ISAR Conference (Part 3)

ISAR Part One
ISAR Part Two
So. . .after the party comes the morning after!

But everyone looked chipper enough to me on Sunday morning. And the incredible thing was the buzz was still going strong. Sometimes conferences can feel like you're being herded from one lecture to another and everyone is drooping by the last day. But everywhere I looked, there were happy faces and as the conference came to a close, there were many invitations to collaborate with other fantastic astrologers. (I couldn't quite squeeze in a photo of me with Dennis Harness and Ehsan in the previous post so I do so now).

I was delighted to be invited to speak at the San Francisco Astrological Society on 29 June 2017 just a few weeks after I'll be lecturing at Northwest Astrological Conference (NORWAC) near Seattle Washington. I have so many Facebook friends from San Francisco and their astrology meetings look like such a blast so I was well chuffed to get an invitation.

I finally got to meet David Cochrane and his lovely wife Fei after hearing so much about them. David was kind enough to give me a shout out for my research into astrology and education and to invite me to present this research at the upcoming Kepler Conference (not to be confused with Kepler College) in Florida in January. And on the subject of my academic research, one of my papers on the lunar phases and adolescent behaviour has been peer reviewed a few times. I'm relieved it won't take too much effort to fix up and pleased my inner nerd is still on the sharp side. My good friend Armand Diaz will be writing more about my research in an upcoming issue of the Astrology News Service and my new buddy Matt Savinar will be interviewing me for Hexagon magazine. I'm awaiting advice on the best magazine to publish my work (the big question seems to centre around should it go in an astrological magazine or an academic scientific one). But it's all coming on.

I completely forgot to mention the "Org Crawl Parties" on Friday night. This was a chance to mingle amongst various astrological societies to see what was happening. I made a point to visit each of the seven groups and was just amazed at the ingenuity shown. Special shout out to Rick Levine who played live music at the OPA party and to Queer Astrology for being so loving, welcoming and open. The rest of the groups were just as lively and innovative and if I had the time and energy I would have joined all of them.

All good things come to an end and I was fortunate to have been close to my astro sister Michelle Gould as she prepared for her lecture and for the closing address of ISAR. Michelle had put an enormous amount of work into making the

ISAR conference such a success and it was an honour to have been able to spend so much time with her. Shall I reveal a little secret? Michelle practiced and practiced her closing address (and her lecture as well) so just the right mood was created for the delegates to go home on. As I listened to her address the 500 delegates, I tried to experience her words as if I had never heard them before and I had that warm, fuzzy feeling of being loved and treasured and I was sorry to have to start saying good byes when she was finished. It really was a great conference and so many things seemed to conspire to bring me to California that I just knew I was meant to be there. As I've said before, all conferences are special but to me ISAR 2016 brought a huge contingent of people together and got them to work harmoniously together. What a shame we couldn't bottle that energy and distribute it to a few political parties, eh?

I was fortunate to have been able to stay on for another night--and even got to autograph a couple more of my books.

On a final note, ISAR lectures are recorded and can be purchased by clicking this link.

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. Upcoming international events include Breaking Down the Borders, the Kepler Conference, Congresso Internacional de Astrologia (Portugal) NORWAC and the San Francisco Astrology Society.  Alex is also a Professor of Western Astrology and Secretary General of International Affairs for the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology and will will be taking up her residential post in India early 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.

ISAR Conference (Part Two)

Me and Matt Savinar in mutual reception

ISAR Part One 
ISAR Part Three

After an evening of astrology chatter and sharing starry love, it was time to get down to the business of taking in astro knowledge. As part of the voluntary crew, it was my job to work with my astro brother Samuel Reynolds to ensure all the audio-visual equipment was working for all the speakers. This meant I could pop in and out of several talks without seeming rude. And what a lineup it was! In between my dips into a spectacular array of lectures, I had the chance to chat with a few interesting people.

