Dynamics of Professionalism

By Hari on D. !arch
16 188 Royal Oak Road
Encino, CA 91436
Tel: 818/990-1010
Fax: 818/783-6553

DYflAIIICS OF PROFESSIONALISM

Thank you so much for giving me the chance to address this very elite group of
people, namely those of you who take astrology seriously enough to either be a
professional astrologer or to strive to become one. You are the future of
astrology and on your shoulders lays the heavy burden of responsibility of
whether serious astrology will make it into the 21st century, of what chances we
have to become again what once we were, and what role we'll play, if any.

By-t--way,_ijw"r progain it

th.9t I'l±_givQ 'wther '.peh' at the end ead I think it would be more fun --to have -

ions.

Tonight I will try and address three issues:
1) What astrological students need to learn in order to become professionals
2) Some techniques and behavior patterns once you have an astrological practice
3) What all astrologers should do to enhance their professional image

First and foremost you should be a well versed astrologer before you attempt to
counsel or advise someone else.

To my way of thinking,

nothing is more

dangerous than a badly or barely trained amateur who pontificates on the horrors
of Saturn about to conjunct your Sun or the immediate divorce facing you since
Uranus is about to enter your 7th house. Of course you have to practice and
start somewhere, be it a family member, a neighbor or maybe a fellow student in
your class -- but all of that should take place while you are still a student,

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long before you are a professional consultant, though quite a few up and coming
astrologers seem to forget that and want to take shortcuts.

"Well versed" is also, unfortunately, a debatable term. NCGR has an excellent
educational curriculum, and those of you who follow it will be well trained.
There are a few other well thought out programs for training astrologers, but as
yet we have no international, national or state programs that will certif y how
much knowledg e is needed in order to be considered a professional astrologer.

It also is important to remember that once you are an educated and well trained
astrologer, you will not automatically know how to work with clients or how to
help them. Just because you can see certain characteristics and potentials in a
chart, does not mean you automatically know how to impart that knowledge to
others.

It can be as dangerous to one person to awaken certain forgotten childhood
traumas, as it can be to another to ignore them. In one client it can produce
anxieties to allude to sexual hang-ups, especially if you, the astrologer, do
not know how to solve the problem; it can make another client nervous or even
suspicious if you never mention a problem he or she is well aware of. Some well
meaning astrologers not only advise clients as to possible vocational aptitudes,
but enthusiastically tell them how to go about getting that job or training for
that athletic feat, living out their own dreams rather than first ascertaining
what the client's monetary, educational or home situation permits.

Even more dangerous than certain natal consultations are progressions where the
insensitive astrologer can sow seeds of anticipated difficult times, illnesses
or accidents. We have all heard horror stories of predicted death. One of my
favorite ones involves a close friend of mine, an excellent astrologer herself,
who was told by another astrologer that she better divorce her husband, else she

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would die by age 42. She was 35 at the time. Though she knew this to be total
nonsense, a little lingering doubt stayed with her for seven years. Can you
imagine the added trauma had she not been an astrologer herself? Yes, we should
talk about possible difficulties ahead, but we must know how to do it in order
to help, not to destroy a client.

Another danger of the untrained astrologer involves making up a clients mind, or
playing God. One of my clients originally came to me because she had been told
not to marry her lover, since according to another astrologer, "they were quite
incompatible, would make each other miserable and the marriage could not last."
That was 14 years ago and they are still happily married. Are their charts very
compatible? No. But they are both intelligent adults, both once divorced, and
both willing and eager to make this relationship last. It is not up to us as
astrologers to decide who should marry whom, it is up to us to point out to the
clients what possible difficulties they may encounter in the relationship and to
find out if the the couple is willing to work on those problematic areas.

What then is the answer? Must every astrologer be a trained psychologists in
order to function? I don't think so -- but in my opinion each and every one of
us should get some sort of training in counseling techniques so as to understand
some basic rules of dealing with another human being. There are many books that
can help, the libraries are full of them. There are occasional workshops on the
subject which can also be very helpful. There are counseling courses and even
certain ways of practicing your skills under supervised conditions. Just check
with your colleges and universities.

