In 1965, Martinie graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in political science. In 1966 he began his first job as district manager of Illinois Bell Telephone Company in Decatur, Illinois. In 1971 he graduated from University of Illinois with a degree in psychology. While earning this degree, Martinie was first introduced to astrology when he attended a meeting of the school's astrology club. Although he initially believed astrology to be "stupid" and asinine", he later became hooked. That same year he moved to Boston, as he believed it was the most astrologically perfect place for him. After arriving in the city he began performing horoscope readings to employees of the state welfare department in exchange for them keeping him on the welfare roles.