Me and Tem Terriktar

I have no idea why it never occurred to me that I might run into the divine Matt Savinar whose astrology magazine Hexagon I had the pleasure of being in. One of the very best things about conferences is the opportunity to meet folks in person and in Matt's case, it was the chance to thank him for all his promotional work for "Growing Pains". It's well worth checking out the Hexagon website!

And speaking of astrology magazines, I also bumped into Tem Terriktar of the Mountain Astrologer. Again, I have to say how nice it is to see respectable astrology magazines with such excellent websites. Of course, I had to have a selfie with Tem!

Komilla Sutton, yours truly and Ehsan

After the second day of lectures, the excitement of the impending banquet was palpable and it was time for me to slip into something that suited my Moon in Leo--haha a black and gold dinner jacket. My dinner date was the very lovely Ehsan Khazeni who unsurprisingly was a hit at the conference. At one point, I had to pull my Ehsan from the clutches of Michael Lutin and Glenn Perry who wanted him to sit at their table. We got a round of applause from bemused observers as I re-claimed Ehsan as MY date. Here we are with the gorgeous (and BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS) Komilla Sutton!!

Erin Sullivan, Alois Treindl, Lynn Bell, Ehsan and me

Another surprise of the evening was meeting the Astrodienst founder, Alois Treindl. Astrodienst is a FREE astrology programme that I had been using since the early noughties well before I was able to afford Solar Fire and other expensive astrology programmes. I can honestly say Astrodient was an integral part in helping me pass early astrology exams and in supporting my early astrology consulting career. I was so pleased Alois was honoured with a well deserved Lifetime Achievement award! The photo is a little blurry but here I am with Erin Sullivan, Lynn Bell, astro brother (and date!!)  Ehsan, and Alois!

At the risk of seeming like I am astro-worshipping Frank Clifford, I just want to say as one of the few (honourary) Brits attending ISAR that I hooted and hollered when he received the "Best Article" award for contributions to the fabulous ISAR Journal! Seriously a proud moment!

Richard and Victoria Smoot, the editors of the ISAR magazine,  received a well deserved honour for all their hard work. Like Ray, Richard is a Michigan man--and automatically gets into my good books (being born in Michigan myself!).

Me with the divine Hakan Kirkoglu

I have to put in a huge shout out to the totally gorgeous Hakan Kirkoglu . . . Just because he is totally brilliant. And gorgeous. And don't we look marvellous together?

The funniest moment of the evening goes to the beautimus Chris Renstrom, who mispronounced my last name. Well. . .we can't let there be any doubt on how this very tricky name is pronounced now can we?? So here we are with me schooling Chris on the correct pronunciation (so lovely to finally meet you Chris!! xxx).

Antonia, Ray Merriman and me

The evening finished with me gatecrashing Ray Merriman's after party in his hotel room. I had managed to capture another photo of him with the lovely Antonia earlier in the evening before I polished off the last of his beer with Glenn Perry (who I will be seeing again at the Kepler Astrology Conference and at the First Annual Astrology Conference in Portugal).  High Five Glenn and see you soon xxx

There will be a part 3 to this review but for now, it's late here in the UK and no doubt I will be picking out typos for the next couple of days. . . But here's a few photos to leave you with. . .

CIA get together!

Rock Stars!

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. Upcoming international events include Breaking Down the Borders, the Kepler Conference, Congresso Internacional de Astrologia (Portugal) NORWAC and the San Francisco Astrology Society.  Alex is also a Professor of Western Astrology and Secretary General of International Affairs for the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology and will will be taking up her residential post in India early 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.

ISAR Conference (Part One)

Was ISAR nearly two weeks ago?? As I’m still on an astrological high, it doesn’t seem like it!

If you’re going to invest the time, money and energy into attending an astrological conference (or any type of conference for that matter) then you want to be sure you are investing wisely. Personally, I don’t attend conferences for the food, the hotel or the location but rather for the people, the networking, the learning and the laughs after hours. So who else actually comes to the conference is very important.

