Life on the Starry Highway

After a week of sucking down $1 beers in my home town, it was time to get back to work. I mean, after all, that was the point of this tour, right?

Speaking of tours, I'm in the middle of my third tour in as many years. My first tour in 2014 stretched from ISAR in Phoenix to SOTA near NYC, the second from SOTA to Portland and CA to Cape Town to India and finished in Australia over a period of 5 months and the current one is from the San Francisco to Seattle to Detroit to the East Coast to the West Coast of the US. I have to say living out of a suitcase for extended periods isn't a bad way for someone with Saturn in Pisces to live: it certainly kept me focused! I've been lucky to see so many wonderful landmarks but I'm luckier still for all the wonderful people I've been able to get to know better and to spend time with on their home turf. Oh and, um, there's the food.

Good folks always ask me about what it's like on a tour and it's one of the reasons I like to post status updates--I also feel it's good for helping people to connect with each other. It makes me feel like I'm bringing a whole lot of you along with me too. Of course, if you're not interested you don't have to read!

My first stop of the "East Coast Leg" of this current tour was in Philadelphia with a branch of the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR--an organisation that has branches all over the country). I had never spoken with a group of NCGR members but of course I had heard of them. So I was thrilled they wanted to book me to speak in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, as I was hammering out dates, I inadvertently was a little too keen to book my return flight to the UK and made a boo-boo that meant I'd be back in London before I actually spoke in Philly. Whoopsie. Fortunately for my sorry Saturn in Pisces ass, alternative arrangements were made so I could still meet with NCGR in Philly. And what a great night we had: how blessed am I to spend the night with such a great cook and outstanding food, great company, a beautiful kitty called Burroughs and. . .Jacqueline Janes.

Jackie and me talking serious

Jackie and I met at SOTA (State of the Art Astrology) 2014 at Niagara Falls US (as a side note, I accidentally booked my hotel room to be on the Canadian side of the Falls--but what a great walk to work!). Way back then, I was just cutting my teeth on the lecturing circuit. I regarded myself as being very lucky to have the cash to get as far as SOTA and I was looking at that US tour as a one-off.  I "knew" I'd be back to teaching in a few weeks where I'd crawl back under the rock I came from and get back to an ordinary life as a schoolteacher. In my mind, I was already unpacking. 

However, Jackie predicted I'd be "World Famous" and that the journey was just beginning.

As much as I wanted to believe that, I pretty much dismissed what she said as an act of kindness and encouragement. Never, ever in my wildest dreams did I think that less than two weeks later, I'd get the invitation to India. And I certainly never thought that just two months later someone would stick a tiara on my head. Two and half years and five continents later (and with an invitation to the 6th continent firmly in my calendar), I'd still seriously hesitate to call myself "world famous" but I never crawled back under that rock I came from. There's not a day that goes by that I can't believe all that has happened, or that I have not been grateful to the people who have helped me get to where I've gotten to--because I would not have gotten here on my own. That's for damn sure.

And most of the time I really still can't believe it. I say all this not only to remind myself of what I've achieved but also to remind myself of my responsibilities. A fellow teacher friend of mine reminded me that our students--past and present--follow us on social media whether we want them to or not. I never want to give out the idea that living my dreams was handed to me on a silver platter: it's taken time, effort and money. But more than that it takes a lot of courage to take the risk of making mistakes publicly and to get back up and get back out there when there's setbacks. And setbacks can often be the gods shining their grace and blessings on you! Near misses? I've had a few! I am lucky that I have a strong sense of purpose and as the world's worst businesswoman, I have to constantly be on the lookout for better opportunities, to be open about my victories (which is difficult for someone with Venus square Saturn, Moon in Leo or no). I don't so much as have a dream but a purpose. And that, for new readers, is to bring astrology to education and to engage young people in the Ancient Art of Astrology. That's it and it sustains me. 

But back to Jackie.

It was a deep honour to check in with her. I had forgotten about her prediction (because I didn't believe it at the time) but I could tell she was pleased with me when I met her again. It brought about a need within me to reflect on all that has happened because I need to keep it all in perspective. There's still a part of me who could easily drift back under that rock because I'm afraid I'm going to screw something up. But thank the Great Goddess it's all been good so far!! My reflections became my June Newsletter which really is a "pinch me" post so when I'm back in London teaching I can remember what it all was like so I can get back up there again--because once back in the routine of teaching, it can be easy to forget my purpose. It ain't easy living with Venus square Saturn!! So thank you Jackie for your faith in me!!

