What's it like to study astrology and magick?

So a few years ago, I was contacted by Leah Thomas, a writer for Cosmopolitan, with questions about what it was like to study astrology. I was mentioned in a piece on skeptical men and astrology, read it here. The questions below were sent by Leah.

I am publishing the Q&A here with her permission. So what's it like to study astrology and magick IRL? 🔮

Where did you receive your astrology education?

 

I studied with several teachers but the one that shaped my approach to astrology was Demian Allan’s class at The College of Psychic Studies, back in 2015. His intro to Psychic Astrology and Magick turned my understanding of the stars upside-down. Most notable was a session where Demian had us walk on energetically charged Zodiac signs to see how we responded to Aries’ fire, Capricorn’s steadiness or Scorpio’s depth. I began to view the planets and Zodiac signs as dynamic energies that we could interact with on a daily basis. 

 

What was school like — what were your classes? How did you schedule them? Did you get to choose them? Did you (/can you) specialize?

 

That particular school has been around since the 1880’s and it offers a huge range of classes – not just astrology. Students can specialize in a subject matter; I chose Angel Intuition and came across Astrology towards the end. Psychic Astrology classes run on Thursday nights, with optional workshops on weekends. If a student were enrolled in several subjects, say astrology and tarot or angels, the tutors would highlight overlapping themes. For example, that Archangel Raziel can help us make sense of natal charts, or the astrological themes of the different tarot cards. 

 

What kind of assignments did you have? Homework, group work, quizzes, tests?

 

Initially we spent lots of time studying our natal charts to understand how it works. Homework involved using shortcuts such as birthdays or Aura scans to get a sense of dominant planets in the charts of friends and family. In one of the learning exercises, the tutor had us shake his hand and identify his Sun sign. I think I named his strongest planet instead.

 

Beyond that, the goal was to get a sense of how planetary transits affect our daily lives. We were tasked with keeping track of how we felt when the Moon traveled through the Zodiac. The program was free flowing – a building blocks approach that brought the natal chart to life around us. Later on, I signed up for an online predictive astrology class with The Dark Pixie Astrology. The class was fantastic in terms of the level of detail and homework assigned. We covered the technical side of predictions and kept a journal showing how the astrological timing matched up with real-life events. This aspect of astrology can be mathematical and logical – making assumptions and checking the results. 

 

My experience as an astrology student has been eclectic and self-driven. I moved to a new country and had to look for online classes to complement what I learned in London.  

 

How many students were there/how big were your classes? Were they like lectures or open discussions?

 

The classes were small – no more than eight in Psychic Astrology and up to 20 in the larger workshops. The basic theory was presented in lecture format with time for questions and answers. Once we had covered the planets, signs, and houses, each week was focused on a specific element of the natal chart and we had time to explore all of my classmate’s charts. 

 

Did you have a favorite professor? Least favorite professor? Favorite class? Least favorite class? Tell me about it/them -- anything you think is most interesting.

 

The technical classes are essential for professional use, but they were my least favorite. A few years ago I took a planets and numerology class where we learned to activate our inner Jupiter, Mars or Mercury with specific mantras, yoga poses and sound meditations. Our teacher, Dalia Siman, blended kundalini yoga, planetary energies and practical Kabbalah with dance music (Naam Yoga). I am not much of a yogui myself - attending sporadic yoga classes, but this singing yoga class was always a favorite.  

But the class that blew my mind was Astrology & Magick, again with Demian Allan. We learned to connect with the planets intuitively, downloading their energy so we could take it with us. I have almost no Water in my chart and cried for two days after bringing down the Moon in class. Since then I have been using similar meditations to incorporate other planets. 

    

How long does it take to get a degree — how many specializations are there?

 

I went down the self-study route with astrology readings (so no degree), though I have taken several classes. Both of the schools where I studied offer certificates on energy healing and intuition. You'll find a recap of my studies on the Hermione Tab.   

 

Finding a school that certifies professional astrologers is fantastic, as that will give you a clear understanding of when you are ready to see clients. It wasn't always easy to find one, but that changed with online classes. In my case, I began including astrology in angel, tarot and energy healing sessions long before I felt comfortable offering full astrology readings. After a few years, these morphed into astrological healing sessions. 

  

Can you describe how various astrology schools are different from each other?

 

The class sizes vary and some schools are more technical than others. Astrology can be fun so choose a school that you enjoy, especially if the idea is to enhance self-awareness. On a personal note, I've learned as much from books – Jan Spiller’s Astrology for the Soul and Sue Tompkin’s Aspects In Astrology are my favorites. But how the chart comes together didn’t register until I signed up for Psychic Astrology and the tutor broke it down for us. As much as self-study works, taking a class made a difference.

