For the past 30 years I have been a psychotherapist specializing in life transitions. And for the past 25 I have also been a therapeutic astrologer.

As a a licensed psychotherapist, I bring finely honed professional therapeutic and intuitive skills to my work as an astrologer.

I spent my first decade as a professional astrologer delighted by how astrology readings accelerated my clients' emotional and spiritual growth. As cultural historian Richard Tarnas, PhD, has stated, “Psychology textbooks of future generations will look back on modern psychologists working without the aid of astrology as being like medieval astronomers working without the aid of a telescope.”

However, I became increasingly frustrated. I felt like the charts were missing a deeper way of looking at my client's lives, and focused too much on personality. I surprised myself (and my clients!) by letting go of astrology for several years, not knowing if I’d ever go back to it.

Then...as they say...a miracle occurred. I discovered North Node astrology and the top of my head blew off as I learned how the North Node is the key to a person’s soul purpose and deepest healing and growth (the only other time the top of my head blows off is when I read fabulous poetry).

I did a private tutorship with renowned North Node astrologer Laurence Hillman (son of Jungian analyst James Hillman, author of The Soul’s Code, and a student of Carl Jung’s). I feel honored to be part of that deeply wise lineage.

I don't have a clue why astrology works. But I know that it DOES work, and works with astonishing precision. It can illuminate the deeper meaning of difficult moments in your life, or point out unseen opportunities. It helps you step back from a problem and see it from a new perspective.

I am a member of the American Federation of Astrologers and the Washington State Astrological Association. I am also a licensed psychotherapist, and the author of 4 books on emotional and spiritual growth, including Exploring the Labyrinth (Random House). You can learn more about my psychotherapy and spiritual counseling practice at www.MelissaGayleWest.com

I live in Seattle with my husband David and two weird and wonderful cats, Kate and Kabobble. I am the mom of an adventuring young adult daughter. When not living and breathing astrology, I love fine gardening, travel, photography, chocolate, learning Spanish, qi gong, chocolate, and the fiber arts.