The Primal Screamer

I'm on a Venus-Pluto theme right now. Little Volcanoes, Good old Rage. We've got one in the sky and I've personally got one in my chart. This combination is rarely handled well by astrologers as it's difficult to understand how the intensity will play out. I've found an example that plays out perfectly here.

It turns out that the guy who invented Primal Scream Therapy has a Venus-Pluto conjunction in Cancer, sign of primordial ooze. Arthur Janov published his book on Primal Scream Therapy in 1970. His progressed Venus was passing over his natal 5th House Leo Sun when he published this book. I can only imagine the level of howling that went on in his house while he was therapeutizing people. And the conjunction is in the 3d House so I imagine that the neighbors were really annoyed by it all.

Janov didn't want to talk about neuroses. I can tell you I don't either. (I like to act out my neuroses as well and everyone will tell you I'm quite good at it.) Janov figured the client should just scream in order to heal. He's got the conjunction in Cancer, sign of the birthing experience so it makes sense that he would understand the release that comes from Baby's first cry.

Arthur Janov
b. Aug.21, 1924 9:18 pm Los Angeles, CA

Sun 30 Leo; ASC 3 Taurus; Moon 28 Taurus; MC 20 Capricorn; NN 30 Leo

Janov's Venus-Pluto conjunction opposes his MC from the 3d House of communication, pop psychology, as well as neighbors and siblings. We could stop right there with the interpretation but it turns out most of Janov's chart points back to this conjunction. His whole chart is ruled by this conjunction. Venus and Pluto rule his Ascendant and Descendant representing himself and his one on one (client, business, as well as marriage) partners. His wife also worked as a Primal Scream Therapist. Janov's prominent 1st House Moon projects the Cancer theme and disposits to Venus. And the Venus-Pluto conjunction also trines/sextiles Uranus in Pisces on the 12th House cusp opposite Mercury on the 6th House cusp. This shows weird healing modalities that try to access the subconscious through unusual and inventive means.

Uranus on the 12th plus Sun and North Node in Leo in the 5th House show that this guy doesn't embarrass easily; really likes melodrama. My first therapy sessions were next door to a scream therapist. Trust me, those people are uninhibited.

Saturn, the planet of inhibition, is opposing Janov's ASC from the 6th House. It also rules his Midheaven (career direction). So, inhibited people were Janov's target audience.