Ready to Call yourself a Astrologer

[Munchkin]

Just from trying to learn myself, I know Astrology takes years of study and knowledge assimilation. I always wondered how do you know when you are ready to call yourself a Astrologer (not a beginner nor intermediate), a real Astrologer. Is it when you can do charts without books? You can look at a chart briefly and can sum up the chart, can create your own chart without a program, or when your certified...? Do proficient Astrologers use books for client interpretations, or do they use their own interpretations from years of experience. This has always interests me. I am guessing all those things apply that I listed but I need opinions/experiences from others.

I also began to think that Astrologers must also know a little about Astronomy. I was reading and I read where a Astrologer is not a Astrologer if they don't know basic Astronomy as well. How do you feel about this?

(If this is not the forum to ask in, please feel free to move). Thanks for the help.

[EJ53]

...accreditation is about having something to work towards that people agree is "enough" to be an astrologer....(but)....you'll never finish studying astrology....(so).....I would say that you have to be able to do everything that a recognised astrologer can do then you can call yourself one too....

I agree with MkM84. We can never be anything other than students of astrology - many with formal qualifications and many without them. But, what matters is that we have a duty of care to those with little knowledge who consider us to be astrolgers only because we know more than them. For me, students are "ready" when the ego has no desire to be a one-eyed king of those who are astrologically blind.

...I am guessing all those things apply that I listed but I need opinions/experiences from others.

With reference only to natal astrology, imo beginners are competent when they can explain the individual components of a chart; intermediates can synthesise them and advanced students can see where the native is "coming from and going to".

Books and/or other external sources of information are essential to achieve competence as beginners; practice will lead to competence as intermediates and being "mindful" of our/others life experiences is the key to becoming advanced students. But, the process is speeded up considerably for those who are wise enough to learn from the mistakes/advice of other students, which forums like this enable us to do.


EJ:)

[wilsontc]

Munchkin,

You asked:
I always wondered how do you know when you are ready to call yourself a Astrologer (not a beginner nor intermediate), a real Astrologer...when your certified...(If this is not the forum to ask in, please feel free to move).

I think this is the PERFECT forum to ask this question, since it is one of the most common of all the beginner questions. I think it depends on the person:
- Some people are confident of their abilities right away and just begin "doing astrology" and calling themselves an "astrologer"
- Others take years of study and practice before they decide they know "enough" to be an "astrologer"
- Some insist on getting accreditation and take many courses before they take on the "astrologer" name

And there are many other possibilities. You know YOU best, so only YOU can decide what it takes for you to call yourself an "astrologer".

As to accreditation...the main PURPOSE of accreditation is to let OTHER people know you "know your stuff" and therefore they can safely pay you for your services. It has NOTHING to do with whether or not you are a good astrologer or not, it is only about being "saleable" to others. If you don't intend to sell your services, or if you are already selling your services without having "accreditation", then you don't need to get accredited. In some places it is better NOT to get accreditation, such as in places where selling astrological services is against the law. In these places it is useful to be able to say that you are only selling "entertainment" to other people, not astrology.

And, as you most likely know, the definition of "astrologer" is "a person who studies or practices astrology", so you (and everyone else on this forum) is already a "real astrologer"! ;)

Astrologizing,

Tim

[astro.teacher]

My personal opinion is you are an Astrologer when you pick up a book and study Astrology. Astrologer is not a term for a profession, its a term for a student. When you feel you are competent enough to share your knowledge with others (either by providing a service of interpreting or teaching) you have usually come to a good understanding, enough to be able to teach someone the art. If you do not feel you are competent enough to teach, then you are not competent enough to give readings either.

A good interpreter or teacher of Astrology should ALWAYS use their books continually throughout their craft adn working. Our memories and minds can only hold onto so much information and there are so many varients in Astrology that books provide something that we may have missed in a chart and that can be very important. I am -NOT- sayng that you should copy books but you certainly should always be using them to make sure you are accurate and not neglecting to mention anything.

As far as courses go, I am totally against them. We do not need more schools out to take peoples money. If you are truely interested in learning Astrology, you can pick up a book and read. You shouldnt have to prove to ANYONE your competency in the field, it will be shown in your work and clients.

As far as knowing Astronomy, this is somewhat important, but not manditory. Astronomy is of course the sister-science of Astrology. Whereas an Astronomer analyzes the movements of the Planets and their physical characteristics, Astrology analyzes the meanings behind these movements and their application to man. This is similar to a botanist and a herbalist. A botanist is interested in the growth and physical traits of plants, whereas a herbalist is interested in the application of those plants to the aid of man. They are both sister-sciences which can be used seperately however they tend to work best when used together.

