Note, I have made the full article available to all of our readers.
Ever wonder what questions the world of professional astrologers is — or ought to be — grappling with to advance the practice for the highest good of readers, clients and the discipline itself? In today’s subscriber issue, Eric puts forth his bold recommendations for the areas into which astrologers (and astrology conferences, especially) could stand to dive deeper and with greater clarity. Whether you are planning to attend the UAC conference in New Orleans next week or simply like a really good horoscope, it’s a fascinating article.
You can read this issue — which includes all 12 horoscopes written especially for this weekend’s solar eclipse in Gemini, plus more — by purchasing it individually here. Better yet, get instant access when you sign up for our free one-month trial subscription here.
I’ve now read this article several times – pondering your points provides me with a Zing! for many reasons. Thank you.
I’m about to graduate from a [non-clinical] master’s program focused on depth psychology. I have had several opportunities to use depth psychological theory and technique within my astrology practice, and then report back to my professors for a “supervision” of sorts. I’ve been floored at the learning that has taken place on these occasions, specifically after learning about transference and counter-transference. That said, I’ve heard both Richard Tarnas and Mark Jones speak about the importance of including these techniques on multiple occasions (NORWAC and various workshops).
I was most heartened to see you write about the importance addressing our relationship to the earth and environment and the ways in which we’re all impacted by the changes going on at the ecological level. Grief and despair work is so vitally important right now. Astrology provides such a fluid means of navigating that kind of work, and helping us to imagine sustainable ways forward. My thesis is about the use of astrological ritual in transforming apocalyptic imagery. I have been told that in order to be a “marketable” astrologer, I need to avoid language that refers to the urgency and scariness of our current situation. But I’ve figured out that in all actuality, I *want* to attract people who are searching for ways to navigate this planetary rite of passage. I have found some support for this in the astrological community, but it was refreshing to see it brought up in a list of so many other, interconnected issues that we should indeed be discussing.
So, again…thanks.
Thank you, dear Sarah!
Huffy – I am heartened to hear the news about your friend!
Eric – I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and you make so many valid points. From a psychological perspective, counselling skills at the very least would be a great place to start in terms of assisting clients with what they bring to a session, as well as with being able to keep mindful of what the astrologer brings to the equation too.
As with tarot, the exchange between astrologer and client is ripe for projection and manipulation – both of which can happen even with the best of intentions. With increased awareness comes increased possibility for transformation for both parties, imo.
Thanks Eric for the refreshing and well thought out summary of very relevant issues. These really offer the potential to develop a constructive and exciting exploration of how we can all contribute to astrology in a way that can be most beneficial to the all.
There are a couple of other issues I would like to add to these – the first is the issue of Integrity – both with clients – which you mentioned and also with each other as colleagues – for e.g. not plagiarizing each other’s work – of course we are all writing about similar topics but it is obvious when the work is ‘borrowed’ and/or ’embellished’ from someone else’s articles, notes, emails etc without acknowledging the author.
In terms of offering astrologers training in counseling skills – there are many of us who are psychologists, social workers, MFT etc who are happy to offer counseling and communication skills training – in fact ISAR does this already. Developing more of this sounds like an excellent idea.
There is also the issue of how we present ourselves to the public – many psychological astrologers for eg have no background training in psychology/counseling/therapy of any kind, yet clients assume that we do – is this ok?
I love the concept of cross fertilization with other healing modalities particularly now with neptune in pisces and think that this is one of the most fruitful ways forward. It is mainly how I work here in Hawaii and have found it very stimulating and engaging, as well as beneficial for clients.
Finally the whole issue of conferences and how speakers are invited or not could also benefit from some open discussion. How much of it is about skills, experience and contribution to astrology? 🙂
Eric,
I absolutely love your suggestions here, and I hope you can get this out to as much of the greater astrology community as possible.
What you’ve outlined is really more than a plan to make the conferences work better — it’s a revolutionary manifesto for upgrading the entire practice of astrology. I don’t know of anyone saying these things, and I’m so glad you are.
I kinda doubt Mountain Astrologer would publish it, but I hope you submit it to them in the event that they would.
I’m going to try to figure out a way to give a version of this to my readers, editing out some of the beginning stuff so it’s suitable for a wider audience. I will of course run it by you and seek your permission for any editing I request.
Fantastic work!
Rob
Eric and Planetwaves,thank you as always for the enlightening edition. I am so inspired by your ability to write so deeply, so frequently. The Aries horoscope “…It does seem that for the foreseeable future you’re destined to overcome the reputed Aries trait of being good at starting things and less adept at finishing them. To facilitate that, I suggest you make a list of everything already started that needs to be completed, and make a goal of accomplishing those things before July 1.” I made my list yesterday. I appreciated the story of Frank and Herbie’s love. Enjoy New Orleans.
Just read the Capricorn horoscope – it’s uncanny. You say: “I would add a note about any health worries you may have: this is the weekend to put them behind you, whether by recognizing they are merely fears, or by deciding what action you can take to resolve the issue”. My dear Capricorn friend has just been given the all-clear from leukemia, which was diagnosed last February – and these last few days he had lived through so much fear. And the rest of the horoscope is spot on, too.
Thank you for the stunning (Cancer) horoscope, dear Eric. Just what I needed to read. Have a great time in New Orleans! xx