What Happens in an Astrology Reading

The word "reading" can sound a little fluffy, but it's actually quite literal. Your astrology chart is like a map of your life's potential, and the astrologer is the person who reads the map. An astrologer translates the symbols on your birth chart into everyday language. Although I can't speak for every astrologer, here you'll find a general idea of what to expect before, during, and after an astrology reading. 

Before

Before an astrology reading you'll need to gather your birth data including date, time, and place. Does the exact time matter? Absolutely! Just a few minutes can make a big difference, so be sure to grab the right time from your birth certificate. If you don't have an exact birth time, it's not always a deal breaker. Ask your astrologer first, but they may still be able to offer insight with an approximate time. Even knowing if you were born in the morning, afternoon, or evening can improve the accuracy.

Take a moment before your reading to reflect on why you want one. Why now? What prompted you to reach out? This is important info for your astrologer to know. It'll help them zero in on the pieces of your chart that are most relevant. Many astrologers have a survey or intake form where you can share your needs and requests during the booking process. Astrologers aren't psychics (unless they are). Be as specific as possible so your astrologer can be specific too.

During

A good astrology reading is a conversation. Yep, the astrologer will share a lot of information, but you should have plenty of space to respond or ask questions. Astrology can feel like a foreign language. It's important to go at a relaxed pace. I frequently pause to make sure my client is integrating everything okay. I also like to use the birth chart as a visual aid in my readings. Whether online or in person, I love to highlight, draw, and scribble notes on the chart to make the information as clear as possible.

The topic of conversation depends on what type of reading you choose. Most astrologers offer two veins of readings: natal readings and timing readings. A natal reading focuses on your birth chart and what it has to say about certain life areas like purpose, career, relationships, health, and beyond. Astrology has something to say about almost anything in life.

A timing reading focuses on how the planets in the sky right now are interacting with your birth chart. Planetary motion correlates with life's changes. A timing reading offers insight about what may be coming up and how to best handle it. 

This is a great place to address the elephant in the room. Do astrologers tell the future? Yes and no. It depends on who you talk to. But let's pretend you're talking to me. Yes, astrology allows me to see future trends. Yes, I can tell when something is likely to be easy or difficult. Yes, I have a pretty good idea of the types of events that may unfold. But you'll never hear me say, “X is going to happen.”

Although possible, it's rare to find an astrologer who's comfortable giving emphatic yeses or nos. And I think it's good to be cautious around those who do. I steer away from future predictions and focus on supporting my client in the present moment instead. I believe the best way to care for your future is to care for yourself right now. And astrology can help you do that.

After

Immediately after an astrology reading, I recommend taking some downtime. Drink water, grab a snack, take a walk, take a nap, watch a show—do whatever you do to empty out and come back to baseline. It'll be tempting to go straight into analyzing mode, but I suggest taking a brain break and letting the information fall where it may. You don't have to hang on every word the astrologer said. You'll remember the relevant pieces without having to strain. If you forget something, it probably wasn't necessary for you to know right now.

Once you've taken some space, journal about any insights you received. Capture the pieces that inspired you. Make an action plan. Yeah, an action plan. Astrology isn't a party trick, it's a powerful tool you can use to shape your life. And if something didn't resonate with you, it's okay to just let it go. Or, keep it on the backburner because it may make sense later.

And finally, put your next astrology appointment on the calendar. Astrology isn't a one-and-done thing. The sky is constantly shifting and activating your life in new ways. Plan on seeing your astrologer at least every six months.

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