Erin Sullivan, me and Ray Merriman

The International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR) conference is held every other year in a different location in the continental USA and is one of the biggest astrological events in the world. It could be very easy to be swallowed up by the atmosphere unless you walk through the door to register and bump straight into President of ISAR Ray Merriman and one of  the astrological writers you most admire, Erin Sullivan. Which is exactly what happened to me. Ray has been a personal friend for nearly a decade but Erin I had only admired from afar. We had exchanged numerous Facebook messages and before actually meeting her in the flesh, I had been a little worried about what I would say to her. I need not have worried! We got on like a proverbial house on fire!

Once I registered and settled, it didn’t take long to find other friends (my astro brother Ian Waisler, Demetrius Bagley, Elizabeth Kullen, Cindy Chamberlin, Margaret Gray, Nick Polimenakos and others) and be swept off to nearby Tanaka Farms to pick organic produce for our (independently organised) vegan supper. And who should I meet straightaway? Dennis Harness!! Like Erin, Dennis is an astrological elder whose writing I admire. Chatting amongst the rows of pumpkins, getting lost in a cornfield maze and petting goats is one hell of a way to get acquainted!

Ian had very cleverly found an Air B and B near

to the conference hotel and with the help of housemates, had prepared a sumptuous cruelty-free meal for all of us. Oh and I got to sit next to Dennis!

All of this was before the conference actually started!

The opening ceremony of any conference is important and I was not disappointed with this one: Aleks Imsiragic had put together one of the best and most exciting introductory trailers I have ever seen. I was so proud to see several of my personal friends from around the world featured. But more than that, it made me really look forward to the rest of the conference

As I have mentioned elsewhere, I am not a particular fan of politics but the recent presidential debate had ignited my interests. And a good thing too—the grand opening ceremony centred around astrological predictions for the upcoming election. I was floored by the different methods each

astrologer used to come to the same conclusion: Hillary for the win! 

I was so pleased the board had collaborated in generating ample PR for the conference—and like it or not, the controversy around securing Hillary’s accurate time of birth not only had astrologers and non astrologers alike talking, it also showed astrologers doing their homework by not just accepting any old data that comes their way.

After the opening ceremony, we were sprung loose to catch up with friends and acquaintances and to take in our new environs.  I got to see my beloved astro sisters Ana Carrapichano and Michelle Gould and catch up with all the gossip

Komilla, Elizabeth Kullen, Ian Waisler, me and Ehsan

Day 2!

Well Day Two was my book signing! And as this is my blog and I’m self-employed, I make no apologies for plugging myself!

How generous of ISAR to arrange book signings for us writers! I was not only pleased to shift some books but also to chat with other astrologers about my work in astrology and education. I loved the support I received from other astrologers (is there a better acknowledgement than having someone tell you how much they love what you do?). In particular, I was thrilled to be invited to work with Kepler College!

The international CIA!

It was so fabulous to see my brilliant friend and head of Cosmic IntelligenceAgency Julija Simas and fellow agents Armand Diaz, Cassandra Butler, Vanessa Guazzelli Paim, Demetrius Bagley and Margaret Gray (who I'll be collaborating with very soon in Dublin) at our board meeting to discuss upcoming projects including webinars, interviews and a whole slew of other exciting goodies coming your way very soon. Just check out that lovely tablecloth (really a delicious silk scarf that Julija gave to me)! Oh and  I got to have dinner with  internet sensation David Palmer “The Leo King" and his lovely fiancée Leanna!

CIA Agents meeting for a meal in their secret hideaway

The agents after hours!

Coming up: The INCREDIBLE ISAR Banquet!

ISAR Part Three

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. Upcoming international events include Breaking Down the Borders, the Kepler Conference, Congresso Internacional de Astrologia (Portugal) NORWAC and the San Francisco Astrology Society.  Alex is also a Professor of Western Astrology and Secretary General of International Affairs for the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology and will will be taking up her residential post in India early 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.

