Hank Friedman is a professional Western and Vedic astrologer, psychic, hypnotherapist, teacher, and writer based in El Cerrito, California. Astrological practice began in 1974, initially approached with scientific skepticism - a background in premed and neurochemistry graduate work led to a rigorous multi-year test of astrology's principles, which ultimately convinced him of its validity. Vedic astrology studies followed with Hart de Fouw, whom he credits as his Jyotish guru. Hank is widely recognized as the world's foremost expert on astrology software and has reviewed over 60 programs, maintained a weekly blog on software developments, and helped thousands of astrologers choose the right tools. He has taught year-long apprenticeship courses and offers over 160 free tutorials in both Western and Vedic astrology at learnastrologyfree.com. Consultations integrate Western and Vedic approaches and include natal readings, compatibility readings, predictive cycles, and electional work. Sessions are offered by phone and in person in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hank is affiliated with The Mountain Astrologer and BAVA (British Association for Vedic Astrology).