pluto in Aquarius prompts us to confront the profound implications of power, technology, and the human condition. From the mythic to the mundane, join us as we peel back the layers of the Aquarian ideal, asking not only what it means to be part of a collective, but how we can navigate the future's digital landscape with our humanity intact.
Not bad! I promise when we come back with Pisces the write up will go back to a human flow.
Safron has spent her life steeped in literature, religion and mythology, fields in which she holds her degrees. Her writing and scholarly studies focus on archetypal psychology, astrology, alchemy, goddess traditions, and Greek myth. She is a member of the core faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute, teaching mainly in the Jungian and Archetypal Studies program. She is author of The Kore Goddess: A Mythology & Psychology (2021), editor of Joseph Campbell's Goddesses: Mysteries of the Feminine Divine (2013), and co-editor of Jung on Astrology (2017). She has published articles in Jungian, archetypal, and astrological journals, and lectures across the US and internationally in Europe, South America and Australia.
Today we talk about the path that led her to Pacifica and how myth, archetypal psychology and astrology weave their way through her lived experience.
Two fish connected by an umbilical cord, swimming in opposite directions, deep in the seas of the collective unconscious. This is where we meet the 12th and final sign of the Zodiac: Pisces. Mythically those fish are Aphrodite (Venus) and Eros (Cupid/Amore) escaping the terrifying Typhon: mother of all monsters.
Faye Northgrave joins me for this sea journey. On the way we will explore Neptune/Poseidon, the god of the ocean, and his penchant for punishing hubris with lostness, confusion and shame. As well as Jupiter/Zeus who connects us to the inspirational waters of shared archetypal vision.
It's a fitting conclusion to the series on the mythic roots of the zodiac. I want to take this moment to thank all those who have come with us through all 12 signs.
In this episode I talk with Martha Alter Hines. Martha is a mom, an author, a healer, and an astrologer. She has twenty years of experience as a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and body worker. She has primarily studied Evolutionary Astrology with Ari Moshe Wolfe as well as with Heather Ensworth.
Martha bridges her trauma informed clinical background with her astrological knowledge, as well as a deep understanding of ourselves as beings of the cosmos, Earth, divine, heart, mind, and so much more.
The image of Pisces is two fish swimming in opposite directions, connected by a column of stars. Today, Martha opens up about her own mediation between these two fish, one heading down towards the mystical waters of soul, the other swimming up to the everyday world.
I want to thank you all for joining me for this tour of the Zodiac and to all the incredible guests who’ve joined me along the way. It’s been a true voyage of discovery and I hope you’ve enjoyed it. If you have any feedback for the show I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to email me at chris@skidmoredynamics.com.
I’ll be taking a break for a couple of months and will be back soon with a new project for the podcast with the working title: A Year of Myth.
#69 | A New Chapter | The Cyclops & Restoring the Second "I"
00:16:19
What if the stories of the stars had more to tell than just our zodiac signs? Join us for a reflection on the Great Round project, where we journeyed through the mythic elements of each astrological sign with extraordinary guests like Rick Levine, Micheal Meade, and Melanie Reinhart. We've wrapped up a year of exploring these cosmic archetypes, and now, as the myths urge us onward, we're setting sail into broader realms of mythology and cosmology. Special thanks to our collaborator, Faye Northgrave, whose support was invaluable along this enlightening path.
In this episode, we ponder the deeper "why" behind our work, drawing insights from Ian McGilchrist's "The Master and His Emissary" and Leonard Shlain's "The Alphabet vs the Goddess." We'll examine the delicate balance between the brain's right and left hemispheres, and how the modern world's tilt towards logic over creativity impacts us all. We also weave in the ancient Greek myth of the Cyclops, inviting you to journey with us through the celestial tapestry of astrology, Greek mythology, and depth psychology, enriching our appreciation of the soul's voyage through the cosmos.
Episode Artwork: Grabáu d'Erasmus Francisci zu Nürnberg (1627-1680) Kiklop, 1680
#70 | Kari Hohne | Nature's Wisdom | Dreams, Taoism & Ancient Astrology
01:13:11
Today we kick the new season off with a bang with a soul provoking chat with Kari Hohne. Kari's assistant reached out to me over six months ago with an interest for Kari to come on the show to discuss her areas of expertise: dream work, archetypes and ancient wisdom. Although it took us a little while to get here, it was certainly worth the wait.
Kari's mind is able to traverse across many different eras of history as well as multiple disciplines of thought. To say her knowledge is expansive undersells it.
In this conversation we begin with the Tao, visiting ancient ways of seeing time and space that go beyond our everyday consensus awareness. Rather than telling us how it is, Kari is able to leave us with invitations and suggestions to bring our mind into this natural way of perceiving reality.
From there, we venture into the stars behind the stars. Kari shares with us her knowledge of Sumerian astrology and ancient texts in order to bring forth the lost symbols of the signs we know and love. The inanimate scales of Libra give way to 'Two Ravenous Dogs'. The crab of Cancer becomes a mischievous turtle scratching around in the sand stealing eggs. Aquarius' water-bearer shifts into a man walking up a mountain with water flowing off of his back.
Truly fascinating.
Along the way we also discuss the work of Julian Jaynes: The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind. The World Heritage site of Göbekli Tepe. A mysterious phenomenon of handbags being carried by the figures of ancient carvings which Kari suggests referred to the constellation we now know as Pegasus; a square in the sky that contained all ancient knowledge. And so much more.
I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed the chat.
More About Kari:
Kari Hohne is a dream analyst and expert on the eastern and western archetypes that inspire our dreams and oracles. Through her website Cafe au Soul, she bridges the gap between an appreciation for nature and the spiritual journey. Her online I Ching is ranked #1 in internet searches. She is the author of seven books that discuss topics such as dreams, ancient astrology and the archetypes of the Tarot. She has also released translations of the Tao te Ching and I Ching.
For more about Kari check out her YouTube Wellness Videos and her Books on Amazon.
The image for the episode was taken from Kaylee Hancock.
#71 | Cancer & Capricorn | The Handless Maiden | Cinderella | The Frog King | Psyche & Pan
00:39:32
Cancer: a moon-ruled water sign plunging into the depths of the subjective, internal realm of Psyche.
