I’m glad you’re here.

A bit about me. In addition to my interest in many forms of astrology, I am an artist (oil painter mostly), a therapist-in-training, a sometimes teacher and writer, and a longtime, grief-tending volunteer in a state women’s prison. I’ve been exploring the intersection of arts, spirituality, social justice, and meaning-making with clients, students, and incarcerated women for about 20 years.

My approach to astrology and work with clients is integrative, experiential, client-centered, and collaborative. My aim is to weave personally meaningful symbolism with ancient myth, image, metaphor, arts, and embodied awareness, into an [eco]systemic approach.

I was born in the 1970’s on the unceded ancestral lands of Duwamish and Coast Salish people. Born into the era of punk rock, I abide by its ethos: non-conformity: not following the status quo; anti-authoritarianism: against injurious authority and institutions; anti-consumerism: against corporate greed and the values of mass culture; DIY: create your own…., and direct action: taking action to disrupt harmful norms and build an alternative future.

I first encountered astrology as a child via some of my mom’s books. As a kid I spent considerable time in the library sifting through the astrology books. I felt magnetically drawn to their mysteries. When I think back, I imagine the young me sought solace and meaning—and I needed guides. We all do.

The first astrology reading I received as a teenager was handwritten on lined paper. A decade later I decided to study astrology in earnest, so I found teachers and mentors to guide me. I’ve devoted decades of study to this divine science and philosophical practice—to astrological research, studying its varied histories, and testing its many ancient and innovative techniques. 

I approach this language of light and time with reverence and awe, as well as skepticism. With client work, I take a nonjudgemental stance. I am curious, sensitive, and I aim to truly see and hear the person in front of me. Astrology offers us a beautiful framework, especially paired with context and a person’s background, I believe we can guide clients with its wisdom. It helps us contemplate life calling, destiny, dharma, personal philosophy, existential questions, and core values. Through astrology a person’s path, history, and story comes alive. Story is living, and it is within our grasp to write the tale. Astrology is often wildly validating, affirming, and eye-opening. With it we can see the quality of time and an arc of purpose.

I’ve had many years accompanying and tending to people navigating grief and loss, and I have found astrology a powerfully useful tool—a beautiful way to commune with, explore, expand, and be with spirit / psychē / soul / life / self / meaning.

I currently offer consultations and mentoring. Periodically I write on my website and via publications. In 2022 I taught a course on antiscia (contact me if you’d like to purchase the recordings).

I’ve had the incredible honor to speak at a few conferences in the United States and abroad, including the United Astrology Conference (UAC) in New Orleans in 2012, Astrology Restored in Cape Town, South Africa (2016), and at Norwac.

From 2009 to 2012 I served as co/vice president of the Washington State Astrological Association. WSAA is located in Seattle, and is among the oldest independent astrology organization in the US.

I received my Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree (2003) at The Evergreen State College, focusing on Depth/Transpersonal and Existential Psychologies and Expressive Arts.  My final project Investigating the Vessel was an exploration and synthesis of work in trauma, recovery, Jungian and post-Jungian study, dream analysis, and arts: sculpture, dance, and a movement meditation inquiry practice called Authentic Movement. I am currently a graduate student at Seattle University in relational therapy.

As a professional visual artist I have exhibited work in and around Seattle for over 20 years. I am a process-driven expressionistic oil painter, and sometimes work in other mediums: encaustics, beeswax, jewelry, metal, and ceramics. Dance and music often find their way into my work as I paint.

I have worked/volunteered in various capacities within social and human service realms for nearly thirty years—mental health and wellbeing, physical and recreational therapies, rehabilitation, addiction recovery, and hospice (Providence and Bailey-Boushay House). I am also a certified End-of-Life Doula.

Since 2007, I have provided one-to-one confidential listening support to incarcerated women in a state women’s prison here in Washington. This work began with the organization Shanti, and it is a huge part of my life. It is my soul work. I am pleased to share it is now expanded to INANNA INSTITUTE.

Other projects I’ve created and facilitated to support people and their processes of grief and loss include Good Grief and Painting Inside Out.

If you have ideas, or want to collaborate or invest in expanding these works, be in touch!

* Shanti began in the early 1980s to support people in the community diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. In the 1990s Shanti expanded, entering state prisons and jails to provide confidential, nonjudgmental support. Shanti lost funding in 2013, yet a handful of volunteers carried on. I imagine a future where we recruit new volunteers once again, and can support and care for our most vulnerable members of society—those facing much stigmatization and isolation.