2026 NORWAC Fellows Post-Conference Reflections

Each year AYA proudly sponsors a cohort of members to receive full virtual fellowships to The Northwest Astrological Conference, more commonly known as NORWAC. This affords aspiring astrologers a chance to learn a wide array of techniques and theories from practitioners from every tradition. We sat down with the 2026 fellows to chat about their experience, how they connected with the astrological community and what their favorite NORWAC talk was.

Orlaith McDonagh 

https://www.instagram.com/stella.esoterica

What was your favorite lecture from the conference and why?

This is an *impossibly* hard question, but I think Jason Holley’s work has had the biggest impact on validating and inspiring my thinking around integrated, experiential astrology that prioritises presence and connection. (Honourable mention to Colin Bedell’s insanely inspiring Astrology as Verb talk on a similar theme, and Shawn Nygaard’s 8th house talk that radically reframed my thinking around the ‘idle’ place!)

What is one thing you learned during the conference?

The most significant thing I learned during the conference was just how much astrology is a “both/and” practice. Absolutes and right/wrong dichotomies do nothing but limit the flexible, multiplicitous potential of astrological divination to be meaningful within all different systems and beliefs. While we all have our preferred techniques and worldviews that inform our astrology, the diversity of thinking and practice at NORWAC was beyond inspiring.

How has this experience helped you feel more connected to the astrological community?

The virtual spaces held at NORWAC went such a long way to helping me really feel like a part of things from over 4,000 miles away! I’ve connected with fellow virtual attendees, got to ask questions of the speakers, and really feel like a participating and connected member of such a vibrant and exciting community. It’s also given me new courage and confidence in sharing my thoughts and work too!

Adesuwa Robyn

https://www.instagram.com/Adesuwa.Robyn

What was your favorite lecture from the conference and why?

There were so many excellent lectures at this NORWAC that choosing a favorite is difficult. One that particularly stood out was Hard Aspects in Synastry by Steven Forrest.

I appreciated how he challenged the common assumption that hard aspects are inherently negative in relationships. Rather than viewing squares and oppositions as obstacles, he presented them as opportunities for growth, honesty, and deeper connection. His perspective—that difficult conversations and conflicts, when approached with kindness, self-awareness, and mutual respect, can ultimately strengthen relationships—was both insightful, practical, and refreshing.

The lecture offered a more nuanced understanding of compatibility and encouraged me to move beyond simplistic notions of “good” and “bad” astrological indicators. Instead, it emphasized how individuals engage with challenges and use them as catalysts for personal and relational growth.

What is one thing you learned during the conference?

I learned a great deal at the conference, particularly on a technical level. However, I’m especially drawn to frameworks that reshape how I think about a subject, which is one reason Steven Forrest’s lecture on Hard Aspects in Synastry stood out to me.

One of the most valuable insights I took away was the idea that all aspects are ultimately about integration rather than judgment. Forrest encouraged participants to move away from categorizing aspects as “good” or “bad” and instead think of them as “easy” or “hard.” He explained that while easy aspects often create comfort, harmony, and friendship, hard aspects can provide the friction necessary for growth, passion, and transformation.

That perspective shifted the way I think about relationship astrology. It underscored the importance of viewing a chart holistically rather than assigning outsized meaning to any single aspect in isolation. More broadly, it reinforced the idea that challenges within a chart are not necessarily problems to overcome, but opportunities to develop greater awareness, integration, and depth.

How has this experience helped you feel more connected to the astrological community?

This experience helped me feel more connected to the astrological community because it emphasized collective learning, curiosity, and shared exploration rather than presenting astrology as a fixed set of answers. For example, one presenter encouraged participants to reflect on their own charts, exchange insights, and engage thoughtfully with one another’s perspectives. That collaborative atmosphere highlighted astrology not only as a tool for personal understanding, but also as a means of fostering meaningful connections with others who are exploring similar questions about themselves, their histories, and their place in the world. It reinforced the idea that learning astrology is as much about community and dialogue as it is about individual study.

