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2014 page 14
Enhancing Your Astrology Practice
Column by Moon Zlotnick
In the fall issue I began discussing how to build your astrological practice by cultivating the clients that are right for you . Very simply , this has to do with taking the time to understand what each client wants from an astrological session and meeting their needs as best you can . Sometimes this means giving them a referral . In this article I would like to discuss what happens during the actual consultation itself .
Being prepared for a reading means different things to different astrologers , and certainly changes throughout a lifelong practice . In my early years , and certainly in talking with newer students , the urge is to be over-prepared . With everything available using astrological software , we can print out multiple forms of progressions , returns , fixed stars and so much more . My advice is to keep it simple , work with what you know well , and focus on the questions of the client . In the early years I would spend up to two hours before every chart reading . Now it ’ s closer to 30-45 minutes , particularly for repeat clients .
Because you ’ ve already interviewed your potential client over the phone and made notes , you should have a fair idea before that person walks through the door of the questions and concerns they will bring to the reading . Prepare to address their issues as best you can . Sometimes you think you
are prepared until the occasional client will surprise you and ask the “ real ” question at the end of the reading , for example , is my wife going to leave me ? Or , I forgot to mention that I have cancer . Remember , most people who do that are willing to set up another time with you . We cannot provide a good service by trying to answer important questions in the last couple minutes of a session .
Early on in my doing readings I would have so much information I wanted to share with the client that I forgot to reign myself in and be present in the moment . It ’ s important to let the reading unfold as the client allows . So even though we already spent some time on the phone , I always begin each reading by asking the person to articulate what brought them to me , and what they are hoping to learn , or understand . I write down what they say using their words , so during the reading I can reflect back to them their concerns in their own language . This builds trust and understanding .
I also explain that each reading can be tailored to meet their particular needs , but in order for that to happen they need to discuss their concerns openly . I guarantee each person complete confidentiality and never identify my clients by name , although I might discuss what happened during the course of a consultation with another astrologer or in a classroom setting . Some people will be vague or not really know , in which case I look to the most exact transits in their chart to get my own ideas . Then I will ask them questions . I think it is important to engage with each person until some issue or concern comes out and we can address it together .
Then there are the clients that simply want to talk . Sometimes these are people who got a gift certificate from a friend , or had a concern when they called but it since
resolved . In the beginning of my practice this bothered me . I had done all kinds of preparation but couldn ’ t even get a word in . During one of these readings I realized that my client had no close people to talk to and just needed to vent . As long as you are serving the needs of the client you are giving them a good reading . This particular man returned several times before he opened up and really talked with me .
Most of the time I can tell when the reading is working for someone , but if I ’ m not sure I will ask them questions like “ am I addressing your concerns ?” or “ is this what you were hoping to get out of our time together ?” This gives them an opportunity to redirect or even ask new questions that might have been in the background .
About five to ten minutes before the reading is scheduled to end I always stop and check-in with the client . I go over my checklist , and make sure I spoke to everything they brought up . I ask if there is something they would like to discuss in more depth . This way if they left something for the end , I might have time to address it .
Sometimes knowing how to end a reading can be difficult . Going over their list of questions will often bring the reading to a natural close . If that doesn ’ t work I mention that we ’ re coming to the end of our time together and I ’ d like to know if they got what they wanted . If they express being satisfied I will wrap up the session , but if they still have questions I will try to schedule another session within two weeks .
It ’ s taken me many years of practice to feel comfortable recommending that someone come back and see me during a particular transit , progression or eclipse cycle . When I finally understood that this was a service to them , a way to help them have more resources during a difficult time , I started recommending follow-up appointments . As astrologers we are in a unique position to know not only how but when we can help our clients . R
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2014 page 14