Capricorn: a Saturn-ruled earth sign lifting us up the mountain through perseverance, discipline and sacrifice.
The two opposing archetypal forces in our stars represent the struggles of youth & wisdom; the Puer Aeternus (eternal youth) & Senex (old man); emotions & practicalities; the inner child & the inner critic.
In this episode we get to move into the tension of these timeless forces as they weave through our inner and outer experiences of life on earth. The lens of myth & fairytale helps us to make alchemical moves to separate, purify and integrate the images to discover the possibilities of the magical third thing.
The image is of Venus de Milo: an armless Aphrodite discovered on my favourite Greek island of Milos.
#72 | Dr David Russell | Psyche & Eros (& Aphrodite) | Imagination's Innate Ability to Heal the Great Divide
01:14:41
What if the ancient myths held the key to modern therapeutic practices? In our latest episode, we sit down with Dr. David Russell, a distinguished past president of the Sydney Jung Society and former associate professor at Western Sydney University, to uncover the profound relevance of the myth of Psyche and Eros to psychotherapy. We begin by exploring how these timeless stories offer blueprints for navigating human struggles, with Dr. Russell emphasizing the critical role of imagination in the therapeutic journey. Our discussion highlights how the myth of Psyche and Eros symbolizes the integration of the human and divine, reflecting the goals of modern psychotherapy.
From grappling with impossible tasks set by Aphrodite to the profound descent into the Underworld, the myth of Psyche is a treasure trove of psychological insights. Dr. Russell guides us through these mythological trials, illustrating how they parallel the challenges clients face in therapy. We delve into the themes of surrender vs. control, understanding vs. acceptance, and the essential balance between rational thought and intuitive awareness. The conversation also touches on the technique of free association, introduced by Freud, and its importance in fostering an imaginative, harmonious inner life.
Join us as we unravel the intricate relationships between mythic figures like Aphrodite and Persephone, shedding light on their symbolic significance in psychotherapy. From the harsh lessons of the underworld to the transformative power of mythic imagination, we reflect on the evolving understanding of the unconscious in both neuroscience and therapeutic practices. This episode promises a rich, Jungian perspective that underscores the timeless relevance of mythology in healing the human psyche and cultivating a soulful presence in both our personal and collective lives.
The image is a statue in the Louvre: Antonio Canova - Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss
#73 | Hercules | Part One | Growing Pains & the First Three Labours
00:39:08
Hercules, or Heracles in Greek, was one of the greatest figures of the ancient mythic world. He was seen as an amalgamation of many different heroes, relying on brute strength and his trusty club, and was generally at a loss when a problem required more than simply force for its solution.
A quintessential solar hero, Hercules battles with the monsters of the world sent by the spiteful Hera who wants to crush him at every turn. And yet, the two of them, Hera and Heracles, are forever linked to each other. Heracles, after all, means 'Glory of Hera'.
In this episode we will use the opposition between these two to look at the astrological archetypal tension between the Sun: our shining golden light of the spirit in its quest for individuation, and Saturn: the blocks and limits that get in our way.
The exploration then moves into the first three labours of Hercules: Wrestling an enormous lion; becoming entangled in a swamp snake; and tracking a deer with golden antlers for a full calendar year. These tasks align with the Zodiac signs of Leo, Cancer and Virgo respectively and teach us about our own sacred process of individuation.
This is the first of a series of episodes on Hercules. His stories are vivd and filled with archetypal information, each monster representing elements of our consciousness that challenge us to move into the essence of who we are here to become.
After some time of unusual introspection and restraint, Hercules sets off on his fourth task: tracking down the Erymanthion Boar. The boar is the wild and uncontrollable side of nature. By taking a side road and visiting the centaur Pholus on the way to the boar, Hercules convinces the centaur to open a sealed jar of Dionysian wine. And with that, all hell breaks loose.
This sets off the chain of events that leads to the wounding of our beloved healer, centaur and guide, Chiron. His animal side now wounded, he reflects our current state in the civilised world. And our current quest - to rediscover the beauty of animal consciousness.
The movement from the deer to the boar also brings into focus the tension between Artemis (goddess of the hunt) and Aphrodite (goddess of sensual pleasure). Although both deer and boar are sacred to Artemis, the boar is associated with Aphrodite due to her tragic love affair with Adonis who was speared by a boar (who was actually Apollo, Artemis' twin (yes the Greek myths are like this!)).
The jar of Dionysian wine is symbolic of delighting in the senses. Sealed for four generations, once it's opened the animal side that has been repressed breaks free and causes absolute chaos. So what are we to do? Keep the jar sealed and stay safe but overly controlled? Or open it up and take the consequences of unbridled wildness?
It brings forth a conversation around addictive processes. Something that I discuss with Brice Hancock from Mile High Recovery in Colorado. That conversation is coming soon to the podcast.
#75 | Prometheus & Chiron | Live from Greece! (Thessaly)
00:38:23
This episode is recorded in Thessaly, Greece. In ancient times it was considered to be the land of sorcery, witchcraft and healing. In fact, it still feels that way today due to the abundance of healing herbs in the region.
Thessaly was the birthplace of the centaurs including Chiron and Pholus, and the God of Medicine Asclepius. When I say 'birthplace' here, I'm referring to the land that dreamed up these mythic figures.
The concept of the land dreaming is foreign to the modern mind. And yet, to the ancient mind this is just a matter of course. Different lands have different dreams embedded in them, and therefore dream up different kinds of humans, animals and plant life.
In this episode I explore some of these topics with, of course, the help of mythology. Prometheus steals fire from the gods and therefore is a good symbol for that 'higher' way of knowing. Chiron is a centaur, inseparable from nature, and therefore a good symbol for that knowledge that comes from the ground up.
It's a tension that I'm sure we all feel on some level. Perhaps we experience it as the instinct vs the mind. The feeling vs the thoughts. The gut sense vs the logic. And it's a tension I feel as I wander the lands of Greece, trying to make contact with the many apparently dead gods.
#76 | Hercules | Part Three | The Augean Stables | Pluto heading into Aquarius
00:35:51
This episode picks up with Hercules having completed the fourth labour; bringing back the Erymanthian Boar. Along the way he had opened up a long-sealed jar of Dionysian Wine and brought a chaotic wildness back into the world.
