3 Lessons I’ve Learned in 3 Years of Being an Astrologer

At least once or twice a year I feel like I want to stop doing consultations. Because I don’t know enough.

Astrology is one of the most challenging practices I have studied in my life. More challenging than:

• Studying neuroscience
• Dancing for 12 hours a day
• Writing a thesis on improvisation

Why? Two reasons:

1. Studying astrology feels like a thorn in my side. There’s always more to learn. I’m constantly wondering if I know it well enough to share confidently.
2. Similar to yoga and dance, I feel the weight of the responsibility of sharing astrology with people and doing it well (Capricorn rising, hello, how are ya?!).
   

Last year, I met with an incredible, very seasoned astrologer. I told him about my struggle. He reminded me that astrology is God’s writing in the stars and anyone who has the ability to read it has a responsibility to share what it says with others.

He also told me I will never know it all. That’s the beauty of it. It assures our humanity. We can’t ever be God.

The most important thing he told me, which sticks with me to this day, is this:

“Whatever you tell them is extraordinarily useful and helpful. That’s the nature of Astrology. And your responsibility is to just do it right. Just do what you’ve been trained to do. That’s thousands of years of knowledge.”

Here are three things I’ve learned to help me keep going and honor my responsibility:

1. Be where you are.

I can’t rush the wisdom that comes from experience and practice. I can’t expect myself to be an expert astrologer immediately and I still know more than enough to contribute.

I’ve made some mistakes along the way, especially in the beginning as I was
working on synthesizing the information. I’ve had to learn to forgive myself for it. I accept that people are getting this version of me and what I know now. Which means giving myself grace for being new… Because the only way to not be new is to keep going.

I can’t be at year 20 in year 3. And that’s okay (freaking out silently still…).

2. Share what you can.

Speaking of things that are okay… I don’t know everything… and that’s okay (or is it… LOL). But honestly, sometimes I have to say, “I’m sorry but I cannot answer that.”

Anyone can ask anything about their life and receive guidance from the chart. So I make no mistake about where the limitation lies… it’s with me, not with the tool.

At first I wasn’t okay with that. I felt like I had to all of a sudden be able to give people all these answers to their life questions because I studied astrology.

Now, I feel more at peace as I grow more confident in my foundational knowledge and allow myself to trust in exactly what I was trained to do.
It feels both humbling and empowering to receive messages like this:

“I am sitting here amazed by how spot-on you were with everything You’ve left me with lots to think about and a fresh outlook on some of the things I had been worrying over. I appreciate you so much! Looking forward to the next session!”

3. Learn what you will.

I’ve learned that insecurity arises because I feel a lack of knowledge in a specific area. So I turn to my resources as a comfort and a guide. Especially in times where I feel like I need to stop because I know “nothing” (can anyone relate?).

A lot of my learning is about Re-learning. Re-reading the books I read at Kepler. Reviewing the courses I took.

I repeatedly go back to The Astrology Podcast episodes about foundational
concepts like the signs, the houses, the planets and the aspects. I sit in relationship with my chart, to witness and reflect on how it shows up in my
life. I work to develop true relationships with these ideas so they become more embodied.

As a choreographer, I work with affirmations in my creative process to meet fear of the unknown in performance. One of my favorites is, “I am in a constant state of learning.”

Isn’t it so true though? We are all in a constant state of learning. One of the biggest takeaways for me has been recognizing that I can be both: learning and contributing.

Permission to be both, granted. If you have any doubts about your own brilliance, I wish that for you, too.

Bianca Paige Smith’s Links

• Website: http://biancapaigesmith.com
• Astrology Consults: https://biancapaigesmith.offeringtree.com/offerings
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancapaigesmith/

Not Another Mercury Retrograde: Going through the (Apparent Retrograde) Motions

Written by: Jasmin Lila

It seems like everyone and their aunt knows when Mercury is retrograde these days. I dare say it’s nearly as popular as knowing your Sun sign. Which is pretty cool; I’d never lament a more widespread acceptance of Astrology.

However, with this surge in mainstream popularity, and a (mostly justifiable) need to simplify complex concepts for broader accessibility, the conversation around Mercury retrogrades does seem to have gotten a little repetitive. Cliched. Reductive. 

The finer details of Mercury retrograde have been somewhat lost in translation – the absolute on the nose perfection of which is not lost on me. 

It’s a problem I realized I was contributing to, as I wrote yet another interpretation about how this is a time to reassess and rethink, to triple check the data, and avoid making big decisions. It’s not terrible advice, but it certainly lacks a greater nuance that any given Astrology transit deserves. Because even though they might have a similar foundation, no two retrogrades are created equal. 

Mercury retrograde in expansive Sagittarius has a much different flavor than that of one in grounded Capricorn. A retrograde that features squares with Neptune is bound to melt the mind and confuse communication, a little more than one that features sextiles with clear-cut Saturn. Combine those and you get two very distinct periods of retrograde time. Once you factor in how it’s influencing your natal chart, there’s no telling how many variations are possible from one single retrograde. 

All of that had gotten away from me somehow, though. Another Mercury retrograde was upon us and I was on autopilot, just going through the motions. Honestly, I think Mercury noticed. 

This past retrograde (Dec. 2023 to Jan. 2024) manifested in some of the most obvious, palm-to-forehead ways for me. While Mercury was retrograde in my third house of communication, I recorded an entire podcast episode before realizing my microphone hadn’t been working. When Mercury backtracked to my second house of money, I had a bank account get shut down without my knowledge or any warning.

The majority of those classic retrograde bloopers and snafus – glitchy tech, misunderstandings, retracing your steps – happened while Mercury was in Sagittarius, reminding me and emphasizing the importance of planetary condition. Mercury’s detriment in Sagittarius surely contributed to making that part of the retrograde all the more haywire.

