Category: counselling and therapy

Astrology, Psychotherapy, and Identity: The new Moon dance with Chiron, a fresh perspective

Some of my readers may be aware that astrology is a tool I use to help me reflect on life, and hopefully make conscious choices as life arises moment to moment. In astrology, the phases of the moon can be powerful times for reflection in different ways. The disclaimer here is that I’m not an astrologer. However my avid interest in Astrology spans nearly 50 years: more recently studying the asteroid Chiron and how I see the wounded/healing processes play out in mine and other people’s life. Without going into something that is out of my depth, this article is to share a way we might work with the current new moon energy and it’s connection to three other heavenly bodies: Sun, Mercury, and Chiron. Together these four archetypal energies are dancing in a powerful way, known in astrology terms as a conjunction. Astrology and psychotherapy have been connected by many famous names in the psychology world for the last century at least. Carl Jung is highly respected for his work on archetypal energies associated with astrology and the synchronicity that plays out in cosmology and earthly experiences.

My interpretation and how I use astrology energy in spiritual, and therapeutic terms follows, and is in no way to be seen as astrology advice, simply one of many ways we can work with growth and energy in a conscious way. It’s always a personal choice. I study the wisdom of astrologers whose teaching I can relate to, and that changes overtime. I will link some items in this article to some current favourites. Astrology for me is more of a psychological and spiritual tool showing me a road map for potential growth, rather than a predictive tool. I find retrospective research of my own astrological chart (Astro.com) connections a way to understand the personal meaning, and a method to understand current life circumstances, and potential future direction.

Astrology King-Jamie Partridge New moon chart. Please see his article for more information. Links in the article.

So new moon energy in broad terms is often seen as way to start something, having cleared somethings away from the previous moon cycle. The moon can often be about our emotional experience, potentially connected to family and close relationships. “Sun conjunct Moon transit puts the focus on the most personal areas of life. You will pay more attention to your home, feelings, emotions, and close relationships, especially with women. The power of the Sun brings these deeper areas of life to the surface so that any problems that have simmered in these areas can be resolved in a positive way.” Astrology King – Jamie Partridge

Here is a link to Astrology King new moon article for April 1, 2022

My understanding of this Aries new moon is that as the first new moon of the astrological year, which begins each year at the March equinox, is that it’s a powerful time to create intention, and new focus for the year ahead. Read more about this here from Astrobutterfly

Mercury is often seen as relating to communication, the mind, and how we use it. “Mercury is the planet of the mind and mouth, guiding the way we think, our communication style, and our level of focus.” (Tarot.com)

The sun shines a light on our personality “The Sun, the giver of life, represents our conscious mind in Astrology. It represents our will to live and our creative life force. Just as the planets revolve around the Sun in our solar system, we derive our life purpose from the Sun” (Café Astrology)

Chiron is the wounded healer who is showing us a way to look at life long themes where we feel wounded in some way. The Chiron placements as it moves around the heavens can be seen as a way to work with healing energy as a process.

For those interested in astrology, knowing your birth time and checking your natal chart will provide a very personal view of these themes when you see which house this conjunction falls in for you. For me it’s in the first house which is rules by Aries themes. TD Jacobs meaning of Chiron in the houses might be something to assist in working out your current Chiron themes related to identity.

So this new start to an astrological year could highlight a time for reflection about identity: Who are you and how do you express that: where and how do you feel wounded about your identity. Mercury is the archetype that could foster some inner communication where you can reflect on where, over your life you feel wounded (Chiron) about your identity, and how it has affected the way you express yourself, throughout your life.

This morning as I reflected I identified (within the limits of my self-awareness) what this theme meant for me. As I wrote in my journal about that which was conscious at the time, I wrote about salient issues and noticed repeating themes which arose as recent as yesterday, then I identified where that overarching theme has played out over time in different ways, and then I wrote a realistic set of affirmations of intention of how I would like to live and express myself, my identity in the year ahead and beyond.

It doesn’t matter what your own personal affinity is with ways to raise awareness about living consciously, it matters more that it feels “growthful” for you. It matters that it helps you connect to your heart. Astrology is a powerful tool for me, and it’s just one of many ways I practice coming back to presence as often as possible in a very challenging world. I also have great curiosity for all things metaphysical, philosophical, and psychological. I listen to many teachers who inspire me. If you’d followed my blog over-time you will see that Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Anthony De Mello, and Thich Nhat Hanh are all people whose teachings I admire greatly. I would add another to the list now: Mark Nepo. I would invite you to read, listen to, watch all the great resources shared by these people, and to also seek out your own current teachers who help bring you back to your heart.

