There are many techniques and approaches to astrology. Those I use in my practice include:-


Psychological Astrology – Although basic psychological traits have always existed in traditional astrology, it was not until the birth of the science of psychology with Freud and Jung that astrology had access to this other language and interpretation of mankind. This also occurred at the time that Pluto was discovered in 1930 and signifies a deeper journey into man’s subconscious, bringing to light what had remained in shadow. Since then, many have sought to unite astrology with psychology in a marriage, each lending their qualities and abilities to penetrate into the mysteries of the psyche. Today, psychological astrology holds a very strong position in astrological thought and the College of Psychological Astrology founded by Liz Green and Howard Sasportas, is one of the most thriving schools with many world renowned astrologers giving lectures and seminars there.
 
Synastry Astrology – This is the astrology of relationships. It compares the chart of one person with that of another. How these charts are interpreted depend on whether the astrologer’s approach is karmic (what are the karmic patterns between these two individuals?), psychological (how would one individual respond emotionally and mentally to the other person and vice versa) or traditional (would the union between them be successful financially, romantically, politically etc). 

Asteroid and Fixed Star Astrology – Most astrologers use the planets, including the sun and moon, as they pass through the 12 signs of the Zodiac. However, some astrologers use other astronomical bodies, as well, in their analysis of a natal chart. There are many of these other bodies, including asteroids (mostly between Mars and Jupiter), planetoids such as Chiron, fixed stars such as Sirius or Orion, hypothetical points such as the trans-neptunian points of Alfred Witte and hidden planets such as Vulcan. 

 It is easy to get lost in all this extra information to take into account. This is why most astrologers stick to the basics or only get involved in one or two of these additional techniques. I have experimented with a few of them and have found that use of fixed stars can reveal extra information about a chart that is useful in interpreting the chart as a whole. Asteroids are also quite useful, especially in relation to karmic influences, but I currently do not use them much in my own practice.  

Karmic Astrology – Experiences in past lives can influence events and patterns in this life as the soul seeks to correct past mistakes, fulfil past obligations and promises and learn new ways of being. This kind of astrology seeks to reveal what karmic patterns and themes the soul is wishing to engage with in this life and gives indications as to how karmic difficulties can be resolved. A good description of karma, in relation to astrology, can be found in Judy Hall’s book ‘Patterns of the Past’.

Esoteric Astrology – This form of astrology, while ancient in origin, has only relatively recently surfaced from its secret and occult hiding place. It was kept there, along with other esoteric truths, partly because of fear of persecution but mostly because the world was not ready to understand and assimilate its wisdom. The modern revelation to the mass audience began in the middle of the nineteenth century with Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophy movement and continued into the twentieth century with Rudolf Steiner, Alice Bailey and Alan Leo. This work has been taken up by more modern astrologers such as Alan Oken and Dr. Douglas Baker. 

It is not easy to fully comprehend, even by most astrologers, much less to apply practically in astrology consultations. This is also due to the fact that this kind of astrology is not focussed on the individual and his fortunes but on the evolution of humanity as a whole and the awakening to the soul life. However, as people begin to look beyond form in increasing numbers and seek to reside more in their souls then esoteric astrology will grow in popularity and is likely to become the astrology of the future. It has profoundly influenced my personal understanding of astrology and the universe in which we live and I feel that, as my own understanding of this complex body of knowledge increases, so will my ability to understand myself and others.

In my practice, I seek to blend all of these approaches; the karmic, the psychological, the exoteric and the esoteric. I feel that each astrological ‘school’ has something valuable to offer and I seek to provide a complete picture of an individual; to include his past, his present and his future as well as his mind, his body and his soul.

I also do relationship work for couples, parents and children, friends and business or other partnerships. I look at both the charts involved and see where there is an easy creative flow of energies and where there is a more challenging, yet dynamic, flow between them. I also try to find out what karmic patterns exist between them and ways they can be resolved. Finally, I try to understand why these two souls have entered each other’s lives and how they can best support each other’s evolution and growth.