My experience was radically different while Mercury was retrograde in Capricorn. Though it’s neutral territory for Mercury, the steady environment of a Saturn-ruled earth sign likely offered extra stability, to stay ever so slightly more on track.

The second take on that podcast episode was infinitely better than the first, and this recording delay wound up playing a role in the renaming and rebranding of that podcast. A change I had been trying to make for months, and which the retrograde revising opened the door for. 

This third house retrograde also brought the opportunity to recreate my website, to pivot the type of regular content I create, and on the day of the retrograde station, a reversal in mindset. It was this initial stage of the retrograde that awakened me from autopilot. 

It’s not uncommon for the day of a station, whether retrograde or direct, to be the trickiest part of the cycle. With the planet completely inert, delays and inactivity make sense. However, this particular station day was one of the most productive I’d had in weeks. A writing project I’d been working on, and hitting one roadblock after another, was suddenly finding its stride. And then it was done. 

As Mercury found a place of stillness in the cosmos, my mind found a calm clarity here on Earth. I doubt every retrograde station will provide such a blessing, but this possibility for mental peace and focus will get factored into my future interpretations. 

More than just reminding me that ubiquity doesn’t negate uniqueness, this retrograde prompted me to rethink my approach to Astrological translation. To give the planets a little more agency in the stories they’re weaving. We might know how the last retrograde played out, but that doesn’t mean we know all the twists and turns of the retrogrades yet to come. 

We can be prepared to reassess, triple check data, and delay big decisions, but we can also go deeper than that. Each retrograde holds the gift of a second chance. The pen to rewrite our stories. An opportunity to awaken from autopilot and do more than just go through the motions. 

More from Jasmin Lila

Website: https://jasmins-astrology.square.site/ 

Links: https://jasminsastrology.bio.link/ 

May 2023 Horoscopes by Fionn Cleary

Here are your rising sign horoscopes for the month of May! 

This month there is a major emphasis on the fixed signs, particularly the Scorpio/Taurus axis. We have just blasted out of eclipse season. This month kicked off with the lunar eclipse in Scorpio on May 5th, bringing with it some major culminations and transformations. We get to enjoy some steady growth and lushness with Jupiter entering Taurus on May 16th, and then we plant new seeds in fertile fields with the Taurus new moon on May 19th. Although, a new Moon in the third decan of Taurus could indicate planning ahead for new beginnings with the knowledge that we may need a backup plan and a rainy day fund. 

Aries

Following the eclipse in your eighth house, there may have been a major process of disentangling from what binds you to others. As you release what you owe to others, Jupiter enters your second house to help turn what resources you already have into more. 

Taurus 

The month kicks off with a push to do some major work within your close relationships. As you take a breather after your final seventh house eclipse, Jupiter enters your first house to big you up like a hypeman and help you renew a fresh sense of hope and possibility. This begins a period of personal growth, learning and getting closer to your goals. 

Gemini

As the month begins, you may be prompted to do some problem-solving around your physical well-being and work-life balance. As Jupiter enters your 12th house, you may begin a process of deep introspection in which you unearth hidden talents and nuggets of wisdom. 

Cancer

The lunar eclipse may have facilitated a breakthrough in your creative passions and romantic life. As Jupiter rejoices in your eleventh house, it is well-equipped to facilitate growth, forging alliances, and the fruition of hopes and dreams. 

Leo 

The eclipse cycle brought about major changes in your home, family and living situation, and no it is coming to a close. Jupiter enters your house of career, allowing for a boost in profile, or you may earn a reputation for being your showy and sunny lil self! When Mars enters your first house later in the month, you may become particularly driven. 

Virgo 

The lunar eclipse marks a transition away from difficult experiences within your close circle and local community. As Jupiter enters your 9th, you can broaden your outlook and worldview. The myriad of possibilities the world has to offer opens up to you, offering new perspectives and plans for learning and growth. 

Libra

The eclipse may bring some major changes to how you earn your living and manage your resources. Jupiter in your eighth house can bring forth opportunities from the commitments you made during the first half of the year. Your committed relationships could enter a further level of intimacy or material involvement. 

Scorpio 

This eclipse hits you right in your first house! Eclipses in the first can feel akin to a snake shedding its skin – letting go of an old identity and beginning to live in a manner that’s authentic. Jupiter meets you in your 7th house, bringing you in contact with wise folks, teachers and generous partners. Jupiter may bring balance, agreement and good will to your committed relationships. 

Sagittarius 

The eclipse in your 12th house of isolation and hidden places brings a revelation in the dark – finding wisdom and deep resilience in difficult circumstances. Jupiter in Taurus brings support to your health and work and has the potential to offer supports and experts that can support your well-being. 

Capricorn 

Momentum is building within your social scenes after some major changes in your house of wider communities. Jupiter enters your fifth house, offering you some opportunities to flourish creatively and build up routines to sustain your creative force. It also brings opportunities for making romance a more lush and expansive area of your life. 

Aquarius 

The Scorpio eclipse may have brought major developments and momentous occasions in your career or public life. This may have been taxing for you and those close to you, so it’s good news that Jupiter enters your fourth house to bring some balance and expansion within the home. 

Pisces 

This eclipse may have brought a deep questioning around where you want to go in life and where in the world you like to place yourself. With Jupiter in your third house, you may be researching and planning for the foundations you want to set for the next phase of your life. This is a great time to question what you want your day-to-day life to look like. 

Plugs:

To stay up to date with my work and offerings you can follow me on Instagram (fionncleary) and on Twitter (@fionn_cleary). 

I am available for readings and you can learn more about my offerings on my booking page:

https://fionnclearyastrologybookings.as.me/schedule.php

You can also find everything I do in my linktree: 

https://linktr.ee/FionnCleary

Astrology Conference Fellowship

To honor our mission of uplifting new and upcoming voices in astrology and providing opportunities to those who may not have them otherwise, the Association for Young Astrologers has created the Astrology Conference Fellowship.

