Letter to CNN - 5.10.01

Actress Arlene Dahl

RE: Larry King Live 5.09.01 -- featured Arlene Dahl, "Astrologer" and Actress.

Dear CNN:

I am writing as an advocate for professionalism in astrology. Hopefully, the reader can understand how outrageous it looks to a certified professional astrologer when someone, like Arlene Dahl, portrays herself as a professional astrologer with NO credentials except her Hollywood name. I am sure that she is very good at what she does, but she used her psychic ability NOT astrology to ENTERTAIN the callers.

This entertainment style continues to put astrology in a disrespectful light that hurts those in the field who are really trying to show the public the practical and useful applications for this art/science that is over 4,000 years old. I am trying to imagine CNN interviewing someone that calls themselves an astronomer or a scientist who has no credentials? It would seem more like a hobby or a fascination.

What I found disrespectful to the field is how she used her abilities as a power over others when she answered callers at the end. People are more educated today. There are ethics for professional astrologers, and this is one of them. We are NOT Gods! Rather, astrology is an ancient language that is to be translated without the attitudes and opinions of the astrologer. This is no easy task for which training is necessary. In the end, the power should always be given back to the individual and their life.

Astrology continues to grow with the times, Arlene Dahl exemplifies a passing era in astrology. The age of computers is revolutionizing this field because more data can produce more efficacy and testing.

The next time you have an astrologer on your show, please ask for their credentials and let it be known on the air to what degree they are professional. The media CAN help astrology be seen in a more professional light.

Sincerely,
Carrie Lever
Certified Astrologer, NCGR
M.S. Counseling Psychology, MFT