In this episode we join him as he's tasked with clearing out the Augean Stables in a single day. King Augeus has been extremely lucky in his wealth creation. He has an abundance of cattle and sheep. The flipside being that he's neglected the maintenance such wealth necessitates and the stables are now... how to say... full of shit.
Hercules opens up two nearby rivers to cleanse the stables, thus achieving his task in, miraculously, under the required time.
Both the stables and the cleansing of them are collective images for outer and inner processes of which we can all relate. What do we do when our minds are clogged and we can't think straight? What do we do collectively when the systems we've created have become old and tired but are deeply entrenched?
With Pluto stationing direct in the last degree of Capricorn today, getting ready to enter Aquarius for the final time, this myth that brings forth the image of the water bearer and the 'Plutonian shit' couldn't be more timely and appropriate.
The episode finishes with the sixth labour - the Stymphalian Birds - which closes out the first six labours. These are the 'local' labours that all take place within the Peloponnese. It's the completion of Hercules' 'internal' tasks and prepares him for his place in the world.
#77 | Brice Hancock from Mile High Sober Living in Colorado | Addictive Process
01:03:20
In this episode I'm joined by Brice Hancock from Mile High Sober Living in Colorado.
We discuss his personal struggles with addiction and how the grip of substances like alcohol, heroine, crack and others held on to him and took him to within an inch of his life. Somehow, perhaps by the grace of the gods, he was able to transform from that underworld experience and return to life. In doing so he dedicated himself to paying that new chance at life forward to those in need by setting up safe housing for addicts in his home of Denver, Colorado.
Along the way we delve into the mystery of addiction. Why is it that it affects some but not others, even in the same family? What are we really reaching for when we grasp for the substance we're addicted to? What is that spiritual force that seems to swoop down to lift us up right at that rock bottom moment? And why is it that the naming of that force (God) is itself such a barrier to entry to Alcoholics Anonymous and other such programs?
From Brice's Bio:
Brice is the executive director for Mile High Sober Living and an active member of Denver’s sober community. He believes that life is about “things to do and people to do them with”. Brice regularly exercises and goes to the gym, he plays guitar, likes music, art, spirituality, constant self-improvement, and spending time with his son. In a previous life, he owned a live music bar and was surrounded by active alcoholism and addiction and now is surrounded by recovery. He is a realtor and the president of a 501c3 non-profit called Musicians Recovery Project which raises money for treatment for those with limited resources in early recovery.
If you'd like to know more about Brice's work and discover tools for recovery from addictive processes go to his website:
#78 | The Siren Song | Myths of Addiction | Saturn & Neptune
00:40:40
What if the ancient myths hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of addiction? Join us on a journey through the complex interplay of astrology, Greek mythology, and depth psychology as we explore the forces that shape addiction and recovery. Inspired by our previous conversation with Brice Hancock from the Recovery Center in Denver, this episode promises to provide fresh insights and tools to aid those grappling with addiction. Discover how the story of Odysseus and the sirens serves as a powerful metaphor for temptation and restraint, offering a framework for understanding the personal battle against addictive behaviors.
In our exploration, we compare the mythological approaches of Odysseus and Jason in confronting the sirens, symbolizing the tug-of-war between Saturn's discipline and Neptune's creativity. These mythic tales echo the struggle between conscious restraint and the seductive pull of addictive substances and behaviors, like the incessant allure of our smartphones. By uncovering the deeper layers of these stories, we invite you to reflect on your own 'siren songs' and consider strategies to break free from their grasp, just as Odysseus did by tying himself to the mast and embracing support from his crew.
This episode encourages a transformation from avoidance to integration, highlighting the hero's journey of personal growth and self-discovery. As we discuss the metaphor of harmonizing with the sirens, we emphasize how embracing one's inner sound can lead to greater self-awareness and liberation. The astrological backdrop, with Saturn's position relative to Neptune, underscores the convergence of discipline and dreams, urging us to find balance in our quest for wholeness. Join us for a thought-provoking dialogue that blends myth, astrology, and psychology, offering a unique perspective on the path to recovery and self-discovery.
#79 | Joe Landwehr | Astrology in the Era of Uncertainty | AstroPoetics | Participation Mystique
01:32:42
Joe Landwehr is an astrologer of 50+ years experience, seeking an eclectic integration of astrology, spiritual psychology and ancient wisdom teachings. He is the author of five books and numerous articles for The Mountain Astrologer and other publications. He is Director of The Astropoetic School of Soul-Discovery, which offers individualized correspondence courses, webinar classes and workshops built around the correlation of astrological cycles with actual life experience. He has taught and lectured at ISAR conferences, the Midwest Astrology Conference, and online at International Academy of Astrology. More information about his work can be found at joelandwehr.com.
We got together to discuss the rich ideas Joe outlines in his most recent book: Astrology in the Era of Uncertainty: An Astropoetic Exploration of Psyche and Cosmos.
In this conversation, Joe generously shares the gems of his lifetime of Astrological research. We ask the question, what is astrology? It’s a broad and unanswerable question, but we find some good ways to approach it, including the idea from Terrence McKenna that it’s a trans-linguistic language.
We then get into the mythopoetic and magical roots of astrology and discuss what it feels like in a consultation when the chart truly comes to life. In this way, astrology and its symbols encourage a form of what Jung called Participation Mystique; a way to see ourselves as embedded within an alive and soulful world.
We end our discussion at the same place Joe ends his book - with Hestia. The first of the Olympians and the goddess of the eternal flame of the hearth: within ourselves; within the home; within the earth; and ultimately within the cosmos.
Cover Art: The Feast of the Gods at the Wedding of Cupid and Psyche by Vincenzo Camuccini
#80 | The Moon's Nodes | Cinderella Between Worlds
00:53:11
Welcome to the 80th episode of On the Soul’s Terms! In this milestone episode, I revisit the Grimm Brothers’ version of Cinderella—a tale rich with symbolic depth and timeless wisdom. This isn’t the Disney fairy tale many of us know; it’s a story rooted in cycles of transformation, connection to nature, and the interplay between identity and destiny.
