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.

Sun in Cancer

Mercury in Gemini

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.

Mercury conjunct Algol

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.