Conference Speakers - The Astrological Association

Conference 2023 Speakers

Gez Abel’s interest in astrology began around the time he randomly attended a talk given by Terence McKenna in 1993 when he realized that the presences of the Deities of his Latin schoolbooks were, in fact, still all around, as well as within us. Graduating from the Merriman Market Timing Academy in 2014, he soon thereafter helped facilitate several astrological conferences and gatherings in the United States, and was, for two years, the social media administrator for OPA, eventually becoming a co-director of a well-established midwestern conference. He holds two degrees in mechanical engineering, and still edits various publications for his former mentor.

Burcu Akram is a London-based Astrologer and had a deep passion for astrology from a young age. She has a BSC in Economics, but found it was not her authentic career path. She worked in the Media Marketing sector over ten years with numerous large multinational organisations at the Director level. Her fascination with cultural rituals, beliefs and social/human structures inspired her to study Social Anthropology at Oxford University. She is qualified with both the internationally renowned AstroArt School of Astrology in Turkey as well as a Horary Practitioner. She holds an Ethics Awareness Certificate, based on ISAR’s Ethical Standards and Guidelines.

Beatriz Alegría is a Spanish creative astrologer, founder of the Kosmic Trip project, a space for consultations, workshops and research, aimed to understand human experience and develop personal growth. She holds an MA in Sociology and has studied and practised psychological therapy involving art, regressions and herbal medicine.

Robert Anderson on behalf of the School of Esoteric Astrology, FMAAT, DMS Astrol., FAPAI is retired financial manager, Robert has been active in Astrology since moving to the West Country in the mid-1980s, where he supports local Astrology groups. Robert currently serves on the APAI Council as treasurer and is a former Trustee of the AA. He holds a distinction diploma from the Mayo School in natal and mundane Astrology and is presently engaged in post-graduate studies at the School of Esoteric Astrology.

Christos Archos is a professional astrologer and psychologists. A prominent Greek astrologer present in many shows and media in Greece. He is writing Psychological Astrology and he is having a school in Greece about astrology called Mediterranean and Balkan institute for Astrological research. Wors as an astrologer the last 20 years and he is initiating the CCONOSS research centre about the collaboration of astrology with the social and noetic sciences.

Lynn Bell has been a consulting astrologer, writer and speaker for over four decades. a long-time tutor for the CPA, MISPA and Astrology University. She is the 2016 winner of the Charles Harvey award for Exceptional Service to Astrology and her work can be found at www.lynnbellastrology.com.

Meghna Bhagat is a lifelong explorer of the nature of existence, blending India’s wisdom traditions with irreverent American experimentation in the pursuit of self-knowledge. A 2015 encounter with the depth of evolutionary astrology began another lifelong project—mastering astrology! Megna’s integrative practice builds on Steven Forrest, STA, Kepler College and more.

Faye Blake is founder of the Amsterdam School of Astrology. As well as being a very experienced astrologer, Faye is a therapist and business consultant. She holds an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, and has spoken often at major international conferences, and taught extensively online. Her book, Vocational Astrology, forms the basis of her tailor-made Vocational Apprenticeship program. Her other passions are Ceres and the Huber system. Her free monthly blog covers a wide range of topics. www.fayeblake.nl www.asastrology.nl

María Blaquier has been involved with astrology since 1987. She is the founder of the online astrology school (www.mariablaquier.com). Her studies include Psychological, Draconic, Hellenistic, Medieval and Horary. She represents the STA in the Spanish speaking world and is part of the Spanish Speaking Satellite at OPA.

Mychal A. Bryan is an astrologer, journalist, and clinical hypnotherapist from Nassau, Bahamas. He is the founder of Oraculos School of Astrology, where he offers a rigorous training program in concrete, event-based astrology. He practices Renaissance and Uranian astrology in his client work, focusing largely on predictive and medical astrology research. A student of the Western mystery tradition, he is deeply entrenched in the world of Jewish mysticism, hermeticism, alchemy, geomancy, and the Qabalistic Tarot.

Wade Caves, on behalf of the STA is an astrological consultant and educator specialising in horary, electional and classical astrological technique. He was certified with honours from the School of Traditional Astrology (STA) and Mayo School of Astrology. Wade teaches for the STA and maintains his consulting practice from Brooklyn, NY. wadecaves.com // hello@wadecaves.com

Alan Clay is a transpersonal astrologer, inspired by the work of Dane Rudhyar. His book, ‘Sedna Consciousness, the Soul’s Path of Destiny’ is the ultimate reference on Sedna. He teaches online courses at the Dwarf Planet University, helping students understand the meaning of the outer planets in their chart. www.dwarfplanet.university

Stellar Chan was born in a traditional Chinese medical family. As one of the first branch of Chinese astrologers, she learnt Western astrology decades ago, turning to study Chinese astrology where she combined both Western and Chinese astrology in her practice.

