Transformational Dreaming: The Individual and Collective Meaning of Dreams
When: July 10, 2024, 7:00 – 9:00 PM EDT
Symbols are everywhere, in both our waking and dreaming lives. In this class, we will use a
dream analysis technique developed by psychologist Montague Ullman. One of the fantastic
things about this approach is discovering how one person’s dream can have messages and
meaning for everyone in the group; as such, not everyone who attends needs to come prepared to share a dream. The nature of the technique is such that it can take 30 – 40 minutes to explore a single dream. So even though there will likely not be time to look at a dream of each attendee,
because it is a group process, everyone can find value in the share of another. Dreamwork can be illuminating and transformational – even if you are not the dreamer. I look forward to connecting with you as we sojourn through the Dreamtime.
Stellar Insights into Family Dynamics
When: June 12th, 2024, 7:00 – 9:00 PM EDT
Applying an astrological perspective to understanding the interpersonal relationship within a family is helpful and healing for people at all levels of astrological knowledge. In addition to looking at the synastry between family members, we often see astrological patterns within a family. This signature patterning speaks to a family karmic story as well as similar personalities and repeated interpersonal dynamics. Additionally, at times, there are family members who are outliers. They break from the patterns found among other members and may struggle to feel like they belong within their family unit. Thus, they need unique support to feel seen. In both cases, looking at astrology within the context of a family unit provides profound insight and healing.
Personal Myths: How the Stories We Carry Impact Our Lives
With The Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Online via Zoom
CEs: 3 CEs Cost: $ 99.00
Contrary to popular belief, a myth is not a fallacy but a symbolic story imbued with universal and collective truths. They are the tales woven through time, tethering us to our ancestors, society, and culture. Unpacking these myths illuminates the origins of your actions, attitudes, and behaviors.
In this workshop, you will discover an ally, a guide, who you can look to for support whenever doing experiential self-work. Together, we will unpack myths that support and impede living authentically. When you identify these narratives, you’ll discover that attempting to live another person’s story will always feel ill-fitting. And more importantly, your true, ever-evolving self has a beautiful myth to tell.
Psychology & Astrology: How the Language of the Stars Tells the Story of the Soul
With the Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Online via Zoom
CEs: 3 CEs Cost: $ 99.00
Archeological evidence suggests humans have looked to the cosmos to understand their lives for millennia. Astrology literally means the language of the stars. Psychology’s etymological roots tell us it is the study of the soul. In the early 20th century, what had been primarily used as a divinatory tool began to take on a new purpose. Venerable psychological theorists like C.G. Jung began to see the value of integrating this ancient tool into their practice, forever changing the astrology field into one with contemporary cross-discipline applications. In this workshop, we will explore how astrology came to be paired with psychology and why psychologists find it an irreplaceable tool. We will consider the meaning of the Planets and Luminaries through a psychological lens and how they aid in healing and self-actualization. Next, we will look at some of the key planetary cycles related to human development. This introduction into these disciplines used in tandem will illuminate this broader therapeutic application for you and your clients.
Goddess Awakening Retreat
Location Playa el Coco, Nicaragua: February 10- 17, 2024 – Base Package: $1899
I am thrilled to share that I will once again be co-facilitating the Goddess Awakening Retreat in
Playa El Coco, Nicaragua,
Led by my dear friend, yoga teacher, and life-changing healer Michelle Fleming you will come away from this week. renewed, reconnected with your inner divinity, and having made heart-centered connections with like-minded women.
The retreat will include yoga, breathwork, sound healing, embodied astrology, and much more. A transformational journey to reawaken the sacred feminine within, you will have the opportunity to go deep, delving into your divine nature and uncovering the Goddess within.
There will be ample time to relax by the pool, walk the pristine beach or play in the sea, just steps from your room. You will come away from this week refreshed, renewed, and empowered.
Transformational Yoga and Cosmic Self-Discovery
“No longer lend your strength to that which you wish to be free from.” — Jewel
Location: Serenbe, GA July 24, 2023
Please join me and internationally renowned yoga teacher and healer Michelle Fleming for a one-day retreat on July 24th.
Come burn away that which no longer serves you and discover what you most want to occupy in the space this clearing creates.
We will start the day with Michelle’s yoga and healing series known as Fire Salute and a Journey through the Chakras.
During this part of our day, you will find your “Sankalpa,” your personalized mantra, and learn powerful neurological techniques to rewire stress pathways and make more room for joy and peace.
