In the Stars with Kathryn Silverton
Author of "In the Stars" for United Airlines' in-flight magazine Hemispheres

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About Kathryn

My Interest in Astrology

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Astrology What is It?

Scientific Studies

Looking at the Future

Mercury Retrograde

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The Natal Chart:  An Analogy to a Dramatic Play

The Metropolitan Atlanta Astrological Society
(MAAS)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it that magazines and newspapers feature only sun sign astrology?

In our society of quick fixes and easy explanations, sun sign astrology is the easiest way to present astrology to the general public. As you can see by the complexity of a natal chart, it is virtually impossible to make anything other than a blanket statement regarding a person's chart based on simply sun sign positions.

What can a chart tell you?

When interpreted by a competent astrologer, a chart can cover all facets of a person's life.

First, a chart outlines a person's personality traits - their strengths and weaknesses. It gives a fascinating picture of a person's psychological makeup. The chart suggests what kinds of assets you bring into this world, as well as what kinds of lessons you are here to learn. If you believe in reincarnation, the chart can also provide insight as to what directions you focused on in past lifetimes and what types of directions ideally command your attention in this lifetime.

A chart suggests which areas are most beneficial for you to pursue professionally. It also covers health -- areas of the body prone to weakness, the types of foods best suited for your body type, best times for surgery and times when your body may require extra rest and care.

The chart can cover finances -- how to earn them, where to invest and when.

Your chart is also a valuable tool for evaluating relationships. The best way to do this is to take the chart of a potential partner and compare that chart to your own chart. This will show areas of strength and weakness in the relationship and can tell you if this is a relationship worth pursuing.

Other areas of life revealed through a chart include educational direction, travel, children, social involvement and religious or spiritual direction.

Why do people consult astrologers?

There are several reasons why people consult astrologers. Some are simply interested in having their charts done, having never had them cast and interpreted before. However people most often seek out the advice of an astrologer because they are looking for direction in their lives. Often they have consulted other professionals such as therapists or other counselors but have yet to find satisfactory answers to their questions.

Why do clients return to astrologers after having had their natal chart interpreted?

Once a person has been to an astrologer, they will have a feel for the type of information available to them. Upon their return, a repeat client often comes prepared with specific questions. Follow up consultations also focus on upcoming cycles: trends that are in effect from the present through a given time span, such as the coming six months or year, and how to best handle them.

Remember, an astrologer is not in practice to tell clients what they want to hear. A good astrologer is in practice to help guide and direct their clients.

Do astrologers tell you the same information as psychics, palm readers or numerologists?

If the astrologer you have chosen is a competent one, the information he or she provides may very well be similar to the guidance provided by a competent psychic, numerologist, palmist, etc. Perhaps the edge that astrology may have over psychics is that astrologers are working with specific planetary motions, thereby making it easier to anticipate the timing of events. A psychic may see a time frame in terms of a number but may not know if that number represents days, weeks or months, unless they happen to actually see a season and/or a year associated with a given activity.

Are there different types of astrology and astrologers?

Yes, there are several different types of astrology. The type of astrology most commonly practiced in this country is the geocentric method. Astrologers know that the earth is not the center of the solar system, but we look at how the planets appear from the earth's perspective because obviously this is our base. Some astrologers use the heliocentric method, which does alter the picture of the chart somewhat. In my opinion, as long as the tool works for your astrologer and your astrologer provides his or her clients with accurate information, that is what is relevant.

Some astrologers do not look at the classical chart as described above but look at the midpoints of planetary positions as practiced in cosmobiology. Midpoints in the charts are an entirely different area of specialty and seem to indicate life patterns.

Some astrologers use a method called horary astrology. This involves casting a chart for the moment a question is asked. The answer is found within the chart of that question. This is a very technical and specialized field of astrology that takes many years to master, just as traditional natal astrology does.

Many astrologers practice electional astrology. That's the practice of finding the right moment to begin a significant undertaking. Traditionally an electional chart may be cast for such purposes as:

Incorporating a business

The initial opening of the doors to the public of a new business

Mailing a significant document, such as a proposal or bid

Breaking ground to build a new home

Signing of contracts

Putting a house on the market (the signing of the contract, putting the "for sale" sign in the ground and submitting an advertisement to the effect that the property is for sale)

Putting any other possession of significance on the market, such as a vehicle

Starting a significant meeting. A famous example of this was used by President Ronald Reagan and his astrologer, Joan Quigley. Ms. Quigley often timed such events as the start of summit meetings or arm-twisting sessions where the president needed to ask for a favor. She also timed such events as when Air Force One took off for major trips.

How are astrologers tested and evaluated?

Some professional astrologers are listed with the American Federation of Astrologers based in Tempe, Arizona. The AFA offers three levels of testing for astrologers: student, professional and teacher.

The student level of testing gives aspiring astrologers an opportunity to take an introductory level of testing to give them an idea of the extent of their knowledge of the field and to give them a feel for the type of test they will have to pass as they move up the ladder. This is a great starting point.

The professional level tests the astrologer's ability to accurately do the mathematical calculations required to cast a chart. Although we are obviously in the computer age where anyone can purchase a program to cast a chart, it is helpful to know the process of how to get from a person's birth data to the chart itself. The professional exam also tests the astrologer's ability to interpret and update the chart and the astrologer's ability to counsel clients.

The teacher's level exam tests the astrologer's knowledge of the above mentioned requirements under the professional exam and goes further to test their knowledge of specialized fields of astrology, such as medical astrology, financial astrology, mundane astrology (the study of nations), horary astrology and the like.

Other exams are offered through organizations such as National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR).

How do I know if someone is a good astrologer?

Some astrologers are professionally listed with the American Federation of Astrologers and NCGR, as well as other internationally recognized organizations in England, Europe and Australia.

Good astrologers generally get their clients through repeat business and word-of-mouth advertising. After all, a satisfied customer is the best advertising!

Kathryn L. Silverton
Lilburn, Georgia
770-931-2577