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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Why the Lunar Nodes matter?

There is a link between the cycles we witness in the cosmos and our own sense of life purpose. The study and work of astrology is a quest to understand our

What Sisyphus teaches us about doing the work

With all this emphasis on Capricorn with Jupiter and the recent conjunction of Saturn and Pluto, I’ve been thinking about the myth of Sisyphus. You know about him. The guy

Sun Sign Gift Guide

Here’s a list of Sun Sign Gifts that will be sure to be a success no matter what time of the year. This will serve for holidays, birthdays and other

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.