Astrology FAQ & Myth Busters

Astrology is a symbolic language based on the idea that the movements of the planets in the sky reflect patterns in human life – more specifically in the human mind. At the moment you were born, the planets formed an unique pattern in the sky. Your birth chart captures that moment in time, and through meaningful correlation (not physical cause and effect), an astrologer can translate each planet’s symbolism and position into personality traits and how you tend to interact with the world. Your chart acts like an “instruction manual” of your rational mind, emotional needs, strengths, challenges and life themes. As planets continue moving through the sky (your transits), they activate different parts of your original chart, highlighting timing of growth, change, conflict, clarity or inner work.

The earliest forms of Western astrology can be traced to Mesopotamia around 3,000–2,000 BC, when civilizations observed the skies and noticed that celestial cycles corresponded with earthly events, seasons and human behavior. From there, the practice evolved, became documented and codified by multiple civilizations and cultures such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Arabs, while Eastern astrology systems flourished especially in India and China. In Medieval Europe, astrology was a formal subject taught in universites, while kings and nobles employed court astrologers. Astrology experienced a decline in the 17th century during the the Enlightment era, when anything that couldn’t be measured or proven by scientific methods was dismissed as superstition. Astrology never disappeared, though; it re-emerged in the 20th century with a modern focus on its symbolic and psychological/archetypal nature. It has become an invaluable tool for individuals in their journey towards personal growth and self-understanding.

Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial bodies, their movements and properties. It relies on observation, measurement and mathematical models to understand and predict their behavior.  Astronomy seeks objective, testable facts about how these bodies work. Astrology, on the other hand, is a symbolic system that interprets the positions and movements of these celestial bodies in relation to human life on Earth. Astrology does not study the physical causes of planetary motion; instead, it explores the symbolic correlation of these movements with human behavior patterns to provide insights into one’s personality.

Astrology can be very accurate when it’s practiced with skill, personalized to an individual and when the birth data is precise. A professional, personalized chart goes far beyond sun sign horoscopes and can reveal remarkably specific themes and timing in someone’s life. A well-interpreted chart can describe personality patterns and shifts with surprising clarity. However, astrology isn’t a system of exact prediction — it’s a symbolic language. Its accuracy comes from how well the astrologer interprets the symbols and how open the client is to reflection.

No. Astrology is an ancient symbolic system that studies the relationship between celestial cycles and human experience. It is not a form of spellwork, ritual or religion. It doesn’t require belief in supernatural powers or participation in any religion. It simply offers a symbolic language of patterns and timing that can be invaluable for self-awareness and personal/emotional growth.

Not necessarily. Astrologers are trained to read symbols in the same way everyone is trained to read written language. Astrology itself is structured, learnable and grounded, not a psychic ability. Some astrologers also have intuitive or psychic abilities, but those are separate skills, not requirements. A person can be an excellent astrologer purely through study, analysis, experience and deep understanding of the craft.

Some passages in the Bible caution against using divination or relying on astrologers as authorities above God (for example, Isaiah 47:13-14 or Deuteronomy 18:10-12). These warnings were written in a context where astrology was tied to state-sponsored prophecy, fortune-telling and political power, not personal awareness and reflection. Contemporary astrology is used very differently and isn’t about worship, prediction of fate or replacing spiritual beliefs. It’s a symbolic tool for understanding individual personality, timing and personal growth.

No, astrology cannot be measured by today’s scientific methods. Science studies cause-and-effect relationships, measurable forces and requires repeatable results. Astrology instead works through symbolism and meaningful correlation. It is an interpretive art and symbolic language, not science. It simply belongs to a different category of knowledge — more like psychology, mythology or philosophy.

No, astrology cannot predict the moment of death. Ethical astrologers do not attempt to determine when someone will die. Astrology can show life cycles, transitions and periods of transformation. Challenging transits often indicate psychological shifts, emotional growth, endings of life chapters or deep inner work — not physical danger.

Astrology doesn’t predict the future in a literal way, telling you exactly what will happen. It shows instead the quality of the time you’re moving through. It works exactly like a weather forecast: it can show when the winds are shifting, when storms are possible or when conditions are ideal for growth, but you still decide how you want to navigate the landscape in these conditions.

Astrology doesn’t remove free will – it supports it. Rather than predicting external events, astrology can help you understand the quality of the time you will be facing ahead, so you can move consciously through it and make informed choices.

A natal chart — also called a birth chart — is a detailed map of the sky at the exact moment you were born. It shows the positions of celestial bodies and serves as a symbolic blueprint of your personality, emotions, strengths, challenges and life patterns. It is completely unique to you and reflects the energetic imprint you were born with and how your inner world tends to interact with the outer world.

A natal chart is made up of several key components that form the framework of how astrologers interpret your chart. In summary, the main elements are planets, which represent different functions of your psyche, such as your core identity (ego), your emotions, your communication & learning style, your desires and assertiveness, among others. Each planet sits on a zodiac sign, which shapes how each of these psyche functions expresses itself, giving them a specific tone, style and temperament. The planets also sit in specific astrological houses, which represent different areas of life. The houses show where your energies represented by the planets are most active. Finally, each planet makes specific angles with each other, which are called aspects and reveal how their energies interact – whether they cooperate, challenge each other, create tension or harmony. Together, these elements form a symbolic, multi-layered blueprint of who you are and the path your life is shaped to follow.