AYA’s Astrology Conference Fellowship is a needs-based scholarship program for students of astrology looking to expand their skills and knowledge through attendance at conferences. Folks at any and all levels of astrology are welcome to apply.

To launch our fellowship program, AYA will be awarding 2 full and 3 partial scholarships for attendance to virtual NORWAC 2023!

• Full Scholarship: worth $375 each, equates to the price of full conference registration, excluding pre/post-conference workshops
• Partial Scholarship: worth $188 each, equates to half the price of full conference registration, excluding pre/post-conference workshops

Applicants are required to:

• Have an active AYA membership
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be age 18+
• Submit application form by April 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.

Awardees of the fellowship will be required to:

• Agree to be featured in AYA’s newsletter and blog
• Attend a virtual social gathering for fellowship awardees on the evening of Saturday, May 27, 2023 (exact time TBD)

If you can commit to all the requirements, AYA invites you to apply for the Astrology Conference Fellowship! The deadline to submit this form is April 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/JUZXPHr4C913VRBMA

Open Call for AYA Secretary

With AYA’s recent adjustments to board roles, we are eager to announce an open call for our Secretary position. 

Filling this position is a high priority of the AYA board, so please submit your application by April 27, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST. If  we are still in need of a Secretary at that time, the call will remain open until the position is filled.

Our Secretary is responsible for…

• Recording minutes for all board meetings
• Maintaining organized records in Google Drive
• Utilizing Asana to assign tasks designated during board meetings
• Working with Communications Manager to check and maintain social media 
• Collaborating with other board members on committee projects that pique your interest

Position Requirements

• 2 year commitment to the position
• Ability to attend biweekly board meetings Monday evenings at 7PM EST.

Preferred Secretary Qualities

• Organizational Skills
• Strong Communication Skills
• Familiarity with Google Suite
• Collaborative
• Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn
• Virgo energy highly welcome!

If you’re interested in applying to the Secretary position, send your resume and a cover letter to youngastrologers@gmail.com with the subject line “2023 Secretary Application.” Applications received by April 27,2023 at 11:59 PM EST will be prioritized over those received after this date. Though the call will remain open until the position is filled.

Don’t think the Secretary position is right for you, but still want to be more involved with AYA? You’re in luck! AYA is looking to continue expanding our board, and will be announcing open calls for other board positions in the near future. Stay tuned!

November Forecast

Astrologically, the end of October was a rollercoaster. Since the sun entered Scorpio, planets have turned on their heels, ingressed, regressed, and eclipsed one another in one of the more tense and intense astrological periods of the entire year. If you’re reeling, you’re not alone.

Scorpio season is a strange time for such change. Though Scorpio is associated with transformation in some schools of astrology, it is also fixed in nature. Though the impulses to transform and to remain fixed seem contradictory, transforming is far different from adapting. Though not all transformation is permanent, it requires a certain decisiveness to occur, a commitment to going from one thing to another. Scorpionic energy is embodied in the courage it takes to reject a fixed status quo in favor of the unknown.

The midpoints of all fixed signs mark the midpoints of each of the four seasons, the moments halfway between equinoxes and solstices. At these moments, the character of a given season is typically holding fairly steady. In Scorpio season, the days have notably shifted in length, but not so much so that they feel extreme. The weather, typically, holds steady. At these midpoints, we still vividly remember what has just passed, but we also begin to sense what’s coming in the air. This year, the moment takes on special significance as the final eclipse of this season, a total lunar eclipse in Taurus with a tight conjunction to Uranus for good measure.

The term I most frequently use to describe eclipses is “unpredictable.” There are some standard, typical significations (shout out to my friend who’s getting fitted for contacts during this eclipse season), but eclipses can be incredibly hard to predict. And arguably, confidence in the outcome of an eclipse is almost like a challenge to the fates to throw you for a loop. Though they are symbolically malefic in character, on a personal level, their manifestations can run the gamut from devastating to absolutely magical (of course, not always so extreme). And in the season of fixity and transformation, the potent energy of an eclipse has the potential to radically shift dynamics. Whether or not you want to make big moves, the current astro-weather may not leave you with much choice.

The lunar eclipse on November 8th marks itself as at or near the end of stories that have been playing out in a major way since around May of this year. Hopefully, this period offers some resolution to the problems that have plagued us since then. While the astrology right now may not feel comforting, astrology always offers a reminder that all cycles end, ebbing and flowing into one another in a natural exchange. Sometimes new problems replace the old ones, but at leat there’s change.

As Saturn and Mars both change direction, there’s a sense of tension almost vibrating in the air right now. With both malefics moving slowly for the entire month of November, the message is clear: you can’t give your all to everything. This month is about deciding what to grind through and what you need to shelve for the time being. And in some cases, it means dusting off old skills or stories, taking them down, and seeing whether some previously abandoned thought or skill might be just the solution needed.

After the heaviness of this eclipse season, the end of November has a scintillating energy that particularly lends itself to fresh perspective. Starting on the 12th, Mercury and Venus will be within 3º of one another and will continue traveling together through the rest of the month. They begin in Scorpio, passing over a square to Saturn. Saturn is holding a lot of weight right now, coming off of their last domicile retrograde period before shooting straight off into the mystical waters of Pisces. As Mercury and Venus overcome them, they offer an opportunity to talk it out and get deep. What’s the one thing you haven’t wanted to say out loud? When there’s nothing left to lose, you might as well just name it.

This heaviness quickly changes its character on this 16th when Venus enters Sagittarius and Mercury follows around 24 hours later. In Jupiter’s home, Mercury can feel a bit discombobulated, but that disorientation sometimes allows them to stumble on brilliant, unconventional ideas. With a recently domiciled, stationing Jupiter in Pisces in charge, the sheer volume of potential bright ideas is at an all-time high.