 

How did you decide on yours?

 

To be honest – I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for Psychic Astrology. As an angel medium and energy healer, I was interested in using the stars as a roadmap for energy healing sessions. The outer layers of the Aura are imbued with the energy of our natal charts, and there are specific Chakras that we can heal and activate to connect with the planets. We can choose flower essences, crystals and essential oils to soften our Zodiac sign’s triggers. Planetary Magick also gives us a chance to download character traits that may be lacking. The idea is to work through your natal chart, and not succumb to it. 

 

What’s one common misconception people have about astrology/astrology schools?

 

That the Sun Sign or Horoscopes define everything – there are many layers! 

 

Any interesting/surprising/crazy/fun fact that might stand out?

 

Choose your words kindly, as you will touch on sensitive info in class. And if you are met with nervous laughter during an astrology reading, you have hit the nail on the head!  

  

Thought I’d post this as I am ready to share more magick! Looking at how to do this online, or through zoom, at some point. 

Join me on Youtube for guided meditations and check out the Menu Bar for more an intro to astrology. Read my books to heal yourself; here are all my astrology posts.

Reiki hugs,

Regina

*** 

Regina Chouza is an energy healer, astrologer and author of A Personal Guide to Self-Healing, Cancer & Love and Chakra Healing & Magick. She holds a BA in Philosophy from Tufts University; Regina’s passion is bringing love, joy and empowerment to healing pursuits. Read her books to awaken your intuition and channel energy healing. Available on Amazon.

 Facebook - Instagram - YouTube 

> Español: @AngelMedium33

Image: canva.com 

 

Surf the Planetary Waves and Unlock Your Light

We all have a purpose and I think that on some level, I'm here to talk about the stars. I first became interested in astrology in 2008 or 2009, having been a skeptic most of my life because, how could a person’s month of birth lead to exactly 12 personality types? People were more varied than that. Then I found a book that divided the zodiac signs into three decans. The zodiac wheel is a circle of 12 signs, 30 degrees each. 

People born during the first 10 degrees of a sign had that sign’s energy: 100% Leo or Virgo or Cancer. Those born in the next subset of 10 degrees had that sign’s qualities, with a specific variation. Those at the tail-end, another spin on the sign. I finally recognized myself in the descriptions of a chatty and sociable Aquarius (3rd decan, sub-ruled by Venus). I spent the next year reading astrology books and looking at my astrology chart. Lots to see there... 

Then in the summer of 2015, I took two astrology classes that changed my view of the stars. An intro to psychic astrology with Demian Allan in London; we covered the technical and theoretical base, as well as intuitive applications. For example, walking on the zodiac to get a feel for its energy, or shaking a person’s hand to identify their dominant planet. Then came the real surprise of the summer - an astrological magick workshop where we downloaded and interacted with the energy of the planets in psychic meditations. Both classes by the same teacher. We each activated a talisman too. I went with the Moon to dial up my intuition and add Water to my life. 

Since then I’ve been exploring this topic and experimenting with my natal chart, as well as those of astrology & energy healing clients. As a healer, I focus on healing with astrology and magick, rather than the astrological magic that was popular 500 to 1200 year ago. But let’s take a step back and look at astrological magic… 

In the Middle Ages and before, it wasn’t common for people to know their birth date and place (other than royalty), so common folk turned to the stars for situational clarity, rather than self-awareness or life predictions. Questions to astrologers focused on the environment. 

Astrology back in the day …

Astrology was used to ask: “Is it a good time to begin X, Y or Z?” The answer to this type of question was found by looking at transits. The belief was that if the planets were well placed, good fortune was likely to follow. This approach could be used to: 

1) Minimize risk associated with new projects - keep in mind, the analysis goes far beyond a single transit. This could include anything: when to marry, negotiate a contract, ask for a raise, or sail across the Atlantic. Btw: I don't actually do this myself.

  

2) Download the undiluted energy of a planet as it travels through compatible zodiac signs so that we can benefit from the planet’s qualities. We can integrate those archetypes.

 

The second use is pure magic. It allows us to complement our talents and personalities with qualities that we might be short on, for example, confidence, business acumen, and organizational skills - or soft skills such as empathy, communication and diplomacy. 

