From psyche to soul

Front row: Freud, unknown, Jung

Few authors in psychology have become as famous as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. And few were initially as close, but later fell out over their different ideas.

In this article the lives of these outstanding men are explored in terms of their sidereal or Vedic horoscopes, based on the Systems' Approach to Interpreting Horoscopes. 

In some sense, their innovations have by now been eclipsed by Western allopathic medicine, which can treat difficult mental illnesses, on the one hand, and on the other by Eastern methodologies for wellness, both physical and psychological, that can bring relief to those suffering from mental troubles or unhappiness. 

Let's begin with a review of their lives.

Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud, a medical doctor by training, was deeply influenced by Darwin’s theories. He saw humans as evolved animals and believed that all behavior, including neuroses, stemmed from the repression of primal drives of sex and aggression. Freud theorized that personality disorders were rooted in childhood experiences that had been long forgotten.

Freud’s practice was largely composed of women patients seeking treatment. For women, Freud theorized that their psychological development involved the early realization of their lack of a penis, leading to feelings of castration and inferiority.

Despite his atheism, Freud dedicated his adult life to working closely with patients, delving into the unconscious and dreams. His theories were developed through the self-analysis of his own dreams, a pioneering approach that contributed significantly to psychiatry.

Freud’s work was groundbreaking in its exploration of the personal unconscious in the quest for mental health. He believed that by bringing repressed memories and experiences into conscious awareness, individuals could find relief from their symptoms. This formed the basis of his psychoanalytic therapy, which focused on healing childhood trauma through the exploration of the unconscious mind.

Freud’s magnum opus, The Interpretation of Dreams, was first published on November 4, 1899, but bore the publication date of 1900 to symbolize its association with the dawn of a new century. The book initially received a lukewarm response, with only 600 copies printed and taking eight years to sell out. However, it later gained popularity and influence, leading Freud to publish seven more editions in his lifetime, each time revising and expanding the text.

Freud’s work on the interpretation of dreams laid the foundation for the development of psychoanalysis as a method of treating mental disorders. His theories, though controversial, have had a profound impact on the field of psychology and continue to influence contemporary thought on the human mind and behavior."

In the 1920s, Freud became world famous. His groundbreaking ideas transcended the realm of science, captivating intellectuals, artists, and the public alike. His influence was so profound that he was repeatedly nominated for both the Nobel Prize in Literature and Medicine, despite never clinching either. His followers formed a global network, establishing psychoanalytic societies and journals, even as his theories sparked debates among psychologists, philosophers, and religious authorities.

Freud’s seminal work, The Ego and the Id published in April 1923, introduced his structural model of the psyche, dividing it into the id, the ego, and the superego. The book was met with both acclaim and criticism. Ernest Jones, Freud’s close associate, hailed it as a landmark in human thought, while Karl Abraham, a prominent psychoanalyst, underscored its significance for psychoanalytic theory. However, Otto Rank, a former Freud disciple, criticized it as a regression to pre-scientific psychology.

Carl Jung

Born into a humble family, Carl G. Jung’s life was a testament to the power of resilience and determination. His journey began with a childhood marked by poverty, but his relentless drive to succeed propelled him forward. At the tender age of 12, he faced a severe psychotic episode triggered by bullying, leading to a six-month hiatus from school. However, overhearing his father’s despair about his future, Jung found the will to recover.

When Jung was 21 and in his second year of university, his father’s death threatened to end his academic pursuits due to financial constraints. The expectation was for him to leave university, find employment, and support his mother and sister. Defying these expectations, Jung secured a loan and completed his studies. 

At 28, Jung’s life took a significant turn when he married into Switzerland’s second wealthiest family. This newfound wealth liberated him from the financial shackles of his profession, enabling him to work independently. Jung’s personal life was far from exemplary. Known as a womanizer, he had numerous affairs, including a long-term relationship with a former patient. His wife threatened to leave him multiple times, but each time, Jung’s psychotic episodes kept her from leaving. She would have taken her fortune with her when she left."

"In her will, the heiress bequeathed the bulk of her estate to her children, leaving Jung only the minimum amount demanded by law. After she died, Jung thought himself poor and took unnecessary measures to save money and live frugally (Bair, 2003)."

