QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF OPA Career OPA’s Quarterly Magazine Astrologer The THE PROFESSION of ASTROLOGY MARCH EQUINOX The Organization for Professional Astrology V30 2021 01 V28-03 SEPTEMBER EQUINOX 2019 page 1 QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF OPA The Career Astrologer Features ASTROLOGY IN THE 21ST MARCH EQUINOX V30 01 2021 CENTURY THE PROFESSION OF ASTROLOGY p. 13 ASTROLOGY IN THE 13 OPA LIVE Introduction PROFESSION 21ST CENTURY 14 OPA LIVE Evolution of Astrology’s Philosopy and Public Image of ASTROLOGY Philip Graves also 22 OPA LIVE MUSIC + 2021 Introducing the IAEA Laura Nalbandian Editors: Maurice Fernandez, William Sebrans 32 How to Finesse Difficult Alexandra Karacostas Chart Issues Proofing: Nancy Beale, Kay Taylor Jeremy Kanyo 34 Guidelines about Ethics and a Design: Sara Fisk Healthy Approach to Consulting Cover Art: Amélie Gebhard, see p. 58 Alexandra Karacostas © 2021 OPA All rights reserved. No part of this 38 Common Challenges publication may be reproduced without the written in Astrology Consultations consent of OPA, unless by the authors of the articles themselves. Maurice Fernandez DISCLAIMER: While OPA provides a platform for articles THE PROFESSION of ASTROLOGY to appear in this publication, the content and ideas are not necessarily reflecting OPA’s points of view. Each author is responsible for the content of their articles. The Organization for Columns p. 8 Professional Astrology 8 TRANSITS OF THE SEASON Kathryn Andren 48 The Business of Astrology Stormie Grace 66 The Asteroids: Daimons of Distinction Brenda Wilson OPAastrology.org p. 66 p. 48 Astrologer The Career p. 52 Dear OPA Members, Happy Astrology Day! Articles 28 Astrology and the ach year we celebrate the gifts of Astrology on March 20th, Spiritual Lessons of 2021 along with the Spring Equinox. As the Sun comes into the sign Matthew Engel E of Aries, we rise like the first crocuses and daffodils to say, “We are 52 Inspired by Music here!” We celebrate our heritage, with gratitude to the generations Amy Shapiro & Michaela Meiser of teachers upon whose shoulders we stand. 69 Dragon Karma: Lunar Nodal Bowl Seasons 2020 to 2022 Sara Gilbert We have been challenged during the past pandemic year. Our hearts go out to everyone who has lost friends and family, busi- 76 Mirroring Astrological Cycles Gillian Crawford nesses and future plans. We mourn the loss of the indomitable Chris McRae. No longer on the endless hamster wheel of busy, we have seen more clearly than ever before the inequities in our society. There has been renewed energy to work toward restoring balance and justice. We’ve had time to ponder our life choices, to realize what truly matters. p.28 Slowing down, avoiding the commute, cooking our own meals, tak- ing numerous virtual courses… we have adapted and learned. Feeding the hungry, checking in with friends who are alone, sewing masks… we have shared our gifts. Now, as we slowly open back up again, it is up to us to remember what we have learned, deepening our new insights into reality. We cannot go back. The new normal asks us to create a more sustain- able life—for ourselves, for all others, and for the planet. p. 58 Your astrology chart still illuminates the path. In gratitude, Kay More R 44 INTERVIEWS with OPA Conference Faculty 58 INTERVIEW with Michael Lutin 64 Remembering Chris McCrae BOOK REVIEWS: 25 The Book of Water by Steven Forrest 51 The Cosmic Calendar by Christopher Renstrom PRESIDENT’S REPORT V30-01 MARCH EQUINOX 20212020 page 3 6 DAYS of Astrology April 22-27, 2021 Magic! OPA 2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ASTROLOGY & The Great Awakening AMAZING TRACKS • Wendy Stacey • Chiron in the Chart • Lee Lehman • Electional Astrology SOLD OUT • Arielle Guttman • The Venus Star Point SOLD OUT • Julija Simas • Transits of a Lifetime • Maurice Fernandez • Past Lives in the Chart SOLD OUT • Moon Zlotnick • The Value of Death Charts • Kay Taylor• Your Destiny Imprint SOLD OUT • Sandra-Leigh Serio • Forecasting ALMOST SOLD OUT • Gemini Brett • Locational Astrology SOLD OUT • Anne Ortelee • Relationship Astrology ALMOST SOLD OUT • Laura Nalbandian • Exploring the Moon • Omari Martin• Vocational Astrology • Lynn Bell • Family Patterns SOLD OUT SPACE IS LIMITED ! TRACK LEADERS CHOOSEJoinJoin YOUR TRACKUs!Us! NOW! Join Us! page 4 The Career Astrologer OPA’s Quarterly Magazine CHECK THE FULL PROGRAM AT OPAastrologyEVENTS.org Welcome to our March 2021 Equinox Issue by William Sebrans “Happiness, as the Greeks defined tioning in demographics -- while they may have what made for an effective and professional relevance and strategic importance, at the heart of coach, he did not refer to core competencies, it, is the full use of all one’s powers the matter are the arguably more superior consider- standards, and income. along lines of excellence.” ations of “excellence” and "service.” Rather, in the moment, he effortlessly rattled Drawing on the Greeks again, “arete” is a off five