Frequently Asked Questions


What is Karmic Astrology and how can it help me?

Karmic Astrology is a spiritual approach to Astrology, a tool that can help you to understand and accept yourself. In Karmic Astrology, the natal chart (cast for your date, time and location of birth) is seen as a painting created by the beliefs you developed in a collection of past lives.   The soul chooses the moment of birth, such that this birth chart is reflective of these beliefs.   In this way, the astrological placements of planets do not make you a certain way.   You chose to be born when and where you did, because these placements depict your beliefs.

Understanding these beliefs, as well as how they affect your current life, is similar to understanding how childhood experiences impact you as an adult.   As an adult you learn to release and embrace issues from the past as you obtain a greater understanding of them.   Such is the case with your karmic past.   This release and acceptance is a part of the life lessons for each of us, and can help us each to move towards our purpose in this life.

How can I order a reading?

Availabilty and ordering information for readings can be found using the readings link. For additional information, use the contact information to email Lisa, the Astrologer.

How do I know if a reading is accurate?

You will know if the information is accurate when you hear it.   If the information does not strike a chord inside of you, then it is either inaccurate or not something you are willing to hear at this time.   Clients often re-listen to readings days, weeks, months or even years later and find that they derive additional meaning out of the tape, because they hear things in the reading that they did not hear the first time they listened to it.

What if I do not believe in Astrology or reincarnation?

The focus of the reading is to help you better understand yourself now, in THIS life.   Individual life times are not discussed in detail, though the patterns that you have brought into this life are discussed.   If the information is useful in helping you to improve the quality of your life, then it would seem that the source of the information becomes less important.   Truth is identified for what it is regardless of its perceived source.

How important is my sun sign?

The sun sign describes the style of expression your ego has chosen in this life time.   While knowing and understanding your sun sign may be useful, this information is just one thread in a very complicated fabric that is your soul's history.   The sign, degree, house placement and aspects of each piece in the chart are idividually significant, however, it is the deeper meanings are found by looking at the sum of these parts, the integrated whole.

Will a reading reveal my past lives?

The readings provided via this web site do not go into detailed descriptions of past lives.   The focus is kept on this life.   Past lives are discussed as a context for the beliefs you hold in this life.

Can I find out if I have shared a past life with a specifc person?

Sometimes past lives will show up in composite charts if there are still unresolved issues.   If they do not show up, it does not necessarily mean that you have never shared a past life with this person.   Usually it means that there are no specific past lives that require resolution in this life.

Can Astrology predict my future?

The readings provided from this web site are not predictive.

Can I obtain a reading longer than 60 minutes?

You may obtain additional readings regarding your chart at any time.   Though initial natal readings are 60 minutes, you may schedule a longer reading.

How can I ask the Astrologer questions?

You are welcome to forward questions along with your birth information.   Predictive and directive questions are not answered directly.   For example, the Astrologer will not tell you whether or not you should get married, or which day to get married.   Questions regarding the nature of a marriage, your attitude towards marriage, etc. will be answered.

What information is needed for a reading?

The time, date, and location of birth.

Why do I need to know my birth time and location?

In order to cast a complete natal chart, the time and location are required.   The date alone is not sufficient for placing an order.   The location and time are necessary to ensure that the chart is an accurate snap shot of the sky, relative to your place of birth, the minute you were born.

Will anyone do a a reading for me if I do not know my birth time?

Yes.   Some Astrologers will do a reading for you without a time, and/or they will work with you to rectify a chart and identify your time.   This can be a time consuming process, so it has been decided that all of the readings done via this web site require an accurate birth time.

How can I find out what time I was born?

Check your birth certificate or hospital certificate if you were born in a hospital.   These are generally the most accurate sources of this information.   Rarely does a relative's memory of a birth time match an official record, and since even a few minutes can make a difference, it is to your advantage to have an accurate time.   Hospitals will usually provide this information to you, though they some may require written consent first.

What can Astrology tell me about a relationship?

Astrology can help you to understand the nature of a relationship, its strenghs and weaknesses, and how the relationship affects you and your life's lessons and purpose.

What is a natal chart?

The natal chart is cast using your time, date and location of birth.   It shows everything you bring into this life time, including your belief systems and values.   It shows the kind of family you were born into, your primary lesson in this life, and what you have agreed to do in this life.

What is a progressed chart?

A progressed chart is a modified natal chart, and show the kinds of opportunities and growth cycles that you are inviting into your life.   By aligning your energies with these cycles your life generally progresses more smoothly and things in your life are more likely to fall into place.

What is a composite chart?

A composite chart is a chart created from two or more charts.   It is a chart of the relationship itself, and is very useful in understanding relationship dynamics.   It can help you to understand why you are a certain way with a particular person, and help you to understand the value, struggles, and purpose of a relationship.

What is synastry?

Synastry is comparing the charts of individuals and identifying points of harmony and difficutly.

What are transits?

Transits are where the planets are now versus where they were at when you were born.   Transits can be useful to look at for clues as to how energy outside of you will or won't support you.

What do the planets signify in the chart?

The planets signify energy processes.   For example, Mercury symbolizes your rational mind, and Venus symbolizes your capacity to give and receive love.   The Sun and the Moon are also included in the chart, and so Astrologers may refer to the Sun and the Moon also as planets, though they are clearly not claiming that these two celestial bodies are planets.   Some Astrologers also refer to the Sun, Moon and planets as "lights."

What are houses and what do they signify in the chart?

The chart is divided up into sections called houses.   They symbolize areas of life experience and show where you are most invested in the expression of your energy.

What are aspects and what do they signify in the chart?

Aspects are angular relationships between pieces in the chart.   They symbolize the way in which these energies relate within you.

Can I learn to read a chart?

Yes.   Learning Astrology is like learning a foreign language.   When studying a language you first learn basic vocabulary and grammar and build fluency through continued study and practice.   Eventually you learn to appreciate poetry in the language, to think in the language so as to speak without translating, and gain a deeper appreciation for the culture that created the language.   This is also the case with Astrology.   Anyone can learn the basics, though some people may have a greater affinity for Astrology, and may be more able to access their intuition via Astrology.   Most large bookstores have expanded their new age sections and carry quite a few good Astrology primers.   There are also many useful resources on the web.

Why does an Astrologer's identification of where a planet is in the zodiac differ from that of an Astronomer?

Western Astrologers using a tropical zodiac do so using a reference point that is so far away, the stars appear fixed.   Though our sky cycles through the zodiac approximately every 26,000 years, most western Astrologers are using a reference point that does not change.   The precession of the equinoxes refers to the movement of the vernal equinox through this cycle.   To convert the placement of the planets using this tropical zodiac to their placement as identified by most Astronomers, each placement is adjusted by the amount the vernal equinox has advanced.   Vedic (Hindu) Astrology uses this adjustment.