I am very fortunate and work with a professional psychiatrist and psychologist.
In fact these two have kept me so busy during the last five years that I have
hardly taken any new clients. This association has also enabled me to open up

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many deeply hidden areas of a client's psyche with the full reassurance that the
follow-up will be handled by people who know what they are doing. In other words
we each have to find our own solution as to the kind of practice we want to run.

Aside from astrological and counseling competence, astrologers need a healthy
dose of common sense, since we are faced with a multitude of human problems
and can't possibly be familiar with all of them. You need not have gone to war
yourself to understand the horrors involved and the deep scars it may leave on a
client. But you need to show your ability to empathize without condoning certain
poor habits that may result from excessive drinking or escape into drugs. Yet
you are not the parent, teacher or psychoanalyst, you are the astrological
adviser. If the clients have problems beyond your expertise, have a list of
experts on hand that you can send them to. I am never embarrassed to admit that
I do not have all the answers and I have names of psychologists, psychiatrists,
massage therapists, Hatha Yoga teachers, meditation specialists and more ready
for the asking.

And that is another very important point to remember -- know your 1iitations!
And while we are on the subject of limitations, be sure to explain to your
clients that you are not a clairvoyant, that you can give guidance as to which
area of their life might be emphasized or activated, but that you cannot predict
whether it will be positive or negative, how much or how little, since their own
attitude and free will is going to determine the outcome.

There is another important yet rather touchy point I must bring up: The passing
of judgment. Your judgment is based on your upbringing, your religion, your
schooling, your life's philosophies and may be diametrically opposed to that of
your client; yet you must be able to discuss his or her problems in an accepting
and compassionate way. So please remember, keep your religious views as well as

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your personal sexual preferences, enjoyments or hang-ups out of counseling or
you will do more harm than good. If you can only see one point of view, namely
your own, counseling may not be your strong point.

regarding techniques that can help once you have

Before we go to my second

a budding astrological practice, let me tell you of a book book that I consider
must reading for all of you: It is called The Consulting Astrologer's Guidebook
written by Donna Cunningham and it covers many of the areas I have harped on for
the last 20 years, including many points I am covering today as well as some I
won't have time for, such as how to advertise yourself, the fine line between
promotion and hype, the nuts and bolt of composing a good biography, talking to
clients about fees, where to get vocational information and many other valuable
bits and pieces.

Once you are "in business" what are some helpful techniques? Most of what I do
is very simple and requires just a bit of human insight and a lot of common
sense. Let's start from the beginning.

The initial contact: Be sure to get all the data you need, find out the source
for the time of birth -- there is nothing more embarrassing and annoying than to
work with the wrong chart and it will reflect back on you as a professional for
not being careful in the beginning. Realize that "mother said" is more often
wrong than right. Birth certificates are best, babybook, hospital records or
baptismal certificate are next. (One of my early clients had the time of 9:07 pm
from her mother, which gave her Virgo rising. In walked this good-looking dame
with a mane of her she kep throwing back. . .Need I say more? She sent for her BC
and was born at 7:09 am, Leo rising!)

Depending on how you work, get all other information, make all arrangements

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regarding payment, date, time and place for the appointment clearly and
concisely. If you want to be listened to and if you wish your advice to be taken
seriously, you must also behave in a businesslike manner. Don't hedge or
hesitate when it comes to money. Some astrologers seem to think that it is
unspiritual to charge for their services. In my opinion that is total nonsense.
Only amateurs can afford not to charge, and that is what you will be regarded as
if you do not ask a fee for your services. Your neighbor whose chart you did for
free will not listen to you with the same attitude as the clients who plunked
down their hard earned moneys.

None of the other helping professions can afford free services, nor can you.
Even the clergy or related religious servants are taken care of by their
churches or temples and get additional compensation through your donations. If I
do not know my client personally, I ask for a 50% deposit and upon receipt I
will send an acknowledgment which also includes directions to my office, the
date and time of our appointment as well as a reminder to bring a 90 minute or
two 60 minute tape cassettes.

