The recent 2010 FIFA World Cup provided a wonderful opportunity not only for astrologers, but for all and sundry who ply their trade in the predictive realm, to show what they were made of. Anyone engaged in this pursuit, provided they are of an above average intelligence quota, realises that when it comes to predictions or forecasts, there is always room for error. When you are delving into areas unknown, any level of skill or aptitude needs to bow in reverence to greater powers, and to concede that whilst trapped in our physical bodies in the mundane plane, we will never know it all. I am confident that Paul the octopus knows this too, as he incorrectly predicted the outcome of the European final, citing Germany to beat Spain.

Of all methodologies available for predicting, traditional astrology most certainly holds the moral high ground, and when an astrologer attains an incorrect judgement, this is due to the fallibility of the practitioner, not a failing of the craft. The beauty of using astrology to predict, is that because the predictions are made using age-old methodologies which have been tried and tested over centuries, the error can be located, thus improving the level of skill of the astrologer moving forward. There are very few prediction models which can lay claim to that same fact. It is also vital to remember that sport predictions aside, an astrologer can only be as accurate as the client is honest. Providing the astrologer with only a portion of the story and expecting them to accurately predict the events in question is foolish to say the least. One does not consult with a medical practitioner by saying "dear doctor, I won't tell you where it hurts."

As with any relationship, honesty, trust and respect are vital if that relationship is to grow, and achieve its goals over a period of time; this applies to the astrologer/client relationship as well. Astrology, as it is practiced today, is never going to reveal its breath taking beauty: astrology is about cycles of time, and attending to a client's chart sporadically every few years most certainly does not allow for the flow of those cycles within the life of the person to be revealed, and thus limits the ability for accuracy. If both client and astrologer wish to apply this ancient craft, which has humbled great kings and potentates in by-gone eras, adhering to age-old rules of the game in the first instance is of primary importance. Failing that, you could endeavour to form a bond with Paul the octopus, but I doubt whether he will live as long as the craft of astrology is old.