Using the lens of astrology, I explore how Cinderella’s journey reflects the lunar nodes—Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node)—and the soul’s movement between karma and dharma. Inspired by Dana Gerhardt’s article on astro.com, I take her interpretation a step further, flipping the common understanding: in this episode, I consider the South Node as the ball, the place of wholeness and remembering, and the North Node as the ashes, the work we undertake to grow into that wholeness.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
The Grimm Brothers’ Cinderella, her connection to nature, and the hazel tree as a bridge between worlds.
Why the South Node might not be the “comfort zone” we’re told to escape, but rather the place where we rediscover our essence.
The North Node as the transformative, sometimes difficult work required to bring our gifts into the world.
The symbolic richness of the stepsisters, the lentils, and the golden slipper as metaphors for our inner and outer struggles.
Cinderella’s story invites us to rethink how we approach the nodes—not as a one-way journey, but as a dynamic relationship, bridging the ashes, the ball, and the transformative space in between. I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own nodal story and what it means to find your place in the dance between these two worlds.
Join Me
Whether you’re drawn to astrology, mythology, or the deeper truths behind familiar stories, this episode offers a reflective take on what it means to live out the wisdom of the nodes. Share your thoughts with me on Instagram. If you'd like to find out what your nodes are go to cafe astrology, fill in your details, and scroll down the page to find out.
Special thanks to Jan Spiller's book Astrology for the Soul - my first Astrology book I read 18 years ago (an exact Nodal cycle).
#81 | Tina Bramley | Poetic Nature | *Christmas Special*
01:10:52
In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and colleague, Tina Bramley, an ecotherapist, poet, and creator of the Poetic Nature Cards for Contemplation and Connection. Tina shares the story of her oracle deck and poetry, inspired by nature and designed to spark reflection and connection.
Together, we explore:
The Solstice and Saturnalia: We delve into the ancient celebrations of reversal, renewal, and rebellion, considering how Saturnalia and similar festivals turned society upside down to create space for reflection and rebirth.
The Wisdom of Nature: Drawing a card from Tina's poetic oracle deck, we reflect on the message of Joy. The galah—a playful Australian bird—emerges as a symbol of resilience and embracing life’s limits and uncertainties.
Cycles of Shedding and Growth: Tina reads her beautiful poem Shedding, offering insights into the discomfort and beauty of transformation. We discuss how shedding old skins makes way for new growth, both personally and collectively.
This episode is a tapestry of astrology, mythology, and depth psychology, offering a lens through which to engage with the themes of the solstice season. It’s an invitation to embrace the cycles of life, the interplay of darkness and light, and the wisdom of knowing our edges.
Key Takeaways
Saturn and the Solstice: Saturn, the planet of limits and structure, invites us to reflect on what needs to be released as we prepare for the year ahead. Ancient festivals like Saturnalia embody both the chaos and renewal of this season.
Poetic Reflections: Tina’s Poetic Nature Cards are a gateway to nature’s wisdom. The chosen card, Joy, reminds us to find delight even amidst difficulty.
The Role of Reflection: The solstice is a natural pause, urging us to take stock and realign with the cycles of life.
Listener Invitation
I’d love for you to reflect on the question posed during the card pull: What does this solstice time of year invite you to release, embrace, or celebrate?
Feel free to share your thoughts with me or Tina through the link below!
Connect with Tina, buy her cards or book in a session here.
#82 | Artemis & Aphrodite | The Freedom/Closeness Dilemma
00:42:15
In this episode of On the Soul's Terms, Chris Skidmore explores the timeless tension between two Greek goddesses: Artemis, the goddess of independence, chastity, and nature, and Aphrodite, the goddess of love, sensuality, and desire. These archetypes embody polar forces in our lives—the drive for self-sovereignty versus the longing for connection and intimacy. Through their myths, we uncover what happens when these energies collide and how they can guide us toward deeper self-awareness and transformation.
Chris delves into key stories that illustrate the unique dynamics of these archetypes, including:
Artemis and Orion: A tale of love that challenges Artemis’s commitment to independence.
Aphrodite and Adonis: A story of passion and the dangers of leaving one’s archetypal essence behind.
Hippolytus: The son of Theseus, torn apart by the conflicting forces of independence and relationality.
Using a Jungian lens, Chris reflects on the alchemical process of transformation—separating, purifying, and integrating these opposites to discover a “magical third thing.” He also weaves in astrological insights, focusing on the movement of the South Node of the Moon from Libra (ruled by Venus/Aphrodite) to Virgo (associated with Artemis/Mercury) and how this shift resonates with the themes explored.
Key Themes:
The archetypal tension between independence (Artemis) and relationality (Aphrodite).
Myths that reveal the beauty and dangers of embracing or abandoning one’s archetypal nature.
Jungian psychology: Holding the tension of opposites to facilitate transformation.
Astrological reflections: The movement of the South Node of the Moon from Libra to Virgo and its significance.
Call to Action:
Chris invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with independence and connection. How do these archetypal forces play out in your life? Consider journaling, creating art, or exploring your birth chart to uncover deeper insights.
Astrological Insights:
Chris encourages listeners to examine their Venus and Moon placements, the relationship between these planets, and the houses where Virgo and Libra fall in their chart. These placements can illuminate personal dynamics between independence and relationality.
Instagram: Follow Chris for updates and reflections.
Closing Notes:
This episode marks the beginning of a new series exploring archetypal tensions. If this exploration resonates with you, stay tuned for more episodes that dive into the soul’s journey through myth, astrology, and psychology.
In this episode of On the Soul’s Terms, I sit down with Béa Gonzalez, a novelist, teacher, and Jungian thinker, for a deeply enriching exploration of astrology, mythology, and storytelling.
Béa introduces her concept of the "unresolved note," those dynamic tensions in life—reflected in astrological squares—that drive personal growth and transformation. We discuss how these unresolved notes, though uncomfortable, are essential to finding balance and depth. Béa shares how this theme weaves through her latest novel, Invocation, a story about the clash and eventual integration of differing worldviews.
Our conversation flows through:
The interplay of Venus and Mars as archetypes of connection and separation, and how they symbolize the constant dance between the feminine and masculine within us all.
How astrology offers a language to engage with these archetypal forces, including squares as sites of unresolved, creative tension.
