JUDITH HILLS ASTROLOGICAL NEWSLETTER November, 2019 

ARTICLE: “So, You Want to Be and Astrologer?” 

NEW! ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
JUDITH’S NORWAC WORKSHOP! BOOKS AND PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS BOOK REVIEW COURSES COLLEAGUES NEWS ALERTS 

ARTICLE
SO, YOU WANT TO BE AN ASTROLOGER?

by Judith Hill © Note: Any curious paragraph breaks are artifacts of file transfer between computers 

Over the decades, some of the questions most frequently asked me are: “Do you think I can be an astrologer?” “How did you get into this?” “How can I become a good astrologer?” 

My “deep thoughts” on these questions are gleaned from decades (too many to mention), of frontline experience, listening and observation. That does not mean mine are right thoughts for everyone. It is true that there are many opinions on the subject of what makes a “good” astrologer. These are mine. My ideas draw heavily on Eastern and Western traditions. I’ve designed 13 points that aspiring astrologers might benefit from; and prospective clients too (in choosing their own personal astrologer). Certainly, my colleagues hold other, and variant opinions on these points. I 

am not suggesting that my following points are the authoritative, all time list! 

So who, in my opinion, is an ideal candidate to be an astrologer? And how does one become a great astrologer? What does this actually take? 

The below points concern consulting astrologers. There are plenty of astrologers who do not consult for whom my personal thoughts may not be relevant. 

Read more here: November 2019 Newsletter

Breadth: It is good for a consulting astrologer to have a broad of knowledge base to draw from. In the work of reading charts, is helpful to know something about all religions, many cultures, anthropology, psychology, astronomy, graphology, palmistry, physiognomy, child development, history (of astrology and also of many nations). And much else. 

Consulting astrologers should be interested in everything! In your practice, you never know when you might encounter an aspiring pig farmer or distraught banker. A wide knowledge of human types and predicaments is requisite. The best astrologers are large souled and possesses comprehension of a wide array of subject matter. 

World Skills: It is useful for an astrologer to have excellent practical skills, outside of those deemed astrological! My apprentices are required to have at least one high level real world skill, e.g. cooking, mechanics, gardening, carpentry, etc. Knowledge of mechanics is a huge assist to those learning to figure out chart mechanics. Both calligraphy, and the study of law are excellent studies for the training of mental precision, so useful for some types of client inquiries. 

Master a useful skill! “Know a little about everything, but be good for something”. The great psychic Edgar Cayce said something similar to that. 

Left/Right Brain Balance: To be “all head and no heart” is as unbalanced as being “all heart and no head”! Most astrologers tend to favor either their right or left brains. In my opinion, the best astrologers are equally at 

home in both worlds! It was the opinion of my teacher that an astrologer’s mind should be as sharp as a pin, and a heart as wide as an ocean. 

A feel for musical composition, is as useful to astrologers as is mechanics or math. The study of law is as useful as psychic sensitivity. 

Convivial: A good consulting astrologer should truly enjoy other people, and enjoy helping them. Interest is people, even a fascination for people, is central to this craft. 

Well Educated in Astrology: I have read that in some parts of India, it requires eight years of university training followed by a four year apprenticeship to become a respected astrologer. In this training ,many subjects are mastered. I agree with this approach. At the very least, an astrologer should be solid in the astrological rules, assignments and attributions we have inherited from the ancients, before deciding to reinvent the field. Good astrologers need to be intelligent, and hopefully, wise. But first, know your field! It is my opinion that one year of study does not an astrologer make. Neither will hurrying yourself help. Only experience builds the master. 

Astrologically Broad (know several branches of astrology): The best astrologers are not “one trick ponies,” but well versed in several branches of astrology. How can a psychologically based astrologer deal with a vocational or health question? How can a business astrologer work with a family issue? Of course, if you specialize you may not need to work outside of your favorite discipline. 

However, one must always know at least something about and Electional Astrology ( the art of timing events) to best serve a clientele. 

Astrology is like a great pie with many slices. Old time astrologers of two generations passed, often knew the whole pie. Today, students study one branch for a year or two, and then, hang out a shingle. The hapless customer never knows the difference! 