The end of November and the beginning of Sagittarius season are defined by this merging of Mercurial and Venusian energies seeking unifying theories and quick resolution. However, both planets will make an opposition to retrograde Mars in Gemini by the end of the month. While many exciting possibilities may be offered, all that glitters is not gold, and Mars represents a stumbling block in the way of satisfying resolution.

Whenever Mars and Venus make an opposition, Mars is either retrograde or stationary, giving Venus the upper hand. This opposition is less of a wrecking ball and more of a small but noteworthy red flag. With whatever comes up at the end of the month, pay attention to what doesn’t seem to be adding up. If something seems too good to be true, it may be. It’s certainly worth taking a second look.

If I had to distill the astrology of November to a single piece of advice it would be this: take care of what you can, no more and no less. You can spin out of control trying to align yourself with the flow of the universe or clear the path months and years down the road. Let November be about the here and now and what needs to happen in order to make life the most livable in the immediate present. And trust that you know best what that is.

About the Author

August Transition of Power

The past year has been a time of transition, not only for the collective, but here at AYA as well. Effective immediately, Samira Bechara has resigned from her position as President to prioritize her health. AYA is incredibly grateful for the work that Samira has put into the organization throughout her time as president and wishes her the best as she continues on her journey.

The remaining board has elected AYA’s Secretary Zacchary Powell to assume the presidency.

Zacchary is a Black Queer Astrologer currently based in Philadelphia who graduated in 2013 with a degree in political science and sociology, focused on the intersection of race, politics, inequality, and constitutional law. Along with client work, he is a student of Kelly Surtees, Austin Coppock, and Chris Brennan; a professional Venus STAN; a writer of Weekly Planetary Reflections on patreon; and a practicing astro-mage.

Prior to making the glorious leap to become a professional astrologer, he worked in the fashion industry for a number of years; served as a policy analyst for a civil rights non-profit working to make structural changes to increase access to clean, safe, and affordable housing; and managed the Manhattan office of a top marketing consulting firm.

We’d like to express our sincerest gratitude to the community for its continued support as we’ve navigated the ever-changing landscape of the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction and the challenging astroweather that has succeeded it. After a brief period of rest over the past few months, we are eager to get back to work! We’re excited to announce the new initiatives our team has planned to support our members and the community at large. Be on the lookout for those announcements throughout the month on our social media and website!

Dinner & Drinks with Jay Imarah Evans: Remember Who You Really Are

We are so excited to welcome Jay Imarah Evans for Dinner & Drinks this Saturday, February 27th, at 6:00 PM GMT / 1:00 PM EST! She’s joining us to discuss how techniques in evolutionary astrology used by Jeff Green, Mark Jones, and Steven Forrest utilize Pluto and the lunar nodes to understand the underlying themes and trajectory of one’s life. She’ll then expand to the other planets and placements to build upon the foundation set by Pluto and the nodes to create the story that you tell about yourself.

Having an understanding of how each of these planets and calculated points in the chart interact in these techniques can help you gain a better understanding of your story and how to reclaim your agency within it.

Annanikka (Anna-Key-Ah) writes in the astrology and spiritual communities under the name Jay Imarah Evans. She is a black astrologer, polytheist, teacher, diviner, pop culture enthusiast, magical girl, and psychology student who is focused on helping others reclaim their agency. She currently has her B.S. in Psychology and is pursuing her Master’s in Forensic Psychology. Her work centers around astrology, divination, psychology, pop culture, shadow work, inner child work, and past life work. She currently lives in South Korea with her parents and younger siblings.

Join us here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85163173704?pwd=TmtrbnowYlBUekZYWjhFbmdlTUtXQT09

2021 Call for Board Members

After a long break in the scouting process, AYA is excited to announce that the call for board members is open once again!

We have recently brought on a new President, Vice President, Secretary, and International Director of Community Care. We are now seeking a Treasurer along with board members to fill out some recently created roles.

In the past months, AYA has been working to reshape the board to have a more lateral power structure. We have created the following committees and are looking for committee co-chairs and committee members.

• Accessibility
• Communication
• Community Outreach
• Education
• Ethics
• Social Media

The reshaping of the AYA board is an ongoing process, and if you’d like to work with AYA in a capacity that doesn’t align with the roles listed above, let us know! We are still open to creating new positions and bringing on general board members. We want to collaborate with you!

If you’re interested in the role of treasurer or joining one or more of the above committees, please send an email to youngastrologers@gmail.com detailing your interest. The deadline to send in your application is Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Note: Because AYA’s board is still a small team, board members are encouraged to participate in multiple committees and lend a hand on projects they are interested in regardless of the role(s) they hold.

Note: All incoming board members will be required to participate in transformative justice training once accepting a position.

Below is more detailed information about the roles AYA is looking to fill.

Treasurer (Volunteer Position)

**URGENT** AYA is seeking to transition in a new Treasurer. The new treasurer will work closely with Alex Zolotov (current treasurer) as he transitions out of his role. The treasurer is responsible for presenting AYA’s annual budget and making sure the board works within it. Other roles include managing fund transfers and outgoing payments in a timely manner and ensuring that all government tax filings are completed on time.

Accessibility Committee

Co-chair (volunteer position)

The co-chair is responsible for helping to manage AYA’s transcription and translation initiatives. In 2021, AYA will start working on transcribing our lectures and Dinner & Drinks archives. This will be a BIG project, and the co-chair will be responsible for coordinating with the transcription team and ensuring that we stay on track with our timeline.

As we look to internationalize our membership, AYA plans to start providing content in multiple languages. The co-chair will be responsible for coordinating with translators and ensuring cohesion between multilingual content.

*Proficiency in multiple languages is NOT a requirement for this role.

Transcriber (Paid Position)

Members of the transcription team work to transcribe AYA’s archive of lectures and D&D’s. The team will also be responsible for editing auto-generated transcripts of future events.