My next stop was with my fellow Phillies fan Frank Piechosky. The last time I was in Philadelphia, Frank gave me the most outstanding tour of the town I could have ever asked for. And the best part is he lives just down the road from Citizens Bank Park where the Phillies get serious. As a kid, I loved the Phillies because my cousin Mike Schmidt played for them (well that's the story I told and I'm sticking to it!). Frank is also a wonderful cook. How good is he? Well, check this paella out. It even has a "hidden" astrological theme:

And just when I thought I had died and gone to heaven, Frank made me scrapple (don't ask what it is!!) for breakfast . . .and then literally gave me the shirt off his back! That's right, a Phillies shirt--with Mike Schmidt's name on the back!! I love Frank!! Thank you again--and thanks to the rest of the NCGR Philly crew for a wonderful few days in the heart of US political history.

I guess it isn't surprising that SOTA friends were on my agenda while I was in the neighbourhood. I instantly fell in love with Eric Pride at SOTA 2014 and when I returned the following year, he and I and a few others formed a merry band who tore the town apart near Niagara Falls! I've had a lot of good meals in my life (ahem) but this one at Weinkeller's was a doozy.

With the lovely Jason Williams back in 2014!

Luck smiled on us during our reunion a couple of weeks ago. We were sorry Jackie Menkes couldn't join us but again, what a fabulous dinner we had. And of course we toasted to our missing friend.

Note Jason (2017) on far right sans moustache!! Yummy!!!

As a kid, I used to think Hershey Pennsylvania must be heaven on earth. As an adult who has developed a refined taste for the flavours of the East (read "curry"), I'm not as enthusiastic. Nevertheless, when near Hershey, one must get to Hershey World where there really is a street called "Chocolate Avenue", the streetlights are made to look like chocolate kisses and the cows sing about their good fortune to produce milk for Hershey products (I guess it beats the hell out of producing a product for a burger chain!).

Oh and "snack size" has a peculiar meaning:

Thank you so much Eric, Jason (the unrequited love of my life!), Aaron and Josh!!! Come to England soon!!

Now I can't be 45 minutes from Baltimore without visiting my best friend since 8th grade Mike. I moved around a lot as a younger child but managed to settle in one school district (though we still moved house a lot) throughout my teens--and Mike has been a major part in all my teenage angst, "maturing" years and stupidity. Over the best seafood the East Coast can offer, we reminisced, laughed . . . and ate.

From Mike's house, I greyhounded it to New York City to meet (drumroll please) Ronnie Grishman of Dell Horoscope Magazine and Shelley Ackerman of ISAR. I haven't had the opportunity to spend much time with either of them before but what a girlie lunch was had!! Information was swapped, plans were made and kingdoms were conquered . . . and great advice was received. There will be lots more about this high powered business meeting so stay tuned for further developments!

Here we are looking our innocent best:

Oh and the food was fabulous!

Ronnie took time out of her busy schedule and saw me to the right train to the airport and raided my writing repertoire for goodies. We got plans. . .but let's just say I'll be back in NYC next year and you'll be hearing more about this meeting in the near future.

Some 9 hours later and I was back on the West Coast in beautiful San Diego (although I didn't realise it was as beautiful as it was until the morning). I was speaking at another NCGR group and what a group they were!! One hundred percent engaged, interested, supportive, fun. . .I wish I had more time to spend with them. But I did get to watch a glorious sunset with new friends, met more beautiful kitties and enjoyed. . .more food.

My visit to San Diego was very short but I just had to squeeze in a visit with April Elliott Kent who I met via the Jessica Adams show a few years ago--and also bumped into for about 10 seconds at ISAR 2015. So imagine my delight when she messaged me on Facebook to invite me to breakfast!

Over a casual breakfast information was swapped, plans were made and kingdoms were conquered . . . and great advice was received. Notice a pattern here? What is the point of a tour if world domination is just an option. And oh boy, April and I have plans.

And that's life for you on the starry highway! Food, friends. . .and gratitude! Just roll me off the plane at Heathrow. . .

All in the Family

My younger sister and I hatched this plan to surprise my parents with my visit to Michigan.

Now, before I go any further, there are a few things you need to know about my family that may not have been picked up on social media posts.

