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Astrodrama
A Brief Introduction
First published in The Mountain Astrologer, Feb. 1991
Symbols can take us beyond the world of ordinary reality and raise us to the level of the gods and goddesses. Yet we live during a time when the world's best known symbol is the Coca-Cola logo. That symbols have become logos is part of our collective malaise. We have lost contact with the gods and replaced them with products, leaving us spiritually impoverished and morally confused. Our points of reference are not eternal truths but passing trends. Astrology, though, continues to remind us of our cosmic origins and provides us with a code to the energies of our universe. When we are able to see the world in terms of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water, we become direct participants in it. No longer must we remain outsiders to the primal forces which are the origins of our very lives. Practicing astrology imbues us with the power of the Sun, Moon and planets and our lives are enriched beyond the material or even psychological level. Our very souls are touched because we are connected with cosmic truths rather than commercial trifles.
One of the ironies of astrological practice is the extremely personal approach we take to it. Our point of reference is almost always the natal chart, as if this was the essence of astrology. It almost certainly is not. In spite of its value as a tool for self awareness, natal astrology is also a means to reduce the power of astrological symbolism. When we interpret charts on a material level archetypes become mere events. When the planets are interpreted on a psychological level we turn gods into complexes and goddesses into patterns of early childhood conditioning.
Both materialistic and psychologically-oriented astrologers (esoteric astrologers as well) are limited by the same reductionist notion -- that the natal chart of the individual is all important. The planets are not merely symbols of ourselves, and to see them as that falls far short of full understanding. Venus is not just about my complexes, my money or even my soul. She is a planet, a goddess, an archetype, a symbol and a primal force of the universe. To confine Venus to the personal truly diminishes her.
The descent of planetary forces to the level of human events, emotions and incarnations is only one half the story. The ascent of human consciousness to the planetary level is the other half. This is the archetypal astrology which seeks to put us in contact with the planets, to directly participate in the consciousness of these divinities, not just to better understand ourselves. Why bring the gods to our level when we can try to raise ourselves to theirs?
Much of the work of astrodrama or experiential astrology is designed to put us in more direct contact with the planetary energies. The methods are infinite and have been well described by Barbara Schermer (www.lightworks.com/Astrology/Alive) among others. This summer my wife, Danick Jawer, and I led two week-long seminars in France on planetary energies. The basis for our work was the seven day cycle of planets corresponding to the days of the week. (The use and order of the seven day week is both ancient and widespread. We have all been conditioned to experience Monday -- day of the Moon, followed by Tuesday/Mars, Wednesday/Mercury, and so on.) Each day's work was based on the planet of the day. The goal was to contact that planet. Our methods included movement, voice, meditation, planetary flower essences, games, discussions, visualizations and even natal charts. Using the order of the days of the week we were able to participate in a planetary rhythm that touches all of us throughout our lives.
Each day began with some stretching followed by movement or walks for the planet of the day. On Sunday we did the walk of the Sun in which we centered on the heart and moved openly, radiating light from within. The day of the Moon began with the Moon walk which centers on the stomach and concentrates on receptivity. This was followed by a meditation on the day's planet using planetary oils to help our focus. We usually followed by singing or voice work led by Danick. This proved to be the highlight of the day as the voice is such a powerful instrument for uniting body, mind and emotion.
Other examples of our work: for Mars, we had each person run across the room and leap, at the last moment verbally exploding his or her first name -- a simple and powerful way to touch the Mars archetype. For Venus, Danick directed us to work in pairs, with each member of the pair developing some kind of harmony or relationship with sounds they created. Finally, each pair contributed their sound, along with appropriate gestures, to a collective musical structure. The result was a moving and beautiful experience of cooperation. Adding an element, Danick created a code of hand movements for Mercury which were then used by each person to lead the others as if directing a chorus. Communicating in this form provided a real challenge.
The daily meditations of the seminars began long before for us and still continue. We take time to be with the planet of the day, and thus have developed a regular rhythm of conscious contact with each planetary energy (except Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, of course). The planetary oils are useful here to help us fully acknowledge the planet and to be open to its energy. Sometimes I think about that planet in its present sign or in its place in my birth chart. Both of these help me focus in on the energy. These are merely devices to locate the planet, not goals in themselves. It may be that the force of the planet is so great that we need the filter or protection of a sign to allow ourselves to feel it! Visualizing the planet's symbol, feeling its corresponding body part or saying its name can also be helpful.
The methods used are secondary to the spirit that is present. When we approach the symbols with respect and openness they are more accessible. It is probably easier and safer to hold a somewhat neutral or meditative attitude. We can not control an archetype nor make it work for us according to our will. We can, though, invite the connection between the sky and ourselves to be made in ways that are more evident to us. In this way we raise ourselves and humanity to a level of consciousness that is in harmony with astrology’s essence.