How to Work with an Astrologer
Copyright 2012, 2016 J. Lee Lehman, Ph.D.
Of course, I could simply suggest that all clients see an astrologer at least once a year, but that would be rather trite, yes? What I propose to talk about here are some of the larger themes that astrology can fit in to to help you manage your life, especially in these more interesting times.
Most clients visit an astrologer for the first time because something either isn’t working right in their life (like a relationship gone bad, or a job gone away), or to get a burning question asked. Hopefully, in either case, they got some good advice from the astrologer consulted, so they walked away, if not happy with the advice, at least satisfied that it was timely, accurate and appropriate. So what now? How much should you follow your daily horoscope on-line, and how often should you “see” an astrologer? The answer, of course is – it depends. What I propose to do here is discuss a little some of the kinds of things an astrologer can do to work with you to improve your life, your life choices, or at least, your expectations about either.
Natal Astrology
After the first consultation, most astrologers are used to consulting with their clients on an annual basis, to discuss what the client may expect in the upcoming year, based on the client’s birthday. The reason for the annual frequency is simple: there is a kind of chart called a solar return which occurs roughly on the birthday, which maps the major themes for the year. A year is a convenient unit of time for us: we are used to celebrating our birthdays, and it is long enough to encompass some level of planning. Almost all astrologers examine the transits (where the planets are on any date), as well as one or more other methods which can be conveniently mapped for a year. Some astrologers combine the examination of the solar return with a secondary service: picking the best place in the world to be to celebrate that solar return. In my book on solar returns, I work primarily with charts done for the birthplace, but I discuss a modern system that involves relocation combined with a little magic: a meditation/invocation to embed the influences of that new location. Why would you do this? If your solar return for your birth location looks especially negative or dangerous, you may want to attempt to minimize the effects.
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I have a Question!
If you have never used horary astrology, you are missing out on a hugely wonderful astrological application. The natal chart paints themes: during this period, you may find it harder to get a job. During that period, you may want to move. But natal doesn’t address that particular house on Walnut Street, or whether to accept the job offered by that local company down the street, or from that large firm across town. Horary takes you to the precise question to want to ask.
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I want to do Something!
Recently, I got a question from a client who wants to travel overseas for family business, but the place she wants to go could be dangerous for a foreigner. She wanted me to use electional astrology to pick the best date and time to leave for overseas to insure both her safety, and her success. But she did this in the traditional way: first she asked a horary question, Will I be successful in this trip? Then, once the horary had said yes, it was appropriate to go ahead and pick the time for the trip.
Electional astrology is used to pick the best time to do something: but it is important to realize that it cannot deliver what your birthchart will not allow. You cannot successfully elect a time to file to run for President of the USA if your chart doesn’t show success in high office – but also if you weren’t born in the USA!
Electional is often used to set up the time for a marriage, for surgery, for listing a property for sale. But thoughtful use can expand the possibilities so much more! I recently worked for a man who had been having terrible arguments with his ex-wife about child support, health care insurance. etc. I picked a time to meet with her to move the discussion out of recriminations and into substance. If a meeting is important to you, why not make sure it’s the best time to do it?