Part I of this article discussed some of the ways in which grounded intuition benefits astrological counseling, as well as some of the cautions designed to keep the consultation clear and ethical.

he philosophies and techniques discussed below for developing intuition are also tools for cultivating a clear vibration. A clear, grounded and open sense of self serves any occupation, but especially a healing, serving profession. Intuitive awareness is a fundamental human trait that is developed and clarified through meditation, personal healing and practice. It is not necessarily a substitute for a spiritual path, and yet some of the techniques for clarifying one’s vibration are spiritual in nature. And, a desire for a spiritual path perhaps might flow from that inner healing.

If you would like to develop your intuitive abilities to integrate this skill into your consultations, consider my five cornerstones for psychic development and clarity:

1. Spiritual Clarity. Most would agree that meditation is essential to clear the mind of chatter and this is probably the most important step in attaining clarity. Our ego driven thoughts and fears can create a mental clutter that confuses us. We are unable to hear our inner voices or trust our insights. Meditation can be traditional spiritual styles designed to create a clear mind and nonattachment, including physical styles such as Tai Chi, yoga or even meditative walking. Guided visualization to visually clear our personal energy field, described traditionally as the aura and chakras, is also beneficial. It is helpful to meditate before the first client of the day as well as in between sessions, even if just for a few minutes. The simple act of a few conscious breaths to be grounded and centered allows us to approach the chart with a fresh perspective.

2. Emotional Clarity. In order to be intuitively clear, it is helpful to observe, understand and maintain the cleanest emotional state possible. It is challenging to receive clear information when we are stressed, angry or filled with any strong emotion such as grief. Our empathic receptors might be clogged with our own feelings or the feelings of others, including the previous client. Regular inner examination and emotional processing either alone or with a therapist, healer or support group is recommended so that we are not filled with unexpressed emotion that will bias our intuitive, receptive sense of the client.

3. Physical Clarity. We will be clearer when our bodies are strong and healthy. Poor health creates a fogginess that spreads into our personal psychic realm. Each person has a unique constitution so there is no one recipe for health. It is beneficial to observe and modify our personal physical needs: diet, exercise regime, supplements, alcohol and other substances (including sugar and caffeine), as well as sleep. We know these factors affect our health and they also affect our ability to be a clear channel for information and healing energies. 

4. Spirit Connection. I believe we all have spirit guides--usually at least three or more. They give us information that we sometimes perceive as our own thoughts. With meditation and practice, a more specific connection with spirit guides or one’s Higher Self can be developed to receive accurate and clear information. 

It may be helpful to have guidance and support from a spiritual teacher or training to learn to connect with high level spirits safely and clearly.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice. We can use opportunities in our daily lives to ask questions of our spirit guides. We can also make a habit of checking in with our kinesthetic intuition or “gut feel” as often as we can. “How do I really feel emotionally now?” “How is my body feeling now?” “What do I most truly need right now?” We can also ask simple, mundane questions of our guides for practice. Our spirit guides are much like loving friends and are willing to help with simple issues so we can ultimately focus on deeper and more complex choices. It is easier to receive and learn to trust the answers to these simple daily questions so that when we have a real crisis or emergency for which trusted guidance is essential, we will have a sense of what an accurate answer feels like and be able to trust the insight. A practice example question might be “Will my friend actually follow through on lunch plans this week?” Keeping a journal of questions and answers, noting the sense of connection or clarity and getting to know the difference between when we are accurate and clear and when our thoughts and emotions affect accuracy will refine our skill.

By developing and trusting our personal intuition over time, we purify ourselves and embody a greater sense of clarity, peace and inner harmony. We become responsible and professional guides in our clients’ journey. And we will find it easier to connect intuitively with charts, to hold an empathic connection with our clients, thus refining and deepening our consultation skills.    

About the Author: Kay Taylor has had a full time private practice as a Psychic Channel for almost twenty-five years, integrating Astrology, Psychosynthesis and Spiritual Healing. She teaches Intuitive Development for beginners through advanced apprenticeship and will speaking at UAC on “Grounded Magic: Integrating Intuition with Astrological Counseling” and is offering a special retreat for astrologers in February 2009 called “Neptune’s Gifts: Cultivating Intuition and Compassion”   http://www.kaytaylor.com (800) 988-0991