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Organization of Professional Astrologers |
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OPA E-News |
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Volume 1 - No. 6 - July, 2001 |
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This month: Results of Last Month's and previous Surveys, New Survey Question, Results of Last Month's Q & A, New Q & A, Welcome to our new editor of The Career Astrologer, Misty Kuceris
Thanks,
Ellen Zucker
emzucker@netreach.net
1. Do you feel isolated as an Astrologer ?
2. Are there local Astrology groups in your area? Do you attend their meetings, listen to their speakers?
3. Are there other sources of networking available to you?
Comments?
Five of you responded to this question. Being sole proprietors, we are alone much of the time. And you commented about that.
Misty Kuceris writes:
I only feel isolated as an Astrologer on those days when I've had to do paperwork, such as my accounting, bookkeeping, and other boring stuff. On those days I just sit in my office and don't interact with anyone. Not very much fun. I feel totally exhilarated when I'm with my clients, lecturing, teaching or networking. I've chosen this profession and am glad I did.
Arlan Wise adds:
I live on a small island where I have been the only astrologer for years...I think part of the feeling of isolation comes from the fact that being an astrologer is a lonely job. There are no co-workers to share the day.
So you devised ways to break out of that isolation. Some of your strategies are quite creative.
Arlan taught students so she would have people with whom she could talk about Astrology:
Now some of my students are now doing charts on their own. There's an astrologer who comes and sees clients in the summer and we're friends but don't see each other much. I am less isolated now that email is a big part of my life.
Chris McRae eloquently describes the local networking group she created:
There is one group here called the Edmonton Astrological Society which I founded in 1977. I attend most of their meetings, enjoy many of their workshops and conduct some of them myself. Last weekend we had our annual retreat which means we spent the weekend at the beautiful acreage home of one of our members. Some people sleep inside the house and others sleep outside in tents or even occasionally a camper. All the food is pot luck and we stuff ourselves with so many delectable goodies that we ourselves bring. We have a few structured lectures, some free time to exchange ideas, time for a swim, and an evening bonfire complete with music, laughter and games. It is a great group and many of us have become good friends.
And being alone is not necessarily synonymous with isolation for some of you:
Maureen Ambrose writes:
No, I keep in touch with our astrological community by attending lectures, by taking specialized classes with other astrologers and by teaching. All these tend to continue the dialogue we have with each other.
And Chris McRae poignantly describes the value of networking:
I suppose in a way I do [experience isolation] because I work in an office in my home rather than in an environment teaming with others. I do much of my work alone, see clients on a 1-1 and spend a considerable amount of time facing my computer or gazing out the window in deep thought. That is why going out to conferences and conducting workshops for astrological organizations all over North America is so exciting for me. Some of you I have known for 25-30 years, only see you once every couple of years and yet you are very dear to me. The exchange is vital for my own growth both astrologically and as an integrating personality. Also dear folks, the wonderful messages of love and healing that so many of you sent to me in my recent loss filled me with so much energy that it has made this bumpy road much smoother. It is such a privilege to belong to this vast community of sensitive, caring people. In that way I do not feel isolated.
When local Astrology groups are available in your area you DO make use of them to varying degrees.
Misty Kuceris writes:
There are quite a few local astrology groups in my area and I go to as many meetings as possible. With four groups, three of those groups meeting on weekends, it's not always easy to go to every groups' meetings in the same month. And, not only do I attend their meetings, I actually listen when the speakers speak!
Maureen Ambrose feels strongly about suporting local groups:
Yes, I feel it is important to support local astrology organizations by attending their meetings and listening to the speakers that are scheduled as long as the subject matter is geared to a relatively high level of understanding. The networking opportunities at these meetings are also satisfying.
But some of you have obstacles; geographical or otherwise that make participation on a local level difficult:
Arlan Wise writes:
There is nothing in my immediate area. I can go to Boston for their monthly NCGR programs but it takes up a whole day as it involves 2 1/2 -3 hours travel each way. I have to really want to hear the person to give up that time. I seldom go.
