Comments on: NCGR: An Offline Gathering of Astrologers

By: Jamie Funk

Jamie Funk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:10:55 +0000

Good write up Eric, this is good especially for people out of the loop because on the internet, the USA scene is very prominent.

“It’s always struck me as interesting that most of the astrologers under age 30 are drawn to Hellenistic techniques and the deeper historical traditions rather than the new planets — but that seems to be the trend.”

I mentioned how the USA astrology scene has a large impact on the global astrological community. I’m not so sure this is a global interest in Hellenistic techniques. From what I see on the internet, I would hardly say “most” American astrologers under 30 are drawn to Hellenistic techniques. More like a small minority.

I see it being promoted but wonder about the practical applications of this system. I do not see it being displayed on any major forums or blogs even. Is it more of an academic exercise?

By: Mary Plumb

Mary Plumb — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:54:20 +0000

Hi all,

Thanks for your comments..

I thought it was a wonderful conference, the quality of astrological work and research presented was excellent.

I do agree that having skill to engage therapeutically (as mentioned above) is essential in working with people in a counseling practice. Or, as Richard Tarnas said in reminding us of Hippocrates, at the very least: “First, do no harm.” It takes sensitivity to follow that simple dictum..

And, there are quite a few astrologers who just do research and don’t see clients..Ours is a very broad field and that’s part of what was on display at the conference..

I loved Eric’s presentation on the new planets and Adam Gainsburg and Gary Caton too..both of whom have written for this blog..

And the financial people were great – Ray Merriman, Christeen Skinner, Grace Morris, Arch Crawford, etc. Not for the faint of heart, as they say..

I, unabashedly, am one of those “obsessed by astrology” and love having the opportunity to just get saturated with it…it’s also been quite a few years since my last conference and I do all kinds of other supportive work, so for me, this time, it was a grand time! Even though everyone in the world now knows how old I am, right Eric?

Love to all..

By: Sandra S Mosley

Sandra S Mosley — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:08:32 +0000

Yes, Eric, an excellent writeup.

It is refreshing to have a review that points to areas in need of improvement as well as covering the highlights.

I’ve been attending astrology conferences since the early 1980s and agree with your opinion about the benefits of having various specialists from outside our field share their expertise.

Thanks for your report.

By: Laura Hamilton

Laura Hamilton — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:23:52 +0000

In my training business this is what I do for a living – train groups like front line mental health workers that are not therapists how to engage therapeutically. I teach the basic principles of Motivational Interviewing, Crisis & Counseling, and assessment etc. My dreams have instructed me to add astrology into my private practice where I see people as a yoga teacher. So I’ve dusted off the astology books and have been seeing people utilizing Western & Eastern charts. I’d love to get involved with the astrology community. Look me up.

By: Christine N. Davis

Christine N. Davis — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:19:16 +0000

Eric, great writeup here – I enjoyed the conference too.

You write, “One thing I can’t help but notice about astrology conferences is that the curriculum seems obsessed with astrology.”

Did you mean “obsessed with psychology” or “obsessed with therapy,” instead?