introduction to astrology

What is Astrology?

Astrology is a complex multilayered language of symbols. The natal chart and transits to it are a rich source of information in that language as well as an ongoing relevant conversation that takes place on an archetypal level.

Astrology is not fortune-telling, nor is it a magic pill. Astrology is not the horoscope column in the newspaper either. Horoscope columns have about the same relationship to Astrology that the Alphabet Song has to the English language--an amusing diversion and a useful mnemonic for beginners, but containing virtually no information about the larger subject.

What we customarily call the 'real world' is in fact only a small fraction of the actual real world that exists independent of--and far beyond the scope of--our perception. Astrology provides an accurate and useful blueprint of that larger reality and of our role in it. Though to call it a 'blueprint' is misleading, implying a static structure. Astrology is not static, but ever-changing, evolving and interactive. In modern terms, Astrology is both our personal software and a universal programming language.

Our lives are predetermined only insofar as we sleepwalk through them. In the twentieth century, Astrology is undergoing a renaissance, a revolution parallel to revolutions in the hard sciences. New developments in Astrology can ultimately change our perception of the world and our capacity to consciously create our realities as profoundly as advances in technology have changed our day-to-day lives. Astrology is the mathematics of the whole - the algebra of life. 

Astrology is a fluid language which can mean different things at different times from different angles and different points of view. In astrology, point of view is everything. The natal chart is a blueprint of our personal point of view in time and space at the precise moment of our emergence into this life. Astrology is about patterns about change, evolution, magic, timing of great events, deep wells of emotion and vast fields of being.

What's it good for? 

To understand Astrology or to engage the services of a gifted Astrologer is to go online in a big way - to gain access to a cosmic wealth of information and practical tools that can change the way you think and behave.

Childhood And Emotional Issues: There are a great many clues in the natal chart that let us know the general nature of childhood and general emotional trauma. An astrology reading need not focus on identifying specific instances of trauma. The range of possible experiences is broad and cannot be specified from the vantage point of the present. Identifying a specific incident or experience is not necessary for symptoms 'as if it were true' to result later in life... the feelings are inherent in the makeup of the individual from birth, as shown by the natal blueprint.

An astrology reading can validate the emotions' right to be, and give permission to feel them and find the healing there... An astrology reading can validate inexplicable feelings and facilitate healing, as well as provide direction as to which therapeutic modalities might be most helpful and appropriate. Some people benefit most from bodywork; some from psychoanalysis; some from private journalling or drawing; some from taking a class or group.

Everyone's needs are different and no modality can be prescribed for all, though many people do well with a combination / variety of possibilities to choose from. It is one of the greatest strengths of astrology that these differences can be clearly read in the natal chart.

Discovering Hidden Blocks: Everyone  has potentially rewarding gifts and talents that lie dormant because they never stumble upon the key that can unlock them. Sometimes this is because of unresolved tension between two opposing or conflicting parts of the self. Gifts can be unlocked by having them identified and being given correct information about how to actualize them. Resolving the tension can help to realize an innate power or talent that had been held in potential.

Parents' Readings for Children: We tend to assume that our children need what we needed as children, and we try to give them that. Informed parents understand that each child's needs are unique--different from their own and those of other children. Astrology is an invaluable tool for parents in guiding their children to fulfil the potential they are born with. A parent's reading can help parents understand the child's emotional needs and how best to meet them.

Children are very sensitive, but some are more sensitive than others. A child with a Pisces moon is exquisitely sensitive to others' emotional fields and needs to be helped to be able to handle that. A child with a Leo moon needs and wants a great deal of attention and should get it appropriately. Children tend to act out when they don't get the specific kind of attention and approval they crave."

Couples', Family & Group Readings: Learning about the particular challenges and long-term benefits of their relationship can help a new couple decide whether or not they wish to continue together. If a couple are already committed to the relationship, a couples' reading can help them to understand and trust each other throughout times of conflict and stress. We tend to attract the very people into our lives who most rub against our own unfelt wounded places, for the higher purpose of bringing those places into consciousness for ultimate healing. If we do not understand what is happening, it is easy to blame our partner for the feelings they trigger in us.

Not all relationships are made in Heaven, but most of them can work, given enough heart and intention between the people involved. Using Astrology, areas of conflict and tension can be clearly identified and worked with toward developing compassion and understanding between life partners, within families and among friends & associates.

Transits and Progressions: We are constantly being affected by the changing currents of the sky as the planets move around the zodiac. A study of current transits and progressions can help to determine what opportunities and crises are opening up in the near future, and how best to meet their challenges .

For Skeptics: I enjoy doing readings for people who are skeptical about astrology. I invite you to try it. You will be surprised, especially if you view astrology through the lens of horoscope columns in the newspaper, or imagine astrologers to be merely fortune-tellers or spouters of new-age platitudes. The information available is extremely specific, sophisticated and personal.

Testimonials

Your astrology reading was the most powerful, accurate and sobering reading I have ever had (and I've had plenty).

You've really enriched my understanding of astrology. I was trained by one astrologer, had a few classes with another, had maybe a dozen readings, but since your reading, my chart and the general principles stand out for me like never before.

More than ever it's apparent that I can truly use it as a map of my soul. It gives sense to my insanity.
- Alex Y., NYC

It is Friday, August 3, and I just finished going over the "reading". This is of course the first of many re-readings I will do, as there is a wealth of valuable information to absorb, but I had to tell you how impressed I am with your work. I am a bit overwhelmed at the moment as what I have read has struck so many chords, and so I am truly "rambling" here, but I think you get the idea that I am indeed pleased, awestruck, and truly grateful that our paths crossed. I can assure you that I will pass your name along to my friends and associates. Again, my sincere thanks.
- Carol S., Taos, NM

Phoenix, again thank you so much for a very satisfying, revealing and clarifying reading. I could not feel more supported by your directness and clarity and perspective.

I am truely grateful: I so absolutely needed to hear you and gain some perspective for deeper understandings.
- Robin J., NYC