Ethical Considerations
Although I am not presently a member of the Federation of Australian Astrologers, I nevertheless uphold many of their views on the Ethics of Astrological Counselling (see http://www.faainc.org.au/code-of-ethics) and I note that I observe the following:
The Astrologer’s relationship with a Client
My primary concern as an Astrologer is upon the Client’s well being and personal positive development. I seek to enhance a Client’s understanding of their Chart in a way that is helpful and constructive. I seek to place the welfare of the Client above my own self interest.
Accuracy of Birth Data and Using Recognised Credible Ways to Rectify Charts which have approximate birth times.
See:- Before the Consultation.
In dealing with a Client I will take into account the reliability of the birth data, informing the client, if necessary, of interpretative limitations as a result of possibly inaccurate birth data. In addition I will not proceed with the Consultation if I believe I am unable to locate a reliable time with which to conduct the Consultation.
If the exact birth time is in doubt to the point of 2 hours or more then I attempt to rectify the Chart using the widely recognised astrological method of using Solar Arcs, Secondary Progressions and Major Transits applied interpretatively to several significant dates supplied to me by the Client, upon my request prior to the Consultation itself.
In addition, if there is an ambiguity about the birth time within a two hour period then I nevertheless seek for the Client a few historical dates to do a mini rectification at no additional cost to the Client.
I will ensure the greatest possible accuracy in the production all astrological charts in preparation for the consultation.
I also undertake to use plain English to explain the possible implication of the Chart in the lives of my Clients – see What to Expect.
Confidentiality
I take Client confidentiality very seriously. This means that I do not repeat any details told to me within the Consultations to any third parties in a way that will identify any Client of mine to any third party.
In order to provide better services to Clients I may speak with other colleagues about the content of my Consultations in a general sense in terms of my own practice of running a Consultation and how to better deal with various situations within a consultative practice. However, I will not identify nor give details so that any Client of mine may be identified without specifically approaching that Client for permission to do so.
One exception to this is where keeping a confidence physically endangers the Client or any other person. For example, if a Client says they will physically self harm or physically harm another person, or commit a serious crime, I feel I am under an obligation to prevent this happening and will contact whomever necessary to ensure to the best of my ability that this does not occur. Another exception exists where if I were not to disclose anything said to me I would be breaching the law.
Predictive Work – Informing the Client about Possible Future Events
I suppose that it doesn’t go without saying that, in making any comments about what may or may not happen in the Client’s future, I will not act as some source or mediator of infallible or fatalistic knowledge – see What is Astrology?
Speaking about likely events in the future is often a complex extrapolation and interpretation of many elements including: what the various predictive techniques signify, how similar events have occurred in the Client’s past, and heavy guidance by the Client on how they believe their future will unfold, in terms of their conscious choices and co-operation with all these factors.