1st-Year Program: Main Faculty

2nd-Year Program: Main Faculty

Even concrete and metal couldn’t quell JP’s [he/him/his] curiosity of plants and planets, growing up in a racially integrated working-class family in urban post-industrial Pontiac (occupied land of the Objiwa, Huron-Wynadot Nations) near now-called Detroit, Michigan. He began his journey with astrology and herbalism in the mid-’90s, later wedding the two disciplines together, beginning a practice in 2011 with Cosmophilia, which seeks to reconnect people with both earth and sky, which includes a line of Astrological Herbals: planetary teas, tinctures, sprays, Plants Against the Patriarchy vibrational essences and magical gift items. JP has completed 5 years of both herbal medicine school and herbal retail, 5 years at the Blue Iris Mystery School, holds a degree in Public Health and even attended university in Japan.

In 2013, JP founded the largest astrology school in the U.S., the community-focused Portland School of Astrology. Active in the astrology community outside of PSA, JP has served for 5 years or more on the boards of the Oregon Astrological Association (OAA), and the Association For Astrological Networking (AFAN), and has worked for FindAnAstrologer.com and on the websites of several high-profile astrologers including Steven Forrest, Patricia Walsh, Erin Sullivan, Mark Jones, Judith Hill and Madeline Gerwick.

He currently sees clients and teaches in Portland, and is writing a book about Astral-Herbalism titled BioCosmophilia: the Confluence of Plants, Planets and People. His work has been featured at the Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, Willamette Week, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Portland Art Museum, Portland State University, Portland Community College, Reed College, Portland Center Stage, Nike, Marriott Hotels, FM radio, KGW-tv, NORWAC, several astrology and herbal medicine conferences, numerous venues and websites.

He also loves singing, studying comedy, daily indulges in coffee and cats.

JP is an Aries Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising, North Node in Gemini.

www.Cosmophilia.com

1st-Year Program: Main Faculty

2nd-Year Program: Main Faculty

Amanda Moreno [she/her/hers] is a queer astrologer, writer, teacher who first ran into Astrology as a pre-teen when she found an Aquarius poster in Claire’s Boutique. It was the first time she’d ever come across anything that mirrored the weirdness of her life experiences, and she was hooked.

During her Saturn Return, Amanda found a graduate school that let her combine depth psychology and astrology. Her master’s thesis was entitled Astrological Ritual & the Apocalyptic Imagination. It explored how apocalyptic imagery such as the mushroom cloud or images of ecosystem collapse and climate change affect the human psyche, and how astrology and ritual can help folks navigate personal and collective rites of passage. During this time, she also became certified in Steven Forrest’s apprenticeship program, and worked extensively with Patricia Walsh and Mark Jones.  Since then, her primary astrological focus has been on evolutionary, psychological and archetypal astrologies and using astrology as a tool for social justice and paradigm shift.

Amanda spent ten years in the administrative and development departments of a small, queer community mental health agency doing grant writing and program development. In the process, she developed a passion for ensuring that vital mental health services — including astrology and other ‘alternative’ healing modalities — remain accessible for everyone.

In addition to her decade of client consultations and teaching, Amanda is a certified practitioner of Deep Memory Process, a cathartic past life regression modality for which she is also a supervisor and teaching assistant. She loves doing the podcast hosting thing, and can be found on The Aquarian Spirals Podcast, a hodgepodge of  musings and on topics including astrology, non-monogamy, current events and general witchery.

Amanda is a descendant of Mexican, Mayan, Spanish, Lebanese and Swedish lineages, and identifies as multiracial. Having grown up in a wealthy suburb in a single parent home, an important part of her personal work is continuing to understand white supremacist culture and her place within it while also exploring ways cultural trauma resides within her own body.

Amanda is an Aquarius Sun, Scorpio Moon, both her Ascendant and North Node are in Leo.

www.aquarianspirals.com

2nd-Year Program: In Defense of Astrology

Samuel F. Reynolds [he/him/his], a former skeptic, had a life-changing visit to an astrologer and has since spent nearly 30 years reading charts and studying Astrology. Samuel consults, writes, and teaches Astrology full-time. He currently serves on the board of directors for the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR) and the Astrology News Service, and he’s a co-founder of the International Society of Black Astrologers. He’s also a faculty member for the International Academy of Astrology.

He’s written for multiple print and online outlets, including Ebony.com, MySign.com, The Mountain Astrologer, Pride, Tarot.com, Sasstrology.com, and New York Magazine.

