Introduction

What is psychological astrology? What kind of limitations and problems can we find in psychological astrology? What is the meaning of “psychological fallacy” in the context of astrology?

The aim of this work is to address the issues presented by these questions. First I will present briefly the main ideas which are in the origin of psychological astrology starting with the works of Dane Rudhyar; then I will identify contemporary psychological astrology as presented in the works of some of its most representative authors: Robert Hand, Stephen Arroyo, Howard Sasportas, Liz Greene and others. Finally I will address the questions related to the psychological fallacy within the context of the cultural and academic status of astrology and in connection with astrological scientific research.

In the first part I am going to analyse the origins of psychological astrology initially related to the renovation of astrology in Europe and later connected with the fundamental work of the French American astrologer Dane Rudhyar. The major distinction between event-oriented astrology and a person-centered astrology will be emphasised. The fundamental notions of humanistic astrology will be articulated.

The second part deals with the development of psychological astrology. Major contributions by the most important astrologers are analysed. A direct reference is made to important books which had a major impact in shaping psychological astrology.

In the last part I will develop a critical analysis and discussion about the value, the contributions, the problems and limitations of the psychological astrology perspective. The different aspects of the “psychological fallacy” are analysed in relation to the academic and cultural status of contemporary astrology.

This essay presents a critical perspective of what astrology and its practice is. Being an astrologer I have tried to develop some kind of distance in relation to the subject I am studying. Anyway I am aware that, as an insider, my analysis may reflect my own cultural references and assumptions.