The healing power of myth, storytelling, and dreams in a disenchanted world.
The timeless relevance of mythology and its ability to bring deeper meaning to modern life.
Whether it's the myth of Tristan and Isolde, the discordant notes in Wagner's Tristan chord, or the rich symbolism of Venus and Mars in their mythological dramas, this episode dives deep into how we navigate the unresolved and find creative possibilities within it.
I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation as much as I did.
Image: Henry John Stock - The Poet's Dream: 'The Pursuit of the Ideal'
#84 | Dr Carolina Herbert | Radical Alignment in Times of Chaos
00:47:54
In this episode of On the Soul’s Terms, I sit down with my dear friend and returning guest, Dr. Carolina Herbert, for a deeply reflective conversation about navigating personal and collective upheaval. Recorded in person in Bali, this discussion emerges from the raw, electric energy of our recent conversations—conversations that have been steeped in questions of chaos, transformation, and the search for deeper alignment in uncertain times.
We explore the concept of catastrophe—not just as collapse, but as an invitation to turn inward, to dismantle outdated structures, and to meet ourselves at a more fundamental level. Carolina, with her extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, speaks to the shock waves currently rippling through global systems, while I bring in the astrological perspective, particularly the disruptive, awakening force of Uranus and Pluto’s ongoing movement in Aquarius.
Together, we examine the challenge of staying grounded amidst rapid change, the role of courage in forging a new path, and the necessity of allowing breakdowns to reveal something more essential. This conversation touches on themes of radical honesty, relational confrontation, and the deep interior work required to meet these times with clarity and presence.
If you’ve been feeling unmoored by the world’s instability—or by shifts in your own life—this episode offers a powerful reflection on what it means to move with, rather than against, the forces of change.
Find out more about Carolina on her website: Alkimia Soul
#85 | Off With Your Head! | Loosening the Grip of the Mind
00:22:44
Do you ever feel like your mind is running the show—thinking, planning, overanalyzing, refusing to let go?
In this episode of On The Soul’s Terms, we explore what it means to “lose your head” in the mythic sense. From fairy tales to Greek mythology, we encounter figures whose heads are literally severed—Clever Elsie, the Argus, Medusa, Orpheus—and discover what happens when the rational mind finally steps aside.
🔹 Clever Elsie – The difference between being clever and being wise 🔹 Argus & Hermes – Hyper-vigilance, overthinking, and the Trickster’s medicine 🔹 Medusa & Perseus – The frozen mind, reflection, and transformation 🔹 Orpheus – Trust, loss, and the lingering presence of soul
Through these stories, we ask: What happens when we stop gripping onto certainty and let go? Is there wisdom in surrender? Can the body, intuition, and deeper knowing take over when the mind steps back?
🎧 Listen in as we dismantle the myth of the all-knowing mind and explore the power of loosening our grip—just a little.
🌀 Next Episode: A deep dive into medical astrology with Kira Sutherland.
Podcast Art: "Orpheus’ Head Floating Down the River" (19th-century, Jean Delville)
In this episode, I sit down with Kira Sutherland, a renowned medical astrologer and naturopath, to explore the intersection of astrology, health, and mythology.
We dive into the ancient practice of medical astrology, discussing how the zodiac is mapped onto the human body, how planetary placements can influence our well-being, and why understanding your Mars sign can reveal the best form of movement for you.
We also explore: ✨ The Four Elements & Health – How fire, earth, air, and water manifest in our physical and emotional well-being. 🌙 Who Really Rules Sleep? – Why Saturn, Neptune, and Mercury all play a role in our sleep cycles and dreams. 🧠 The Mythology of Anatomy – How ancient myths are embedded in modern medical terminology (hint: your hippocampus has a story to tell). 🎭 The Shadow Side of Genius – A look at Neptune, creativity, and the "27 Club", exploring the link between brilliance and self-destruction.
Kira shares her holistic approach to medical astrology—using it as a preventative tool rather than a fixed fate—and offers insights into how we can work with our charts to optimize health, movement, and vitality.
This episode is packed with fascinating insights, practical wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a conversation that bridges the ancient and modern worlds of health and astrology.
Podcast Announcement | A Grand Tour of the Astrological Houses
00:05:48
Happy Equinox! As the Zodiac resets, we step into the rebirth energy of Aries, marking a new astrological year. Two years ago, we journeyed through the myths of the constellations—now, it’s time for a new adventure.
In this episode, I introduce our next 12-month exploration: the houses of astrology. If the planets are the characters and the signs describe how they express themselves, the houses reveal where the action takes place—the sacred spaces of our soul’s journey.
Together, we’ll move through the twelve houses, uncovering their mythic dimensions, the gods who reside within them, and what they reveal about our lives.
So, grab your map—our journey begins soon with the 1st House and the mighty Ascendant.
✨ Want to follow along with your own chart? Find your houses by entering your birth details here: Astro.com Birth Chart Calculator
In this opening episode of the new series, we take our first breath—together—into the mystery of the houses.
We begin at the threshold: the Ascendant, the eastern horizon, the moment of arrival. Before the name, before the role, before even the voice—there is presence. The First House is where the self enters the world, where the daimon is born alongside you, and where the mask you’ve crafted begins to take shape.
We explore the house not as a concept but as a temple: a soul-place with doors, rooms, and echoes. Along the way, we travel with Hermes, Artemis, Chiron, and Dionysus through their birth stories, reflecting on the archetypal imprint left by our own. What were we rewarded for? What mask did we learn to wear? And what name—spoken or unspoken—have we carried since?
This is the house of beginnings, of first impressions, and of the great “I am.” But like all things in astrology, it casts a shadow: the seventh house whispers “You are” or even “You are not.”
This episode invites you to remember the feel of that first doorway. To re-enter the house of your rising sign. And to meet again—perhaps for the first time—the part of you that’s always been becoming.
🔑 Questions to reflect on: – What is your rising sign, and how do you feel about it? – What mask have you worn, and is it still serving you? – What name did you inherit—and what name lives inside your bones?
🌿 Stay tuned next week for our fairy tale sidecar episode on Rumpelstiltskin, and the week after, a deep mytho-astrological conversation on the houses with the brilliant Brian Clark.
