'My interest lies in the present, because I shall be spending the rest of my life there.'

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  • Astrologers on the Purpose & Status of Astrology Today

Guess What? We're all here on a journey -- a mission -- to satisfy our curiosity about the various 'worlds' we inhabit: material, emotional, mental and spiritual, to experience the fruits of our desires and ambitions and eventually return to the Source with the wisdom gained. Believe it or not.

Be assured, however, that there's no all-powerful 'Grand Kahunah' up above doling out good or bad fortune cookies, like it's really a game of chance. Unfortunately, so many unwittingly buy into this, believing we have no 'real' control over what life has in store.. (Say, what?!! "We create our own realities? You nuts? Hey? I didn't ask to be born!!"?) Well, I've got news for you. Not to 'burst any balloons' here, but allow me to share a 'secret' -- a point of view from which we do have control of our circumstances -- at least in terms of how we approach them. We do create our own reality! And that you can take to the bank. It's all really a matter of perspective, of awareness. Bottom line, it's all about attitude.

As an astrologer, I propose to offer something quite different and unique from what is commonly offered by, hence consequently expected from so many psychics, card readers, and tea-leaf readers etc. who for the most part allude to little else than physical, temporal events. Harmless? Perhaps not for those few secure enough to take it all with a grain of salt. But productive or lasting? Hardly!.

During the more than twenty years of highly rewarding experience through listening, learning and counseling, I have witnessed many, many individuals' 'timetables of development' and life-changes inevitably paralleled by the phenomenon of planetary cycles -- consistently accurate, symbolic reference points for determining character-in-the-making via the potentials unique to each one of us. What we see in life is colored by what we expect to see. Our personal horoscope symbols show our innate predisposition to perceive life and experience the way we do, for we are born already expecting certain things to happen.

I am not alone in my conviction that a child is not born a 'blank slate' upon which various things are subsequently written. It's not just the early conditioning which is of primary importance. It is our own inner nature seen astrologically which predates our childhood conditioning. Therefore, once we become aware of inborn biases to see things in certain contexts, we begin to operate more consciously with our unique individualities.

Some within traditional astrology blame the parents for what they do to us, but a perhaps a more enlightened and inclusive perspective reveals that we are largely responsible for how we experience them. While most deep impressions formed early on are forgotten, we do internalize the resulting self-images, given 'scripts', expectations and beliefs - and thus we continue to experience life accordingly.

Sometimes life gets tough, it can seem overwhelming - perhaps because of a broken relationship, illness, an 'accident', loss of a loved one, or job. Something gnawing inside may in fact be a longing for deeper, more meaningful expression, and a pressing need to make some major life-decisions and changes around attachment, identity, and/or purpose. Things have changed; we're at a loss, feeling like the rug has been pulled from underneath. We want solutions, to feel free, creative, alive! -- and, most of all, OK. Alternatively, we might be just fine, yet feel a 'change' coming on. But what? Or we need counsel on some matter and its potential outcome. In any scenario, through the divination of astrology, and an experienced astrologer, real wisdom and timely insights are always there but for the seeking.

Some important considerations

The astrological map, (as with all maps) is to help us understand where we are in life, to get our bearings, and hopefully get a glimpse of our life-journey. Not the cause of what we have or will become, it mirrors the archetypal realities through which we shape, and are shaped by, our world. As a map of our inner landscape, a soul image, rather than being used to predict life events or provide life-problem solutions, it enjoins us to explore our various fantasies and myths.

The ego's needs (progress, betterment, improvement) belonging more to the hero's fantasy -- may have little to do with the soul's needs.

Many clients engaged in the 'more-is-better' fantasy, will have no time for listening to soul needs. Clients want quick answers, sure bets, with little if any interest in assuming responsibility for bringing such aspirations about, failing to realize that the best place to be is exactly where they are, rather than where they wish to be. Getting to 'that place' requires taking responsibility for oneself, being proactive. (italics mine -ed.)

Though it appears the projection a client puts on us is that of "someone who knows" -- in fact no astrologer honestly knows what any particular individual should or should not do in any situation. Offering solutions, especially when the client hasn't come to that solution yet inside him or herself, may not only be unhelpful, but possibly destructive. So this is where it's best to take a few pages from one's inner world -- what brings anyone to their current dilemma.