1. I'm working class all the way. I know, I know you thought I made so much money as a teacher, astrologer and author that I was not only rolling in the Benjamins (Benjamin Franklins that is--$5 bills/notes) but that I came from a classy background. Not so! I'm the daughter of a lorry driver, the recipient of a grant from the fresh air fund so I could go to university and someone who always has to be reminded not to wipe her mouth on the back of her hand. Oh and I put my elbows on the counter and always drop my neatly pressed napkin on the floor because I don't sit up straight at the dinner table in restaurants. Come to think of it, I also have the reputation for nicking pens from hotels--although I do this mainly to give to my forgetful pupils. "Would you like a pen from the Grand Canyon, one from NYC or LA?" I'll ask them. The pens that I manage to hold on to for the longest time are the ones the kids never choose to use, lol. Anyway, watch your pens around me!

2. I'm mixed race. My dad is from a European background and my mom is a full-blooded, card-carrying band member of the Saugeen Indian Reservation (we're Ojibwa to save you googling it). I've spent all my life explaining how this song both describes and doesn't come close to describing my life as a half breed: 

Just suffice to say it's been an interesting life but I don't ride around on horses in my underwear. Although someone did once ask me about that!

3. In an effort to escape the stigma of being a half breed, I moved to England. And made the problem a whole lot worse, innit?

4. Despite all the flying I do, I really hate it. To get me on a plane usually involves an hour or so in the bar--with my elbows on the counter.

5. For the flight to Michigan from Seattle, my west coast friends made an alternative suggestion to the pub. I don't want to give too much away but here's a hint:

Best flight ever!

6. My family can't keep secrets! It was decided that surprising both parents might lead to the demise of one or both of them so my mom was informed I was on my way.

At Seatac airport when my mom asked on Facebook (on my public wall) what time my flight was, I got a fit of the giggles. In fact, I was giggling so much I was a little worried I wouldn't be allowed on the flight. Someone actually asked me if I was OK (where was the Seattle Freeze I wondered again?). Which of course only made me giggle more. I was giggling so much, I also set my sister in Detroit off via Messenger--so much so that she had to pull over so she could take her eyes of the road and throw her head back and laugh properly.

Fortunately after a nap on the plane, I was in a frame of mind for the landing, the luggage re-claim and another round of waiting in a strange place to be picked up. I'm happy to say there were no problems and I found my family without incident.

As a Cancerian, no matter how things might appear otherwise on social media, I'm a pretty private person. I have my life on the stage and off the stage. Nonetheless, the Moon in Leo in me can't help but boast about a few things.

My dad was surprised and he nearly jumped out of skin when he saw me. Mission Accomplished.

After three beautiful daughters, my sister is finally going to fulfil her Freudian mission to produce a penis: my nephew is due on the Autumn Equinox! None of us feel boy babies are better than girl babies but we can't help but celebrate the fact that this boy is going to get a good solid dose of Girl Power!

I got to see lots of family and friends including my cousins from the reservation, one of my oldest and dearest friends Chris and the totally divine, utterly gorgeous Barbara Payton who I am delighted to announce is coming to India! Here we are together in Port Huron. Clearly her gorgeousness almost rubbed off on me:

Although my eyes never really left London (another terrorist attack left me feeling pretty shocked and I nearly beat up a preacher I had to tolerate the following morning) I left Port Huron filled with memories and family love. Sure there were a few things I didn't quite manage (Sorry Kalamazoo crew--we'll get it right next year!) but it was perfect down time and I'm so grateful for all the love, the challenges, the lessons. I was particularly glad to be reminded that the women in my family are bad MFs.

I sign this blog post off with a photo of me as a baby with my Ojibwa grandmother and great-grandmother. The tales they could tell would make your hair stand on end. So just to remind me when I think the going is getting tough:

