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Helpful Observations
Notebook, June 30, 2011
Observations for OrientationOur work with clients is not to describe what is but to suggest what could be. This positioning of our work protects us from negation and supposed inaccuracy. A client’s “No” to an observation tells us a great deal; it is a major help in establishing Level. Similarly, nuance about real-life occurrence and timing fine-tune the lens of our observations. For example, you could very well and most brightly begin a consultation with someone showing 7 quintiles in the horoscope, “There’s so much creativity suggested here; what is your creative outlet?” The client may show surprise; a negation. I rejoin, “What was your creative outlet?” --trying to get at the probable occurrence of parental stifling … with my eyes assuring me about the education being interrupted (the ruler of the 9th under high developmental tension; Arcs and transits at age 18 clearly noted in my work-up). Again, the client offers nothing, and is clearly wide open about it. “Well, something got in the way of it all, and we can see all that tension about going on to college at 18, probably depriving you of the specialized learning, the development of those gifts.” And the client comes to life: “Oh so right! There was never any talk about going to college; I was actually married then, and….!” Now, in just a few seconds, look at what we’ve learned: the home life development was confining; the mother was of fulcrum importance (Node-Midheaven); escape from the home through a precipitous marriage; a baby complicating things; and a long period of catch-up ahead. None of this says that the astrologer doesn’t know what he’s doing! Rather, the astrologer is led to adjustments of orientation that are most creative. Level is clearly established, and the flow of life is reliable. --The goal will be to wait for the train to get back on the right track. The initial observations must tell us much. The beginning of the consultation is the most difficult time for the astrologer --and the client. In my Certification Course, with the first Lesson, I share verbiage that exactly expedites entry into the consultation. The objective is not to be descriptively “right” right off the bat, but, rather, to be relevant, to see a developmental Level and a flow potential, then to proceed with the client to check it all out and tighten things up. In Pursuit of Pattern --What does Hemisphere emphasis prepare you for in the analysis of a horoscope? How do anticipated development occurrences show themselves through House rulership tensions? Is there a parental imbalance? Is sibling tension (rivalry) suggested? The education factor, its potential for interruption? … My goodness! So much to be ready for … so much visible in a few seconds! The pervasive importance of the Moon as the reigning need (DVD 2). [These observations and many more are put forth on DVD 1 in the Masterwork Series; also, of course, Synthesis & Counseling in Astrology and so many of the essays in the Analytical Techniques archives here.] The astrologer is alerted to patterns in life development. ---Just yesterday in my Spa Club locker room, I noticed that my neighbor had a book with him, a biography of Mickey Mantle. To start a bit of conversation, I said, “What a troubled life Mantle had; it’s surprising his managers didn’t work with him to make life better!” The gentleman replied, and we talked casually about alcoholism, drugs, wayward behaviors, these concerns often running in the family.
After a few exchanges, I said, “It really does become cliché-ish, doesn’t it? And he said, “Yes, it does; I’m a psychiatrist and I treat people like this all the time. it all comes down to family influence, values and behaviors.” I so wanted to say, “Well, I see it all the time too; I’m an astrologer …” But he was off to the pool with his book under his arm … and I was left smiling. --Yes, we are looking for patterns in social behavior, in personal development, to see them reflected in the horoscope. Measurements guide us to needs that define behaviors for fulfillment. What we know about life is as important as what we know about life. For example: the horoscope shows an Eastern Hemisphere emphasis, Saturn-rx with the ruler of the 10th under tension; 2nd and 11th House emphases; 9th House suppression. What do you know already? It’s astounding how these measurements can come to life and establish patterns of behavior and development, establish Level, and lead through the life to a fulcrum point into the future. What are you able to say about these patterns? If we study two or three psychological/psychiatric/self-help texts about each of these development issues, which each of us faces to one degree or another, we can be most helpful to our clients. This is our Art. Please note that there are 12 years' worth of essays, some 140 in this department, some 130,000 words for your study. Just scroll past the end of the current essay and enjoy your library! In total --the three clearly marked departments: some 400,000 words. |
