Astrologer OPA’ s Quarterly Magazine V24-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2015 page 10
Interview with
Richard Smoot
YOUR ID
Email: richard @ richardjsmoot. com
Your family: My family is those around me with whom I share my life and provide mutual support. My current family of origin includes my wife of five years, Victoria, my three sons and daughter, and a grandson. I have two sons from a first marriage, one is married and has a son and the other is going to be married this June. My other two children I adopted in another marriage. They were born in Korea. Yet my family extends to my astrological family over the past forty years and around the world. Oh and lest I forget, I’ m also married to ISAR, Inc. and have various types of“ intimacy’ s” with OPA, NCGR, AFAN, APAI, AAGB, and AFA … I’ m blushing.
Religious background & conditioning? I was brought up in a Presbyterian Church, but left at age 14 due to a congregational speech I made during a“ Coming of Age” event. I read the Christian Bible from a historical perspective and I found( through a 14 year olds eyes) that it seemed like the Bible in early Christianity was used as a weapon of the literate church to oppress the illiterate public and manipulate the people to do the church’ s bidding. My speech was cut short after my statement and the church door closed behind me. Later, I joined a Unitarian Universalist church and was a member for 20 years and became the President of their board. After I left the UU church in the mid-1990s, I did not involve myself with organized religion.
Spiritual orientation – do you follow any specific practice? I’ m interested in Jainism and I’ m a member of a Jain meditation Center in Michigan. Yet I rely on the daily experiences of my seemingly new life that is currently unfolding. There is an awakening occurring. I have a personal axiom, which still works for me,“ We are on this planet to raise the next generation and to serve.”
What’ s the worst thing and then, the best thing about you? Is this an employment interview? I think I heard that question when I applied for a job an administrator at the Detroit Medical Center. The worst and best thing about me is that I’ m loyal. Loyalty is a double edge sword. Oh, I also got the job.
You never tried … Well, to those who really know me may agree that there isn’ t much I have not tried( Seven cardinal and six fire signs). For a few years, I worked with the Oglala Lakota in repairing homes on the Cheyenne Reservation in South Dakota. During a Sweat Lodge I was given two names,“ One Who Runs with Scissors” and“ Gentle Tiger”. Incidentally, my Jain Sanskrit name is“ Rohit” which translates“ Eternal Flame.” I believe all three fit quite well, thank you. I never tried skydiving or bungee jumping.
You can’ t refuse … Ah, I can’ t seem to refuse a good old or new movie; live classical orchestra programs; a leisurely good dinner with friends and conversation; music of almost every genre( I just can’ t get into improvisational jazz and country; songs like,“ How Can I Miss You if You Won’ t Go Away by Yank Rachel and the Tennessee Jug Busters”).
Now this may be strange, but I can’ t refuse looking at accounting and treasurer’ s reports. I was ISAR’ s treasurer for a while and I’ m currently the treasurer for the Jain meditation center in Michigan, which I spoke of earlier.
Of course, if I see an astrology chart, I can’ t refuse to look at it.
What is playtime for you? As above, a good old or new movie; live classical orchestra programs; a leisurely good dinner with friends and conversation. I do love camping and the outdoors.
Your animal totem? During a Sun Dance on the native Lakota reservation, I came upon a turtle. I watched that turtle for nearly an hour. I saw in it, time, determination, and strength. It provided me with the courage to continue. I seemed to form a relationship and a personification with that turtle. So, I suppose a turtle is my animal totem..
Your superstition? As in superstitions are“ irrational beliefs”? It is hard to imagine anyone without an irrational belief. Superstition as in a“ personal fallacy”? I suppose I do, but I do not know.
Your Chinese sign? Ox Earth – This seems to some things up:“ People born under the sign of the Ox are generally calm, dependable, patient and unflagging. The Ox is symbolic of prosperity that is achieved through hard work. Although obstinate they do have logical minds and will not be easily frightened. They appreciate that in order to achieve success things must be done in a certain methodical and correct way. Ox people are seldom deprived and tend to be both reliable and conventional. They are patient and very loyal.”( http:// www. paranormality. com / ox. shtml # sthash. qwi42TOC. dpuf)
Favorite place on earth? There are many places, all with there own charm, beauty allure. The two that come close to my heart is“ the“ wedge” on the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach, one of the first south facing beaches in California where storms in Baja, Mexico pound against the rocks that protect the boat inlet. It is here, when there are no people on the rocks, I would sit for hours and meditate as I became mesmerized by the ocean.
The Career
Astrologer OPA’ s Quarterly Magazine V24-02 JUNE SOLSTICE 2015 page 10