About the Astrologer

Alex Trenoweth was voted Best International Astrologer, 2015 for her dynamic presentation on her innovative and original research into Astrology and Education. Her book, "Growing Pains" is an exciting development in astrology as it combines classroom teaching experience, sound investigation and the potential to have a positive impact on struggling adolescents, parents, teachers and those who have been labelled "at risk". She writes the yearly horoscopes and other articles for the Cosmic Intelligence Agency, one of the largest astrological social media groups on the web and was also a speaker for the AstroSummit, a guest lecturer for the London School of Astrology and has spoken at several UK local astrology groups. Past international events include ISAR, State of the Art Astrology conference, the Kepler Conference, Congresso Internacional de Astrologia (Portugal), Kepler College, the Mercury Internet School of Psychological Astrology, Astrology Restored in Cape Town,  the International Academy of Astrology and NORWAC.  Upcoming events include San Diego, Las Vegas, the San Francisco Astrology Society and the Scottish Astrological Association.  Alex is also Vice Principal and Secretary General of International Affairs for the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology and will will be taking up her residential post in India 2017. For queries, consultations or syndications, please contact Alex via www.alextrenoweth.com or leave a message in the comment section.

"Growing Pains" can be purchased in paperback or kindle format on Amazon or can be signed and posted directly to you by Alex.

About the New Book

There are two wolves fighting inside of me, the old story goes, one wolf is good and the other is evil. “But Grandfather,” asked the child, “Which one wins?” The Grandfather answered, “The wolf I feed.”

We might like to think that being good is a natural instinct. In fact, doing the right thing takes a conscious decision. Every day, we are met with temptation to get ahead at the expense of someone else, to get away with something we know is wrong or to cut corners if we think no one is watching.

Following on from her powerful book on astrology and Education, “Growing Pains”, Alex Trenoweth explores the benefits of using “the bad guy” of the solar system: Saturn. Often avoided and seldom understood, if we understand our own Saturn then we can help others to understand theirs. Using case studies of  highly successful people contrasted with convicted serial killers, Trenoweth deftly demonstrates the dire consequences of feeding the wrong wolf.

Seattle Freeze?

A funny thing happened on the way to NORWAC. . .

I've done enough travelling to be pretty good at it. Despite having Saturn in Pisces, I've managed to hold on to my passport, bank card and laptop (I could lose everything else and not be that bothered--that'll be Venus in Gemini for you). I'm also pleased to say I can master the public transport system of any city (except in India!) and I like to use buses and trains to get to know the local residents. I'm pretty friendly and easy going and I like to chat to people about their city. So imagine my alarm when I was warned by a life long Seattle resident of something called "Seattle Freeze". Apparently, people in Seattle just suddenly shut you down without warning or reason.

"Gosh," I said to my short term travelling companion. "Really?" I was a bit jet lagged as well as a little nervous as I was due to lecture a few hours later. I just couldn't imagine such a thing.

"Oh yes," she said. "Everything seems OK at first and then. . ." She shrugged, looked out the window and didn't say another word.

Blimey, I thought. Am I getting the Seattle Freeze? I was seriously worried. How would I cope if people ignored me?

But the good news is "Seattle Freeze" seemed to be a one off occurrence and I found the residents of Seattle and the area around Seattle to be absolutely beautiful. A couple days after the conference when most of the out of town astrologers left Seattle, I was trying to break a hundred dollar bill by buying a bottle of diet coke to get change for the bus. The cashier was adorably apologetic and told me she just didn't have enough cash in her register. I thanked her anyway and left the diet coke behind.

"Excuse me!" someone called as I opened the door. "I'll get that for you!" I have never been the recipient of a "pay it forward" gesture but I was really touched. London needs to get into this!

But I still had the problem of not having change for the bus. So the next place I went to had a massive line of people. So I joined the line, fully intending to wait for my turn.

"Excuse me," (yeah, polite or what?) said someone at the front of the line. "You can come up here if you only have one or two things to buy."

"Oh I couldn't possibly jump the queue," I responded before remembering to speak American (travelling hazard). Everyone was looking at me and smiling and motioning for me to go to the front of the line. So with enough change to avoid spending $100 on a one way bus fare, I resumed my mission of finding Rick Levine on the other side of Seattle.

So you know how I said "I can master the public transport system of any city (except in India!)" Well I normally do very well. Except when there's a fight on the bus (what happened to this Seattle Freeze? I wondered). After a few punches were exchanged, everyone jumped up and got off the bus to leave these two to it. Even the driver got out of the bus.

Which meant I was in the middle of a big city without knowing where I was or how to get to where I wanted to go. I checked my watch and it was at this point, I realised I was trembling a little more than I should have been.

Oh no, I thought. Not now.

