Astrologist a 'Sceptic'

- 1 November 1987

Ruben Romany is an artist and to support his artwork he also practises astrology and palmistry. Presently visiting Dunedin from Christchurch to practise his craft, Ruben is quick to admit that he is one of the ”biggest sceptics out”’.

He claims to have “tried and tested, tested and tried” every aspect of his craft continuously, in order to convince himself of the success of the results. Ruben Romany has been fascinated by the occult since the age of 16. Now at 42 Ruben considers himself “eternally young” and has 10 years of extensive astrological study behind him. His palmistry knowledge is self-taught.

Ruben has been practising both crafts on a commercial basis for 12 months now but says he will keep this “low-key”. Astrology and palm reading is a very taxing profession. It needs so much energy you can burn your wire out and lose any psychic ability,” he said.

Ruben only charges people for his time. He says he cannot understand people who take clients continuously every day for an “x timed” session.

“They must be doing it for their own good, their own pockets, rather than for the good of the people,” he said.

Ruben prefers to deal with those people he can guide and help rather than entertain. He encourages people not to use the service as a crutch but rather as a guide to make their own decisions and accept responsibility for themselves.

“Many people who come to a palmist or other such fringe counseller are undergoing some form of transition in their lives. They can be wanting answers, seeking confirmation of actions or simply wanting a bit of light entertainment,” he said.

When there are deep-seated problems Ruben refers the client to people he knows in other areas.

He says that some astrologers are fanatical and clients become too dependent on their readings.

Ruben feels it is good to have a certain mystery in life.

“It makes people diligent. They have to seek to find opportunities instead of waiting for them to fall in their lap,” he says.

Tells all

Ruben tells his client everything that is there, though he also lets them know that it may not necessarily be gospel truth. If there is something he senses he will talk about that too, although there are some subjects he says that must be treated diplomatically.

Ruben claims to have “one of the worst memories”, so he relies on intuition when he “reads” a client,

He uses the two systems — palmistry and astrology — in conjunction, as inter woven checks and balances, to rectify each other.

The session begins with a blank reading of the hand and a scant telling of past and future. At this point Ruben emphasises that the client has a “choice” in their future. That we are “masters, or mistresses, of our own destiny.

“Palmistry simply provides possible future trends whereby we learn to adjust life accordingly. Forewarned is forearmed,” he says.

Ruben then tells of such things as talents that may be suppressed and need exposing or vocational paths that need exploring. “The aim is to encourage an open mind,” Ruben says.

“Many people have been misguided by superstitions when it comes to palm reading,” Ruben said.

“For instance, the lines on the palm do change throughout life. When the palm is itchy it does not necessarily indicate a fortune is to be made — simply that the palm lines are growing in or out.

“Nor will a life line necessarily tell how long you will live for. You just need to look at young people on a mortuary slab following a suicide or accident and see how long their life’ lines are,” he said.

Ruben then concludes the session by translating the individual’s astrological chart which is calculated scientifically.

Astrology, a science that incorporates astronomy, psychology, psychiatry and mathematics, goes back beyond 12,000 BC in the Middle East. Astrology has almost become a readily accepted form of gaining information about one’s self. Many American psychologists are now using astrology realising such things as “lunatics” are in fact those whose character is affected by phases of the moon and schizophrenics are predominantly Pisces, Sagittarians and Geminis.

During the appointment Ruben encourages everyone to bring a cassette tape as a record for instant recall.

Ruben acknowledges the fact that it takes a while to build up a reputation, particularly in this field where there are plenty of charlatans just as many who are sincere. Although Ruben is now working commercially in order to support his other interests he says the greatest satisfaction is in seeing people leave after a 2hr or 3hr session with gratification and some greater “knowing” of their selves.

