Archetypal Musings

Explorations on psyche, astrology and purpose

Welcome to my neck of the cosmic woods.

My writing focuses on the intersection of self-knowledge, purpose, and creative expression and how we can make sense of these times through the lenses of astrology, depth psychology, and mythology.

Lessons learned at the liminal edge of death by Vanessa Couto

A first entrée of reflections on what I learned from being in liminality between life and death.

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Pause at the threshold by Vanessa Couto

There's a pregnant pause at the threshold. This is a seeding moment before the gestation and eventual birth. Compliments of the Dweller at the Threshold - Saturn.

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Waning towards death ... & rebirth by Vanessa Couto

Liminal times start with releasing the grip and a letting go. It's about a shift of focus towards what matters, which isn't easy for the Ego, who fears the energy it will take to change.

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Liminal Smarts - Don't leave home without it.* by Vanessa Couto

When in times of change and transformation, it's important to find the right type of guidance. The guide you want is one that has liminal smarts.

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Grip on tight, then let it go. by Vanessa Couto

Resistance is part of the journey when we're about to cross a threshold in our lives.

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Resistance and Surrender with Plant Medicine by Vanessa Couto

What I've learned about the descent, the guides and gatekeepers at the threshold of a liminal journey from a 'textbook bad trip.'

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Boredom as a crossing into the unknown by Vanessa Couto

When boredom shows up it's a sign that the liminal goddess Venus awaits for us in the wings and we're about to embark on an adventure.

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Guided by beauty & love by Vanessa Couto

In liminal times, one needs a guide who is at home with this transitional landscape. One such guide is Venus, the joy bringer.

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Tending to your affinities by Vanessa Couto

A short reflection in honoring Venus as a way to manage my heat melted brain as the thermometer rises.

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On Purpose, Vocation and Livelihood

This article was originally published in the Federation of Australian astrologers (FAA) March 2023 and on Astrodienst April 2023. Bridging the Individual and the Collective From a very young

Astro Weather – December 2022

The Astro weather for December, as we near this year’s closing, we’re invited to review and plan and do it with discerning gravitas. By the time the Sun arrives in

Astro Weather – November 2022

We’re smack in the middle of the eclipse season between the partial Solar Eclipse of late October and the Full Moon Eclipse of November 8th. As these eclipses – something

Astro Weather – October 2022

The Astro Weather for October continues the theme of shifting directions, enough to give all of us whiplash. And yet, it’s also a month that gets the train moving towards

Astro Weather – September 2022

This video covers the main astrological shifts and highlights how we can best navigate this month. So grab a cuppa and enjoy! Also, here’s Julian of Norwich’s quote that I

Astro Weather – August 2022

Exploring the cosmic dance for the month, navigating change & resistance, and claiming our projections. Here’s to the Dog Days of Summer!!! Main image: Aperture Vintage

In the Coaching Room

This series of articles explores the themes and patterns I notice with my coaching clients. The intention is that these topics bring a different perspective on something you’re navigating.

The Astrological Houses

This series of articles explores the layers of meanings of the astrological houses from the perspective of purpose and livelihood.