From: Carole@brownvm (Carolyn Egan)
Newsgroups: alt.astrology
Subject: Re: Natal Interpretation -- you're soaking in it
Followup-To: alt.astrology
Date: 7 Jan 1993 14:57:07 GMT
Organization: Brown University
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: cis_staff-kntx33.cis.brown.edu

In article <76188@apple.apple.COM>, bc@Apple.COM (bill coderre) wrote:
> 
> 
> So I've been finding out more and more about natal interpretation, and
> it seems like everytime I look at a new book, there is a whole bunch
> of new factors to consider. Different systems of houses, different
> things to be looked at... Frankly, I'm totally confused. Nevermind the
> fact that none of the books I've run across seem to agree on the basic
> meanings of chart features.

Hi Bill, I remember very well saying those same things; it wasn't really
that many years ago.  IMHO, you may have reached a level of understanding
some of the pieces of the giant cosmic puzzle.  You have formed one object
of the puzzle and now need to search for the pieces to another object,
however, there is no picture to guide you as to what the next object should
be.
  
> Is there a good text that runs in some form of logical order?
Surely the authors of each text will have thought their work to be logical.
 And, to them, it really is.  
 I've
> just about given up on "The Only Way...to learn astrology". I was
> reading along when suddenly they mention some aspect of FDR's chart
> that they don't really explain, just suddenly announce "of course it
> is clear that...> 
> I've looked at The Astrologer's Handbook, and although it seems pretty
> straightforward, it mentions planetary "afflictions" in the section on
> aspects without having defined what is meant by the term first -- and
> it isn't defined in the glossary or mentioned in the index! 
> Hell, I'm totally baffled by the variety and complexity of charts in
> general. I'd be tempted to use astrolog, but I can't even decide which
> options to set! Is there a "standard" chart generator for Mac? I've
> got "Astrologer's Toolbox" but it does equal house system, something
> that none of the books I've found seems to explain.

It might be time for you to let go of the books and start developing your
style of chart interpretation.  Think about what appeals to you - not what
the author suggests (each author has an independent style based on their
personality and their teachers).  Studying charts of individuals is just
that - no two alike.  There are as many charts as their are stars in the
sky - each one unique.  Is it any wonder this art/science is not testable
in the way scientists would prefer.
 (thought just popped! has anyone on the list ever come across info about
siamese twins along with some bio?)

What you find in most books is standard information.  What is revealed to
you through chart interpretation brings you to a whole new level of
awareness.

My students and others friends in astrology seem to get stuck in trying to
tell others who they are.  I find if there is an aspect in the chart worth
discussing, it should be a discussion, not a dialogue by one or a
pronouncement of an AFFLICTION (that is old AFA teachings).  The questions
should be asked of the client who has say a Sun sq. Mars.  "You have a
connection which indicates a strong temper, lots of action or even over
reaction - is this true for you?  How do you handle this?"  The client
usually responds in a way that will light up the whole chart for you.   
> 
> What I'd like to do is to work out an approach step-by-step, which
> none of the books I've looked at really does well. I'd also like to
> find out what the "usual" "default" "standard" horoscope reading
> entails.
Have you taken a class from a worthy instructor or had your chart done by a
reputable astrologer - this can be pricey but worth every penny to see how
a chart is 'done' by a professional.  I must say it was worth it to me.  
> 
> Don't take me as a disbeliever -- if I despised the idea I'd just go
> away. But what I have seen seems really interesting, if someone could
> just make it clear what is supposed to be done, step by step.

Well Bill, I hope my response eases your confusion somewhat - I've been
there.  You are ready for a new plateau - are you ready for the hike -
remembering that you have a firm foundation under you?

Regards, Carol Egan

> 
> bill coderre
Newsgroups: alt.astrology