Community Mailbag

I noted with interest your reporter’s lavish piece of publicity for self-professed “‘Astrologist”, Ruben Romany (15/10/88). One gets used these days to seeing the media taken in by spurious claims such as Romany forwards. Romany takes care to try to spike the guns of the sceptics by claiming he is a sceptic — but on reading further, all it reveals is that he has “tried and tested” his own “craft”! A bit incestuous, wouldn’t you say? The N.Z. Skeptics Society would no doubt be interested in setting up a formal test of Romany’s “powers” and no doubt Mr Romany would agree to that, one hopes. Your reporter faithfully reports the number of “outs” Romany gives himself, such as his memory not being very good, and that some of the things he “reads” being possibly wrong. Clearly, he is preparing his clients for the inevitable disappointment while at the same time pocketing their money. He talks about “checks and balances” between palmistry and astrology as if the two were exact sciences. They are not, merely pure speculation that is coupled with careful “cold reading” at the interview. Anybody could do it. Romany claims that astrology is almost becoming a readily accepted form of gaining information about one’s self. It might, if people like your reporter keep on helping to push barrows of people like Romany. In actual fact it appears to be a cynical way of extracting money from gullible people who would be better off consulting one of the many social agencies for help, such as, for instance, the Cameron Centre. Romany says that he would “refer people with deep-seated problems to people he knows in other areas”, such as who? What is their status and what status do they confer on Mr Romany? Commonsense suggests that people undergoing “some transition”, and “seeking confirmation of their acts” should be seeing qualified social workers in the appropriate agencies. There, perhaps, they could be referred to people like Romany if all they want is “pure entertainment” for a fee. But I have never yet heard of a social worker referring a client to an astrologer! Romany claims in his classified “Trade Personal” advert that he will give an “accurate guide to yourself and your future prospects”. My opinion is that his claims will not stand up to scientific testing. Is he willing to be tested?

Trevor Reeves.

In reply to Trevor Reeves’ comments (NZ Skeptics Society) 22.10.86 re the article published on Mr R. Romany, midweek 15.10.86. Reuben Romany “Astrologer” is a sincere and gentle person whose genuine endeavour is to be of service to his fellow beings. He is a humble man who doesn’t claim to possess any “powers”. The other areas where he refers clients with deep-seated problems to, is in fact, Citizens Advice and the Cameron Centre, although he has no affiliation with these centres. Reuben, being a spiritual person, puts people before money and has little himself. During his visits to Dunedin and other centres he sees no more than five people per day and with an hour for preparatory horoscopes for each person plus consultations of 1 1⁄2 - 2 hours plus, he puts in an average of 12-15 hours per day to serve his clients. In his own town where Tarot card readers reign supreme, he is lucky if he gets five clients per week, hence his need to travel. Some travelling Tarot card readers see between 10-12 people per day at an average of three-quarters of an hour each and go laughing all the way to the bank, with between $1,500 and $2,000 for five days’ effort. So you see, Reuben is not in it for the money. Some of his income is shared in doing charitable things for others, some of whom are less fortunate than himself. Although Reuben is a close friend of mine, it is not my intention here to sing his praises, but to merely espouse the facts. If others followed his humane example instead of being hellbent on endeavouring to undermine of the integrity others, then this planet would be a more pleasant place on which to dwell

Roy L. Mason.

Sir, — I am writing in defence of Mr Reuben Romany, an astrologer, whom Mr Trevor Reeves of The Skeptics Society, so scathingly attacks in the Star Midweek of October 22. I consulted Mr Romany and I have nothing but the highest praise for his sincere and conscientious work. He was very accurate in recalling my past and by having my astrology chart done I was able to gain much personal insight into the weaknesses and strengths in my life. Hence I can now step forward more confidently for having a deeper knowledge of myself.

“Social agencies” can only take you so far. Some of us feel that answers (not necessarily to problems), lie in having a deeper understanding of life and ourselves. That is being aware that there is also a spiritual dimension as well as this physical one. The mind is so limited. I image that Mr Reeves will find this difficult to comprehend because he is too wrapped up in his head and intellectual concepts. I assert to Mr Reeves that he doesn’t have to test anyone under formal laboratory conditions to prove anything, because he has all the answers himself if he could just remove the hindrances of his limited mind. He would then see that answers he seeks are already within his heart. He could start with some contemplative meditation perhaps. A quiet place beside running water is soothing for an overactive mind. However, to believe in dimensions beyond what we know as the physical, only comes from personal experience, and so I doubt whether the skeptics will ever prove anything satisfactory to their scientific minds, because it is outside of their own perception. We are all responsible for our own lives and we don’t need the Skeptics to try and protect us. We are so narrow in our acceptance of anyone different in this country. Yes we are all entitled to our own opinions, but to damn Mr Romany as Mr Reeves does without even meeting the person concerned is being very judgmental indeed. And Mr Romany is not in it just for money. He puts in long hours drawing up individual horoscopes, and then some further hours interpreting it to the client, and for only a small financial return.

A Gemini.

