1st-Year Program: Main Faculty

2nd-Year Program: Main Faculty

JP [he/him/his] founded the Portland School of Astrology (PSA), the largest astrology school in the United States, in 2013.

Even growing up in the working-class, post-industrial metropolis of Pontiac, Michigan (occupied land of the Objiwa, Huron-Wynadot Nations) couldn’t quell JP’s curiosity of plants and planets. He began his journey with astrology and herbalism in the mid-’90s, later marrying the two disciplines together, beginning a practice in 2011 with the development of Cosmophilia (meaning, “love of the union between earth and sky”), a line of astrological herbals, planetary teas, tinctures, sprays. Under the Cosmophilia brand, JP also created Plants Against the Patriarchy vibrational essences and a variety of magical gift items.

JP holds a degree in Public Health. He has completed advanced formal training in both herbal medicine and herbal retail, as well as five years at the Blue Iris Mystery School.

JP stays active in the astrology community outside of PSA. He has served for more than five years on the boards of the Oregon Astrological Association (OAA) and the Association For Astrological Networking (AFAN).  JP has contributed content to the websites of several prominent astrologers, including Steven Forrest, Patricia Walsh, Erin Sullivan, Mark Jones, Judith Hill, and Madeline Gerwick.

JP currently sees clients and teaches in Portland, Oregon, and is writing a book about Astral-Herbalism titled BioCosmophilia: The Confluence of Plants, Planets and People (2018). His work has been featured in Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, the Willamette Week, the 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, and KGW-TV. He has also participated in several conferences dedicated to the study of astrology (eg., PSA Annual Conference, NORWAC) and herbal medicine.

JP also loves singing, studying comedy, daily indulgences in coffee, and cats.

Chart Fundamentals: Aries Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Ascending.

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 encountered 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, entitled “Astrological Ritual & the Apocalyptic Imagination,” 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 foci have been on evolutionary, psychological and archetypal lines of inquiry; 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 she can be found on The Aquarian Spirals Podcast, a hodgepodge of  musings on topics, including: astrology; non-monogamy; current events; and general witchery.

Amanda is a descendant of Mexican, Mayan, Spanish, Lebanese and Swedish lineages, and she 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.

Chart Fundamentals: Aquarius Sun, Scorpio Moon, Leo Ascending; North Node 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 on a full-time basis. He currently serves on the board of directors for the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR) and for the Astrology News Service. He is co-founder of the International Society of Black Astrologers, and he is a faculty member for the International Academy of Astrology.

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

Chart Fundamentals: Samuel does not publicly share his astrological information.

Unlockingastrology.com

2nd-Year Program: Houses 201

Laura [she/her/hers] is an Evolutionary Astrologer, having studied with the founder of the material, Jeffrey Green, from 1983 through 1986, and her 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 and coordinator of the Northwest Astrological Conference (NORWAC), established in 1984. Her family owns Astrology Et Al Bookstore, which she managed from 1983 through 1991. 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.

Since 1989, Laura has presented at NORWAC, 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 throughout the North America (Portland, OR; Boston, MA; Hartford, CT; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Louisville, KY; San Francisco, CA; and Tampa, FL). Laura is one of the original founding board members of Kepler College, and she has served as its Recording Secretary, as well as a brief stint as President of the Board. Laura is a past Vice-President and the current President of the Washington State Astrological Association (WASA).

Laura is a leading public figure in the astrological community. 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. Laura produced and broadcasted her own internet radio show, Astrology Talk, from 1998 through 1999. Laura was also a regular guest on Guiding Stars with Kristin Fontana.

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.

Chart Fundamentals: 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. She holds a Doctorate of Business degree, which enables her to apply a unique set of skills to business and mundane astrology, as well as to personal chart work. She is a contributing astrologer to Midheaven Magazine and to AstrologyHub.com. Stormie also hosts 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 skills and practice in Evolutionary Astrology. Stormie specializes in teaching groups and one-on-one sessions, as well as readings that bring spiritual energy into practical strategy.

Stormie is currently a member of the Organization for Professional Astrology (OPA), the Association for Astrological Networking (AFAN), the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR), and the National Council on Geocosmic Research (NCGR).

Chart Fundamentals: Taurus Sun, Libra Moon, Virgo Ascending.

stormiegrace.com

1st-Year Program: Chiron and Asteroids

2nd-Year Program: Vocational Astrology

Program Extracurricular 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 10 years of experience in corporate, non-profit, and education environments. She is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. She is proud to have completed an apprenticeship with E’mily Trinkaus at The Alcyone School for Engaged Astrology. Aubrie was featured in Willamette Week’s Best of Portland (2012) and named of one of the “100 Most Powerful Women” by Northwest Women’s Journal in 2007.  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.

