GAIL FAIRFIELD «THE PROFESSIONAL ASTROLOGER»
Becoming a professional astrologer can be an exciting and
rewarding process. It can also be intimidating and overwhelming. In the hopes of tipping the scale in the direction of satisfaction and profit, this article outlines some of what you will need
as a full-time astrologer, consultant, teacher and writer.
Full or Part time?
How much time you will devote to your profession as an astrologer is an important one. Look at your personal life, your
current working situation, and the people and causes to which
your time is already committed when deciding how much time
and energy to give astrology. Since it tends to be easier to add
time than to back away, consider starting on a part-time basis,
adding hours as money and other commitments allow.
Many successful astrologers began their astrology practices
while holding part-time jobs. Others need to commit full-time
attention from the beginning. Still others find, for one reason
or another, that astrology is a significant but part-time vocation. Whatever your decision, it is important to be honest with
yourself and your family about your intentions.
The Scope of Your Work
Within the field of astrology are a number of areas in which
you can focus your attention. The most common is a consultation practice where you work on a personal basis with a given number of clients per week. Some professional astrologers
never see clients: their skills are better expressed as researchers, teachers, event organizers, artists or writers. You may
begin in one area and add other interests as your time, energy,
and personal inclinations permit.
Personal inclination is the key phrase: look to your chart,
considering your skills and abilities.
If you realistically evaluate your own interests and talents,
you can build a business that suits your perfectly.
Timing
Is is time for your avocation to become a business? Are you
prepared to be entrepreneurial? It almost goes without saying:
your best chance for success lies in hanging your shingle at a
time that is most propitious for you. Your own learning should
match the nature of the work you want to do but don't wait
forever thinking that perfection must be achieved first. As an
astrologer you will always be learning. It is OK to jump in when
you feel ready.
Do you feel comfortable promoting yourself? Can you accept
the ups and downs of erratic income? Many astrologers ask
another astrologer for assistance in discovering when the universal patterns are most in tune with individual business aspirations. Consider too when your change of profession will flow
smoothly into your personal life. And observe the weather —
the emotional climate — of your town or city. At certain times
of the year people may be more likely to flock to your sessions,
classes or events. Are there times to avoid?
КАРЬЕРА АСТРОЛОГА | 1 2012
Once your choices have been made on these three topics,
you are ready to focus on the practical factors of setting up
an astrological business.
Legal Factors
If you are researching or writing about astrology, there are
few legal factors to consider other than plagiarism, copyrights
and, contracts. These concerns are important, but they do
not block your ability to work. However, if you are establishing a consulting practice, you must be careful about the
framework of your business.
If you are already licensed in your country, state, or city as a
counselor or therapist, you may find it simple to add astrology as one of the many tools you use. If you are not legally a
helping professional, identify yourself as a consultant, not a
counselor. Astrologers know that therapeutic change does
sometimes occur within the context of an astrological reading
but, strictly and legally speaking, you are only giving feedback
and information that people can use in order to make effective decisions.
Additionally, if your country, state or city requires a business license to operate a service business, you will need to
purchase one. Ignoring it can lead to hassles later. On the
license, you need not go into great detail, simply state that
you are a consultant. You may not be required to mention
astrology. If this advice seems strong, it is. Laws outlawing
fortune telling (and anything that anyone would interpret as
such) are sill on the books in many jurisdictions.
When and Where to Work
Many astrologers work quite comfortably at home, though
most find it useful to separate their personal and professional
spaces there. If you are thinking, researching, or writing you
will want a designated area for your work. Wherever you
work, at home or away, it is worthwhile to establish a tolerable level of order/chaos, and create a type of aesthetic ambience that suits your personality. Whether you like crystals,
candles, neon or formica, let your environment reflect who
you are as a person and as an astrologer.
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