Unlockingastrology.com

2nd-Year Program: Houses 201

Laura’s [she/her/hers] passion for astrology knows no bounds. Teaching and practicing since 1986, Laura teaches classes from beginning astrology to advanced. Laura is a 2nd-generation astrologer, practicing and teaching astrology for more than 30 years.

She is the owner/coordinator of NORWAC – The Northwest Astrological Conference, established in 1984. Her family owns Astrology Et Al Bookstore, which she managed from 1983-91. She founded and coordinated ROMAC03 (Rocky Mountain Astrology Conference), was hired as the coordinator for UAC18 (United Astrology Conference), which was a huge success, and coordinated UAC 02, served as a Track Coordinator for UAC08, and served as the UAC12 Pre-registrar.

Laura has presented at NORWAC (since 1989), ISAR05, ISAR14, EA06, UAC02, UAC08, UAC12, UAC18, NCGR10, The River of Stars Conference in 2011 and 2015, Jeffrey Wolf Green’s Evolutionary Conference Nov. 2011 & Nov 2012. She has lectured in Portland, Boston, Hartford, Edmonton, Louisville, San Francisco and Tampa. Laura is one of the original founding board members of Kepler College, and served as the Recording Secretary and a brief stint as President of the Board. Laura is a Past Vice-President and the current President of the Washington State Astrological Association.

From 1993 until 1996, Laura was on with a local radio station doing a weekly spot; she also did guest spots on the Laura Lee show and “Anchored in Astrology” with Debra Clement. She produced and broadcasted her own internet radio show, “Astrology Talk”, from 1998-1999. Laura was a regular guest on “Guiding Stars with Kristin Fontana” for the 5 years.

She is an Evolutionary Astrologer; having studied with the founder of the material, Jeffrey Green, from 1983-86. Laura has a thriving client practice where her focus is looking at the karmic/evolutionary issues in the chart and helping her clients to deal with and heal past life patterns.

Laura is a Capricorn Sun.

LauraNalbandian.com

1st-Year Program: Lunar Phases and Eclipses

2nd-Year Program: Progressions and Solar Arc, Mundane Astrology

Stormie Grace [she/her/hers] is a consulting astrologer, practicing in Colorado and around the globe since 2014. Holding a Doctorate of Business enables her to apply those skills to business and mundane astrology, as well as personal chart work. She is a contributing Astrologer to Astrologyhub.com and houses her own show on Youtube, producing learning, weekly, monthly, and yearly content.

Under the study of Steven Forrest and with guidance of other Astrology mentors, she continues to expand her astrology skills and practice in Evolutionary. Stormie specializes in teaching groups and one-on-one sessions, as well as readings that bring spiritual energy into practical strategy. Member of OPA, AFAN, ISAR, NCGR and contributor to Midheaven Magazine.

Stormie is a Taurus Sun, Libra Moon, Virgo Rising.

stormiegrace.com

1st-Year Program: Chiron and Asteroids

2nd-Year Program: Vocational Astrology

Program Extra Curricular Facilitator

Aubrie [she/her/hers] is a career coach and astrologer who helps people open doors to a lifetime of fulfilling work. Known for being highly inspirational and deeply practical, she delights in bridging two of her favorite tools and worlds in a way that opens up possibilities.

Her own connection to astrology happened in her late 20’s, when she found that every part of her life being turned upside down was no accident and wasn’t forever – it was her Saturn Return. Since then, astrology has given Aubrie comfort in the unknown and an avenue for greater self acceptance, things she loves bringing to her clients as well.

As a career coach, Aubrie has over 9 years of experience in corporate, non-profit and education environments and is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. As an astrologer, she is proud to have completed an apprenticeship with Emily Trinkaus at The Alcyone School for Engaged Astrology. Aubrie was featured in Willamette Week’s 2012 Best of Portland and named of one of the 100 Most Powerful Women 2007 by Northwest Women’s Journal. She works full time in her private practice, Coaching for Clarity, in Portland, OR and is available to work with clients and give talks/workshops in any location.