Rod Chang has studied astrology for over twenty years, both through self-study and through the Faculty of Astrological Studies. His favourite aspects are mundane astrology and a humanistic approach to astrology, Fixed star and Mundane Astrology. He is co-founder of the Academy of Astrology.

Martha Clarke Astrology, International astrologer specialising in astrocartography. Advanced Certificate in Astrology – Blue Rose School of Astrology Dublin, Advanced Cert in Feng Shui, Chue Foundation Milan. Uses transits, progressed and relocated charts simultaneously to help clients relocate. Specialises in whole family relocation. Has regularly relocated within Europe, the USA and South America.

Gill Dorren has been studying astrology and Cosmology for over 30 years. She is particularly interested in the fusion of these subjects and has given many lectures regarding this. She is Treasurer of the Astrological Lodge of London and current co Editor of the it’s’ magazine, The Astrology Quarterly.

Öner Döşer is an astrology consultant, instructor, researcher and author of 40 books. 14 of his books and articles were translated into several languages and published in reputable astrology journals and websites. Öner is the founder of AstroArt School of Astrology (trained over 4000 students until now), School of Astrology Publications, Astrology Television. He is on the list of instructors at Kepler College. He received Robert Zoller’s Medieval Astrology Diploma, ISAR and OPA certificates, a member of APAI and ISAR.

Aly M. Dunne is an Astrologer, Intuitive and Spiritual Mentor who was born in Dublin, Ireland. At 33, Aly experienced a profound inner transformation – a spiritual awakening – which transformed her life and spiritual understanding. She practices as an Astrologer, QHHT Facilitator, and Intuitive on California’s central coast.

Jean Elliot on behalf of astrocollege – For the last two years, Jean has been carrying out research into solar and lunar cycles, particularly on eclipses, major and minor lunar standstills and the ‘out of bounds’ Moon.

Kim Farnell received her Faculty Diploma in 1990. She has an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology 2005 and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Wales researching the history of horoscope columns in women’s magazines. Kim was President of Astrological Lodge for 12 years and previously served on the AA council, BAPS executive committee and ISAR.

Mark Fountain on behalf of the Faculty of Astrological Studies has been a tutor and examiner with the Faculty of Astrological Studies since 2006, teaching both distance- learning courses and since 2021, also online seminars and courses. He has a degree in History from Exeter University and for many years taught English in Cambridge to international students. Currently resident in the Cotswolds, Mark’s particular interests include mythology, art, politics and mundane astrology, and research on how to best use asteroids to enrich astrological practice.

Tassoula Fragkia, previously an environmental engineer, in 2009, on her Saturn Return, she met astrology! Founding awareness and healing, she realized that Astrology is a gift to humanity that she wished to impart. Professional Astrologer (Mayo School) since 2013, Mental Health Consultant, Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master and with a focus on innovative meditative astrology.

Roy Gillett is the Astrological Association President, a full-time astrologer since 1976, astrology software adviser for 35 years and international conference speaker. Roy has published mundane forecasts from 1978 – since 2002 in The Astrological Journal. These are now highlighted in his book Working with the Planets Clearer Understanding Better Decisions. His other books include Astrology and Compassion the Convenient Truth, Economy, Ecology and Kindness, The Secret Language of Astrology and Reversing the Race to Global Destruction.

Ruby Glasspool trained at White Eagle School of Astrology and at the renowned Steven Forrest Center for Evolutionary Astrology. She is one of only a few ‘evolutionary’ astrologers practicing in the UK. Ruby works 121 with clients from all over the world and runs regular talks and workshops in Devon.

Stormie Grace is a practicing astrologer with her own successful and entertaining show on YouTube. Her crowd-funded YouTube Astrology Academy brings the community together by providing FREE basic astrology classes taught by leading Astrologers. She has been consulting around the globe since 2014. Stormie holds a Doctorate in Business which enables her to apply those skills to business and mundane astrology. She joined OPA as Recording Secretary in 2021 and is now in the newly created role of Marketing Director. She is a member of AFAN, ISAR, and NCGR, a contributor to Career Astrologer, Astrology Hub and Midheaven Magazine, and a faculty member for the Portland School of Astrology.

