Let’s talk about astrology and whether it is possible to use its symbolic language in a coaching or personal development process.
Because let’s be honest… There is a lot of ‘noise’ and misinformation surrounding the language of the stars that causes prejudices and doubts regarding its transformative potential.
If we go back to the origins, we have to look at ancient Mesopotamia. As you can imagine, in 4,000 years, countless things have happened and a multitude of currents have emerged that complicate the approach even more.
However, there is a figure from the 20th century who marked a before and after in the conception of astrology: Carl Gustav Jung. The famous Swiss psychoanalyst was convinced that astrology brought together all the psychological knowledge of Antiquity and recognized in it a very powerful tool when it comes to making the unconscious conscious and transforming the limiting beliefs that we all inevitably have.
How is this possible? Well, basically because Jung perceived that the zodiacal archetypes were a profound source of information about our own behavior. In the gods we see ourselves reflected, and in them, we recognize patterns and tendencies of behavior that we previously overlooked and did not understand.
But if we are going to talk about astrology, it is also interesting to stop and analyze the second principle of the Kybalion (a document from the beginning of the 20th century dedicated to Hermeticism), which tells us about correspondence. Thus, this law establishes that “what is above is below, and what is below is above.” In a simple and direct way, it summarizes the transcendent and philosophical meaning of astrology: The stars are the mirror in which we look at ourselves.
What are coaching tools?
Before we start talking about coaching tools, we need to be clear about what coaching consists of. And it is not easy since the term has become fashionable in recent times as a marketing claim and many people use it without having a clear notion of what they are referring to.
According to ICF, ” coaching is a process of reflective and creative support for clients to inspire them to maximize their personal and professional potential .”
From my point of view, coaching is pure personal and professional development, but with a very specific technique that is oriented towards action and achieving results.
My coaching mentor once explained to me that at its core, coaching is self-knowledge. This gave me a great revelation, since then I realized that it is indeed possible to bring astrology to coaching, or coaching to astrology, in a way.
Is it possible to use astrology in a coaching process?
The quick answer is yes, but with nuances…
First we must be clear that astrology is an extra tool in a coaching process. This implies that at a certain point, the coach can offer the client exploration through the archetypes or astrological cycles if he considers it useful. But it is the client who ultimately decides whether he wants to carry out this exploration or not.
Another option we have when combining astrology and coaching is to incorporate the skills of a coach to the therapist or consultant who uses astrological symbolism. Thus, it would be important for that person to develop skills such as active listening, confidence, the ability to ask powerful questions or direct communication. In this way, a complete shift occurs in the traditional practice of astrology and the consultant goes from acting as an ‘expert’ to playing a ‘companion’ role. It is not coaching as we know it, but it infinitely improves the approach, turning it into something much more enriching for the client.
The true power of astrology
And the thing is that whoever uses astrological language should aim to empower and give wings, not to condition and cause fear.
The true power of astrology lies in the possibility of looking at ourselves in the mirror of the stars, recognizing ourselves in the archetypes, and expanding our levels of consciousness. And yes, I am referring to making conscious information that remained unconscious, unmasking beliefs, and identifying behavioral patterns. But also because astrology provides us with a greater understanding of the stages we are experiencing and broadens our perspective,
To use astrology as a coaching tool, it is necessary to leave behind any deterministic vestige to assume that the client’s possibilities are infinite, and that they are a creative being and capable of co-creating their reality and achieving their goals. Therefore, we do not help anyone predict their future, but rather we partner with him or her to help him or her design the life he or she dreams of.
It’s easy to explain… The difficult thing is to change the mindset (both of consultants and consultants) and start asking ourselves the right questions. But you can… of course you can! And in fact it is something incredibly enriching.
And you? Do you think astrology has the potential as a coaching tool?