OPA ETHICAL GUIDELINES

(Opa The Organization for Professional Astrology)

PREAMBLE:

The practice of Astrology is vastly diverse in its application, which covers personal use, collective societal trends, projecting economic and geophysical shifts, and more. Its practitioners are equally diverse, integrating into their astrological practice a variety of additional skills and educational backgrounds.

Astrologers recognize the apparent synchronicity between life on planet earth with that of the cosmos. Astrologers can identify and apply the rich interpretation of planetary symbols and their intricate positioning to each other. They are committed to work that improves and enhances life, while protecting human dignity.

Astrologers need education to meet acceptable standards of practice. Astrologers realize that a personal ongoing study program is essential to increasing their own proficiency. The sharing of ideas and supporting other astrologers is encouraged whenever possible.

The Ethical Guidelines described in this document address astrological conduct personally, publicly and professionally, which must lend dignity to its profession, without stifling creativity, individuality and future growth. Astrology does not lend itself to a rigid set of rules outlining all of its functions and procedures, but a guide of acceptable conduct is paramount to its respectability.

Since the growth and acceptance of astrology is moving forward at a rapid rate, it will be necessary to make amendments to this document from time to time. As of 2021, these are the OPA Ethical Guidelines for all members, faculty and board members.

DEFINITION OF A PROFESSIONAL ASTROLOGER:

A Professional Astrologer, for the purpose of this code, is one who is able to accurately calculate a horoscope and interpret it by commonly accepted standards of procedure, receives payment for their astrological services, and/or sells astrological information via a publisher or media presentation, and/or who teaches astrology for a fee.

OPA Members are not necessarily professional astrologers. OPA also includes and serves astrology students, enthusiasts and hobbyists, some of whom aspire to become professional astrologers and who find such a support system helpful.

OPA is an organization devoted to the development of astrology an accessible, credible, sustainable study and practice

ETHICAL GUIDELINES

It is the responsibility of each OPA member who is practicing astrology to endeavor to maintain the integrity of their profession in every way possible by upholding the following principles:

1. RESPONSIBILITY TO CLIENT:
2. Never bring harm to a client. This is a primary directive. Astrologers must always act in the best interest of the client (with the exception of circumstances of self-defense).
3. Confidentialityof client/astrologer communication and data is to be maintained. This eliminates the use of client charts for lectures, articles, or in sharing a database with other astrologers that contains such confidential material unless prior permission has been obtained in writing and/or names have been eliminated.
4. Accurate Data:All horoscopes must be calculated using standard methods of procedure based on accurate data. It is critical to have a recorded time, date, and place of birth that is as precise as possible. If a rectified time or an alternative method such as a Johndro Locality, Solar Chart or Natural Chart is used, this should be stated along with and its limitations, if any, described.
5. Certification:Astrologers must use reasonably verified and credible astrological knowledge in their interpretation and test their competence through regular practice and objective feedback by their peers or a reputable school or organization. For this purpose, OPA recommends that every astrologer becomes certified through a reputable educational program offered by a mentor or an organization.
6. Diversity & Inclusion:The client must feel respected and heard. The dignity of the client shall be upheld regardless of any personal beliefs or biases the astrologer or client may have.

• These beliefs or biases include but are not limited to:

Sexual orientation, gender, gender-identification, culture, religion, ethnicity, morality (other than illegal acts), spirituality, politics, dietary beliefs, nationalism, socio-economic or other status, age, race, marital status or other. 

• In the event of an ideological conflict with the lifestyle choices of the client, the astrologer should refer the client to another practitioner.