Scarlett

https://allmylinks.com/scarletsutra

What was your favorite lecture from the conference and why?

I cannot possibly choose one favorite lecture or keynote from this conference. But I did most notably enjoy time with Shawn Nygaard, Rav Chahal, Maurice Fernandez, Ali Olomi, Andrea Gehrz, Rebecca Gordon, Steven Forrest, and Catherine Urban. The most memorable keynote delivery piece I took away was Adam Elenbaas highlighting his experience of charting himself into a spiral during his daughter’s difficult birth — ultimately arriving at the lesson that he was “meeting a soul and not a chart.” How powerful! Adam’s Cancerian delivery really spoke to my soft grand water trine 🦀🌊🥹

What is one thing you learned during the conference?

As someone with strong 8th and 12th house placements, I’ve always carried my own attachments to these houses. I deeply love and revere them. Yet Shawn Nygaard and Maurice Fernandez challenged and expanded my understanding in ways I didn’t expect. Seeing the 8th House as the “Idle Place,” rather than solely the Underworld, and the 12th House as both the “Mother’s Womb” and the “Womb of the Universe,” added new layers of meaning to concepts I thought I already knew well. Their perspectives deepened my appreciation for these houses and enriched my relationship with them.

How has this experience helped you feel more connected to the astrological community?

In full transparency, I used to draw a sharp distinction between what I saw as “OG,” counter-culture astrologers and modern “pop” astrologers. There seemed to be an unspoken assumption that someone couldn’t embody the personality or accessibility of a modern astrologer while also possessing the depth and rigor of a traditional practitioner. NORWAC completely challenged that perception. It showed me a community far more diverse, welcoming, and multidimensional than I had imagined. On a personal level, it also pushed me to confront my Sun–Saturn square tendency to question whether I’m “enough” or truly belong within the astrological community. Walking away from the experience, I felt not only more connected to other astrologers, but more confident in my own place among them.

Hannah Kraar

What was your favorite lecture from the conference and why?

How can I pick just one! I loved being able to listen to talks from big names like Judith Hill, Steven Forrest, and Laura Nalbandian. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Kay Taylor’s talk on Evolutionary Synastry.

What is one thing you learned during the conference?

I learned that I have a strong interest in Evolutionary Astrology!

How has this experience helped you feel more connected to the astrological community?

I feel infinitely more connected. I have signed up for EA classes because of this experience. I also feel excited because I’ve chatted with some speakers via email/DM, sharing my thoughts about their talks and what it brought up for me. I didn’t expect the speakers to respond, but a few have and it has been delightful!

If you’re interested in meeting other aspiring astrologers and connecting with the astrological community, join AYA today! We have accessible resources, online lectures, chill (virtual) hangs and opportunities for future fellowships. Let’s connect!

Seminar Under the Stars: The Astrology of Psychic Phenomenon with Janelle Belgrave

The Association for Young Astrologers is hosting Janelle Belgrave for The Astrology of Psychic Phenomenon on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 12:30pm Eastern Time.

Lecture description: In this lecture we’ll explore the prominent planetary placements & aspects commonly associated with those who have manifested psychic and/or other metaphysical abilities in their lifetime. Additionally we’ll explore how public interest in the metaphysical has waxed and waned throughout modern history and whether or not society’s current peak will last. Will psychic abilities remain on the skeptical fringes or become an accepted part of humanity’s future?

Presenter bio: Janelle Belgrave is an astrologer, licensed acupuncturist, and clairvoyant intuitive. She is the co-host of the Stars on Fire podcast, and house astrologer of the Skyline Drive podcast. You can find out more about her work on her site www.soabove.com.

RSVP

Date: Saturday, June 20th, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM Eastern Time
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sus-janelle-belgrave-the-astrology-of-psychic-phenomenon-tickets-1989968415098
Cost: Free!

A recording of the talk will be available to members after the event. Click here to become a member!