2007-10-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

Communicating through Astrology: A Tool for Healers.
by Arnie J Vargas, LCSW

Astrology, like any subject, can be viewed as something inconsequential, or even silly, if one isn't into it, or as something of great importance, to the many who believe in the effect of the heavenly bodies on human affairs. As a practitioner of the healing arts, I try to respect and use any tool available in the large span of human consciousness, in order to humbly enter into a clients' world and belief systems. Aiming at making people feel understood and connecting with them at a deep level is, to me, at the core of what facilitates major healings.

In this article I wish to share how I have used Astrology as a tool for positive interaction and communication with my clients. The best news is, that one doesn't have to engage into esoteric conversations with the client. What I'm proposing is for the practitioner to look at what Astrology has to say about signs in general, and to use this information as a way to get into the client's psyche. A basic understanding of the client's Sun sign (or birth sign) will be enough to make a good impression and to help you connect, relatively quickly, with your clients.

For the curious practitioner who wants to try this, an inexpensive investment in Linda Goodman's Sun Signs is recommended. This pocket book by this late, well known astrologer, will prove to be not only useful, but extremely entertaining as you aim at understanding what has come to be accepted as key elements ruling each zodiacal sign. Why do I think it works? Well, I maintain that beliefs that have been in humanity for as long a time as Astrology has, have become part of the collective unconscious of humanity. Therefore, there is something in each of us that connects to those archetypes and, tapping into those archetypal features, can make each of us feel more open to communication. To me, it's like using the one key that can unlock a tough to open lock on a door.

So, using the first four signs of the Zodiac, I hope to illustrate how this works. First, you'll need to know your client's sign by knowing his/her date of birth. This is where Linda Goodman's book, or any other introductory book to Astrology, will follow. From the date of birth, you'll see what sign the client is. What makes this exercise fun is that one can find a lot of the archetypes quite interesting; mastering them can be done in one's own time. The more you know about each sign, in time, will help you at making your interventions more real for you, and consequently, more real for the client.

So, here are my four examples as to how this knowledge can be applied:

ARIES- The Ram. Ruled by Fire (March 21-April 21st): This is the first sign of the Zodiac, ruled by Mars, planet of War. When working with Aries clients I tend to keep the following tendencies in mind: Aries is the baby of the Zodiac, It rules the head and can be "heady" about things. Arians can be stubborn (not in the same way as Taurus, but nonetheless stubborn), impulsive, careless with their words, (especially in moments of anger), aggressive, and ruthless (like babies). On the other hand, Arians can be very loving, curious about most subjects and will listen, as long as they don't feel they are being preached to, or somehow coerced into something. One never uses strong opinions with this sign, gentle suggestions, yes, strong opinions, never! However, while Aries will react very passionately and war-like if they feel pushed, or challenged, Aries also welcomes challenge. They don't harbor resentment and, they can also forget what they said or did in a moment of fury, be apologetic, and be very sad when the recipient of their fire gets angry with them. Like babies, Aries people want to be loved, and behind that bravado, there is a great deal of insecurity and needing to feel safe. Knowing these generalities, there are various things here for the therapist to work with:

A) Don't be afraid to be direct. Aries can take confrontation, as a matter of fact, most Aries people unconsciously or consciously, welcome it. Aries are usually intelligent and after their fiery tantrums, they will analyze what you said and if what you said makes sense, they will take in, and practice, the suggestions made by those they respect and admire. Just be genuine and don't coerce.

B) Make sure that no matter what you say, or how confrontational you are, that your underlying, sincere message is: "I still accept you, no matter what." The word sincere cannot be stressed enough. Most Aries people have a keen ability to detect sincerity, and phony compliments or messages will be met with war-like fury and behavior. So, if your message comes across as genuine, you've made a wonderful friend with your Aries client. He/she will think you are the best there is and will promote you to the top. Aries are leaders and people do follow them.

