Finding an astrologer

[elevens]

When you want to have your chart read by someone else for a change, how do you choose the right person?

And how do you let them know (compassionately of course) that you want a really deep reading instead of a standard natal chart interpretation?

I have Chiron in the 8th and have to be very careful about selecting guidance... learned the hard way.

[Lin]

Elevens:
First, there are recommendations from people who have had readings.
Next, there is "experience". When I'm called from someone who has seen my name in my local Yellow Pages, I let them know that I've been reading for over 25 years. Naturally, not every astrologer has been around that long, LOL, and certainly one does not need 25 years experience to do an in-depth reading, if that astrologer is knowledgable and ethical. But you don't want a beginner.
One way to find out if that person is secure in his/her knowledge of astrology is to ask if they teach astrology. Anyone who has experience teaching astrology can't be too bad.
BUT
in the end, you need to speak to the astrologer on the phone, let her/him know a bit about why you are seeking astrological advice at the moment, and listen to what they have to say. You need to use your intuition. Unless the astrologer lives in a high priced area (Manhattan, for instance) the fee should be between $100 to $200 for a full reading.

I audiotape all sessions and give the tape to the client so that they don't have to take notes, and also so they can review the reading later on and perhaps get back to me regarding the parts they didn't focus on at the time.
This means I stand behind what I say - although many good astrologers won't allow taping.

I have clients who drive a considerable length of time or take the train to see me. What I am saying is you may not find a good astrologer who lives very close to you. don't let that discourage you from seeking someone.
LIN

[elevens]

Thank you both for your suggestions. I've done some of these things, but it didn't occur to me to feel entitled to ask lots of questions in advance (Coffee).

I've had some readings over the years of my own study and didn't feel like shelling out $250 for a reading by someone who was bored, unsubtle, or not very thorough... you know, just not trying very hard..

My first instinct was to ask astrologer friends -- people I trust as both astrologers and human beings. However, I find that to some extent their judgment is coloured by their own personal astrological / spiritual / psychological issues.

In fact I have met several people practicing astrology for a long time who seem to be... too reactive.

I think I would like to have a reading done by a feminist Jungian, an evolutionary astrologer (if I could find contact information for Jeffrey Wolf Green!), or just someone who has done a lot of work on him/herself, and also has a social conscience as deep as Caroline Casey's!

[Lin]

You're certainly entitled to ask questions! How else can you know if you and the astrologer can communicate?
A real professional can separate his/her personal beliefs, baggage and emotions from YOURS.
LOL
That's part of the job description!

For my part, if for some reason I feel it important or useful to insert part of my own philosophy into a reading, I tell the client I am doing so. In fact, sometimes I use personal experiences or experiences of other clients (anonymously) - with similar transits, etc, - to advance the reading.

I would say you should be able to have 7 or 8 minutes of the astrologer's time on the phone for asking what you feel are important questions, without his/her feeling you are taking advantage. Of course, no astrologer will attempt to give you any astrological information without first doing the work on your chart - so the questions would need to come under the heading of "finding out how this astrologer works".

As for being reactive, I've heard it all (although no one has come to me and said they are planning a murder....LOL)... short of that, most experienced astrologers can't really be shocked into "personal reaction."
BUT don't expect more of an astrologer than you would a psychological counselor. We ARE human.
LIN

[johnmike59]

:) I lucked in -- I was on a dating site a few years ago and one guy who was interested in me is a very good and prominent astrologer. We went to dinner a few times, he knew my entire chart, sight unseen, by dint of my birthday. Nothing ever developed in the romance department, but we've remained friends and I can e-mail him with questions. He always responds and is very kind and generous with his time. I remember his b'day each year and take him to dinner, so I do make it up to him.

Elevens, I think you've received some excellent suggestions here. Word of mouth is ALWAYS recommended and I would suspect that a good astrologer would know, without being told , that you would want an in-depth reading. It don't (sic) come cheap, but you know that! :)

Good luck! Let us know how you make out OR do as I do and date an astrologer. Whatever the case, go for it.

Hey, ladies and gentlemen in this thread (and those who read this post) - have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. As a Virgo, I am compelled to urge MODERATION in food and drink, but think upon the very many people, places and things in your life for which you are truly grateful. Keep the spirit of the day in your heart and ENJOY!