Chart Fundamentals: Cancer Sun, Capricorn Moon, Virgo Ascending; North Node in Capricorn.

www.CoachingForClarity.net

1st-Year Program: Aspects and Chart Patterns

Omari [he/him/his] is a Certified Professional Astrologer (MAFM, LPMAFA, NCGR-PAA I); a lifetime 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 for Geocosmic Research – Professional Astrologer’s Alliance. He is a lifetime member of the Organization for Professional Astrology. He is a certified teacher with the Church of Light and a Certified Integrative Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner through the Association for Integrative Psychology.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, specializing in Accounting, from Howard University and a Master of Accounting and Financial Management degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management focusing on Accounting at Capella University. He is the owner of SOULAR WISDOM™, a human personality and behavior consulting business that highlights the uses of natal and electional astrology. Omari has also developed ASTROPRENEURSHIP®, which provides consulting and coaching services to astrologers and other entrepreneurs for business development, profitability, and long-term strategic growth. In addition to his work with PSA, Omari is an adjunct professor of accounting and finance at Harold Washington College in Chicago, IL.

Chart Fundamentals: Libra Sun, Virgo Moon, Leo Ascending; North Node in Pisces.

www.soularwisdom.com

1st-Year Program: Intersectional Astrology

Bear Ryver [he/him/his] is a full-time professional consulting and lecturing astrologer living on occupied and unceded Ohlone lands in the California Bay Area. Using astrology as both map and compass, Bear blends Hellenistic and modern techniques with an emphasis on narrative re-framing, co-creating practical strategies and tools with his clients for grounded growth and embodied empowerment.  He brings the tools of active listening, thoughtful inquiry, accountability, and storytelling to help his clients get back to BASICS: bravery, authenticity, sovereignty, integrity, courage, and stewardship.

Bear also serves as a Mentor for the Association for Astrological Networking (AFAN) and is an avid member of several astrological organizations.

When he’s not casting charts or pulling cards, Bear can be found playing guitar, climbing rocks, and hiking close to home.

Chart Fundamentals: Leo Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Ascending.

psycheandsoulastrology.com

2nd-Year Program: Introduction to Horary Astrology, Electional Astrology

Elena Lumen [she/her/hers], PhD, teaches Electional and Horary Astrology for the Portland School of Astrology. In her practice, she specializes in electional, horary, and predictive traditional astrology. In 2011, Dr. Lumen defended her dissertation in Psychology on the value and appeal of astrology as a system of meaning at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in California. After graduation, she worked as a trauma-oriented psychotherapist and holistic coach.

Elena currently consults clients world-wide, hosts multiple practice groups, and frequently presents at astrological conferences.

Chart Fundamentals: Aries Sun, Virgo Moon, Aquarius Ascending.

illuminatingastrology.com

1st Year Program: Chiron, The Wounded Healer

Miss Renée [she/her/hers] is a born empath, formally 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 intense crossroads in their lives.

Chart Fundamentals: Taurus Sun; North Node in Capricorn.

MissReneeHealing.com

2nd Year Class: Relationship Astrology

Corina Dross [they/them/theirs] is a consulting astrologer, writer, artist, and activist. They have 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 their private practice.

They have a special love for helping clients navigate their relationships. As an astrologer, their emphasis is on astrology as a tool for healing from oppression and other traumas. Corina writes a monthly relationship-oriented horoscope for Autostraddle. As a member of the illustration duo, Abacus Corvus, Corinna channels astrological knowledge into yearly illustrated calendars.

Chart Fundamentals: Virgo Sun, Taurus Moon, Sagittarius Ascending; North Node in Libra.

flaxandgold.com

1st-Year Program: Mythological Approaches to Astrology

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

Vanessa [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.

Chart Fundamentals: Gemini Sun, Pisces Moon, Taurus Rising; North Node in Capricorn.

vanessacouto.com

1st Year Program: Astrology, Power, and Self-Determination
2nd Year Program: Power-Conscious Astrology

Candace [she/her/hers] is an astrologer and cultural worker committed to building individual and collective power. She is a graduate of the Portland School of Astrology, who has deeply influenced her commitment to examining astrology through the lenses of race, class, body, age, gender, sexuality, ability, and other intersectional identities.

Candace has been reading since 2017 through her consultation practice, Astroradicals. She believes first and foremost in astrology as an interpretative storytelling and relationship-building technique, allowing us to redefine and retell our personal stories and explore our own innate power.

Candace has also presented at the U.S. Department of Arts & Culture’s CULTURE/SHIFT convening, the Oregon Astrological Association, and the Portland School of Astrology’s annual conference, and is the author of the online magazine, Astrology and Wellness for Radicals, which is currently sold by Kindred Post, The Future, and Seagrape Soap.

Her astrological approach weaves within it an eclectic background in visual art, writing, community organizing, and nonprofit arts administration. Alongside her astrological practice, Candace serves as Cultural Strategy Director at the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO). She is a proud alumna of Scripps College, and in her spare time, dabbles in ecstatic dance and reads voraciously.

Chart Fundamentals: Aries Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Ascending.

