by Resti Santiago
As with any profession, astrologers need to abide by a code of ethics. There are do’s and don’ts ethical astrologers agree to protect the name of their beloved scientia. There might be differences in techniques and interpretations due to personality differences and other factors. One astrologer may prefer modern or psychological astrology, and another one would prefer the older system but both of them must adhere to the same code of ethics.
Why is ethics important?
Ethics is important so that fleeting personal opinions and personality-based pronouncements will not erode the reputation of other astrologers or astrology itself.
Astrologers, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, should try not to project their own issues when reading their clients’ charts. One common trait of newbies (mostly males) is to use astrology as pick-up lines. Though it is understandable at first, as one tries to experiment with the knowledge, it can also get out of hand. Knowledge of other people’s inner nature can be abused to elicit reactions other than what an astrology-reading should be – to aid others to make important decisions.
By the same reason, astrologers should also refrain from being judgmental. If negative traits are discussed, ways on how to address them must also be explored with the client.
It’s simple. Astrology is one of the so-called esoteric or spiritual sciences and its practitioners must exhibit a certain degree of restraint nurtured by wisdom. Astrology was never meant to be for entertainment. Those who developed astrology were priests (of the old religions) and philosophers in the Hellenistic world.
AFA code of ethics
There is a danger that astrology can be abused for personal purposes. Most international organizations are after the protection of the profession itself when they devised their code of ethics. The American Federation of Astrologers (AFA) require their members to make it clear whether they only make interpretations based on verified astrological chart and have the client know whether systems other than astrology has been used. For example, if predictions about devastating earthquakes are done with the help of non-astrological means, the astrologer must say so.
AFA members follow these words:
“I agree not to interpolate or introduce into any astrological deduction any interpretations that are irrelevant to the science of astrology without first stating that such deductions are neither based upon the chart nor identified with the science.”
Serafin Lanot, the great Filipino astrologer, who popularized astrology in the Philippines in the 80’s, will read a person’s chart only if a birth certificate is available for him to see. When my original set of astro friends and I visited him in 1993, a few months before his death, it was only I who did not get a reading from him. I was not able to produce my birth certificate at that time. He was very strict about this, as he was a member of the AFA.
OPA ethical guidelines
Another group, the Organization for Professional Astrology, also takes ethics in earnest they even categorized their ethical guidelines into three.
- Responsibility for the client
- Responsibility to the general public
- Responsibility to other astrologers and the profession of astrology.
For more details, please check their site: http://www.opaastrology.com/about/code-of-ethics
The National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR), one of the most organized astrology organizations in the world, have come with more specific guidelines. One of the most important section is about the misuse of astrology.
Misuse of Astrology
a) Misuse includes gross misrepresentation of astrological factors used to make sensational and exaggerated claims in public statements.
b) Astrologers are alert to and guard against personal, financial, social, religious, or political factors that might cause them to misuse their influence.
c) Astrologers do not participate in activities in which it appears likely that their expertise or data will be misused by others.
d) If astrologers learn of the misuse of their work, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation.
Astrologers must also respect copyright laws.
Crediting and Citing Sources
Astrologers realize the importance of intellectual integrity. They are aware that the improper use of copyrighted material is illegal, and that plagiarism (the presentation of another’s work as one’s own) is dishonest. This one has been my pet peeve and has taken extra care to follow this. Maybe because of my Aries sign, to be original has always been my goal. Although knowledge is all around the Internet, an idea becomes yours only when you have fully understood it, applied it in your life and expressed it in your own words. In one of the FB groups I joined, where the top astrologers in the world gather, one of the rules that we had was to cite sources of astrological rules that one uses when making posts. Serious astrologers take intellectual integrity seriously.
I predict that there will be more demand for astrologers in the coming decades and more students will explore astrology. But it would help everyone to be aware of ethical standards among astrologers.
Originally published in Filipino Astrologer 2018 Auspicious Timing Guide.