Astrology and the Archetypal Power of Numbers, Part Two: Arithmology in the Birthchart The Astropoetic Series, Volume Two

This book adds to the Astropoetic series on astrology and numerology (aka arithmology). Landwehr is in step with other evolutionary astrologers like Stephen Forrest, Jeffrey Wolf, and Greg Bogart. Evolutionary astrology is an offshoot of 20th century post-Rudhyar-Jungian astrology that incorporates psychology and mythology in order to facilitate personal soul evolution. In part, this is expressed through the notion that all planetary placements, aspects, transits, and progressions present choices for overcoming core issues and fostering soul development.

Earlier books in Landwehr's series include The Seven Gates of the Soul: Reclaiming the Poetry of Everyday Life (2004) and The Astrology and the Archetypal Power of Numbers, Part One (2011). These books present a system that merges philosophy, psychology, and the Hindu chakhra system with arithmology. Volume Two refers back concepts and explanations given in the previous books.

This book has two parts: Part One (The Astro-Logic of Arithmology, pp. 17 - 504) explicates the relationship of numbers to planets, signs, houses, and orbital dynamics. Each number is described as a “realm” (ie, the Realm of One, the Realm of Two, etc.), and the experiences of each realm are described in depth. Planets include the invisible outer planets—Uranus, Neptune and Pluto—as the rulers of Aquarius, Pisces and Pluto, respectively. Landwehr also works with Chiron and the four Lady Asteroids. As is typical with evolutionary astrologers, Uranus is re-conceptualized as Prometheus (an idea proposed by Richard Tarnas). The Vedic system has planets assigned to the chakhras; Landwehr implements his own system in this respect as well. This pick-and-choose eclecticism may or may not appeal to readers; at points I wondered if the baby was being thrown out with the bathwater or being drowned in it. The writer assumes you're on board with his conceptual framework; either you are or you aren't.

Part Two (Exploring Arithmology in a Birthchart, pp 505-572) provides demonstrations of how Landwehr applies his system of astrology and arithmology to interpret birth charts. There are plenty of famous people's charts used throughout this section. Landwehr uses his own personal chart to show his experiences with each of the numeric Realms in Chapter 16. The book ends with appendices, including book citations and an index. End notes are at the end of each chapter.

The writing in this book is generally good. Discreet editorial cuts could have reduced some of the over-writing and condensed the lengthy explanations. Formatting astrology books is always challenging; this book's interior is nicely designed. The sample charts are a bit small for easy viewing – they're about 2.5” across. I had to use a magnifying glass to see the sign glyphs and degrees. Diagrams would have been helpful in the sections describing planet-number and chakhra-planet number relationships.

This book is an in-depth overview of Landwehr's personal idiosyncratic methods (which are a step beyond evolutionary astrology praxis) for analyzing birth and event charts and forecasting methods like transits and progressions. Astrologers interested in mastering his methods should already be well-grounded in astrology basics before acquiring his books. Landwehr's “astropoetic astrology” methods demand a substantial commitment to absorbing the details required to utilize the methods. It may be helpful to survey clients about their interest in receiving readings about soul evolution. The language and concepts are different from other kinds of astrological readings, and it's up to the astrologer to invest the time and energy in making this kind of chart analysis accessible and digestible to clients paying for the service.

Ultimately it's up to the astrologer to decide whether or not Landwehr's astropoetic system is of value to him/her in consultation work, or as an intense system of personal soul development.

~review by Elizabeth Hazel

Author: Joe Landwehr
2018, Ancient Tower Press
651 pages, $39.95 + s/h through
https://www.ancient-tower-press.com/astrology-and-the-archetypal-power-of-numbers-part-two.html