FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT KIND OF ASTROLOGER ARE YOU?

I primarily study Hellenistic astrology, which emphasizes precise analysis of a birth chart and the use of timing techniques to clearly delineate what parts of your life tend to work best; which transits will be important to pay attention to; and what topics will dominate. I am also currently studying horary astrology under John Frawley, who is using primarily medieval techniques. 

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These approaches to astrology differ in significant ways from modern, psychological approaches. They tend to be quite literal, practical, and concerned with what's going to happen and how it will go. I pair this precise, technical focus with an abiding interest in human psychology and how groups work together, and years of experience as an advisor and consultant.

I have solid information to give, and I want to have a helpful conversation that connects it to your life in a meaningful way. 

HOW CAN AN ASTROLOGER GUARANTEE THEIR WORK? 

I can guarantee my work for three reasons. First, consulting astrologers are deploying skills, not magic. Just like any other professional, I am of course able to stand behind my skills. Second, I am not guaranteeing anything beyond my skills. I am not guaranteeing that a client believes what I say, or takes my advice--those things are beyond my control. Lastly, I am assuming that there are very few people who want to take the time and risk of giving me more than $100 simply to argue with me about the validity of astrology. If anybody came to me with that attitude, I would refund their money and end the consultation anyway, because that's a waste of time. 

The ethical issues that come up most often are about helpfulness, consent, safety, and privacy. I can only give readings to people who want them. I need to do readings in a way that feels safe and helpful, and sticks to what I actually know. I also can't violate the privacy of clients or anybody else in their lives. There are also a number of topics and situations that I need to tread carefully, because giving astrological advice could get in the way of far more helpful forms of advice, like therapy or a medical diagnosis. 

In some ways, yes. Natal astrology is really good at identifying the topics or themes that will dominate certain times of your life; describing the impact of your actions over time; articulating how areas of your life will feel; and predicting whether outcomes will be overall positive or negative--usually a mixture of both! But it's important to remember that astrology, even at its most literal, works through symbols and archetypes, which can express themselves in many different ways. This is one of the reasons knowing the astrology is helpful. What's happening is largely out of your hands. But how you enact an archetype or a symbol is often up to you. 

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Horary astrology can be so jaw-droppingly accurate that you really want to consider whether you want to know the answer to a horary question before you ask it. 

CAN I ASK ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE?

I do not do natal chart readings about other people's charts because they are not there, and did not consent to having their chart read. It violates their privacy. Instead, it is often useful to see where and how that person is represented in the natal chart of the person who is getting the reading done. 

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I will consider horary questions about other people that are important to the querent on a case by case basis. It can be quite reasonable to ask if a sick relative will get better soon, or if a partner will get an important job, for example. In these questions, the querent's stake in the question is clear, and the question is helpful. 

I do not read children's charts for parents, but as a parent who struggles not to look at her own child's chart, I empathize with the desire to ask. I will discuss the placement of a child's Moon with their parents because it is a reliable window into what a person needs to feel safe. And I will, as above, consider helpful horary questions about children. 

WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A CONSULTATION?

Participate, and have an implementation plan!

Astrology is occulted knowledge, but it's not magic--I can't divine what you want or need out of the consultation, and need your input. A great consultation is a collaboration, in which the astrologer and the querent figure out together how the symbolism fits the life, and therefore what the best course of action is. 

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Once we've identified patterns, defined a trajectory, and made a plan together, it is helpful to know what you're going to do with it. I do have a coaching package that includes regular follow ups at the right time, but you can also make such a plan yourself, or with an accountability partner of your own. 

I honestly don't know. I think it is evidence of a loving god. I am also open to your theory.