Making the Gods Work for You: The Astrological Language of the Psyche

by Caroline W. Casey

Making the Gods Work for You presents internationally renowned author Caroline W. Casey's remarkable doctrine of Visionary Activist Astrology. In this reverently irreverent mystery school disguised as a book (in which each of the planetary gods is a professor), we are invited to think of our lives as spiritual detective novels. For example, Venus teaches us that our affinities and quirks are clues to our unique mission and contribution to the world. The astrological language of the psyche is a tool for deciphering and revitalizing this sense of mission. Casey teaches you how to expand your range of intimacy with the ten parts of yourself represented by the planets, here called gods. You will learn how to use this language to reverence and feed the forces of your psyche that connect you to very real external forces. This book intends to catalyze a movement to engage the imagination of all people with a sense of humor and a desire to do collaborative good in the world.

Expanding on the ideas first presented in her popular audiotape series, Inner and Outer Space, Casey explores the archetypes at the heart of human relationships, aspirations, and spiritual quests. In an engaging narrative enlivened by stories, fables, exercises, and meditations developed through her work as an astrological counselor, she provides a practical system of personal and collective liberation. Making the Gods Work for You provides us with innovative principles to live by and rituals inviting us to become active, dynamic participants in the dance of life. We can then become increasingly conscious players on the team of creation, capable of sharing our gifts with the world at this crucial historical time.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Psychology, Audiobook, Self Help, Mythology

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 1998

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always currently reading this book. Carolyn Casey is one of the most wise, down to earth and uplifting voices I have ever known. She also has a radio show called the "Visionary Activist" show on KPFA...if you are interested in Astrology as a tool, a language, a metaphor for inner life please read...Charlatans and shallow Prediction Projectors need not apply...

[Aepril · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite and most influential astrology books---and authors! (And she's a bellydancer!)

[Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The decision of reading this book is part of my quest to understand why girls on the internet enjoy astrology so much and now I feel like I understand it a lot better. I always read these kinds of things as a skeptical woman that finds all sorts of knowledge useful and empowering.
I don't deny that the world of astrology and spirituality is full of bullshitters who just want your money in exchange of vague knowledge that could apply to everyone, even your dog. However, Caroline W. Casey is the opposite of this. She is a woman of infinite wisdom and through this book she has given the deepest insight into astrology and mythology I had ever seen. Her idea is truly brilliant and she's a wonderful, engaging speaker (I heard an audiobook version of this). Her research on the subject is extensive and is supported with facts from cultures all over the world, science and a vast knowledge of human religion as well as human needs.
I feel thankful I came across this book that showed me how exactly human beings need to create a mythology through which their higher self can be reached. I love this idea of religion as a tool to serve and praise one's own purpose and make the world a better place by doing what's best for the community.

[Jon Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a really solid, unique, stand-alone astrology book. i got my copy because it was recommended by The Astrology University, and Casey’s “Visionary Activist Astrologer” is a welcome breath of fresh air from a lot of the more technical, heavier Psychological and Hellenistic astrology I usually read.

Casey incorporates analogies and wisdom mystical & indigenous traditions from all over the world: Mexican, Paupau New Guinean, Australian, African, Celtic, Irish, and many more. She uses these to draw fresh parallels to the planetary archetypes - not just the same “Aries = Mars or Marduk, Gemini = Mercury or Enki” lines I’ve grown weary of hearing from contemporary traditional astrologers.

she’s also genuinely funny, and has no end of fascinating personal anecdotes. i think this is a great inductory astrology book, and am surprised it’s out of print.

[Jessica Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've owned two copies of this book over the years, moving between Britain and Australia and now have a rather battered purple paperback (the other one was lent and never returned). Casey's unforgettable take on the planets - the old Roman gods turned into symbols in your astrology chart - is wildly original and full of anecdotes, stories and advice. She's particularly good on Pluto, who is so often misunderstood in astrology. Recommended.

[Sooz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually listened to this on cassette several years ago and I've never forgotten it. Author Casey has a wonderful delivery, with music, inspiration, and humor. The subject is wonderful, as though "the gods" are just waiting for us to express -- through their preferred communication of "ritual" --- exactly what we want in life. What fun.

[Lola]

I appreciated Caroline Casey's knowledge and ideas about rituals and brining astrology alive in our everyday lives. Recommend for anyone looking for a way to bring ritual to their astrology. We did a Jupiter night as recommended in the book and it was a fun family experience.

[Ambika Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable romp in the astrological realm with Caroline W. Casey. I adore her take on the mystic language and the way she paints such a vivid picture with humor and wisdom.

[JENNIFER BRANTLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

great application of mythology, she's a good storyteller.

[Sami Silverthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always coming back to this book. Casey is a wise fool at metaphor and it teaches me so much.

[Judith the Book Gobbler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the book twice, I have 2 copies, I have written in both books. I figure a third read is due!

[Richard Curry]

This is not your typical book on "Astrology". It is not concerned with predicting the future.

I read the horoscope in the newspaper for entertainment, not for information.