Rather than getting caught up in the external world of making decisions and offering advice to a client, more to the point is to help one get in touch with his/her inner world. Most likely, a state of indecision and worry is reflected by current chart conditions indicating why it's not wise to push for decisions prematurely, as things inside that are changing and being prepared on inner levels are processes impossible to comprehend because of the very necessary inner soul-level of the alchemy process. Hence a state of indecision and reflecting is actually appropriate for the time.

The important thing is not what's going to happen, but how one accommodates to his fate. Will it be, "Why me, Lord?!" or will it be embracing life challenges with courage and equanimity? We do best not by telling clients what to do, but by encouraging them to trust themselves and the larger universe. By recommending a specific course of action here, an astrologer does a major disservice in interfering in one's fate, especially if 'predicting some outcome' is thrown into the mix.

One cannot be over-enthusiastic about probing one's deeper areas, perhaps before the client is ready. This is why listening between the lines to what someone is and is not ready for is so vital. The astrologer needs to be able to get a solid feeling about where one is coming from, a feel for what one's head-space is open to. As the astrologer, I need to be able to put myself in the client's seat. Most people can handle difficult statements as long as they are left with something significantly supportive they can feel good about at the end of the day.

Imagine this scenario: A person books an appointment with a therapist, and after introductions, and being asked, "What brings you here?" discloses some background, the outline of the issue at hand. He or she then fully expects to be in dialogue with the therapist for some time and many sessions later. Now shift the scene somewhat: The same client comes to an astrologer, and after introductions and disclosing the birth data, is similarly asked, "What brings you here?" Invariably, that client will reply, "Well you're the astrologer, you're supposed to tell me!" Just like that. Suddenly, the astrologer is expected to be seer, master psychic, all-seeing grand wizard in a flash -- all in a one-and-a-half-hour session, no less!

How could the astrologer be all that? The given birth data belongs to perhaps a hundred other people born with the same data, but each individual -- even twins -- are unique expressions of a complex of realties in play long before this time around. My point: every therapist must understand at least the client's reason for being there -- along with needing to determine a whole lot of that client's background. (Keep in mind: the therapist has absolutely no frame of reference other than what the client provides.) Once given even a bit of that, the astrologer has at least a set of keys -- a time-tested symbol system relevant to any individual, and a deadly-accurate timetable of planetary cycles to work with. Through careful, insightful dialogue with a client, this timetable serves as a frame of reference for pinpointing how one's challenges and gifts have been used in the past and thus how they are likely to be used in the immediate future.

Still, the astrologer is not a mind-reader, much less a fortune-teller, already!

Psychic, palmist, clairvoyant, clairaudient, bone-thrower, crystal-ball gypsy, aura reader, tarot reader, or astrologer? When it comes right down to it, a client really couldn't care less what our 'tools' are; they basically want the skinny on three topics: the love/hate life, work/money, and health -- not necessarily in that order. True, there are variations around these themes, and of course other issues and curiosities, but those topics have held top spots for most since questions were invented. And of course amidst and amongst these topics may be, "When will all this heartache end?" A fair enough question, but by and large most individuals are not interested in why the heartache got so 'alive and well' in the first place! Most who consult a therapist, astrologer or whomever -- are not there to talk about growth in awareness, spiritual or otherwise. And yet ironically, the solution is always precisely embedded within the problem itself! That we create our own realities is not a concept most individuals want to hear, or will ever buy.

'Reading' is a term carried over from early 20th century astrologers, unfortunately, implying a fatalistic and incorrect concept that planets are calling the shots, making things happen, that people are simply pawns on the end of celestial puppet strings. Modern times demand recognition of the person, not just the outer environment. The astrologer needs a dialogue with the client so that what's perceived in the chart is placed within the context of that person's life -- a healthy give and take exchange -- a consultation about life, not a reading about astrology.

In counseling, (the by-product of consulting), the astrologer is showing a connection with life, not just with astrology. As I see it, our service is a consultation, not a 'reading'. However, given the state of the collective consciousness of our times, most people seek some kind of predictive 'reading' rather than a deeper exploration of their personal issues.

Most first-time clients express surprise when their plans are already reflected in their chart. They soon recognize they're truly an integral and magical co-creator of their own lives. By using astrology to discuss possibilities, rather than predictions, and opportunities for growth & learning, rather than good versus bad decisions, one can experience astrology as a tool for awakening -- i.e. not for defining one's consciousness. There are many who believe or hope that the astrologer is psychic and/or has a 'cosmic hotline' that can reveal their fate. It's not only your birthright, but your onus to make your own decisions and learn from the results of your actions. Any definitive answers or directions from an astrologer would be butting-in on your divine gift of free choice. Specifics and decisions must be left to the individual.

