Understanding a Transpersonal Movement

What is Transpersonal?

In our day-to-day life, the idea of “transpersonal” doesn’t always feel accessible. We often focus only on ourselves and those closest to us, while the broader culture emphasizes material things instead of aspects of life that cultivate creativity and connection.

Similarly, when you think of astrology, you often consider a birth chart to be about yourself and your personal nature, overlooking the wider perspective. This is why the term “transpersonal” is so new and needs to be explored further.

Over the past decades, the transpersonal movement has revolutionized our ability to explore and express our inner world, emotions, needs, and unique qualities. This transformation has opened up incredible new dimensions of self-awareness and personal growth for all of us.

The Origins of Transpersonal

This term has only been used recently, beginning with the writings of the spiritual teacher Sri Aurobindo and the astrologer Dane Rudhyar, who first introduced it in 1930. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that this term began to be more deeply understood.

This coincided with the release of Star Wars, a paradigm-shifting film that had people lining up around the block to see. The movie portrayed a hero's journey that resonated with our inner journey and captivated viewers with the famous phrase, "May the force be with you."

1930’s: Sri Aurobindo

Sri Aurobindo is considered to be the founder of integral yoga and is a significant figure because he redefined the nature of spiritual evolution and the belief in liberation. As I and many others were taught, the goal of spiritual evolution is to escape the wheel of karma so we would never have to incarnate again.

However, Aurobindo expanded on this view and suggested there are two aspects to the transpersonal movement or evolution.

In his words, the first is that “a transpersonal attitude may be one involving a reaching beyond the personal—an ascent of consciousness and will seeking to attain greater heights and peak experiences.” This is how the word is used by the transpersonal movement in psychology.

But he then reversed the direction of the transpersonal process by saying that it also may imply a “descent” of spiritual power focusing itself through a person, as diffused solar light is focused through a clear lens.

In other words, the goal of integral yoga is not only to become aware of the Divine but also to actually manifest the Divine on earth. This is a radically different view of evolution from what was said to lead to liberation.

When I first read Sri Aurobindo, I was moved by his ideas but found them hard to comprehend. It wasn't until later on my path that I began to understand this vertical movement toward a higher state, which can lead to the embodiment of that state.

1970’s: Dane Rudhyar

In astrology, Dane Rudhyar was the first to use the terminology “transpersonal.” He regarded the outer planets—Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—as doorways to what he referred to as Galactic consciousness.

He regarded space as more than just physical distance, but also as psychological, psychic, or vibratory distance. This approach was a paradigm shift in how astrological interpretation might be used.

Astrology Through a Transpersonal Lens

Your natal chart represents a unique set of potentialities since no other chart is the same as yours. However, upon reflection, you also know that all charts are composed of the same archetypal building blocks, which include the 12 Signs, 10 planets, and 12 houses. In other words, this chart is both personal and universal.

What might this mean for you?

It suggests that each chart serves a purpose or destiny greater than just yourself. By actualizing these potentials, your life becomes more powerful, clear, and meaningful. This happens because you move beyond self-focus, impacting a wider circle—from family and friends to your community, nation, and world.

Your chart can show how astrology might become a tool for personal growth and transformation. It influences you personally, strengthens your relationships, and connects you to society and culture.

This journey helps you understand and fulfill what you are meant to do. It also suggests that every crisis you face can be used as an opportunity for growth, expanding your sense of awareness and purpose.

How do you feel about this? Are you willing to consider the idea that your life is of transpersonal importance? Feel free to reply and share your thoughts.

Discover more about the meaning and attitude of Transpersonal Astrology by watching the YouTube video below.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore the basics of Transpersonal Astrology. But for those excited to learn more, check out my book, Astrology as a Spiritual Path: Birth of the New Human.