by Marilyn Muir, LPMAFA
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
As a professional astrologer, minister, counselor and teacher, I spent the larger portion of my life involved with people seeking guidance on every conceivable level (and some not so conceivable). These people ranged all the way from total innocence of the type of guidance (and trash) available in the metaphysical / occult / astrological / spiritual field to experienced seekers of truth or enlightenment. Some were professionals in this field themselves, yet appreciated the insights that another, perhaps more objective mind, could offer.
What has repeatedly come to my attention, so much so that I determined to discuss the subject with you, is the need for some basic guidelines for the “seeker” as to their selection of a “reader”. There is no way that a list of rules can be compiled – for each reader and each seeker will have their own set of standards to guide them. So, let’s avoid the word “rule” and dwell on helpful hints.
As in every field of endeavor known to man, our specialty has its share of quacks or nuts, as well as capable, sincere, qualified counselors. There is no way to prevent unqualified, insincere, or negative readers from offering their services to an unsuspecting public. We are guaranteed the rights of religious freedom and free speech by our United States Constitution – and that includes the rights of those people with whom we do not necessarily agree. Those counselors who are ethical, sincere, and capable have long paid the price for the shenanigans and adverse publicity generated by the “nuts and quacks” in our field. I suspect we will continue to do so. We must maintain our effort to instill credibility and trust in our work despite the occasional setbacks encountered.
We must, as councilors, maintain our integrity and sincerity despite the allure of the “quick buck” or “sensational publicity” possible in our field. We must keep ourselves centered in the desire to be of service and not go wandering down the path called “The Ego Trip”. That’s a tough road to travel for a human, and all of us counselors are. If we were able to slowly educate the public who seek us out, perhaps we could advance not only the cause of “light seekers” and the public awareness of what we offer, but also our own credibility.
The Age of Aquarius is upon us – an age of cool, detached, scientific, objective thought as well as the “brotherhood” concept. Blind faith, dogmatic belief systems, and emotional, hysterical philosophies are slowly giving way to an age of reason. More will become aware of the insights and awarenesses available to each of us. Each man will eventually learn to be his own counselor – and the race will evolve. We have over 2000 years to learn the lessons of Aquarius, so such a goal is attainable.
How do we educate the public? By doing your part, right where you are, with those with whom you come in contact. Slowly but surely, one person at a time, we can help the public help themselves.
The majority of seekers fall into two categories: 1) the curious and 2) the troubled. As counselors we are equally responsible to give the best of our ability to either group. As to the curious, there is an old metaphysical saying that “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear”. Are you then “the teacher”? When that person knocks on the door of enlightenment, are you the person who opens that door? Approach the curious with humble gratitude for the opportunity given you to help that person turn that invisible corner in their mind. Perhaps you will be an instrument in their spiritual rebirthing!
Is your “seeker” troubled? Then compassion, empathy and objectivity are demanded of you. Now all your training, or meditations, or capabilities must be fine-tuned to the needs of the individual you are counseling. You must become a tool for their solutions, yet not allow yourself to be a crutch. You must support them through empathy and understanding, encouraging them to make their own decisions. It is not your job to make their decisions for them! You must help them to understand life has order and meaning – and that they are not being used for target practice by an unjust God. I did say this was a tough road! Now it’s looking suspiciously like a tightrope, requiring the ultimate balancing act of you!
Help your seeker understand that:
- You are a tool, not a crutch. Your function is to increase their awareness of their circumstance. They are the captain of their own ship.
- You are human – therefore fallible (but hopefully not too often). You have erasers on all your pencils. You will give them your best. You are also in school learning how to attain perfection, and you are working towards that perfection.
- Life does have rhyme, reason and purpose. All experience contributes to our growth, even the experiences we don’t like. Coincidence is a fallacy. I like the saying, “Coincidence is the name God uses, when It doesn’t want to sign Its name.”
- However a reading or counseling session is approached, using whatever tool or technique, it must come through the mind and personality of the “reader”. The only exception I can determine is a reading from deep trance, which is rare. Any reader would find it difficult, if not impossible, to completely shut out their own conditioning.
- Not all people in our field are ethical and capable. The seeker must use common sense and develop their own instinctual reactions when seeking advice. In the commercial marketplace the phrase is “Caveat Emptor” (“Let the buyer beware”). The “seeker” is the “buyer” and is responsible for their own gullibility, regardless of the field of activity.
- Fair compensation for time and effort expended by the “reader” is justified. You can never put a price tag on spiritual enlightenment. Since our society places monetary value on services rendered, the reader is entitled to compensation as is any other person rendering services or goods. Fair compensation does not mean exorbitant, nor does it mean the reader must maintain their existence at the poverty level. If the seeker feels the fee structure or donation is unfair, let them refuse to pay before the work is performed and seek counsel elsewhere.
- Ego abounds in this field as it does in many others. Not all readers are able to deal with their own ego structure or reputation. Should a seeker observe an ego trip on the part of the reader, be cautious in accepting the advice given. Also, a truly aware counselor will not impose undying fidelity and loyalty upon the seeker. An ethical reader will not gossip or degrade the character of others. An ethical reader may withhold endorsement of another, but should not slander or attempt to affect the public trust. As in all circumstances, there will be times when your own value system demands you, as a conscientious counselor, take a stand against blatant or obvious misuse of the field. Be very sure of your facts before proceeding – you are always responsible for your personal actions.
- Fame or notoriety does not guarantee capability, ethics or sincerity. This statement is not intended to declare that all famous “readers” are insincere or incapable. Fame should be, but is not always, built on results. Again, the seeker is responsible for their own gullibility.
- The seekers must learn to be objective about the information they receive. A reading should not cause the seeker to run out and do what they have been told. The reading should outline the probable manifestations of the activities in progress. The seekers are in charge of their own lives. Any reading should be accepted in the light of possibility then objectively reviewed in terms of actual manifestation. Only then will the seeker be able to determine the accuracy of that reader, and the value of the service.
It is not difficult to incorporate such principles or hints into our conversation. I know I do try. This has been an evolving concept for me and will change as I grow. Perhaps in its present form it is workable for you. Perhaps you need to add to, subtract from or rework. The words are not as important as the idea. Please feel free to include your additions and suggestions to my evolving awareness. We grow best by sharing ourselves with others!
First published in the Jan/Feb 1981 edition of
The Esoteric World News, Pompano Beach, FL
by Rev. Marilyn Muir, PMAFA, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Minor current editing (2024)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.