Whenever a client is looking for a specific prediction, they're expecting a psychic reading rather than an astrological interpretation. (Astrology is an overview of the forest, but doesn't count each tree!) Progressive clients almost always seek a better understanding of their present and hope to get an edge into the future. People aren't empowered by hearing fatalistic pronouncements from an oracle. Astrology should be about fostering confidence in one's ability to make well-educated, conscious choices about using free will. Psychic astrology is fine; it just isn't astrology. Similarly, 'cookbook style' astrology is like Macdonald's -- nothing more. It's the astrologer's ability to synthesize the whole of one's makeup and personal uniqueness -- nothing less -- that can perform a truly viable service to any client. While we may be able to 'predict' a certain challenging or potentially difficult but strengthening time ahead, the actual outcome depends entirely upon the client's ability to deal effectively with the situation. Such disclosure to a client turns the consultation into a co-creative experience.

Since the planet Uranus entered Aquarius in January '96, (where it will remain until the end of December '03, save for a brief preview-dip into Pisces from mid-March through mid September of '03.), many speak of a lot of change occurring in their lives -- quickly and unexpectedly, faster than the ability to keep up with, and it seems that illness is one of the main ways we have to more fully digest and try to work through something.

Incidentally, when it comes to health matters, we all have more and more to clear through our bodies as we contend with the current levels of radiation and toxic chemicals in our environment. Illness is both the teacher and instrument of integration: the body's efforts to get our attention by breaking down so we'll become more aware of what's necessary to reestablish homeostasis and come back to harmony at a higher level. The only way we can come to know and understand something is to experience it physically, outside ourselves or 'closer to home' -- in our bodies; what's hidden within us often takes form outside us. Such an understanding offers increased consciousness, telling us what's trying to happen through and to each of us through the situations we encounter.

Note: The foregoing material is interspersed with excerpts from 'The Astrologer's Role' (The Mountain Astrologer -6/7.98 & 8/9.98)

What Can Astrology Do? (Refer also to 'Viewpoints: Historical/Philosophical')

Opportunity is always knocking, especially and precisely when major decisions or changes need to be made. All too often, however, we instinctively and unconsciously react with habitual self-defeating opinions and attitudes. No matter what the most recent urge, acquisition, attainment or success achieved in the outer world that we satisfy, something seems missing -- a nagging sense that we're not quite complete, especially after repeated failed attempts at chasing after something or some 'One' to fill a void within. Your personal chart can reveal the magic you possess to guide you in capitalizing on your veiled inner wisdom and strength to turn challenges into the opportunities they so abundantly and precisely symbolize -- and strategize for success.

When periods of adversity do give rise to self-doubt, one definitely needs some affirmation and direction. Paradoxically, and most importantly, however, the issue is not what kind of problem a person has, but what kind of person has a problem! The emphasis is on the person rather than the circumstance. The natal chart symbolizes areas of challenge and conflict, also cycles of ups and downs?all intended, I believe, to catalyze one's strengths and talents into action and creative expression. By pinpointing and understanding those specific opportunities to awaken to your own innate wisdom, you find that your problems literally become your gifts. Necessity becomes the mother of invention; you are compelled to get proactive.

Predicting outcomes is not what the 'divination' from symbolic systems such as astrology is all about. Effective one-to-one astrologer/client interaction can bring to light the meaningfulness of your life by revealing how self-defeating personal self-images can become positive life-statements. My goal as an astrologer is to provide an enhanced perspective, and in so doing, to catalyze within a client a healthier self-acceptance around the issues in question. From this can evolve renewed understanding of one's mission and feelings of strength, security and conviction to take action with intent and focus. While I shall never stop learning from every meaningful encounter, my gifted vision experience over 30 years ago directs a compelling, down-to-earth approach to people, their uniquenesses and individual prescriptions. Ideally, this allows me to share practical savvy on life-direction, change, & all types of relationships where matters of emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being are at issue. And so too do I continue to learn and grow through such exchanges.

The Bottom Line? You are the most important person in your life. You are here to learn about the creative potential of your uniqueness -- how to feel it, use it and share it, to seek your own bliss. You are worth it.