BY DMITRIY PARAMONOV
Today, it is not uncommon to meet people who see astrology as more than a fascinating hobby; more and more view astrology as a profession. This shift is due to the fact that we have access to more information, an abundance of astrological software, the availability of modern means of communication, availability of electronic payment systems, as well as the widespread introduction of Internet. This greatly simplifies issues related to advertising and office procedures- all this makes astrology an attractive form of commercial activity. Astrology is becoming cost-effective and, as a consequence, there is a growing interest on the part of astrologers, who are ready to offer people paid consultations.
Every year the astrology market produces a group of young astrologers; full of energy with confidence believing that their astrological knowledge, the ability to speak well, and their ability to establish contact with people will allow them to quickly achieve success in the field of astrological counseling. Consequently, beginning astrologers enthusiastically enter the world of professional astrology, but for some reason, some time later, their enthusiasm wanes, and they quit. What’ s going on? Let’ s find out.
The main reason this happens is found in the motivation for opening a private astrological practice. Why does the person want to become a consulting astrologer? What is the expectation of life as an astrologer? What forethought has gone into the state of the astrological market? And what are his views on the future work?
If the original motivation was wrong then this astrologer is disappointed, and returns to a more stable source of earnings, leaving astrology to the status of a hobby.
Therefore, to avoid disappointment and not lose faith in yourself before you plunge headlong into professional astrological activities, it is desirable to think: why, exactly, you want to become a professional astrologer? What is your relationship to astrology? And are you ready to make it your profession? Ponder these questions, think about the motivation, and try to see yourself as an astrologer. What is you reason for developing your astrological practice? If your reasons are focused mainly its outer side, then you should reconsider a different profession. This can save you a lot of grief.
Naturally, low motivations to do it just to make money or for personal power in the field of astrology has the potential for doing real harm to others, damaging the field of astrology, and being personally disappointed in the outcome.
This problem of the initial motivation ex- ists in all spheres of activities that involve individual entrepreneurship. It would therefore be advisable to seek the experience of specialists from other fields adjacent to astrology. For example, let’ s look at how to solve a similar problem in business. T. Hopkins, wrote a very interesting work on the study of this issue; his comments and suggestions are quite applicable to the activities of professional astrologers. I believe that these tips will help in the development of professional astrology.
Constantly communicating with professional astrologers who give consultations, discussing with them the issues of professional growth by participating in various joint astrological projects, I noticed that there are some specific stereotypes that are typical of those astrologers who cannot achieve success. At the same time, there is another group of stereotypes that operate with successful astrologers. In both cases these stereotypes relate with the initial motivation. So, let’ s look at some notions, most often found with unsuccessful astrologers:
“ By practicing astrology, one can make good money.” By practicing astrology, one really can make good money, but... it is more than just being a true master of his craft. It should be borne in mind that all successful people achieve their success by working very much and constantly focusing on self-improving. Learning the secrets of effective counseling and creating a large customer base requires time and considerable effort. If you intend to work intensely, then counseling can actually be a very profitable business. Otherwise, be prepared for modest earnings.
“ I love astrology and am well versed in it, so I think I can be a good consultant.”
The realization that you love and know astrology very well does not mean that you can be a good consultant. Even if you love astrology as a science, the main quality for success as a coun- [ CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 ]
O P A ❥ The O rganization for Professional Astrology 11 T H E C A R E E R A S T R O L O G E R W I N T E R 2 0 1 4