Jung spent his days healing wounded emotions through "talk therapy." However, he was not noted for clarity of thought. Jung was often criticized for a meandering writing style. He had a gift for expression, but it didn't necessarily guarantee his success. Nonetheless, he left behind a large collection of written words."

Throughout his life, Jung remained devoted to the study of the unconscious, developing his theories through personal consultations and introspection. 

"He lived to the hilt; gave himself away, where he sacrificed himself, he also fell from grace. He invented depth psychology, studied the shadow, astrology, and alchemy. He married money, had affairs, a near-death experience, psychotic episodes, and was the first to realize that alcoholism is a disease of spirit.

Despite the financial hardships and personal challenges that Jung faced throughout his life, his theories have had a profound impact on the field of psychology. His exploration into the collective unconscious and the development of the concept of archetypes have provided valuable insights into understanding the human psyche. In one way "he attempted to find balance in the inner reaches of the psyche". As such, his work continues to influence modern psychology and his exploration of his own shadow and his contributions to psychology are his enduring gifts to the world. It has been observed that "When Jung died, his public life came into the spotlight."

Famous falling out

In 1907, a young Carl Jung met Sigmund Freud and was quickly hailed as the successor to Freud’s psychoanalytic throne. Their initial unity, however, began to crumble by 1911 due to Jung’s interest in the Zurich occult and his concept of the collective unconscious, which Freud refused to acknowledge.

The rift deepened with Jung’s rejection of Freud’s theory that neurosis had a sexual basis. As such, Jung's work could be understood to be a refutation of the basis of Freud's psychoanalytic work. Jung’s Psychology of the Unconscious, published in 1912, signaled his departure from Freud’s theories. To differentiate his approach, he named it analytical psychology. 

As the Freud-Jung relationship deteriorated, a Secret Committee was formed to protect the psychoanalytic movement’s theoretical and institutional legacy. However, Jung eventually resigned from his editorial and presidential roles and the Zurich Society withdrew from the International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA). In January 1913 Jung had an official split with Freud, marked by a terse exchange of letters. Jung then found himself excluded from Freud’s inner circle and plunged into another psychotic episode. This period of introspection enriched his understanding of the unconscious for the rest of his life. Despite the professional setback and social marginalization orchestrated by Freud, Jung used this period productively for self-study of the personal unconscious. He emerged with a new understanding of the psyche as a battleground of inner gods.

Significant events in Freud's life

Here are ten significant dates in the life of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis:

1. May 6, 1856: Freud was born in Freiberg, Moravia, Austrian Empire (now Příbor, Czech Republic) to Jewish parents.
2. 1873: Freud entered the University of Vienna to study medicine.
3. 1885: Freud completed his habilitation and became a docent in neuropathology.
4. 1886: Freud married Martha Bernays and opened his private practice in Vienna.
5. 1896: Freud coined the term “psychoanalysis” and published The Aetiology of Hysteria, in which he outlined his theory of repression.
6. 1900: Freud published The Interpretation of Dreams, his magnum opus and the first comprehensive exposition of his psychoanalytic theory.
7. 1914: Freud published On Narcissism, in which he introduced the concept of the ego and its relation to the id and the super-ego.
8. 1923: Freud published The Ego and the Id, in which he elaborated his structural model of the psyche.
9. 1930: Freud received the Goethe Prize for his contributions to literature and psychology.
10. September 23, 1939: Freud died in London, England, after suffering from cancer of the jaw and throat for 16 years.

The astrology of Freud's chart

Sigmund Freud was born on May 6, 1856 at 6:30 p.m. (LMT -1:12:36) in Pribor, Czechia (then Frieberg, Germany), giving 14° Libra rising.

Libra is a moveable, airy and positive sign ruled by Venus, the significator for materialistic pursuits and comforts. Saturn, the planet of hard work and discipline, is exalted in this sign and the Sun, the significator of vitality and status, is debilitated. 

If Venus is strong, these factors render the Librans a magnetic personality, and they enjoy good health. Otherwise, they are vulnerable to diseases.