Thought has the power to move internal mountains for better or worse. Attention and intention are directly related to thought experience. Pause… and notice often throughout your day where your attention is. For this new moon energy especially, take some time for reflection and planning: a powerful way to see your thoughts and how you might use thought proactively.

My questions for you are:

  • What helps you move inner mountains: for worse or better?
  • What helps bring you back to presence?
  • What connects you with “true Love”?
  • What would you like your life to be like in the year ahead?
  • What do you need to let go of that will allow you to feel comfortable to be yourself?
  • Who inspires you in positive ways with how they live their life?

I will share a photo of the page of affirmations I wrote in my journal when reflecting this morning. I’m aware I can add to this list anytime, as writing helps me to remember more of my identity and what that means to me.

My journal affirmations for working with identity.

May this article inspire you to remember more and more of who you are.

Blessings for a new year ahead.

Please feel free to add your own “identity” affirmations for the year head that feel powerful for you in the comments below. Sharing may inspire other people to connect more powerfully and uniquely to who they are, and how to share their gifts in community.

Walk and Talk Therapy

Walking is a favourite past time of mine, especially when it’s close to some form of natural environment, like the beach, parks, a lake, or similar. When I do walk I am able to connect to the present moment, feel more relaxed, and feel energised at the same time.

Research shows that well-being and mental health is often improved dramatically by spending time outdoors in natural light, fresh air, and even more so if there is about 30 minutes of movement relevant to an individuals level of health and fitness.

People familiar with reading my blog posts will remember I am often writing about, and advocating for, spending time in nature to help us become mindfully present, and to feel better. To that end I have decided to take my clients outdoors from now on: for gentle walks while we talk, or even to sit near the beach or in a park for the therapy/counselling session.

Walk and talk therapy has been practiced by many counsellors, psychotherapists, or psychologists for years. Many mental health residential units have incorporated time outdoors and some inclusive of exercise as part of the treatment program. As mentioned earlier this practice is evidence based and recommended for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Obvious advantages to walking outdoors is that it is a multi-sensory experience, linked to higher levels of oxytocin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. Walking could also reduce blood pressure in some people. Outdoor walk and talk therapy could encourage clients to exercise or at least spend more time outdoors. And natural scenery can become a wonderful part of therapy process in helping us to understand our internal frameworks reflected in our perceptions of the environment.

  • Bontanical Gardens Mt Coot-tha
  • Barron Pocket Dam
  • Suttons Beach

What to expect.

Meeting at a pre arranged place we will discuss your thoughts and needs from the session, as in any therapeutic setting. Part of the initial discussion will be to check in and negotiate your feelings about walking or just enjoying somewhere to sit and talk outdoors. Movement will be encouraged and you will set the pace.

How to prepare.

  • You might want to have comfortable walking clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather and season.
  • Hat and sun protection – essential
  • Be prepared to attend your therapy session in all kinds of weather.
  • Bring a water bottle (reusable).
  • If you have a child of “pram age” it’s a great way to fit therapy in by bringing them for the walk in the pram.

Points to consider.

1. Walk Talk Therapy gets you moving—both literally and figuratively.

2. Walk and Talk Therapy is conducted outdoors, being in nature can be meditative and grounding.

3. Walk and Talk Therapy is an excellent choice for clients with several different kinds of issues. Clients who are going through a life transition, have anxiety, are experiencing some kind of loss or grief, as well as other challenges tend to do very well with Walk and Talk Therapy.

4. You set the pace of the session. If you prefer a meditative, relaxing session of walking and sitting outdoors or a more active, faster-paced walk, then Walk and Talk Therapy will match your pace.

5. Research studies have shown that physical activity can enhance the mental and physical health of clients.  Physical activity has also been shown to reduce levels of depression and anxiety and can help to prevent depressive symptoms.

6. Walk and Talk Therapy can feel more comfortable than in an office setting facing the therapist. Walking side by side is often reported as feeling less confronting for difficult conversations.

7. We will agree before the start of our session on how we will manage running into any familiar faces to respect your privacy.

8. We will discuss any other concerns you have to ensure you feel at ease and able to get the most out of the experience.

9. If your needs require a more relaxing session then we can find a beautiful spot outside to enjoy outdoor therapy without the movement.

10. Outdoor therapy can be provided close to your home in the Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast area.

Contact Jen to make an appointment for you outdoor therapy session today.