PEOPLE AND THEIR CHARTS ARE NOT THE SAME THING

While doing some research, as preparation for an upcoming consultation with a client, I came across a fascinating tidbit in Bill Herbst’s (2005) newly revised and expanded 2nd edition of Houses of the Horoscope. In chapter five, “Technical versus Human Issues,” Herbst begins by explaining the basic differences between the equal house and quadrant house systems. However, in the middle of all that technical discourse, he rather unexpectedly proclaims, “Charts are not people and we must not relate to people as if they were their charts.” The following is a very brief summary of what Bill Herbst had to say about the notion that people and their charts are not the same things.

Herbst describes the natal horoscope as a schematic diagram of a vehicle, which the person operates, rather like the car one drives. He explains that we can learn a great deal by analyzing the machinery of personality. However, that does not account for the experience of the driver. Furthermore, two people with notably comparable charts may live out their lives in totally different ways. Although there are obvious similarities in their characteristic attitudes and approaches to living, and even more striking parallels in the timing of their    circumstantial events, the differences become greater and greater with time as each person customizes his or her individual vehicle.

Therefore, we need to understand that the astrological chart (via the mechanisms of its abstract structure) is only just the tool and possesses no real consciousness of its own. Herbst also reminds us that human beings are incredibly complicated animals and that their personalities are not just an admixture of basic components, but are more than the sum of their individual parts. He believes that it’s truly not enough nowadays to have only an expertise at astrological delineation. Being a good astrologer requires a facility for moving back and forth, from the chart to the person, thus allowing your understanding of each to be modified through a creative synthesis.

Herbst finds that clients are generally searching for something when they seek out an astrologer. Some know exactly why they’ve come, while others are totally confused. He points out that clients may think they are coming just to have their chart interpreted, when they’re actually coming to see you, to interact with you, and to share their life’s journey with you. While your reputation is presumably based on your expertise as an astrologer, making those skills shine brightly requires the insight and sensitivity of a good counselor. Herbst then boldly declares, “It is not the chart that helps your clients achieve whatever they want—it’s you!”

This concludes my very brief summary. I sincerely hope that it was as interesting and informative for you as my reading of Houses of the Horoscope was for me. Since this is my first contribution to the AAStL Bulletin, I look forward to hearing from you. As you know, writing can be a rather lonely and laborious task; therefore, it’s always heartening to know that others appreciate all the time and effort that goes into articulating one’s ideas. Best wishes to everyone in the upcoming New Year.