Frequently Asked Questions About Astrology

FAQs

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Over the years the same questions about astrology, astrologers and related issues arise fairly consistently. This Frequently Asked Questions form answers many of these questions from this astrologers work over the years. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

How do I choose an astrologer?
Where can I find astrologers that are qualified?
What can astrology do for me?
Who is right, the sidereal astrologers or tropical astrologers?
What information is a real astrological consultation based on?
When is astrology useful and valid?

How do I choose an astrologer?

This question is primarily a subjective one, once the client understands the purpose of astrology and the astrologer they can then make a decision based on what they perceive will serve them best. An astrologer can serve in many ways because astrology is the tool that delineates life experiences and life events. It is my view that astrology best serves the client if it offers alternatives that improve the client's life experiences. Because of my conviction that our reality is utterly created by our beliefs and definitions, it is these that I believe need addressing in any consultation.

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Where can I find astrologers that are qualified?

There are organizations that test astrologers listed at my links page that can recommend astrologers in your area. There are also qualified astrologers listed at American Federation of Astrologers. Even though they are qualified there are questions you must always ask to satisfy yourself that the astrologer you seek is at your level and has your quality of life enhancement as their first priority. Guru following or advising is a strong clue that the astrologer has not had sufficient training in counsel. It is my recommendation that astrologers be trained at least in undergraduate psychology or counsel to the 300-400 level. Although this is no indication of intent or ability astrologically, it is some indication of the counselor's seriousness about their work. The astrologer must have the ability to refer clients to other professionals (such as clinical psychologists, therapists, business consultants, etc.) because of the high probability of receiving clients with difficulties that require the services of these other professionals.

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What can astrology do for me?

Astrology allows us insight into our own personality, motivations, beliefs, and early environmental factors we have internalized that affect our decision making. Astrology can provide insight into how these factors may unfold in probable fashion through future planetary aspects and progressed measurements. It can give us insight into others and therefore increase understanding and depth in our relationships. Please see my astrological definitions FAQ.

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Who is right, the sidereal astrologers or tropical astrologers?

These are just two different ways of viewing the same thing in my view. The relative positions of the astronomical bodies really do not change and the Zodiacs can carry meaning for the observer. Astrology is not a hard science and offers many ways to understanding. The key is how the astrologer serves and is able to bring to the client the awareness necessary to aid in their fulfillment and growth. Soon we will require a galactic astrology and that will change the view of astrology completely. Heliocentric astrology is also a valid application of astrology and offers us insight in yet another way.

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What information is a real astrological consultation based on?

A real complete astrological consultation is based on time, date and place of birth. Sunsign astrology is an incomplete "popular" notion that generalizes the qualities to such an extent as to make them nebulous and likely to fit anyone. Astrology is NOT what is generally accepted and spun by newspapers and the media etc. based only on Sunsigns, anymore than "Ask Ann Landers" or some newspaper advice column is depth psychology, counseling or professional therapy. Would you base important life decisions on that?

To make sweeping generalizations with sun signs is simplistic and irresponsible. The study of astrology is complex and must be learned like any other discipline. It must be treated with the respect it deserves as a powerful tool of understanding. Tools are always dependent upon the astuteness of the craftsman and their application abilities.

There is one way that sun signs can be used in a positive way. That is by having the horoscope done properly and accurately and then placing the sun on the ascendant with its degree and sign as the ascendant. This is the solar chart. The solar chart can then be read just like a natal and is very revealing as far as implications and interpretations. In this way the solar chart can be used in conjunction with the natal house arrangement and adds powerful information as far as transits etc. as well once an accurate horoscope has been obtained.

There are as many different vibrations as people and even more astrological possibilities. Even twins can express different levels of the same chart, so there is no fixed pattern of anything that makes anyone set as a such and such.
In the same way that a doctor would not make such irresponsible diagnoses based on a persons hair color-so in the same way astrology demands full and cogent renderings based on complete information, and the counselor must be astute and perceptive enough to allow the client to evidence how they have manifested their particular chart.

At least with a solar chart we can still take the natal positions in consideration for a more complete view of the person in question. The astrologer must be diverse and open to viewing the subject in many ways. If astrology is to be treated as a serious subject and valuable paradigm, it must presented and applied it in a coherent and comprehensive way.

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When is astrology useful and valid?

Astrology mirrors life. We delineate the life of the individual, subject, issue or event. Whatever is "born" at any moment is really a part of an overall unfoldment called life. Therefore there really are no special times for insight or understanding-which is astrology's best use and benefit. Astrology cannot replace critical thinking, strategic planning, required efforts, or the development of necessary skills to succeed in this world. It will not "give" anyone magic powers, special abilities, "luck" or any other quality that is the product of effort, application of the self or just plain required learning. But it will enhance understanding in what we may need or prefer to create in our lives that brings meaning and purpose to our existence. From that view, it is priceless. When I leave this world all that I may possibly take with me is what's on my mind and in my heart. Astrology can allow us to develop these attributes in a qualitative way-which may very well be the primary purpose for living to begin with.