One spring, many years ago now, I caught an acute case of the astrology bug cured only by voraciously reading my way through stacks of books. At first I read solely for my own pure enjoyment, but little by little, as I began to share bits with interested friends and family, reading for pleasure morphed into a serious study, eventually leading me down the path to a new and wonderful line of work. After dedicating four years to independent study of the art and practice of astrology, I officially hung out my shingle in 2009 at the Cancer New "Blue" Moon and Lunar Eclipse which formed powerful aspects to my natal chart: conjunct my Cancer Moon, trine my Scorpio Sun and Mars, and also conjunct my natal Midheaven (career, profession) and Nadir (roots, foundation) axis.
My interest in becoming a professional astrologer stems from wanting something more soulful to contribute in life — a vocation that enables me to work with people in a richer and more meaningful way. Astrology is a powerful means by which we can understand ourselves better and thus make more fitting and fulfilling choices in life and I thoroughly enjoy applying this ancient art to inspire and empower. As a mother, former school teacher and post Second Saturn Return elder, I bring a fair share of life experience to my work as an astrologer, a passion that emerged during midlife.
Astrology is a complex art that takes years to understand, and when practiced competently can be a powerful tool for increased self-awareness, as well as understanding the cycles of life: past, present and future. As astrologer Ray Merriman wrote:
"Astrology is a forecasting tool. It outlines the likely conditions ahead, not the inevitable outcome, as a prediction would. Astrologers understand that any outcome involves choice, and choice is an aspect of free will. Astrology is a "choice revealer, not a choice maker."
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My Taurus-Rising/Cancer Moon Natural Habitat: the Backyard Garden, July 2022
Prior to becoming an astrologer, I taught preschool through the primary elementary grades for 11 years, at which point I left teaching to pursue a career in writing and editing, working as a product manager for Brøderbund, an educational software company. Since 1996, I have worked as a freelance writer, editor, graphic designer, and website developer. I currently work from my home in the coastal redwoods of Mendocino County (Northern California) that I share with my husband, Michael, Poppy, our Border Collie mix puppy, two cats, Oonaugh and Kitsie, and small flock of laying hens. Every year I fill the backyard with as many flowers and veggies I can find room for, and where I can be found most of the day throughout the summer.
© Elaine Kalantarian, all rights reserved