Philip Graves is an independent scholar of the history of astrology and a dedicated astrological librarian. He has previously lectured on historical astrological topics for two international conferences and the Organization for Professional Astrology. His essays have been published in Infinity Astrological Magazine, The Mountain Astrologer and The Astrological Journal.

John Green is the founder and director of the Mercury Internet School of Psychological Astrology (MISPA) which offers a diploma course in psychological astrology. He is a consultant astrologer as well as teaching for the Centre for Psychological Astrology (CPA). He is the author of the synastry book Do You Love Me? The Astrology of Relationships and was the editor of the AA’s Astrological Journal from 2008-13.

Liz Hathway, MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (with distinction), DFAstrolS, Qualified Horary Craftswoman (Frawley school) is an independent researcher with a special interest in rituals, sacred space, shamanism, magic and transformation. Liz also once played bass guitar in a punk band.

Rebekah Hirsch is the author of Charting the Soul: Astrology, Characterology and the Human Energy Field. She trained in psychological astrology at the CPA and as an energy healer at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Rebekah runs a private practice combining, astrology, energy healing and the Voice Dialogue process.

Deborah Houlding is the Founder of the STA School (www.sta.co), creator of the Skyscript astrology website (www.skyscript.co.uk) and author of The Houses: Temples of the Sky, Deb has been practicing and teaching astrology since the 1980s. Her original research into astrological symbolism is widely recognised and she is the recipient of the Marion March Regulus Award (advancing the theory and understanding of astrology), the AA’s Charles Harvey Award (exceptional service to astrology) and the Jayavidya Association International Award for cultural contributions to the field of astrology.

Graham Ibell graduated from the CPA, has practiced and taught astrology for 25 years in the UK and his native New Zealand. He also practises horary (STA-trained) and tutors for the Mayo school. He is currently doing Jungian analytic training in Zurich. Other passions include music, poetry, the yijing and hiking. See www.grahamibell.com

Hakan Kırkoğlu has been a leading figure of Astrology in Turkey as a consultant, teacher and writer. (D.F.Astrol.S and ISAR CAP) He has BSc in Management Engineering and MA degrees in History and Economics. He especially combines ancient techniques with current usage. He is the founder and principal of School of Wisdom of Sky in Istanbul and ISAR global director for Turkey. He currently works as an Exam Chair.

Alexander Kolesnikov has been a student of astrology since the end of the 1980s. He is an author of a dozen of books (only a couple of them are in English) and is currently working on a comprehensive book on the astrology of space. Alexander is also a web and software developer, his website is Lunarium.co.uk .

Linda Kubota Byrd has been a professional astrologer and personal growth consultant for over 22 years. As a Certified Dream Coach, she combines Evolutionary, Experiential and Transformational Astrology with EFT, Heart Assisted Therapy, NLP and Inner Child work. She uses the chart as a guide to uncover and support the unique energies and stories in each chart. She’s a member of OPA, ISAR, ACEP, SAA and is currently the President of NCGR.

Michael Lutin Phi Beta Kappa Trinity College, special honour French language Harvard University, PhD program Yale University, trained in Robert J Lang’s School of Communicative Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Sold oysters in the streets in Paris, managed pop art gallery, student of Tibetan Buddhism. Author of five books, seven musical plays, journalist in ‘Vanity Fair’, ‘Huffington Post’, ‘Vogue’, international speaker, lecturer, Harvard Business School Alumni, performer, chocolate lover.

Lee Lehman has a Ph.D. from Rutgers University. She has written eleven books, on horary, electional, mundane, medical, and solar returns. She is the Principal of the Medical Program at the School of Traditional Astrology. In addition, she teaches at Kepler College, where she used to be Academic Dean in the degree-granting era..Lee had received the Marc Edmund Jones Award, and the Regulus Award.

Ray Liu, MS in Finance, MA in History of Ancient China. President of NCGR China Chapter, Researcher, educator and author in the history of ancient Chinese astronomy and astro-archaeology. Practicing astrologer and consultant in Chinese classic astrology. Scholastic specialties in Chinese 28 mansions and 24 Solar Terms.

Jayne Logan is a graduate of the MA-CAA (UWTSD). Her study of astrology began in 2011 and, after experiencing the transformative potential of evolutionary astrology, she transitioned from corporate life into astrological practice. Her client work focuses on understanding one’s evolutionary journey within the context of family and ancestral dynamics.

