In my practice, I strive to conduct all engagements with the following code of ethics established by the International Society for Astrological Research (I.S.A.R.). I am a member of I.S.A.R

 

I solemnly affirm that, diligently and to the best of my ability, I will:

1. Resolve, above all, never to bring harm to a client.

2. Strive to support with sensitivity and respect all clients who come to me seeking astrological perspective or counsel, recognizing and encouraging their autonomy and supporting them in making their own decisions.

3. Never needlessly frighten a client with extreme predictions, nor create false hopes in a client, and always affirm, that every astrological configuration can manifest in a variety of ways.

4. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information given to me in private except in situations where my silence would be grievously harmful to a client or to another person.

5. Maintain appropriate and clear boundaries with clients regarding my own personal needs and goals, whether they are sexual, financial or emotional.

6. Maintain and constantly improve my astrological skills, practice only within the boundaries of my expertise, and refer clients elsewhere when appropriate.

7. Familiarize myself with those parts of the ISAR Ethics Standards and Guidelines which apply to my branch of astrology, resolve to remain true to the spirit of the principles, and agree to cooperate respectfully with the ISAR Ethics Committee if named in any complaint to the Committee.

The spirit of astrology practice:

On a more philosophical note, Vedic astrology is linked with the Vedic or yogic philosophy of India.  Ancient rules and principles have been established. Brihat Samhita (Vol. 1: Ch. 2 : V. 3)  describes the following qualifications of an astrologer:

 "[The astrologer] … must be pure, skillful, bold, eloquent, possessed of a ready wit, a knower of time and place, filled with equanimity, not timid in assembly, victorious in debate with other astrologers, expert, free from vices, well-versed in the art of performing rituals of both curative and preventive types…, ever engaged in worshipping deities, [performing] observances and austerities, possessed of scientific knowledge … and capable of answering questions and prescribing remedies.” 

In his Brihat Samhita, Vol. 1, Ch. 2, "Canons for [the] Astrologer," Varahamihira gives more lengthy rules or qualifications for an astrologer. faculty and students should read the statements by Varahamihira and be aware of these ancient principles in their daily life and work as astrologers. In the classic Prasna Marga, attributed to Namoodiri Brahmin of Kerala, the following are given as Qualifications of an astrologer (Vol 1: Stanza 15):

“That person, who has mastery of this science [Vedic astrology], who has a good knowledge of mathematics, who leads a religious life, who is truthful, who is free from conceit and who is well versed in the Vedas, mantras, and tantras, he [she] alone can be called a Daivajnya or seer.”