Translator (Paid Position)

Translators are responsible for translating AYA’s content into other languages. We are currently only looking for Spanish translators, but will add additional languages in the future. When applying for this position, please describe your proficiency in Spanish (i.e. native speaker, 2^nd language, AP courses, etc.)

Communication Committee (Volunteer Positions)

The Communication Committee is responsible for a lot of background work (i.e. writing and proofing copy for the website, emails, and other platforms), as well as helping to manage AYA’s inbox and Google Drive.  Members of this committee are expected to be organized and have strong professional writing skills.

Community Outreach Committee (Volunteer Positions)

The Community Outreach Committee acts as a liaison between AYA and its membership base & the greater astrological community. This committee is responsible for membership management and recruitment, managing AYA’s Discord, and integrating advocacy and social justice initiatives into AYA’s work.

Education Committee (Volunteer Positions)

The Education Committee is responsible for spearheading various educational events and projects. Facilitation of Dinner & Drinks, working on the Ascendant, and new educational initiatives (which you will find out about once joining the board) are all under this committee’s domain. Members of this committee are expected to be passionate about accessible education and available to plan and participate in educational events at least once per month.

Ethics Committee (Volunteer Positions)

The Ethics Committee will play an integral role as AYA revamps our bylaws. This committee will help ensure that AYA holds itself to a high ethical standard and acts in a way that reflects our values.

Social Media Committee (Volunteer Positions)

The Social Media Committee is in charge of managing and monitoring AYA’s various social pages. Responsibilities include content creation, growing AYA’s online presence, and helping to integrate the org onto new platforms.

Again, be sure to email your application to youngastrologers@gmail.com by Sunday, February 28, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

AYA’s 2021 Transition of Power

As of December 2020, Jo Gleason stepped down from her role as the Interim President, as planned, and Samira Bechara has taken on the role of President in full.

We are so grateful for Jo’s four years of service with AYA, starting as the Social Media Manager, and stepping up to become the Vice President and acting as president over the past six months. We wish her the best in all of her future endeavors, and are looking forward to continuing to share this community with her!

Samira Bechara is a Lebanese-American astrologer, wine professional, and fundraising organizer based in New Orleans, LA. An early skeptic, she came into astrology in her early twenties, and after once having her chart read she immediately began her studies in earnest. She has studied with Kepler College, Erin Sullivan, the Faculty of Astrological Studies and more, and has attended and volunteered at conferences such as NORWAC, UAC, and NCGR. She was a presenter at QAC 2018 NYC, and teaches through TogetherWExpand as well as independently. She leans Archetypal, and has recently begun delving into the ancient practices of Mundane and Horary astrology. She is excited to help usher in a new paradigm of astrology and support the coming generation of astrological practitioners by serving with AYA!

Follow her on Twitter at @de_les_etoiles and find out more about her on her website here!

Dinner & Drinks 2020 Highlights

Throughout the ups and downs of 2020, one of the constants of the year was the amazing lineup of speakers who joined AYA for Dinner & Drinks. If you’re unfamiliar, Dinner & Drinks is a monthly event where AYA hosts awesome astrologers for a casual, Q&A-like discussions. It’s a great way to stay in touch with the community and learn some nuggets of knowledge along the way!

As we blast into 2021, let’s take a look back at the wonderful D&D’s we had lat year.

January

Diana Rose Harper kicked off this year’s D&D roster with a discussion on Energetic Hygiene. From visualizing boundaries to carrying vials of salt. Diana hooked us up with plenty of tips for improving our self-care game.

February

Nina Gryphon stopped by in February to teach us about Astrological Magic. This talk is sure to peak your interest regardless of your experience level. Come to learn about magic, and stay for Nina’s glorious book recommendations.

March

The #DIGNITYBABES joined AYA in March to discuss the benefits of using essential dignity within astrological work. The discussion was rich and full of insightful voices that you don’t want to miss out on.

April

April brought us the lovely duo of Chris Reppucci and Elodie St-Ornge Aubut. They discussed their research on experiential work with the lunar mansions. Be sure to catch up on their mesmerizing discoveries!

May

Becca Tarnas joined us in May to discuss Venus Retrograde from an archetypal perspective. Although the starting point of this conversation was the 2020 Venus Retrograde in Gemini transit, all the revelations in this talk are truly timeless, and this talk is definitely worth revisiting!

July

We were privileged to have Oak join us in July to present on Out of Bounds Planets & Racial Justice. Using the charts of various activists, Oak demonstrates the power of an out of bounds planet as a revolutionary. This discussion is a must-watch as the call for anti-racism begins to echo in the astrological community.

August

In August, the knowledgeable Michael Ofek joined us to talk about the magic of Mars. Playing with Fire: Astrological Magic brought us the gem of line: “Astrological magic is the astro-walk.” If you’re looking to move from talking the astro-talk to walking the astro-walk, you won’t want to miss out on this one!

September

The fabulous Kirah Tabourn stopped by to talk about the ins and outs of being a professional astrologer. Kirah’s tips are great for anyone just starting out on their professional journey as well as those who are a bit more seasoned.

November

Alice Sparkly Kat joined us in November to talk about client work and counseling skills. This discussion was jammed packed with various things to keep in mind when working with clients. If you’re hoping to improve your skills as a consulting astrologer, this is the D&D for you!

Updates from the Speakers!

We reached out to our 2020 Dinner & Drinks guests, and some of them wanted to share exciting things they’ve been working on and events coming up in the new year. Check it out!

Kelsey Rose Tortorice of #DIGNITYBABES will be teaching an 11-week course on the introduction to natal astrology called Astrology for Yourself. It starts in March 2021, and scholarships and payment plans are available! Click here to learn more, and be sure to register for the info session on Sunday, January 24^th, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Central.

