The Consultation

Does astrology tell the future?

In a manner of speaking it does. It shows potentials, describing how cycles are moving in a life. But, the person makes choices that play an essential role in the events of one’s life. Attitude counts a great deal, as well. Two people undergoing the same crisis can react differently. One can turn the challenge into an opportunity, the other may feel crushed by the situation. Planetary patterns correspond with real shifts of energy, but you still choose how you’re going to use them. Differences of character, the natal chart and the mystery of the Soul leave a wide variety of responses for each person. We also learn from experience, so a problem at age 16 is not met in the same way when it arrives at age 35.

What about Fate and Free Will?

I believe that elements of both exist.   We appear to have many choices of action and thought.  But, these exist in a larger universe that we didn't create.  We think with minds of a given construction and act with bodies formed largely by genetics.  Perhaps it's most accurate to say that we are co-creators of our lives.  While the notion of Fate is one that can leave us feeling powerless, Destiny is a concept that serves us better.  Destiny has been described as conscious participation in our fate.  In this way we acknowledge both the forces around us and the Will within, the partners of our life's experiences.

What does a person get from an astrological reading?

A good reading or consultation provides insights and ideas in a quick, compact form. A natal chart (birth chart) is incredibly powerful in revealing challenges, gifts, emotional and family patterns and the means for self-development. It’s a tool for seeing yourself with clarity so that you can make intelligent choices about your life.  See my page on Consultations for more information.

Are there different kinds of readings?

Astrologers can focus on different areas based on their inclinations and their clients’ needs. Some astrologers are rooted in a spiritual approach and may discuss past lives, karma and so forth. Others are psychologically oriented and will investigate patterns developed during childhood and how to change them. Practical considerations regarding money, career and health are other common areas of inquiry. Most astrologers have can move among these different areas, but have their basic approach. It’s appropriate to ask questions before making an appointment for a consultation.

How often should I see an astrologer?  How much does it cost?

Most of my clients see me at least once a year.  Some call when they have particular issues that come up.  Others like an update more frequently.  Astrology has a tremendous amount of information to offer.  A good astrologer can provide useful new material as often as once a month.   Fees vary widely depending upon the region, experience of the astrologer and type of clientele.  $50-$100 is the most common range, although some charge less, some more.  Sessions usually last an hour to two hours.  Make sure your consultation is taped so that you have a record of all that's been said.

How do I find a good astrologer?

The best way is by word of mouth. If you know someone who’s been helped by a reading ask who did it for them. You can also check sources on the Internet, through your local astrological society, metaphysical bookstore or any of several national organizations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the astrologer’s practice, training, approach, follow-up, etc. I’ve been practicing professionally for almost 25 years. Much of my practice is long distance (on cassette tape and by telephone). Look at the Consultations page for more details.

Is it necessary to know the precise time of birth to benefit from a reading?

No, but it helps. The more accurate the birth time, the more detailed the chart. I’ve done readings for people who have no idea of their time of birth. The chart’s calculated for noon. The planets (with the exception of the Moon) don’t move very much in one day. Their sign positions and relationships with one another (aspects) can provide a good deal of information. The houses, though, can not be calculated without a birth time, and they add much valuable data to a reading. Any detail about the birth time helps: "afternoon" is better than no time at all. "Between 2 and 4pm" is better than "afternoon."

Where can I find my birth time if I don’t know it?

Birth certificates are the ideal source. Check with your state records office, hospital or city of birth to see if it’s on file. Don’t just request a birth certificate as some don’t have the time on it. Ask for a document that shows the time of birth. Parents, relatives and neighbors are another source of information. A family Bible may also have birth information in it.

Astrology

Where did astrology come from?

Astrology’s as old as recorded time. The first written records include information about planetary positions. It was necessary to watch the sky to predict the seasons and develop an agricultural society. Ancient Egyptians used the astrological calendars to plan for the annual flooding of the Nile. Astrology and astronomy were one and the same until the Middle Ages. The ancient astronomers were also astrologers. Ptolemy (2^nd century AD) was the author of both the great astrological and astronomical books of his era (Tetrabiblos and Almagest). Astrology is found in almost every culture of the world, as well as being deeply rooted in mythology and religion.

What makes astrology work?

Astrology reflects that we live on a planet in a solar system. The Earth is part of the Sun’s family, a unique cell of space in the boundless universe. Each planet is unique in its size, orbit, speed, angle, moons, chemistry and electromagnetic vibration. For over a billion years they have been orbiting our Sun, the radiant source of light and electro-magnetism that holds our solar system together. We are born into this system of electro-magnetism. At birth we leave the watery world of the womb, have our lungs blasted open with our first breath and are imprinted by the atmosphere. Like the first ripple of a stone tossed in water, the rest of life follows from that first moment. While there is no modern scientific proof for astrology two facts are clear: we exist in this physical universe and birth is a unique and formative event. It might be more accurate to say that astrology is a technology, not a science. Like electricity, it works, even though we don’t understand its mechanism at this time. The ongoing discussion between astrologers and scientists can only benefit both sides.

Why don’t the astrological signs line up with the constellations?

The Earth orbits the Sun every year, rotates on its axis every day and "wobbles" on its axis in a 26,000 year cycle. This gives rise to precession of the equinoxes. This means that the alignment of the seasons and the constellations is constantly moving, taking almost 26,000 years to make a complete turn. About 2000 years ago the first day of spring (Vernal Equinox) corresponded with the constellation Aries, first sign of the Zodiac. But, over a 2000 year period, they have moved almost one sign apart. The Zodiac based on the constellations, called the Sidereal zodiac, and that based on the seasons, the Tropical zodiac, no longer coincide. The vast majority of western astrologers use the Tropical zodiac. Our charts are based on the seasons, not on the stars. These two zodiacs are two perspectives for analyzing the sky. Both are valid and consistent within themselves. Each provides information in its own way.

What is Mercury retrograde?

All planets appear to move retrograde, or backwards, from time to time.  This is because we are viewing them from a moving platform (the Earth) and that at certain points in their orbits planets stop and start moving backwards in the Zodiac.  Mercury turns retrograde three times a year for about 21-24 days at a time.   Since it's the planet of communication and details some people seem to have more difficulty in these areas when Mercury is retrograde.  Some astrologers counsel against signing documents or making major decisions during these cycles.  I don't think this is practical or necessarily true.  The potential "negative" effects of Mercury retrograde vary from person to person and where (in the Zodiac) this is occuring.  Certainly, Mercury's aspects (significant angles) to other planets in the sky (transits) and in a person's birth chart will make a difference.  When any planet is retrograde it is passing over territory where it has just been seen.  This could mean that we have a second chance, an opportunity to finish up old business.  With Mercury this could be old contacts, with Venus old relationships, Saturn old tasks, etc.   I don't believe that it's generally a good policy to "hide" until a certain astrological pattern passes. I believe that every cycle has its value if we examine it carefully.