As April Fools’ Day draws near I'm concerned about any possible misinformation about astrology that might be unleashed upon the public and the media. With the recent kerfuffle about Zodiac Shifts and Thirteen Signs that anti-astrology denizens have seen fit to foist upon the public, it behooves astrologers to take the high road and not act upon impulse and try to trick the media and public.

I understand humor, satire, and general tomfoolery and am cognizant of its place in society.   I am also a comic performer - and even wrote an April Fools’ Day piece some years ago. But that piece was for an audience of astrologers and those conversant with astrology - not for public consumption.

What some might see as a humorous idea - and enjoy perpetuating that on an unsuspecting and uninformed public - could turn into a public relations disaster for astrologers and astrology.

Any misinformation released to the public in an attempt to go viral and gain publicity could generate a huge backlash from those antagonistic toward astrology and generate mistrust in the media and general public.

As astrologers, I also ask you to consider that on April 1, 2011, we have Mercury just turned retrograde, stationary and peregrine in the Domicile and Term of Mars.  Why would one want to risk satire being perceived as deception that engenders anger?

In a time when there is so much strife due to recent world events, is this a time to create possible negative publicity about astrology and astrologers? Wouldn't our energies be better spent disseminating positive messages about astrology rather than seeking self-promotion via an ill-considered stunt?

Fellow professional astrologers and supporters of astrology, I implore you not to participate in any attempts to mislead the media or public.

I agree The Sacred Science of Astronomy and Astrology should be revered and acknowledged by all.  Anyone who is foolish enough to mock the practice of reading our stellar road map should be grateful that All-Father is not proud but merciful.