Ellen Zucker writes:
There are several very excellent groups within an hour's drive from my home. But my hours are so strange and unpredicable that I can't attend local events as often as I'd like. For eg., I tend to be booked nearly every weekend especially on Saturday.
On the other hand, I run into some excellent local Astrologers doing party work at the same parties and special events where I've been hired. And occasionally, I'm asked to hire Astrologers-usually for parties where I'm also working as an artist.
The last question asked if there other sources of networking available.
Arlan responds:
I belong to a peer supervision group in Boston that meets once a month. I go because it is worth the time and effort to meet with other astrologers and discuss difficult clients and other counseling issues. I have been a member of this group for 6 years now.
For some of you, much of your networking takes place with non-Astrologers.
Misty says:
There are many sources of networking available to me: Business Network International (BNI); Women's Executive Business Forum, various Chamber of Commerces; aligned professionals (such as Feng Shui, Reiki, Massage Therapists, Numerologists, Tarot readers) and parties that my friends give.
(Nice people and clients are everywhere.)
Ellen adds:
I'm working to parlay much of the networking I already do for my Party Caricature business to my Astrology business as well. I belong to two Chambers of Commerce, the Philadelphia Visitors and Convention Bureau and some business womens' networking groups. While the primary reason for involvement is for marketing purposes, I find I'm making friends and getting all kinds of dividends. For example, some of us from a Womens' monthly networking breakfast got together to form an investment club. (And these no-nonsense business women are far more receptive to Astrology than I expected).
And let's not forget the value of email in forging links.
Ellen Zucker writes:
Building a sense of community is the primary motivation I had on creating and editing the E-News. Sending in my check once a year in exchange for a quarterly newsletter and an annual conference to some distant location didn't give me a sense of connection to this organization.
I saw how valuable having an internet community is among the community of Caricature artists was for my business development (and sanity) in that field. People of various experience levels from newbies to 30+ year veterans write in to ask questions, share their stories and give suport. I'd like OPA members to have that, too.
You speak eloquently about the necessity and the value of supporting each other as Astrologers and our organizations:
Maureen says it well:
Being supportive of our astrology organizations and making an effort to teach astrology locally is important. We need to keep raising the awareness of what astrology is and is not. For those of us who have expertise in some specific area, the willingness to teach other astrologers that subject in order that they reach a higher level of understanding that special interest also benefits the entire astrological community.
And Chris adds:
All we have to do is reach out. I serve on various boards and committees as a contribution to the broad astrological community that is so good to me. I am currently involved with helping to build UAC and there is plenty of networking there. OPA is also another wonderful group to network with. I look forward to seeing everyone in November. Please come! I am excited about the workshops and am really looking forward to the beach party.
Chris, thanks for the plug about OPA.
Since we're on the topic of isolated working conditions and the benefits of networking, I thought I'd mention an interesting article I read in the June/July issue of The Mountain Astrologer. It's called Astrology Counseling Partnerships by Carleen Thom.
Thom sees a partner structure as a built in networking device. Appropriate partners would be other Astrologers and/or complimentary practicioners. After all, you have day-to-day contact with other professionals. Having a difficult situation around your client? Just step into the next office for an on-the-spot consult. Physicians do it all the time.
Partnering opens the door to creative possibilities. Thom uses the example of a client session with more than one Astrologer, allowing for brainstorming and a three-way exchange.
Plus, new Astrologers can intern and learn the field in a guided, structured way.
Thom also argues that the establishment of such practices would elevate our status in the eyes of non-astrologers as it did for many other fields.
And Thom, a former paralegal, describes appropriate legal structures (LLP or S corporation) and financial structure (Common expenses such as rent and administrative help are split among partners, but each keeps the remainder of what they take in).
Comments?
Ellen Zucker asks:
1. What aspect of your Astrology work do you enjoy the most?
2. Is there a particular experience that stands out in your mind?
3. Can you tell us about it (within bounds of client confidentiality, of course)?
Comments?
Last month, I wrote about the mix of press coverage we were getting as Astrologers.
