I veer towards Gary P's approach to this question.

There isn't a straightforward relationship between an individual's skills in terms of delivering a lecture, writing a book, giving a reading/consultation and so on.

Overall I imagine a criteria needs to be informed by qualities such as innovation, clarity, impact, depth, accuracy, context, longevity, etc.

Something which I think is often overlooked in these types of discussions is the specific's of an individual astrologers chart when discussing certain areas of the subject. In other words Astrolger x may be preferable to visit, read, listen to if your an airy type and astrologer x will deliver a better lecture on Mercury than astrologer y.

There apear to be quite a few comments on this forum knocking the usefulness and quality of psychological astrology. Although some comments don't resonate with my understanding of the literature. However it seems obvious that ,no doubt informed by an individuals chart this will not be something everyone interested in astrology can gravitate towards and some prefer a more direct/predictable or even mathematical/logical approach.

ROBIN
________
OREGON MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

Another text suggestion to add to your reading list in view of the exploration is:

"An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines" by Seyyed Hossein Nasr - on cosmology as formulated by the Ikhwan al-Safa, al Biruni and Ibn Sina during 10th & 11th centuries.

Wow thanks TS, that looks extremely useful and I'm going to get it right away. Unless I'm missing something, this is more relevant to my question about Ibn Arabi than this thread isn't it?

Thanks, Garry

Ptolemy and Lilly are definately on the list, and whose writings I follow the most. But there are quite a few others.

Of those today Hand is great, but Deborah's skyscript is practically always spot on (for me). For those who appreciate Vedic astology Komilla Sutton is someone to heed. Jeff Jawer (I hope I spelled it right) is always interesting to read. But there are many to choose from.

Hi Garry,

You're very welcome!!!

I'm sorry, I hadn't seen your question about Ibn Arabi ... have only been quickly passing through ... but have now, under "Books, Notices" etc and will add a couple of additional suggestions there. Yes, I think you'll find this book of help.

this is more relevant to my question about Ibn Arabi than this thread isn't it?

It's equally relevant here.

Michael asked from the start "any ideas of how to improve or expand my list" ... earlier on had already referred him to the Skyscript list & this book I think is also one to include as he journeys forward.

Before anyone can begin qualifying anyone/anything into qualities (eg. good, better, best etc) - such as astrologers (past & present) which also involves consideration as to the branches of astrology - they need a list.

If Michael is sincere in his quest for the best then he stands to learn a great deal as he expands his list.
It involves studying and understanding the work of those listed - otherwise the opinion is groundless.

The "best" as far as I'm concerned is not about eliciting popularity votes, to my mind that only superficially grazes the surface, the "best" is that astrologer (present or past, via book, practice etc) who renders assistance in someone's moment of genuine need. The "best" relates directly to the moment.
Also requires the questioner to do their homework.

If Michael's genuinely in search of the "best" which will contribute towards deepening his knowledge then it appears he has many sages yet to encounter on this path for his list before he formulates any qualitative judgements.

That's simply how I see it ... for the moment he's expanding his list.

Warmly,
TS

I've just read Garry's interview with Dorian Greenbaum.
http://www.skyscript.co.uk/dorian.html

I find all these interviews fascinating but one of Dorian's remarks particularly intrigued me and reminded me of some of the points raised in the discussion here.

"I believe that the best astrologers feel that spiritual connection."

To understand what she means by "that spiritual connection", it's necessary to read what she says prior to this (somewhat controversial?) statement, since there are probably as many definitions of "spiritual" as there are people claiming to be so! However, leaving that aside for the moment, what would be really interesting to know is how she defines "the best astrologers".

Al H. Morrison is worth a mention in this context, too. Why, I stood on the top of WTC with him in 1984 and he predicted that the towers would be hit by a Boeng!

Robert Hand once said: "The trouble with Al H.Morrison is that he has forgotton more than any other of us knew put together".
However, I agree with the credit given many of the names that have appeared on this post.

Donna Cunningham has an Astrologer's Memorial that is well worth visiting:
http://solsticepoint.com/astrologersmem ... llist.html

Well whom should we forget? I dunno, but seems to me its a somewhat antagonistic way to get people to tell you who they think you should be studying. I notice when that question comes up it doesn't always get the attention or even a reference to a past discussion trail as much as it could, but make the question a bit more competitive and did you notice how quickly verbiage spilled forth? LOL, hmmmm, possibly we should commend you for your ability to get people to pipe up!

Granny

There are a few people kicking around that are calling themselves the best astrologer on the planet - they're worth forgetting!

There has been a few commercial stunts that have done more damage to the trade of astrology than I wish to remember. One of them being the national telephone service in Norway that put a bunch of girls on a one week 'intensive' course in astrology before putting them to service the payphone under supposition of being professional astrologers.

We're a small community and eventually find ourselves embracing even our competitors for their contribution to the field. A difference in opinion does not stand in the way for the love of art.

I think I'm rather spankin' good. It has been a while, but with hat and cane I believe I could still belt out a tune and do a few steps. Isn't that what Rudhyar and Jones did? And with such verbiage. I can at least find the beat. Keeping up with it these days is a different matter.