Ugh! My Mercury in Leo, so I go ON and ON - I know! Gobble, gobble - happy, happy. :)

[elevens]

For the wonderful suggestions, and personal observations, thank you..

Lin that's sort of the thing... I do expect a lot from an astrologer, and also from a counselor. Far too many counselors have not begun to do their 'own work'!

With a chart that looks classically 'weak,' and sensitivity-supporting aspects, I feel aware when astrologers are hitting blocks in their personal understandings. We respond really well to people who have 'goodlooking' charts, sort of like the culture at large seems to really value appearances and status. And these response patterns are sometimes taken for granted.
In retrospect we can make sense out of charts not studded with exaltations, angular planets, interesting and creative configurations, etc., but in advance.. i haven't really felt it. This, I think, is the baggage of many overlaid cultures...

Johnmike.. all my astrology pals are straight women -- ! Too bad.

[mdinaz]

Well the best way is through a recommendation from someone who has had a reading already. This goes for astrologers as well as any psychic/tarot reader, etc.

If that is not available, look through the Mountain Astrologer magazine, there are many listed there. If you find a couple you may want to try, ask them if they have a sample reading somewhere you can see, so you can determine whether their style is what you are looking for. Every astrologer will specialize in slightly different things, use different extra planets, aspects, etc. You can receive two radically different readings from two astrologers looking at the same charts. It all depends on what their own particular focus and specialty is. If they don't specialize in horary charts, then don't have them do one. I don't specialize in horary and won't do them for other people, at least not past a cursory glance and a guess. I specialize in relationship/karmic charts, as well as life path charts.

Personally, I don't waste readings on telling people things like "you like music, etc.". They already know that and aren't paying me for that. I get to the hard core problems and solutions, and sometimes it isn't pretty. But if you are having major issues, that is maybe what you'll need at that time. I do all my interpretations by hand, no canned computer interpretations, as do most good astrologers. This means you'll pay more because it takes more work. For a really in depth reading, which I only do as written reports, it takes me a good couple hours to go through it. Good astrologers are like musical instruments - you generally get what you pay for.

Longevity is certainly a plus, but it's no guarantee. People can do a ****** job for 20 years as well as they can for one. Best way to be sure is to ask for a sample report. I always have a few laying around that I can give some one (I just remove the personal information) to see what sort of information I give. I don't think that's too much to ask someone who is charging you $100-$200 for a service. You wouldn't commission an artist to paint a portrait of you without seeing an example of his work beforehand, would you? This is why recommendations are important, if you have them available.

[Derestanne]

Issues such as fees, years of experience and references are certainly all very important. But today there are many other important things to consider when choosing an Astrologer. These are:

1) Training and Orientation

2) Professional Affiliation, if any, and

3) Specialty

In the case of training, ask "How and where did you learn Astrology?" And "What discipline?" Some Astrologers have attended prominent schools like Kepler College, others enrolled in Online or Home Study Courses and still others (like myself) were tutored by a Master Astrologer. "Discipline" means Western or Eastern (Vedic) Astrology and certain other specialty areas like Astro Cartography, Uranian Astrology, etc.

Ask if the Astrologer has an affiliation or membership with one of the National Associations - the NCGR (National Council For Geocosmic Research) the AFA (American Federation of Astrologers) or AFAN (Association For Astrological Networking). Membership with any such Organization is not an iron clad guarantee of integrity but it generally means that the Astrologer in question collaborates with colleagues, keeps themself up to date with new findings in Astrology and generally subscribes to a professional code of ethics.

Specialty! This is so important because today you will find:

1) Humanistic Astrologers
2) Medical Astrologers
3) Financial Astrologers
4) Transpersonal Astrologers
5) Psychotherapists who seriously employ Astrology in their practice
6) Esoteric / Life Path Astrologers

And the list goes on and on!

Consider carefully the issue(s) that you are concerned with. It makes little sense to attempt discuss your financial concerns with an Esoteric Astrologer! Likewise, for someone who has just lost a loved one, would you be more comfortable with a Western Humanistic Astrologer or with a Vedic Astrologer who has an absolute belief in Reincarnation?

Your choice of an Astrologer should ultimately be no different than your personal choice of Minister, Dentist or Business Partner! They should be of good character, dedicated to their vocation, someone that you can confide in as a close friend and someone who represents to your mind the finest and brightest of humanity!