Diving Into Astrology: My Journey of Discovery

Last year was a transformative year for me, as I deeply explored manifestation and expanded my knowledge of chakra work. It was a year of growth, self-discovery, and alignment. This year, I’m thrilled to

announce that I’m jumping headfirst into astrology—a realm that is both ancient and profound, yet often misunderstood.

What I’ve learned so far is nothing short of astounding. It’s remarkable how the essence of astrology has been diluted in modern media. Fun horoscopes in magazines like Cosmopolitan or social media posts often oversimplify astrology, making it seem vague and irrelevant. In truth, astrology is a complex, layered system that can reveal deep insights into our personalities, relationships, and life paths.

To kickstart my journey, I downloaded the Co–Star app to find my birth chart. While it initially looked foreign and overwhelming, it was a great starting point. I then delved into two incredible books: The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Woolfolk and Astrology and Shadow Work by Catherine Gerdes. These resources have been invaluable, and I’d like to share a few "snacks" of wisdom I’ve learned so far.

Astrology Insights from The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Woolfolk

• The Natal Chart: Woolfolk describes the natal chart as a map of the heavens at the exact moment of your birth. It’s not just about your Sun sign; the Moon, Rising sign, and the placement of all planets provide a detailed blueprint of your personality and destiny.

• The Sun, Moon, and Rising Signs: These "Big Three" are central to understanding yourself:

  • Sun Sign: Represents your core self and identity.

  • Moon Sign: Governs your emotions and inner world.

  • Rising Sign (Ascendant): Reflects how others perceive you and your outward behavior.

• Houses in Astrology: There are 12 houses in your chart, each representing different areas of life, from career to relationships. For example, the First House is about self-image and beginnings, while the Seventh House is all about partnerships.

Wisdom from Astrology and Shadow Work by Catherine Gerdes

• Astrology for Healing: Gerdes emphasizes that astrology isn’t just about prediction; it’s a tool for understanding and addressing your shadows—the hidden parts of yourself that influence your life.

• Planetary Shadows: Each planet carries shadow traits when out of balance. For instance:

  • Mars: Represents drive and action but can manifest as anger or aggression in its shadow.

  • Venus: Governs love and beauty but can lean toward vanity or superficiality in its shadow form.

• Retrogrades as Opportunities: While retrogrades are often feared, Gerdes encourages viewing them as chances for reflection and realignment, particularly when it comes to Mercury retrograde and communication.

What’s Next

I’m excited to continue my astrology journey and share my learnings with you through monthly newsletters and social media posts. Whether it’s decoding birth charts, understanding planetary transits, or exploring how astrology intersects with shadow work, I hope these insights will inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.

Let’s rediscover the depth and realness of astrology together. If you’ve been curious about this ancient practice, stay tuned for bite-sized pieces of wisdom and practical applications and potentially a fun filled retreat this fall!!

It’s going to be an enlightening year!