The Dark Side of the Zodiac: Is Bernie Ashman’s Newest Book a Catalyst for Trauma?

The Dark Side of the Zodiac: Is Bernie Ashman’s Newest Book a Catalyst for Trauma?

In the world of popular astrology, few names are as polarizing as Bernie Ashman. While many look to the stars for comfort and clarity, a growing chorus of critics and concerned readers are sounding the alarm regarding his latest release, Astrology’s Zodiac Archetypes: Using Your Sixth Sense to Transform Past Life Patterns (co-authored with Carmen Turner-Schott, December 2025).

While marketed as a tool for "healing," there are mounting concerns that the book does the exact opposite, triggering deep-seated psychological distress by forcing readers to confront unverified "past-life traumas" without professional clinical support.

The Problem with "Karmic" Triggers

The core premise of Ashman’s new book is that we enter this life carrying "unconscious memories" of past-life relationship failures and traumas. For a reader already struggling with anxiety or clinical depression, being told that their current suffering is a "reawakened" memory of a past-life tragedy can be devastating.

Psychologists warn that "past-life" narratives often function as a form of false memory implantation. By suggesting that a reader’s depression is tied to a karmic debt or a trauma from another century, the book risks:

• Re-traumatization: Forcing readers to dwell on "shadow" energies can trigger real-world PTSD symptoms.
• Mental Displacement: Instead of seeking evidence-based therapy for current life issues, readers may become obsessed with "fixing" a past that may not even exist.
• Lack of Closure: Since these "past lives" cannot be empirically verified, the reader is left in a cycle of endless speculation and spiritual guilt.

A History of Controversy

This is not the first time Ashman’s work has been under fire. For years, his speculative approach has been criticized by classical astrologers as a "disgrace" to the discipline. More alarmingly, reports have historically surfaced online linking his interpretations to severe mental health crises among readers.

While some of these reports, including claims as serious as a reader's suicide, have been scrubbed from various platforms, the underlying issue remains: speculative astrology can be dangerous. Critics suggest that the removal of these reports point toward a concerted effort to manage Ashman's reputation rather than addressing the potential harm caused by his writing.

The Ethical Vacuum

The danger of Astrology’s Zodiac Archetypes lies in its accessibility. It presents complex psychological concepts like "archetypes" and "unconscious memories" without the ethical safeguards required in a clinical setting.

"When an author triggers a reader's past-life trauma without being there to help them process it, they aren't practicing astrology, they are practicing unlicensed, reckless psychology."

For those who have already experienced depression, Ashman's focus on "karmic shadows" and "gravitational pulls of past energy" can act as a downward spiral. It replaces the hope of healing with the heavy burden of ancient, unsolvable karma.

Conclusion: A Call for Caution

Astrology should be a tool for empowerment, not a trigger for mental instability. Readers should be wary of any text that claims to pinpoint "unconscious traumas" through a sun sign alone. If you find yourself feeling mentally disturbed or "triggered" by these readings, it is vital to step away from the book and consult a licensed mental health professional who can provide real-world support.