Empower Yourself to Practice Astrology: FAQs
Pt 2 of 2
Hello reader! Every Wednesday, I post this companion written analysis from this week’s episode of Maria Luz’s Conscious Curiosities podcast.
Today’s topic is: Empower Yourself to Practice Astrology: FAQs
In this episode:
Answers to questions which may come up as you start your own astrology learning
Last week I introduced ideas to empower you to do astrology on your own in a way that fits you. You may want to stop and listen to that episode before continuing. This week, I have a list of FAQs, to save you some Googling.
Q: Why does my birth chart look different depending on which app or astrologer produces it?
A: You birth chart was likely produced with a different House System each time, resulting in some of the planets living in a different house in one chart vs. the other. Two of the most common systems are Placidus, which is a quadrant based system and typically results in houses being of unequal sizes, and Whole Sign, which forces all houses to be of equal size. You can tell because the Whole Sign will force your first house to begin at 0° of your rising sign, whereas Placidus and other quadrant based house systems will begin your first house at the exact degree of the sign relative to the horizon. I am probably not explaining this in the most technically correct manner, so just be aware that this happens.
Most astrologers practice in the system they were trained on, so it will be specific to their lineage. For example, as I am trained in the Jeffrey Wolf Green lineage, I use Porphyry, which is specific to how we practice evolutionary astrology. You can start with one, and as you learn astrology, if you find that the placement of planets doesn’t feel right to you (as noted by your Moon and Sun, most notably), you could switch to a different system that feels more accurate. However, you won’t want to be switching back and forth or creating your own hybrid.
Q: How do astrologers become astrologers? Is there a license or something?
A: There is no standard or licensure to practice astrology in the U.S. I am just guessing a big factor is because of our history of condemning practices that were not part of the Christian mainstream, but also, astrologers don’t seem to be types who would want a prescriptive and restrictive means of organizing themselves. However, there are various associations or schools organized around certain lineages or astrology, and some of those offer credentials. As I mentioned, I have been working on my certification through the Jeffrey Wolf Green Association of Evolutionary Astrologers this year. Others that I am aware of are Kepler College, and the Forrest Center for Evolutionary Astrology.
I am also a registered member with the Organization For Professional Astrology, which has its own code of ethics.
From what I have experienced, it’s not exactly a way to make an easy living, so I don’t see much benefit in opening up an astrology business if you aren’t skilled, thus minimizing any fraud potential. There is a lot of competition and the income for the work done doesn’t amount to a whole lot unless you are really busy or doing a lot of group offerings.
Q: I don’t identify with my Sun sign (or my Moon sign, or Rising sign). Why?
A: This is a big topic. Here are a few possible reasons:
Perhaps you are presently familiar only with the popular stereotypes of the sign, as opposed to the full archetype.
Perhaps you were conditioned to not display or even feel like the sign, e.g. many women Aries or Leo Suns are taught to tone that down, and men Cancer or Pisces Suns are taught not to be so sensitive.
There is something called a Progressed Chart, which is a way to understand subtle changes to our birth chart over time. It could be that your Progressed Sun or Moon are now in signs different from your birth.
Q: Can I look into my partner’s birth chart to understand them better?
A: Before looking at anyone else’s birth chart, you should have their consent. An exception would be your minor children. Often, it is really helpful to understand your children’s charts in order to best support them.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a birth chart reading?
A: The average seems to be ~$175 - $350. (As an aside, as my business is new, I have been charging a much reduced rate, to build clientele. I will likely increase my rates in 2025.)
Q: What should I expect to learn in a reading?
A: If it is your first reading, your Big Three will be explained in fair detail, including an explanation of how those energies may play out in your life. From there, it really depends on the individual astrologer and on the specific topics that interest you.
I would suggest you have 1-2 main area that you would like input on, such as relationships or work. The time runs out very quickly, so feel empowered to redirect the astrologer as needed.
Q: What other things would be helpful to know?
A1: I think it is helpful to know if you are an ‘eclipse person’, which generally means you were born within about a week of an eclipse. I am one and when looking back at key turning points in my life, see that they were often near an eclipse or near the degree where the eclipse near my birth happened.
A2: Another thing is to understand that we all have all twelve signs of the zodiac within us (if you are a regular listener, you know I say this often!). Some may feel harder to access within us, and that may be a hint that you will want to intentionally learn about those energies so you can exercise them. They all have strengths, so we may as well develop them while we are in Earth school.
If you have any questions which I didn’t cover, you can always email me at info@marialuz.online.
You are now empowered to continue to be consciously curious about practicing astrology in your own way!
ICYMI last week, references I have experience with:
Astrology website birth chart calculators:
To learn the Archetypes:
Scroll down to “Astrology Basics” on the Astrology tab of my website
Apps:
Time Passages
Co-Star
Moon sign: Can be found on the Apps or websites, e.g. Astroseek.
Podcasts I listen to regularly:
The Astrology Podcast (also has a YouTube) Caution! Episodes are usually 2+ hours (Host Chris Brennan is a Scorpio)
Big Sky Astrology. Host April Elliott Kent spends time on the Moon each week.
Astrology of the Week Ahead with Chani Nicholas for a quick overview of major planetary movers.
The Stars Made me do it. Two fire sun Pluto in Scorpios (age ~30) present basic concepts in a conversational manner.
Healing the Spirit. Host Jonathan Koe contemplates different themes related to the archetypes or current transits.
Workbook for Beginner - intermediate:
Astrology for Yourself by Douglas Bloch and Demetra George