Sir, — In reply to Trevor Reeves, re Reuben Romany, 22/10/86, I was amazed, when ut Mr Reeves’ letter, at the savagery of his attack on the integrity of someone of whom he knows absolutely nothing. It is interesting to note that this attack comes six days after the departure of Mr Romany, while no effort was made by Mr Reeves, or any of his colleagues, to contact Mr Romany during his two-week sojourn in Dunedin. Mr Reeves challenges Mr Romany to a formal testing of his “powers”. What powers? Contrary to Mr Reeves’ expressed OPINION, astrology is a science which can be studied like any other, and Mr Romany has spent 10 years in intensive study through books, observation and experience. (May I, at this point, recommend a little unbiased inquiry into the subject, through the many books which are readily available in major bookstores?) It is also interesting to note that because Mr Romany has been honest enough to admit to being capable of making errors upon occasion, he is immediately labelled a fraud. I wonder, if he was a sportsman, would he be condemned for not emerging victorious from every single encounter? Perhaps more so condemned for daring to admit to human fallibility? Mr Reeves is taking upon himself the role of “Big Brother”, professing concern for the weak and easily influenced minds of the general public. I wonder how readers feel about this interpretation of the mass intellect? Surely, free will choice plays a very important role in a person’s decision to consult Mr Romany, or any other of his colleagues. I respect the basic motivation behind Mr Reeves’ concern; there ARE

frauds and charlatans out to make a fast dollar at the public expense. Surely, though, it is up to the individuals to inquire into the credentials of any consultant, in any field, before committing themselves to a financial contract.

M. A. Kirkwood.

Sir, — I see that Roy L. Mason claims that Reuben Romany is a humble man who doesn’t claim to possess any “powers”. Obviously he hasn’t read Romany’s own words as reported in your article about him. Romany says that his profession is so taxing that one can “burn out” and lose any “psychic ability!” What is “psychic” ability other than a “special power”? Furthermore, if Romany puts people before money what of his claim that he’s using the income from his astrology and palmistry to fund his other activities? I consider that Romany’s claim that psychologists in the USA are “readily accepting” astrology as a form of gaining information about one’s self is totally false and said purely to create an endorsement of his own activities. Professional psychologists are trained particularly to be able to see through and thoroughly discredit these ”fringe” beliefs and to warn the public of their ineffectiveness. There is ample research material available which shows that the effects of lunar phases on human behaviour is not based on star signs or any of that rubbish. Romany’s efforts to build up a reputation (even at the expense of his fellow fortune-telling types, the tarot-card readers) is, in my opinion, thoroughly deplorable and the gullibility of your editorial stance on the matter is glaringly obvious — even with the appearance of the half-page “Your Stars” column every week. The Otago Daily Times’ column has the rider ”For entertainment only”’. Why doesn’t yours?

Judith E. Wolfe.

Sir, — Roy Mason seems to know a lot about the incomes of tarot card readers and both he and Reuben Romany frown upon their activities, accusing them, almost, of being extortionists. Mr Romany’s relationship with tarot card readers, however, is a lot closer than one realises. In your ”Trade Personal” columns a tarot card reader advertises his/her services and uses the same phone number as Mr Romany! The plot thickens! Is Mr Mason a tarot card reader in league with Mr Romany? Clearly, the public has no choice — one witchie-poo is the same as another and all their bank balances swell at the expense of the credibility of their clients and the public at large.

H. Begley.

Sir, — In reply to Roy L. Mason and “A Gemini”, Romany himself says that he works commercially at his astrology/palmist thing ”in order to support his other interests”. Where does his “humane example” fit in with this? Why doesn’t he get a decent paying normal job and do his soothsaying for free? When I rang Romany he said he was booked up until the new year. Not bad for someone dealing every day with suburban neurosis, loneliness, money hassles, child abuse, drink and sexual hang-ups. According to a notice seen on display at the Athenaeum Library, Romany advertises himself as a “specialist in marital problems”. He uses score charts for this, plus reading (sweaty?) palms (laden with money). Most people in trouble with their marriage are sensible enough to consult a reputable agency such as the Marriage Guidance Council or the Cameron Centre. These agencies have expertly trained personnel who have an excellent record in helping couples who are experiencing marriage difficulties. These same agencies in my opinion would give Romany a zero for credibility in handling these same problems. The Cameron Centre is the spiritual and social extension of the Presbyterian Church. Romany, “A Gemini” asserts gives his clients a “deeper spiritual dimension” than such as the Cameron Centre. For their benefit I reiterate Christ’s words: “Soothsayers and tellers of fortunes shall have a part in the lake of fire”. Recently a Christchurch astrologist accidentally got his charts all mixed up in his files and for a time told fortunes unknowingly based on “incorrect” information. He had no complaints from his clients and everything went as smoothly as ever. When he discovered his mistake he joined the Skeptics Society in disgust.

Trevor Reeves.