How accurate are the readings?

We have not kept a formal record keeping, but most clients return year-after-year for updates if not more often, and report that nearly all of the predictions happened, but not always on the specific dates that they were given.

Outer planet transits often offer a higher degree of accuracy.  You can ask the astrologer to let you know which of the predictions are based on outer planet transits.

Our interpretation policy is a degree to a degree and a half orb.  The orb is the distance to either side of a planet.  When an orbiting planet approaches the position of where a planet was when you were born or draws close to making a geometric angle, such as a sixty, ninety or one hundred, twenty degree angle, things happen.  Especially when the two planets that are interacting also interacted at the time you were born.  In the process of interpreting the orbital relationship (transit) of one planet to another, a particular number of degrees are allowed before the planet comes into an exact alignment or a precise angle.  The number of degrees allowed is called the orb.  Most astrologers have varying degrees that they allow for different planets and different geometric angles (aspects), such as eight degrees for an alignment (conjunction).  The tighter the orb allowed, the fewer things there are to talk about during a session, but what does get talked about is going to be a lot more accurate.

Why was my friend's reading so amazingly accurate in every detail, but mine was not?

This topic comes up a lot at astrological conventions.  Over the years we have found that the few clients who felt that there was very little relevance or accuracy in the predictions usually come back to us at a later date wondering why the predictions took so much longer to manifest.  Did the stuff happen as predicted?  Yes.  Did it happen according to the time frame predicted?  Yes and no.  In retrospect, those clients can see how things were in the process, but too subtle to detect.  In looking at their charts for explanations, it appears that some progress was realized at the time things should have culminated, but the actual manifestation didn't happen until later when Saturn (the planet of manifestation) made an aspect to those same planets.  If this were more true than not, we would just typically take time in the session to look up when Saturn hits.  If you have experienced this delayed phenomenon in readings with other astrologers, tell us so that we can factor this in.

Why do I need my birth time to book an appointment?

Your astrological session appointment is not truly confirmed until we have your date of birth, time of birth (from your birth certificate), and place of birth.  If you have to guess at your birth time, we can still book the session with the disclaimer that the astrologer's predictions may be seriously off if your birth time is incorrect.  The chart changes every four minutes, so an accurate birth time is crucial.  Plus, our policy is to refer you to a different astrologer for the new reading, i.e., if Stephanie did your initial reading with the wrong time, your subsequent reading would need to be done by Krysti or Diane. 

Is it better to come in person if I live locally?

It is always nice to meet you in person, but not necessary.  Meeting you face-to-face does not add more accuracy to your reading.  Feel free to skip the hassle of driving and book a phone appointment.

What if I am coming in person?

The Yahoo and Mapquest directions are both a little off so we have added directions on the site on the Contact page.

Be sure to bring birth information for any other individuals that you want to ask about.  We prefer that you have their permission to look up their charts.  Also, write down the times and dates of any important dates that you want to ask about.  And if you want to know about the state of your business and your business is incorporated, bring the incorporation date as well.  And if your papers from the Secretary of State are time-stamped, make a note of the time.

What if I am sick?

Many times people come in for sessions when they are sick because they have had to wait so long for an appointment.  The nature of a reading often requires the astrologer to be more open than usual and more vulnerable.  For that reason, we ask that you let us conduct your reading by phone or reschedule your appointment for when you are well.  In cases of illness, you are moved to the top of the cancellation list for the next available opening. 

Do you have a cancellation list?

Sheri maintains a cancellation list.  Established clients have priority over new clients.  It seems to go in spells, i.e., no cancellations for a month and then suddenly a bunch of cancellations.  We just figure it's a result of some planetary transit. 


How is the fee calculated if my session runs over or under an hour?

Fees are calculated according to the number of minutes lapsed for your session.  Stephanie’s rate is $240 per sixty minutes, which is $4 per minute.  When your session is under an hour or over an hour, the final fee is calculated according to actual number of minutes.  Diane’s and Krysti’s rate is $150 per sixty minutes for astrology and tarot, which is $2.50 per minute.  Diane's rate for psychotherapy and archetypal therapy is $175 per sixty minutes.

If you are paying for your session with a credit card, the charge will appear on your statement as HSC, which is a d/b/a of Higher Self Communications, Inc.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.  You can also pay with Paypal using Stephanie@murcuri.net as the email address.

Is the session recorded?

Your session will be recorded for you, but the outcome is NOT guaranteed.  Sessions are usually recorded by a digital voice recorder.  At the end of your session, your session’s recording is downloaded onto the computer and then burned onto a compact disk.  The CD holds up to 80 minutes.  Sessions over 80 minutes are converted into MP3 files which can then be burned onto multiple compact disks.

If you do lose your CD or it becomes broken or is lost in the mail, do not panic.  Your session recording is saved on our hard drive for one year.  You can request a replacement CD at $10 per CD to cover the cost of burning a new CD, packing and shipping. 

Can I just record the session myself?

Absolutely.

What is your cancellation policy?

There is no charge for canceled sessions provided Stephanie, Diane or Krysti is alerted at least thirty minutes before the session.  For literal last-minute cancellations or no-shows, you will be charged for 30 minutes.

What if I have more questions immediately after my session?

New information typically generates more questions.  Your natal chart (birth chart) is saved in the computer, but the progressed charts that show what is currently unfolding and activating in your life are not saved.  This means that follow-up questions require new charts be run and analyzed. 

Follow-up questions are answered by email.  If you prefer that your questions be answered in-person or by telephone, you need to call Sheri and schedule a new appointment.  Follow-up questions are answered by Diane or Krysti, even if your reading was with Stephanie.  Be sure to word your questions in such a manner that another astrologer knows what to check.  Email questions are usually answered within two weeks.

Some clients prefer to book another session a week after their initial session to handle follow-up questions.  If you do choose to books two sessions at a time, know that you can always cancel your second session the day before or even the same day with half an hour’s notice.

Time is clocked for follow-up questions.  The astrologer logs in the start time when she begins reading your questions.  Then she runs your charts and writes an email to you with the answers.  When she sends the email, she logs the stop time.  The total time is charged to your credit card immediately.  Your credit card number and expiration date need to be on file for your email questions to be on the client list for answering.

What if I have an emergency question?

If you need an answer to a question with 24 hours, we will do our best to get you that information, but the fee is doubled, i.e., $40 for every five minutes of work.  Emergency questions are handled by email.

What about gift certificates?

Thank you for choosing one of our readings as a gift.  We typically email a gift certificate announcing your gift and asking the recipient to schedule his or her appointment.  You will not be charged for the reading until the session takes place.  Your credit card information needs to be on file with us before the session takes place.