True, a truly gifted, great astrologer needn’t be educated in all major astrological fields, but it sure helps! These branches would be Natal, 

Transit-Progressed Influences, Vocation, Medical, Horary, Elections, Mundane (world), Spiritual, Psychological and Business. 

Spiritual: This is a big word and venturing forth is bound to offend someone. I will try not to do so. Let us just say that a consulting astrologer should know what they mean by the word-concepts “spiritual”, and “spirituality” - and clearly define what they personally feel about these terms. The fact that consulting astrology is, in part, a unique type of spiritual counseling device, cannot be escaped. Consulting astrologers sometimes find themselves in a position to spiritually counsel others. What will be their approach to a client’s moral, religious and spiritual questions and dilemmas? 

Morally, there appear to be two popular approaches extant today amongst practitioners. Most of the astrologers I’ve known adhere to one of these two camps, although I am sure there are as many variants as there are astrologers!. 

The first ( Spiritual Guidance Paradigm 1) has become popular, only in very recent times. This is not my preferred view, but I will try to be fair. 

Spiritual Guidance Paradigm 1: In this paradigm, individual souls are created perfect, and not in need of shaping or progression toward some professed higher ideal, higher awareness, beautific state or future heaven. This idea is paired with the base concept that everyone is intrinsically good. (Good as a concept is recognized, but in most cases, what was once called “evil” is not openly recognized). In this paradigm, we say that everyone reflects their birth chart, and their chart is seen as morally neutral and/or inherently good (non destructive or harmful), because all things in the universe are deemed inherently good. 

This paradigm regards morality and the old idea of “character development” as either concepts best avoided, or as ridiculous, sticky relics of a former age. In this system, all qualities and behaviors are best viewed without personal judgement, i.e. the assignment of negative tags. The spiritual focus of a reading is directed toward equipping the client with a better self 

understanding by means of astrologically-driven character, karmic or psychological description. This process is thought to allow the client to better cope with themselves and their unique problems. 

Because the inherent individuality of each human being is celebrated “as is”, there is no basis for shaping character or addressing “weaknesses” or “deficiencies”; and no remedial system provided to do so (as is typical in traditional spiritual astrology East and West). However, one can select appropriate planet-aligned activities for “channelling”, sublimating or utilizing a “stressful” or “challenging” planetary aspect. 

Negative assessment is avoided for behaviors, mindsets or life predicaments. Stress, unpleasantries and difficult experiences are recognized as opportunities for growth and self-empowerment. Challenging times or behaviors are presented a positive face or reason for being (if at all possible). Nothing is irrevocably “bad”. 

This modern style of spiritual counsel is non offensive, celebratory and non critical, thus allowing a fluidity and equality between reader and client. 

Spiritual Guidance Paradigm 2: Followers of this ancient paradigm espouse that the human soul enters the body with a ledger of negative and positive tendencies, and return karmas. We enter life with self-built “tendencies”, both positive and negative. Mind and will are builders. We reap as we have sown, and are born at at time that best represents us. The mind is the helmsman (non gendered) of the bodily tendencies, personality, choices, and life. 

The goal is self betterment. Self betterment covers a lot of ground. Spiritually speaking, this includes one or all of several ideals: expanded awareness, wisdom, enlightenment, soul purification, freedom from bondage to the body, attaining heaven, and/or alignment with the Divine Plan (through good deeds, et al). 

In this paradigm, we are not born perfected. It is held that we have entered this present life to overcome our weaknesses and become “an improved edition by the author.” All things that assist this process are “good”. 

The natal chart is thought to aptly describe our strengths and weaknesses. (In this paradigm, the trained astrologer’s critical assessment of character is one of the primary reasons for having a Natal Reading). 

This present life is viewed as a garden. The seeds lying both dormant and active in this garden are assumed to be planted by the “entity” themselves. It is the duty of each soul then, to prune their own weeds and enhance their own roses. The weeds and the roses of character and inclination are seen as valid and real. The soul, “entity”, “jiva” or “monad”, is thought to move backward or forward in each incarnation. Will, mind and judgement are tools in service of self-betterment. The role of the natal astrologer is, in part, to assist the client in their forward character development. 

