Who is Barbara Schermer?

Barbara Schermer has maintained a vigorous astrological practice in Chicago since 1974. She is known for her positive, psychological, and pragmatic approach. She is the author of Astrology Alive: A Guide to Experiential Astrology and the Healing Arts (The Crossing Press, 1998), in which she passionately advocates a soul-centered - not prediction-centered - astrology. She integrates mythology, archetypal and Jungian psychology, Kriya Yoga, alchemy, ritual and the arts in her work. She has achieved an international reputation as a counselor, speaker and teacher, having presented at many professional conferences in the US, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Norway, and Australia. (Need to know more? - Click here!) And view Barbara's photo here.

How do I place an order?

Use our Astrology Alive! Order Form to enter birth data, choose two possible appointment times and the type of service you want (Natal Chart or Current Patterns - each US$39.95 for a half-hour session).  I'll confirm by email, with the time and "place" - a private chat room at the Internet Phone "Global Online Directory." NOTE: The Order Form takes a while to download because of clock and calendar features. Please be patient.

We may have to email back and forth a bit to come up with a time that works for both of us. Accurately converting time zones is the tricky part - to make that easier, we provide a calendar and clocks (they take a while to load) for both your time zone and mine.

What do I get?

The same personalized, professional astrology consultation I provide my regular clients for $120 per hour. The half-hour session includes less information, of course. Most of the essentials of the Natal chart are spelled out, with time for questions and conversation. The Current Patterns consultation is based on an analysis of transits and excludes secondary progressions (for those of you who know your astrology). You do not get, as part of the US$39.95 price, an audio tape of the session. You may want to tape it on your end, or, for US$10 I will record the session and send it to any US address (US$15 for overseas).

What about the software?

VocalTec's Internet Phone™ software is pretty cool! Phone connections are clearer than you would expect, though at peak traffic times there may be some packet-dropping and garbled passages. A fast computer (PC or Mac) and modem helps (see System Requirements)

Be sure to download the Internet Phone™ Free demo software less than seven days before our appointment so that you do not exceed the free trial period. The software is easy to download and install. (Practice a bit with the software before our appointment, so you won't be fumbling with unfamiliar software. You might want to make a few calls to the Internet Phone Directory to chat with others who are trying out Internet Phone. Bear in mind that some of these folks are not there to talk about astrology - you may be asked "What are you wearing?" and be invited to answer in great detail!)

What are the system requirements? What computer? What else?

Free trial versions of Internet Phone™ are available for Windows and Mac, with the following requirements:

Windows

(These are minimum requirements. VocalTec has several versions for more powerful PC's and faster modems).

Macintosh

Can we use the video option to see who we're talking to?

No, consultations are in audio only. If you'd like to simulate a face-to-face conversation, load my photo to your screen before calling.

What else do I need to know? Privacy? Payment ?

I will confirm the appointment by email. (In fact, all communications about Global Astrology should be by email - at this low price I can't return phone calls.) I will send you a unique "code name" for an InterNet Phone "Private Room" where we will meet in complete privacy. Be sure to record that code name and keep it available for your call.

Payment is by VISA or MasterCard. I will not charge you until the day of the appointment. Enjoy your personal consultation! - Barbara Schermer.