I was thinking the other day that if someone reads all of my case studies without some knowledge of astrology or has no exposure to astrological teachings and never had a reading themselves–and maybe even if they did, it’s absolutely possible that they could interpret the case studies as exploitations of the individuals whose charts are analyzed- especially when astrology practice requires honest confidentiality with clients. In a way it does seem that the case studies go against this ‘sacred vow’ of privacy but here’s the scoop:

First of all, the people whose chart interpretations I share are not clients. If they were clients, their charts would only be shared with their permission. Secondly, these case studies are about publicly recognized celebrities and include information that is already public knowledge and in some cases the information used in the analysis comes directly from their own published memoirs. We’re looking into their charts with information given directly from them to see how the astrological information lines up and shows what they’re talking about. It’s not the best way to learn, but a decent and necessary option.

I say ‘necessary’ because it’s important to study as many charts as possible, and not everyone has tons of supportive family and friends willing to have their charts analyzed. I have in my astrology library multiple binders filled with charts of famous and infamous people, from Nobel prize winners and presidents, actors and musicians, athletes and authors, to politicians and criminals. The vast amount of birth charts with a wonderful variety of personalities and careers provides great benefit when learning the nuisances of astrology. We can see in the charts of extraordinary people (for whatever makes them extraordinary) astrological conditions that we won’t see in the charts of ordinary people, giving astrology students a chance to learn how to recognize the widest range of possibilities.

If you are a student of astrology, I highly recommend that you gather as many charts as possible to include in your study. Organize them in whatever way works for you so that if you have a question, you can access other charts with similar conditions to compare results. Keep in mind, the best way to learn is by sitting down with family and friends whom you know well, who are interested in supporting your practice, and are willing to converse with you on a regular basis. This is what will help (both you and them) the most. Talk about their natal charts. Go over their dasha timeline from birth. Review their current dasha. Get together weekly or a few times a month to discuss current transits.

Another important reason to check in regularly with people you know is to get feedback on your direct analysis and on any recommendations or remedial measures (known as upayas) that you may suggest based on your interpretation of their needs.

If you’re fortunate to have helpful, interested support around you, grab the opportunity. For anyone basically going it ‘alone’ for one reason or another, if they are willing, perhaps your astrology instructor and classmates will work with you, or celebrity charts will be your best bet. If you are in need of birth charts, I recommend sharing birth data with astrology students whom you know and visiting AstroDataBank, one of the best sources online.

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Renate Maria Bell is a certified Vedic Astrologer, Jyotish Visharada, and approved teacher with the Council of Vedic Astrology. She can be reached at renatembell@aol.com

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