An astrological reading by a trained astrologer is an excellent way to uncover and become aware of your inner motivations, unconscious beliefs and habitual patterns. It is the first step in making changes, if you wish to do so.

Only by looking at the chart as a whole is it possible to outline the many storylines that make us who we are. It is here where the astrologer can be particularly helpful, as they bring their experience, compassion and ability to recognise patterns to the astrological reading, while weighing and uncovering the overall significance of the myriad of interconnected celestial points.

For students of astrology, questions can be answered and long-held beliefs challenged as we delve deeper into the many layers of the astrological chart. It is this depth of insight that makes the work of a well-trained astrologer so indispensable.

An astrological consultation differs greatly from mainstream astrology, which is usually encountered through columns in magazines. This is called Sun-sign astrology and is reduced to your Sun sign (or what is generally referred to as your ‘sign’ or ‘star sign’, i.e. the sign the Sun was in on your birthday). Sun-sign columns make predictions that are very limited and of little value, disregarding the individual’s birth time and birth location and only interpreting the Sun’s position, disregarding the Moon, planets, angles and other bodies of interest. Every individual has every sign of the zodiac represented in their character; however, they differ in quality, expression and intensity depending on where the planets were located at birth (see birth chart).

It is not possible to predict exactly what kind of event will happen or what kind of people one will meet. However, astrology can very accurately forecast which energies (e.g. exciting, invigorating, stressful, calming) in which areas (e.g. work, family, friends, love life, studies) are likely to be experienced. Also, it is not possible to predict exactly how a person will live their life or what their personality will be like by just looking at their chart. Depending on how consciously aware a person is of his or her own inner motivations, emotions and mental habits and their openness to transforming and seeking relief from suffering, the exact same chart can be lived out in different ways. This includes the influence of coming from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds.

Critics disqualify the validity of astrology, calling it a ‘pseudo-science’. However, Western astrology does not claim to be a ‘science’ as it does not work within the conventional dual system of mainstream science. Daliah Roth has a very practical and realistic approach to the material world, having obtained an MBA from a prominent university in Germany, been a successful business owner and worked in the private investment sector for years. By vehemently scrutinising the system of astrology, she has never taken any of its techniques at face value. By comparing charts with the personalities and activities of their owners since 2001, Daliah has come to the conclusion that astrology, even if it does not stand the test of scientific methods, is uncannily accurate. It can help people immensely in their search for self-understanding, making sense of seemingly senseless difficult times and finding meaning in their lives through transformation and acceptance.