Empowering Yourself With Astrology 

The planets are always active in our unconscious; we can connect with them at any time to balance our personal energy. We can also download and integrate any given planet’s attributes when the planet transits the Zodiac signs that enhance its energy – usually rulerships and exaltations. So for example, we might look to the Sun for courage, Mars for ambition, Venus for friendship, or the Moon for intuition – just as we would turn to Mother Earth for grounding. For example, we would connect with Jupiter when it travels through Sagittarius, Pisces or Cancer 🌊

The planets always send us energy, but their specific qualities cascade down to us with more clarity when they are in their strong signs, as will be the case with the planet of luck for the next year and a half. Jupiter gives us a turbo boost. We can also do a lot to catch that wave:

Believe In Yourself. The planet of personal growth and confidence. It’s worth mentioning that from an astrophysics point of view, Jupiter is made of hydrogen and helium - the same elements as the stars. But it did not ignite to become a star; Jupiter is indicative of where we need to believe in ourselves a bit more. Look inwards to find your light and power 💥

Expand Your Horizons. Each of the planets rules a theme in our lives, and a zodiac sign in the cosmos. Jupiter rules Sagittarius - this energy leaves home to experience new cultures, religions, adventures etc. Do what you can and try something new - travel, learn a new language, watch Netflix shows from other parts of the world. We can learn a lot from others; for example, I’m interested in the way that certain countries live their spirituality because of commonalities with my own culture. In terms of how spiritual those countries are, but also, where we make mistakes. Spiritual beliefs underpin our approach to life. It helps to see yourself through another culture’s eyes. Jupiter = perspective.

Growth Spurts. Jupiter pushes us to find our real limits, not the ones our conditioning imposes on us. We may come across new opportunities that scare or excite us. Stay positive (optimistic realism) and take on challenges. Think stretch goals. 

Ask For More. Jupiter is the planet of good luck, expansion and prosperity - people often ask for love or money. Years ago I felt like my intuition told me to ask for jet fuel (metaphorically). 

Want To Go Deeper? 

If you would like to know more about traditional astrology, Christopher Warnock’s book, Secrets of Planetary Magic, gives the reader a good understanding of pre-1700 astrology and the seven traditional planets. Chris Brennan, from The Astrology Podcast, looks at the Hellenistic period as well as more recent developments. I think it’s fascinating, but I'm not a traditional astrologer. However, it does help to read up on different schools of astrology, getting an understanding of how it all works, and how or why different approaches came about. So far, these have all been accurate.

🫶🏻 I tend to focus on modern psychological astrology, combining energy healing with the natal chart and planetary transits. I also practice magick, with the idea that magick is about who we become, as much as what we manifest. Jupiter is moving into Cancer this June - where its energy is exalted, or well placed. We have a year and half to make the most of that, particularly where intuition and emotional healing are concerned. It will also influence the part of your life that experiences this Jupiter transit directly. We can combine planetary transits with energy healing meditations, as discussed in my earlier blog post: Transform Your Life With the Light of the Stars. 

Today's post was partly inspired by natal astrology, and partly, by the planets and numerology class that I took in 2017. We can balance and integrate our planetary energies by undertaking specific activities ✨ Below is a Jupiter mantra from class. I quite like it because of the peaceful vibe. 

Remember - we can take steps to channel that energy proactively. Thank you for reading Diary of a Psychic Healer!! 

Reiki hugs, 

Regina 

 

I published a similar article on an astrology blog in 2018. Reposting with additional content and a new intro, ahead of Jupiter’s Cancer transit.

*** 

Regina Chouza is an energy healer, astrologer and author of A Personal Guide to Self-Healing, Cancer & Love and Chakra Healing & Magick. She holds a BA in Philosophy from Tufts University; Regina’s passion is bringing self-love, joy and empowerment to healing pursuits. Read her books to awaken your intuition and channel energy healing. Available on Amazon.

 Facebook - Instagram - YouTube 

> Español: @AngelMedium33

Images: Canva .com 

SHK

Accept your shadow, channel your infinite self ♾️

Years ago, I was meditating and the message that came through was to connect with my infinite self. I was surprised and pleased by the thought. In hindsight, the message was that we have one. 

That feeling is awesome too; it takes you out of your everyday life and makes your problems seem manageable. What can't your infinite self handle? It gives us a wonderful change in perspective. 

On a practical level, I wasn't sure how to get there - how do I have to change or evolve as a human to get there? Again, my intuition has been pointing me towards the theme of personal power and how we have to accept our full human selves first, including the shadow. The shadow isn't always bad - it's what we reject, and that rejection is often based on cultural conditioning or childhood traumas and misinterpretations. We might think something is not acceptable because of an offhand comment heard in our youth.

Basically, the shadow is what we don’t love about ourselves, rejecting those traits in ourselves, and reacting negatively to those traits in the world. Healing lets us access that energy in a way that isn’t destructive or counterproductive.

