Episode #4 Recorded 3/27/11

We had the same crew again this week, with Delia Shargel, Chad Harris, Jessica Garfield-Kabarra, and Rick Tarnas all joining me for another spirited round of archetypal dialogue. In the first segment we start off with a discussion of the current world transit situation, focusing on the unfolding tragic situation in Japan, and then also addressing the recent events in Libya.  From here we move to an honoring of Elizabeth Taylor with a discussion of both her chart and the chart of Richard Burton (we also look at the synastry between their charts).  We finish off the first segment with a brief discussion of the struggling broadway play Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, and a look at Julie Taymor's chart and transits (Taymor was recently fired from her role as director). In the second segment Jessica brings in a topic for group discussion, and we have a rich exploration of the psychological phenomenon of projection.  We discuss the question of how one works to distinguish between genuine intuition and projection, and we explore how astrology can aid in this process.  We explore the idea of "archetypal possession states" and look at how the discipline of an "I-Thou" relationship with the cosmos, and a careful mindful engagement with oneself and others, can help one avoid this potential.  We discuss how an astrological practice that focuses on integrating and honoring all of the planetary archetypes is a natural correction for the potential for archetypal possession states. In our last "honoring the gods" segment, we focus on the Venus-Neptune archetype (tight conjunction in the sky at the time of this recording), and look at three brief examples of artists with the combination.  Delia and Jessica start us off with a look at singer Jeff Buckley (born with the conjunction) and we listen to an interview with Buckley as well as a brief example of one of his songs.  Next, Rick brings in an example of opera singer Luciano Pavarotti (also born with a Venus-Neptune conjunction) singing his signature piece "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's (who is also born with Venus-Neptune in hard aspect) opera Turandot. Lastly, I bring in an example from the Icelandic group Sigur Ros, whose lead singer, Jonsi Birgisson, is born with a tight Venus-Neptune opposition. You can go directly to the recording (and listen to the podcast in an open browser window) by clicking on the highlighted text here.  Enjoy!