Organization of Professional Astrologers

OPA E-News

Volume 1 - Feb 2, 2001


This month: An Introduction, A Letter from the President, Q & A, Quickie Survey Questions, A Note from our Membership Chair.

An Introduction

Hi, my name is Ellen Zucker and I'm the editor of OPA E-NEWS. It's exciting to be involved at the start of a new publication. OPA E-NEWS is a harbinger of things to come as our organization grows.

So, welcome to the first issue.

OPA (the Organization of Professional Astrologers formerly Pro-SIG) wants to reach out and become more meaningful to you. Starting today, you'll be receiving this monthly email newsletter. It's a place where we OPA members can communicate with each other and share information.

It's also a place where we can inform you about the exciting things going on here-such as our upcoming annual conference: (psssst: November 2-5, 2001 in beautiful Naples, Florida-mark your calendar).

In coming issues you'll hear more about the line up and the topics. Prepare to have your mind blown! It's a conference that'll be well worth your hard earned time and money-plus we'll have lots of fun:)

We'll begin by having a quick survey (1 or 2 questions-short and sweet). The results will be published in the subsequent month's E-NEWS. If you wish to comment, or suggest additional questions, we'll print those, too (subject to space allowances and editorial discretion) Over time, we will be able to generate a picture of the Astrology community. The topic for this month focuses on rates charged by Astrologers.

A new feature is "Q & A": You get to play "Dear Abby." A member (it can be you(!) writes in about a problem or question that came up in the course of his or her work. Then we ask you, our members, to write in with your comments and advice.

OPA E-NEWS is a work in progress. So give us your two cents on how OPA E-NEWS can be more useful to you in your Astrological work. Send your comments (as well as changes in your email addresses) to me.

I look forward to working with all of you and being your editor.

Ellen Zucker
emzucker@netreach.net


A Letter from our President

This is a fantastic time we are living in. We have seen astrology transformed as a field. I remember attending conferences in the 70’s and the 80’s, listening to people over the last 30 years on every conceivable topic. The caliber of discussion of technical subjects at conferences today is so much higher. As a group astrologers today are so much better educated, so much better studied. Conversation on every subject within the field has improved. Until our organization came along, there was no discussion anywhere publicly of any of the issues of professional astrology. We have come a long way in a short period of time. Not just our group but all of astrology. Our world has been changing at an exponential rate. Astrologers have kept pace.

But now we look to the big question. What can we do to help each other? How can we improve the field and aid each other to be happier and more fulfilled as people as well as astrologers? We need to look at what has worked in the past. As we each grow and learn, we can share.

My own continuing education, besides reading and research, is largely listing to tapes of past PROSIG/OPA lectures while I’m driving. I would like to thank each and every one of you who has lectured at our conferences. In a very tangible way you have improved my practice and my life. I listen to about three to four hours of lectures on tape each week. In this manner, we can enrich each others lives. By sharing our thoughts we are making a better field. But there is something more important than the sharing of our thoughts. It is the sharing of our hearts. Our ability to be truly open with each other has made this period of organizational development so valuable.

We are entering a new arena of our work together. Not only can we share at conferences and in our Newsletter, we now have a monthly e-news. The purpose is to give us all more immediate contact with each other.

Bob Mulligan
Naples, Florida


Q & A


Bob Mulligan writes:
Here is my situation. In the last few years the volume of clients that I see
has dropped dramatically. I was saved from financial ruin only because I
increased my rates. My rate use to be $100 an hour. I now charge $150. I
sell about 1000 hours a year. After paying, business expenses, child
support, taxes, mortgage, there isn’t much left for savings etc. My dilemma
is that my clientele has gradually drifted from being a broad cross-section
of our society to being only those who are very well heeled. Yes, I do work
for free at times, but it isn’t the same as when everyone could afford an
appointment. Does anyone have any other thoughts on the time money equation
in general? Or on my personal situation?



Dear Members,
What can you advise Bob? Is your experience similar? Send your comments to
Ellen Zucker at emzucker@netreach.net. Comments will be published next month.

Would you like us to brainstorm YOUR question? Send it in. One question will be
chosen and posted in next month's OPA E-NEWS.



Survey Questions
(Hit the reply button, answer the questions and click "send")

1. What is your hourly rate?



2. Where do you live? (city, state)



Comments?





A Note from our Membership Chair:

Isn't this a great new way to keep in touch with each other?
I want to be able to use this means of communication to help with membership and renewals. I send out renewal forms in November to all those who were behind in dues. I gave a grace period for lateness. Those of you who haven't returned your renewal forms are asked to please do so as I am about to cull the list and you will be dropped unless I hear from you. Everyone else will receive their forms when it's your time to renew. Since we've moved on to email, I would love it if those who are not going to renew would drop me a line and let me know that and maybe a word or two why you're leaving OPA. If you plan to renew and the form is stuck in a pile on your desk, let me know that too.

with warm regards to the membership,
Arlan Wise
arlanw@vineyard.net


To write to OPA E-NEWS, send to: emzucker@netreach.net

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