AQUARIAN AGE WIZARD

By J. R. Stanford

Faster than a speeding HP laserjet. More powerful than a 386. It's... Superman?

Many astrologers around the country seem to think so. Actually, it's Michael Smith, winding up his year long cross country tour as part of an experimental outreach program.

After 4 years manning the technical support/customer service hotline at the Matrix Software headquarters in Big Rapids, Michigan, Michael began to see a real need in the astrological community for an experienced and qualified person to be available for seminars, workshops and face to face individual "hands on" instruction and assistance - the goal being to help astrologers get the most from their computers and software, enabling them to better serve their clients

So, on his solar return in August, 1988, Michael (known as Craig while on the Matrix staff) took an indefinite sabbatical leave, put out a mailing stating his intentions and hit the road. The response was overwhelming! He traveled across the country, working with astrologers on a one-to-one basis and setting up seminars and workshops to demonstrate and provide instruction for operating the various astrological software programs that are available. Juggling a schedule of 12 to 18 hour days, the energetic Michael also managed to include numerous television appearances and radio broadcasts, introducing the tools of modern astrology to the general public.

Professional astrologer and computer expert, Michael is a man of infinite patience. Frequently he meets with astrologers who have virtually no knowledge of computer operations. Gently he teaches them, spending as much time as they need, to operate their equipment with confidence "fighting computer fear." California astrologer/teacher Mo Stucke refers to Michael as "the Wizard."

Born August 17, 1955, Michael's chart holds a 7 planet, 11th house Leo stellium with a Libra ascendant. A champion of individual, personal freedom, Michael decries the divisiveness and rigid political structure that currently permeates the astrological community.

"All the back stabbing, nit-picking and disagreement among astrologers is totally unnecessary and counter-productive for astrology in general. Astrologers, of all people, should realize that each individual is different and perceives the universe from his/her own point of view, and a technique that works for one astrologer may not for another. The name calling and public disagreement among astrologers who use different techniques in their work are ego centered and based upon personal insecurities. It does nothing more than contribute to the public's lack of confidence in astrology."

Michael recently completed an article on computer-assisted astrology which will be included in the upcoming Llewellyn re-publication of Grant Lewi's "Astrology for the Millions." In addition, he is now working on a full, in-depth manuscript (also for Llewellyn) on computerized astrology in the 90's. Most exciting though, is his work-in-progress on what may become the definitive book on local space - his particular area of astrological expertise.

Networker extraordinaire, Michael's current dream is to establish a comprehensive international astrological network. In partnership with his wife Jacquie, an astrologer with 24 years in the field, 17 years specializing in synastry, they are working to host the first nationally syndicated astrology program on talk radio and building a center that will provide information and services for the general public and astrologers world-wide.

As he continues his travels, spreading love and light and sharing his knowledge in seminars and workshops, the astrological world is truly blessed and enriched by the talents of this very gifted man!

Michael & Jacquie are available for individual or group work, phone consultations, lectures & workshops. They can be contacted directly at: S.O.S. Consulting, P.O. Box 18, Paris, MI 49338, or by calling (616) 796-0173.