Bronwyn:
Your responses confuse me.
You agree that it is possible with astrology to predict someone's death, albeit only by those most experienced. Yet you also say nothing can be predicted with consistent accuracy. You also say that using relatives' charts in a group will allow more accuracy (I'm extrapolating a bit from your response).
Let's assume an astrologer with the highest knowledge and greatest experience.
What can be predicted with just one person's chart, and with what accuracy (and consistency?)
What more can be predicted with the family's charts, and with what accuracy and consistency?
If it is just propensities, then how does astrology differ from what is offered by a reasonably sensitive, insightful, and experienced counselor?
One person's chart often accurately predicts
how that person feels, sees and interprets the world. It describes how they feel/see things from the inside. Their attitude toward, say, science or mysticism, their love of food or sports (or lack thereof), their emotional make-up (extremely jealous or possessive, etc.), how they experienced their parents (perception of parents), and very often their innate talents.
If, say, certain factors are present, one can say, You are likely fascinated by or have a talent in the study of physics . . . or, in occult studies. You have probably been labeled an eccentric by friends, family and those with whom you work; you likely live the life of a hermit, or whatever. You've gone through several different types of jobs and find it difficult to stick to any one profession. You may have experienced your father as being absent in some way, either physically or psychologically, or as cold and cruel, etc. You may undergo a difficult period with your boss or with finances, during the period Aug 2 through Oct 3, or whatever.
This is a small example of one's horoscope may reveal to an experienced astrologer. But I am not an expert.
As for what can been seen 'coming down the pipe' through family charts, I would think one could predict some things. Like a death in the family, for instance. I haven't done this type of speculation, but, according to the principles of astrology, this ought to be so.
I'm not sure an astrological consultation is essentially much different from that given by a good counselor. The main difference might be, I suppose, that the client walks away feeling as though they, too, are somehow intimately connected to the far-flung planets. That their lives have meaning in relation to the stars and all of nature.
For some types, this feeling of interconnectedness with the universe is very comforting, inspiring and
hopeful.
Not much worth to skeptics, I know. But to some, the beauty of feeling connected to the universe is simply enough. It's not that astrologers don't care whether science validates their art, btw.
Believe me when I say that I'm disappointed with the majority of astrological predictions. That's why I very seldom use it that way; I don't really see the value of it. Though do I admit to buying lotto tickets when I think cycles are most favorable. So far I'm just slightly ahead in the number of wins; unfortunately, all of those wins have been small. Too bad -- now that would be a practical use of astrology.
