Astrology and alchemy are cosmologies; where astrology provides a heavenly view of the
imaginal cosmos of the soul, alchemy presents us with a micro-cosmos. Like astrology, it
connects us to the gods (the archetypal patterns of the psyche) only in a very earth
focused, substantive way. Being the art of elemental transformation, alchemy is rooted in
the natural world.
Having taken to heart C.G. Jung’s statement that “alchemy is inconceivable without the
influence of her elder sister astrology,” this presentation will draw out threads from James
Hillman’s writings on alchemical fire, earth, air, water to assist us in considering a more
deep or soulful view of astrology and the elements as they appear in this cosmological art.
This seminar will draw on alchemical images, astrological symbols of the elements in the
zodiac and archetypal psychology to demonstrate how alchemical fire, earth, air, and water
form a micro-cosmology of the soul.