Astrologers seem to disagree over relating C. G. Jung's four psychological functions of thinking, feeling, sensation and intuition to the corresponding elements of Air, Earth, Fire and Water. Undoubtedly, Jung's terms are subject to misinterpretation, but it must be kept in mind that any bridges between the two systems will have been built comparatively recently, leaving a cultural hiatus to be healed.

A useful link between astrological elements and Jung's typology is the terminology used by Hans Eysenck, which is clear-cut and unambiguous. Further guidance is provided by Frieda Fordham⁵, who knew Jung. Her writings had his approval, and she is able to dispel some of the confusion.

Somewhat uncannily, everyone seems to agree on the attributes for the 'thinking' type, in that it equates to the astrological element Air (although Hans Eysenck's 'death-wish' is rather morbid). Perhaps this unanimity is a reflection of our rational culture.

Unfortunately, the other three types generate major discrepancies in interpretation. For example, both Margaret Hone and Liz Greene translate 'feeling' as 'emotion', and as a consequence equate it with Water. Thankfully, Frieda Fordham is aware of this trap:

"Feeling is often confused with emotion... it is the function by which values are weighed, accepted, or refused." [page 39]

Surely the function which apportions worth is Venusian, and correlates astrologically to Taurus and the second house? This would assign 'feeling' to the Earth element, whose signs and houses exemplify the feeling type's relational and societal attributes:

"[this type] is specially concerned with personal relationships and has often tact and charm... makes social and family life possible....and is thoroughly at home in groups, large gatherings, and every social and communal activity". [page 40]

I can only assume Jeff Mayo assigned 'feeling' to Fire as a last resort!

Another cause of confusion is Jung's use of 'sensation', which has probably been picked up by Mayo and Greene (Hone is bit unsure) as referring to the tactile, sensuous side of the Earth signs. Here Eysenck's term 'action' is much more explicit than Jung's, and Frieda Fordham once more sheds light:

"The sensation type takes everything as it comes, experiences things as they are, no more and no less;...what counts is the strength and pleasure of the sensation". [page 42]

This sounds very like an astrological account of the fifth house, Leo and the Fire element. Fordham further describes extravert sensation types as:

"... frequently easy, jolly people with a great capacity for enjoyment... [they] may degenerate into unscrupulous sybarites, or restless pleasure seekers forever looking for new thrills." [page 42]

Which, to my understanding, is Fire rather than Earth.

If the above correlations are correct, by default, 'intuition' must refer to Water. Here Eysenck's term 'reflective' is particulary helpful:

"'Intuition,' says Jung, 'is a perception of realities which are not known to consciousness, and which goes via the unconscious'". [page 43]

This accords with astrological descriptions of the Water houses and signs. Mayo agrees with this interpretation, but Greene and an unsteady Hone do not. Possibly the latter two were forced into this stance through their earlier assumptions, or have picked up on the more creative and inspired aspects of introverted Fire.

In no way do these criticisms detract from the outstanding achievements of the astrologers mentioned. Their work is of enormous benefit. But a 'Rosetta Stone' is needed to strengthen links and encourage understanding between the sister disciplines of astrology and analytical psychology. When this has been established, such confusion as outlined can be overcome and forgotten.

¹Attributes assigned by Hans Eysenck to each type are:

Thanatos
intellectual, theory, cool, thinking, logical, rational, analysis;

Eros
caring, experience, warm, feeling, intuitive, perceptive, involvement;

Action
dynamic, practice, hurried, doing, extrovert, assertive, action;

Reflective
introvert, reflection, relaxed, watching, receptive, contemplative, observation.

²The Modern Text-Book of Astrology (1978): Margaret E Hone
³Teach Yourself Astrology (1979): Jeff Mayo
⁴Relating (1977): Liz Greene
⁵An Introduction to Jung's Psychology (1966): Frieda Fordham