I’d been buying Mum’s Ephemeris (annual astronomical calendar) every Christmas for her since I had pocket money.
So it was particularly special when I finally began training as an Astrologer and needed to buy two! We opened them together one Christmas Eve and I remember thinking ~ ‘this is a significant moment.’
Training at The Faculty of Astrological Studies (where she trained 50 years earlier!) and developing my own practice enabled us to speak together as Astrologers. Properly! It was our own language! Us and the stars.
Another layer to our rich relationship and keen conversations. I was raised in this, of course. But at the age of 10, I didn’t quite understand what it meant for Pluto to move through my IC in Sagittarius and oppose my natal Mercury conjunct the Midheaven. Now I understand! 😅
And it was wondrous to have five years conversing with mum in this unique dialogue before her celestial departure.
We’d explore chart aspects together, she’d help refine my cosmic skills and provide insights that I’ll cherish forever. Occasionally I too would spark her Astro-lens with my own interpretations – ‘very good’ she’d say. I’d obviously be thrilled.
She was a masterful Astrologer.
She’d remember a chart by heart, from decades ago! She’d be able to recall where Saturn was in the Zodiac Wheel in August 1972 or January 1994. She could pluck out the aspects, the degrees and so – off the cuff – be able to talk to anyone about something potent in their natal chart. Her brain was bursting with dates and planetary progressions. It still leaves me in awe. Very few Astrologers have that ability now. Only her generation really, pre computers.
In training I learned the classic way too… truthfully, it pained me working out a chart by hand… the logarithms, the time it took! After completing one exam paper I genuinely left with a migraine and had to take to bed!
Relieved as I am to have my laptop when it comes to chart prep (and a library of Mum’s books and mine!), perhaps it comes at a cost. I’ll never have a brain quite so exercised in Astrological data like hers. Rapid, too!
Something else, as a quadruple fire (four personal planets in Aries plus a Sagittarian Ascendant) – she was passionate, brave, outspoken, impulsive, always flying by the seat of her pants! This was loudly visible in her life and to all who knew her.
But when it came to Astrology… Peace. Grace.
With purest faith, she had found her Gods. The study of the planets became her most sacred devotion (besides my brother and me). Really, it was a cosmic love story.
And she didn’t need to prove its power and value to anyone.
I’m not there yet… I still get a little prickly if someone dismisses the subject. Ready to defend! And then I remember, no defence is necessary. That’s not Astrology’s style…
Astrology is for the seekers! For those who look up and out and within. With wonder, curiosity and a hunger to learn, evolve and remain mystified.
‘…Our feeblest contemplations of the Cosmos stir us – there is a tingling in the spine, a catch in the voice, a faint sensation, as if a distant memory, of falling from a height. We know we are approaching the greatest of mysteries.’
~ Carl Sagan
And I believe mystery is life giving.
How can we possibly dare to know it all. How can we want to!
Grant us the enchantment of the unexpected and the unknowable ✨
Astrology enables us to use valuable tools and methods for our life path, drawing on ancient wisdom and archetype whilst also emboldening us to surrender to the themes and cycles of the celestial bodies. Perhaps we can work with what mystically governs above…
Amongst an endless list of things I miss about Mum, oh I miss our Astrology chats!
But in my continued journey with the cosmos, I channel her. And that’s highly and deeply special.
Mum adored hearing about my growing clientele. She even passed on some of her beloved clients to my care when she ‘retired’.
Though the Ephemeris never left her side.
It is an honour to carry forth the baton 🪐
Final phase of 2026...
Astrology time! Book your session ~
PS. We’re approaching our final Mercury Retrograde of the year this Saturday 24th October - 14th November. You know the drill. Be extra meticulous over the coming weeks… whether you’re signing contracts or having important communications. There may be delays or having to redo things! But it’s not all frustration… it’s always a good time to reflect, reconnect, retreat, rest.
PPS. As it’s also Venus Retrograde (began 3rd October – 14th November) we have a double whammy! Where Venus is concerned, focus is reviewing values, love and relationships.
With love,
Lara x
The Baton ... a tribute to my Mama
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