Mapping the Psyche: An Introduction to Psychological Astrology. Volume 1: The Planets and the Zodiac Signs

by Clare Martin

This book, a transcript of the first term of an introductory course in astrology given for the Centre for Psychological Astrology, is a new and exciting approach to the subject which every student, beginner or advanced, can learn from. In this first of three volumes, the basic building blocks of astrological language are presented, not in the dry, 'cookbook' manner which mars so many astrology texts, but in a lively and relaxed format punctuated by questions from students, making the material accessible, fluent, and immediately applicable to everyday life. The reader is taken on a fascinating journey through the solar system, the ancient planetary gods, and the energies and motivations symbolised by their astrological equivalents; and then through the signs of the zodiac, their elements and qualities, and the ways in which different planets express through them. The inclusion of the psychological dimension of human life, as well as the profound symbolism of alchemy as a parallel map of the individual journey, make this an exciting, in-depth exploration which will expand the understanding, not only of the student with no previous knowledge, but also of the msot experienced astrological practitioner.

Genres: Astrology

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

the idea of integrating one's Opposite sign and planets that are in Detriment or Fall sheds lights on key areas that one needs to work on. And it is key for any chart to come alive as whole & complete.

[Lillabelle Aikins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is two stars because it is a true 40/100 for me, maybe less.
I read this because I am open to new ideas about the world. My mother always vaguely spoke about the Zodiac, leaning into her Aries identity and sometimes saying things like 'you're such a Virgo! that's why we clash!'. I guess I was interested in the romance of it all, that the formation of the stars and planets really does have a say on whether you are diplomatic or rash, sensitive or thick-skinned. Like alot of people in their youth, my mother was the closest to an astrology believer in her twenties, trying to find her own identity and learning how to meditate. Maybe I am too.
What I liked about this book particularly is its clean cut edges; it is very defined and systematic when it comes to explaining each planet, including a little sprinkle of history and factual information to back the wass. She goes through each planet, each sign, how the signs are organised into groups and elements. The whole thing is a 'transcript from her class' (which I'm actually wondering whether what has been included from the transcript has been selective, but then again, who is going to be signing up to an Astrology beginner class but people who are seriously ready to be convinced?). So I liked the interaction side of things, getting to bounce back and forth against her claims.
I guess another good thing about Astrology is that is a good way to map emotions. Sure, its bullshit, because you are combination of the signs and planets, signs with traits that often overlap so you can be selective about what you identify with while still staying true to this pseudo religion. Clare even says that if you 'don't identify with one of the traits, that's probably because you are not conscious of it'. Pretty self explanatory what I will take away from that. But at least it makes you more conscious about a complex and vast set of traits that have ying and yang that you should be aware of, and therefor you should be open to how you alter and apply these traits to your own life.
Many a mention of Jung too, who I didn't realise was an Astrologer? (yet as I google now the top result backing this claim comes from reddit...)

[Sarah K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant overview of the planets and the signs.
Its a transcript from a class and so there are comments from the audience/students, but that actually adds to the feeling of the book as a living process of learning.

Clare's teaching style is very practical and all about bringing the energies into actual chart interpretation.

Highly recommended although 4 stars because its not a 'book' as such, but a transcript of a class.

[Yitzchok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well done beginners description going through all the Planets, Signs, Elements, and some aspects. I enjoyed reading it, even as a seasoned astrologer.

[Corinne Jachelski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great intro to astrology book that takes a different perspective than many basic intro books. I learned a lot still, even though I’ve studied for many years.

[Jon Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this in one sitting on a plane. i wish i had found this book earlier, it’s a great succinct, intelligent, non-patronizing introduction to the significations of the planets and signs in astrology. she does a good job of giving context for the broader / more complicated themes and concepts of astrology without getting too mired in them. i also appreciated her humble tone. much like Darby Costello, she writes in dialogue, which made the whole book feel like sitting in a classroom with a group of people you already know.

[Colin McPhillamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of a trilogy and of invaluable good use to the beginning astrologer, and a resource which one could profitably return to on an ongoing basis. Very clear exposition on the planets, the signs, the houses. Uncannily recognizable when describing character traits and behaviors, yet also aware of deeper knowledge and understanding to come as one progresses. Highly recommended.

[Alia Makki · Rating 4 out of 5]

يا رب علما نافعا و لا براطيم جهلة و خرفان
Of course I read the whole thing. This is my first study in astrology. And I'm embarrassed but not a bit sorry. Because it's like card reading: Fi logic. Fi belief in outer and higher power. And as above, so below.