I’ve been following astrology for many years. I like how it connects me to the universe – to the whole – and with the larger, Divine cycles. When used properly, astrology can help bring meaning to seemingly meaningless events, especially the ones that test our resolve.

When someone questions my belief in astrology, I reply by asking “Do you believe in the phases of the moon?”

The phrase “moon time” was used for eons as a euphemism for menstruation. When women lived together in clans, their menstrual cycles were synchronized with each other and with the moon. As an OB-GYN, I can tell you that more babies are born during a full moon than any other time of the month!

New moons signify new beginnings, and when a new moon occurs with a solar eclipse, it’s a new moon on steroids! A few years ago, I signed a contract to write my book, Goddesses Never Age. Underneath my signature, I wrote, “New moon in Taurus, solar eclipse.” I loved the idea of marrying the energy of this particular new moon with the left-hemisphere legal contract, which I’d been negotiating for months. The fact that everything came together on this new moon felt highly significant to me—like the culmination of forces much bigger than my own rational intellect.

You see, astrology is about aligning with the forces that rule the moon, the tides, and the turning of the planets, and then finding your unique place within this system based on how the planets were lined up at the moment of your birth.

And that’s the whole point of astrology. Understanding there are universal forces that act on us that are far greater than we know, and far greater than we can control, but with which we can work consciously for maximum effectiveness and fulfillment.

6 Rules To Remember When Consulting Astrology

People often seek out astrological readings when their old ways of being aren’t working for them. And, astrology can be a very good blueprint. Astrology acts as a reminder that your soul chose this. It reminds us that we are part of a much bigger cycle and that we are not meant to suffer.

When it comes to astrology, I have a few rules that I live by:

Don’t give it power over you. Astrology is simply a tool. It’s like checking the weather forecast to see if you should pack a raincoat. But, it has no real power over you. There are no bad astrology charts. Astrology is like a roadmap designed to help you access your soul’s original blueprint. But, there aren’t any “bad” charts. Every chart has its challenges and its gifts. Align with the Divine. My friend, Astrologer Tosha Silver, teaches that there are no “bad” transits if you know how to align with the Divine. In other words, you are not a victim of your astrologic chart, though some aspects will test your soul’s resolve more than others. For example, wherever Saturn is going through your chart (a transit), it’s likely that that particular area of your life is undergoing a bit of “breakdown to breakthrough.” It all depends on how the degree of orbiting Saturn in the sky coincides with a particular portion of your own natal chart (the position of the planets at the time of your birth.) And each of these positions is associated with a different area of life, such as home and roots, partnerships, career, etc. Ignore newspaper sun sign astrology. Sun Sign horoscopes were started in the early the 20th century as a way to sell more newspapers. However, your sun sign is just one aspect of your individual astrologic signature. And, it won’t give you much information unless you also know your rising sign, moon sign, and the positions of your personal planets, including Venus, Mars, and Mercury. Avoid “doom and gloom” astrologers. When looking for a trustworthy person to work with or follow, avoid “doom and gloom” astrologers. These are the astrologers who call planets like Saturn “malefic”—as if a planet could reach down and make your life a living hell. Surrender to the process. Recently, I listened to Daniel Giamario of ShamanicAstrology.com talk about Pluto transits, and what we typically do when things get difficult: 1) Act/react, 2) Try to solve with our minds, or 3) Deny it with drugs, alcohol or sugar. When you’re going through some of the transits, there’s nothing to do but surrender to the process, and this is when having a blueprint of your soul’s journey and why this is happening is so helpful.

How to Find a Good Astrologer

There are many different schools of astrology. For example, there is Vedic, Sidereal (most predictive), Tropical, Constellation, Shamanic, Evolutionary and many others. They are all different. And, there is no one way that is better than another – they are just different schools of thoughts. Plus, there are many types of readings. And, astrologers use different techniques to get information.

I believe that the school of astrology the astrologer derives the information from is less important than their level of expertise and accuracy of insight. When choosing an astrologer, you want someone who understands that every single cycle is actually serving the purpose of your soul’s growth.

Here are some more tips for choosing an astrologer that is right for you:

Find an astrologer who is helpful and informative. Of course, a professional astrologer needs to know astrology inside and out, but they also need the ability to convey their knowledge to you in a way that is useful to you. This will make the difference between having an OK reading, and one that gives you the support and information you seek. And, be sure to avoid anyone who says you are in a “bad transit” or that you have an “unlucky chart.”

Ask if the astrologer makes birth charts. Good astrologers will typically ask you for your birth time and place and then make a complete birth chart. Even if you have a prior birth chart, many good astrologers prefer to make their own.

Ask for referrals. Choosing an astrologer can be a lot like finding the right health care professional, massage therapist, or yoga instructor. Be sure to ask your friends who they like. (You’ll be surprised how many consult astrologers.) Of course, check out the astrologer’s experience and education. And, once you have narrowed the field down a bit, use your own intuition.

Know what you want to gain from astrology. When looking for an astrologer, it’s important to know how you will use astrology in your life. Are you looking for specific answers? For example, are you wondering about a relationship, a job change, a move or looking to understand some recent event? Or, are you seeking high-level information? Do you prefer that your readings be in person? Or, are you OK with virtual readings?

My Go-To Astrology Resources

I consult many astrology resources. Here are some astrology websites and astrologers who provide individual readings and general information:

Amanda Pua Walsh’s Inner Circle on Astrology Hub. She has created a forum for many seasoned astrologers to share their information. It’s a wonderful service.

Daniel Giamario’s Shamanic Astrology Mystery School.

Anne Ortelee’s weekly astrologic weather via podcast.

Kaypacha. I like his Pele Report on YouTube. I also subscribe to his email list.

Chani Nicholas. She does online classes for each new moon cycle.

Simone Butler: Cosmic Messenger. She combines feng shui with astrology. She has a YouTube channel I follow.

Kenneth Bowser is a Sidereal astrologer.

Deborah Dooley is an Evolutionary astrologer and psychologist. She does wonderful work.

Debra Silverman is also an evolutionary astrologer, author, and psychotherapist Adam Gainsburg of Intrepid Astrology Software is a Sky astrologer, soulsign counselor, and author.

Tom Jacobs is an Evolutionary astrologer, energy worker, channel, and author.

Monique Leurink. Diamond astrology trainer, teacher, author and counselor

Kathy Biehl. Professional Aquarian, forecasting and storytelling astrologer, columnist, counselor, and actress.

Donna Woodwell. Astrologer and metaphysical life coach.

Divine Harmony. Astrologer, writer, and teacher.

Gemini Brett. Shamanic storyteller and celestial navigator.

Tashi Dos Santos. Astrologer, mystic, and sacred paths mystical tour creator.

Christopher Renstrom. Astrologer, writer and astrology historian.

Arielle Guttman. Author, astrologer, teacher and tour leader.

Stephanie Gailing. Wellness Astrologer

Jessica Shepherd, Moonkissd Astrology. Astrologer, author, wellness coach.

Divina Del-Sol. Astrologer and relationship coach.

Do you use astrology in your life? Please leave your comments below.