I find that many people have questions regarding Astrology and what can be gained from getting a reading. Below are some typical questions and answers addressing these and other general issues. I hope you find this useful. Please feel free to submit any questions regarding my readings or services.

What is an Astrological birth chart and what does it reveal or indicate about me?

An Astrological birth chart is a picture of the solar system (as seen from above) the moment you were born. It shows me the relationship of the planets* to one another (called "aspects"), and by placing the Zodiac Belt, located in a circle, outside of our solar system, what signs your planets are in. The time you were born determines what houses your planets are placed. This gives me a picture of you, your soul purpose, your lessons and challenges, your gifts and other things as well. There are other things that factor in as well, such as progressions, asteroids, and Arabic parts, which are too involved to go into here.

Centuries of observation and study have shown that what is going on in our Celestial Heavens has a profound and significant influence on us and our lives. "As above, so below". I had a profound and fundamental shift in my understanding of how Astrology works when I read an article that said that because we are all part of a holistic "being", a micro and macro expression of the Divine, that the stars and planets only reflect to us what we are in geometric patterns. (For a copy of this article, please email me).

* In Astrology, the word "planets" includes the Sun and Moon and excludes the Earth.

How is Astrology used to predict what may happen?

The sky is an ever-changing and dynamic thing. As the planets move through the Heavens, they form patterns that generate energies that impact us. These are called transits. When an Astrologer compares these transits to your chart, it indicates to them the celestial influences that you are under and how they affect you at any given time. Some cycles last only a few days or even hours, others could be months or longer. There are many things that can affect your chart and so, you, in any given time period. It is intricate and fascinating to study and interpret, just as each individual is complex and dynamic.

Many astrologers hesitate to say that Astrology can be used to predict upcoming events and such. The future is so very influenced by how we each react to the various events of our life, as well as our karma, and so many other factors. Yet, it is very helpful in showing indications of these incoming energies. In a reading, I will discuss the various possibilities of how any given transit could impact you. Thus, you will have a sense of the range of influence it may have.

I am experiencing a rather challenging time in my life. How can a reading with you help?

The approach I take with clients, especially while being influenced by a challenging aspect, is to discuss what it is that a transit "wants" of them. In other words, that by not resisting the influence, but rather working with it, one can benefit from even what could classically (by Astrology standards) be considered a challenging or difficult time. I go into the various ways one can respond to a celestial influence, which opens up options perhaps not previously seen. I often refer to this process as being 3-fold, as follows:

• We can come from a place of resistance thus bringing forth the lower or more negative expressions of an aspect.
• We can come from a more neutral place, thus bringing forth the more mundane expressions.
• We can engage the energy, looking for the lessons and gifts by choice and from our own will, thus bringing forth the more positive and growth-producing elements of an influence.

I have found that most will likely experience all three levels at some point during the time of a major Astrological influence. And having a clear frame of reference for this can be most helpful in navigating a challenging time.

This particular approach often helps a client to move with the energies that are indeed approaching them anyway with greater harmony. Further, it assists in "explaining" why particular events are taking place in their lives and perhaps most importantly, how to work with the energies at hand. And then, how long they will last.

There are often other aspects to this process as well, such as past life influences and patterns, hidden resistances, and many other topics to discuss with regard to Astrology and its influences, being a wonderfully rich, deep, and helpful subject.

How do you combine Astrology and intuition in a reading?

Your Astrological chart presents a picture of your birth pattern, energies, issues, challenges, lessons, and goals. At an esoteric level, it also reveals what your Soul's intention was for this incarnation; what it is that you intended to accomplish this lifetime. (It is not important to our reading that you believe in reincarnation. There is much to be gained without addressing a chart in this way). There is much we do not know about how Astrology works or how to read a natal chart. (My Grandfather, and teacher, used to say "Remember, we only know about 5% of how a birth chart works." While that doesn't sound like much, remember that brain surgeons probably know about the same amount of how a brain functions, yet they still perform life-saving surgery on it.)

I have found that by also using my intuition I get a clearer feel for you, as well as what it is that I have to offer you at any given time. It is no mistake that I read for any given person at a given time. At some wonderful cosmic level you were compelled to call and book a reading. That is the only indication I need that I must have some information for you, at that time, to offer. Frankly, it doesn't really matter if it comes from looking at your birth chart or from my intuition or from any other source. It is most likely to be all of the above. What is important that it be conveyed to you in a way that is helpful and clear.

What are some typical reasons for getting a reading?

• You want clarity about life direction or need to make an important decision
• You are in a period of major change, confusion, or crisis
• You would like insights and help with relationship issues and changes
• You are experiencing Spiritual openings and/or emergencies
• You would like information about your spiritual and soul path
• You are in a career shift or have job-related questions and issues
• For more information and ideas about ways to use Astrology, see the following:
  
  Natal Chart Interpretation
  Basic Reading Themes
  Soul Purpose and astrology
  Typical Issues & Applications

What can you tell me about relationship compatibility? Is he/she my "Soul Mate"? (Or "what signs are good for me?")

This is a fairly common question, as you might have guessed! "What sign is good for me" is really too vague of question as there are too many components to what makes up Astro compatibility between two people. I can answer questions regarding your relationship pattern, blocks, issues, and strengths. And I will also look at two charts in relation to one another, discussing various aspects of their relationship, such as communication strengths and weaknesses, their life style compatibility, physical attraction, goals and visions and much more. One way I do relationship readings is with both people on the phone. To find out more about this type of reading. please call to discuss or email me with your questions.

How do phone readings work?

Phone readings are when we set up a mutual time for me to call you for our session. I have a tape ready to record both our voices, which is sent to you afterward. I began doing them in my practice in 1987 and find them to be a great tool. I have numerous clients I have read for many times from around the country and have never met! I am very comfortable with this format and find that most people, upon doing it, are as well. If you live in the United States, I will call you.

Where do we start? What do you need to know?

The first step is for you to either email or call me to set up a time to talk that works for both of us. Generally, I can get you scheduled within one to three weeks. Once we have set up our appointment, I will ask you to be thinking of questions to ask and what you would like to talk about. I start our session by finding out some basic things about you. (I call it "the five-minute version of your life".) I will then ask you for your main questions, concerns, and issues.

I will get your birth data when we schedule our session. I will also need the birth data for those you will be asking questions about, if you have it. if not, the birth date is sufficient.

How often should I receive a reading?

This can vary largely depending upon what is going on with you at the time of your reading. Once you've had an initial reading (which is approximately 80 minutes ) you can receive updates quarterly, bi-annually, or annually. However, it is not uncommon for you to have "issues" come up more often. I will do 15 to 60 minutes to cover those types of things. Much depends upon you and where you are in your life, what you're dealing with, how "intense" and fast-moving things are, and if you find value in receiving this type of information often. Please call to discuss anytime.

I don't have my exact time of birth. How much difference does that make?

You don't have to have your exact time of birth to get an accurate and insightful reading. The day/month/year and location of birth do tell a lot about you. That, combined with intuition, can give a lot of information. It is, however, any astrologer's preference to have it. Furthermore, there are ways to find out your birth time through official resources (Dept. of Vital Statistics). If you would like more information about this, please email me.