The International Society For Astrological Research (ISAR) is an educational and professional organization whose members are dedicated to the highest quality in astrology. Association members promote data accuracy, educational services, counseling standards, and ongoing research in astrology across a variety of disciplines.

Ethical Standards and Guidelines International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR 2001) (*Revised 2/2007)

PREAMBLE

The International Society For Astrological Research (ISAR) is an educational and professional organization whose members are dedicated to the highest quality in astrology. Association members promote data accuracy, educational services, counseling standards, and ongoing research in astrology across a variety of disciplines.
Astrologers work to develop a valid and reliable body of knowledge based on research, both quantitative and qualitative. They may apply that knowledge to human understanding in a variety of contexts: consultant, counselor, administrator, psychotherapist, and educator. These Ethical Standards and Guidelines have as their primary goal the welfare and protection of individuals and groups with whom astrologers work as well as the professional astrologer and the professional astrological community.
Astrologers’ moral standards and conduct are personal matters to the same degree as is true for any other person, except as astrologers' conduct may compromise their professional responsibilities or reduce the public’s trust in astrology and astrologers. It is the individual responsibility of each astrologer to aspire to the highest possible standard of conduct.

These Ethical Standards and Guidelines enable ISAR to clarify the nature of the ethical responsibilities held in common by its members. All members of ISAR adhere to the Ethical Standards and Guidelines, which serve as a basis for mediating ethical complaints.

As there are several sub-disciplines in astrology, a comprehensive Ethical Standards and Guidelines must endeavor to cover a variety of different situations. What is ethically relevant to a Horary or Financial astrologer may not apply to a consulting astrologer whose client is struggling with a relationship problem. These guidelines, therefore, strive to recognize the specific ethical standards that apply in the different sub-disciplines of astrology. It also covers activities outside the field of consulting, such as interactions with the public, teaching, supervision, and research. We recognize that the development of standards is an ongoing process and that this code is a living document subject to revisions and updates as needed.

Astrology has a variety of theoretical perspectives and a wide range of appropriate research methods. Astrologers should warrant their research conclusions consistent with the standards of their own theoretical and methodological perspectives. They should keep themselves well informed in both their own and competing paradigms where those are relevant to their research, and they should continually evaluate the criteria of adequacy by which research is judged.

These Ethical Standards and Guidelines cannot expressly cover every conceivable situation that may occur. The absence of a specific standard or guideline against a particular kind of conduct does not mean that such conduct is ethical. Accordingly, while the specific wording of these standards is important, those utilizing or interpreting these Ethical Standards and Guidelines should always take the spirit and intent of the principles into consideration.

Adherence to a dynamic set of ethical standards requires a personal commitment to a life-long effort to act ethically; to encourage ethical behavior by one’s colleagues; and to consult with others, as needed, concerning ethical problems.

The primary intent of these Ethical Standards and Guidelines is to educate astrologers about the types of ethical practices that will improve client experiences, relationships among colleagues and the acceptance of our field. It is our expectation that these guidelines will inspire us to higher standards. If a member of our community falls short of our minimum standards, an ethics committee will work to mediate misunderstandings and disputes.