[Shining Ray]

I think with some people they can go on forever learning and may never feel ready to be an astrologer. I read in an interview that sometimes you have to just put yourself out there and test what you know. You may find that you you are more skilled than you realize. (I am talking about when you have studied the art for some time, done plenty of charts etc). I think most of us can stay students for a long time. Astrology is a very difficult art to earn an income from, and I find the ones who really take a long time and study in depth each chart, sometimes get underpaid.

I have seen other astrologers of less skill earn more income. I have seen one person charge about 35 dollars for a full synthesised written report,that another individual charged for a computer printout, and no real work was involved, they just imputted their birth data. One slaved away on the chart for a week, while someone just sends out an email with a chart. I am not against computer readouts. And some are better than human astrologers and you still get the major components of your personality.


You can never replace an Astrologer, that is not what I am saying. When you can write out a full report, that's readable, insightful and you manage to get an individuals major life themes and can covey it well. You are ready. I agree with astro-teacher I don't think you leave your books behind you. You always refer to them to ensure you are on the right track. Doctor's look in their medical books all the time, they can't remember everything. Psychologists do the same and astrologists too :smile: .

[astro09]

For the outsider, who equates the astrologer with the daily newspaper horoscopes author, after discovering a genuine astrologer, he will immediately learn to separate the real from the pseudo astrologer. He can distinguish the competent from the inept. The astrologer cares for the quality of his or her job, for that he or she is continuously rekindling his or her well of knowledge. Yes, the astrologer is a perpetual student, with the aptitude of becoming better constantly, with the conscience to serve well –guided by ethics.
But the good astrologer, besides being all what an astrologer is, the good astrologer is humble at heart… That’s how we all shine the most.

[Claire19]

Totally agree with everything you say as an astrologer for many many years.
I was wary to put myself out there with consultations etc until I could do it all without aid of books and could read a chart basically in 10 minutes.
I agree that we need to keep up with astronomy in order to get a clear picture of where the planets are situated in the solar system.
I also have learned the Jungian archetypes that apply to the 12 basic signs of the zodiac and that is amazingly insightful and accurate.
It just takes practise practise of different charts and doing celebrity charts is a fun and great way to get that experience. I have folders full of the famous and infamous that I have analysed. It is amazing what insights and knowledge you glean that may otherwise be secret and therein lies the responsibility of handling it all in a mature fashion.

Many call themselves astrologers when really they shouldnt. THe field is alive with charlatans and those with limited knowledge and therefore quite dangerous. It is a very complex subject and every individual is different.
I dont use asteroids or even fixed stars but stick the major aspects for the major planets and it works for me. I do take notice of Chiron as an adjunct to other influences.

My motto is to keep a complex art and science that is astrology as simple as possible.
:happy:

[lillyjgc]

I pretty much agree with everything that's been said above For me, *becoming Professional* happened a bit accidentally. My friends started offering to pay me for the charts I'd been using to practise on. I doubt I'd ever have had the confidence to make the decision for myself.
With the Internet we are so lucky to be able to access enormous amounts of information so really we can study astrology in a new way. When I started out, I saved up for books, scoured second hand book shops and was always on the hunt for information/articles etc. I drew my charts by hand up until 2003. (Having charts drawn online is to me almost a miracle).I think the concept of astrology forums is great as an avenue for learning and discussing astrology. I've learnt a lot in the last 3 years, by interacting with people from here mostly, (although I am a member of Skyscript too and I do highly recommend that site for providing reputable information.)
Everyone learns in a different way, but with astrology the more you practise it the more proficient you become.My own Astrology teacher told me to *do as many charts as you can, keep records and review your accuracy. Learn from the mistakes.*. Sounds like great advice to me.
Cheers
Lilly

[kaminari]

I agree that we need to keep up with astronomy in order to get a clear picture of where the planets are situated in the solar system.


I enjoy looking at the stars & planets & believe that the more I understand astronomy, the more the planets will start "speaking" to me, making it easier for me to understand them.


I also have learned the Jungian archetypes that apply to the 12 basic signs of the zodiac and that is amazingly insightful and accurate.
This is cool. I was really into this about 15 years ago but have totally forgotten everything. Thank you for mentioning this. I've been learning a lot more about Greek & Roman mythology since I began studying astrology more seriously.

