In Part 1,
we defined empathy and saw how, when we are in defensive mode, empathy is not always
possible. Concluding that empathy itself can’t be seen in the birth chart, we
discussed, with an illuminating case study, how our chart aspects suggest where our
empathy-blocking defences can kick in. In Part 2, more signifiers for defence mechanisms in the birth chart…
Saturn aspects suggest defence mechanisms because Saturn tests, blocks and controls. It
represents where we have fears and doubts and lack confidence. All of these are
fuel for our defences.
With
Venus-Saturn, for example, there might be defences against getting hurt in relationships,
manifesting in a fear of letting others get too close. The Venus-Saturn person therefore
might un-empathetically hurt and reject someone else before it can be done to
them. (See Part 1 for a case study example of how a generational Mercury Square
Saturn played out).
Lack of empathy
can also come through some of the aspects we might think of as easier. Jupiter
types, for example, who are confident, upbeat and optimistic, can sometimes
lack tolerance and empathy for those who are struggling with low self-esteem or
who, for whatever reason, lack the faith, courage and self-belief to pursue their
dreams and ambitions.
Aspect patterns
are also a good place to look for defences, especially T-Squares, which so
often describe the nitty gritty issues in a person’s life. Grand
Trines are also associated with defence mechanisms, because they represent
where we hesitate to step out of our comfort zone.
If we think
about the zodiac signs, Aries types might lack empathy for those who aren’t
fast-paced go-getters; Taurus or Libra might disapprove of Aries' need to be
numero uno and label them as aggressive or selfish, not understanding the Aries
mission to go through life as a warrior. A Gemini type might be unfairly
labelled as someone who can’t commit to one thing, with others not getting that
Gemini is here to experience variety and needs to keep their options open. And
so on, through the signs…
The Cancerian
retreating into their shell is a well known astrological symbolism.
Cancerians need to feel safe and at home. They are drawn to people who help them to
feel comfortable and once they find them, they seek to keep them close. Whether it’s their
blood family or the ‘family’ they choose, Cancerians need to feel cushioned by their relationships.
However, this can lead to clannish cliques and those who don’t make
it into Cancer’s close circle might feel rejected. This is where a defence might
make someone else feel the hurt that the defended person is trying to protect
themselves from. The hurt doesn’t go away, it’s just passed on.
Scorpio of
course has its famous defensive sting. Using that sting to point out others’
flaws, often with merciless honesty, is Scorpio’s way of protecting themselves
from such searing scrutiny. Last of all, we have compassionate, empathetic
Pisces; but feeling everyone’s emotions as if they are their own can make
porous, sensitive Pisces retreat into victim mode. When Pisces feels that
nobody’s problems are as bad as theirs, it’s hard for them to feel empathy.
Conversely, Pisces, with a genuine desire to stop someone’s suffering, might go
into full rescue mode, but if this is done with pity rather than real empathy,
the support they offer can feel dis-empowering.
These examples
show that while you can’t judge levels of natural empathy from a chart, you can
see areas where empathy might potentially be blocked. Astrology can help with
self-understanding and the recognition of where we fall into our defences. We all
need defences of course, they are very useful, but by becoming more aware of
them we can potentially see where they have become unhelpful and where we might
be unwittingly hurting others or not recognising when they might need support
and compassion and empathy.
Click here for Part 1 - Empathy in the Birth Chart?
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With love,
Mandi