1. Sexual, Financial & Other Boundaries: Clients or students may not be exploited in any way, including sexually, romantically, or financially. There is an inherent power imbalance in an astrology/client or student relationship; it is the responsibility of the astrologer to maintain boundaries and not attempt to initiate sexual advances and to discourage advances from the student/client, especially when there is a significant age difference. Sexual/romantic manipulation includes verbal and non-verbal solicitation for sexual favors. Sexual harassment is defined as a single advance or multiple advances of unwelcome or offensive verbal or non-verbal conduct.  Financial exploitation involves using the power imbalance between astrologer and client to manipulate the client into giving sums of money outside the normal realm of payment for service rendered.
2. Romantic Exclusion: A client/astrologer professional relationship must be immediately terminated if a romantic or other personal, intimate relationship, is desired equally by both the astrologer and client/student. Ideally both should engage a psychotherapist or professional mentor to be sure the relationship could proceed in an ethical way.
3. i. Integrity of Services Offered: The terms of client consultation need to be stated and understood prior to the appointed time. This includes fee, duration, style and what the client has a right to expect.
4. Fatalistic Statements: Astrologers shall take full responsibility for the information they impart and acknowledge the autonomy and authority the client has over their life decisions. No astrology system of interpretation or prediction can promise 100% accuracy. The astrologer cannot take absolute authority in making absolute statements but must speak of higher or lower probabilities for certain outcomes. Every client needs to be treated in a thoughtful manner. This includes refraining from making statements that are rigidly deterministic, such as telling someone they will never marry, or that their success is guaranteed for certain endeavors.
5. Charts of Others: If a client wants to discuss their relationship to another person not present at the reading, the third person should have a direct familial, romantic, or business relationship with the client. It is strongly recommended to have the permission of that third person. The information imparted about the third person’s chart should strictly address the question about their relationship with the client, and not beyond that.
6. Clarity about Non-Astrological Tools: Interpretation and assessment is to be made using astrological significance and credibility, unless otherwise stated. This does not preclude the use of other procedures and disciplines (such as Tarot cards, or Palmistry), but it does mean that if these are used, it is stated. If a client is expecting an astrological reading, and the parameters are enlarged, both client and astrologer must agree to this. If modalities and disciplines other than astrology are used in an astrology consultation, they must be mentioned and agreed upon prior to the meeting.
7. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
8. Integrity & Competence: All astrological work is expected to be performed with the highest standard of integrity and personal competence.
9. Good Citizenship: Astrologers are expected to practice good citizenship, and not use their skills to take advantage of others or work against the common good.
10. Mundane Predictions: When making predictions about mundane events, astrologers should mention that these are high probabilities and refrain from absolute statements. Astrologers should not mislead by making unfounded promises or exaggerated claims.
11. Objectivity:Astrologers should remain as objective as possible when using astrology. It is not professionally sound to use astrology to promote personal political preferences or ideologies.
12. Truth in Advertising: Any advertisement about the professional practice must be truthful and factual. This means the astrologer must be honest in stating proficiency and scholastic degrees and must deliver what is advertised. Non astrological degrees must be defined so the client isn’t misled to believe they are astrological degrees.
13. Scope of Practice: Astrologers are expected to practice only in areas of their competence and qualifications and avoid making unfounded claims or assessments in the name of astrology. This includes but is not limited to medical, psychological, financial or legal advice. The astrologer may make suggestions, but openly state that he or she is not a professional in those fields. When a client’s needs are beyond the capability of the astrologer, the client must be referred to appropriate agencies or other professional services.
14. Integrity with Public Figures’ Charts: When dealing with horoscopes of public figures using commonly published data, reference to the accuracy of the birth time should be stated along with the Rodden Rating reference. Any observations about the public figure’s chart should be made in a way that is educational and refrain from gossip and unfounded assumptions.
15. Reporting to OPA: If unethical conduct by an OPA member is noted, we encourage the individual to try first to resolve the issue amicably with the person concerned. If the matter remains unresolved, it can be reported to OPA’s Board of Directors with adequate documentation and description of the concerns. OPA’s Board of Directors will subsequently evaluate the circumstances and address the issue in a timely manner in a way deemed most appropriate and logistically and morally possible within the parameters of its available resources and authority. Please report to Kay Taylor, President (kaytaylor@opaastrology.com) and Magali Morales, Director of Ethics (magali@magalimorales.com).
16. Public Image: Astrologers are expected to maintain a personal image of competence and social respect when representing astrology. In this way the astrologer sets the standard for the consultation. This includes cleanliness and refraining from sexually suggestive mannerisms and attire when presenting astrology content.
17. Communication:Astrologers are expected to act professionally in all written and verbal communications: in articles, on websites, and in social media. This includes refraining from slurs, verbal bullying, name-calling, or unfounded accusations.
18. Triggering Topics: Astrologers are expected to consider how their presentations, articles and especially graphics might be triggering to sensitive individuals or communities. Ask for guidance, tone down the presentation or offer a trigger warning.
19. RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHER ASTROLOGERS AND THE PROFESSION OF ASTROLOGY:
20. Ongoing Education: Astrologers are expected to make a conscious effort to continue their professional growth and education. This can be done by taking courses, reading literature, attending conferences and seminars, conducting research, and other professional learning activities.
21. b. Acceptance of Astrological Philosophies: Astrology is a vast and multi-layered system. Astrologers must remain tolerant to personal, professional differences, and the variety of technical approaches to the practice of astrology where there is no breach of ethics.  Astrologers are invited to share their personal preferences and opinions but should not claim absolute authority on what constitutes “true” astrology, giving other approaches the benefit of doubt.
22. False Claims: Astrologers do not file ethical complaints that are irrelevant or inconsequential intended to harm clients or colleagues. If unethical behavior is suspected about a professional astrologer, refer to paragraph (h) in Responsibility to the General Public.
23. Supporting Community: Astrologers are encouraged to support other astrologers and foster cooperation, so that everyone benefits from our collective knowledge, experience, and insights.
24. Research Integrity: Research and any related presentations are to be conducted in a rigorous manner with objective references, always maintaining strict professional integrity. It is appropriate to take credit for scholarly work and ethical to give credit to contributions made by others.
25. Intellectual Property and Copyright Laws: Copyright rules and ethics must be honored. Astrologers may write similar things when analyzing the same astrology configuration, so similarities in content are expected. However, when using other astrologers’ work, there must be permission and appropriate credit and/or compensation offered.

