Here is an e-mail I wrote to an aquaintance about astrology.
I see what you say about certificates, but I think what you're really saying is that its dangerous and innappropirate to announce you are a practicing astrologer without years of experience, study and research. I feel that that is important myself. I feel I've learnt alot in the past year, and Astrology is definately sinking in for me, but I know intuitively that I cannot help other people when I dont even know my own chart completely. Im at a point where I keep discovering knew things that interest me, but Im also excited about when I'll be able to use that knowledge and see the wholeness of a chart. And I have alot of difficulty with my own.
While I see the importance of competence on an astrological level, Im a little bit skeptical about certificates. I guess its a good way to be acknowledged by fellow astrologers. But what I dont think would be good is if an organization developed that pushed anyone who didnt have a certificate around. Like Stephen Arroyo says, quality is what we should aim for in the astrological profession. And there are astrologers out there who dont have certificates but have sound astrological experience. Im fairly opposed to certificates actually; I think the reputation should be important. As for the publics misunderstanding of what astrology is really about, I think that stems partly from their resistance to new ideas. There are so many "spiritual" books, organizations, gurus, activities and ideas today that its possible to experience an overload of it. I experienced that myself. Sometimes it feels like too many people spend time thinking about their spiritual goals, instead of living them out. But this is personal experience.
I only meant that astrology falls into this category as well and people have a right to reject too much information. I think it takes time for people to open up to and learn new things, and if, and only if, the public opens its eyes by choice; there could be a very different international outlook on it. But astrology exists without the acknowledgement of todays media, and has alot to offer, of course. I love it!
