Dark Skies: Select Readings in Therapeutic Astrology

In Dark Skies, Brad Kochunas has drawn together a selection of clear, well-written, interesting, and thought-provoking essays. He beautifully blends his therapeutic and astrological perspectives within a variety of themes. There are topics such as grief and parenting, presented in a straightforward manner that smacks of common sense and utility. Others, such as ‘Chiron Learning to Fall’ and ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’, are genuinely interesting and packed with astrological references and supporting facts.

At times it seemed to me that the author’s views might be a kind of reality check. He reminds us that, universally, there are people looking for the quick answer, the magic spell, the easy way or the short cut to achieve a desired result. We are living in uncertain times where immediate gratification and personal comfort seem to be the order of the day, but this approach to life is leading us further away from any potential solution. When did the notions of ‘responsibility’ and ‘resilience’ become passe? The essay entitled ‘In Praise of Melancholy’ is nothing if not topical. I was reminded of Paulo Coelho’s book, ‘The Alchemist,’ wherein the protagonist learns that what began as a journey to find ‘worldly goods’ led to his discovery of the treasure found within. Something to consider.

With a different tone and texture, ‘Astrology and Grief’ struck a personal chord, clearly reinforcing the fact that ‘grief is a deeply personal thing.’ Just as no two people are the same, the astrological significators which reflect grief and loss vary from person to person. So too does the inner process and the overall timeline. Personally, I have learned that you never get over the grief of deep loss, but you can learn to get through it. Astrology, as Kochunas relates, is one of the tools that can help.

In point of fact, I could offer comment on every essay contained in this volume as they are all well-written. However, I would much rather encourage you to dive into the material and grab hold of what resonates with you. And truly, you will find something meaningful. The ‘Letter to a Young Astrologer’ was a wonderful way to wrap up the book. A trip down memory lane for me as I recounted my own experience from the time my studies began.

This is not a book about astrology. It is more of a narrative on elements of human nature and the lived experience, supported with astrological underpinnings. Overall, I don’t think I can overstate the fact that Kochunas has provided something here for everyone but, even more significantly, everyone will find something of value within each individual chapter. I know I did.  Jayne Logan www.astrobookclub.com

Brad Kochunas deserves recognition as a modern astrologer whose practice is informed by his vocation as a psychotherapist. His work synthesises the thought of luminaries such as James Hillman and Rollo May, together with voices from many other disciplines including philosophy, religious studies and poetry. Perhaps the most important quality of his work is his refusal to settle for easy or comforting half-truths. This shows, for instance, in the way he questions what astrology truly is, how it works. It also animates his determined engagement with aspects of the psyche often suppressed and ignored as dark, threatening or somehow irrelevant to spirituality and fulfilment. The chapter ‘The Dark Monastery’ in this new book, which describes some of his work with long-term prisoners, epitomises this quality but it is present throughout his work. There is a determination here to engage with the visceral realities of living – from despair to realisation – and to not shy away from difficult questions or emotions. This marks his work out as thoughtful and deep, and I really hope that ‘Dark Skies’ will find a wide audience.

Garry Phillipson, Ph. D., author of Astrology in the Year Zero

Brad Kochunas has captured my attention since hearing him speak in 2009 on his career in prison mental health. I remain very much impressed by his humanistic approach to the incarcerated and his sincere efforts to be helpful through his use of astrology. His shared experiences inspired me to start research on serial killers and their psychology. His earlier book, The Astrological Imagination, demonstrated his elegance in creative writing and familiarity with philosophers and belletrists through history. In this new book, he is wandering shadowy corridors of the psyche and continuing to enlighten our “Dark Skies.” This one is a must read book not only for astrologers but anyone who wishes to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Strongly recommended.

Sirin Mitrani, Certified Astrology Professional

Brad Kochunas compiled Dark Skies as an invitation to look at his deep and thoughtful ways of practicing therapeutic Astrology. Each essay pays homage to darkness (my old friend) in a way that might inspire your own use and celebration of those “hard times.” Brad’s writing is sensitive, broadly referenced, and applied to life in search of treasures hidden in the darkness. Some essays could well expand into a volume; some are cut and compressed into polished gems; but altogether this collection is a gift for those ready for another way to see and use Astrology.

Victoria Smoot, MS. Ed, teacher, editor, astrology consultant

I’ve always loved reading Brad Kochonas. His voice comes from a place few of us have experience of. He has journeyed deeply into human nature from his many years as a therapist with those in the “dark monastery”. I can’t think of a better antidote to the glibness of social media astrology. Dark Skies is moving, deeply soulful and full of excellent astrology.

Lynn Bell, author of Planetary Threads and Cycles of Light: Exploring the Mysteries of Solar Returns