The place of your first meeting: If you have an office, the consultation will
automatically have a certain flavor. If you work out of your home, it becomes
very important that you have an office-like room. The kitchen table is not going
to inspire great confidence in your ability, even if you happen to be the
greatest astrologer who ever lived. There is no need to create distance between
you and the client (like a desk between the two of you), but you should create
an atmosphere or decor in line with the task at hand. Avoid interruptions,
especially when dealing with a new client. But new or old, give the client your
undivided attention, this is their time.

Making the client feel at ease is another very important facet of a successful

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consultation. That can be done in many ways, whichever one seems the most
natural to you. I myself like to offer something to drink. Maybe because at my
first encounter with a psychologist he offered me coffee and the chitchat about
cream or sugar put me at ease.

Watching body language is also very helpful. How does the client sit? And where?
I can tell by how close to me (which corner of the sofa) someone sits, or which
way they cross their legs or arms, how comfortable or uncomfortable they are.
Little impersonal actions, such as testing if the tapes they brought work
properly, can help to relax them. All of you probably have your own tricks of
the trade.

Your appearance also matters. Each of us have a style, a certain way we like to
look and have others see us. I don't care what style you use, be it a business
suit or a dress, slacks or skirt with a shirt or blouse, a sweater or a jacket,
it doesn't really matter as long as it is neat and clean. You may love robes or
torn at the knee jeans, and in summer feel most comfortable in shorts - all
great clothes, but not when receiving a client. Would you like to walk in your
doctor's office and see him or her dressed inappropriately or somehow look

less

than professional? Wouldn't that reduce your feeling of trust or respect?

The actual consultation depends on YOUR methodology of chart interpretation.
Some people just calculate a chart and give a cold "reading", (A word that I
avoid at all cost) others make lots of notes or write everything down beforehand; some astrologers ask the client's reason for the appointment, others
prefer to see what the chart says and find out more details during the session.
None of that matters, as long as you the astrologer are at ease with and
confident of your method, the client will respond in kind.

What does matter is that you listen to the client and do not just hold a

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monologue. Again watch for body language. Is the eyebrow raised like a question
mark? Maybe your vocabulary is not clear. Make sure the client understands what
you are saying. Make your language simple - you are not trying to impress anyone
with your IQ. or college degree.

You are trying to communicate and impart

important facts. I remember early on in my career telling a client how creative
he was, never really looking at him, or I would have seen his puzzled face.
Only years later through an acquaintance did I find out that he thought
"creative" meant artistic, which he was not. He felt I really did not know
what I was talking about...

Unless your client is a student of astrology, DO NOT TALK ASTROLOGESE. The
average person couldn't care less if Saturn squares Jupiter or that Venus will
conjunct the Sun. Say it in plain English (or whatever language you speak).
Don't use psychological terms either, except for those words that have entered
our everyday vocabulary. Do help the client understand what you are basing your
interpretations on by helping them to understand the principles of astrology, in
other words you are not doing voodoo.

I usually hand my client a special chart I designed which gives keywords for
each house and translates the glyphs. I try to ascertain their knowledge of
astrology, briefly explain some of the concepts such as: I am working with your
birth chart which is like a roadmap; you are free to choose any path you wish;
since your birth you may have overcome many of the problem areas and utilized
some of your potential. I talk about free will versus fatalism, the uniqueness
of each person as well as the importance of their environment. I usually point
out where the Sun and Moon fall, and show the line representing the Ascendant.
As I discuss their horoscope, I will occasionally make them look at the chart,
just to make sure they realize I'm not a psychic but an astrologer.

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Personally I do a lot of preparation work before the client's appointment -- not
because I can't give an impromptu interpretation, but because I wish to see the
chart by myself, unencumbered by the client's vibrations, uninfluenced by
their needs of the moment. There is plenty of time to discuss what they think is
troubling them, but before we do that, I want to know what I think is their root
problem and how, according to their chart, they can possibly solve it. This I do
best by myself, alone. Once the client sits in front of me, my intuitive nature
takes over and much of my objectivity leaves me. That may be great, and most
helpful in working with a client, but not always helpful, to me at least, in
understanding the crux of the matter. That, by the way, does not mean taking
over or taking control. The client's needs and feelings ALWAYS come first, and I
will change my approach as often as is necessary.