People who have never suffered (there is no other word) from an anxiety attack just don't understand how debilitating these attacks are. I've had them off and on since I was a young adult and have taken quite a few courses of cognitive behaviour therapy to keep them under control. Usually I can talk myself down fairly quickly by reminding myself there is no imminent danger. But the thing was there was quite a ding dong of a fight happening not too far away from me, I was running late and I was lost. Remember how Harry Potter described an encounter with the Dementors as feeling as if nothing would ever be good again? Well that's exactly how I felt--of course it's totally irrational but that's the beast of anxiety attacks.

I was a wreck. 

I wanted to lock myself away in a dark room until the Dementors went away. Luckily, I did manage to calm myself down enough to figure out alternative arrangements to get to where I wanted to go. I was still a little shaky but I could cope. So I got on another bus--and wouldn't you know it Seattle has this massive underground bus system so we spent a lot of time in tunnels.

Tunnels. On a bus. It seemed totally crazy to me--what would happen if a fight broke out now? Just as I was working my way towards another anxiety attack, the bus got stuck.

In the tunnel.

"Driver, I need to get off,"  I was shaking and sweating and I wasn't confident my lunch was going to stay where it was.

"Can't let you off here," she said as she tried for the millionth time to manoeuvre the bus out of its tight position.

"I think I need some fresh air," I managed to groan. "I feel faint." You would think a Londoner would have been better prepared for such emergencies.

Thankfully this very nice (and handsome I noticed) man came to my rescue with a bottle of Gatorade, a warm smile and a comforting manner. I could almost forget I was several hundred feet underground with people I didn't know, in a strange city and really running late. And with no way to communicate with Rick who must have been waiting for me impatiently (there's no such thing as a patient Aries).

Anyway, we finally got out of the damn tunnel, I finally found where to get the next bus and was able to tell Rick I was on my way. And I can't tell you how happy I was to see Julija's smiling face when I got to my destination! 

With all of us together at last, it was time to get to some local wineries (they grow grapes in Seattle? Oh yes they do!) and do some wine tasting. I remained quite badly shaken up and it took some time to calm down but of course, the wine and laughter helped enormously.

Here's us before. . .

And after. . .

We also had a marvellous meal together that was just out of this world (and thank the Great Goddess Rick dropped me off to my hotel afterwards!!). I don't know what turns the attention of the Dementors to my direction but I was very grateful they released me so I could enjoy this wonderful evening with my friends. I"d like to be able say I have control over them but that isn't how this game is played at all: the second I claim to have any sort of power over them is just inviting them to show I don't.

It was a great honour to have been invited to Rick's the next day (this time I was collected by the marvellous Gemini Brett who was blissfully unaware of my earlier meltdown) for an evening of hanging out with Seattle astrologers and to watch Rick in action for his regular gig. Always a pleasure to watch a master in action. And how awesome to realise the next time Julija, me and Rick will be together is in India!!

And oh yes, I got to sit in the wizard's chair. . .

I really enjoyed my time in Seattle. It always makes me happy to cover expenses and plus have time to hang out with other astrologers. I don't like fights on buses but hey, that shit happens all the time in London too.

More news in my June 2017 Newsletter.

About the Astrologer

Alex Trenoweth was voted Best International Astrologer, 2015 for her dynamic presentation on her innovative and original research into Astrology and Education. Her book, "Growing Pains" is an exciting development in astrology as it combines classroom teaching experience, sound investigation and the potential to have a positive impact on struggling adolescents, parents, teachers and those who have been labelled "at risk". She writes the weekly and monthly horoscopes and other articles for the Cosmic Intelligence Agency, one of the largest astrological social media groups on the web and was also a speaker for the AstroSummit, a guest lecturer for the London School of Astrology and has spoken at several UK local astrology groups. Past international events include ISAR, State of the Art Astrology conference, the Kepler Conference, Congresso Internacional de Astrologia (Portugal), Kepler College, the Mercury Internet School of Psychological Astrology, Astrology Restored in Cape Town,  the International Academy of Astrology and NORWAC.  Upcoming events include San Diego, Las Vegas, the San Francisco Astrology Society and the Scottish Astrological Association.  Alex is also Vice Principal and Secretary General of International Affairs for the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology and will will be taking up her residential post in India 2017. For queries, consultations or syndications, please contact Alex via www.alextrenoweth.com or leave a message in the comment section.

"Growing Pains" can be purchased in paperback or kindle format on Amazon or can be signed and posted directly to you by Alex.

