Hello! I’m glad you’re here.

A bit about me. In addition to my deep love for astrology in its many forms, ancient and modern — I’m an artist (oil painter primarily) and a longtime grief-tending volunteer in the state women’s prison. I sometimes teach astrology and write blogposts and articles. I have a master’s degree in addiction studies and systemic and relational therapies, and am now seeking state licensure in counseling. I’ve explored the intersection of arts, spirituality, social justice, and meaning-making with clients, students, and incarcerated women for 20 years.

My approach to astrology -and work with clients- is integrative, experimental, experiential, client-centered, and collaborative. My aim is to weave personally meaningful symbolism with ancient forms and images, lineage, metaphor, art, and embodied awareness into an ecosystem/holistic approach.

My deep interest in astrology emerged over 40 years ago. I was born in the 1970s on the unceded ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Coast Salish people. Born into an era of punk rock, I abide by its ethos today; one of non-conformity -anti status quo; anti authoritarianism -against injurious authority and institutions; anti consumerism -against corporate greed and values of mass culture; DIY: create your own______; and, direct action -taking action to disrupt harmful norms and build an alternative future. Obviously I’m Gen X, and proud of that fact.

I first encountered astrology as a child via some of my mom’s books. As a kid I would spend considerable time in the public library sifting through astrology books. I felt a magnetic pull 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. And I found teachers and mentors to guide me. I have devoted many decades to this study of divine science and philosophical practice as well as to astrological research. I’ve studied its varied histories and tested its many ancient methods, techniques, and modern innovations. I have been obsessed, truly.

I approach this language of light and time (telos and kairos) with reverence and awe, as well as healthy skepticism. With client work, I am curious and sensitive and I aim to truly see and hear the person in front of me. Astrology offers us a profound framework — especially when paired with context -a person’s background, social location, and intentions- and I believe we can guide clients with its wisdom and symbols that speak.

Astrology is often wildly validating, affirming, and eye-opening. With it we can see the quality of time and our arc of purpose (kairos and telos). Astrology helps us contemplate life’s calling, dharma, destiny, mystery, philosophy, existential queries, and core values. Through it, a person’s path, history, story comes totally alive. It is our story to write.

As a witness to people navigating grief, loss, and return for many years, I know astrology’s profound value. It is an undeniably useful tool and beautiful way to commune with explore, expand, and be with spirit / psychē / soul / life / self / nature / meaning.

Currently I offer consultations and mentoring. Periodically I teach a course on antiscia.

In years past I have 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 2012, Astrology Restored in Cape Town, South Africa 2016, and NORWAC in Seattle, WA.

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.

As a student, both undergrad and graduate, I’ve focused work on synthesizing depth, transpersonal, and existential psychologies, expressive arts, complementary, and mindfulness-based methods. I’ve been exploring trauma and recovery, addiction, Jungian and post-Jungian studies, dream analysis, movement-based methods (like Authentic Movement), and the arts for most of my adult life.

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 I sometimes work in other mediums like encaustics (beeswax), jewelry, metal, and clay. Dance and music often find their way into my work as I paint.

For thirty years I’ve worked and volunteered in various capacities within social and human services in mental health and wellbeing, end-of-life, physical and recreational therapies, rehabilitation, addiction recovery, and hospice (Providence and Bailey-Boushay House), and I am 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. I am pleased to share we have now created INANNA INSTITUTE.

Other projects housed within INANNA to support people in their processes of grief and recovery include Good Grief and Painting Inside Out.

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

* Shanti began in the early 1980s to support people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Shanti expanded in the 1990s, entering state prisons and jails to provide confidential, nonjudgmental support. Shanti lost funding in 2013, yet a handful of us volunteers carried on. My vision now is to recruit new volunteers, an army of volunteers for INANNA to support and care for our most vulnerable members of society — those facing much stigmatization and isolation. Join us!