As I do readings, I think sometimes there are some misconceptions about what astrology is, and what it can do.  These are just my own ramblings.  Your thoughts are encouraged, to start a dialogue to prevent misunderstandings here at this forum, to get others' viewpoints, and perhaps answer your own questions.

Astrology is the most specific science available.  A highly competent reader can tell you how many brothers/sisters you have, when you will die and the manner of that death, what kind of childhood you had, childhood illnesses, when you will get married, when you will get divorced and why, how many children you will have, your aunt's profession and career, your sister's illness as a child, where you lost your socks, your favorite color, difficulties you will have with your boss, when you will get fired, when you will buy a house, what your karma is in this life, your flaws and the things you need to work on in this life to be successful, when it is a good time to take your vacation, what your current health status is and how to heal, and this isn't even scratching the surface!

An astrologer studies for years.  It is not unusual for an astrologer to study for DECADES before giving their first reading.  First, the astrologer must learn all the fundamentals, then begins an intensive understanding of their own birth chart...and seeing everything above in their own chart, and more.  An astrologer, if he/she is a good one, also undertakes an often painful and unflinching examination into their own foibles and errors in this life, with the mind of improving their own karma and relationship with their god, whatever he/she conceives "god" to be.  There is no room for rationalizations; only honesty about themselves.  For this reason, astrology is also a spiritual journey.  You will find some of the wisest people on the planet who study astrology, IMHO, at least the wisest about themselves!  

Because astrology is as much a spiritual endeavor as it is locating your socks, it is necessary to approach astrology with a certain respect.  Consider a plan to the universe that makes all these things possible to know and understand just by knowing the time/date/place of your birth!  The infinite possibilities of who you could have been, but became in this life, are all known simply by your birth, not a general idea of your personality, but even how you sing in the shower and hate cats!  Can the magnitude of this be fully understood by anyone?  Can anyone comprehend how astrology can find your socks for you or your lost car keys simply by when the question was asked? (horary).  "Knock and it shall be opened unto you; ask and it shall be given."  Astrology answers that promise!  

The design and attention to detail that is available is only limited by the astrologer's skill, yet it is a part of this wonderful science given to us here on earth, each seemingly insignificant detail of your life!  I recall the Bible verse that says that God will even note the fall of a bird, so how would He not know of each hair of your head.  (paraphrased)

I ask that you consider astrology in its proper way.  Approach astrology questions with the awe, reverence, and respect it deserves.  Astrologers are the seers of this time on earth.  Astrologers are used to guide nations and make difficult political decisions that affect millions.  Treat each of us with the respect due to us...if for no other reason than we have studied astrology before you were even born, those of us who are getting older!    Astrologers are the bridge between the infinite universe and you!  They give a voice to the intricate plan that was designed by each individual person...even your pet snake!  What each undertakes to give to you, their promise to themselves and to you to give you this information, is a thing requiring great gratitude to each of us!

I hope you will not see this request as self-promotion, because I see, better than most, my own failures, and see, better than most, how much the universe knows about me...so I am just in awe at the design that made me...a miracle with flaws...just like you!  And I approach astrology with all the humility that I can muster, because it comes naturally when seeing into the infinite.

Can this not be celebrated and approached with reverence, the mundane and the sublime, all at the same time?  Time!  Ah!  That is what it's all about.  Time.  Look up next time you're outside on a clear night.  You will see how far are the stars, yet each one is looking down on you as you look up at them!  As above, so below.  The microcosm reflects the macrocosm.  Is it not a thing of wonder?  Smile!  Then give gratitude for this design of the universe of which you are a part.  Surely you can see how important you are when you reflect the very heavens!  And when you begin to understand how important you are, a part of a great design, then can you give any person less respect, or less reverence, or less gratitude than is their due?  Please remember this while on this forum!

A wonderful exchange Sir!,

At last we come across a real Devotee of this 'Science'. Do carry on enlightening the Astrology forums.

RishiRahul

Much of this makes sense unfortunately there are not that many true astrologers who have take the time to study and understand this, while I know something of astrology and can even do my chart, I do not consider myself an astrologer. I do not feel I understand this area with enough depth.

But to often people get a generalized reading from what it supposed to be an astrologer, and it does not go as deeply as what you have described.

Even with what I consider to be my limited knowledge, I have learned to take what I know to help with relationships, I read Linda Goodman's Love Signs years ago, and began using it not just as an idea for how the signs interact in loving male / female relationships, but also I found that it helped me just to interact with others of different signs.

Historically it is fact that astrology was used in medical diagnosis, I remember reading that surgery is something that you need to take the astrological influence into account.

It would be very interesting if someone were to do a study were done on this, unfortunately astrology is ignored when taking care of one's health.

It sounds as though your have spent a long time understanding this topic, while there are many good books out that can get people started, some do share that there is a need for further study, but not enough.

Great post.

As always, Rishirahul, you say such nice things about me!  Thank you!  If I become as good of a reader as you are, then I will feel competent!  Where have you been lately, by the way???

Dessa, medical astrology is very alive and well.  In fact, recently this is a subject that is getting a lot of my attention.  Perhaps the true pioneers of this branch of astrology in the USA is the Rosicrucians.  A visit to their website, and reading of some of their astrological literature about health and healing, can keep you busy for months!  Their method is very exact (which I like) as well as remedies and healing.  Personally, I wouldn't dream of having any medical procedure done under an inauspicious transit!  As far as the Rosicrucians, so far I've found their observations 100% accurate and effective.  Their printing and wide distribution of ephemeris's and Table of Houses is a staple of any USA astrologer.

And, nice to see a new face, Dessa.  So far I've enjoyed reading your posts.  Welcome!

Thank you for your kind words and the info, I look forward to checking it out.

I have personally found two instances where what I have read about astrology and surgery matches what one author was writing, add to what I knwo of history showing that Astrology was part of the course for medical studies for centuries, it sounds like some of the information you mentioned is going to keep me busy good think I like to read and to learn.

thanks again

dessa