C) Arians are impatient (think of a baby), so make explanations short and to the point. Better to take one point at a time, than to give a long lecture that will be ignored, no matter how well meaning. Aries energy is extremely fast and, those born under these sign have a tough time keeping up with the many ideas, and projects that are constantly making their way into their consciousness. Too bad they don't always follow them. Aries is great at producing ideas that others can take advantage of. So one task with Aries, is to help them focus, and to help them see, which causes (it's usually more than one) will be most advantageous to them and to the many, especially for the underdog. Nothing pleases Aries more, than to think they are helping those with no voice. So, pointing out how the tendency to do too much can be a hindrance to their goals can help this type of client to slow down, and focus on what's really important to him. We do this by helping them see how it will also help those at the lowest end of the totem pole.

TAURUS- The Bull. Ruled by Earth (April 22- May 21st): While most Aries will have no patience to hear you explain your concepts or ideas, Taurus is the opposite. There is nothing rushed about a true Taurean. These people usually have the patience of saints. It takes a great deal for a Taurean to be angry, but if they get angry, get out of their way! Although, one would expect an angry bull to charge, it's not always the case. Taurean lost of patience can be demonstrated by withholding totally (and I mean, totally), any loyalty or friendship they once so outwardly demonstrated. It takes a lot to anger a Taurean, but once they reach their limit, they seldom go back to previous people or situations. They have had it!!! Don't expect them to change their minds, once it is made up. If you thought your Aries client was stubborn, you ain't seen nothing yet! Taureans are fixed in their opinions and it takes a great deal of thought for them to change their minds about what they believe. They move slowly through things, not because they are mentally slow, but because they love to take their time to enjoy and/or observe everything life has to offer. Taureans value beauty and sensuality, as much as they value loyalty. If they like you, they will be totally devoted clients to you, and loyal and devoted to their loved ones, showering everyone with their affection which they expressed in gifts, compliments, referrals, etc. Once you've made a friend with a Taurean, you'll have a friend for life, unless you deeply hurt them.

I have found the following to be true when I work with Taureans:

A) Plan the sessions so that they don't feel rushed. Taureans like to take their time and remember, if they like you, they are also enjoying your presence, probably as much as you enjoy theirs, since they are usually beautiful people in all senses of the word: inside and out.

B) Appeal to their sense of beauty and loyalty, and how valuable these are in friendship, relationships, work environment, etc. If these are evident to you, point them out as attributes you see in them. They will be able to connect to those attributes they know are most true about them.

C) Taureans tend to be hard workers and usually have no problem attracting money. Unless there are afflicting aspects in their natal chart, you may notice how easily money comes to Taureans. Unlike Capricornians, they can spend as much money as what comes in, because they unconsciously know they attract it. If money spending becomes an issue though, one way to help Taureans with this is, by helping them see that one can experience all the beautiful things life has to offer, in more than one way, or extremes. The money spending usually has to do with trying to create. or maintain, beauty around them.

D) Finally, remember that Taureans will see things in their own time, and that may take a very long time. You may not see changes with this sign as quickly as you will with a Cancerian or an Arian. So, be patient and enjoy your time with your Taurean client. It will be generally pleasant.

GEMINI-The Twins- Ruled by Air (May 21st-June 21st): Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication. Most Geminis are very interesting people, of an ever changing nature. You often get the feeling that you are dealing with more than one person. In essence, you are. The Mercurian moods can surprise you unexpectedly, and you can be seeing a totally different person in front of you in the matter of minutes.- You will notice eloquence and quick wit with most Geminis. They need to be stimulated through their intellect, or they will get totally bored. Therefore, also be prepared for yourself to be put equally put through quite a mental challenge when working with these clients.

So, what does one need to keep in mind when meeting a Gemini:

A) Feel free to use wit and intelligence. Display your scholarly knowledge and make explanations interesting. This client will want to hear interesting details, but remember interesting. Keep everything interesting and mentally challenging.

B) Geminians will need help seeing how the mind can be a double edged sword though. While the intellect is so very much necessary, it can also become a defense against feelings. Watch for their tendency to talk away and hide away fear and other deep feelings under intelligent, often convincing discourses.

C) Allow for forgetfulness and a bit of flightiness. It is not personal. Air signs do forget and in the case of Gemini, if you didn't write down what you said, they may convince you that you said the opposite.

D) Like with any air sign, make sure a window or two are cracked. Air signs feel trapped in closed spaces with no way out, so always allow for air to enter the room. Symbolically as well; don't close them in by trying to make a point. Better to let it go, and approach it again later, allowing for room to breathe, and for mental expansion which will allow your point to be more effectively received later. If you keep things interesting enough, you'll get a second chance.