BY-LAWS

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1 – The name of the corporation as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation shall be The Organization for Professional Astrology, Inc. (OPA). The purpose of this organization shall be educational, to help astrology students, amateurs, and professional astrologers with ethical guidelines, education, and support of career development in the field of astrology. Its main guiding principles are to make astrology stronger as a field, in promoting sustainability, credibility, and accessibility for astrology practice. The organization shall provide educational scholarship(s) for astrology students when it is in a financial position to do so.

Article II: Membership

Section 1 – Membership shall be accorded to persons participating in the activities of the corporation, and who abide by corporation policies, procedures and By-Laws.

Section 2 – A person may become a member in the corporation by payment of the annual dues. Membership certificates, cards, or other instruments, if issued, shall bear the signatures of an officer elected by the members of the organization.

Section 3 – The corporation reserves the right to unilaterally terminate membership for failure to uphold financial obligations or for conduct deemed to be inappropriate and which fails to promote the standards or the best interests of the corporation.

Section 4 – Standing: Each member in good standing, as reported by the membership Secretary and the Treasurer, shall be eligible to remain informed about and benefit from all the programs that the corporation is offering. Each member shall be eligible to vote for the board of directors.

Section 5 – Each member shall be informed and updated about the corporation’s programs, policies, and offerings through the email they provide upon registration. Their email and any other personal information provided by the member shall only be used for the purpose of the membership and shall not be shared with other parties outside the corporation’s leadership members.

Section 6 – No member shall have any right, title or interest in any of the property, assets, including earnings or investment income of this corporation, nor shall any of such property or assets be distributed to any member on its dissolution or winding up.

Section 7 – Resignation: Any member of the corporation may resign by notifying the Membership Secretary, but such resignation shall not qualify the member so resigning for compensation of any fees or dues.