I have been studying off & on since 1996, back seriously now for a year. In my present situation I've had the good fortune to spend about 8 hours a day doing astrological research. This is going to change in the spring. But even though I'm not as experienced as maybe most of the people on this forum, I'm the most experienced person I personally know studying where I'm at. When I get back to the US (if ever) I hope to meet up with experienced astrologers. So, this forum & others have helped me. I remember trying to get information from books way back when, but even though I didn't have the exact 'knowledge' of astrology at that time, I had begun building experiences & a database of memories, people (birthdays lol) & events that I can use as reference for my studies now.

I tend to take what I see too seriously at times, & need to step back & remember to let life unfold. But I'd say I'm an astrologer to people I meet now. I'm ready to say that. But I'm not ready to give astrological advice, but if I feel or see something I want to say it. Cause it's good to take all advice. The most important thing is to only listen to your own.

[tikana]

Just from trying to learn myself, I know Astrology takes years of study and knowledge assimilation. I always wondered how do you know when you are ready to call yourself a Astrologer (not a beginner nor intermediate), a real Astrologer. Is it when you can do charts without books? You can look at a chart briefly and can sum up the chart, can create your own chart without a program, or when your certified...? Do proficient Astrologers use books for client interpretations, or do they use their own interpretations from years of experience. This has always interests me. I am guessing all those things apply that I listed but I need opinions/experiences from others.

I also began to think that Astrologers must also know a little about Astronomy. I was reading and I read where a Astrologer is not a Astrologer if they don't know basic Astronomy as well. How do you feel about this?

(If this is not the forum to ask in, please feel free to move). Thanks for the help.

Munchkin

I used to think gettin certification in astrology is a waste of time and money. I changed my opnion on the issue. Look into Kepler College http://www.kepler.edu/home/
I think one of the classes is taught by Robert Hand...
take a look at this
http://www.robhand.com/schools.htm
http://www.astrologers.com/

if you are seriously considering astrology as a profession, get certified.

wishing you the best
T

[Shining Ray]

I agree with everyone, the only thing I would say is that I personally don't think forums are the best place to learn astrology. I am not knocking forums and it's great to talk with others about astrology. But where some posts are well informed and pretty much abide with the consensus view of astrology. There can be a lot of ill informed information imparted on others too and some rather quick/snap judgments. Astrology forums do help you converse and practice the lingo, but they don't replace astrology schools and books etc. Or having an astrologer give you a full reading of your chart. I think most astrology forums like this one are the meeting place for astrologers to share different ideas, debate techniques, share their own experience. Talk about big events happening in the world, celebrity charts etc. Forums are fun and helpful but not a place to learn astrology. Many would strongly disagree with my thoughts on forums and I think the reason they were set up has got off track in the last couple of years.

[kaminari]

Shining Ray, I really respect many of the self-taught astrologers I've read / conversed with. I wonder, if I aim to get credentials, what good would it do me? From what I've learned thus far, this is so much an art & I use a lot of feeling & intuition to understand things & this can't be taught. I'm kinda stubborn & wonder if I could ever be a 'real' astrologer unless someone takes me under their wing or I go to school. But astrology is considered a pseudo-science (not that I totally disagree, it's just an art form, a philosophy, a malunderstood blueprint) so I wonder how else to learn except through these forums & on my own. Ain't no school I know of & nobody's there to mentor me.

[iwonder]

I think forums are great because they provide an opportunity to practice. Not to mention communicate with the like-minded individuals and hear (I mean read) all sorts of stories. In my real life I don't have access to enough people who are willing to get a reading. I don't even know many who give any weight to astrology at all. The only thing, I wish all people who ask questions left feedback to those who answer.

I will say that I am an astrologer when I will have practiced enough to look at a question/chart here and know the answer within 10-15 minutes. Add another 10-15 for typing :)

[Niplan]

You don't need to be certified to "legaly" make an income from astrology.

When i started studying astrology, I bought a star map and a pair of good binoculars and a few astronomy magazines etc.

I also feel, that you need to study philosophy more then astrology, When you study the philosophy of the ancient greeks their gods, how they worked what they thought the myths etc. Then you will have a better time understanding astrology, But if you don't study the ancient philosophers who helped tune astrology with their ideas, then you don't understand their ideas, ANd don't understand how they fuse into astrology, and you may be missing something important because you don't understand or even know about the philosophyies.