things, the first three of which were: — President John F. Kennedy, in a public address. concept in ancient thought that, in its most basic sense, refers to “excellence” of any kind. Love my clients unconditionally The term may also signify “moral virtue”. In its Be an ongoing listener and learner earliest appearance in Greek thought, this notion My clients pay me “not to know” of excellence was ultimately bound up with the notion of the fulfillment of purpose or function: the The third one struck me as usefully star- act of living up to one’s full potential. tling in its humble wisdom and simplicity, and I • Lee Lehman • Electional Astrology SOLD OUT Excellence, in this expanded context, serves a grasped his context immediately. • Julija Simas • Transits of a Lifetime noble internal function, visible to mostly oneself, as His clients are employing him NOT to show- well as an outer duty, visible to the world-at-large. case his knowledge or strut his authority but to be • Moon Zlotnick • The Value of Death Charts Without moral virtue and lacking a spirit of fully trusting his own training and intuition in the • Sandra-Leigh Serio • Forecasting ALMOST SOLD OUT service, the idea of “excellence” brings to mind the moment, along with their own innate wisdom, all • Anne Ortelee • Relationship Astrology ALMOST SOLD OUT image of the professional assassin, gambler, or nui- in order to serve them. That is -- to serve the truth sance-- someone who sets the standard for reliably by playing the Fool card, in its noblest expression. • Omari Martin• Vocational Astrology and flawlessly getting on everyone’s nerves. When I asked him later in the session to The Education of Achilles by Chiron fresco from Such individuals may be training one aspect repeat what he had said, as I couldn’t remember Herculaneum of themselves but are not committed to a path of the last two ideas, he replied, something to the internal self-reflection and growth that is funda- effect of...”I can’t remember now”, which further What is a professional? mental to the process of the professionals we are demonstrated his approach...to listen and respond aspiring to be. from “beginner’s mind” rather than “strategic mind.” A beacon of excellence, fully professed (commit- Less obvious and egregious expressions of In his example, I see the more evolved ted) to the highest expression of his or her trade? “professionalism” than those just mentioned, but expression of “professional” ; it’s where the posi- Or, is he a well-trained, highly-regulated nonetheless unsavory, are those that serve form tionings and facades we can be tempted to don hired gun? over substance, reducing organic, evolving life pro- drop away; it’s where unconscious competence cesses into inert matter – the classic case of diplo- gleaned from 10,000 hours of practice is led via The first resonates well, doesn’t it…while mas showcased on the wall. innocence to conjure one’s own unique expres- the second descriptor carries a less flattering tone, Astrologically speaking, these exalt Saturn’s sion of mastery that serves the client, oneself, albeit not necessarily untrue in practice. shadow affinities for certificates, reputation, and and the Cosmos. competitive achievement over Saturn’s deeper What is an amateur? virtues of commitment, integrity, humility, and In this edition of Career Astrologer, we are sacrifice/service. enthused to present ... A casual dabbler, a dilettante, an endearing if Another astrological parallel would be to con- unremarkable hobbyist who produces neither finan- trast the letter of the law – Saturn… over the spirit • unique perspectives from four OPA Live cial reward nor excellence in his ventures? of the Law Jupiter, where one may get the training, panel members on the Profession of Or, is she a true lover of the art (from the Latin honor the community codes, and pay one’s profes- Astrology in the 21st Century: Kay Taylor, amator, meaning “lover”) ... someone who embodies sional dues but essentially lacks heart. Philip Graves, Stormie Grace, and Laura an ideal balance between pure intent, open mind, Nalbandian and a passion for a subject? Our interviewee in this edition of The Career • the initiation of four new columnists for the Astrologer, beloved and “ancient” astrologer coming year: Transits of the Season with The second descriptor of amateur inspires Michael Lutin, (if we go by his Linked in pro- Kathryn Andren, Saturn by Anne Redlich, and elevates the one who is marked by its name. file which suggests his practice began in 1900) Asteroids by Brenda Wilson, and Building a I would propose that the professional astrol- summed it up well and warmly... Sustainable Practice from Stormie Grace. oger would combine the best versions of both “Spend a lifetime devoted to learning and • a warm-spirited, very personal interview the “professional” and “amateur” -- lest the mastering the craft… and sharing your love for with beloved astrologer Michael Lutin practitioner show up either as a well-trained, high- people.