You are going to read this article. I studied the charts and I can feel it in my bones.
That is the sort of response you may get if you solicit chart readings from an Astrological Institute of Scottsdale graduate, but they won't be as cheesy about it.
Students of the nation's only astrological institute are very serious about their course of study. To them, it's science. To modern-day scientists, it's a hoax, but historical scientists didn't always see it that way, said Lorraine Duke, admissions director.
"Astrology and astronomy used to be the same science until the Catholic Church had them separated," the 34-year-old astrologist said.
"Some people are prejudice and ignorant about it, though. They think it's a scam, but we study the charts and know what they can tell us about personality tendencies and compatibility."
Many people view astrologists as right-brained weirdos, but Duke thinks with both sides of her cranium.
She's a businesswoman. Duke recently earned an MBA in global management.
"I just got out of school and now I'm right back into school again," she said, "learning concepts and practical applications, and paying tuition."
The Astrological Institute, the first of its kind to win accreditation from a federally recognized group, charges $9,700 for an astrology and psychology degree program.
Courses offered include classes on "asteroid goddesses" and "how to write an astrological column," said Joyce Jensen, institute founder.
Jensen, a Scorpio, has worked for accreditation for years but says the time wasn't right until now.
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology granted the Astrological Institute accreditation after the school demonstrated that its teachers are qualified and students can be placed in jobs.
Graduates often set up private practices or get hired at holistic health centers, spas and cruise ships.
Duke said she doesn't want to base her career on her astrology skills. She wants to stay in the admissions office.
"The atmosphere here is really harmonious," she said. "That's really important."
To earn a diploma, students must pass six required courses, plus at least four electives. To gain admission, they must show proof of high school graduation, pay tuition and pass an interview.
Most of the students are in their 30s, Duke said.
"We have a real mix of people here, ranging from 18 to 50," she said. "The students who come here are really motivated to learn. They're so happy there's a school like this."
The modest institute has operated since 1985. It occupies a former elementary school and is simply furnished. The students are there to learn.
"We know (astrology) isn't a traditional subject, but it is a fairly traditional school," Duke said.
Astrologists believe personalities and fate are influenced from birth by the position of the sun, moon and planets. This is charted in a horoscope, and some of this information is elaborate and takes time to study, Duke added.
"We want to help people know themselves better so they can make the best decisions possible," she said.
And that's more possible with an astrology degree, she added.
And the MBA degree? Duke said she's glad she has it but doesn't want to formally use it.
"I want to learn about astrology," she said. "There is a lot of interest in it, from me and others."