Section 8 – The corporation reserves the right to refuse membership to a person whose behavior and actions are not aligned with the corporations codes of ethics, codes of conduct, values, and principles. Such a person may be excluded from the membership with a 2/3 majority board member vote.

Article III: Meetings of the Corporation and Fiscal Year

Section 1 – The annual meeting of the corporation will be held once a year at a time and place to be determined by the Board of Directors or by electronic conferencing. The purpose of this meeting shall be to report the work of the organization, to encourage and develop inspiration and fellowship among members, and to carry forward the program of the corporation.

Section 2 – Special meetings of the corporation may be called by the President or upon written or email request of three members of the Board of Directors, or upon the written
or email request of 10% of the voting members of the corporation. A call for a special meeting shall specify the purpose of the meeting. The special meeting should be scheduled within four business days and include the President and at least half of the board members, in addition to the person(s) requesting the meeting.

Section 3 – The corporation shall have a conference for the membership and others at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors every one or two years.

Section 4 – The fiscal year begins July 1 of each and every year and ends on June 30 of the year.

Section 5 – The Board of Directors may call for an independent audit of the corporation at its discretion.

Article IV: Board of Directors

Section 1 – The Board of Directors shall be members of the corporation, the number of which shall be no less than seven. No member of the Board shall receive any compensation from the corporation for duties performed as a member of the Board. No member of the Board can hold more than one elected office at any one time.

Section 2 – Directors shall minimillay include President, Vice-president, Membership Secretary, Meetings Secretary, Treasurer, Outreach Coordinator, and Director of Education.

Section 3 – The Directors shall be responsible to the members of the corporation. The Directors are responsible for determining policies, updating By-laws, managing the assets of the corporation, organizing events, and accounting for expenditures of all funds. The Board of Directors shall have the power to fill all vacancies on the Board for the duration of any unexpired term.

Section 4 – The Board of Directors may appoint delegates responsible for particular tasks or territories as they deem necessary and define their duties. These delegates may be Satellite leaders, responsible to represent the corporation in their respective countries, or officers responsible for specific departments and duties in the organization. These delegates shall report their actions, proceedings, and decisions to the Board of Directors.

Section 5 – A Director may attend no less than 80% of the Board meetings in any calendar year. A Director having attended fewer than 80% of the Board meetings in any calendar year shall be, upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors, dropped from the Board of Directors.

Section 6 – A Director shall be able to attend OPA events free of charge from three months after they take office, and up to three months after the termination of their duties as Directors.

Section 7 – Directors may resign from their duties at any time with advanced notice to the Board of Directors.

Section 8 – The Board of Directors can dismiss a Director from their duties upon two-thirds (2/3) majority vote if the Director is not fulfilling their duties as determined by their position, or as a result of  behavior and action(s) deemed inappropriate by the Directors.

Section 9 – The President may run for a maximum of four consecutive two-year terms. Subsequent to the conclusion of the fourth term, the President may run for any other position on the Board. The Vice-President may run for a maximum of four consecutive two-year terms, and at the conclusion of their term, may run for any other position. 

Section 10 – Directors shall be elected every even-numbered year by a vote of confidence from the membership, or the highest vote if two candidates run for the same position.

Section 11- All Directors shall serve in their respective capacities until their successors have been appointed or elected. If unable to adequately fulfill their respective duties, as assessed by the majority of the remaining Board, Directors can resign or be subjected to removal from their duties (as stated in Article IV section 7 & 8). A replacing Director, appointed by the majority of the board, will serve the remaining term of the position until the next election.

Section 12 – Complaints about a Director: in the event that an official complaint is filed about a Director for a breach of ethical conduct, the remaining Board members must collect and assess the details of the accusations and subsequently receive a written account of the events by the Director themselves in a timely manner. The rest of the Board of Directors must vote for the most appropriate way to address the complaint: to dismiss it, to acknowledge and require an adjustment of conduct, or to dismiss the Director from their Board position. If there is a need to add another voter, a member of the corporation committee can be included in the deliberation and vote. If similar complaints are filed three times with reasonable credibility, the Director may be asked to resign from the Board of Directors and or the corporation’s membership.