Alejo López, DFAstrolS, lives in Athens (Greece) where he holds his astrological and psychological consultations. After obtaining a degree in Performing Arts and another one in Psychology, he is currently being trained as a Jungian Analyst and is studying an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology at the Sophia Centre. Alejo has studied mythology, shamanism and Kabbalah and is particularly interested in finding sacred languages and techniques that help develop a dialogue with the Divine.

Lianne McCafferty D.M.S. Astrol, MAPAI holds the Mayo Diploma (Distinction) in Natal & Mundane. In addition to tutoring, consulting, lecturing and writing, with articles published in the likes of the AA and NCGR Journals, as a former professional sportsperson & coach and now Black Belt 1st Dan in Shotokan Karate, the use of astrology to help enhance sport performance is of particular interest.

Chris Mitchell has a PhD from the University of Leicester on the topic of medieval astrology and an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology from Bath Spa University College. He is a tutor on that MA course, now hosted at the University of Wales, and holds a diploma in Medieval Astrology from Astrologos. He has been actively involved in promoting and teaching astrology since the 1990s, is on the boards of the Astrological Association, the Association of Professional Astrologers International (APAI), and has given talks to groups and conferences in Europe and the US. He is the author of “England’s First Astrology Book”, and was the joint recipient of the Charles Harvey Award for Exceptional Service to Astrology in 2021.

Gary O’Toole has studied astrology since 1996, specialising in Jyotiṣa (Vedic astrology). His first book, Cosmic Bodies, explored the relationship between Āyurveda and Jyotiṣa. His new books, Rāhu Daśā and Timeline Astrology, delve into timing techniques from India. He writes a blog for patrons and produces a magazine, podcast, and online learning platform. His readings impart an empowered view of the timeline of your life, available at timelineastrology.com

Xenia Nent studied psychological astrology with MISPA and has been exploring the newly discovered dwarf planets with astrologer Alan Clay since late 2020. Inspired by her IT-related background, she currently focuses on connections between dwarf planets and mundane trends. Her blog can be found at xyzastrology.wordpress.com.

Steve Pincus began studying Astrology in 1976. His approach emphasizes symmetrical techniques. A certified Astro-Cartographer (1985). President of San Francisco Bay Area NCGR Chapter from 1985-2015. Regulus Award Nominee for Community Service at UAC 2018. Producer of the 90o Star Dial System and owner of Sun Recording Service. www.stardialsunrecording.com

Giorgia Pecora is a certified psychological and evolutionary astroconsultant and teacher specializing in karmic dynamics, shadow work and astro genealogy. Her astrological style is enriched by her studies in theosophy, somatic work, shamanic practices, and sexological bodywork. To learn more visit: www.visionairastrology.com

Wanda Sellar is the Vice-President of the Astrological Lodge of London, and a past President. She is also the current programme organiser, and co-editor of the Lodge’s Astrology Quarterly. She also edits the AA’s Astrology & Medicine Newsletter. She has taught in Europe and Japan and has several books on astrology to her credit. The most recent is ‘Chart Shapes: the code to interpretation.’ Wanda has trained as a counsellor and holistic therapist. Email: wandaelizabethsellar@gmail.com

Sandra-Leigh Serio, M.A. Psychology, is certified by ISAR, AFA and OPA as a professional astrologer. Her articles have appeared in The Mountain Astrologer, Llewellyn Publications, OPA Career Astrologer, and the ISAR Journal. She appeared twice on George Noory’s Beyond Belief television show and has an active practice with clients from all over the world.

Julija Simas is the founder and chief astrologer at the C*I*A, the Cosmic Intelligence Agency. Julija has been practising, teaching and circulating astrology since starting the C*I*A in 2005. Having lectured and presented online and in many parts of the globe at various conferences, schools and retreats Julija devotes most of her time to the C*I*A, managing the membership, content and speakers schedule managing C*I*A’s social media channels, and publishing C*I*A’s online Timelords Magazine, as well as doing her own research and consultation work. www.cosmicintelligenceagency.com

Tom Stedall studied Physics at Cambridge University and holds a PhD in Physics from Bristol University in computational biochemistry. He was a visiting scholar in Philosophy and Religion at the California Institute of Integral Studies, is a research assistant to Rupert Sheldrake, and is a Research Fellow of the Schumacher Institute.

