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Your book is on the use of astrology (before tarot) today. How did it come about and how did you choose the title?
The book is a culmination of many years as a practicing astrologer. I’ve always enjoyed writing – my degree is in literature – and at first I would write up my case histories just for my own records and for my own pleasure. However, the idea to write the definitive astrology book came about through my teaching as well as through doing readings. I wanted to write a book that would show how astrology really works, taking the student through the subject step by step, but also in a way that the non-astrological student could read it and still come to some understanding of the subject. As well as technical information I particularly wanted to write a book that was based on my own “hands on” experience and that is why the book contains my own client work as well as charts of celebrities. In other words, I wanted to show astrology at work in this day and age – how it actually helps people look at their lives and cope with their day to day concerns as well as the bigger issues of life – illustrating astrology as a craft that is effective therapy rather than as an esoteric subject that is somehow “out there” and divorced from real life. As for the title I wanted to call it “Talking Astrology” but the publishers wanted to call it “Astrology for Today” and they got the last word! But I am happy with the title.
How do you see your book fitting into the existing astrology literature? Is it suitable for beginners?
There are thousands of astrology books out there – and many of them are on specific areas of astrology, which is fine for students who are building up their knowledge and expertise. Unfortunately there are also a lot of books out there that talk a lot of esoteric rubbish! I feel that this book can show anyone how to approach and understand the subject – so in that sense yes, it is highly suitable for beginners – but it also goes into enough depth to be useful for the more advanced student too.
What is your personal astrology history? How did yinvolved with it?
I have always been fascinated with the world of divination and remember reading about astrology at a very early age – about 7 I think! I grew up knowing that my Ascendant was Scorpio, having worked it out for myself. However, my real interest developed when I went through an incredibly powerful but difficult relationship in my early twenties. I was desperate for answers and went to an astrologer – and I was so disappointed with the shallowness of the reading that I came away thinking – there HAS to be more to it than that! On the basis of – if you want something doing well do it yourself – I decided to do just that and signed up for an evening class. I thought I would very quickly discover if astrology worked or not – and I did. In fact, my very first class was taught by the amazing Geoffrey Cornelius who is one of the directors of the Company of Astrologers – for whom I subsequently taught in London and for whom I now franchise here in Greece. He will hate my saying so but he was such an inspiration, a real guru figure for me, and I never looked back!
What formats do you most prefer for giving astrological readings?
I have never forgotten how I came to astrology as a student – that is, I came to it just as a client comes to an astrologer, wanting answers to a problem and insights into a personal situation. The most important thing that I teach my students now is to “read, not teach”. It is so easy to start getting technical and to lapse into jargon, to start telling people about their Moon sign or their Grand Trine – when all they really want is answers and an opportunity to talk. For me doing a reading is primarily to take up the temporary role of therapist first, to act as an astrologer second. I therefore keep my technical explanations to an absolute minimum. I will talk briefly about the natal chart but spend most of the time looking at past events that have had a lot of influence – and at current events and how those are taking shape in an individual’s life – and then at forthcoming events to see what can be expected in the near future.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work as an astrologer?
My first advice is to start doing charts as quickly as possible. Yes, read as much as you can, go to talks and conferences – but there is simply no substitute for hands on experience, for seeing how charts come to life for each individual. Every chart is different simply because every person is different so there is a limit to how much you can learn at a theoretical level – practicing your craft is what really counts. Secondly, if you want to turn professional, you have to have a passion for your subject – you wouldn’t last long without it! It’s certainly not a way of getting rich quick! Thirdly anyone wanting to become an astrologer needs some experience in the world of therapy or counseling. As I’ve said, most people who seek out an astrologer are not coming because they want to know their Moon sign but because they have a problem – so some basic counseling skills are essential.
What are your future plans?
My plans are to continue doing exactly what I am doing now and long may it last! Every year I teach a full schedule of Summer School study groups here in Greece – this year I have twelve courses running throughout May and June, and again in September and October – and these courses are now in their fourth year and attracting students from all walks of life and from all over Europe too. I love teaching and the courses are a lot of fun. I am also preparing material for two new books but those will be a winter project. I am also in negotiation with a couple of magazines to write a horoscopes page – not that I particularly like the Sun sign horoscopes format, but I am keen to keep up my profile in order to keep my books and courses out there in the limelight! In between all of this I do private readings for those who seek me out – and these days the people who seek me out are usually tourists visiting the island in the summer months. As you can see I’ve certainly got enough to keep me busy!
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