by Stephanie Naudo
My interest in astrology goes back to my teens. At that time, I had only two astrology books: one about establishing my horoscope and one about double astrology, for my Chinese and Western signs. The truth is, my teenage years were turbulent, full of ups and downs, and getting to know myself better through astrology grounded me. I’d constantly go back to these books trying to understand what resonated with me while figuring out the facets of my personality. What I found in these two books was familiar and reassuring. This was the start of a long (love) relationship with astrology.
However, it was only in my late twenties that I had my first reading by a friend. I still have my notes from that day. “A need to protect myself. Desire for security,” I wrote next to my birth chart.
My Stellium in Taurus in the 9th House
Later, in my thirties, my life started to lose balance again. One of my best friends recommended I contact her astrologer. This was my first professional reading. The reading went well. The astrologer listened and showed care while fueling the conversation with positive energy. It felt great! Following that consultation, I got more serious about my chart and astrology. I began the ritual of scheduling a reading with that same astrologer each year for my birthday. She would look at the upcoming transits for the year and answer my questions around career, family life, or whatever was important for me at that time. A few years later, I took an in-person astrology fundamentals class in my city to expand my knowledge. Astrology became a compass.
In December 2019, I decided to open my horizon and looked for astrologers from different schools and styles so I’d have a deeper understanding of the language of the stars. Plus, I thought it would be interesting to see how different professionals would interpret my birth chart. I took a leap of faith and signed up for Astrology Hub. I wasn’t disappointed. When Singapore, where I lived, entered its Covid-19 lockdown, I completely immersed myself in moon rituals, astrological podcasts, and masterclasses. These helped me get through 2020.
Astrology is now part of my daily life. I listen to weekly and monthly podcasts, I follow various astrologers on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, and I conduct my own new moon and full moon rituals based on which sign the moon is. I also still have a yearly astrology consultation for my birthday – aka my solar return – in May, plus a quick follow-up with my astrologer six months later in November. I don’t live my life by my horoscope, but knowing the current transits helps me understand why I feel down sometimes, or when it’s a great time to push my business forward, or whether it would be a better time to pause and reflect. With astrology by my side, I feel more deeply connected with the universe; it’s like an intimate conversation.
Now that I’ve taken you through the seasons of my love story with astrology, here are some personal tips to help you find the right astrologer for you.
“I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night” – Galileo
Where to Conduct Your Research
Where to start? Your first step should be to conduct some research online and within your network or geographic location. Once you have gathered some names, look at the astrologer’s background and credentials. Many astrologers are self-taught, but there are reputable schools and professional associations that astrologers may belong to or be certified from. Astrology takes time to learn. You’ll often hear of senior professional astrologers who still study and attend classes and seminars to perfect their crafts.
For reference, below are listed reputable organizations that provide astrological education and certification and where you can identify competent astrologers:
Astrological Association (AA, based in the UK)
When looking at an astrologer’s profile and biography, you will notice that they often have a degree in another field as well, like psychology, for example. In addition, some astrologers may specialize in a specific astrology branch: natal chart, predictive or forecast, astrocartography or relocation, horary questions (getting an answer by looking at the inquiry’s date and place in the chart), business, relationships, event/electional, financial, etc. Depending on what’s driving you to the astrologer, you may decide to select one with a specialization. For example, I consulted an astrologer with business and electional knowledge because I wanted to nail down my business birthdate. Prior to my consultation, I had sent my personal birth details. During the preparation work, the astrologer had chosen (in fact “elected”) some dates based on my chart. During the consultation, the astrologer presented me with four charts with different dates and walked me through the dynamics at play for each chart. After getting my feedback, she casted my business chart. My business was born!
An important note to end this first part: Keep in mind that this industry is not standardized, so you may come across various ways astrologers market themselves. If something looks fishy, stay away from it. And because we’re are talking about personal matters, select carefully the person you want to work with, just like you would for a fitness trainer or career coach. Check if they have a confidentiality policy under Terms & Conditions; most astrologers adhere to a code of ethics. Double-check with the astrologer directly if you have any doubts.
Take Time to Observe and Compare
The next step is to evaluate and familiarize yourself with the astrologers. Look at their online presence and their reputation in the industry. Listen, watch, read the astrologers’ materials. This is where I spend a lot of time. I look at the material, read online articles or books, watch videos, listen to interviews, read referrals and comments, or take a short class to get to know the person. I also check whom my favorite astrologers endorse; it helps me to discover more professionals and follow their work more confidently.
Also, I participate in several Facebook groups, locally and internationally. I find it really useful to ask questions in these groups, read comments, and get recommendations from other astrology lovers. A great platform to source well-known international astrologers is Astrology Hub, founded by Amanda “Pua” Walsh. Inner Circle members get practical guidance from a professional astrologer to navigate each monthly Moon Cycle. I joined in December 2019 and have already been introduced to 20 hand-picked astrologers from the US and beyond.
The first astrologer I consulted was based on someone’s recommendation. Lucky for me, it was a good fit. I consulted her for many years, twice a year, and thereafter recommended her to friends I thought could benefit from her. However, although an astrologer can be greatly experienced and knowledgeable, your astrologer is like a personal trainer or coach. Personality matters. I know I recommend certain astrologers to some friends and others to other friends. I would add, pick someone whose worldview and religious beliefs you are comfortable with. It’s okay to express our views (respectfully), but you may wish to partner with a like-minded astrologer to discuss your personal life.
Pick Your Astrologer and Be Prepared for Your Astro Consultation
Once you have gathered enough information, it’s time to narrow down your top choices. This is your last step. Determine your budget. Consultations of 60 to 90 minutes range from US$100 up to US$250–$US300 for well-established, renowned astrologers. If an astrologer is outside your budget, you may still wish to follow them on social media and keep them in mind for the future. Astrologers ask for payment upfront as each consultation with a new client requires a lot of preparation. Some astrologers do offer a lower price for repeat clients. Keep in mind that well-known astrologers can be fully booked for months, even up to one or two years, in advance. Don’t forget to read their policies as well. Some astrologers have them clearly stated, like anything else you buy online, so make sure you read the fine print.
Once you are down to a handful of astrologers, get in touch with each of them and ask questions. This is a good way to see how responsive and attentive the person is. Ask questions about the format, video recording or in person, report available, etc. Inquire if they want to receive your questions ahead of time. I have done both, sending my questions ahead of time and asking them on the spot. I usually prefer the first option.
When you are ready to book, have your information ready – date of birth, time of birth, birth location – so the astrologer can cast your birth chart. Based on my experience, the consultation will unfold as follows:
The astrologer looks at the strong elements in your natal chart and will tell you what you should be careful about. They cover various aspects based on where the strong elements are placed, in which house and their relationship with other planets. For example, I have Mercury at zero degree of Gemini in my 10th House. Mercury sits up there very strong in his ruling sign. My ascendant is Virgo, the other sign Mercury rules. As a result, this gives my chart a strong Mercurian flavor. I also have a Stellium (meaning three or more planets in one house) in my 9th house – the house of long journeys, among other things, which explains why I spent most of my life living abroad.
After that, your astrologer will move on to the upcoming year, if this is something you have purchased in your package. They look at the transit and the many flavors of the year. They answer any questions along the way. Toward the end of the consultation, they will ask if you have any questions or if they have covered everything you wanted.
I hope my tips are useful for you and will help you take the leap of faith into the beautiful world of astrology. Wishing you a beautiful cosmic journey, and may the stars brighten up your path.
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