This is a tall order, I know. But the short way around the tree is to listen, and in order for an astrologer to listen, the first thing that needs to happen is that an astrologer needs to know himself or herself. Clients need to be willing to speak about their lives, their needs, and what they want to create with the work—but this is much more likely to happen if the astrologer is open-minded and able to have a modicum of objectivity on their own situation. If your buttons get pushed really easily, or if you can’t at least make a space where this doesn’t happen, then it would be a lot better for you to not work with people until you get clear about your own inner condition.
There is also a need to have faith in creativity. In other words, instead of telling a client what is going to happen, it makes much more sense to ask them what they want to happen, what they don’t want to happen, and to use the awesome power of astrology and awareness to help them make the necessary choices to get the results they need. And this, too, needs to stand apart from spiritual fascism and New Age megalomania: We are only cocreators of the world; it does quite a bit of cocreating with us, and to us.
I think the single most significant thing that an astrologer can do is tune into the creative force behind it all. This is easy: You can start by asking for help, and agreeing that the work be devoted to the greatest good for all concerned. Then you gently move through the plasma of consciousness and see what comes to the surface.
Chiron by its nature turns the discussion to receptive mode, puts the emphasis on healing, and has a useful way of dedicating everything to raising awareness.
And, hey—this is what I learned in my first experience teaching astrology at a world-class holistic study center last weekend.
Eric Francis Coppolino has set up shop in Uptown Kingston and is taking astrology (and photography) clients in person, without a waiting list. He also has a fine website with daily content, photos and many excellent new features. You can reach him locally at (845) 331-0355, and on the net at PlanetWaves.net.