About the New Book

There are two wolves fighting inside of me, the old story goes, one wolf is good and the other is evil. “But Grandfather,” asked the child, “Which one wins?” The Grandfather answered, “The wolf I feed.”

We might like to think that being good is a natural instinct. In fact, doing the right thing takes a conscious decision. Every day, we are met with temptation to get ahead at the expense of someone else, to get away with something we know is wrong or to cut corners if we think no one is watching.

Following on from her powerful book on astrology and Education, “Growing Pains”, Alex Trenoweth explores the benefits of using “the bad guy” of the solar system: Saturn. Often avoided and seldom understood, if we understand our own Saturn then we can help others to understand theirs. Using case studies of  highly successful people contrasted with convicted serial killers, Trenoweth deftly demonstrates the dire consequences of feeding the wrong wolf.

Sleepless Nights in Seattle

Not even a 24-hour bus ride could ensure I could catch up on my sleep the night before my lecture for the Northwest Astrological Conference (NORWAC). After congratulating myself for getting to my hotel destination--all the way from San Francisco--without resorting to an Uber, once I got to my hotel, I tossed and turned all night in an unfamiliar bed and missed the purrs of my furry children. And, wouldn't you know it, I also woke up early. I think it was the first time I sincerely worried about falling asleep half way through my own lecture.

But jet lag, being as it is, meant I was totally ravenous at 8 am local time (4pm BST) and needed to get myself registered at the conference and grab some breakfast or dinner (or whatever meal we're going to call it). That's not to say there weren't a few lucky distractions. It's always wonderful to meet up with old friend at conferences but also to (finally) meet people you have only heard about on social media.

Step forward the lovely Steven Forrest. I was just heading out of the hotel to enjoy the sunshine when I heard Steven say (to someone else): "Oh this is Alex? No, you're not Alex."

I piped up from behind and said (I told you I get a little silly when I'm overly tired): "No, I'M Alex,"

Steven turned to me and said: "Ah yes, you're Alex!" Steven and his assistant Tony Howard have always been so wonderfully supportive of my work and I was so happy to be able to meet them in person. We celebrated (along with the lovely other Alex--who came to my lecture!) with sushi and good conversation. NORWAC was off with a bang.

Perfect post-lecture company

Fortunately, I managed to remain conscious (if one can call it that) and delivered my first lecture to a full room at NORWAC. Lecturing at the same time as me was my astro brother Sam Reynolds, astro papa Rob Hand so I was particularly delighted that I wasn't lecturing to an empty room. And I sold all the books I had brought with me! In fact, I've never had so many compliments, offers of support, queries about my next book and just general, all round gratitude for coming to an astrology conference. I was totally bowled over by the sheer number of people who knew about my work even though they didn't come to my lecture.

After the lecture, of course, I just wanted to peel myself off of the ceiling and chill. As I was again headed out the door to make a sneaky getaway, I was stopped by a large entourage around Sam who enveloped me in their fold and dragged me off to The Cheesecake Factory with them. I'm pretty out of the loop when it comes to American cuisine (although I will go so far as to say it's a vast improvement on the British fare) but somehow when you're surrounded by contagious energy, the food just doesn't matter. What a meal, what company and how wonderful to be with my astro brother again. Special shout-out to my Facebook friend Jeanette Ponder and new friends Mecca, Monique, Chartreuse, and Janelle.

On our way to the Banquet

Cosmic Intelligence Agents from around the world

The tag line of NORWAC is "where you won't get lost in the crowd" and I have to concur that the NORWAC crowd is super friendly and eager to engage. Everywhere I turned, there were other astrologers who wanted to talk to me (or I wanted to talk to them) and it just seemed everyone treasured their time together.

On Saturday, after spending a relaxing day catching up with friends, it was time to head to the banquet. Now a banquet--or indeed a conference--shouldn't be about the food. It should be about the company, right? And as someone who eats school dinners on a regular basis, I'm hardly a qualified food critic but if I'm going to pay 50-100 times more for a banquet dinner than a school dinner then dammit, I want something that doesn't look or taste like one (fortunately this is a rare occurrence). So I always give conference bonus points when hotels get the food right. A round of applause to the Doubletree Suites of Tukwila Washington!

