I’ve been contacted many times over the last few years by people who want to become astrologers themselves, and want to know what’s the secret. Well, there really isn’t a secret to doing it, you just do it! You want to know the path to take, but there isn’t a straight line from point A to point B when it comes to becoming an astrologer. Since there’s no degree or certification requirements, every astrologer has a different story of how they became one. I wanted to go into what you’ll need to consider and do beforehand if you want to become an astrologer yourself, no matter how you break into the business. Study first -
The first thing you need to do is make sure you’re actually experienced enough to perform readings professionally. This means you need to have studied extensively. How many years should you study first? That depends on how much of your time you devote to it.
The more time you spend studying, the faster you’ll get there. If you can’t devote much time, it’ll take longer. Think of it like if you were going to college to get a degree. If you’re loading up on classes and not taking time off, you can get a bachelor’s degree in 2 years. If you have a job and family and other fish to fry, it can easily be 6 years. When it comes to studying, most of us learn the old-fashioned way: reading books. There are many places online where you can take advanced classes in astrology, which can be helpful when you want to make the jump past the beginner stage, but none are required. The vast majority do it on their own. Read, read, and read some more. With the internet, it’s a lot easier to get your hands on all of the knowledge out there. There are many websites where you can gather information for free, you can download any books to an e-reader from online vendors instead of scouring place after place for the book you’re looking for, and you don’t have to step inside of a bookstore if you don’t want to. And, just like how teachers have to continue to go back to school throughout their career, so too do astrologers have to continue learning. There are so many astrological methods and techniques and ideas and new ones coming about all of the time, that you have to keep learning. ou can study all of your life and never know everything there is to know about astrology. If you have an insatiable mind, this is music to the ears (or art to the eyes, since you're reading). Then practice -
The other thing required of you to perform readings professionally is to actually perform readings un-professionally first (aka for free). After all, practice makes perfect. Think of it as your internship.
Practice on yourself, friends, family, celebrity charts, anyone and everyone. Now, with the internet, you can also make use of the various forums and social media groups, and give astrology readings on there as well. How many readings should you perform? There really is no firm answer there. Some say you should give 1,000 readings before you can be a professional (and in truth, that’s about how many free readings I did before turning pro), but some of you can get by with less, and some of you will need more. When you get the feel for it, when it becomes second nature, that’s when you’re ready. If you still don't have your methodology, if it's taking you too long, if you still don't know your specialties - you're not ready yet! Depending on which branch you specialize in, degrees in other fields can be helpful. The most common degrees for an astrologer are psychology and English. Why? You’re pretty much acting like a counselor to the person you’re reading (psychology), and need to know your mythology and should have a way with words (English). Again, you don’t *need* a degree, but reading up on these subjects is a must. Optional: Certification and a Mentor
Many of you may want to get certified; again, not required, but can be worth the effort. Many professional astrologers are certified, and many are not. It’s probably 50-50. Being certified doesn’t mean you’ll be a good astrologer, but it can help show new clients that you’re not a complete idiot.
If you do go for certification, the only ones that are really worth it (in the U.S.) are through the NCGR-Professional Astrologers' Alliance (NCGR-PAA) and the American Federation of Astrologers (AFA). The main issues you may find with them is that the exams for certification are only given a few times per year (twice per year for the AFA, varies for NCGR-PAA), and they don’t have many places for you to take the exams, so you likely have to travel and maybe far, which isn’t doable for some people. The AFA has 3 exam levels, and ideally, you want to take both the Student and Professional Exams. The NGCR-PAA have 4 levels, and you’re considered a pro with the first, but should take I and II. NGCR-PAA: http://www.astrologersalliance.org/ AFA: https://www.astrologers.com/about/afa-exams/ Outside the USA, I recommend ISAR. One other thing you can consider doing to help with your studies is to find a mentor. Someone who has actual experience can be more useful than anything else, and help you in ways you wouldn’t think of. The only problem here is that most working astrologers don’t have the time to actually be mentors, and if they do, will only take on one or two at a time. You can contact astrologers you’re a fan of and see if they do any mentoring, or if they know anyone who does. But don’t blast a zillion astrologers requesting they mentor you, don’t harass someone if they say they don’t have the time, and don’t contact anyone before you’ve done studying on your own and are already at a higher level. A professional astrologer doesn’t have the time to hold your hand from the basics to the professional level, and you need to show some initiative by at least being at an intermediate level already if you want them to take you seriously. There are many astrologers that will offer courses instead, and some will work with you throughout the course. This is likely the most realistic way you'll find a mentor. The rest of the series: Part 2: Specialize Part 3: It's a Business Part 4: Ethics Just like you can use astrology for you and your human friends, you can also use it for your pets! What's the astrological profile for your furry BFF? Read below and see what fits! (and if you don't know when your pet was born, you can use the date they came into your life instead) Astrology Pet Profiles:
Aries Pet Profile
(March 21 - April 19) Your Aries pet is full of energy. They probably tire you out! They have to keep going and going and going, and just when you think they’re going to exhaust themselves, they find more energy from somewhere. They need to be kept busy, so lying around the house or in a cage isn’t too fun for them, and might make them even more rambunctious and hard to manage. Training them doesn’t come easy! They seem to have a mind of their own, and are constantly on the go. They may have a hard time being around other pets, preferring to be on their own. They won’t be bossed around or pushed around, and can stand up for themselves. There can be a fire energy to them, or even in their coloring. They know what they want, and you don’t have to take too many guesses to figure it out. They’re likely quite expressive for an animal. No matter how much they may seem to want to get away, they can still be affectionate and show you love! Taurus Pet Profile (April 20 - May 20) Your Taurus pet likes to lounge around looking pretty. They don’t care much for chasing anything, and would rather be entertained than do the entertaining. They likely love food and gobble up anything you give them, though they prefer the more expensive stuff, and you wonder how they even have more expensive taste. They like to have toys to play with that are theirs, and they won’t share. They like being touched and petted, and may like the outdoors for the sights, smells, and sounds. Their senses are good, and they can react to strong odors and loud noises. Playing music for them can help calm them down. You’ll need to exercise them routinely, otherwise they won’t budge and have weight problems. If they really don’t want to, it’ll be hard for you to get them to. They can be incredibly stubborn once they’ve made up their mind. They may be hard to read at times, but they’re incredibly loyal, and always by your side! Gemini Pet Profile (May 21 - June 20) Your Gemini pet is probably always yapping, meowing, mooing, barking. Sometimes, you swear you can hear them actually speak words. They’re active with a lot of energy, and they can learn quickly but may forget just as quickly, so you’re constantly reminding them of how to do things. They’re sociable animals and don’t mind being around others of their species or out-of-species. In fact, it might be good for them to have other animals around, and they can do well if you have other pets. They need constant stimulation, so other animals around for companionship can help them with that. Children are good for them as well with their abundant energy and enthusiasm. They don’t seem to get upset very much, and seem happy all of the time, though when they do get angry, they can snap quickly, but get over it quickly. They can’t sit or lie still to save their lives! And they don’t usually stick with one activity for very long. They’re always looking around and taking in new information, and have anxious energy. Cancer Pet Profile (June 21 - July 22) Your Cancer pet loves to spend time with you, their parent, or their actual parent if they’re still around. They want you around all of the time, and have a hard time parting with you. They want to curl up with you, lie in your lap, and need to be around you. They probably wander into the kitchen and like it when you cook. They can instinctively understand your emotions, and pick up on the slightest changes in your mood. They only want to make you feel better, but if you yell at them, they’ll stay far away from you, too hurt to be around you. They may have a hard time eating when they’re upset. They bond well with the people and animals that they’re always around, and prefer being in familiar places, not liking any new stimuli, people, or environments. They can make excellent assistance animals, always wanting to help out. You have to make them be active and play with them, otherwise they may gain a lot of weight. If you can, take them swimming or near water because they may find that enjoyable. Leo Pet Profile (July 23 - August 22) Your Leo pet struts around like they’re the master and you’re their pet. They love to be treated like kings and queens, pampered and given special treatment, given the best toys and nicest gifts, and eating the most expensive food. They love to be groomed and seem like they know just how good they look. They have confidence, but they need a good amount of affection, attention, and praise. They’re not much for work, but they respond well to positive reinforcement. They love spending time with you, and while they may seem lazy, they’re quite protective. They like being around other people and animals, and other animals show them respect and look up to them because of their regal demeanor. They prefer warmth and sunshine and like to be outside, but only to lounge, not to get dirty. A sun room would suit them well because they like the light and the heat without the dirt. They have quite the personality, and they show you plenty of love and affection. Virgo Pet Profile (August 23 - September 22) Your Virgo pet is as helpful as a pet can be. They want to be of service, and will do as much as they can to help you. They can take care of you or the other animals in the house, especially when you or they are ill. They’re great with kids, and will watch over them like a parent. They can sense when something bad could happen, and will try to stop it. They’re quite tidy for an animal, and they don’t like to make a mess, and don’t feel comfortable in messy environments. Make sure the space that they’re in the most is always clean. They like being around the people that they’re comfortable with, but not fond of strangers. They’re extremely smart and can learn very quickly. This makes them easy to train, and the fact that they want to please you helps. They can get grumpy at times though, and can find little things annoying. They need to stay busy to keep