I first discovered Dena’s work a few years ago when I was first researching Evolutionary Astrology. Since then, she has become one of my favorite astro writers, especially on the subject of living in harmony with the seasons and cosmic weather. If you’re a writer who is struggling with a tug of war between audience and self-expression, I can’t recommend her article on David Bowie and Leo highly enough.

Dena DeCastro, M.A., has been a professional astrologer since 1998. She received her training in Evolutionary Astrology through the Steven Forrest Apprenticeship Program in 2002-2004. Her traditional education includes two Master’s Degrees: one in English, and one in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Spiritual Traditions. Dena is also a trained Spiritual Director, having received her certification via the Urban Spirituality Center in 2009. Dena has contributed articles to The Mountain Astrologer, and she created an astrology podcast in 2007, “The Sirius Astrology Podcast,” which contains over 50 episodes.  She currently offers astrology readings, Spiritual Direction, and individual mentorship in astrology. You can find out more about her readings and mentorship programs at www.denadecastro.com.

In this conversation we talk about Evolutionary Astrology, working with Saturn, writing through creative cycles, and Dena’s mentorship programs.

I was first introduced to the work of Adam Sommer through his Exploring Astrology podcast when I was beginning to explore astrology seriously a few years ago. There is hardly a book or an astrologer I haven’t been introduced to through Adam’s show. I can’t recommend listening through the archives enough. 

Adam Sommer is an astrologer who never planned on being one. Plants had all of his attention before Planets did: ethnobotany, plant spirit medicine, strains of Shamanism, and even a training in Medical Qi Gong. After an encounter with Richard Tarnas’ Cosmos and Psyche, he chose to go pro and became certified by Maurice Fernandez. Now he’s a full time astrologer, writing and podcasting, giving readings and teaching to open minds all across the planet.  It’s surreal. It’s unreal. It’s exactly the real thing he always dreamed of doing.

I first encountered the work of Gabriel Valjan when his short story “Undead” turned up in Paper Tape’s slush pile in late 2014. ”Undead” is one of those rare stories that terrifies with the Kafkaesque while leaving you with the indelible impression that tomorrow could be much more interesting than today. Before I read this story, I thought that I knew all the things that can possibly go wrong at the DMV, but “Undead” proved me so very wrong. I’ve since added “evidence of a pulse” to the list of things to bring with me the next time I renew my license. 

In this interview, Gabriel and I talk about the Roma Series his thriller series published by Winter Goose Publishers, what inspired him to write about Italy, and writing about the media.

As a professional Counseling Astrologer with a broad and holistic approach, Jason Fleming draws from over 15 years of experience in human resources and corporate recruiting. His focus is partnering with individuals and empowering them toward the actualization of their potentials. He offers private consultations, which are specifically tailored to the needs of his clients. He also teaches beginners and intermediate level astrology classes. He can be found on the web at sagmind.wordpress.com and on Twitter @SagittarianMind.

Kira Butler is a writer and graphic designer from Montreal. She appreciates dark urban fantasy and low key horror and writes about everything in between. On Halloween she began a monthly offering, Short Fictions and Curiosities, and is currently completing her forthcoming horror novel for young adults, Wake the Dead. 

Aeterna practices Western Astrology, inspired by the Psychological and Evolutionary currents. She is a musician, trained singer, generally enamoured with all forms of Art, and a proud Vegan. Her interests include esotericism, alchemy, Jungian psychology, antroposophy, quantum physics, and energetical work. She has a BA in Anthropology/Religions/Asian Cultures, and is working on her MA in Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology at the University of Bologna, in Italy.