Corporate Ethics: The opinions of the CAAE teachers do not purport to reflect the views, policies, or opinions of the CAAE members or board executive.
Membership Ethics: A member has the responsibility to read, understand, and follow the Ethical Standards and Guidelines.
PRIMARY STANDARD
The prime directive that supersedes all other ethics is to do no harm and at all times act in the client’s best interest.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
A member should only practice within the boundaries of one’s competence, based upon formal training and education, and practical experience.
A member should refer a client to another astrologer when the scope of issues surpasses one’s area of expertise.
A member should always be cognizant that he/she acts as an astrologer only and should not provide medical or counselling advice, unless otherwise qualified to do so, but should refer the client to the appropriate professional.
It is the responsibility of each member to actively engage in and be responsible for continued education to maintain competency. Continued education is defined as on going courses of study, conferences, reading and research.
BASIS OF DELINEATION
A precise delineation cannot honestly be rendered unless based on a horoscope cast for year/day/time and exact location of birth. Remarks must be based on clear accepted astrological science and data only. Any other remarks, based on tarot, numerology, psychic abilities etc., should be disclosed as such.
COMMUNICATION
A member should deal with a client’s expressed interests and areas of concern, without the encumbrance of a member’s personal needs and interests.
Negative predictions should be tempered and it should be explained that astrology is not an exact science, that different manifestations can occur, and that the outcome of future astrological events cannot be predicted with absolute certainty.
A member is encouraged to replace the word prediction, a word used by fortunetellers, with words like indication, probability and forecast. Further, a member should replace the word counselling with consulting.
In all communications, a member should be responsible for language and presentation that is helpful and empowering to the client.
In the public realm, a member should avoid blanket statements about dire predictions of imminent danger that would result in unreasonable fears in the public.
CONFIDENTIALITY
A member should honour and respect all client confidences and generally adopt ethical rules currently in place for the medical and legal professions in this regard.
THIRD PARTIES
If a client wants a member to interpret the chart of a third party, the member should get written permission from a third party before accepting the assignment, and should discuss the delineation with that third party only, and not with the referring party.
For synastry, composite and davison charts, a member can utilize third party data, without obtaining written permission, but must avoid direct interpretation of the third party horoscope to another.
A member may utilize third party data, without written permission, to better understand a client’s relationship, but must avoid direct interpretation of the third party horoscope to the client.
BOUNDARIES
A member should maintain clear boundaries with clients and refrain from sexual activity or other inappropriate relations or actions while acting in the capacity of a professional astrologer.
RESEARCH AND TEACHING
A member must obtain written authority from a client to use chart/data obtained there from, for educational purposes, and the client’s identity must not be disclosed.
INTEGRITY OF THE PROFESSION
A member is responsible to adhere to the highest possible professional standard of conduct and act in a manner that brings integrity to the profession.
A member should educate the public as to what astrology is and isn’t.
RELATIONS WITH OTHER ASTROLOGERS
A member should maintain the highest standards with relationship with other astrologers, give recognition for their work, and adhere to copyright protections and refrain from pirating and taking credit for others’ work.
LICENSING/LAWS
A member should adhere to all licensing laws and regulations, where applicable.
ADVERTISING
A member’s advertising and promotion materials should be accurate in such a way as to not give the impression of possessing skills greater than they actually are. The advertising materials should be in good taste reflecting the integrity and professionalism of astrology and its members.
MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
A member should use due diligence to keep and maintain client information using due diligence that ensures safekeeping and confidentiality. Examples of due diligence include shredding of documentation not to be retained and keeping files under lock and key.