ABOUT...

I remember when I was about nine overhearing some grownups talking about star signs and it was the most amazing thing I'd ever heard. I didn't really understand it, but the names of the signs sounded so wise and familiar somehow, and completely transported me. Distant memories perhaps...

It wasn't until a few years later that I studied astrology seriously at The Working Mens' College in Camden, with Emily Fawkus. That was a year-long course, though only once a week. Other than that, I'm self-taught, attending many lectures, and more particularly hanging out in the pub afterwards - that's where you learn your astrology! I even covered some astrology from the academic side as part of my Comparative Religions degree. If I'd had my time again, I would have enrolled with one of the established schools like The Faculty of Astrological Studies. Astrology is a maverick profession and a diploma is not essential, but there's something to be said for an external endorsement when you are flying solo. I'm more interested in what people say than the initials after their name, but I would recommend students to get involved in the community side of astrology.

Hardly anyone sets out to be an astrologer, but I felt from fairly early on that it would play a part in my life. I was influenced by a book in my local library: 60 Ways To Avoid Becoming An Accountant (yes, really) which listed astrologer as one of the options. 

A small but important break came in 1998, when I began editing the Astrological Association's newsletter Transit. That was shortly before the Eclipse Conference of 1999, when the AA's membership was at its height. I have since edited the Astrological Association Journal and also the Astrology Quarterly, the two heavyweight magazines of British astrology.

Around this time I was also involved in the setup of Astro*Live*Link, the live telephone astrology service first promoted by Jonathan Cainer and now run by Robert Currey. One way and another, I've had a lot of experience of the UK's astrological organizations.

I first started writing Sun-sign columns in 2000, with the BBC's Star magazine. I have subsquently written for the Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, Times Ed Supp., Elle, Harpers Bazaar and Chat. My present writing gigs are for The Sydney Sun-Herald in Australia, and Emirates Woman in Dubai. My first book Saturn, Fatal Attraction was published in 2007. I hope to produce a few more books.

I am based in north London where I write my columns and spend most of my time. We are pretty well served for astrology in the UK, London in particular, which is easy to take for granted. But when you have groups of the quality of the Company of Astrologers, Liz Greene's Centre for Psychological Astrology and The Astrological Lodge of London, the oldest astrology group in the Western World, all on the doorstep, there's a lot to be thankful for. 

I am available for readings, which are always very rewarding, especially when people say the astrology has really helped. I aim to give more lectures and workshops in the coming year, so please look out for details on these pages.