Aubrie is a Cancer Sun, Capricorn Moon, Virgo Rising and North Node in Capricorn.

www.CoachingForClarity.net

1st-Year Program: Aspects and Chart Patterns

Omari Martin [he/him/his], MAFM, LPMAFA, NCGR-PAA I is a certified professional astrologer and a life member of the American Federation Astrologers (AFA), President of The Friends of Astrology, Inc., Treasurer of the Astrology News Service, and Chairman of the board for Kepler College. He has a Level I certification through the National Council of Geocosmic Research – Professional Astrologer’s Alliance. He is a life member of the Organization for Professional Astrology, a certified teacher with the Church of Light – Brotherhood of Light lessons, and a certified integrative NLP practitioner through the Association for Integrative Psychology.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting degree from Howard University and a Master of Accounting and Financial Management degree from Keller Graduate School of Management. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management specializing in Accounting at Capella University. He is the owner of SOULAR WISDOM™ a human personality and behavior consulting business that focuses on Natal and Electional Astrology and ASTROPRENEURSHIP® that provides consulting and coaching services to astrologers and other entrepreneurs for business development, profitability, and long-term strategic growth. He is an adjunct professor of accounting & finance at Harold Washington College in Chicago, IL.

Omari is a Libra Sun, Virgo Moon, Leo Rising, North Node in Pisces.

www.soularwisdom.com

1st-Year Program: Intersectional Astrology

Bear Ryver [he/him/his] is an Intersectional Astrologer and Reiki Master, winner of the Organization for Professional Astrology’s ‘Most Promising Astrologer’ Scholarship 2018. He offers private consultations internationally, including his signature Astrohealing Sessions, through his practice Psyche & Soul Astrology.

With a background in anti-oppression activism and organizing, his astrological research integrates Mundane, Evolutionary, Modern, and Traditional schools of thought and explores the intersections of power, privilege, and politics as seen in the chart. His mission is to help his clients remain grounded and empowered while they accelerate their growth.

Bear is a member of the Organization for Professional Astrology (OPA), the Washington State Association of Astrologers (WSAA), the Association for Young Astrologers (AYA), the Association for Astrological Networking (AFAN), and the American Federation of Astrologers (AFA).

psycheandsoulastrology.com

Elena Lumen (she/her/hers) teaches Electional Astrology for the 2nd-Year Astro-Fluency Program. More information about Elena is coming soon. Learn more about Elena here.

Miss Renée is a born empath, trained and certified reiki energy balancer, professional tarot card reader and spiritual astrologer of over 25 years. Miss Renée has a deep love for helping clients understand their astrological birth chart as the “Map of You”, utilizing a style that blends the spiritual and the psychological with practical insights and advice. She believes that our understanding for healing ourselves is innate and is called to a life of spiritual service for those at an intense crossroads.

Miss Renée is a Taurus Sun with North Node in Capricorn.

www.MissReneeHealing.com

Corina Dross is a consulting astrologer, writer, artist, and activist. She has been teaching astrology through a queer, liberation-oriented lens since 2010 and has been active in the Queer Astrology movement since 2013. Primarily self-taught, and raised in a family of witches, Corina also owes much gratitude to Emily Trinkaus, with whom she apprenticed in 2013. Corina sees clients across the world in her private practice.

She has a special love for helping clients navigate their relationships. As an astrologer, her emphasis is on astrology as a tool for healing from oppression and other traumas. Corina writes a monthly relationship-oriented horoscope for Autostraddle, and offers an eight-week introductory astrology class on her website. She and her sister also channel their astrological knowledge into yearly illustrated calendars, as the witchy illustration duo Abacus Corvus.

Corina is a Virgo Sun, Taurus Moon, Sagittarius Rising and North Node in Libra.
www.Flaxandgold.com

1st-Year Program: Mythological Approaches to Astrology

2nd-Year Program: Using Your Chart For Astro Branding, Introduction to Coaching and Counseling

Vanessa Couto [she/her/hers] is an archetypal astrologer and teacher. She helps creatives and mystics who want to gain clarity on how to align their soul’s calling with a more fulfilling livelihood. She believes we each are born as an answer to a question of our times, and it’s our time to step up to the plate. Through weaving astrology, myth, and depth psychology, Vanessa helps her clients see the path ahead from a broader perspective, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence. Vanessa is the author of The Sun’s Heroic Journey Coloring Book.

Vanessa is a Gemini Sun, Pisces Moon, Taurus Rising, North Node in Capricorn.

www.vanessacouto.com

Candace Kita teaches class on Ethics in the 1st Year Astro-Empowerment Program and 2nd-Year Astro-Fluency Program. More information about Candace is coming soon. Learn more about Candace here.