Several articles came out that were, in my opinion, were particularly noteworthy.
Bonnie Isham Willis wrote in to say:
We often hear the media describe malpractice suits filed against doctors, dentists, & psychologists. There are always bad apples in the bunch, and getting an 8 year degree in an accredited medical institution does not create better humans.
Because Astrology does not yet have stricter accreditation policies, we are faced with a wider range of self proclaimed astrologers.
I cringe when I read the shallow and ignorant downplay of astrology. I often feel like we need to undo the bad messages before we can work on the positive.
But, I do wear a large smile. After all, if astrology and legitimate astrologers were not gaining ground, we would not be a threat or such a popular topic.
New Q & A
Ellen Zucker writes:
A talk show radio host of a small local radio station showed some interest in having me as a one-time guest on her program to discuss Astrology. I met her at a networking luncheon at a local Chamber of Commerce of which I'm a member. At this point I don't know how serious she is. But, never having been on radio, I'd like some pointers so I can be prepared to talk to her if this goes anywhere.
What kind of information do I want to have? What questions should I ask? What conditions should be in place before going ahead? What should I or could I expect?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Dear Members,
Send your comments to Ellen Zucker at emzucker@netreach.net. Comments will be published next month.
It's your Q & A.
Let us direct our collective energies towards brainstorming about YOUR dilemma.
Send in the details. One question will be chosen and posted in next month's OPA E-NEWS.
Please meet our new Editor of The Career Astrologer, Misty Kuceris.
"I can't imagine a world where ideas aren't shared, concepts not developed, and people not interacting...can you? OPA is a great group with its purpose of sharing and supporting each other either as we grow to become professional astrologers or continue in our profession as astrologers. I joined OPA for the sharing and support. As part of this sharing, I shared some of my ideas and professional background with Arlan Wise, Bob Mulligan, and Ellen Zucker and...Now they've asked me to be the newsletter editor for The Career Astrologer. (Well. I did own a consulting firm at one time that had over 60 editors, writers, graphic designers, and photographers working freelance for me.) I'm glad to be an active member of OPA. And, now I'm asking for your help. The newsletter is a great venue for sharing success techniques, inspirational stories of how you came to this profession, business "nitty gritty" information (boring, but necessary), and any other information that helps us become better professionals, associates, or supporters of each other. If you're interested in writing (just 400 words or less), OPA would appreciate it. If you're interested in sharing but want your article ghostwritten, I'll be more than happy to keep your Neptune satisfied, write down your words, and even put your name on the article. If you have some photographs that show off your professional success, send them *.jpg. A picture sometimes "speaks louder" than words. Please call me at 703.354.4076, or fax me at 703.354.4037, or Email me at lunarpower@msn.com with any ideas you have. Thanks." Misty Kuceris
Postings for Rideshares and Roommates
As a courtesy, I'll post your arrival information on the website and in the OPA E-News. This way you can contact each other if you'd like to hook up to share transportation costs to and from the airport.
You'll need to furnish the following: Name and contact information (email, phone, etc), and arrival information (airport where you'll be arriving, airline, flight number, scheduled time of arrival).
I will also post roommate requests. If you'd like us to post your roommate request, furnish the following: Name and contact information, gender, smoking/no smoking preferences
Contact me at: emzucker@netreach.net
Roommate Request:
NSF looking to share room with another NS female. Ellen Zucker Tel: 215 722 6888 Email: emzucker@netreach.net
Van Golay, Hollywood, FL looking for a roommate for Friday, Saturday,and Sunday night, preferably from the Fort Lauderdale area.Tel: 954-431-7659 Email: van@manafoods.com
I have a room available to share (Thursday evening through Sunday) with another male. Contact Richard Smoot at smootfish@aol.com. My phone is 734-484-1897. I will be staying over for Sunday night as well and I'm a non-smoker.
Check here for rideshare postings
Check here for roommate postings
To write to OPA E-NEWS, send to: emzucker@netreach.net. Articles, contributions are welcome. No attachments, please.