#88 | Rumpelstiltskin | Identity, the Daimon & Naming the Shadow
00:20:39
In this sidecar episode, we enter the strange and potent dream of Rumpelstiltskin, one of the darker Grimm tales — a story of impossible expectations, survival bargains, and the long road to reclaiming one’s name.
Told in three acts, this tale speaks directly to themes of the First House: identity projected too early, the mask we learn to wear, the persona that helps us survive but at a cost. We explore the alchemical pressure to turn straw into gold, the demonic helper who extracts a price, and the mercurial magic of naming what was once hidden.
As the tale unfolds, we meet the shadow side of the daimon, dance around the fire with the trickster, and reflect on how the voice of Mercury — the messenger, the devil, the guide — helps us reclaim our sovereignty.
A story for anyone who's ever felt the weight of someone else’s expectations, or bargained with a part of themselves just to get through.
In this introduction to the NEW podcast, On the Soul's Terms, the story of The Fisher King is told as an initiation myth for Chris' solo project.
The Fisher King, lost in the forest as a youth, wounds himself with a piece of hot salmon roasting on the spit of a campfire. His wound, sustained in the 12th century and shared far and wide through song all throughout Europe in different forms, is a symbol for our collective wound.
The healing of the wound rests on the shoulders of the fool, Parsival, who is destined to ask a simple question to restore the Fisher King's health by returning his vision to the Holy Grail. When he stumbles upon the kingdom, however, he remembers his mother's advice to 'not ask too many questions'. As such the moment is missed and many moons need to pass before he asks again.
The myth sets the tone for the podcast - a chance to ask a few foolish questions with regard to our inner and outer worlds. And perhaps, as we go, find the opportunity for healing in simple ways.
Enjoy. We'll be back next week with an interview with Christina Nielsen, founder of the Metavision Institute in NSW, Australia, to kick things off. She'll be the first of many guests who'll be shining a light on ways that ancient wisdom can and does find its way into the modern world with powerful effects.
Also - a Patreon account will be available soon - a chance to support the podcast and receive a few bonus pieces as we go.
Thanks for listening.
If you like this podcast please consider becoming a Patron here: https://www.patreon.com/onthesoulsterms
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This week I'm joined by Christina Nielsen, the founder of the Metavision Institute of NSW, Australia. Metavision is where I received my training in Process Oriented Psychotherapy - a holistic style that combines the understandings of reality from Quantum Physics with Jungian Psychodynamics.
Our conversation weaves in the idea of the life-myth of the individual having a secret connection with the mythic themes of the times. We visit Christina's childhood memories with Bilbo Baggins the dog, as well as an early childhood dream, to see how the seed of Metavision was expressing itself from her very earliest moments on earth.
Christina is a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience. She has extensively studied Chinese Medicine, Steiner's Spiritual Science and Arnold Mindell's Process Work. Her life and work display what's possible from a holistic perspective when it comes to the health of ourselves and our connection with our living planet.
An old teacher of mine once said to me, 'your message to the world is the life you live.' On reflection from our interview I was most moved by the living theme in Christina's life of the importance of combining cleverness with wisdom, and how the two are neither mutually exclusive nor intrinsically implied.
There's a moment in the interview where Christina doesn't quite remember the name of a book that explores the antithesis of 'Lord of the Flies'. That book is Humankind: A Hopeful History.
Thanks for listening in.
If you enjoy this and want the podcast to continue doing its thing, please consider becoming a Patron for just $5 a month.
#3 | Demeter & Persephone | Lunar Eclipse 19th.Nov.2021 | The Phases of Grief
00:58:39
The Homeric Hymn to Demeter is one of the most revered and powerful stories of the Western Tradition. It outlines perfectly the Pluto Process of death, rebirth, transformation and initiation. Whilst also aligning with the phases of grief and loss.
2:12 The astrology of today's Solar Eclipse with a breakdown of each planet involves and the themes in our atmosphere at this moment.
27:29 A retelling of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter
43:41 A breakdown of the story including how it maps onto the phases of grief & loss (Elisabeth Kubler-Ross), initiation & transformation and the many wonders of Pluto Processes.
#4 | Dr Carolina Herbert @ Epidaurus, Greece (The Asclepian Temple)
01:20:04
This week Dr Carolina Herbert joins us from Epidaurus, Greece. Epidaurus was the first site of the Cult dedicated to the demigod, Asclepius (see episode 13) in Ancient Greece.
Our chat weaves together Carolina's personal journey in the healing arts with the historical and mythological lineage of western medicine. It's an inspiring conversation that reminds us that 'medicine' is much more than simply the prolonging of death. We discover the inner workings of the temple: a labyrinth that leads down to the dream chambers (Abaton); an Olympic-style arena where a variety of tournaments occurred; and an amphitheater that could host 13,000 people with perfect acoustics that still holds events to this day.
Meanwhile, Carolina's own arc is explored from origins as an emergency nurse to becoming an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist. The journey took her to war-torn Cambodia where she spent almost two decades working to support the rebuilding of communities through the healing arts. She reflects on how the soul of Cambodia taught her how the remembering of the ancient myths and connecting to the inner world of creativity can have a powerful transformational impact; both on the individual level and on the life of a community recovering from war and genocide.
Recently, Carolina completed her PHD: The Alchemy of Healing Songwriting. It's a research study exploring the healing power of creative therapeutic songwriting in understanding and navigating times of global crisis and transition.
#5 | New Visions for the Solar Eclipse | The Creation Myth of Ancient Greece | Zeus & Metis
00:53:06
The total solar eclipse of December 4th is only visible in Antarctica. That said, the partial eclipse will be visible from the southern most points of the planet. Makes us wonder if our attention might be drawn towards southern parts of Africa :-).
The Sagittarius New Moon gives us a chance to ponder the philosophical underpinnings of our reality. As such, this episode is dedicated to questioning what exactly it is we mean when we talk about 'The World'. The final four signs of the Zodiac are dedicated to this question and each approach it in different ways:
Sagittarius (fire): Philosophy, religion, mythos and pointing the mind up in the direction of spirit. Capricorn (earth): Structures, hierarchies, evolution of species, our relationship to the wild (and control). Aquarius (air): Systems of thought, science, mathematics, the collective consciousness. Pisces (water): Dreaming, poetry, art, altered states, seership, the consulting of Oracles, divination.
