What makes a "great" interpretative astrologer?

Question

Years of experience?

Natural talent?

Unnatural insite?

An expensive certificate?

Constant book study?

Real life study/ observation of people?

Application to real life?

Online classes?

Common sense?

Good mentorship?

A background in psychology?

Being willing to share your knowledge to help others?

**If a combination, what top 3 things?**

Points to ponder:

For those of you who have had your questions answered wisely, what qualities in the answers made you choose those answers?

For those of you who have an astrological community, of those respected within your communities, what makes them the "go to" person?

Your experiences most welcome. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

I think all of the words you stated makes up of a great interpretative astrologer. If I had to pick only three that would be super difficult. But here I go I guess...........

1. Ability to communicate effectively

2. Real life study/ observation of people (knowledge of subject)

3.  Common Sense and Application to real life are tied!

This is just my opinion. I truly think that a combination of all the traits would be the "perfect" one.

Answer 2

1) Constant book study. I think this is important because there are so many books written on the subject of astrology, and it's important to know the difference between the types of astrology, and understanding the basics for making and interpreting a chart. I've read some of my older books from cover to cover several times. I've bought newer books as I find ones which seem to be written by astrologers who are well studied.

2) Real life study and observation of people. Definitely, because what other way can a person decide if the astrology books are accurate. Also, this is where the person develops an intuitive feel, by doing chart interpretations.

3) Ability to communicate effectively. I've read certain interpretations online, and have come away wondering how someone could write so many words and basically say nothing coherent.  

The 'go to' person? It will depend a lot on the person asking the question. I find that many on here want to hear back what they already themselves think.  

Answer 3

1.  Knowledge- reading 100 or so books on astrology and related topics like psychology and mythology.  Knowing the key words to signs, planets, and houses.

2.  Experience- looking at 100's of charts.  Talking to people about charts.  Observing transits and their effects.

3.  Intuition-  This is key.  All the knowledge and experience in the world mean nothing if a person doesn't know what to do with it.   Intuition helps the astrologer decide which of the possible interpretations apply.  And also to synthesis the various aspects of a chart in a way that the whole is greatest than the sum of its parts.

Answer 4

Wow, I don't understand why I would get a TD before I even answer.  I guess there are people who don't like me and want to hurt my feelings - oh well.

Anyway, Irish, I think that in order to be a "great" interpreter of Astrology, you first have to have the knowledge - without that, you have nothing to offer.  Secondly, you have to be able to communicate what you know effectively in order to be understood and thirdly, you have to have empathy; that is, you have to be able to understand someone from their perspective.  

So, when I feel like someone has answered my questions wisely, whether it is in Astrology or another section, I look for the qualities I just mentioned: 1. knowledge of the subject; 2. ability to communicate that knowledge so that I understand (not talking about spelling); and 3.  whether I believe that the person understood the feeling or intention of my question and responded with courtesy and respect.

I appreciate those comments.  Yes, and who really knows why the TDs...................could be a lot of reasons.

Answer 5

1st: A great deal of experience in studying several astrology books so that the knowledge is balanced and well-researched.

2nd: Real life study and observation of people to acknowledge firsthand how those learned astrology principles apply accurately or not in one's opinion.

3rd: Being willing to share your knowledge to help others.

How I choose a best answer:

1st: The person who answered my question.

2nd: The person who didn't exactly answer my question, but made me think about whether my question was a good question.

Who do I respect in astrology communities:

Those who do not post silly immature questions about what sun sign is the strongest or smartest.

Those who give helpful answers and are not cruel or obnoxious to newbies or persons who do not fully understand their questions.

Those who answer questions and try to be helpful, and do not get involved with bickering or disputes. I understand that there are some unpleasant persons on any message board, but I think it is altogether better to ignore them. (I had to learn this the hard way.)

(EDIT: I get TD too, and I have no idea which part of my comment that someone didn't like, or if they don't like me. One thing I do think we need to keep in mind is who benefits from TDing us and who hates astrology enough to cause this type of disruption.)

Answer 6

Real life study/observation of people

Application to real life

Being willing to share your knowledge to help other

In my opinion, those are the top three. I know there are several schools in the world which have classes in astrology, but that does not mean a person is a great astrologer. The personal touch of studying and observing on one's own is needed.