Once a client-astrologer relationship has been established, everything else
falls into place. You may encourage a yearly update, you may urge the client to
check with you frequently, you may prefer frequent sessions rather than one long
one -- each person has to suit him or herself. My aim is

NOT TO TIE THE CLIEZTS

TO zix but to establish enough rapport between us that they feel free to call me
if they feel troubled or need a sounding board or want an update or whatever
else I may be able to offer them. I also always urge the client to listen again
to the tape a month or so after our session. Hearing is very selective and most
people will only hear or observe what they are interested in at that moment, the
rest barely registers. Listening to it it again on tape, when they are in a
different, maybe more receptive mood, will make all the difference. Usually the
client expresses great surprise: I really did not hear you say such and such,
could we possibly discuss it? Or I must have been deaf when I had my appointment
may I ask you a few questions?

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Ethics or what should and should not be said, is an important question that each
astrologer must come to grips with. Earlier on we discussed the fact that I do a
lot of preparation work. What if I saw something that I feel should be discussed
or resolved, yet the client skillfully avoids questions and skirts answers. I
usually try to approach the same subject a bit later,

from a different

perspective and if I still feel resistance, I must decide if the individual is
not as yet ready or willing to deal with the problem, if I am exceeding his or
her capacity to absorb at this time, or, again, if I am not equipped to handle
handle the problem.

What about an often asked question: Can we see death in a chart, and if we do,
do we tell the client? I have never been able to see the death of a client,
since in my opinion the chart lives on. (Look at Marilyn Monroe's or Vincent Van
Gogh's charts. They are activated every time they are in the news). But I think
most of us can see the possible death of a loved one in a relative's or spouse's
chart. There are some so-called classical aspects, such as transit, progressed
or directed Saturn opposition natal Moon (mother/female) or Sun (father/male).
The same can be said for transiting, progressed or directed Uranus, be it by
opposition, square, or conjunction.

But watch out -- transit Saturn opposite natal Moon can mean a hysterectomy and
directed, progressed or transit Saturn opposite the natal Sun in a female chart
and opposite the Moon in a male one can mean divorce or some sort of separation
from a mate, or just as often, it can pass without anything happening. Nothing
is written in concrete in a horoscope. With those warnings in mind, if you see a
few possible separating or otherwise stressful aspects that lead you to believe
some sort of separation is possible, question the client on the status quo, on
the relationship with- and health of parents or partners. I've never brought up

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"death" per se,

but often a client is worried about a parent and we will

discuss the possibility of sickness or even death if the client is the one to
ask. Please note the word POSSIBILITY and the CLIENT'S NEED to discuss it.

Another very important ethical question is how much to tell a client about another
person. In synastry, for example. Do you tell Mary all about Joe who's data she
has brought you? And what about John and his girlfriend Marsha? How much should
you reveal without Marsha or Joe being present? I am very careful in those type
of situations. If the client asks for an in depth comparison, I insist on having
both people present. If it is an aside during a consultation "My lover is really
giving me a hard time now, what do you think?" I will look at the lover's chart
only in relation to timing. Is he/she going through a rough time? For how much
longer? I do not discuss character traits, talents or problems without the lover
being present.

A similar problem exists when delineating a child's chart for a parent or
guardian. Again, come to grips with your own ethics, morals and philosophies
before you start the session. Think of what is helpful for the child versus
where you are invading its privacy. It may help Johnny if the adult realizes
that he needs an extra dose of loving and hugging (Saturn in challenging aspect
to Sun or Moon). Jane may benefit if those around her know that she is musical
and a dose of Mozart will soothe her frazzled nerves. But is it any adult's
business to know that Johnny may be slightly oversexed (Scorpio on the 8th and
Mars in there in Scorpio)? I cannot give you the answers, you'll have to figure
it out for yourself, but PLEASE DO THINK OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF WHAT YOU DO OR
SAY.

As you deal with clients, you will learn many things, especially that your way
may be different from your teacher's way or from what you have read in books.