In this paradigm, “character” and its shaping are accepted realities, as are both the concepts of soul progression, and soul digression. Certain behaviors, diets and lifestyles are viewed as destructive to the soul’s evolution; whereas other activities, diets and lifestyles are viewed as assisting. (The astrologer needn’t believe in reincarnation to adhere to this paradigm. Some Christian astrologers substitute ideologies of good behavior with a future heaven, and bad behavior with a future, permanent hell.) Thus, we observe an unexpected familiarity, between divergent and opposing religions who share some manner of ideology of soul progression (positive) and digression (negative). 

These paradigms are part of a larger understanding of soul bondage to the wheel of physical incarnations, just how that came to be, and the road out... (Hinduism, Buddhism), this is way too much for this small article.This prevalent and ancient view of soul evolution was espoused by many European and American astrologers of the Victorian era through Alan Leo’s generation, including Leo. The outstanding influence of Jyotish (the astrology of India), Hinduism and Buddhism is obvious. 

Astrologers who adhere to this paradigm are free to use their judgement in evaluating character strength and weakness toward the better good of young client (provided they have the wisdom and mantel to do so.) 

Moral Paradigms 3, 4.... There are many alternate “moral paradigm” variants and spiritual philosophies. The two above appear the most currently widespread. 

Life Style: I’ve heard that a true astrologer in India is assumed to adhere to an aesthetic lifestyle. This can include vegetarian diet, and, heaven forbid to Americans, celibacy! Obviously, the astrological trade is a profoundly serious trade in some other cultures. 

In truth, there are many psychic, psychological, spiritual and health dangers to the unstable practitioner of astrology. At the very least, we must learn to preserve and replenish our own vital force (chi, prana). As astrologers, we also have a responsibility to our clients to be in good shape mentally and physically. A confused, bleary mind can hardly give clear guidance to another. 

Because of this, I favor orderly life styles for consulting astrologers, realizing that this old school opinion is unpopular today. This does not mean anyone needs to go to extremes, avoid an occasional glass of wine, dancing and so forth. Just a normal level of lifestyle and mental-emotional clarity, maturity and stability! 

Honesty A great astrologer should be able to say “I am sorry but I cannot figure out your question”. Or, “this part of your chart puzzles me.“, Or, “I was wrong, and have changed my mind”....or even “I discovered after you left, an error in my calculations. When can we set a new appointment, gratis?” 

It is important to disabuse your client of any notion that you are an all knowing Godlike being. Also, do an honest job, and charge accordingly (not too low, nor exorbitant). 

Usefulness: A good astrologer is useful to their clients. Usefulness covers a lot of territory. The Renaissance astrologer could find a lost dog, provide an exact time for signing a contract, or determine what herb was needed for his neighbor’s headache. This was an all purpose community service! 

This does not mean we need to be Renaissance style astrologers. Once mastered, one can be quite useful in one branch of astrology. 

Stamina: Reading charts all day requires an amazing amount of mental focus, intellectual stamina, and for some, psychic juices. It can take a few years to build these up! Similar to an Olympic long distance swimmer, you must learn to pace yourself. This is lonely work too, so you should enjoy your own company for long stretches in your private chart preparation and study period conducted prior to your actual readings. (Hopefully, you do this). 

Ethics: In the olden times, and perhaps still, some astrological societies required their members to sign an ethics agreement. Consulting astrologers require skill in how to field questions about death, impending disaster, disease. When, and to whom should you be direct with? How not to frighten the client? Should one engage in astrological espionage on your client’s boyfriend? What about client confidentiality? Should you serve both spouses? There are many such ethical questions confronting the consulting astrologer . And, some issues possess sticky legal potentials. The astrologer should know what they can and cannot do, both ethically and legally. 

Diplomacy: An appropriate bedside manner is essential for consulting astrologers. To facilitate diplomacy, we must also strive to remain up to date on current gender pronouns, shifts in generational viewpoint, current and historical social issues, and strive to be respectful of all clients. 

Experienced: There is no substitute for experience! However, this does not mean that a genius Greenhorn will not at times spout insights far superior to the Grey Beard’s. Nor that the Grey Beard is necessarily, a good, or accurate chart reader just because they have experience! 

ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: 

My new book "Medical Astrology in Action" is doing well. For a year, I’ve been working on the form and content of a monthly or bimonthly online class to be open sometime in the spring, possibly earlier. 

CONTINUED BELOW 

Online class coming: ASTROLOGY IN ACTION: LET’S READ CHARTS! © 

Under this rubric, we can have delectable subfields: Let me know what you prefer! *Medical Astrology in Action: Let’s Read Charts! *Vocational Astrology in Action: Let’s Read Charts! *Natal Astrology in Action: Let’s Read Charts! *Medical Astrology-Herbalism in Action: Let’s Read Charts! 

NORWAC 2020 Medical Astrology Enthusiasts must not miss NORWAC 2020, Seattle. Yowie Zowie! 

I could not be more excited about this upcoming conference. For you Medical Astrology enthusiasts, this next NORWAC provides a veritable “Medical Astrology Bonanza!” (Of course, a great panoply of other topics will also be presented at this signature event.) Three medical astrologers (at least) will have one-two lectures each, and I will teach one pre-conference workshop (below). For those that wish to attend only my workshop, yes, you can! 

Australian Naturopath and renowned medical astrologer Kira Sutherland will also have lectures, as will Seattle acupuncturist and medical astrologer Robert Weinstein. I can hardly wait! Below are my own presentations. 

NORWAC, 2020
WORKSHOP! Judith Hill 

MEDICAL ASTROLOGY IN ACTION: 

LET’S READ MEDICAL ASTROLOGY CHARTS! Friday, May 22ND, 9-Noon. https://norwac.net/schedule/ 

This fascinating and practical workshop provides a basic method for defining innate health weaknesses in the natal chart, plus their potential remediation. Attendees will deepen their working knowledge of the original, ancient “energetic” basis of astrology, and strengthen their evaluation skills of astrological patterns behind disease manifestation. Judith leads us through the basic steps of medical chart evaluation with riveting case studies. After establishing basics, learn to recognize the astrological “signatures” for the “energetically opposite” diseases, cancer and stroke; plus other complaints. Next, discover how transits can trigger off these dormant patterns. Traditional remediation included. Surprise guest! A rare event. 

NORWAC 2020 LECTURE SATURDAY, MAY 23RD. 2:30-3:45 INTERPETING ECLIPSES BY NODAL POLARITY 

NORWAC 2020, LECTURE SUNDAY, MAY 24TH ASTROLOGICAL MEDICINE AND TRADITIONAL HERBALISM 

KEPLER COLLEGE WORKSHOPS I am pleased to announce that a life long dream has come true for me. As an exemplification of scholarly excellence in our field, it is a privilege to be invited to teach through the college, even on a limited basis. I will present two, two - hour online workshops for Kepler College, on: Saturday, January 26th: “Medical Astrology: Tools and Techniques” Saturday, March 14th: “Vocational Astrology ABCs” 

SANTOS BONACCI INTERVIEW In September, I had the great honor of meeting for tea with the world renowned Astro-theologer, Renaissance Man, and flamenco guitarist Santos Bonacci. His film crew obligingly filmed our entire three hour meeting. Keep your eyes open for this event. By next newsletter it will be available, but at present, I’m eagerly awaiting the airing date. The last hour is the kicker! 

INTERNATIONAL ASTROLOGY DAY March 2020, San Francisco I will be be one of a handful of speakers in this exceptional one-track program in my favorite city. See Information onine. More information will be provided in my next newsletter. 

SEASON’S GIFT IDEAS 

My two new books not only have lovely covers, but make excellent gifts. 

