Confusion exists as to what the definitions of the different disciplines and their fundamental differences are; it is commonly believed that traditional astrology is the ‘old stuff', almost like a vintage car. Medieval and traditional astrology are also viewed as synonymous when in fact they are not; in principle medieval is part of traditional astrology as it stems from a time period within the Tradition itself.

There is something very wrong though in trying to pin traditional astrology, as an entity, down to any one point of time and place, as much of the work done in ancient times is anti traditionalist in its approach.

Traditional astrology is not archaeology, we are not studying, nor are we applying, something that is dead; traditional astrology dates back to the Old Testament and is as current today as it was during those times. Traditional western astrology (which is a monotheistic astrology) is what it is due to the classic moral teachings and ancient philosophies, on which it rests, and this most certainly does not make it the “old stuff”, it merely makes it traditional. Traditional astrology does not rely on a time period and those practicing the craft today are as relevant as astrologers as those of yesteryear. Traditions change and develop; the difference though, as opposed to modern astrological practices, is that the essence is never altered. Methodologies may change but these will always be aligned with the essence or core of the craft: a traditional astrologer changes himself in order to understand the craft; he does not alter the craft to suit his cerebral (in) ability.

Another misconception is that all texts written centuries ago are believed to be true and accurate, simply because they were written by the ‘ancients'. There was as much drivel produced in ancient times as abounds today, just as there are as many gullible and non-discerning readers today as there were then, and the student of astrology is advised against hitting the common sense pause-button whilst devouring these texts. Students of traditional astrology are constantly reminded to apply common sense, discernment and discretion - knowledge, especially in the early stages, is vulnerable - it needs to be protected and nurtured.