The Stuff Wot I've Been Up To

I can't even think of any excuses for being such a naughty blogger. Four months? Yikes! But I've been busy editing "The Wolf You Feed" as well as working on a few (snork) other writing projects and just trying to do "something" with my various scribblings (oh the hazards of Saturn in Pisces). I'm also happy to say I've pulled together the accompanying lecture for "Wolf" which I delivered at the Southend Astrology group over the summer. I've made a few last minute.com decisions on the publishing of the book so things are taking a little longer than anticipated but it's coming on--as are the other things.

Before I begin waxing lyrical about the fabulous conference that was #ISAR2016, I need to get everyone up to speed with what has been happening these past four months.

I'll start by saying that I wish I had realised that teaching could be something other than killing myself in a classroom with 30+ kids and all the other accompanying BS that goes with it. But perhaps if I hadn't slogged it out the hard way first, all the fabulous opportunities that have come my way would not have happened. Anyway, I spent a lovely summer at a language school teaching English and taking kids out to various tourist attractions (including West End shows) in London. Vive la difference! 

I've been working with the delightful and insightful Theo Naicker on various Across the Universe webinars (which can be purchased here). I took a bit of time out to visit some friends at the FAS Summer School in August (always good to catch up with everyone).

Being the lucky woman I am, I also had the opportunity to teach an astrology session for the London School of Astrology's Music Evening. The wonderful Frank Clifford let me choose my own topic and I wanted to do something fun yet challenging so I chose "A Trio of Trumpeters" as my lecture and explored the charts of Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and the divine Wynton Marsalis. I wanted to look at the differences and similarities in the charts of highly specialised professionals. Of course, I couldn't resist teaching Frank a thing or two. . .a shame he didn't manage to get a note out (but he was SO cute giving it a try!). A special thanks to Theo for helping me decide on a significator for the trumpet embouchure (you'll just have to listen to the lecture if you're curious about what it is). And thanks to Geraldine Williams for the photos.

Besides me, the lovely and smart Kim Farley and the ever wise Neil Spencer also spoke on the night. Way back, I remember Kim referring to her beginner astrologers at the FAS Summer School as her "babies" and her passion for teaching the newbies has always stayed with me. Neil and I have been friends since our Club of 27 days and it was good to see him again. In fact, the whole evening was rather like a reunion. Here we are all together and don't we look fabulous?

And Neil, don't worry, I will keep my promise and not share "that" (gasp) photo ;) Thanks for the pint and also for telling me I had lost the anguished look of years past.

Later that week, was the online AstroSummit. I was in great company with Frank, John Green, Mark Jones, my astro siblings Nick Dagan Best, Michelle Gould and Samuel Reynolds along with so many others. I wasn't too sure about how I did (so different to live events!) but I was re-assured at ISAR that all went well (phew).

I'm a fairly easy going person but just like everyone else, I can occasionally get into a bit of a funk. Luckily for me, these episodes are short-lived but can be quite intense. As if hearing my cries of distress, my beautiful astro sister Ana and my astro b(r)other Nick came to the UK enroute to the US. It was just the tonic I needed! Within a minute of their company, I was smiling again and nearly back to my normal self. I had missed them so badly and we had such a blast in London with Laura Boomer-Trent--we hadn't been together since our time in India way back in February. Laura took us on an incredible magical mystery tour that began in Brixton and ended at The Astrology Shop (actually it didn't end there) where I found my book on the shelf!!

OK, now for ISAR 2016!

Oh wait. . .a few more pics of Frank and my trumpet Wynton. . .By the way, Geraldine said Frank and I "jumped around like a pair of frogs". Gemini rising, both of us!

Classes start soon at The London School of Astrology so follow this link to join in the fun!!

I'm telling Frank he doesn't need to blow hard!

He almost looks like a pro, right?

