The first astrology reading I ever had was given to me as a holiday gift. A decade has passed since then, but I still have the audio recording of it. It was with Blain Bovee. He wrote the book, “The Sabian Symbols & Astrological Analysis.” (My astrology readings also have the option of being recorded.)

On the cusp of 23, I really didn’t know anything about astrology besides what popular culture had to tell me, and I certainly didn’t have a plan to become one. I did have a deep connection to myth, however, and I was lucky to be paired with a storyteller.

It is strange to hear my nervous and stunted responses on the recording as Blain asked me questions. He was convinced I thought everything he was saying was bullshit as I smiled anxiously, but I was really just shy.

I felt paralyzingly exposed, scared to be known by myself or anyone else. It’s thought provoking to notice where I see his questions and images coming from as I have gained astrological fluency, and come to know my birth chart intimately.

I had a reading with him again on the cusp of 30. This time, I sought him out. I had been broken open by a series of shocking realizations that were happening in my life. We talked with complete transparency about themes we had touched on in that first reading only through the veil of myth and story.

He helped me decide where to go as I planned a period of retreat from the world. He studied my astrocartography, and gave me the latitude and longitude of a location on my Venus line he thought might be a healing place to spend my time.

When I got there, I found this heart made out of poop, stones, cactus and bones on the outskirts of the campsite I had chosen. I spent the next four months camping in and around this area, healing, writing, and studying astrology.

All of this to say: our gifts ripple into places beyond what we could imagine.

My gift certificates are 30% off until 11/30 using the code: GIVE. I’ll be raffling off one gift certificate to someone from my email list on November 11th. Sign up to receive my monthly newsletter before then to be eligible to win!

Xx, J