Improve Client Communication Through Levels of Abstraction

Intro

As an astrologer, I’ve found this field to be a powerful tool for understanding human behavior and life experiences. Its effectiveness depends on our agility as interpreters and the client’s capacity to engage with what we share. A key concept that has enhanced my practice is the use of levels of abstraction.

Levels of abstraction represent different degrees of complexity in interpretation. Higher levels provide broad, generalized insights, while lower levels focus on specific, detailed aspects. Effective astrology involves skillfully navigating between these levels.

Why It Matters

When I initially look at a natal chart without knowing anything about the person or the events they have experienced, I see a set of probabilities and possibilities that exist at a high level of abstraction, meaning very general themes. At this stage, I can identify broad, overarching principles, but I don’t yet know how these principles are manifesting in the particular person’s life. This is where the risk of misalignment can arise.

In my practice, I’ve observed that confusion in astrological interpretation often stems from this very issue. If I remain at a high level of abstraction, my interpretations can become too generic, making it difficult for the client to connect with them on a personal level. On the other hand, if I move too quickly into highly specific details without first understanding the broader context, the interpretation can be irrelevant or just plain wrong. The key to effective astrological counseling lies in skillfully moving between these levels of abstraction while always focusing on the uniqueness of the individual.

Zoom-In

To illustrate how levels of abstraction work in astrology, one source that highlights this concept is Rex Bills’ The Rulership Book. In this book, Bills associates the Sun with abstract concepts like authority and ambition to more specific associations such as a love for diamonds and bright flowers. Although these associations may all be true, we can see how they might be confusing to a client if we're not careful how and when we use them. These meanings operate at different levels of abstraction, and maintaining awareness of this can deepen your understanding as a practitioner.

When I analyze the chart points in a client’s chart, I start by considering them at a high level of abstraction, where they might represent broad themes like life direction, core focus, or the nature of a lesson. As I get to know the client better, I can transition to a lower level of abstraction. For example, the Sun might then be associated with more specific desires or experiences, such as a strong urge for travel, a profound need for recognition of life achievements, or other events that shape their personal journey. The key is to remember that these manifestations need to be understood in the context of the client’s unique life story.

Always ask yourself how the interpretation relates to the client’s real-world experiences.

Going Deeper

In my experience with Transpersonal Astrology, I've come to see that a natal chart is not just a static set of instructions but a living, evolving set of symbols that reflects both the potential and the current state of the client. By understanding and navigating between different levels of abstraction, I can connect these broad astrological principles with the client’s specific experiences, which helps prevent confusion.

Always ask yourself how the interpretation relates to the client’s real-world experiences. I focus on connecting abstract astrological principles to the client’s real-life experiences, making the reading more meaningful and relevant. I also avoid comparing with past clients who had similar placements, allowing each session to be fresh and unique.

Here are three things I stay aware of during an astrology reading:

• Hold questions or themes like career, relationships or family and stay inquisitive, as there are often edges of a subject that need exploring.
• Ask plenty of questions, or whatever the client is comfortable with, so that the themes and how they intersect can be seen in the chart. Allow this to direct you to places like the 7th house for matters involving others or to Saturn to discuss current life lessons.
• Be clear when you're discussing general ideas, and invite the client to share what the broader context brings to mind.

At its best, an interpretation should be a conversation that is neither too broad (which can feel disconnected) nor too detailed or technical (which could overwhelm the client or miss the bigger picture). By holding these elements in mind, interpretations can resonate with the client’s unique experiences.

Bottom Line

To move from just giving readings to having dynamic, meaningful counseling sessions, it’s important for us as astrologers to understand and apply different levels of abstraction in our interpretations. By doing this and asking thoughtful questions, we can offer insights that truly resonate. This helps clients connect more deeply with their charts and their lives. Remember, every client’s story is unique. Take a moment to ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share their experiences. This approach makes astrology both personal and a powerful tool for growth and self-discovery.