One of the people I couldn't wait to catch up with was my Australian buddy Julia Simas, Control Agent 12 of the Cosmic Intelligence Agency whom I've haven't seen since ISAR back in October. There was a lot of laughter, a bit of naughtiness but generally, it was a time of giggling, scheming and catching up. I am in awe of Julia's networking skills, her shrewd judgement of character (she does't just let anyone become an agent. And boy, do I pay attention now when she calls someone out--a true rarity but nonetheless a proven accuracy as far as I'm concerned) and business acumen as well as her ability to get everything done. I consider it a great honour to be a part of CIA and I credit Julija for inspiring me to do important secret agent work.

Me and Melanie. Note to self: LOSE the imp face!!

A lecturer I try never to miss is Melanie Reinhart, who I am very fortunate to count as a personal friend. She is compassionate, wise and I never fail to learn something when I attend her classes. And I wasn't disappointed at NORWAC. Melanie's topic was Nessus and couldn't resist the temptation to look at Nessus in my own chart: Nessus was in Gemini when I was born, conjunct my ascendant along with the recent New Moon with transiting Nessus in the 10th house. That's a lot of Nessus!! I couldn't wait to tell Melanie this, secretly wondering how she'd interpret something like this. Without hesitation, she said "Well that's all your work in revolutionising education!"

There are times when I'm just bowled over--and this was one of them. Melanie knows about my work? She doesn't even use social media. It was all a bit much for me to take in.

Me, Julija and Nicholas

My super secret prize for Psychopomp (the Jungian one) skills go to Nicholas Polimenakos. I met him at ISAR but fell in love with him at NORWAC! So helpful with a great sense of humour and just a manner I really enjoy. He clearly knew and loved both astrology and the area he lived in and he wanted everyone to know he knew where everything was and had connections everywhere. I love smiley men (even if there's a mischievous twinkle) and he makes far better imp faces than me. Oh and he reads my blogs so I love him even more. All 'round great guy. Definitely a keeper. I might have to add him as my astro brother too but most of all I just want him to know how much I appreciate him. The only real damper on this conference was learning Nick's car was broken into on the last night and he lost valuable tech items such as his phone, laptop and camera.

Here's hoping the insurance settlement is quick and that the person/s responsible experience the bitch that is karma sooner rather than later.

About the Astrologer

Alex Trenoweth was voted Best International Astrologer, 2015 for her dynamic presentation on her innovative and original research into Astrology and Education. Her book, "Growing Pains" is an exciting development in astrology as it combines classroom teaching experience, sound investigation and the potential to have a positive impact on struggling adolescents, parents, teachers and those who have been labelled "at risk". She writes the weekly and monthly horoscopes and other articles for the Cosmic Intelligence Agency, one of the largest astrological social media groups on the web and was also a speaker for the AstroSummit, a guest lecturer for the London School of Astrology and has spoken at several UK local astrology groups. Past international events include ISAR, State of the Art Astrology conference, the Kepler Conference, Congresso Internacional de Astrologia (Portugal), Kepler College, the Mercury Internet School of Psychological Astrology, Astrology Restored in Cape Town,  the International Academy of Astrology and NORWAC.  Upcoming events include San Diego, Las Vegas, the San Francisco Astrology Society and the Scottish Astrological Association.  Alex is also Vice Principal and Secretary General of International Affairs for the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology and will will be taking up her residential post in India 2017. For queries, consultations or syndications, please contact Alex via www.alextrenoweth.com or leave a message in the comment section.

"Growing Pains" can be purchased in paperback or kindle format on Amazon or can be signed and posted directly to you by Alex.

About the New Book

There are two wolves fighting inside of me, the old story goes, one wolf is good and the other is evil. “But Grandfather,” asked the child, “Which one wins?” The Grandfather answered, “The wolf I feed.”

We might like to think that being good is a natural instinct. In fact, doing the right thing takes a conscious decision. Every day, we are met with temptation to get ahead at the expense of someone else, to get away with something we know is wrong or to cut corners if we think no one is watching.

Following on from her powerful book on astrology and Education, “Growing Pains”, Alex Trenoweth explores the benefits of using “the bad guy” of the solar system: Saturn. Often avoided and seldom understood, if we understand our own Saturn then we can help others to understand theirs. Using case studies of  highly successful people contrasted with convicted serial killers, Trenoweth deftly demonstrates the dire consequences of feeding the wrong wolf.