Chris Reppucci & Elodie St-Onge Abut have been continuing their work with the lunar mansions. On Instagram, they post Lunar Dailies- the poetic impressions and information related to the 28 Places of the Moon. You can visit their website to learn more about the lunar zodiac and purchase lecture they’ve given on the subject.

Alice Sparkly Kat has a book coming out! Postcolonial Astrology will be released in May 2021, and you should be very excited about it.

Looking Forward

Thank you to the guests of Dinner & Drinks and to the AYA membership for making 2020’s lineup incredible. Be sure to stayed tuned in 2021 to see our next round of amazing speakers!

Dinner and Drinks with Ace: Client Work and Concepts of Counseling

After a brief pause in programming, Dinner & Drinks is back in November with guest Alice Sparkly Kat, who will join us to discuss client work for young astrologers!

Client work is a fundamental part of astrology but can be intimidating for those early into their practice, and Ace will discuss how to approach client work, empowering young astrologers to become healers, and the tricky idea of who can counsel who.

Alice Sparkly Kat is an astrologer focused on counseling, healing, and untangling the structures of colonization from astrology. In addition to client work, teaching courses, and speaking engagements, they publish extensive research on astrology on their website at http://www.alicesparklykat.com/

Dinner and Drinks is a casual, Q&A based zoom event inspired by after-hours gatherings at astrology conferences. Grab a drink or snack and bring your questions for our guest of honor! This event is free, casual, and open to everyone.

Join us on Thursday, November 19 at 6:30pm PST, 9:30pm EST with this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84986677899

If you can’t join us live, all Dinner and Drinks events are available in the Dinner and Drinks Archive for AYA Members. Not a member yet? Learn more about the benefits here, or join now!

Dinner and Drinks with Kirah – Professional Development

It can be hard to find concrete resources to kickstart your business as a young astrologer—and even harder to figure out what that business can even look like beyond consultations. Kirah Tabourn joins us for a casual Q&A on September 24 at 6:30 PM PST / 9:30 PM EST to discuss the myriad of ways she’s found inroads to becoming a professional astrologer by focusing on community—whether that’s building her own astrology publication, NFLUX Mag, starting her own podcast, creating a virtual space for patrons on Patreon, or opening up opportunities for new perspectives through her recent role as Director of Fresh Voices in Astrology.

Dinner and Drinks is a casual, Q&A based zoom event inspired by after-hours gatherings at astrology conferences. Grab a drink or snack and bring your questions for our guest of honor!

More about Kirah: https://www.thestrology.com

ZOOM LINK to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82166632122

Playing With Fire: Astrological Magic with Michael Ofek

Join the Association for Young Astrologers for our monthly zoom event! This month, our usual evening gathering is Saturday, August 8 at 10am PT/1pm ET/8pm IDT to welcome our friends in time zones across the globe.

This month’s guest is Michael Ofek, joining us to share his insights about the theory, philosophy, and practice of astrological magic. Michael will present his unique approach to astrological magic, based on years of research and practice, going beyond the craft of talismans. After highlighting fundamental philosophical and practical principles, Michael will share some ways we can magically engage with Mars during his long stay in Aries, intentionally participating in his nature and gaining his powerful gifts.

About Michael:

Michael Ofek is a professional astrologer, writer and teacher from Israel. He has been practicing and researching the traditional lineage of astrology, with an emphasis on Hellenistic Astrology and its connection with Greco-Egyptian Cosmology, Philosophy and Magic. His passion lies in unveiling and reconstructing the conceptual roots of the tradition and the reintegration of these ancient arts. In his work, Michael stresses the importance of direct internalized experience of astrological processes, for which he has developed a unique system, drawing on Magical, Theurgical and Shamanic practices. 

Michael is an international speaker and gives workshops and lectures worldwide, including Magical/Shamanic retreats. Michael has also created one of the largest collections of Astrological Talismans available, In over a decade of cooperation with the artist David Weitzman (www.ka-gold-jewelry.com). He is also the Co-founder of the Israeli professional astrology magazine “Urania”, which also produces yearly conferences and workshops.

This event will be recorded if you can’t make it to the live session. Recordings are available to all members of the Association for Young Astrologers (AYA).

Membership is $20 per year, and astrologers of all ages and study levels are welcome to join! 

Membership is $20 per year, and astrologers of all ages and study levels are welcome to join! Membership also gives access to a library of previous Dinner and Drinks recordings, lectures donated by pro astrologers, and other perks.

To learn more about the many benefits of AYA membership, check out our Membership Benefits, or join here!

Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87486847075

Time: Saturday, August 8th at:

10am – Los Angeles 

11am – Denver 

Noon – Chicago

1pm – New York 

6pm – London

8pm – Jerusalem 

AYA’s Leadership Change – July 2020

AYA has had a recent change in leadership, and we want to be open and transparent about our process as we respond and evolve.

On July 13, 2020, Daniel Larkin resigned from the Association for Young Astrologers, and Jo Gleason stepped into the role of Interim President.

Jo Gleason intends to remain in her role of Interim President at least until the end of 2020, in order to support the call for board members process, including interviews, onboarding, and Rebrand and Restructure planning for 2020-21, which will include her transition out of the role of Interim President.

In light of this leadership change, AYA’s Call for Board Members has been extended to August 1. This call originally sought to fill the role of Vice President and Secretary, but has been expanded to reflect AYA’s intention to welcome several new voices for both title holding Officers and general Board Members. The intention of the AYA Board is to fill the position of Vice President first, so the new team member can be present for the following interviews for other positions.

The Vice President and any candidates interested in Leadership will work closely with the Interim President and other Officers to plan for AYA’s Rebrand and Restructuring initiatives, which will include Jo’s transition out of the Interim President role and the Vice President or Leadership candidate stepping into the President role.