A natal chart is uniquely yours. It’s calculated using your exact date, time and location of birth, creating a personalized map of the sky at the moment you were born. This chart reflects your individual personality, emotional needs, strengths, challenges, life patterns and timing cycles. Magazine horoscopes, on the other hand, are general predictions based only on your sun sign. Because they’re written for millions of people, they’re broad, simplified, and meant for entertainment or general inspiration. They can highlight collective trends but cannot speak to your specific chart or life.

For the most accurate and personalized analysis, an astrologer needs at least:
* Full birth date (day, month and year)
* Accurate time of birth (the time listed on a birth certificate)
* Location (city, state, country)
In some occasions astrologers may ask for other specific dates related to important life events.

When the birth time is unknown, a detailed astrology analysis is unfortunately not possible, since certain important parts of the chart depend entirely on the exact moment you were born. For example, an astrologer cannot calculate your ascendant (your world view and personal expression to others), midheaven (career and life objectives) and all astrological houses (areas/themes of your life). When the birth time is partially known or estimated (for example, “around 9pm” or “close to lunch time”), astrologers can use a technique called birth time rectification. It uses major life events that can be associated with planetary configurations and traced back to a more specific birth time. When birth time rectification is needed, the astrologer will ask for more information on major life events and milestone dates (for example, graduation, wedding, relocation, illness, etc.).

During a session we explore your natal chart, current cycles and any personal questions you bring. I interpret the chart in clear, grounded language so you can understand your patterns, needs, challenges, talents and areas of growth. Most important, the session is conversational — we map together how the symbolism of planetary positions manifests in your life. I am not a psychic and cannot know your life facts in advance, so the best and most useful astrological consultations are always the ones we build together through conversation. My goal is to offer clarity, support and practical insight you can apply right away.

You don’t need to know anything about astrology beforehand. Simply reflect on what you’d like clarity on: relationships, career, emotional patterns, family dynamics, life transitions or anything that’s been weighing on your mind. Or, if there are no specific questions, just come with an open mind and open heart, and ask questions as they arise during the session.

After you schedule your consultation, I will send a form for you to fill, which contains all the information I need to assemble and start studying your chart. Besides name and contact information, I need accurate date, place and time of birth. Birth time should be the one listed on your birth certificate. You will also be asked about dates of important life events and milestones, which are used for birth time rectification. This technique helps the astrologer refine and confirm the most accurate birth time, even when an official time is stated in your documents. In many cases, astrologers adjust the recorded birth time by a few minutes earlier or later to better reflect lived experiences.

Completely. Every session is based solely on your unique chart and your specific questions. No two readings are ever alike.

Not at all. I explain everything in plain, accessible language. You won’t need to understand aspects, houses or degrees — I translate the symbolism for you and make it practical, grounded and relatable.

Yes, in-person consultations are available for people living in the Great Seattle area in the United States. For people living everywhere else, I offer online consultations via Google Meet.

Sessions typically last between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on the type of consultation you choose and how deep we go into your questions.

I can perform consultations both in English and Portuguese.

Yes, every consultation is recorded and made available for you to download. There is so much information discussed in a consultation that no one can remember it all, so a recording is often an invaluable part of our meeting that you can come back to and reference as you need.

Yes. Everything you share stays private. I treat your chart and personal experiences with care, respect and total confidentiality.

Most people come once or twice a year, especially around birthdays, big life decisions or major transitions. Others come seasonally or when they feel stuck. There’s no rule — follow your intuition.

You can request a consultation for someone else as long as you have their consent. On the consultation day, the chart owner must be present.

I work with Western contemporary astrology incorporating elements of psychological astrology based on Carl Gustav Jung’s theories.

I offer a Natal Chart consultation, which is divided in two parts: it starts with your personal birth chart and how it translates into your main personality traits and potential, and ends with an overal forecast/look at your year ahead. This is an excellent choice for a first time consultation. For second time consultations and beyond, I offer a Forecast consultation that will solely focus on your next 12-months, highlighting the year “themes” found in your progressed/transit charts as well as most and least favorable times for decisions, changes or life events big and small.

In a near future I have plans to add Sinastry and Vocational consultations. Stay tuned!

I work with tropical zodiac. For astrological houses, I often use the Placidus system, occasionally switching to the Topocentric system.

Here is a summarized list:
* Element & mode balance
* Angular planets
* Ascendant, midheaven & their rulers
* House cusps with traditional & modern rulers
* Planetary dignities & debilities
* Planetary house placements
* Retrogradation
* Hemisphere balance
* Aspects
– Conjuntion, sextile and semi-sextile, square, trine, opposition & quincux
– Applying & separating aspects
– Planetary patterns (stellium, t-square, grand trine, grand cross, yod, mystic rectangle, kite)

I work with:
* Secondary progressions (progressed & converse moon, sun, ascendant & midheaven)
* Planetary transits
* Lunations & eclipses
* Solar return (available in the forecast consultation only)
* Birth time rectification