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That is perfectly fine. Astrology is a symbolic language and only when you have
found your own symbols, not those of others, are you ready to become a good
astrologer. The same theory applies when you work with other. I rarely tell
clients what I think is wrong, instead I talk to them, I ask questions so that
I can learn how aware they are of what I feel could be a problem. I try to draw
out their answers rather than push my solutions. First of all, they may already
be working on the problem, secondly, my telling them is not a solution.
Intellectual knowledge or understanding does not necessarily bring growth or
change. Just think of yourself with a very painful leg;

does the doctor's

explanation that it is broken take the pain away?

Our job as astrologers is to show clients the many positive avenues they can
take, to make them aware of all the potential they have and can use whenever
they want to. It is a very happy task, since most people only use 20% of their
talents and abilities. How wonderful to be able to give somebody hope when they
need it, confidence that there is more to life than they may have found til now.

One of the best things I have found in my many years of observing astrology and
astrologers is that each of us seems to attracts a certain kind of clientele and
all clients seem to find the astrologer they need. How do they know? Maybe it's
your voice on the telephone, your answers to their initial questions or maybe
its just the wonderful synchronicity of the universe. So in the long run your
way of doing astrology is the best way for you and your clients.

C1e.4A

RL o

And what about the third issue - what astrology needs to enhance its
professional image?
I think the problem is best illustrated in an example Steven Forrest gives in
his book The Night Speaks. He relates how people fly in from far away to see
him, that his waiting list is long, he's been on TV and his name has been used

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in crossword puzzles - yet he has a primal fear that somebody's conservative
grandfather will come up to him at a party and ask that simple, ubiquitous
question "By the way, Steve, what do you do?"

What a tragedy that astrology could be one of the best tools to help people, yet
we have to be embarrassed to admit to who we are and what we do. So what should
astrologers do to bring astrology BACK as a respected profession? (Please note

J1

that I said "back" because once we were , accepted and respected)

PROBLEM #1: 1OST ASTROLOGERS SUFFER FR03 POVERTY COMSCIOUSIZESS
lt41

As I mentioned before, are

you

afraid that as a Good Christian it is sinful to

charges Do you think that because you help someone, it has to be a charity? A
profession is supposed to carry you through life, to enable you to have a roof
over your head, to feed yourself and your family, to buy your clothes, some sort
of transportation if necessary and to ensure you a decent life style as well as
keeping you from becoming a burden to the state. DO YOU TRIM SO LITTLE OF WHAT
YOU DO OR YOUR ABILITY TO DO IT, THAT YOU HAVE TO s.si' YOUR PRICES AT A ZUI3flIUII?
If you do not value what you do, how can anyone else.

In 1975 Washington DC astrologer Barbara Watters asked me how much time I give
my clients and how much I charge. "Two hours" I said, and kind of reluctantly
added, "and $75". "Give them 90 minutes, charge $500 and they'll run your door
down!" Well, I did not quite dare to go from $75 to $500 - but I did charge $250
and they've been running my door down ever since. It is time for astrologers to
remember that PEOPLE RESPECT WHAT THEY PAY FOR. If you take pride in what you do
and do it well, people will respect you and stand in line to get your services.

PROBLEM 12: HOW THE PUBLIC PERCEIVES ASTROLOGERS
Sun Sign Astrology may have its good side as it gets people interested in the

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subject, but it's treated strictly as entertainment and you can't really blame
people; how can you take anything seriously that divides humanity into 12 types.
900 Numbers may have a few good astrologers on line, but it is mainly staffed
with psychics and charlatans - not exactly the kind of impression you wish to
make on the public at large.

Psychic Fairs How can anyone take astrology seriously as long as it goes hand in
?e-r
hand with tea leaves, crystal balls and card reading gypsies. Can you really
blame the media for thinking us strange and off the wall? "Ye Olde Sho ppe" with
big signs advertising astrology in the same breath with psychics and tarot are
not the right image either.

Quick "readings" are not much better. In fact, in my opinion, we should stop
giving "readings," a word that has negative implications in today's language. It
would be better to call it "consultations" or, if you are qualified
"counseling."