She provides a readout of the psyche using astrology as a language. I have read through passages a couple of times, and still think I don't quite totally grasp everything she is saying, but it is interesting to try to learn a new "language".

To give a clue as to where she is coming from: the author has a degree in "semiotics" which is the "study of signs and sign processes (semiosis), indication, designation, likeness, analogy, metaphor, symbolism, signification, and communication. Semiotics is often divided into three branches: Semantics, Syntactics, and Pragmatics" ~ Wikipedia. ... Semiotics is closely related to linguistics.

As to the title: "Making the Gods work for you", she describes the constellations and planets as characters or actors in a symbolic way, and suggests e.g.: how to go with the flow when circumstances put us on some kind of "transport" with that particular actor being the theme of such a phase. It might be like sitting down at the table with a friend to discuss a certain situation, and they start using salt and pepper shakers and cream pitchers and utensils to model possible scenarios and ways to help you navigate safely through some new situation. The objects would be given names from a symbological system, (such as in this case: astrological names) to help you keep the situation labeled coherently as you model your way to a solution.
I upgraded my rating to 5 stars.
I would like to read this again.

[Tristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure! I love Caroline W. Casey's trickster, celebratory, free spirit approach to life and her way of explaining astrology is no different. She begins with her seven/eight "Visionary Activist Principles," the first of which is "Believe nothing. Entertain possibilities." What a breath of fresh air, after so many astrologers touting their "One & Only Way to Read the Stars & Planets." Caroline goes into great detail about how all the planets can affect us, citing fairy tales and mythology, the original meaning of certain words, and the religious historical practices. And thanks to Caroline's excellent, accessible style of writing, I finally understand what all that "1st House, 2nd House," etc. really means. She also reminded me how easy and simple, yet extremely powerful a simple ritual can be. This is a book I"m going to keep around for easy reference. The next time I feel a crazy mood swing or have a series of unfortunate events occur, I just might check in on what those Planet Gods are up to!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really furthered my understanding of myself. The author weaves astrology with psychology with spirituality with wit. This book showed me that astrology is EVERYWHERE. It's in the names of the days of the week, its in all or our human history, it's in our holidays...and on and on. The most notable part of this book was the answer to a question I've been searching for for years - how does one overcome a mood, and not become it's victim? In all my healing techniques, and consciousness and emotional training and techniques, NOTHING has answered this question for me. Literally within hours of reading that section I had the opportunity to try out what the author recommended. I suddenly was overcome by a sullen, depressed mood, seemingly out of the blue. I had some typical mind resistance to trying her simple technique at first, my mind coming up with some feeble excuses, but ultimately I wasn't silly enough to not try at all. The mood lifted within a second of using her technique. I'm so grateful for her wisdom and providing me the answer to this burning life question!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am actually re-reading this and if you have any interest in both astrology and spiritual development, this is a book very worth reading. This is not a classic astrology book in any way. Casey has a deep understanding of the planets and how they work in our lives and she expresses that through a heady mix of philosophy, anecdotes, facts from scientific studies, sharing of information on faiths, and more. Its a fun read that's hard to put down and that invites you to actively dance with these planets within for your own personal development.

[Magdaly Marien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This is a work of Healing and understanding. Will be stuck on this book for ages to come. Raw emotionally Empathic Visionary Data. She really has a talent for making you experience the day to day truths of these Planetary energies just by reading her words. If your going through a tough transit with any planet and are wondering and stuck on wtf is going on and will I ever make it out of this? Then pick up this book and get a reality check on yourself. The planets require their outlets to release their energies and be Balanced. This is the manual for the relief of these Tensions.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most inspiring and interactive astrology book I've ever read. I've been studying astrology on and off for six years and this book somehow makes it feel like I'm back at day one, in the best of ways. Caroline Casey is clever and charming, and invites us to explore Visionary Activist Astrology. She asks us to consider co-creating with the stars to bring about the world we want to see around us. This is a gem.

[Renna Shesso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now my go-to astrology book - all the technical grasp, plus a lively sense of how to convey the material (never dry!) - Casey's an excellent writer.

[Rukshana · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective on astrology - focused on the energy of each planet rather than an analysis of your sun sign like most astrology books. A definite must to round out the amateur astrologer's bookshelf.

[Ann M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to astrological themes -- she identifies the planets with gods -- as indeed they were identified in olden times, the Greeks and Romans saw them as such.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an excellent, positive book on planetary archetypes. definitely a continued reference book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild and great. Says some true things I never would have thought to try to articulate. Boldly takes words to parts of the psyche where they really haven't been before.

[Inanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Casey's writing style is witty and sensitive, and the stories she weaves into each chapter are fascinating. I'll keep returning to this one for sure!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, and since I have moved, I can't find it to finish it! Glad we got a new place so I can unpack and look for it!!

[Kiah Luna Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've listened to this audible over 7 times! Caroline Casey is a linguistic, story telling, exquisite gift to the world and astrologers! I'm so excited to read the physical book.