It puts things in a whole new light after staring at the skies and identifying the constilations... Theres something you can't get wtihout staring at the stars at least once.. especialy in the backwoods of west virginia with no street lights for 5 miles... and no houses for just as far.

You're always going to need books, I think its kinda neccessary to double check the info before you do the chart, wtih like horary... Most of the things you DONT need to memorize, They become memorized jsut through repedit use.

And then when you get sick of looking something up for the 500th time, you sit down special time to the side to memorize it, if you haven't already.

I think the obsession with people needing certifications is due to society as a whole not being happy unless your certified. Its like the idealism of the american school system is bleeding into the astrology schools just so they can fit in.

You have to pay so much money its rediculious and some of the schools make you relocate a few months outa the year otherwise they wont pass you. like keppler makes you go to their symposiums 2 times a year i think, and it lasts for a week? and you have to go to washington state in order to do it...

so factor in the trip plus expensies, Plus the cost of the school, plus the cost of the tests each time you take them, at least 100$ a pop and can only be taken at astrology confrences.

And astrology confrences only happen once a year, ***** your personal schedual.. even though you are the paying student...

so then in order to take the "Test" you have to go to an astrology confrence, After spending all your limited money going to WA....

Kinda sounds like normal college to me... Its doing what normal colleges do. Excluding the poor who want to learn but can't afford it.


http://www.kepler.edu/home/index.php/admissions/tuition-aamp-fees-academic-75

and your right they do have payment plans... They give you 90 days to be paid in full for the simester...

[piercethevale]

It puts things in a whole new light after staring at the skies and identifying the constilations... Theres something you can't get wtihout staring at the stars at least once.. especialy in the backwoods of west virginia with no street lights for 5 miles... and no houses for just as far...


...or from a mountain peak, at around 11,000 ft., in the High Sierra...the Rockies give some fantastic platforms from which to observe also...Kinda makes me feel waaaaaay small.

[Niplan]

...or from a mountain peak, at around 11,000 ft., in the High Sierra...the Rockies give some fantastic platforms from which to observe also...Kinda makes me feel waaaaaay small.


ya i could easly see the rainbow bridge too. And it was spring so there were fire flies, and it was completely dark, You couldn't tell where the stars ended and the ground began because of all the fireflies in the forest.

[Nexus7]

I was starting to be fully self-employed thrpugh astrology in the early 90's. But then was beginner course atthe loal uni was axed by the Powers that Be and the fairs started not doing so well.

Before doing the fairs, I don't think my readings were much good at all, and I can only agree with those who have promoted attending courses here, also. A teacher gains a lot from the feedback he/she gets from those watching him/her, from watching others, reading various theories, so it 'has' to be with any skill that involves working with other people, I think.

Since leaving the UK I have not really worked with the public again, doing charts. In many ways, it was a relief to be away from it all, as I did not like the rigid labelling so enthusiastically foillowed and applied by some and did not really get on the with belief systems that underpin astrological interpretation either. I still have oneor two concerns with the langauge and culture Ioperate in now.

[Niplan]

...what's the "Rainbow Bridge"?

...and, gee...I haven't seen fireflies since I spent the summer in Texas back in the 60s'...sigh...[or eating southern fried catfisn either...double sigh!]

its the arm of the milky way that stretches above us in the sky, the norse called it the rainbow bridge, or Bifröst. and is guarded by heimdall who at the time of ragnorok will blow the horn to signify the final battle between god and giant.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bifr%C3%B6st

yeah, I didn't even know what a firefly was till i moved back up to the hills of maryland. I was like "whoa whats that" and i tried to catch it... this was last year... at 23.. never even seeing a field of fireflies, its amazing... one of natures art.

Especialy when the sun is setting and the sky is purple, and you can see the sun setting over one range, and next to it the moon is rising, you can see the dark coming, and the other way you can still see the sun shining...

It really does look like an epic battle in the sky.

and in the middle the dark purples of night, and sky blues meet, and form an indigo and you can see some of the stars if you look close enough.

[kaminari]

its the arm of the milky way that stretches above us in the sky, the norse called it the rainbow bridge,


Beautiful. Can't wait to get out of the city & see the stars again.

[LeeRutland]

Well, I never got certified, although I went to a school for some advanced work on Progressions, but I would recommend it. I'm not a professional in the sense that I make a living doing it, but for many years it was one of my most focused endeavors.

I would certainly vote for going to school under Robert Hand.