Once we understand these 'four ways' of approaching the world, we can then go into what Sagittarius' contribution is. As it's the first of the four, it impacts the other three. If our Sag Arrow is pointing in slightly the wrong direction it can take us a long way the wrong way.
To explore this more fully, of course, we need to bring in some mythological material. This time - the creation myth from Ancient Greece [29:02]. From Chaos, to the dysfunctional relationship of Ouranus (Sky Father) and Gaia (Earth Mother), to Cronus taking the throne and eating his children, to the eventual overthrow by Zeus (aka Jupiter).
For this episode the arrow will then point at Zeus and his relationship with his Mentor, Metis. Their steamy love affair of metamorphosis. And the birth of their child, Athena, born out of the skull of Zeus! And ultimately, the idea that true understanding is the combination of knowledge from the Sky and wisdom from the Ocean.
Isn't that a much more satisfying story of how the Universe came to be than what you (probably) learned at school about a random big bang in an empty, meaningless space? I think so.
If you enjoy this and want the podcast to continue doing its thing, please consider becoming a Patron for just $5 a month.
#6 | James Mattingley | Sometimes a Wild God by Tom Hirons
01:09:39
James Mattingley joins the show to perform a poem by Tom Hirons called, Sometimes a Wild God.
It's a powerful rendition, and leads us into a discussion of the wild one within and without. When have we felt the presence of the wild god in our lives? What happens to us when that one withdraws? How might we beckon him back into our living rooms so that he might make those rooms truly live again?
James is a teacher, coach, speaker, yoga teacher, movement specialist, new father and many other things. He lives in Bali with his wife and their couple-of-moments old daughter. He brings presence and deep questioning with him wherever he goes.
It was a pleasure to have him on the show. I hope you enjoy listening in.
If you're enjoying the show you can show your support by becoming a Patron here. Patrons help us to keep nasty advertising away and to keep the electricity on around here.
#7 | Eris & the Golden Apple | The Gemini Full Moon
00:51:39
The word ‘Pandemic’ comes from two Greek words: Pan - all; and Demos - people. We use it to imply that it is affecting all the people. But the word ‘demos’ aslo has a close link to the word ‘demon’. Pandemic - all the demons. And it has felt as thought this time has aligned with the opening of Pandora’s Box. Pandora, of course, meaning ‘all the gifts’.
Such is the way when it comes to words. They’re ruled by the god Mercury/Hermes and are often betraying double meanings. (Before Freud’s rebrand, the Hermetic Slip was the trickster getting your tongue. Not necessarily a revelation of some sexual compulsion, as was the place all of Freud’s roads led.)
Pandemic suggests, then, that we’re all in this together. And so are all of our demons. Not to mention all of our gifts.
At this point, it’s likely that we all know someone who has had the virus and has experienced long term effects or has died. We also know many negatively affected from the response to the virus: loss of employment and livelihood; suffering from isolation, anxiety, depression, hopelessness. We might know people suffering from adverse reactions to the shot, some also severe and long lasting.
The numbers might be telling us a story, and our felt experience telling us something quite different. Data vs Anecdotes.
We are all in several double binds. For instance, personally, I’m thankful for the fortress that is Western Australia for keeping this thing away from my mother and her chronic lung condition. Whilst I’m frustrated that I can’t enter that fortress and be with my dear aunt who has a rare and relentless form of cancer as she tries whatever experimental medicines are available to her to survive. Precious moments I won’t get back.
Like Theseus, we may have taken up our sword and shield and attempted to enter the labyrinth of the internet to work out what the hell is going on - only to have found ourselves confounded and confused by all the conflicting information. Or maybe we discovered ‘The Truth’, but it took its toll on our body, mental health and relationships and left us in a state of paranoia or nihilism.
I haven’t spoken to much of this in my podcast. For many reasons. The confusion in the field. Not wanting to be just another conflicting voice. Fear of persecution (it’s a very real fear for the more mystically oriented - and for good historical reason). And the big one - what if I’m wrong?
In today’s podcast, however, inspired by the Gemini Full Moon, symbolic of our need for critical thinking, open communication, questioning authority and acknowledging the ‘dark twin’, I’ve decided to step into the polarising field like The Fool stepping into the great abyss.
I’ve brought some magical helpers with me. The Greek Myth of Eris, who isn’t invited to a wedding banquet so does what any rational Goddess would do; starts the Trojan War. And my spirit companions - C.G. Jung speaking to the Clergy and the Astrologer, Rob Brezny, from his book Pronoia: The Antidote for Paranoia.
I’ve spent way too much time on it, as well as this blurb. My wish is that it is coherent and that it helps us think beyond our fixed positions, if only for a moment.
Thanks for reading. Thanks even more for listening in.
If you're enjoying the show you can show your support by becoming a Patron here. Patrons help us to keep nasty advertising away and to keep the electricity on
"Did we learn anything in these last 19 months? Did we learn to value life differently?"
Brian Clark is a Classics Scholar with a rich and comprehensive knowledge of Greek Mythology and Astrology. He joins me on this Christmas Eve Edition of the show to discuss:
Venus/Aphrodite and her historical roots that reach back into various ancient cultures and through the dreamtime of pre-history.
This current 19-month Venus cycle coming to a close; reflecting on our individual and collective values.
The relationship between Saturn and Uranus in myth and astrology.
The story of Oedipus and Sigmund Freud's connection to it through his life and legacy.
We then settle in to discuss the state of culture in the world today. What happened to the revolutionaries of the '60s? How can we escape the hypnotic grip of advertising and commodification to return to a sense of place and purpose in life?
Naturally, this leads us back to C.G. Jung; the archetypal lens; and the sense that even though we're lost in troubled seas the gods have not deserted us. In fact, Venus is preparing, yet again, to be born in the Eastern Sky - an event that begs our participation.
I invite you to join us for this wandering, meandering journey. Brian is a true elder and a master in his field. It was an honour to have him on the show.