E) Geminis tend to be, unconsciously, terribly afraid of responsibility. A caring therapist can help them see the value of growing up, while maintaining a youthful curiosity and a freshness to life's magic. They more willingly give up their Peter Pan ideals as they are helped to see the many gifts they can offer the world with their amazing eloquence and brilliant minds. They need to see that they will be welcomed into the world of adults and that there is no need to always fight verbally.

Finally, we get to the fourth sign:

CANCER- The Crab- Ruled by Water (June 22 to July 23rd): I find this sign to be very intriguing. While most signs are ruled by planets, Cancer is ruled by the Moon, and Leo by the Sun. Thus, people ruled by these two signs are quite interesting.

Cancerians are truly like crabs: secretive, somewhat fearful, inward, moody (as influenced by Lunar changes), extremely sensitive and intuitive. What has struck me the most over time about Cancerian clients is their ability to make more rapid changes in their personality than any other sign! As I said, ruled by the Moon, they go through cycles very quickly. However, with this sign, perhaps more than with any other (including people from other signs with heavy Cancerian influences in their natal chart), in order for them to stay as clients, they really need to trust you. They will scan you and sense your trustworthiness, perhaps unlike any other sign. They will even give you more than one chance to prove to them who you are. If they sense that they can trust you, then they will stay and slowly open up to you. After all, they've really studied you long enough. However, if they sense something in you that feels the least unsafe to them, they will not open up and will quickly leave. They may give you a chance and stay for a while, but with their guard up until they finally trust themselves and leave. This sign is truly a feeling and sensing sign. So:

A) Don't ask Cancerians what they think. Ask them "what are they feeling?" When you do that, don't expect direct answers. Like a crab, Cancerians will seldom express themselves directly. Unlike the sign before them (Gemini), Cancerians are not usually eloquent. They feel so much and so deeply, that it takes conscious effort for them to find the words for their many feelings, so be very sensitive to that. Most Cancerians are artists of one kind or another. I have found that looking at, or experiencing their art, one can find words to what they are trying to express and then one can begin to put words to the feelings they cannot easily express themselves. By doing this, one creates a powerful bond. It forms a strong, positive working alliance, making any treatment much more successful. Remember, crabs cling when they feel safe.

B) This is one sign that totally despises confrontation. DO NOT CRITICIZE A CANCERIAN! I mean this! Not even joking. Cancerians are extra sensitive to even the smallest amount of criticism. To them, it feels potentially deadly and they react by either lashing out, or totally withdrawing (look at President Bush's behavior- a Cancerian!!!). So, engage them by being gentle and allow them to open up to you. Don't rush them, and don't criticize them!

C) Cancerians will feel your moods and your pain, so you can't hide your emotions from them. However, they won't ask you what you are feeling for fear of being attacked, but if they do ask you, and if it's appropriate at the moment, share what you feel. Appropriate disclosure can be very healing for them because it validates what they have already deeply sensed about you.

D) Finally, Cancerians are afraid of being poor. No matter how much money they have, they often think they won't have enough. If you want to work with a particular Cancerian client, try if possible, to give him a comfortable fee for starters, and help him through his money fears. Of course it has to work for the two of you. But if the two of you connect, they will have no problem paying you what you are worth. Remember, if this client stays, it's only because they are convinced you are totally competent and, they will then have no problem paying your fee. Also, you won't have to wait long for them to see your worth, remember their ability to move fast through things? They usually have a strong sense of ethics as well.

In conclusion, if what you've read has intrigued you, remember that knowing about each sign will allow you to see what makes each sign unique, breaking down communication barriers and making people feel like "you get them." That's simply because, if you take the time to study these ancient archetypes, you will get them. Of course, the argument can be that what I have described as particularly true for each of the signs in these four examples is true for human nature in general. Yes, there is definitely truth to that, however, there is no doubt that we don't all react the same, and why not see, if there is something through this ancient knowledge that can indeed be helpful? Remember, we often fear or discard, what we don't understand, or don't want to take the time to understand. I wish you much success with this fun venture. It can be quite rewarding.

AJV:fs

Arnie's Blog...