The timing of this transition depends on the unique way this process unfolds, and current Board as well as Jo are committed to being responsive and flexible in this process. Jo will remain on board as Interim President until December 31, 2020 at minimum, unless her support is no longer needed before then, or is still needed for additional time past then.

AYA is committed to transparency and fluidity in this process as the we continue adapting to the evolving needs of the community. This plan is subject to change according to the needs of our current and future board members, applicants, and our community.

To learn more and get involved, visit our Updated Call for Board Members.

Dinner and Drinks with Oak: Out of Bounds Planets and Racial Justice

Join the Association for Young Astrologers for our monthly zoom event: Dinner and Drinks!  We encourage you to bring grub, pour out a beverage, sit at your computer or with your smartphone, and join us for a casual Q&A session inspired by after hours gatherings at astrology conferences.

This month’s guest is Oak. They will share their insights about Out of Bounds Planets. Oak will particularly focus on how these planets manifest in the charts of trailblazers for equality as well as perpetrators of injustice. 

How can we deepen our understanding of the maverick energy of an Out of Bounds Planet to coach our clients to use it constructively? How can we better harness out of bounds planets in our own charts to meet 2020? How can we cope with and recognize negative expressions of out of bounds planets in others? 

Join us on Thursday, July 2nd to explore how to understand the intersection between Out of Bounds Planets and the call for racial justice. 

About Oak: https://oakastrology.com/bio

Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86270632230

This event will be recorded if you can’t make it to the live session. Recordings are available to all members of the Association for Young Astrologers (AYA). 

Membership is $20 per year, and astrologers of all ages and study levels are welcome to join! Membership also gives access to a library of previous Dinner and Drinks recordings, lectures donated by pro astrologers, and other perks. 

To learn more about the many benefits of AYA membership, check out our Member Benefits!

UPDATED: Call For Board Members

AYA is opening up.

Updated as of July 17, 2020.

In light of the recent change in leadership, AYA is extending the deadline for call for board members to August 1st. If you are interested in applying for a board position, please find updated descriptions of open positions below, as well as instructions for application.

The Association for Young Astrologers is seeking to expand our board and fill several positions:

• Vice President
• Secretary
• Leadership (general)
• Board Member (general)

The intention of the AYA Board is to fill the position of Vice President and/or Leadership first, so the new team member can be present for following interviews for other positions. To learn more about our process, read here. Please find descriptions for all positions and opportunities below.

Potential AYA board members are passionate team players who are invested in advocating for and supporting young and emerging astrologers. As a volunteer for the AYA Board, you have the opportunity not only to support and give back to the astrological community, but to be on the cutting edge of astrology organizations. AYA prioritizes responding to the needs of the newest generation of the astrology world, evolving, innovating, and pioneering the art’s future.

The deadline to apply via e-mail is Saturday, August 1st. However, interviews will be scheduled with applicants before August 1st as submissions are received. We encourage you to apply right now if you are interested. The email doesn’t need to be perfect─ it is just a way to open the dialogue. 

Vice President

The Vice President collaborates with the President to manage the workflow of the AYA team, and supports the President in continually aligning the organization’s projects and team with AYA’s mission. The Vice President duties include:

• Attending monthly board meetings
• Collaborating with the team on a monthly Dinner and Drinks zoom gathering:
  • gauging prescient topics
  • helping us to select and book speakers
  • taking turns hosting, facilitating, and moderating the event
• Contributing to website and social media copy by writing and/or group editing
• Communicating regularly with the Board via a private discord server
• Rolling out new 2020 initiatives 
  • Brand refresh
  • Anti-racism and intersectionality events and programs
• Working closely with the Interim President and other leadership to facilitate:
  • AYA’s Rebranding and Restructuring initiatives
  • the next leadership change in early 2021

Our organization is in a phase of evolution, which will be reflected in a rebrand led by Design Director Hugh Tran. The Vice President will be actively engaged in conversations about how our mission reflects the needs of young and emerging astrologers in 2020 and beyond, and how our website, logo, and graphic identity reflect that mission.

We are seeking a Vice President who is committed to anti-racism and justice. In 2020 and beyond, AYA plans to develop and roll out initiatives that provide a platform to BIPOC voices and compensate them monetarily, centering on anti-racism in astrology, and probe new approaches to astrology at the many intersections of race, gender expression, class, sexuality, and the spectrum of different abilities.

The AYA Board anticipates meeting once per month for two hours as it continues to roll out these initiatives. Additional meetings would be scheduled at the discretion of the Vice President as necessary to bring projects to fruition. 

Like most non-profit work with fellow astrological organizations, this is a volunteer position. In the event that the President must leave the organization, the Vice President will assume their responsibilities in the interim. There is no set term for the Vice President. In the event you decide to serve, but need to step back at a later date, you can tender a letter of resignation to the President. 

If you are interested in applying to be AYA’s next Vice President, please send an e-mail to youngastrologers@gmail.com. Please share with us a little bit about your background in astrology, a link to your website and/or social media, and your interest in the position, our mission, and 2020 initiatives.

Secretary

The Secretary works behind the scenes to organize, document, and help facilitate AYA’s regular and new initiatives. The Secretary’s duties include:

• Attending monthly board meetings
• Taking notes at the monthly board meeting, producing minutes for the discussion including action items to which the Board can refer
• Collaborating with the team on a monthly Dinner and Drinks zoom gathering:
  • gauging prescient topics
  • helping us to select speakers
  • taking turns hosting, facilitating, and moderating the event
• Communicating regularly with the Board via a private discord server
• Guiding a bylaws overhaul in 2020

We are seeking to overhaul our by-laws that govern us as a non-profit organization. The Secretary would shepherd this project, gathering documents from other non-profit organizations, and assisting the President and Vice President in drafting and ratifying them. 