Naimonu James teaches extra curriculum offerings for the 1st Year Astro-Empowerment Program and  2nd-Year Astro-Fluency Program. More information about Naimonu is coming soon.  Learn more about Naimonu here.

Tai Fenix Kulystin teaches in the 1st Year Astro-Empowerment Program and the 2nd-Year Astro Fluency Program. More information about Tai is coming soon.  Learn more about Tai here.

Giselle Castaño [them/their/theirs] teaches in our 2nd-Year Astro-Fluency Program. More information about Giselle is coming soon. Learn more about Giselle here.

2nd-Year Program: Medical Astrology

Laura Allmacher [she/her/hers] RN, LAc is a holistic medicine practitioner who weaves together a unique blend of modalities to provide transformative healing for individuals. She is a deeply intuitive astrologer, providing professional readings on a regular basis since 2008. Laura’s prior foundation in astrology was established from 5 years of intensive training at the Learning Center for Astrological Studies in Lansing, Michigan.

For over 20 years, Laura has been immersed in medicine and healing work on many levels and considers her astrological consultations to be on this continuum. For 18 years she worked as a Registered Nurse in hospital settings and in the early years of her nursing career, she was awakened to a path in holistic medicine and subsequently trained at the Naturopathic Institute of Therapies and Education in Michigan for 5 years. Feeling forever blessed to receive the gift of teaching of free-spirited wisdom and joy of traditional naturopathy, Laura offered natural medicine and astrology for years before she discovered the power of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture and its ability to treat from the roots of illness.

Moving to Portland, Oregon, and eventually graduating with a Masters from the Classical Chinese Medicine program at the National University of Natural Medicine in 2018, Laura enjoys integrating all these arts into a seamless gesture of compassion and exploration that is never the same twice. Cultivating from all her knowledge, experience, and skill gained over these last 2 decades; Laura currently provides acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and astrology consultations out of Heart Spring Health in Portland.

Laura is a Cancer Sun, Virgo Moon, Taurus Rising, North Node in Libra.

NorthwestAstrologer.com | HeartSpringHealth.com

Program Extra Curricular Facilitator

Naike Swai is a healing arts practitioner, musician and astrologer of Tanzanian and German heritage. Their interest in studying the vibratory imprint of nature’s forces on our mind and body led them into the practice of classical acupuncture and astrology. Whereas acupuncture provides a somatic map of how our bodies digest the experiences of life, astrology lays out a wondrous fabric of the cosmic clock and how the planet’s resonant influences shape our individual and collective lives, each thread representing the planetary patterns that dress and move us.

In their readings Naike weaves these strands together. A graduate from the Portland School of Astrology, their focus lies in decolonizing astrology and connecting to the transformative liberation inherent in our natal charts.

1st-Year Program: Zodiacal Embodiment

Lu Yim [they/them/theirs] is a performance maker interested in embodied knowledge and its relationship to language. They create work in retrograde, moving with a dramaturgical process and undertaking research that does not always appear to move in the same direction as their performances. Material alchemy occurs through non-linear consequence, the breaking of an egg and the inflation of a mattress seemingly end there. Their dances are idiosyncratic and work between the power of the individual and of the group. Based in Portland, Oregon, and Brooklyn, New York, they are part of artist-run groups (Physical Education; pidzn club) which create collaborative spaces and gatherings for artists. Yim holds an MFA in Sculpture from the Milton Avery School of Fine Arts at Bard College (‘19).

Lu is a Taurus Sun, Scorpio Moon, Aries Rising, North Node in Gemini.

Lu-Yim.com

Dave Mockaitis [he/him/his] teaches extra curriculum offerings for the 1st Year Astro-Empowerment Program and  2nd-Year Astro-Fluency Program. More information about Dave is coming soon.  Learn more about Dave here.

1st-Year Program: Main Faculty

2nd-Year Program: Main Faculty

Even concrete and metal couldn’t quell JP’s [he/him/his] curiosity of plants and planets, growing up in a racially integrated working-class family in urban post-industrial Pontiac (occupied land of the Objiwa, Huron-Wynadot Nations) near now-called Detroit, Michigan. He began his journey with astrology and herbalism in the mid-’90s, later wedding the two disciplines together, beginning a practice in 2011 with Cosmophilia, which seeks to reconnect people with both earth and sky, which includes a line of Astrological Herbals: planetary teas, tinctures, sprays, Plants Against the Patriarchy vibrational essences and magical gift items. JP has completed 5 years of both herbal medicine school and herbal retail, 5 years at the Blue Iris Mystery School, holds a degree in Public Health and even attended university in Japan.

