Upcoming Classes and Lectures
Lectures, Workshops & Travel
Note on long distance consultations: I am now up on Skype to do your long distance consultation. I only use Skype for consultations, so please contact me through phone 503-252-1558 or email mark@astromark.us for anything else.
The Winter Equinox, Early 2012 Quarterly Astromark Astrology Newsletter is now available, click here.
Upcoming Classes & Events:
PORTLAND: Sat/Sun Feb 11 & 12, Mini-Readings at the Healing Waters & Sacred Spaces Anniversary sale. Mark provides mini-readings at his least expensive price of the year, so it is wise to schedule ahead. 2426 NE Broadway, PDX 503-528-1430 (Note: the fair also taskes place on Feb 4 & 5, but Mark will be watching the Super Bowl that weekend)
SEATTLE: Sat. March 24 , 9 AM-5 PM, Free Entrance: Mark provides mini-readings at the Emerald Spiral Expo at Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave N, Kent WA. If you would like to schedule a mini-reading in advance, please contact Mark by Tue March 20, 503-252-1558, mark@astrmark.us
Mark will be in the Southcenter area on March 22 & 23 to provide full consultations. Schedule these in advance by March 20th
SEATTLE: April 6 -9, 2012: Mark provides two lectures at NORWAC Astrology Conference www.norwac.net.at the Doubletree Suites in the Southcenter area. Topics are 1) Relocation Astrology- Going Beyond Cookbook Interpretations on Sat April 7 at 2PM, 2) Introduction to Esoteric Astrology on Sun. April 8 at 2:30 PM. Mark will provide a limited number of consultations by advance appointment only.
NEW ORLEANS : May 23-29 , 2012: Mark provides a limited number of consultations while attending the UAC Astrology Conference.
Stay tuned, more events are in the works.
A young person sent me this letter. I thought you might be interested in my response:
Dear Mr. Dodich,
Hello! My name is Akriti Kumar and I'm a freshman (9th grader) at Eastern High School in New Jersey. For my Gifted and Talented class, I had to do an independent study project and I chose astrology as my topic. For my project, I have to interview people in the field. I noticed that you are a certified astrologer, so I was wondering if I could ask you some questions to further my knowledge. It would be great if you could e-mail me back with your answers if you have time (you do not have to answer all the questions).
1. Astrology has been defined in many ways over the years. What is your definition of astrology?
Astrology is a map of life using the planets and stars as a reference point. It is both an art and a science, having been used for at least 4500 years. Astrology does not control or define your life, you do. It is simply a tool to help people better understand themselves, the cycles of life they are in, and their choices that are available. Each person decides the level of enlightenment or fear that they put into their life choices, and astrology helps provide detached perspective into those choices.
2. What inspired you to become an astrologer?
The joke in astrology is that astrology chooses you, not the other way around. Many people are stimulated to do astrology as a hobby, few are called to do it as their profession. I did not start out to be a professional, it just wouldn't go away!
3. How big of an impact does astrology have on our daily lives?
The impact does not come from the astrology. The impact of our environment is reflected by astrology.The outer world is a reflection of the inner state of humanities collective consciousness. Astrology helps us to better see that which is going on below the surface. It helps us to see that events going off in the seemingly distant Middle East are going on within our own consciousness right here in North America. Astrology is a guide to understanding the impact of our world upon ourselves.
4. Why do you think people are so fascinated with their zodiac signs?
I think it is part ego from wanting to feel both important and like you have a significant place in this world. It gives you something in common with others while giving you a sense of uniqueness. On a deeper level, I think people innately understand that there is a common connection to the One Source of all that is ( I call that Source God, but it goes by many different names and beliefs). I also think people want to make some sense of life and their purpose, even when they do not recognize it consciously.
5. Where exactly did astrology originate from?
That is controversial. The oldest chart we have (and this information may be outdated) is from around 2500 BCE. Cave painting have been found that represent the zodiac much earlier than that. The philosophy in India is that a wise guru brought it to us after meditating in a cave. Western astrologers believe it came from far beyond that. So the real answer is, I don't think anyone really knows.
6. Is there anything else you think I should know to learn more about astrology?
Astrology is a wide open field. You can study it for life and barely scratch the surface. Each person uses the tool to the best of their ability based upon their personal needs and level of spiritual development. Some use it to find a life mate, others use it to make money, and others use it to seek enlightenment. The beauty of astrology is that it has such a wide range of uses and possibilities. Of course, this also opens astrology to abuse from those who use it in inappropriate ways. This abuse is what people in the media or in closed-minded philosophies see when they disparage astrology. But like everything in this life, the energy of a tool can be used or misused, and it is each person's responsibility to use it for the greatest good of all
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