"Formerly, when religion was strong and science weak, men mistook magic for medicine; now, when science is strong and religion weak, men mistake medicine for magic." -Thomas Szasz

This morning I made an appointment with my physician for my yearly physical. Okay, well sort of yearly. It can be easy to let a regular exam slide when one is feeling good and doesn't have any reason to think his health has changed significantly in the last year. But in the long run I know it's better to be preventative, proactive, and responsible, so I go. If nothing else it offers the peace of mind that all is well.

I also don't mind my yearly physical because I am healthy and it makes the experience of seeing a doctor much easier and more pleasant. I may be asked to eat more vegetables or have a thimbleful less of red wine each week, but those are fairly humane prescriptions. Some folks will only visit a doctor when they're very ill. At that point it's difficult and unpleasant for both the patient and the doctor. And it tends to be much more expensive in terms of money and more costly in terms of physical, emotional, and spiritual stress.

Astrology presents a unique marketing challenge for professionals who are building a practice. And that's because most people may not even know why they might want to see an astrologer in the first place, let alone the value in yearly visits. These people may be unclear about the kinds of help or information available to them through their chart. From understanding vocational direction to the kinds of people one might attract, there are many proactive pronouncements we can offer a client to help awaken him or her to the deeper stirrings of soul.

The other group of astrology clients are like medical patients who only come in when things are falling apart. These clients may have a case of aimlessness due to the lack of fulfilling or steady employment. Or depression from a relationship that just ended (or won't end). Or a mild outbreak of insecurity due to an excess of external opinions. Astrology offers a cure through the natal chart- by providing a deeper level of connection with yourself so that you can build up a resistance to these mutant strains of cluelessness and unconscious choice. It can help you get more in-touch with yourself.

I don't think the public is generally aware of the positive, affirming, and even preventative benefits that astrology can offer to them. So here I offer five reasons why you might want to consider talking to an astrologer this year:

  1. Where and when are my best opportunities this year?
  2. Where will some of my biggest challenges come from?
  3. What lesson or theme might emerge over the next 12 months?
  4. Am I at a turning point? And if so, what direction am I turning towards?
  5. Where is my biggest opportunity for change?

Information is power and having this kind of information gives you an advantage by helping you to work with your own rhythms and cycles and not against them. Having this kind of yearly astrological checkup, along with your physical, is the perfect combination to keep the inner you and outer you running at its best.

Author's Bio: 

Ron Archer is an astrologer living in Miami, FL. He uses astrology to help clients understand themselves better, make healthier choices, and cope with challenge and change. Ron blogs regularly on his website http://www.miamiastrology.com.