In 2013, JP founded the largest astrology school in the U.S., the community-focused Portland School of Astrology. Active in the astrology community outside of PSA, JP has served for 5 years or more on the boards of the Oregon Astrological Association (OAA), and the Association For Astrological Networking (AFAN), and has worked for FindAnAstrologer.com and on the websites of several high-profile astrologers including Steven Forrest, Patricia Walsh, Erin Sullivan, Mark Jones, Judith Hill and Madeline Gerwick.

He currently sees clients and teaches in Portland, and is writing a book about Astral-Herbalism titled BioCosmophilia: the Confluence of Plants, Planets and People. His work has been featured at the Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, Willamette Week, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Portland Art Museum, Portland State University, Portland Community College, Reed College, Portland Center Stage, Nike, Marriott Hotels, FM radio, KGW-tv, NORWAC, several astrology and herbal medicine conferences, numerous venues and websites.

He also loves singing, studying comedy, daily indulges in coffee and cats.

JP is an Aries Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising, North Node in Gemini.

www.Cosmophilia.com

Takahiro Yamamoto [he/him/his] is the bookkeeper for the Portland School of Astrology. Students can reach Taka at [email protected].

1st-Year student staff member

Alyssia [she/her/hers or they/them/theirs] is an organizer, artist, and astrologer, bringing over a decade of experience in social justice work to the Portland Astrology School. Deeply studying astrology since 2016, she started her journey reading natal charts for fellow organizers and radicals, and soon realized that many mainstream astrology books didn’t have the language she needed for radical and revolutionary, Black and POC, queer, trans, and non-binary people. She’s interested in using astrology to fuel and support liberation movements. Alyssia’s recent work has been presented at the 2020 Queer Astrology Conference, and the Black Astrology Conference.

Alyssia is an Aquarius Sun, Cancer Moon, Leo Rising, North Node in Capricorn.

praxisastrology.com

1st-Year Student Staff Member

Jam [they/them] was born and raised in the Pacific NW, they’re currently nomadic and setting their sights overseas. They’re passionate about queer tango, flesh rituals, and Sufism.

Jam is an Aquarius Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising, and North Node in Aries.

IG @taj_jamil

Rhea Wolf [she/her/hers/they/them/theirs] is a feminist, astrologer, writer, and mother whose life purpose is to help people awaken their inherent creativity, activate their authentic selves and deepen their connections to the larger world. Rhea is motivated by a vision of an emerging culture based on respect, beauty, justice and relatedness.

Rhea Wolf has been a workshop facilitator for over twenty years, bringing creative writing, theater arts, pagan spirituality, and The Work that Reconnects to a variety of groups, including at-risk youth and women in prison. During her Saturn Return, she began her journey as a practicing astrologer after studying astrology with Emily Trinkaus and Demetra George for two years.

Rhea has worked for nonprofits like Write Around Portland and has been a performing artist her entire life. She has a BFA in Theater Performance from Wichita State University. In 2017, Rhea completed her Master’s Degree from Marylhurst University in Spiritual Traditions with a thesis that focused on the metaphor of darkness in pagan spirituality and how these metaphors relate to perceptions of race and gender. Since 2000, Rhea has trained extensively with world-renowned author Joanna Macy, becoming a facilitator of the The Work That Reconnects, which helps people awaken to their power as conscious healers and activists in service to the life-sustaining powers of the Earth.Â

She is the author of The Light That Changes: The Moon in Astrology, Stories and Time  (link to product), and several zines and chapbooks  (link to product)  on witchcraft and poetry. Her articles, stories and poems have appeared in The Mountain Astrologer, hipMama, The Manifest Station, Are Press, MUTHA Magazine, Perspectives and VoiceCatcher.

Rhea’s passion for astrology began in childhood when she was given an impromptu tutorial of the zodiac by her hippie teen-aged babysitter. She remembers feeling a sense of wonder and also familiarity. Rhea brings her love of the Earth, the spirit of wonder, and her desire to deepen relationships to all that she does. She enjoys helping people find ways to claim more beauty and magic in their daily lives.

Rhea is a Leo Sun, Leo Rising, Taurus Moon and North Node in Scorpio.