Libra signifies sense of justice, clarity, strong will-power, optimism and is highly sensitive. Its talkative characteristic provides the person capacity to communicate, including the use of body language and facial expressions for making the communication more effective. Its positive characteristic makes the person a contributor instead of being only a consumer. Its airy characteristic makes the person a thinker. Its semi-fruitful characteristic blesses the native with affluence and resourcefulness in life. 

Rahu and Ketu and Mercury are functional malefic planet for this ascendant, while Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, the Moon and the Sun are functional benefic planets. 

Libras are intelligent, restless and good natured and have a pleasant disposition. They want to win others with love and hate violence. They have keen interest in performing and fine arts. The weakness and affliction to Venus can turn them into depressed, stubborn, argumentative and annoying persons. 

Venus makes the person a life saviour through the practice of medicine and gives tremendous growth in business activities. As first lord Venus is well placed but weak in the 7th house of others, Freud was vulnerable to disease. Mars, as dispositor of the 7th house, is badly placed in the 12th house of losses. Indeed, Freud battled cancer for the last 16 years of his life. However, this is explained by Venus being conjunct the planet Rahu, which brings such hard to diagnose, long set illnesses. He was in Ketu major period and Rahu sub-period when he died.

A strong Saturn, being yoga karaka planet for this nativity, makes the person worldly wise and shrewd. Indeed, Freud's 5th lord Saturn, ruling his creative powers, was well placed in the 9th house of preferment and luck. His first work, that made him famous, was created and published at the start of his Saturn major period.

 

The eleventh house, signifying income, elder brothers, friends and desires, is ruled by the royal planet, the Sun. They think big and enjoy successes of a high order. They enjoy the patronage of highly placed friends, elder brothers and governmental authorities, whenever the Sun is strong in the nativity. Freud's Sun was exalted in the 7th house of others, suggesting his goals were focused on discerning their problems.

His 3rd lord Jupiter, which rules communication but also "younger brothers" is placed in the 6th house of conflict. Freud's falling out happened in his Saturn major period and Rahu sub-period, but also just preceded the Saturn-Jupiter period. The rupture of the friendship must have been a difficult experience for Freud as well.

Significant events in Jung's life

Here are ten significant dates in the life of Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology:

1. July 26, 1875: Jung was born in Kesswil, Switzerland, to a pastor and a philologist.
2. 1906: Jung began a correspondence and collaboration with Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis.
3. 1912: Jung published Psychology of the Unconscious, in which he diverged from Freud’s theory and introduced his own concepts of the collective unconscious and the archetypes.
4. 1913: Jung experienced a series of visions and fantasies that he later recorded and analyzed in his Red Book.
5. 1921: Jung published Psychological Types, in which he proposed the distinction between the introverted and the extraverted personality types.
6. 1934: Jung became the first president of the International General Medical Society for Psychotherapy.
7. 1938: Jung visited India and met with Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.
8. 1944: Jung suffered a near-fatal heart attack and had a series of near-death experiences that influenced his later work.
9. November 27, 1955: Emma Jung, born Emma Marie Rauschenbach, the wife of Carl Jung, died.
10. June 6, 1961: Jung died in Küsnacht, Switzerland, after a long illness.

The astrology of Jung's chart

Carl Jung was born on July 26, 1875 at 7:32 p.m. (LMT – 0:37:20) in Kesswil, Switzerland. This time gives 9° Capricorn rising.

Capricorn is an earthy, negative, introvert and movable sign ruled by Saturn, the significator of dutifulness and responsibility. Mars, the significator of energy and ambition, is exalted in this sign and Jupiter, the significator of fortune and knowledge, is debilitated. These factors render the people born in Capricorn ascendant ambitious and hardworking. Capricorn is the sign of practical realization. At the same time they are conservative but selfish and selective in approach. They are secretive, pensive, proud and fastidious. They are vigilant and tactful. They have compromising nature in order to achieve leadership.

Rahu and Ketu, the Sun and Jupiter are functional malefic planets for Capricorn ascendant, while Saturn, Mars, the Moon, Mercury and Venus are functional benefic planets.

