Question:
In 1987, you and Alois Treindl created the first AstroIntelligence
computer horoscope together - the "Psychological Horoscope Analysis".
Being a psychologist and counselling astrologer, what was your motivation
to join in the creation of a computer generated horoscope? What fascinates
you about this work?
Liz Greene:
Initially
my motivation in working on a computer-generated horoscope was curiosity:
if it were possible for the computer to be programmed to synthesise
horoscope factors according to an "expert system" rather than the
usual linear, non-synthesised interpretations on which all other
computer-generated horoscopes are based, could it come close to a
valid description of character and psychological motivation? I had
no clear idea of what would come out, or even if it would work at
all. I was very surprised by the results. I do not think it would
have been possible with any other programmer, since Alois is quite
brilliant in this field, and unique in terms of his ability to combine
computer science with a knowledge of astrology.
Question:
Is it possible to understand a person's personality with the
help of a computer generated horoscope?
Liz Greene:
If the factors in the horoscope are synthesised and considered as a
dynamic energy pattern rather than a static list of personality traits,
yes, a computer-generated horoscope can offer quite profound insights
into a person’s inherent character and development pattern.
The difficulty with most computer-generated reports is that the human
psyche operates according to particular laws and energy dynamics
which affect the way different parts of the horoscope are expressed.
If psychological knowledge is not applied to the birth horoscope
and blended with the different chart configurations in a computer-generated
report, one winds up with merely a list of characteristics many of
which contradict each other, and there is no central focus or sense
of a living individual at the core.
Question:
How does an AstroIntelligence horoscope compare with face-to-face
astrological counselling? Can such a written report replace personal
dialogue?
Liz Greene:
A
written report cannot replace the personal dialogue between an astrologer
and a client, although it can be immensely helpful. The most important
factor which is missing in a computer-generated horoscope, however sophisticated
it might be, is that the computer cannot determine in what ways the individual
has applied free will and choice in terms of how they express the different
dimensions of the birth chart. A birth chart cannot indicate consciousness,
and a person who has chosen to do inner work and has made the effort
tointegrate the hidden sides of their personality will express planets,
signs and aspects quite differently from a very unconscious person who
simply acts without reflection and blames their problems and conflicts
on everyone else. The difference here lies in the level of expression,
rather than in the basic character itself. The inherent personality is
given in the horoscope, and also the likely ways in which it will unfold
over time. But the more conscious we are, the less "fated" we are by
our unconscious complexes and compulsions. Only a dialogue with the client
can reveal to what extent the individual has accepted responsibility
for their own psyche and their own life.
Question:
Apart from the Psychological Horoscope, you have written several
others like the Child's Horoscope, Career and Vocation or the Relationship
Horoscope. Do you have any plans for further projects?
Liz Greene:
We have discussed several possibilities for new projects, and one or
two of these will probably be developed over the next year or so.
The favourite at the moment is a programme dealing with the issue
of what happens to us on a psychological level when we leave our
birth place and relocate somewhere else in the world. As the world’s
population is becoming increasingly mobile, this is a very interesting
area to explore, and many people have already requested such a programme.
We cannot trade in our birth chart by moving somewhere else, and
it would not be wise to base such an important life decision merely
on the evidence of a relocation chart; but there are subtle changes
in the way we express our birth charts which could be very helpful
to understand when such a move actually does take place.
Astrology in a modern world
Question:
Astrology has been practised for more than 3000 years. Do you
think such an old "science" has the potential to help with the solution
of the complex problems of our modern world - on an individual as
well as collective level?
Liz Greene:
Although
our views of the cosmos have changed over three millennia, and our
technology has altered our way of relating to external reality, the
essential nature of human beings has not changed much, if at all,
over that time. Astrology is the first psychology and is still perhaps
the most sophisticated one, and it continues to be a tremendously
helpful symbolic map of the essential patterns of development within
both individuals and collectives. The remarkable thing about the
astrological map is that it has so many layers and levels, and is
compatible with many different psychological and spiritual perspectives.
Studying the horoscopes of nations and their leaders can certainly
help us to gain a deeper understanding of world events. But ultimately
the complex problems of the modern world can only be solved by individuals
who are willing to take up the responsibility of living their own
lives more consciously and creatively. Here astrology is perhaps
the most useful tool of all, because it can offer so many insights
into self-understanding. And self-understanding is essential if we
wish to make intelligent and constructive choices that might contribute
to a better world.
Question:
In his book "Psychology of the future", the well-known American
psychiatrist Stanislav Grof writes that he has found astrology to
be an indispensable tool in understanding the human psyche. Can you
envisage the integration of astrological concepts in the wider field
of psychology in the near future?
Liz Greene:
Astrology has been integrated for a long time into the area of what
is known as depth psychology; Jung used birth horoscopes to gain
insight into his patients, and courses in astrology have been taught
at various Jungian Institutes around the world for many years. There
are also many Psychosynthesis practitioners who use astrology to
augment their understanding of their clients. The value of astrological
interpretation has already made its mark in many spheres of modern
psychology. Clinical psychology as taught at universities has also
begun to be influenced by astrology, at least in the United Kingdom,
where astrological research has been carried out at the University
of London and Southampton University. Post-graduate courses in the
history of astrology are being taught at other UK universities such
as the University of Kent, the University of Leicester and Bath Spa
University College. Something similar appears to be happening in
the US as well. There seems to be a growing interest in incorporating
astrology into academic programmes, including those in psychology.
I believe it will not be long before it becomes more or less accepted
as a valuable tool in psychology and psychotherapy. The value of
the astrological map as a picture of the individual’s inherent
psychological patterning is enormous, and so is the applicability
of astrology to particular times in life when a person is going through
important experiences that need to be understood more deeply. The
entry of Uranus into Pisces and, after a few more years, Neptune
into Pisces, is likely to shift our focus from technology and collective
thinking to the inner world, the imagination, the spirit and the
hidden dimensions of reality. This will undoubtedly bring astrology
into the limelight as an avenue of exploration of these deeper levels
of life.
© Astrodienst / Liz Greene, 2003
