I would like to borrow the term one of my astrology teachers coined. Rob Bailey of Old-school Astrology wrote in his blog his origin story, and I would like my audience, few yet as you may be, to also know of my history in the tradition. Now, I know I said ‘astrology’ origin story and so you might be wondering why the photo is of me reading the tarot. That is an integral part of the tale.
Anyone who knows me would know that I call myself an astrologer. What’s more, I claim to specialize in Medical Astrology. Truth be told, however, that is a very loose usage of the word “specialize”. While I have actually studied Medical Astrology under the tutelage of a couple of today’s notable Medical Astrologers (and have actually passed their courses, mind), I only really have my own medical condition to study and keep track of.
Beginning of a journey
See, in May 2021, I had been diagnosed with a heart condition – a condition where my heart’s mechanical function is slowly failing. Now, I know I had a huge hand in the deterioration of my health (what with all the smoking and unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle), but I didn’t expect to feel helpless. What’s worse, I had questions nobody could seem to answer satisfactorily. The very first of these questions was: Why me?
At this point, I had decided to turn my life 180º and I began by committing to walk daily (well, nightly, because at this time, I used to work the night shift). On one of my walks, a random thought popped in my head. “Tarot and astrology” it said. I have always been fascinated by the occult arts, this much is true, but I have never sought them out, much less learn them (and, adding coal to fire, this happened as I was passing by a chapel along my route). That said, I pushed the totally random thought aside and continued on my exercise.
Later that night, during a meeting I had with my then-manager, I had asked her about having ever had her cards read. This is where the tarot comes in. Her reply to me would change my life forever. She said: “Sam, I’m such a weirdo! I believe in crystals, I believe in astrology, and I read my own cards!” I seriously took that as a sign from the Universe and, immediately after the meeting had ended, I went online to shop for my first tarot deck.
Down the rabbit hold I go
Fast forward to me being proficient enough to read professionally for other people, I had a growing desire to learn astrology.
For those who do not know, the tarot have astrological correspondences, and this was what I wanted to capitalize on. I wanted to learn astrology so that I could deepen and improve my tarot readings. As soon as I started with my first-ever class on astrology, though, I knew it was going to be a rabbit hole that I’d spend the rest of my life going through.
Today, I proudly call myself a locally and internationally certified astrologer who has 2 of the 4 main branches of astrology under my belt (Natal and Horary Astrology).
What of Medical Astrology?
Many refer to Medical Astrology as a branch of astrology all on its own because it is an application of Natal, Horary, and Electional Astrologies (i.e. There are ways you can apply Natal, Horary, and Electional Astrology in a medical interpretive context). I believe Medical Astrology to be a branch under Natal Astrology, though, as it concerns itself with the study of an individual’s birth chart (compared to Mundane Astrology which deals with groups of people, societies, and the natural world) and a person’s health predispositions throughout their lifetime.
The journey thus far
At the moment, I am pursuing my curiosity of the original form of Western astrology. As of this writing, I have already completed Chris Brennan’s and Rob Bailey’s Hellenistic Horary Astrology course and I’m currently enrolled in Chris’ Hellenistic Astrology and Electional Astrology courses.
The plan is to complete all of the courses I enrolled in and, once done, I will begin my own research and study into the Hellenistic form of Medical Astrology. I am deeply invested in, and wholly excited for, this endeavor.
Thank you for making it to the end. I truly appreciate your attention and support. I hope to be able to read for you (again) soon.