This week I had the honor of interviewing Andi one of my collogues and the Oakland store manager. We talked about his background as an Astrologer and Cosmic Consciousness the monthly astrology salon he hosts.
Annie: Can you tell me about your background as an Astrologer? What brought you to your practice? How did you get started? What type of training have you received?
Andi: I like to say I grew up with astrology as a second language. My mom was really into astrology and I even did my 6th grade research project on it! When I moved to the Bay Area after college, I saw that The Raven's Wing was offering an astrology class so I jumped at the chance to deepen my learning. I realized that this was my passion, not just my mom's hobby. I went to the Portland School of Astrology in 2015-2016 for their 1st year program and further solidified my foundation in practicing traditional astrology with a queer lens. That means I approach the chart technically from a Hellenistic perspective using traditional rulership, whole sign houses etc while also thinking about the person who is living this chart without making assumptions about their background, sexuality, profession.
What excites you the most about Astrology?
How vast and magical it is! It's the study of time and the cosmos itself so the applications are endless. I also love those moments when the manifestation of the planetary energies is just too literal.
Can you tell me what your astrological sign is?
Fun fact! I have the same big 3 as the United States - Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon and Sagittarius Rising.
How can Astrology be used for personal transformation and social change?
I believe that personal transformation and social change and intertwined and inform each other. When we accept ourselves, start showing up fully in relationships and sharing our gifts with the world, that has a real impact! The birth chart is like a map that can help you discover all of that and more. Also, understanding what is happening in the sky can empower us to take action when the time is right or prepare for more challenging periods. There's a reason that kings and even Ronald Reagan consulted with astrologers. Now we are in this amazing time when this knowledge is so much more accessible and no longer just for those in power.
Can you tell me about your monthly salon Cosmic Consciousness?
Cosmic Consciousness was born out of a conversation between me and Sherri, a customer turned client turned friend. We talked about how the essence of each zodiac sign has been so skewed by stereotypes and memes and wanted to offer a space for folks to learn about the wisdom of each sign in an embodied way. Every salon we focus on the sign the Sun is transiting through and features a discussion about the sign's history and correspondences, a guided meditation or embodied exercise, and suggestions for ritual or plant and crystal allies. So far participants have told us that it has really changed the way they thought about that sign!
You’ve taught other classes through the Raven’s wing. Are there any upcoming classes that you’re planning?
I taught an intro to Astrology class last spring that was super fun and plan to offer that again in February or March. I also want to do a class on chart reading and the intersection between tarot and astrology and how to incorporate those practices together.
Do you have other projects that you are working on?
I just started my own monthly newsletter! It's a mix of personal and astrological musings from an Aquarius moon. Folks can sign up at: https://tinyletter.com/AquariAnderz
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