Bruce Scofield | May 2025
Bruce Scofield bio:
Bruce began studying astrology in 1967 and maintained a private practice as an astrological consultant, writer and conference speaker for over 45 years. He has professional astrological certification from AFA and NCGR, is the author of eight books and numerous articles on astrology and has also written on other subjects including science, archaeology, history and hiking. Since 1979 he has served on the education committee of the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) as a member and director and is currently president of the Professional Astrologers Alliance (PAA), an astrological certifying body. Bruce holds an M.A. in history and a Ph.D. in geosciences and has taught evolution and the science of Gaia at the University of Massachusetts and astrology and astronomy online for Kepler College. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts. Information on his work and writings can be found at onereed.com and naturalastrology.com. Contact Bruce at: bscofield2233@gmail.com.
Member Spotlight meeting notes:
Bruce discussed his journey into astrology, his experiences with various astrological software programs, and his ongoing research interests. He also emphasized the importance of understanding astrology's historical context, the need for institutions to support astrology, and the importance of certification in the field. Additionally, Bruce shared his views on knowledge creation and astrology, advising aspiring astrologers to be cautious about information sources and to develop a habit of questioning rather than accepting pronouncements.
Bruce’s journey into astrology began with an early interest in astronomy and paleontology. He became intrigued by astrology in college after dating three women born on the same day and started studying it seriously, learning to calculate charts and progressions. Bruce pursued formal education in history and philosophy to better understand astrology, eventually earning a PhD with a dissertation on astrometeorology. He describes learning astrology through self-study, group discussions, and interactions with notable astrologers rather than having a specific teacher.
Bruce discusses his experience with various astrological software programs, including Solar Fire, which he prefers for its stability. He mentions teaching three self-paced courses at Kepler College on astronomy, symmetry in astrology, and Mesoamerican astrology. Bruce also talks about his book "The Nature of Astrology: History, Philosophy, and the Science of Self-Organizing Systems," which covers the history and philosophy of astrology, its decline in mainstream acceptance, and its current state as a social activity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding astrology's historical context and its relationship to different worldviews. Bruce continues to study astrology, recently examining planetary configurations related to a power outage in Spain and Portugal.
Bruce argues that astrology should be viewed as a subject with various components like history, research, theory, and practice, rather than just as an art or science. He emphasizes the need for institutions to support astrology and the importance of research, noting that currently, 99% of astrology is focused on practice. Bruce also advocates for certification in astrology to maintain standards and prevent a "free-for-all" situation. He suggests that data collection is crucial for advancing astrological research and expanding the field beyond its current focus on human-centered astrology.
Bruce discusses his ongoing research interests, including Mesoamerican astrology and Venus cycles, as well as his work on U.S. history. Bruce also talks about his extensive service to the astrological community, including his roles with NCGR, PAA, and Kepler. He explains that PAA's certification program is designed to emulate a four-year college degree in astrology, and discusses the importance of maintaining and upgrading educational standards. Bruce attributes his commitment to service to his 12th house placements and Saturn rising, which give him a sense of responsibility to help where needed.
Bruce discusses his views on knowledge creation and astrology. He emphasizes the importance of the scientific method as a democratic, collective way of ascertaining truth that can be verified by others. Bruce advises aspiring astrologers to be cautious about information sources, test things personally, and develop a habit of questioning rather than accepting pronouncements. He recommends learning how charts work in real time and making personal observations. Bruce also mentions the competitive nature of making a living in astrology, primarily through readings, and suggests that those entering the field consider the value of credentials.