A domineering placement in the chart is Sun in the 7th house MEP, from where it aspects the 1st house of self. As 8th lord of obstacles and endings as well as easy gains, the Sun explains that he attracted a wealthy spouse. However, the same placement also caused troubles in his marriage, given his selfish behaviour. 

Carl Jung had 9th lord Mercury in the 6th house of conflict, enmity and illness. This gave a deep interest in higher ideas. Moreover, as Mercury is conjunct Venus as 10th lord of career, this helped to propel him high through his writings.

Jung's relationship with Freud is also seen in this 6th house combination, showing conflict with guru, but also with the aspect of 8th lord Sun to the 9th house. Carl Jung was destined to cause his teacher some amount of consternation, followed by a famous falling out between them, when Freud rejected Jung as his disciple, and open conflict, as Freud openly opposed his teachings.

The placement of Saturn in infancy but its own Moolatrikona sign of Aquarius, gave Carl Jung good status. Venus as 10th lord in the 6th house, albeit conjunct 9th lord Mercury, also gave luck in career, that resulted from conflict. Jung had to struggle for a long time for his ideas to reach the masses, which happened more after his death. The falling out with Freud made Jung famous by association. The bad placement and weakness of 10th lord Venus also explains the poverty of his family when growing up, although its did not prevent him from marrying rich.

The placement of 4th lord Mars in old age in the 11th house of friendship and income, shows that his inner harmony was sensitive and vulnerable to setbacks associated with challenging transits. Indeed, he became seriously despondent at various stages of his life, linked also to alliances and income. Moreover, with Moon ruling mind and as 7th lord ruling spouse and relationships, in the 4th house of inner harmony, Jung fell ill but his great fortune was that his wife took good care of him. 

The Sun is also the significator for the soul, whereas Jupiter is the significator for morality and generosity. While these planets are functional malefic planets for people with Capricorn ascendant, they may, if strong and not afflicting or afflicted, ensure a happy and harmonious married life. In Jung's case, Jupiter is well placed but weak in infancy of 10th house, whereas the Sun, strong by degree, was weak on account of its own affliction to the 7th house of spouse. 

Epilogue

The Western approach to understanding the mind, as exemplified by Freud and Jung, differs significantly from the Eastern approach. Freud and Jung focused on analyzing the unconscious mind, with Freud emphasizing the influence of repressed emotions, desires, and memories, and Jung introducing the concept of the collective unconscious. At the same time, both were in some way influenced by the 19th century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer who was influenced by Eastern philosophies. For instance, Schopenhauer’s philosophy of the will and his exploration of the nature of desire greatly influenced Jung’s understanding of the unconscious. 

In turn, the Eastern approach emphasizes a holistic view of the mind, body, and spirit, and promotes a balanced lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices. Indeed, Eastern mystics and their practices, such as yoga, aim to connect the individual with the all-pervading consciousness or life itself. The goal is not to ignore one’s mind and bodily sensations, but rather to achieve a state of balance and harmony beyond mental activity and bodily sensations that leads to a profound sense of peace and happiness.

In fact, for most people the best way to achieve health, happiness and wellbeing is not talk therapy and analysis, as Freud and even Jung advocated, but inner work that quiets the mind and ignores the bodily sensations, in order to experience life at its most pure and vibrant source, deep within ourselves. In a way, the work has thus shifted from the psyche to the soul. 

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The psyche refers to the mental or psychological part of a human being. It is considered to encompass a wide range of mental processes, including perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior. It is studied by psychologists and neuroscientists, and believed to be the key to understanding human behavior and mental health. The soul, on the other hand, is associated with religious or philosophical beliefs, and is believed to be the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being. It’s often viewed as the essence of a person, responsible for their personality, consciousness, and morality. 

References

• Allan, Kathy (2009). “Re-Visioning the Lunar Nodes”. The Mountain Astrologer, 2009/10.
• Bair, Deirdre (2003), Jung: A Biography, Back Bay Books.
• Sadhguru (2023). "The Scientific Benefits of Inner Engineering". 
• SapienThink (2023). "The Philosophers that Inspired Carl Jung." 
• Wikipedia
• http://yournetastrologer.com/, the web site created by V. K. Choudhry and K. Rajesh Chaudhary, the propounders of Systems' Approach astrology.