Born on 3 February 1990 at 11:02 in London (although the
original idea was discussed at the earlier date of 24 January
1987 at 14:28 in Kensington, England) as a result of a group of
friends feeling the need for such an organization, The
Association of Professional Astrologers is now the
Professional body for Astrologers in the UK and beyond.
Originally it was formed for the Diploma holders only, of the
then six APAE (the Advisory Panel of Astrological Education)
recognized schools. There was also a clause, known as the
‘grandfather’ clause, which allowed those without
qualifications, but either whose astrological works had been
published or who had proven experience, expertise and knowledge
of the subject and a standing in the astrological community.
Even so, the latter had to submit written work or a full chart
interpretation of considerable length, which was then marked by
three separate council members before they were accepted as
members. This clause was included out of respect for those
senior astrologers who had not had the opportunity to study
with one of the good schools, or with the ease of access to
them that we have today. Mostly they were self-taught. The
grandfather clause was removed approximately ten years later
when it was felt that it was no longer necessary.
In those early days, when we were a much smaller body of people, meetings
were held monthly in members' homes. We usually met in London,
though occasionally conducting them from around the country,
and we always had a speaker and lunch and mostly enjoyed the
opportunity to exchange experiences and difficulties with our
peers. Some of our longer-term members still relish those days
. We also provided a bi-monthly Newsletter and subsequently
were able to offer Insurance to our members.
Since the turn of the century, and with considerable interest
from abroad, we devised our own evaluation system for schools and
examining bodies. The new system retained a stringent list of requirements,
which were strictly monitored and vetted, and accepted those
schools now accredited by the APAE. As a result we have
welcomed schools from America and Australia into our ranks and
also members from Europe and throughout the world.
Consequently, it seemed a natural progression that on 25
October 2003 at 18:03 in Woodford, England, it was decided we
should add ‘International’ to our title. Hence The Association
of Professional Astrologers International was born.
We have since grown considerably in numbers and we are now far-flung, but the Internet and emailing have provided us with the
opportunity to stay in close touch with our membership. Our
Newsletter now goes out electronically and we encourage
discussion on it as well as on our Forum. We continue to have
an annual Open Day, usually twinning it with the AGM in the
morning and a friendly social lunch, with plenty of time
to interact with peers. We have held several of these events
out of London, but mostly they are in Central London, which
seems to meet most of our needs and gives those from abroad
wishing to attend a slightly more straightforward and
acceptable journey.
With the ever increasing demand put on us all by our government
to comply with specific acts, standards and requirements, it
would appear that our founder members did us all a very big
favour by being ahead of their time in seeing the need for an
organization that both we and our clients can feel protected by
and confident in.
© Association of Professional Astrologers International 2008