Aswin Subramanyan, an astrologer from India has a foundation in Jyotish but he also took a keen interest in Hellenistic and Medieval Persian astrological traditions. His practice today is a blend of all these ancient forms of astrology. He is the author of the book Firdaria – Periods of Life and the Co-author of the book, Astrology by Moonlight. He regularly writes blog posts on Mundane and Natal astrology. His website is www.theabverdict.com.

Stefano Stracuzzi is Italian and has lived internationally for over a decade. In 2022 he gained the Faculty’s Diploma with distinction, winning the Melanie Reinhart Award for an exceptionally good live consultation. His maritime background as a navigator of the merchant navy contributed to his geographical and astronomical knowledge. In 2020 he launched a project called Global Evolution Astrology, through which he publishes content about his mundane research. In his astrological sessions, he provides a detailed analysis of natal patterns and ancestral complexes. He uses a wide array of forecasting techniques in order to identify growth opportunities and assist clients in their journeys. He speaks four languages and has worked with clients in Italian, English, Spanish and Portuguese. In 2022 he self-published two books called: The Cosmic Journey: Astrology Beyond the Self and Mundane Astrology: Outer Cycles Beyond Pluto.

Kelly Surtees travels worldwide to teach practical and accessible astrology that combines traditional techniques with a modern mindset. Kelly has established herself in an astrological career that includes a full roster of clients, a monthly astrology membership, an online astrology training program, webinars and classes. A class with Kelly is full of inspiration, insight, useful techniques and practical wisdom. When Kelly isn’t teaching, she dreams of the ocean, and often has her hands in the garden. Find out more www.kellysastrology.com

Carole Taylor has been a professional astrologer for over 20 years, with client work and teaching at the heart of her practice. She worked for several years as a reflexologist in a London hospice and NHS clinic. She is a former President and Director of Studies at the Faculty of Astrological Studies. She holds an MA in Myth, Cosmology and the Sacred, and is a tutor on the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.

Kay Taylor has been integrating evolutionary astrology with intuitive mastery, psychosynthesis, yoga philosophy and healing wisdom for over 35 years. Kay is President of OPA, formerly Education Director, and is on the Board and faculty of Kepler College. She is a respected conference lecturer, trains intuitive/astrologers through her Soul Path School and is Relationships & Astrology core faculty. Soul Path Way (2016). Certified by OPA, ISAR CAP and NCGR Level II. San Francisco Bay Area.

Sue Tompkins is an experienced consultant and teacher of astrology and also a homeopath. She lectures widely at home and abroad Her books, Aspects in Astrology and The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook continue to be best-selling titles. She has received various awards including a Fellowship from FAS and in 2003 the AA’s Charles Harvey Award. www.suetompkins.com

John Wadsworth is a practicing astrologer, teacher and author, with thirty years professional experience in the field. He runs the Kairos School of Astrology and is a pioneer of experiential approaches to astrology. He holds an MA in Cultural Astronomy & Astrology and is the author of the book, ‘Your Zodiac Soul’.

Arlan Wise has worked as a professional consulting astrologer since 1978. Arlan is currently President of OPA’s Membership and Certification organization. Arlan teaches writing workshops for astrologers. She wrote the chapter, Writing and Astrology, in OPA’s book, The Professional Astrologer. She edits and reviews astrology books.

Conference 2023 Speakers

Gez Abel

Burcu Akram

Beatriz Alegría

Robert Anderson

Christos Archos

Lynn Bell

Meghna Bhagat

Faye Blake

María Blaquier

Mychal A. Bryan

Wade Caves

Alan Clay

Stellar Chan

Rod Chang

Martha Clarke Astrology

Gill Dorren

Öner Döşer

Aly M. Dunne

Jean Elliot

Kim Farnell

Mark Fountain

Tassoula Fragkia

Roy Gillett

Ruby Glasspool

Stormie Grace

Philip Graves

John Green

Liz Hathway

Rebekah Hirsch

Deborah Houlding

Graham Ibell

Hakan Kırkoğlu

Alexander Kolesnikov

Linda Kubota Byrd

Michael Lutin

Lee Lehman

Ray Liu

Jayne Logan

Alejo López

Lianne McCafferty

Chris Mitchell

Gary O'Toole

Xenia Nent

Steve Pincus

Giorgia Pecora

Wanda Sellar

Sandra-Leigh Serio

Julija Simas

Tom Stedall

Aswin Subramanyan

Stefano Stracuzzi

Kelly Surtees

Carole Taylor

Kay Taylor

Sue Tompkins

John Wadsworth

Arlan Wise

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