PROEMJM 13: DEGREES
Not so long ago, Astrology was taught in universities. The last seat I know of
was held in 1800 something in Germany. It is high time that we go back to that.
The Kepler project is a step in the right direction and should be encouraged. I
hope you are all aware that a group in Seattle is trying to found a university
which gives a degree in astrology plus fulfilling regular university rules and
regulations. (There are some flyers on Kepler in the Trade Show) We should also
try to get back into existing universities. This is not only important to
legitimize astrology, but also because additional knowledge will help many of
our current specialized astrological approaches. The FINANCIAL astrologer will
benefit by knowing more about economics, the MUNDANE one by having a background
in history and politics, the MEDICAL/HEALTH or NUTRITION oriented astrologer by

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-

learning some PRE-MED techniques and the PSYCHOLOGICAL approach warrants more
knowledge on that subject.

Let me tell you a true story that took place not that many years ago. When I was
eleven years old, there used to be a series of philosophical and metaphysical
seminars in my hometown in Switzerland. Jung was one of the lecturers and his
then patient, Hermann Hesse, one of the attendees. Hesse was a good friend of my
family and after each lecture, long and wonderful discussions ensued at my
house. Despite Hesse's tremendous reputation - he had already written Siddharta
and Steppenvolf, a snicker and funny glances would result every time Hesse
mentioned that he was in analysis with Jung. The same kind of snickers and
glances you get today when you mention that you are seeing an astrologer. Now I
am not a youngster, but this change of attitude towards psychology happened in
my lifetime. Such a change of attitude toward astrology can happen in your lifetime if we get back into the universities and become more serious about our
profession.

PROBL1 #4: LISI1G
This simple little word brings out the biggest reaction amongst astrologers, and
I can literally feel you flinch or flex your Uranian muscles in protest. A few
months ago Newsweek had a great cartoon titled "Which of these does NOT have to
be registered?" It showed a dog, a car, a bicycle and an assault rifle!
Unfortunately we are game for a similar cartoon showing a psychologist, a nurse,
a realtor, a manicure and an astrolo ger and ask "tShICh of these professions does
not have to be licensed?" YOU GOT IT!
iL

The problem of no licenses

is,aceLlrtd

by some so-called astrologers hanging

out their shingles without much training and the client or customer cannot tell
who is knowledgeable and who is not.

15

Astrology is considered Uranian/Neptunian and we reflect that by being unique
(Uranus) and intuitive (Neptune), as well as rebellious (Uranus) and blurred of
vision (Neptune), we don't want to be like anyone else or do what anyone else
does. So we protest when anyone mentions so plebeian a word as licensing. The
mere thought evokes worries and fears. Who will decide what astrology is all
about? Which practicing astrologers will be grandfathered in?

Frankly I had many of the same objections until I talked to Jim Turner, a
brilliant lawyer from Washington DC who was instrumental in getting licensing
for accupunctarists. Do you remember how people snickered as late as 8 years ago
about somebody poking needles in you -w..they have become an accepted addition
to medical care for which even the toughest insurance company reimburses you.
Yet their problems were very similar to ours, hailing from many different backgrounds, having a multitude of approaches and schooling, using diverse methods
of application. Yet Jim Turner insists that with guidance it was easy for them
to agree, because the licensing requirements were so standard and so primary
that arguments quickly fell by the wayside. Apparently he is now working to do
the same for herbologists.

egrees or licenses will not ensure that someone is a good doctor .e01
lawyer, Only self-regulation within the profession will do that,Aall of the
aforesaid is a beginning to try and regain what I would consider our rightful
professional standing. Jan Tunney and a dedicated committee of helpers (your own
Monica Dimino is one of them), are trying to ascertain how all astrologers feel
about some of these problems. They are trying to send out a survey to reach as
many astrologers as possible. They call it PROJECT FOCUS and the survey is
called A.S.Q*U.S. which stands for Astrologer's Survey Questionnaire in the
United States. I hope that many of you here who either are or want to become

16

professionals will talk to Jan and give her your insights or helping hand, or

Qt4'
/

both.

l A hope that as many of us as possible will start working toward some of the
goals I have discussed in this epee" tonight so that we can again stand erect
and state with pride:

I AM AN ASTROLOGER!

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