Mapping the Psyche 3

Book excerpt: As students of Clare Martin, and readers of her two previous books, will recognise, Mapping the Psyche Book 3, covering transits, returns, progressions and directions, is once again both immediately accessible and profound. It leads seamlessly from personal contributions from individual students, to philosophical discussion; to precise astronomical explanation and calculation; and to illuminating references to the historic roots of present day astrology. As befits a course taught for the Centre of Psychological Astrology, the approach is "psychological," but equally respects the traditional skills in calculation of precomputerised astrology, and the work of past masters in the astrological and psychological worlds. The title of Book 3 however is "Kairos" defined not as chronological time, but "time in between" - "the propitious moment for the performance of an action or the coming into being of a new state" and the recognition of the existence of such moments is the core theme of the book, in both a practical and philosophical sense. The understanding students need to acquire here of the tools of transits, progressions and directions is succinctly presented, as Clare directs her students to review their personal concerns in the light of the story told by placements in their charts at "that" moment in time. A clear understanding of the process provides the reader with an opportunity to consciously align their lives with the movements of the heavens - to "do gladly that which I must do." In this way, the book offers not only a crystal clear exposition of astrological mechanics, but a genuine "map" for students to follow. It also excels as an invaluable reference source for experienced astrologers to cherish.