We are seeking a Secretary who is committed to anti-racism and justice. In 2020 and beyond, AYA plans to develop and roll out initiatives that provide a platform to BIPOC voices and compensate them monetarily, center anti-racism in astrology, and probe new approaches to astrology at the many intersections of race, gender expression, class, sexuality, and the spectrum of different abilities.

The AYA Board anticipates meeting once per month for two hours as it continues to roll out these initiatives. The Secretary would participate in these meetings. 

Like most non-profit work with our fellow astrological organizations, this is a volunteer position. There is no set term for the Secretary. In the event you decide to serve, but need to step back at a later date, you can tender a letter of resignation to the President. 

If you are interested in applying to be AYA’s next Secretary, please send an e-mail to youngastrologers@gmail.com. Please share with us a little bit about your background in astrology, a link to your website and/or social media, and your interest in the position, our mission, and 2020 initiatives. 

Leadership

If you want to take an active role in shaping AYA’s future, continually aligning our work with our values, and are willing to make a medium to long term commitment to serving the community, this opportunity is for you. Leadership is an interest you can indicate in your application for any role.

Applying with interest in Leadership indicates your interest in being considered for the role of President, Vice President, or other leadership roles, specifically when the Interim President hands over to new leadership. This unique opportunity is highly collaborative and dependent on AYA’s ongoing transition and evolution process, but basic duties include those listed above, as well as:

• Facilitating AYA’s Rebranding and Restructuring initiative
• Facilitating and participating in the leadership transition at the beginning of 2021 (more details here)

If you are interested in applying for a Leadership position, please send an e-mail to youngastrologers@gmail.com. Please share with us a little bit about your background in astrology, a link to your website and/or social media, and your interest in our mission and 2020 initiatives. 

Board Member (general)

Board Member is a role without an officer title that indicates a supportive and project-oriented role in collaboration with Officers and other Board Members. This role offers variety and flexibility while helping support AYA’s vision with personpower.

If you feel called to contribute your time and/or skills to AYA but you’re not sure what position is the right fit, please reach out! We are open to collaborating with interested individuals in many different capacities, and we are especially interested in your ideas.

If you are interested in applying for a Board member position, please send an e-mail to youngastrologers@gmail.com. Please share with us a little bit about your background in astrology, a link to your website and/or social media, and your interest in our mission and 2020 initiatives. 

Dinner and Drinks with Becca Tarnas: Venus Retrograde

Join the Association for Young Astrologers for our monthly zoom event: Dinner and Drinks!  We encourage you to bring grub, pour out a beverage, sit at your computer or with your smartphone, and join us for a casual Q&A session inspired by after hours gatherings at astrology conferences.

This month’s guest is Becca Tarnas. She will share her insights about the upcoming Venus Retrograde through an archetypal lens. Our star of Aphrodite will be moving backwards through Gemini from May 12/13th, 2020 until June 25, 2020.

How can we deepen our relationship with the myth of Venus as she travels in reverse through Gemini? Venus begins her retrograde journey in a tight square within just 1º21’ of Neptune. Becca will speak to this unique configuration which perfects on May 20, as well as other major aspects featured in Venus’ cycle. 

Join us on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30pm PT, 9:30pm ET to explore how to use archetypes as a guide for love and relationship.

Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82806903523

About Becca: https://beccatarnas.com/about/

This event will be recorded if you can’t make it to the live session. Recordings are available to all members of the Association for Young Astrologers (AYA).

Membership is $20 per year, and astrologers of all ages and study levels are welcome to join! Membership also gives access to a library of previous Dinner and Drinks recordings, lectures donated by pro astrologers, and other perks. To learn more about the many benefits of AYA membership, check out our Member Benefits page! Not a member yet? Join here!

Lunar Mansions Q&A – Elodie St Onge Aubut and Chris Reppucci

Join the Association for Young Astrologers for our monthly zoom event: Dinner and Drinks!  We encourage you to bring grub, pour out a beverage, sit at your computer or with your smartphone, and join us for a casual, Q&A based event inspired by after hours gatherings at astrology conferences.

This month’s special guests are Elodie St-Onge-Aubut and Chris Reppucci. They will share their ideas about how the lunar mansions might be incorporated into astrological practice.

The moon moves through the 28 lunar mansions in the sky every month. Depending upon which mansion the moon resides in on a given day, there are particular moods, symbols, archetypes and layers of meaning to be considered in natal interpretation as well as astrological magic.

About Elodie: https://9thhouseastrology.wordpress.com/about-elodie/

About Chris: https://www.atavisceral.com/

This event is free, online, and open to everyone. Join us Thursday, April 30, 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT.

Link to join: https://zoom.us/j/93781607835

This event will be recorded if you can’t make it to the live session. Recordings are available to all members of the Association for Young Astrologers (AYA). Membership is $20 per year, and astrologers of all ages and study levels are welcome to join! Membership also gives access to a library of previous Dinner and Drinks recordings, lectures donated by pro astrologers, and other perks. To learn more about the many benefits of AYA membership, check out our Member Benefits page! Not a member yet? Join here!

ANNOUNCING the AYA Discord

Introducing the AYA Discord server! Discord is a chat platform for communities and friends to gather, discuss, and stay connected. The AYA Discord is full of diverse channels for different types of astrology, bringing together our membership for come and go discussion at any time of the day or night. 

Sometimes the deepest insights and biggest breakthroughs begin with a single conversation; after hours at a conference, messaging back and forth with a mentor, or just having a discussion with a peer or friend.

We believe one of the best ways to support young and emerging astrologers and students is to connect them with the community. The purpose of the AYA Discord is to cultivate this community by facilitating conversation and dialogue within our membership, keeping us connected in real time. 

New to discord? It’s completely free, and easy to use on mobile and desktop. It’s perfect for staying connected especially if you choose not to participate in social media platforms, or if you’re taking a social media break.

Join the server here!

Not a member yet? Join AYA here!