#9 | Grimm Brothers: The Three Feathers | The Lost Oracle | Feminine in Exile | Marie Louise von Franz and the Jungian Approach to Fairy Tales
00:58:05
There was once on a time a King who had three sons, of whom two were clever and wise, but the third did not speak much, and was simple, and was called the Simpleton. When the King had become old and weak, and was thinking of his end, he did not know which of his sons should inherit the kingdom after him. Then he said to them: "Go forth, and he who brings me the most beautiful carpet shall be King after my death." And that there should be no dispute amongst them, he took them outside his castle, blew three feathers in the air, and said: "You shall go as they fly."
Thus begins the story of The Three Feathers from the Brothers Grimm Collection. According to Jungian Analyst Marie Louise von Franz, the opening line of a fairy tale is the diagnosis of the state of the kingdom. In this case - a kingdom dominated by the logical, linear masculine principle. A place where the intuitive, sensual feminine is nowhere to be seen.
The story leads us to some unexpected places in order to restore the feminine back into the culture described by the tale. Namely, underneath the castle where she exists in toad form with plenty of magic to spare.
This story was a case study in Von Franz' book: The Interpretation of Fairy Tales. Somewhat of a witch herself, I follow her lead carefully in this episode to see what her Jungian flashlight might illuminate for us as we go.
The throwing of the three feathers was an ancient way of consulting the oracle. This leads us into the territory of the I Ching, and a passage from the Richard Wilhelm translation. The introduction to this pocket edition of the book attempts to appeal to a modern audience, cut off from the gods by our stubborn intellect that, in Nietzsche's framework, is a camel that thinks it's a mountain peak.
If you're enjoying what you're hearing please consider joining the Patreon community.
#10 | Melanie Reinhart | Part One | Chiron & The Centaur World View | Ancestral Medicine | The Pristine Remains of our Celestial Origins
01:19:12
Melanie Reinhart has been a professional astrologer since 1975. She is a patron of the Faculty of Astrological Studies and in 2004 received the Charles Harvey Award from the Astrological Association of Great Britain for 'exceptional service to astrology.'
This is Part One of a two part conversation. We begin, as is the custom on the show, with land acknowledgements. This takes us on a fascinating journey into Melanie's lineage and how synchronicity played a big role in connected her back to her ancestors, just as Chiron was crossing over her IC (the lowest part of the chart and connected to our unseen origins).
This leads us into a deeper dive into the world of Chiron and the Centaurs and their position in the Kuiper Belt of the solar system. An astronomy magazine once referred to the Kuiper Belt as 'the pristine remains of our celestial origins.' We dream along with this concept and wonder if Chiron might, in fact, take us back to our very roots, so long as we're willing to see the world from his viewpoint.
Towards the end of the episode Melanie is inviting us into the ancient world view that we can commune with plants and when we do their extraordinary healing potentials are often revealed.
It's there that we take a break, and pick up the flow again in Part Two.
To hear the story of Chiron on this podcast go to Apple or Spotify or simply scroll back to hear Alexandre and I discuss the story when we were Tending the Sun Fire.
#11 | Melanie Reinhart | Part Two | Chiron & Pholus | Rituals of Grief | Living One's Individual Story
01:17:28
In Part Two of my discussion with Melanie Reinhart we start where we left off; the ability of humans to communicate with plant life. This is considered 'ancient' wisdom, but perhaps it shouldn't be placed in the context of time, making it seem like it's something in the past. It's now. It's then. It's always the truth.
We then track the fascinating square between the centaurs Chiron & Pholus: astronomical bodies squaring each other over the span of almost a decade. The symbolism and the timing of their connections are uncanny - and may give us some clues as to another layer of what we're here to learn in these days of the pandemic.
Chiron and Pholus are connected in myth. Chiron is in the lineage of Saturn, Pholus is in the lineage of Mercury. They come together in Chiron's cave in a fateful way; Pholus opening the lid of the wine of Dionysus that he wasn't meant to have. This attracts the unruly and wild centaurs, ultimately causing his own death and the wounding of his friend, Chiron.
Pholus' story: The Lid Comes Off. These are the times we're in, according to the Centaurs.
We circle back to talk about grief; the rituals we perform as a collective to acknowledge the deep loss inherent in being human, especially in times of upheaval and change.
Which brings us to meaning and the symbolic life of having an intimate connection with one's own mythic story.
To hear the story of Chiron on this podcast go to Apple or Spotify or simply scroll back to hear Alexandre and I discuss the story when we were Tending the Sun Fire.
#12 | Dr David Russell (Jungian Psychologist) | James Hillman's The Dream & the Underworld | Inanna & Hercules
01:10:55
Dr David Russell joins me on the podcast this week. David recently wrote an essay centered around James Hillman’s 1979 book: The Dream & the Underworld. I’ve posted it with David’s permission on the Abaton Blog here.
We discuss ideas about the nature of dreams as David argues for allowing dreams to be lifeforms unto themselves - perfect within their own context - and not to be simply mined for the betterment of the upper-world.
To begin the episode, David opens up about his own story. After a decade in a Catholic monastery, studying theology in Europe, he was drawn to question the literal interpretations of the scriptures. This led to an opening to the mythic realm and on a winding path out of organised religion into Psychology; eventually becoming President of the NSW Jung Society.
We then chat about Robert Johnson’s visits to Sydney and the impact that his presence had on David in the '80s and '90s; the revelation of seeing Johnson standing on stage telling stories for hours at a time as a way to engage the psyche of the room. And then how the Mythopoetic Men’s Movement of Hillman, Michael Meade and Robert Bly further informed his path towards poetry and myth as an access point to wisdom.
The conversation then moves to the mythic: the Sumerian myth of Inanna as well as Hercules' 12th task, both enduring a journey to the Underworld and back. Each, by learning the customs and rules of the Underworld, are able to bring back with them a particular gift - specific to their Age - to share with the world above.
Dr. David Russell has a psychotherapy/psychology practice in Darlinghurst (Sydney CBD). In his therapeutic work his intention is to attend to the experiential nature of desire and compulsion as experienced in everyday life. David is a past president of the Sydney Jung Society and past Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at Western Sydney University.
During the episode I mention Madness Radio which can be found here.
If you're enjoying what you're hearing please consider joining the Patreon community.
Thank you to Marlia Coeur who has provided us with the soundtrack for the show. You can find her on Spotify and YouTube.
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