Frequently asked questions
Do you believe in astrology?!?
Astrology is not a belief system . . . it’s a language and a lens! Like any language, it is a manmade construct that helps ascribe meaning to our perception of reality. What distinguishes astrology from other languages is that it is attached to a mechanism (the chart) for tracking cycles of energy over time. Every culture has a version of astrology that functions as a lens to observe themselves and the world we live in.
Are you a psychic?
Not exactly. Astrology taps into naturally occurring archetypal patterns. After you study them enough, you begin to pick up on key attributes, phrases and even physical characteristics that allow you to recognize particular astrological placements. It’s similar to the ability of a musician to recognize notes when they hear them. Astrologers are adept at listening and connecting corresponding energies to planetary and zodiacal signatures.
Why are no two Astrology readings exactly alike?
Although the birth chart is the same, every astrologer brings their own interpretation, focus and experience to a reading. A good astrologer will invite your active participation, so that you are able to relate the information to your personal experiences. There are also multiple techniques available and each practitioner usually has their preferred methods, but typically there is a lot of overlap. Plus we are constantly moving through time so your transits will be different each time you have a reading. Much like a musician doing a cover of a famous song, once you have heard the music of your own chart, you’ll want to hear it sung in a variety of ways!
How can astrologers fit all of humanity into 12 signs???
They don’t. In short, you are not JUST your Sun sign!!! Most people are aware of their Sun sign because they know what DAY they were born. However, the rest of the Solar System plays a part. You have a Rising Sign (TIME of birth), Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto sign - in addition to an endless amount of asteroids and other celestial bodies. Each chart is a unique and complex mix of energies and sacred geometry that your personal astrologer is there to help you decipher.
The stars have moved over time, doesn’t that mean that there is a 13th sign (Ophiuchus) and that the zodiac is wrong?
This is a common misconception that astronomers have about how astrology works. Sidereal or Vedic systems of astrology use fixed star constellations and calculate for “precession” which keeps the 12 sign system intact. Alternatively, Western astrology is based on one star, the SUN, in our solar system and the movement of the PLANETS in its ecliptic orbit. The zodiac is a representation of that orbit, consisting of twelve, 30 degree slices, relative to the Sun’s position. The systems are similar and are easily confused with one another.
Can astrology predict the future?
Sorta. It’s more like an educated guess or hypothesis.
Similar to the phrase “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme”, astrology is a tool for keying into natural, observable, life cycles and patterns of people and societies at large. There are multiple energetic cycles occurring at any given time as well as the specific cycles of the people participating in them. As you can see, it would be impossible to exactly predict, nor would it be ethical to do so, given that we all have free will. However, astrology helps us narrow down a range of possibilities and themes to help better prepare ourselves to make decisions.
For example: Uranus in the 7th house. (Freedom and sudden change in the house of partnerships)
In a birth chart, an astrologer might describe that placement as the potential for unconventional relationships that involve a desire for freedom or perhaps a unique partner that defies norms. As a temporary transit to the 7th house, Uranus passing through that sector of a person’s chart, could have a variety of meanings especially depending on the sign. It could range from the sudden loss of a business partner, an epiphany about a significant other or new freedom for a couple when a child leaves the nest. But the common themes of change and freedom, revelation and possible re-evolution are relevant in whatever form it takes in the person’s chart. Additionally, other planetary aspects modify and inform the timing and nature of the transit as well. Astrology placements are multi-faceted and imbued with layers of meaning. Prepare to have your mind blown!