This reprint of the original CPA Press version explores the fundamentalissue of how we defend ourselves against conflict and suffering throughcharacteristic psychological mechanisms reflected in the natal chart. Both thepathological dimensions of defences and their creative contribution to thepersonality are carefully explored through the zodiac signs and through themulti-levelled planetary symbols Saturn and Chiron, to reveal the many ways inwhich we both protect and injure ourselves when confronted with what weexperience as life's threatening face. The seminar format brings complexpsychological material alive in an accessible way, and ample case materialhighlights chracteristic human behaviour patterns. This volume is a profoundrevelation of the creative ways in which we can approach what may initiallyseem like our greatest failings.