The astrologer's task is to assess how the archetypal meaning - or 'eternal pattern' - has become modified and personalised for each individual. This careful analysis lies at the heart of the art and craft of psychological astrology, with its goal of promoting self awareness and psychic integration, since almost invariably, at least a few of our planets, or sub-personalities, will have become distorted along the way, and will be functioning in a negative, defensive or self-destructive way, or will have fallen into the unconscious so that we are unaware of the power they hold over us. We need to honour all the planetary gods on their own terms, lay our offerings on the steps of each of their temples in order to appease them and gain their support. The psychological astrologer attempts to identify which planets may have become distorted or degraded. It is possible to enter into a dialogue with all the planets in order to promote a deeper, more profound and empowering relationship to them. At the core of each planet lies its pure archetypal quality, along with vital and creative elements of our being. We do have the potential to access the 'gifts of the planetary gods', however negative they may seem to us at first.

"Mapping the Psyche"