Article V: Faculty and Staff

Section 1 – The President, Vice President, and Outreach directors shall decide who shall serve as faculty of OPA events. The whole Board of Directors must be informed of the faculty selection, and decide on the remuneration and terms for each event, whether the event takes place online or on location.

Section 2 – Complaints about a faculty member – In the event that an official complaint is filed about a faculty member for a breach of ethical conduct, Board members must assess the details of the accusations and then receive an oral or written account of the events by the faculty member themselves in a timely manner. Board members must vote for the most appropriate way to address the complaint: Dismiss it, acknowledge it and impose an adjustment of conduct, or dismiss the faculty member from their function. If similar accusations repeat for a third time with reasonable credibility, the faculty member may be banned from serving as faculty in any future OPA event.

Article VI: Annual Meeting, Nominating Committee, and Election of Directors

Section 1 – The annual meeting of the Directors shall be once per year.

Section 2 – At least 15 days prior to the election of Directors and no later than May 31, the slate of Directors shall be sent to all voting members of the organization.

Section 3 – OPA members are invited to submit their candidacy for one of the board positions, excluding the position of President and Vice-President which can only be filled by those who have served at least one year on the OPA board or as  Directors or Appointees (within the last 5 years of the election date). Candidacy submissions must be sent to the serving President and Vice President no sooner than 30 days and no later than 15 days prior to the set election day. Submissions will be vetted for appropriate skills and profile required for the position they are interested in.

Section 4 – In the case when the position of President become vacant and no one on the board is willing or able to take on the position – the board needs to appoint a temporary president from the board – the board would then turn to the membership to recruit a new president. The designated person would join the board for 1 year in a different position – and after spending a year on the board, migrate to the position of Presidency – upon a final 2/3 majority board vote.

Section 5 – Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee shall consist of at least two members in good standing selected by the Board of Directors who are not currently serving on the Board of Directors. The election must be held no later than June 30 and the results should be presented to the Board within one week of the election.

Article VII: Fiscal Matters

Section 1 – The fiscal year for each member shall be twelve months from the date of an individual’s enrollment.

Section 2 – The Board of Directors shall be responsible for all financial operations. It shall determine all charges for membership fees. No officer or member shall obligate the corporation for any indebtedness not provided for in the budget without specific authorization by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall review financial reports in writing as required and make annual financial reports to the members at the annual meeting.

Article VIII: Committee Organization

Section 1 – The Board of Directors may delegate responsibilities to committees, which shall at all times be responsible to the Board.

Section 2 – All committees shall be appointed for the two year term by the President and serve subject to the continued approval of the Board. Ad hoc committees shall be appointed by the President and shall be dissolved upon completion of the task for which the committee was established.

Article IX: Stocks, Assets and Dissolution of Organization

Section 1 – At no time shall this corporation have or issue shares in stock, and at no time shall dividends be paid or any part of the income of the corporation be distributed
to its members, directors or officers. All funds must be turned over to the charitable and educational uses and purposes of the corporation.

Section 2 – Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets remaining after payment of expenses and administration shall be turned over to such one or more organizations qualified for exemption under the Internal Revenue Code described in Section 170 (1) and 501 (c) (6) at the time when any property is to be distributed to it, each of which is engaged in activities compatible with the purposes of this organization. The Sections referred to are of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and shall be deemed to refer to corresponding provisions of subsequent Federal tax laws.

Section 3 – This corporation may not be dissolved except by two-thirds vote of the members present in a meeting called for the purpose of considering its dissolution, provided notice of such meeting shall have been sent to each member of the organization and a notice posted in the principal headquarters of the corporation at least 30 days prior to such meeting.

Article X: Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended, altered, or rescinded by a majority vote of those members of the Board of Directors present at any regular meeting or special meeting
called for that purpose, provided that 7 days advance notice of the proposed change is emailed or mailed to the Board and voting members.