We Will Miss You, Zipporah Pottenger Dobyns
How do you say good-bye to someone who has been your parent,
sister, best friend, mentor, colleague, and spiritual exemplar?
Mom knew how much all of us loved her. Indeed, many people
across the world considered her their mother as well. She had four children
of her flesh and many, many more who considered her their mother of soul-choice.
Zip’s reservoirs of patience, wisdom and kindness were immense.
For me, she was always a shining example of someone who was intellectually
brilliant and yet endlessly compassionate. Throughout the 51 years I had
the privilege of knowing her, she was unceasingly helpful to everyone
around her. She lived the power of a good example.
Mom gave generously of her time, attention, expertise,
resources, and energy to anyone who asked. Besides all the practical skills
she taught me, the astrological knowledge she passed along, the encouragement
she provided, her greatest gift was her philosophy. Mom believed in the
goodness of the Universe—and the Universe consistently affirmed
her viewpoint. She taught me to always find the silver lining, to be grateful
for my many blessings, and to trust that the Universe would come through
for me—after I had done my part, of course. Mom’s work ethic
was very much alive and well and she didn’t believe the Universe
would come through for a slacker. But anyone who was trying—even
if they were not very effectual—she was on their side and ready
to help.
The “facts”
about Zip’s life include her B.A. in anthropology (Phi Beta Kappa),
and B.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Zip was certified as a professional
astrologer by the A.F.A. after taking the exam in 1960. She lectured,
taught and counseled in 16 countries and 36 U.S. states. She is the author
of a number of books, the most recent being Healing Mother-Daughter
Relationships with Astrology which we wrote together and
which just came out in May 2003.
Well-known as a premier psychological astrologer, Zip
designed the “astrological alphabet” (fondly called the “Zip
Code” by friends and colleagues) to help spot repeated themes and
issues within a horoscope. She was a strong supporter of astrological
research and encouraged everyone to test their theories against their
clients’ life experiences. Her enduring fascination was the study
of the asteroids (since 1975). Indeed, Rob Hand referred to the asteroids
as “Zip’s pet rocks.” She received numerous awards from
her peers, including two Regulus Awards from UAC (one for Education and
one for Research and Innovation).
Beyond the facts and figures lies the personal side of
Zip’s story—a brilliant mind, incredible compassion, endless
curiosity about people, the independence to forge her own path, the spiritual
courage and dedication to humanity that enabled her to live a life of
inspiration. Her insights, encouragement, support and understanding touched
thousands and thousands of people’s lives for the better. She left
an extraordinary legacy and the best recognition we can all offer is to
strive to live up to her level: her empathy, her intellectual rigor, her
passion for justice, her profound interest in philosophy and Higher Meaning,
and her visionary example.
Maritha
Pottenger (her daughter)
See the Astro
Communications website for more on Zipporah Dobyns.
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