And hahahaha! I got him to plug my book

Just because Wynton (my trumpet) looks so magnificent!

About the Astrologer

Alex Trenoweth was voted Best International Astrologer, 2015 for her dynamic presentation on Astrology and Education. Her book, "Growing Pains" is an exciting development in astrology as it combines classroom teaching experience, sound research and the potential to have a positive impact on struggling adolescents, parents, teachers and those who have been labelled "at risk". For queries, consultations or syndications, please contact Alex via www.alextrenoweth.com or leave a message in the comment section.

About the New Book

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

And the fun has only just begun

Brexit Craziness

Coffees through the Zodiac

Following an EPIC 4am posting frenzy on Facebook with my friends Theo Naicker, Samuel F Reynolds and Jenn Zahrt, we collectively came up with a few coffees through the zodiac ideas. As I've recently worked out how to do astrology memes, I immediately went on to create a few to entertain my friends. And it proved to be quite popular. What I like about these memes is that they are astrologer in-jokes but yet not inaccessible to non astrologers. Note how I am no longer referring to non astrologers as "Muggles"? I thought it was cute but I'm trying to build bridges not walls and I don't want anyone to think astrology is an impenetrable wall with non astrologers on one side and sniggering astrologers on the other. (But a wall with sniggering non astrologers one side and astrologers on the other doesn't seem right either). I'm still thinking about a less clunky collective noun than "non astrologers" but I digress. Suggestions in the comments would be welcome.

So this is a just a round up of the coffees through the zodiac with a few explanations for the choices:

Aries is ruled by Mars, a planet associated with the sexual urge, vitality and motivation. What better way to motivate an Aries than a dash of ginseng? Gotta be extra hot to please that Mars. I very much like what Jenn wrote about planetary influences in Verdant Gnosis: Cultivating the Green Path: Volume 2 (which I am reviewing for a magazine): "Mars likes things of its own nature, thus hot and sharp things, and when he cannot get hot and sharp, he will get frustrated and act accordingly."

We don't want any frustrated hot and sharp Aries now do we?

Taurus is ruled by Venus which Jenn says prefers "peace and connection". Venus also ruled Libra and so I usually make the distinction between the two signs by associating Taurus with more natural things like forest and trees hence the wooden mug. Venus likes sweet things but I'd say refined sugar is more for Libra whereas Maple syrup is more suitable for the nature-loving taste buds of Taurus.
By the way, that wooden mug is expensive ;)

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, a sexually ambiguous God. Mercury was the only God who was allowed to enter the kingdom of Heaven (Jupiter) and the kingdom of Pluto (The Underworld) and at the same time, delivering messages to mortals. He had wings on his feet and was known to be very fast.

A coffee for Gemini should represent Mercury's dual nature, airy tendencies and if I could have found a decent photo that displayed these tendencies in a takeaway cup, I would have used it. It's hard to find exactly what you need amongst Mug--I mean non-astrologers' photos (you see I am trying).

I got quite a bit of feedback from the various signs saying their Sun Sign coffee wasn't to their liking. And I have to say this coffee doesn't really appeal to me even though I am a Cancerian (but mainly because I am a tea drinker).

Cancer is ruled by the Moon which represents our past and our relationship to people who have been influential in caring for us, usually the mother.

So the coffee has to reflect our need to remember the care bestowed upon us. And what better way to do this than having an extra milky cup, a warm comforter and mother's homemade cookie (on the side of course because Cancer is ruled by the Crab which moves sideways).

By the way, some of my fondest childhood memories are of sipping tea with my grandmother.

I had problems finding the right mug for Leo so I originally used this cup for Libra and had a sort of tea set fit for a King to represent the pride of the Lion. 

But then I found a better cup for Libra so was able to swap this one to Leo's coffee. It certainly has the bling associated with Leo.

Leo is ruled by the Sun and all the planets in our galaxy revolve around it so astrologers like to joke that that is how a Leo thinks life should be down here on planet earth too.