Medical Astrology for Health Practitioners (for lay readers, beginning astrologers and healers who want to get their toe in the water without having to jump full in!) This book is the sequel to my popular Medical Astrology: A Guide to Planetary Pathology. https://www.amazon.com/Medical-Astrology-Health-Practitioners- Healers/dp/1883376572 

Medical Astrology in Action: The Transits of Health 

For the astrologer. There really is just nothing quite like it out there! Includes Herbal Notes, Field Notes and Surgical Notes sprinkled liberally throughout the fascinating sections on most planetary transits and their occasional health affects. A doctor in India, sent me his personal review of this book, below: https://www.amazon.com/Medical-Astrology-Action-Transits-Health/ dp/1883376750/ 

BOOK REVIEW: Medical Astrology in Action: The Transits of Health "There are some books that forever get etched on rocks that stand the tests of time and immortality. All Hill's books are of that high order, especially so the Medical Astrology in Action. Every words hit the truth in an uncanny way. In my small library of over a thousand books on astrology and occult sciences from various parts of the world, very few books have a more than 95% hit ratio. By that I mean, all the charts with which I verified this book's paragraphs, I found that more than 95% is correct whats mentioned in this book. This is by no means an ordinary achievement. It is a tremendous treasure for any astrologer. What an astonishing treasure for those astrologers whom this book will choose. Because I believe a book chooses its reader. The entire fraternity of astrologers and medical sciences would remain ever grateful to you for authoring such phenomenal books. All planetary transits on natal positions delineation is mindblowing for its accuracy. Its a blessing to possess Judith's book. And thankfully, I have all her books, with pride. Its a must for all astrologers.” 

Dr. D. (India) 

MY “CHILDREN’S” BOOK: Mrs. Winkler’s Cure Do you wistfully long for the sweetness and light of yesteryear’s children’s books? Have you been hunting for children’s books with no scary tension or threatening characters? Do you appreciate the delicate, lyrical black and white illustrations of Winnie the Pooh, or Wind in the Willows? 

Then, you will adore this book! 

MRS WINKLER’ CURE A spiritual , non violet and humorous fairy tale for the modern age, written and illustrated by Judith Hill under the psydeonym of “Julia Holly”. (There are at least there other others with the name “Judith Hill” and a great 

singer with the name as well. Time for a change - just for this genre. If you want something to read aloud to the kids that has nothing tense or fearful, this will not disappoint you! I consider this book my greatest work. Ages 7-100. 

https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Winklers-Cure-Julia-Holly/dp/ 1883376459 

COURSES MEDICAL ASTROLOGY 101: A twelve module self-study course, ideal for the student who dislikes screens! Learn with all six senses. 

https://www.judithhillastrology.com/learn-astrology/medical-astrology- course 

ASTROLOGICAL MEDICINE AND RENAISSANCE HERBALISM Matthew Wood and Judith Hill 6 two hour courses, only $60! https://www.matthewwoodinstituteofherbalism.com/courses/ astrological-medicine-renaissance-herbalism 

Colleagues: News/Products New Marketing Program that Utilizes Astrology: I met TulaFae at NORWAC 2019. She is a remarkable woman with an astonishing knowledge base and lifetime experience. I can personally attest that a correct use of astrological timing and themes can be extremely helpful to all manner of businesses. 

Readers of this newsletter might enjoy Tula Fae’s unique, marketing program, good for anyone in business wishing to increase their marketing advantage, (not just astrologers) ...“TulaFae guides soul-purposed business owners from a place of uncertainty into clarity on how to market and grow business. Using astrology to create a marketing strategy that is planet approved by the soul's intention.” 

tulafae.com 

“ASTROSOMATICS” ANYONE? 

If you have never heard of this field before now, either have I. Astrologer Andrea Gehrz and Kineseologist/Massage Therapist Casey Cordova have together pioneered an entirely new approach to what they term “physical astrology” and healing. This is neither ancient, traditional or modern “Medical Astrology”, but rather, from what I can grok, an entirely unique field, ripe for the testing of others. The implications are as fascinating as they are astonishing. An eye-opener for sure. Their new book is Astrosomatics 1, from Moira Press, 2019. 

IDENTITY CONFLATION ALERTS 

1) The astrological writer “J.H. Hill”. is not me. I always use my full name. This person is a legitimate writer from an earlier generation. However, please note that their works are not written by me. 

2) I’ve been informed that a party in China is attempting to register domains using my precise name and domain in China. I’ve no idea if this is actually real, or phishing, or exactly what is intended for these sites. If anyone sees anything on the Chinese web, please notify me.