A Tribute by Chris Turner

I first met John Clarke when I attended my first astrology lesson given by Roy Knight in August 1974. It was John's first lesson too. During the nine weeks course, John and I found we worked very well together, and one night discussed the need for a fully structured course in astrology for Sydney.

At that time there was nothing but the discussions held at the FAA and SARS meetings, and the occasional classes, mainly in chart calculation, such as the one we were attending. In 1975 Roy retired as president of SARS and John took over. Towards the end of that year we decided the need for formal classes was getting urgent, and the Sydney Astrology Centre was born. John, who was an advertising media manufacturer, immediately renovated part of his factory premises and we taught astrology there for the next four years. The Sydney Astrology Centre was the first formal School of Astrology in Australia, and we grew very quickly. By 1981 we had moved to larger premises and were also running day and night classes in locations all over Sydney.

By 1981 John was also ready to make astrology his main "job" and I was also ready to move on, so we ended our partnership, but I like to think that our partnership was significant in the development of astrology in this country. Even though a few years ago John changed the name of the school to The Australian Astrology Centre, it was such an institution that it was always known as the SAC. John continued to teach for the next 20 years as well as speak at conferences and write books.

He was passionate about astrology, and being a natural researcher, data was never far from his mind, no matter where he was. He wouldn't hesitate to walk up to a perfect stranger who looked interesting and ask for his/her data. Being also very generous, he self published his books, and then promptly gave them away to anyone who was interested.

Sadly two years ago John was gripped by Alzheimer's disease and spent the last few years of his life quietly and peacefully on the beautiful Central Coast north of Sydney. After a bad fall he contracted pneumonia and passed away in hospital in the early hours of the morning of 14th August 2005.

With his passing we have lost one of the great pioneers of Australian astrology. John Clarke will deservedly take his place in the history of Australian astrology. His enthusiasm and passion for astrology live on as a legacy in the hundreds of students who passed through the doors of the Sydney Astrology Centre over the years.

by Chris Turner, Sydney

A TRIBUTE TO JOHN CLARKE
By Molly Talbot

In 1977 I had a numerology reading. The reader commented that she thought I might be good at astrology. I had been interested in it for a number of years so decided to explore it a bit more. I scanned the yellow pages and found the “Sydney Astrology Centre” and from that moment my life changed.

I started studying astrology with John Clarke and Chris Turner in 1978 and was immediately enthralled by both the subject itself and enthusiasm of my teachers. One of John’s favourite sayings was “This is really exciting!” and to John every aspect of astrology was just that. His passion and enthusiasm were contagious and I soon found myself “hooked” on this amazing subject.

At the same time as I started classes another lady, Talei Irwin, also began studying astrology. Talei struggled with Maths (not letting out any secrets here) so we agreed to get together in the holidays and I would help her with the calculations. I think the first night I left her place around 1:00 am such was our connection and love of astrology. It was to be the beginning of a long and valuable friendship.

John enjoyed the company of ladies (no secret either!) and soon was dating Talei. They became “an item” for many years and this was how I came to know John at a more personal level. We would have many discussions (and arguments) about astrology. John was someone who “got you thinking” and as a result my astrological knowledge both deepened and expanded. John was always willing to explain something to those with less knowledge and to dig deeper and deeper in his search to expand his own understanding of astrology. He was a relentless researcher with an amazing breadth of knowledge that he would impart to anyone who would listen (he did have Venus conjunct Mars in Leo in the 10th)!

Socially, John was great fun. My husband Ted, Talei, John and I shared many great times together especially on board our yacht. With Ted being a psychologist, we had many interesting discussions over a few wines (John was hooked on Freud). John was a very kind and generous man who showed a deep awareness and understanding of other people and their needs. He sought to empower his students through astrology and I remember one student sending him a card on which was written “You turned me from a caterpillar into a butterfly.” What greater acknowledgement could there be?!

John was keen to have astrology accepted by the mainstream. He and Chris devised a 3 years syllabus for their students with exams each year and a Certificate at the end. This, I am sure, represented the seeds of the examination system that the FAA now uses today. Both John and Chris were eager for their students to be “qualified” and I know that doing those exams expanded and deepened my knowledge.

John left behind an enormous amount of research and a substantial library; much of which will be passed on to future students. It was his wish to continue imparting knowledge and empowering students through astrology. John will be missed by many of us who passed through the doors of the Sydney Astrology Centre and for me, personally, as a dear friend and mentor who helped me grow and develop into who I am today.

By the way, I now teach astrology and am passionate about it too! So I feel his memory and his work lives on.

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