I originally used this to represent our Virgo friends' attachment to anti bacterials but then felt a little bad about ribbing them so much. 

Virgo is also ruled by Mercury but has its associations with the Caduceus too. So Virgo usually has an interest in health care. And being an earth sign, they are practical, no nonsense and their attention to detail is very useful.

So they needed a coffee to reflect that.

I still couldn't resist a little jab at Virgo's need for cleanliness. I didn't think regular milk (with all its artificially infused hormones) would suit so it had to be organic almond milk. And of course no self -respecting Virgo would want to use refined sugar.

For some reason, I always struggle with Libra. Perhaps because it is the only inanimate sign (ruled by The Scales) or perhaps because they constantly try to find a balance so it's hard to know if they are ordering what they like or just trying to please you.

Jenn says a Libra would say "I'll have what you're having" which I agree with but I wanted to get a coffee that reflected their personality if they were having that very rare coffee on their own (being an air sign, they like company and relationships so that would be very rare indeed).

I like the way this coffee shows balance and served with extra sugar, it also pleases Venus.

I wish I could have shown this being served by a Libra's man of the dreams. But then that's quite subjective, distracting and totally off topic of coffees. Nice thought though.

This mug was a real find. And as Scorpio is ruled by Pluto and co ruled by Mars, it nicely reflects sex and death. Of course with a boost from Viagara.

Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, was the god of gods, the ruler of Heaven. Jupiter's vantage point from the clouds supposedly gave him unlimited omniscience and omnipotence (his symbol is the lightning bolt) so Sagittarius is associated with religion, philosophy and foreign travel.

I suppose I could have added a communion wafer on the side but that seemed a little too sacrilegious even if it was just a Saturday morning and not a Sunday.

Being ruled by Saturn, our Capricorn friends are known for their hard work, sense of discipline and business skills. So they like to burn the candle from both ends and need the extra caffeine to keep up their strength. The coffee is no frills too.

Aquarius is ruled by Uranus (co-ruled by Saturn). Uranus is the only planet that has a north-south axis and was the first (and only) planet to be discovered through the invention of the telescope. So we think of Aquarians as being eccentric rebels. What would an Aquarian do in an coffee shop? Well because they are represented by the Water Bearer and because they are ruled by Uranus, they would order a bottle of water. And the internet. Aquarians must have internet (Uranus also ruled technology.

I tease Pisces a lot for the alleged need to escape reality. Alcohol and other drugs are addictive but anaesthetise (by the way, anaesthesia was discovered around the time that Neptune was discovered) us from the harshness of reality. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the god of the seas but like Sagittarius is also ruled by Jupiter (remember that the sacrament of Communion involves wine). But Pisces is far more deep than just their love of alcohol: they are compassionate, self sacrificing and intuitive too. It's probably more telling about society that I couldn't find a coffee to represent them than it is about their tender natures. Or perhaps it just says I couldn't see anything funny in the "Pay it Forward" premise let alone find a decent photo.




Theo Naicker and I are business partners so I'm lucky to see him often. I hadn't met Jenn Zahrt in person so what a treat it was to catch her between her arrival by plane to London and her transit to Bath for the Sophia Centre Conference by train. It was even better as it was also the solstice. I'm so fortunate that this is actually my second consecutive summer solstice. The last one I had was in Cape Town and as both Jenn and Theo have connections to South Africa, it really was a special treat to have what felt like a Cape Town solstice all over again.

About the Astrologer

Alex Trenoweth was voted Best International Astrologer, 2015 for her dynamic presentation on Astrology and Education. Her book, "Growing Pains" is an exciting development in astrology as it combines classroom teaching experience, sound research and the potential to have a positive impact on struggling adolescents, parents, teachers and those who have been labelled "at risk". For queries, consultations or syndications, please contact Alex via www.alextrenoweth.com or leave a message in the comment section.

About the New Book

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