Richard Idemon (1938–1987)

In general, this is a fine book on combining astrology with depth (Jungian) psychology. Idemon focuses on getting an overview of a chart's major themes so that the astrologer doesn't get lost in detail. He stresses that the astrologer needs to keep an open mind when looking at a chart and find out from the client how they're living their chart rather than insisting that the astrologer's interpretation is the only possible one. Idemon goes into great depth on some subjects such as how missing elements, modes, etc. in the chart affect the person's life, the shadow, and projection. The book is an edited transcript of a 1986 conference, which is both a plus and a minus: the conversational style makes it easy and pleasant to read, but also a bit difficult to look up specific points.

The book had its flaws, however. It has several typos throughout; I am wondering if this is because the transcript was edited into a book after Idemon's death; the editor may have been guessing at the spellings of some words and wasn't able to consult him. This is also another book that treats traditional astrology dismissively. And I found myself increasingly annoyed with Idemon's practice of describing Pluto with the rape metaphor. Given the whole Pluto (Hades)-Demeter-Persephone myth, it's not that that's completely irrelevant, but he appeared to have no other metaphors at hand for experiencing Pluto, and to believe that only feminists would be bothered by this one.

This is no beginner's book; the reader is expected to know the basics of an astrological chart. But it would be a good book for those trying to apply depth psychology to an astrological chart.… (mehr)

I'm at a loss for words here. I don't think a more talented/insightful astrologer has ever lived. I am so sad that Richard Idemon is dead--I wish I could write to him and ask him questions, take classes from him. He was one of the first astrologers to combine archetypal depth psychology and astrology--coming from a Jungian perspective this book shows you how to find the shadow in a chart--and we all have our shadow side. You need to have a good basic understanding of astrology before reading this. I just reread this and got even more out of it than I did the first time.… (mehr)