Astrology is a unique science that can be used to understand human behavior, therefore, it can be effectively used as a counseling tool. As a therapist and professional astrologer, I value the importance of astrology in my counseling practice.
The Sun sign gives general personality characteristics, while the Moon describes a person's emotional nature, supplying me with crucial information about the client's mental heatlh. Mercury will add insight as to how the client communicates or thinks, making it easier for me to establish rapport and understand one's reasoning ability. Venus is of particular importance when a client is having relationship problems, while Mars is an indicator of how that person expresses anger.
The angular distances between the planets, commonly referred to as aspects, will show a client's strengths and weaknesses. House positions of the planets are also important in gaining insight into the different areas of a person's life, such as one's relationships, work, and health. Numerous planets in the 7th house of marriage, for instance, would highlight that area of the chart and offer information about the type of marriage partner that person would attract. Difficult aspects might suggest problems in marriage, while easier aspects add marital harmony.
Charts between two people involved in a relationship can be compared and are useful in counseling couples who might be contemplating marriage, as well as couples who are experiencing conflicts in their relationship. The aspects between their planets will quickly show where the tension lies and how it can best be resolved. Astrology explains why patterns develop, such as someone marrying one alcoholic after another, and why live-in relationships change once a couple marries, since different houses describe non-marital and marital relationships.
The 12th house of the subconscious mind is especially significant, since it can point out what is hidden outside the client's awareness. The 4th house of the home and family then provides data concerning one's early childhood and parental relationships. What might take years of analysis to uncover can be can be revealed in the first session, enabling me to know where the blocks are and what areas need to be explored.
With an accurate birth time, I can interpret what is currently happening in a person's life. One's natal planets progress each year in a counterclockwise direction around the chart and as these progressed planets aspect the natal planets, major events occur. The transiting planets, where the planets are in the sky at the present time, also move around the chart, highlighting certain areas. Jupiter expands and enlarges whatever house it transits through, while Saturn restricts or limits a particular area and Uranus brings about a sudden or unexpected change. In the 6th house of health, for example, Jupiter could expand the physical body, causing one to gain weight or overindulge in food or alcohol. Saturn there might lower a person's vitality, make one less resistant to illness or cause depression, whereas Uranus would show a sudden health problem, nervous condition, or heightened state of anxiety.
An astrological chart can reveal if a person has a predispotiion toward alcoholism or drug addiction or if one has suicidal tendencies. It will help to identify potential heatlh problems and can be useful in selecting the best times for surgical procedures. The chart can give clues in determining career direction and in deciding if a relationship has the potential for a successful marriage. Basically, astrology is a tool that can be used to improve your life, enabling you to make the proper choices and decisions at the best times.
Christy Gunther, M.A. is a NC Licensed Professional Counselor and an AFA Accredited Professional Astrologer. She has been in private practice since 1987 and has an office in Asheville, NC. She offers a unique combination of counseling and astrological services.