Archer Takes Aim at Astrology Several years ago a friend gave me a sign that says, "Blessed are they who persuade the reluctant seeker to face the obvious for they shall be called Consultants". Consultants may include, doctors, priests, ministers, rabbis, astrologers, psychiatrists, psychologists, even school counselors. Generally people don’t call on consultants when things are going swimmingly in their lives. It is when various problems arise in people’s lives that they seek help from a "consultant". There are many problems that beset mankind on this planet, but the three main categories that prompt a person to seek help are Health, Relationships, and Money/Career. Now if your problem concerns health, I would recommend a person who has studied medicine, such as a doctor, chiropractor, or osteopath. The AMA crowd are quick to push the chemical solution or cut it out. I know of some AMA doctors who only read medical journals. That is what I’d call a technician, but not a person with much insight into the "Human Condition". They are often only interested in what their five senses can come in contact with. The "disease" is actually first in the spiritual, emotional, and mental plane before it manifests in the physical. A chiropractor or some of the alternative medical practitioners tend to take the whole person into account by inquiring into what is happening in their mental, emotional, and spiritual life. The people born with Neptune in Virgo, (and there were a whole bunch of them!) the natural 6th house of health and work, will often have illness that are misdiagnosed. Often the chemical, quickly prescribed by the devotee of the AMA, exacerbates the situation instead of heals. They are just attempting to treat the symptom, not the source of the problem. This will also be true of anyone with the planet Neptune in their 6th house or conjunct their Ascendant. Contrary to Mary Summer Rain’s statement in her recent book, "Beyond Earthway" on page 45, I know many astrologers who can "pinpoint a specific disease or its onset". They are just circumspect about it so they won’t be sued for practicing medicine without a license. They will tell the client to check with their medical practitioner and will often tell what area to focus on to solve the problem. It is interesting that Mary Summer Rain who states she has never had her own chart read by an astrologer devotes an entire chapter to it in her book. It reminds me of a Hollywood starlet becoming an expert on politics or philosophy! For the problem concerning Relationships, I’d recommend a competent, experienced astrologer before any of the others. Pray, just what does a priest know about martial problems? I will definitely concede that some rabies and ministers have had their own share of marital problems so they may be a bit more knowledgeable with insight. I met a highly paid New York psychiatrist at a social gathering many years ago. He was on his 6th wife who a few months later left him, all his money, and their exotic trips. Psychologists and psychiatrists own lives are often unsettled. Must confess that is also true of a few astrologers I know! They may be objective in observing your life. But I tend to listen to one who’s life reflects integrity and harmony if that is what I am seeking in my life. I don’t think a New York Jewish psychiatrist would be of much help to a Hispanic young female with emotional problems in the barrio of East Los Angeles or Tucson. "The Witch Doctor" should have a similar culture background and value system of the patient to be effective and understanding. There are several Astrologers who do work for psychiatrist and psychologists to speed up the diagnosis process. If the patient is flush with money, they can throw much baloney at the counselor for months if they desire. The astrologer, in the background, can cut through that baloney very quickly with an accurate natal chart. But some counsellors don’t want the process speeded up. Just as most Generals, secretly would like a little war. There are some patients, due to their egocentric behavior, who have no friends. So they hire a friend in a consoler, one who will listen to them at least once a week. A good astrologer can also give much insight into any Career and Money problems. Some people are just not aware of the talents they were are born with. There was too much criticism (while kills ambition) and not enough praise (great fertilizer) while they were growing up. So they take a numbing job to make money to live on off the job. Or that take a job that they think has "prestige". Or they take the job or career path that they think pleases Mom and/or Dad. Before a students goes to college or a trade school a consultation with an experienced, competent astrologer can give much insight into possible career paths that will bring success and happiness. The astrologer won’t tell them exactly which job to do, but will certainly tell the student with a lot Gemini planets that he won’t be happy as an accountant. He will need change and variety, not routine. Several school counsellors have over 250 to 300 students assigned to them. They are often overwhelmed with work and underloved. They certainly can’t know the student like an astrologer with a correct natal chart. Today adults often face many career changes in their life. Seldom does a person today work for the same company all their lives. I have known a wide variety of astrologers, and people in the consulting fields over the 33 years I have been an astrologer. Some of them claiming to be astrologers while in reality were only card readers or psychics. I believe that you should ask questions when you seek advice from any consultant. You should audition them. Consultants are like a prism, their background, culture, values, education, sexual orientation, beliefs, and desires will color the advise given to you. You have a right to be aware of their history. So ask first and pay later! You also always have a right to take only what advice is useful and put the rest in the Universal trash bin, a very large "Black Hole"! Archer’s Parting Shot! "Doctors are whippersnappers in ironed white coats who spy up your rectum and look down your throats and press you and poke you with sterilized tools and stab at solutions that pacify fools!" Gilda Radner, (Bless Her!)