This theme of shadow healing features heavily on this blog and in my energy healing books. Especially feeling our way through difficult emotions. It's a biggie too. Without the shadow, we operate at half capacity. No power means no traction with everyday life. Accepting your shadow and integrating it in a healthy way gives you access to your full human self; that is the trampoline to your infinite potential. 

In my case, shining brightly is part of my shadow (one of the things I didn't want to do). My blog was anonymous for 3-4 years because I didn’t want to put myself in the spotlight. And even though it feels like this is in the distant past, it took a lot for me to get to a place where I was not embarrassed to talk about what I do. Thanks to my inner skeptic (Virgo), I didn’t know how people around me would respond. And more than anything, I wanted to reach lots of people without them knowing it was me. That is the energy of Leo, tucked away in my shadow, the Zodiac sign opposite my Aquarius Sun. It’s also my Solar Eclipse (see here). 

To my surprise, lots of people have had experiences like mine. You find your tribe when you let others see the real you ♌️

 Reiki hugs, 

 Regina 

ps ... Read my books and free yourself 

Amazon.com/author/reginachouza

***

Regina Chouza is an energy healer, astrologer and author of A Personal Guide to Self-Healing, Cancer & Love and Chakra Healing & Magick. She holds a BA in Philosophy from Tufts University; Regina’s passion is bringing self-love, joy and empowerment to healing pursuits. Read her books to awaken your intuition and channel energy healing. Available on Amazon.

> Español: @AngelMedium33

Text in italics added July 29 2025 because a piece of the puzzle was still missing. 

Image: Canva .com 

 

Moon Magick: Transform your life with the light of the stars

This article is a follow-up to my book, Chakra Healing & Magick - I promised to share more on how the planets can impulse your life. Check out the Menu Bar for an introduction to astrology charts; this is an advanced astrology post. 

***

As an energy healer and astrologer, making the jump to planetary magick and self-healing was predictable. The more aware we are of spiritual energy, the easier it becomes for us to connect with the Moon and with the rest of the planets on a day-to-day basis. Healing ourselves also makes these connections conscious - we feel the influence and respond thoughtfully. A big surprise was that we can also channel the planets with the intention to heal our lives.

Doing so requires an understanding of how the natal chart is put together, and being able to pinpoint moments when it makes sense to connect with the planets - usually when they are transiting the Houses in the natal chart that relate to the issues that need a bit of healing. If you’re not familiar with a natal chart, the 12 House relate to specific issues such as identity, love, income, friendship, home, and higher education. If we want to heal or impulse an issue, we can do so easily by connecting with the Moon as it transits that House and channeling its energy. 

 

 

We can connect with any of the planets to work our magick, each healing the issue from its point of view. For example, Mercury might reshape the way we think about life. Mars gives us drive to pursue objectives and get around setbacks and obstacles. But many of these planets take months or even years to circle through the Zodiac, whereas the Moon makes the rounds in 28 days. It also relates to home, the need for security and to the unconscious. Healing with the Moon is like like redecorating and revamping our home (Earth) life so that we feel cozy and secure. The idea is to connect with the Moon each month as it transits your natal chart, downloading its light and power, with the intention to heal, activate and impulse specific themes and situations. 

Step 1: Energy Healing Foundation

In the past we’ve discussed the chakras that can be activated to strengthen our connection with the planets and the solar system, bringing that energy into our lives with the intention to heal ourselves and to create shifts in our lives. As a healer, channeling the planets is fun and exciting, but it does require lots of grounding. We don’t want to lose our footing or burn out. Ideally, we’d start by grounding meditations, taking our attention to the Earth Star Chakra which can be found in the Aura below your feet. This energy center makes it easier for us to connect with Mother Nature and feel her energy, giving us deeper foundations to build on. 

Once that is done, we’d turn our attention to emotional healing as this opens us up to give, receive, and to experience life fully. This can be done in many ways - with counseling, healing affirmations or with Reiki and Chakra Healing. From an Energy Healing point of view, we’d focus on the Sacral Chakra (emotions), Solar Plexus (self-esteem) and Heart (self-love). 

Having opened the heart and grounded ourselves, the final step would be to visualize and feel the Soul Star Chakra, which can be found in the Aura, 6-12 inches over the head. It holds the energy of your soul including past lives, ancestors and the imprint of your natal astrology chart. I like to visualize the Soul Star as a moon, always full, at times more illuminated than others. 

By grounding ourselves and activating our intuition, we also connect with our power. The influence of the stars can be worked with consciously on a day to day basis. 

