Astrology

[Anonymous]

Hey I'm think of taking up divination using astrology and playing cards for tarots.  Any experienced practicioners have a take on the matter? Hows it working for ya?  Some info, experience and tips would be nice.

[Anonymous]

Astrology is a fantastic hobby for someone with a lot of time on their hands.  You never manage to learn ALL of it because there's just so much.

www.astro.com makes some wonderful free charts that give some very thorough and easy-to-read information.  When it comes to understanding what each planet, house, sign, etc. means, i'd suggest finding an astrology forum or mailing list.  There are some really knowledgeable people who can direct you to articles that they or their peers have written.

When it comes to astrology, you may find it easier to read birth charts and the like before attempting divination.  It's easier to see how the information works when you can easily see how it plays out.  I don't do astrological divination, but there are some people who do and they sometimes have very interesting results.  As for my results with what I do, it's a regular blast.  Synastries and dual-wheels for compatibility between two people are particularly fun.  My boyfriend isn't into such things, but even he admits that some of the things that come up are "just plain scary."

Feel free to contact me with any other questions you have.  

[Sebbi]

Here's a quote that would've have almost got me into Astrology if it wasn't for the light polution and my dyslexia.

"Chinese medicine is based on the premise that everything is part  of a web of infinite dimension, which connects everything in the universe. As part of this, we humans are influenced by everything that exists in the web: the stars, the weather, the food we eat, the sounds we hear, the things that touch us, even other humans"

Blessings

Sebbi

[Anonymous]

Feel free to contact me with any other questions you have.  

As an astrologer, make that ditto for me as well. Qadesa, we may have somthing in common, being of the astrological persuasion. PM me or email me so we can talk if you're interested.



Owl~

Edit: Even if you are just beginning, don't worry, maybe I can help answer some questions for you. I've been a practicing astrologer for about 15 years now, and there is always something for me to learn along the way.  

[Jennie]

What kind of divination are you looking to do with your astrology?

Some people consider interpreting natal charts and transits to be "divination", others use that expression more for astrology which answers specific queries. This form of astrology, which erects a chart for each question, is called "horary".

If you are really interested in horary astrology and its related approaches, as opposed to natal astrology, get on the Horary Hour yahoo group list. They are a great bunch of folks, and will be able to help you as you study. If you read through the archives and files there, you will find a lot of great information to help you.

Bright blessings,
Jennie

[Jennie]

Almost forgot to mention...For beginning books on planets, signs, houses, etc., I really like Robert Hand's work.

Bright blessings,
Jennie

[Anonymous]

 This form of astrology, which erects a chart for each question, is called "horary".

Almost forgot...Jennie has brought up a good point, as there are many different aspects of astrology, horary and natal charts being just a few.
Natal Charts are primarily used to determine a person's character, based on that person's birthdate, time of birth, and place of birth. Horary astrology is much more complex, and deals with divination on a much more specific level as a means of divining.

Edit:
My own favorite books are The Astrologer's Handbook and Predictive Astrology, both by the same authors, although I can't think of them off the top of my head. I believe the last names are Acker and Sackoman. The Handbook is a good primer, while Predictive deals more with transits and the more advanced aspects of natal astrology. If relationship charts are up your alley, then I would recommend by the same authors, The Astrology of Human Relationships. I think you'll enjoy it. It's easy reading, and very informative.




The Owl~

[Anonymous]

I love anything by Ivy Goldstein-Jacobson and Tracy Marks.

[Anonymous]

Like Owl said, I think Predictive Astrology is fantastic. Astrology is not only a constant challenge (and a constant learning process) its also ever evolving. For instance, Chiron has been relatively recently introduced to the mainstream Astrological vernacular (for lack of a better term) and some people fully anticipate it to become the ruler of Virgo rather than Mercury.

Along with the difference between Natal and Horary astrology, there are also different kinds of a astrology from different cultures. The most commonly found "type" is based off the Greek Zodiac. But also quite prevalent are Chinese and Vedic (Indian) Astrology.

The owner of my store has been doing astrology for 30+ years, and he gave me some very wise words once. He said, the way to learn astrology is not just from books. You go out and find 30 Virgos, then 30 Leos and so on. You see the similarities and differences. Then do it for different ascendants, moons, etc. While this is maybe a little extreme (and time consuming! Eek!) I've personally found that I've learned the most from just talking to people and looking for patterns within their personalities.

For a chuckle though, Hazel Dixon-Cooper's "Born on a Rotten Day" and "Darkside Zodiac" by Stella Hyde. Otherwise, Linda Goodman's Relationship Signs is all right. I find Noel Tyl to be pretty good, but his writing style is a little dry. And Steffan Vanel is a pretty good source for Karmic Astrology. As usual, take it all with a grain of salt.

For Tarot/Astrology divination you might want to look a little into Hermetics (I know the Thoth Tarot is heavy in Astrological Symbolism) and chart wheel Tarot patterning. If I think of any books about said topic I'll be sure to post it.