My Next Professional Step: Joining the NCGR
The energy is building. I'm putting together plans to potentially attend the UAC (United Astrology Conference) next year, and the return of such a major event after a long hiatus feels like a significant marker. It feels like time to level up.
I'm now in my third year of study with Austin Coppock and have recently soft-opened my own astrological practice, blending my work with tarot, Lenormand, and candle reading. With these milestones in the rearview mirror, it feels like the logical next step is to align with one of the major professional organizations. The potential UAC attendee discount is a nice perk, but my real goal is to tap into the academic and networking resources that can support the next phase of my career.
Evaluating the Astrological Alliances
I took a hard look at the main players—ISAR, AFAN, AFA, OPA, and NCGR—and measured them against my goals. As a whole sign astrologer focused on traditional techniques, I need more than just general community; I need an organization that aligns with my specific intellectual track.
While OPA’s focus on business development is compelling, my research into the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) revealed a connection that was too strong to ignore. Robert Hand, Robert Zoller, Demetra George, Benjamin Dykes, and Chris Brennan. These are the scholars and practitioners whose work enlightened the foundation of my studies.
A Strategic Decision Based on Lineage
The decision to try out the NCGR became a strategic one based on a clear and direct lineage. The connection is convincing:
The founders of Project Hindsight—Robert Hand, Robert Zoller, and Robert Schmidt—whose translations are essential to my practice, were also the founders of the NCGR.
My teacher, Austin Coppock, is a direct beneficiary and brilliant student of this lineage, particularly of Robert Schmidt's work.
This alignment means the NCGR is positioned to be a natural academic resource for me. Its curriculum, especially the "Classical Astrology" track, should be highly compatible with my existing knowledge base, offering a structured framework to sharpen my skills and maybe pursue a respected certification.
Putting It to the Test
So, I'm taking the plunge and joining the NCGR. It's a trial run, but one I'm making with confidence. The lineage is solid, and the potential for high-caliber academic and networking opportunities is exactly what I'm looking for at this stage of my career.
My hope is that the organization lives up to its impressive history. I'm looking forward to putting its resources to the test, making some valuable connections, and seeing what professional opportunities come from it. It feels like the right move, at the right time. Let's see what unfolds.