Step 2: Timing for Moon Meditations 

Each of the Houses in the chart represents a life sphere, for example, the 1st House relates to how we see and present ourselves in the world, the 4th represents home life, the 7th has to do with marriage and business partnerships. If we want to heal or give extra oomph to a specific area of our lives, we would carry out an energy healing meditation with the Moon. The secret is to time the ritual so that we download the Moon’s energy when it transits the relevant House. 

Below is a quick summary of House meanings. As a reminder, the Houses always stay in the same place, while the Zodiac rotates twice daily. The first house is at the 9AM spot on a clock, and the rest of the Houses go counter clockwise through the natal chart circle. You will need a birth chart that takes your time of birth into account for these calculations to be accurate. 

-  1st House:  Your personal identity, how you’re seen in the world.

- 2nd House: The material world, riches, belongings, values, income. 

- 3rd House:  Community, communications, siblings, K-12 school years. 

- 4th House:  Family life, the home, childhood, your foundation. 

- 5th House:  Creativity, art, music, love affairs, having & raising kids. 

- 6th House:  Vocations, teamwork, routines, service to others (or not).

- 7th House:  Marriage, romantic relationships, partnership, open enemies. 

- 8th House:  Shared resources, taxes, intimacy, other people’s money, legacies. 

- 9th House:  What is the meaning of life? Higher education, philosophy

- 10th House: Social and career status, ambition, ripple effect on world. 

- 11th House: Your broader tribe, social groups, all of humanity. Oneness. 

12th House: The realm of past lives, karma & family secrets.

If a person wanted to bring more love and empathy into their marriage; they’d set that intention and then carry out the Moon Ritual when the Moon transits the sign on the cusp of the 7th House.  If they wanted to focus on their work life, they might look at the 2nd house of income, 6th of work atmosphere to improve relationships with colleagues, or 10th to stand out more.  

Step 3: A Moon Ritual to Impulse Your Life 

I had already been practicing energy healing for more than seven years before venturing into magick; it shocked me how similar they are. In this ritual (or meditation) we combine energy healing and astrology to create tangible changes. This script follows the parameters  from my energy healing studies, encouraging us to connect with the highest and purest source of light in the Universe first. The intention is to take our awareness completely out of the box, circumventing  the energy of the planets. We then bring that light-power down, with the intention to transform our lives from above. It’s only after we’ve grounded ourselves and attuned to that light that we reach for the Moon or the planets. 

Please light a candle and have a pen and piece of paper on hand. If you’d like to bring crystals into this meditation, clear quartz can be programmed with any intention. Otherwise, bring your hands to your heart in Step 6, letting your Heart Chakra capture the Moon’s light & healing. 

• Light a candle and visualize yourself surrounded by violet light. 
• Visualize tree roots growing out of the bottoms of your feet into the ground. A beautiful crystal shines in the center of the earth, sending a ray of light to your Heart Chakra. 
• Inhale, and take your attention up through the Universe the the purest and highest source of light that is available to you at this moment. Feel it flow down to your Heart Chakra. 
• Sit with this for a few minutes, breathing in light and breathing out stress. 
• When you’re ready, visualize the Moon’s light flowing through your Soul Star Chakra, where the energy of your natal chart is stored. Intend for the relevant House to be activated. 
• Optional Crystal Activation: You can write your specific intention on a piece of paper and then tape it onto a quartz crystal, letting the moonlight flow through your hands into the Quartz. 
• Always specify that the energy healing align with your highest good, harming none. 
• Release that energy into the ground, focus on your heart and radiate gratitude. 
• Ground yourself and shield your Aura with violet light, pink or indigo light. 

We can do these meditations as often as we’d like, but it’s a good idea to start with just one or two a month until we get the hang of it. There are also other considerations – Christopher Warnock has a wonderful book called Secrets of Planetary Magic, with more techniques.  

I’m working on a book and/or an online astrology class. Like most of the things I do, it will focus on healing and integrating.

🫶🏻 Read my books below for an intro to energy healing & intuition. Please note, they lay the foundations with the seven main chakras (Root to Crown) but my books do NOT cover the astrology chakras 🤍

Reiki hugs, 

Regina 

Ps… I published this article on a fellow astrologer’s website in July 2022; I have several guest posts on her website 🤍

***

 

Regina Chouza is an energy healer, astrologer and author of A Personal Guide to Self-Healing, Cancer & Love and Chakra Healing & Magick. She holds a BA in Philosophy from Tufts University; Regina’s passion is bringing self-love, joy and empowerment to healing pursuits. Read her books to awaken your intuition and channel energy healing. Available on Amazon.

 Facebook - Instagram - YouTube 

> Español: @AngelMedium33

Image: Canva .com

Original Article

SHK