Peter Stockinger

PeterSockingerPETER STOCKINGER first trained as a Cosmobiologist in Austria, continued his studies in Great Britain and has been practicing in the field for 25 years. Stockinger is a Master Astrologer with the Society of Astrologers and has published several books including, William Lilly: The Last Magician and an English translation of A German Stargazer’s Book of Astrology (Astronomia Teutsh Astonomei – first published in 1545). He has also written for the Journal of the Astrological Association of Great Britain and The Tradition Journal. His study of English Renaissance astrologers led him to concentrate on the practical aspects of astrology with a focus on the traditional natal, electional and horary disciplines. His website contains a trove of his historical astrological knowledge, as well as information about his consulting services. Find him at: Peter Stockinger’s Traditional Astrology Weblog

What got you interested in astrology to begin with and how old were you at that time?

I was in my early twenties when I first became interested in astrology. At that time I was collecting esoteric and occult books, with the intention to eventually open a specialist antique and secondhand bookshop in Austria. Amongst the books I bought were many astrological titles; reading those piqued my interest in astrology.

What is your specialty (mundane, natal, financial) and why?

These days I am mainly concerned with predictive astrology. Horary astrology is probably ranking in first place, followed by predictive natal astrology. I undertake electional work to establish the most auspicious times for any kind of business, surgery, relationship, and so forth. I also keep a regularly updated weblog with mundane astrological articles.

What do you think is the role of astrology in the modern world?

I think that astrology is as valid today as it has been hundreds of years ago. Modern people are still trying to find answers to their three most important questions, health, sex and money, just as our ancestors did. Astrology can still help to find answer to these questions.

What is your personal ethos regarding giving readings? For instance, do you believe you have a responsibility of some kind to instill hope in a client who may be coming for answers to difficult life crises?

What I would like to highlight here is the fact that it is the astrology itself that provides the answers. The astrologer is only the facilitator, who, by interpreting the astrological symbolism, predicts a possible outcome. I would agree though, that it is the astrologer’s responsibility to thoroughly study astrology, enabling them to give the best possible judgment.

Are you able to make your living primarily from astrology? If so, how long did it take to get to the point where astrology provided an acceptable wage?

As this was never my intention, the question is not applicable.

Has knowing what’s on the horizon for you astrologically ever functioned as an impediment to your spontaneity — for instance, knowing a potential partner’s chart?

No, this has never been a problem. We all have free will, which also includes the possibility not to look at the future if we choose to do so.

What do you say to people who say they don’t believe in astrology?

I ask them what their judgment is based upon, and if they have studied astrology so they can express an informed opinion. I also try to point out that sun sign astrology, as found in newspapers, has not much in common with in depth delineations, tailored for the individual and undertaken by a trained professional.

What sign are you?

My Sun is in Leo.


This interview is part of The Stargazers series.