their nerves from cropping up and keep their mood more light. Libra Pet Profile (September 23 - October 22) Your Libra pet doesn’t like to be alone, and prefers having someone with them all of the time. When they don’t feel they’re getting enough attention, they may act out in some way, like by breaking something. They demand a lot of attention though, so it can be hard for you to meet their needs. They want to spend a lot of time by your side, but they would benefit from having another animal companion as well, someone they can do everything with when you’re not around to be with them. They get along well with humans and other animals, always wanting to keep the peace and will settle fights quickly. They carry themselves with grace and are charming animals, and they like socializing. They like to be groomed because they want to be as pretty as possible. They usually are better looking than most other animals of their species and breed. They take things in stride and don’t want any disruption, only wanting to make you happy. Scorpio Pet Profile (October 23 - November 21) Your Scorpio pet likes to keep things to themselves, and figuring out what they want or what’s wrong with them can be a challenge for you. They like to spend time by themselves, and aren’t fond of being around a lot of people. They have a long memory and won’t forget if anyone did anything to hurt them. They’ll probably attack them whenever they see them. They don’t show a lot of emotion, but when they get angry, they have major wrath. For the most part, they’re pretty quiet though, and don’t have a lot of energy. They hide and it can take time for you to get them to open up to you. Once you do, they’re fiercely loyal, but they believe they own you, and not the other way around. When you need them, they’ll be there for you, and when you’re upset, there’s nowhere else they’d rather be than with you. They’re also quite protective of you, and will fight anyone or anything that tries to hurt you. Sagittarius Pet Profile (November 22 - December 21) Your Sagittarius pet is always up for an adventure. They love to travel and go to new places, and they have plenty of energy to roam and explore. Keeping them locked up is one of the worst things you could do to them. They need to be free! They love the outdoors and need plenty to do. Physical exercise is important for them, and if you‘re someone who loves the great outdoors and is super active, they could keep up with you. They don’t take anything very seriously, have a light-hearted disposition, and always seem happy. They may be of the mischievous sort though, much to your chagrin, but they usually walk away unharmed. They’re quite curious and that’s part of what makes them want to explore. They may get into your business a little too much, always wanting to see what you’re up to. They’re a great friend and love to spend time playing with you. They’re like little children with their enthusiasm, glee, and spunk, and they’ll bring a smile to your face. Capricorn Pet Profile (December 22 - January 19) Your Capricorn pet knows that every action they take will lead to something, and they think their actions through because of that. Whoever has what they want will get their affection. For the most part, they’re not all that affectionate, and prefer to be on their own. They don’t have a ton of energy either, but they are quite smart. When around other animals, they’re the leader, and others look to them for guidance, but they generally don‘t bond with other animals easily, and it takes time for them to bond with humans as well. They don’t like bowing down to anyone, but they are loyal, and tend to be easier to train. Positive rewards are useful with training them. They may have had a hard time when they were young for some reason; maybe they were abandoned or neglected, maybe they had some sort of physical difficulty or illness, etc. Like any Capricorn, they get better as they get older, and they lighten up and become more lively with age. A wonderful animal to grow old with! Aquarius Pet Profile (January 20 - February 18) Your Aquarius pet loves to be around people and other animals. They can get along with anyone, and they’re usually the one everyone flocks to. They’re easy to get along with, have a cool demeanor, and are quite sociable. Being alone may be hard for them, so it’s good if they have another (or quite a few) animal companion. They can over-think and need to have people and animals around them to keep them occupied. They may seem like they always have something to say, and could be quite expressive (a lot of barking, meowing, mooing, etc.). With their active mind, they’re quite smart, and they can learn tricks easily. They also do well working, and need plenty of physical activity. They can be all over the place with their abundant energy, and have a hard time focusing if they aren’t given outlets, or are downright anxious and fidgety. They may find electronics interesting, and could be taught to play with some of them. They’ll play a lot with you too! Pisces Pet Profile (February 19 - March 20) Your Pisces pet is probably the sweetest, most gentlest animal you’ve ever met in your life. They love you unconditionally, and they show it, being quite affectionate and sweet. They’re kind to every human and animal they encounter, though they may be so shy that they run away and hide. They live to be close to you and want you around at all times. If you yell at them, you hurt them deeply, so try not to be too hard on them. A firm voice is all that’s needed with them. When you’re hurt or sick, they want to take care of you. Same goes for any other animals you have. They’re excellent caretakers and companions. You may be able to tell a lot from their eyes. They can have a hard time in places that are loud or have too much going on. They enjoy being around water, so keep water nearby and let them swim if you can. You swear they can read your mind sometimes, giving you a blanket when you feel a shiver or rubbing your leg when you’re feeling lonely. A wonderful quality! Suggested Reading: When to Get a Pet |
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