2nd Year Program: Discovery Sessions

Program Extracurricular Facilitator

Giselle Castaño [them/their/theirs] is a queer astrologer currently based out of Seattle, Washington (situated on Duwamish and Suquamish land). Giselle’s love for astrology was passed down from their mother and the astrology books from their childhood home. Giselle applies both modern and traditional astrological principles and techniques to their work, as well as a harm-reduction approach and abolitionist framework. Speaking to the highest potential of the chart is fundamental to Giselle’s readings and teachings. They believe that the more astrology one knows and is tracking, the more aligned one can be with the forces of nature to manifest the highest good of any particular situation and time.

Giselle offers 1:1 consultations and other educational and well-being services as an individual practitioner.

Chart Fundamentals: Pisces Sun, Scorpio Moon, Libra Ascending.

gisellecastano.com

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 five 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. Cultivated from the 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.

Chart Fundamentals: Cancer Sun, Virgo Moon, Taurus Rising; North Node in Libra.

NorthwestAstrologer.com

HeartSpringHealth.com

Program Extra Curricular Facilitator

Naike Swai [they/them/theirs] 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 practices 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, mapping the ways each planet’s resonant influence shapes 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 of the Portland School of Astrology, their focus lies in decolonizing astrology and connecting to the transformative liberation inherent in our natal charts.

Chart Fundamentals: Taurus Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Aquarius Ascending.

www.chaggastar.com

2nd Year Program: Introduction to Annual Profections, Introduction to Hellenistic Astrology

Program Extracurricular Facilitator

Dave Mockaitis, TACC [he/him/his] is a graduate of the Avalon School of Astrology and former resident astrologer at the Omega Institute, he currently practices online and in Portland, Oregon. His astrological collage art is featured in the Honeycomb Astrological Almanac and on Instagram at @living.constellation.

Chart Fundamentals: Gemini Sun, Gemini Moon, Libra Ascending.

livingconstellation.com

1st-Year Program: Main Faculty

2nd-Year Program: Main Faculty

JP [he/him/his] founded the Portland School of Astrology (PSA), the largest astrology school in the United States, in 2013.

Even growing up in the working-class, post-industrial metropolis of Pontiac, Michigan (occupied land of the Objiwa, Huron-Wynadot Nations) couldn’t quell JP’s curiosity of plants and planets. He began his journey with astrology and herbalism in the mid-’90s, later marrying the two disciplines together, beginning a practice in 2011 with the development of Cosmophilia (meaning, “love of the union between earth and sky”), a line of astrological herbals, planetary teas, tinctures, sprays. Under the Cosmophilia brand, JP also created Plants Against the Patriarchy vibrational essences and a variety of magical gift items.

JP holds a degree in Public Health. He has completed advanced formal training in both herbal medicine and herbal retail, as well as five years at the Blue Iris Mystery School.

JP stays active in the astrology community outside of PSA. He has served for more than five years on the boards of the Oregon Astrological Association (OAA) and the Association For Astrological Networking (AFAN).  JP has contributed content to the websites of several prominent astrologers, including Steven Forrest, Patricia Walsh, Erin Sullivan, Mark Jones, Judith Hill, and Madeline Gerwick.

JP currently sees clients and teaches in Portland, Oregon, and is writing a book about Astral-Herbalism titled BioCosmophilia: The Confluence of Plants, Planets and People (2018). His work has been featured in Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, the Willamette Week, the 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, and KGW-TV. He has also participated in several conferences dedicated to the study of astrology (eg., PSA Annual Conference, NORWAC) and herbal medicine.

JP also loves singing, studying comedy, daily indulgences in coffee, and cats.

Chart Fundamentals: Aries Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Ascending.

www.cosmophilia.com

W. Noel [she/her/hers] joined the PSA Program Team in May 2021.  She comes to the School with some knowledge of astrological theory, consultation experience, and magical preparation. Her astrological influences include Liz Greene, Llewellyn George, Robert Hand, Noel Tyl, Richard Tarnas, and C. G. Jung.

She is a Virgo’s Virgo, equal parts Burberry and barbed wire. Her rare blend of African American, Cherokee, Creole, and Cuban ancestry has allowed her to be mistaken for beautiful women from nearly every background.

In her spare time, she writes astrological analyses of historical events, listens to Malcolm Gladwell talk about anything, and is currently interested in documentaries about family system change during the early Industrial Era.

Students can reach W. Noel at [email protected]

Chart Fundamentals: Virgo Sun, Virgo Moon, Sagittarius Ascending.

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

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 to a variety of groups, including at-risk youth and women in prison. During her first 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.

She is the author of The Light That Changes: The Moon in Astrology, Stories and Time, and contributes to several online magazines and chapbooks on topics including 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 lesson covering the zodiac by her hippie, teen-aged babysitter. She remembers feeling a sense of both wonder and 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.

Chart Fundamentals: Leo Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Ascending; North Node in Scorpio.