Creative Choices Karmic Astrology Soul Purpose Discover Your Soul Mission

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Judith Goldberg

Judith graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) with a BFA in Craft Design in 1966 and an MFA in Art Education in 1975. For several years she taught elementary and middle school art in the Catholic school system and maintained a private studio. As an artist, she struggled to make a living, creating several art-based businesses, each of which ultimately failed when the niche dried up.

In 1987, (in the midst of her Saturn opposition), unemployed, discouraged and despairing of ever "finding her way", a friend introduced her to Karmic Astrologer, Linda Brady. She credits Linda with helping to turn her life around. Judith became a client and student for the next 15 years. After graduating from Creative Choices' advanced internship training program in 1998, she began developing her own work. Judith considers her practice of Vocational Astrology as a way to pass on to others the benefits of the wisdom she has gained from her own difficult lessons, and subsequent successes. She is currently an associate of the Center for Creative Choices.

Judith is a regular contributor to StarIQ and writes a monthly column "Star Track: Astrology for the New Age" in the Spirit Crossing Newsletter.

"Your job in life is to discover your work in life and then to give yourself to it passionately."
~ Buddha

MY MISSION

"I help people discover the work they were born to do
and empower them to contribute their gifts in service to the world."

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Vocational Astrology?

Vocational Astrologers use a natal chart to identify an individual's aptitudes, special abilities, talents, gifts and natural biases. The chart also reveals how these aptitudes can best find expression through work, whether vocation or avocation. It is also possible to decipher "pre-programmed" karmic interests and life goals. Every person has a soul contract to develop their special gifts. Each person has a completely unique work related mission. A person's talents and abilities are perfectly tailored to accomplish this mission.

"There is something that you can do better than anyone else in the whole world."

~ Deepak Chopra

What is Karmic Astrology?

Karmic Astrology is NOT predictive. It is about the spiritual purpose of our lives -- who we are and what we are here to learn and to do. The karmic astrological birth chart is a symbolic blueprint of our life plan, our potential, our challenges and responsibilities, limitations and barriers, and the legacies of our past, both from childhood and former lives. Living effectively in the present, requires that we complete unfinished "old business" (karma). Understanding the past origins of current problematic conditions helps us to change beliefs and behavior and to make better choices in the future. Astrology is a very broad field with many different specialties and approaches. For more information on choosing the right astrologer see "Different Strokes".

How is a vocation different from a job or a career?

Work is an integral part of our lives; it defines everything we DO--whether for, or not for, profit. The concept of work is therefore more global than that of a job--a narrowly defined, task-oriented occupation, generally performed for pay. A career encompasses a sustained long-term effort, the goal of which may be to develop specialized expertise and/or build a professional reputation. The root of the word "vocation" is "vocare" which means "to call". A "Vocation" or "Calling" (note the capital letters) is work that emanates from the heart and soul. The term "Right Livelihood" is often used interchangeably with "Vocation".

What is Right Livelihood?

"Right Livelihood" is an ancient Buddhist term, part of the "Eightfold Path to Enlightenment". It originally described work which "does no harm". In contemporary terms, the concept of Right Livelihood has evolved into a consciously designed vocation or avocation that reflects the vision, values, life purpose and philosophy of the individual. It is a perfect vehicle by which to use one's unique abilities to make a difference in the world.

Can your "sign" tell what vocation is right for you?

Your sign -- means your Sun sign. It describes your personality and gives you your sense of identity. It indicates how you want to "shine" in the world. However, it is only a small piece of the puzzle. Your chart is much more complex and contains all the signs in various spheres of influence. A vocational/karmic consultation examines the whole person--because what you do is ultimately an expression of who you are. Expand your understanding of self and you expand your possibilities. A working partnership between the soul (big Self) and the personality (little self) that respects the needs and values the contributions of each optimizes success in any endeavor.

Discovering you life's purpose:

We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience. The purpose of our lives is to become our best "Self" and to express that Self in the world. Each of us is obligated to learn lessons and fulfill "soul contracts" we made before incarnating. A Karmic Astrologer can find specific information about an individual's life purpose in a natal chart. For example, the destiny planet Pluto, the Nodes of the Moon and Saturn, Lord of Karma, provide insights about our "dharma"--the achievement of our highest potential.

Past lives:

No one can prove, or disprove, the existence of past lives. Evidence of past life experience presents in the form of recurrent patterns and themes as well as predilections, biases and fears. The subconscious mind contains memories that appear to be past lives. These memories can be accessed through regression, a light hypnotic trance. An alternative explanation is that we are tapping into what Carl Jung called the "collective consciousness". Past-life stories make us aware of outdated, dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes we may be unconsciously perpetuating. Letting go of the baggage of the past creates healing, transformation and new possibilities.

Right Livelihood Consultations

Are you a candidate?

IF you are committed to the quality of your life, proactive in your approach to personal growth and believe that you are the architect of your life, you can benefit from this work. The goal of this work is to empower you to live and work more consciously and more effectively. It will give you information to assist you in making critical changes and taking positive steps (or quantum leaps!) forward. It will help you assess the right times to take action or to review and revise your plans. How will things work out? No predictions! Your future is your creation!

What does a chart analysis include?

Every consultation is unique, yet certain information is covered in all sessions. Analyzing the life purpose or "soul mission" is the foundation for all other inquiries-- including work and career options. Specific work related issues include (but are not limited to) natural abilities, talents and potentials, the purpose of work in one's life, daily work activities, the work environment, work relationships, money, professional reputation and the individual's place in the world. Personal development and life lessons are tracked in seven year (Saturn) cycles that mark key turning points. Special attention is paid to mechanisms of self-sabotage--most having roots in karmic history. Understanding how karma operates in one's life, puts present circumstances in perspective and aids the emergence of clear future directions. The session closes with an examination of future possibilities.

Preparing for a session:

You will need to supply accurate birth data (the date, exact time and place of your birth) from a reliable source such as a birth certificate. You will need to fill out and return a "New Client Questionnaire" and a "Life Turning Points Report". Both are available by email, in electronic format. An up-to-date resume, including education and work experience is also required. Clients report that this preparation helps them get clear about their goals and put their life experience into perspective. Appointments are scheduled after I receive all documentation and completed questionnaires.

Why is so much information needed?

Most counselors spend an initial session taking a client's history. Vocational guidance counselors use some form of aptitude test or personality typology (such as Myers-Briggs). Instead, I compare work and personal history to the data in a birth chart. Before a client walks through the door, I can analyze the use of specific abilities and assess areas where there is untapped growth potential. I can track the unfolding life purpose, life lessons and levels of mastery. The session becomes an arena where we explore together the salient themes, their deeper meaning, current challenges and strategies for the future.

How long is a consultation and where does it take place?

An initial consultation (usually all that is needed) is one and a half hours long. I conduct in-person sessions at my home office in Baltimore. I also consult over the telephone with out of area clients. I have unlimited long distance phone service within the continental US. I will call you! All sessions are taped.
All information is strictly confidential!

What does it cost?

The initial consultation costs $250. Of this, $50 is a non-refundable deposit to cover the cost of pre-consultation document review. In-person clients may pay at the end of the session. Out of area clients need to pay in advance by check or through Pay Pal. (Address and information on request.) Follow up coaching is available at a rate of $100 per hour.

Making an appointment:

Appointments can be scheduled by email or phone--after all paperwork is returned. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday between 11:00 am and 10:00 pm Eastern Time, and one Saturday afternoon per month. Please confirm all appointments, by phone or email, 24 hours in advance. There is a $50 charge for missed appointments or appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. Driving directions are available on request.