Goddess Awakening Retreat
Location Playa el Coco, Nicaragua: February 26 – March 4, 2023
I am thrilled to share that I will co-facilitate a Goddess Awakening Retreat in
Playa El Coco, Nicaragua,
Lead by my dear friend Michelle Fleming you will come away from this week rewed and reconnected with your inner mystic.
The retreat will include yoga, breath work, sound healing, ecstatic dance, Thai Massage, and much more. A transformational journey to reawaken the sacred feminine within, you will have the opportunity to go deep, delving into your divine nature and uncovering the Goddess within.
There will be ample time to relax by the pool, walk the pristine beach or play in the sea, just steps from your room. You will come away from this week refreshed, renewed, and empowered.
Personal Myths: Unpacking Inherited Stories
Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute is a NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider ™
In this workshop, learners will explore some of the stories and world views held by their ancestors that they have consciously and unconsciously woven into the fabric of their life
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Hours: 9 am – 4:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Location: ONLINE via Zoom
CEs: 6 CEs
Cost:$199
Portal At Serenbe, Chattahoochee Hills, GA March 29, 2022 7:00 PM
The Moon & You Working with the New and Full Moons from April – August 2022
Every 28 days, the Moon cycles through her phases, from New to Full and Back to New again. During this time, she sojourns across all 12 signs of the zodiac. The speed at which she passes them results in a phenomenon where although there is a Full Moon and New Moon, ruffly once a month, they are rarely in the same phase and zodiac sign more than once a year. For this 90-minute talk, we will explore the New and Full Moons for the first half of 2022. New Moons are times to begin projects and set intentions. By contrast, Full Moons are times of completion and letting go.
Together, we will unpack their meaning to the collective and for you individually. I will provide you with ideas and tools to work with the shifts these Moons usher in and how to take advantage of these times of heightened emotions. Having gathered your birth information before your retreat, I will provide you with a document identifying the sign the Moon was in at your birth. This information will help you know which Moons are likely to be the most personally impactful. Although you can work with any Moon, those with a relationship to your own are frequently more potent.
Tucson Astrology Guild – Tucson, AZ Friday, February 14, 2020, 7:30 pm
The Gift of Squares: When the Blocking of an Archetype is a Good Thing.
In this lecture, we will explore a new way to look at, and think of, squares. A traditional interpretation of squares is they prevent a planetary archetype from expressing its potential. Following this logic, if a square impedes the highest expression of an archetype, the darkest, most shadowy part of a given signature must also be limited. Consequently, beyond the drive that squares can manifest, they are also a source of protection. Being naturally challenged to access the shadow side of an archetype can be a beautiful gift from the universe.
Location:
ASAOM (Arizona School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) & Han University 2856 E. Fort Lowell Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 Link to map at https://tucsonastrologersguild.org/2020-events INFO: call/text 520-216-0217
Tucson Astrology Guild – Tucson, AZ Saturday Workshop, February 15, 2020, 1 – 5:00 pm
Understanding Astrology Through Visceral Experience.
In this workshop, we will explore aspects and how they manifest; discovering the energetic quality they embody through a version of Astro-drama. To do this, we will go through various aspects, current planetary weather, natal charts of those who wish to volunteer birthday info, and transits. In so doing, we will experience the differences in the energy they express. After a brief conversation about aspects, in general, we will shift gears. Attendees, along with myself, will stand in as planets, in various configurations to one another making the angles of aspects. For example, two people will stand facing each other, mimicking an opposition. One will be serving as a stand-in for Mars the other for Saturn. We will then discuss what that feels like both for the participants and observers. Next, they will shift position still maintaining their archetypal identity. We will explore how the energy shifts when they are 120° away or forming a trine. They will move into different aspects a few times. When they come into a Square, using what we have learned, we will see how there is a gift within the blockage of a square.
The number of examples we move through will vary depending on how much dialogue attendees generate. The intention is to have a new way of working with and understanding aspects. When one is early in their study of astrology, and sometimes years in, it can be challenging to unpack what an aspect is communicating. By applying this technique, one can get out of their head and into the energy of the signature.
Location:
ASAOM (Arizona School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) & Han University 2856 E. Fort Lowell Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 Link to map at https://tucsonastrologersguild.org/2020-events INFO: call/text 520-216-0217
Personal Mythology: What are the stories we live by?
September 29, 2019, 9:30 -10:30 AM Interfaith Serenbe, GA
Contrary to popular belief, a myth is not a falsehood. A myth is a story that holds universal and collective truths. They are stories woven through time, tethering us to our known ancestors and beyond. In this talk, we will discuss personal myth work and how the stories that we carry impact our sense of self and place in the world. After the informational part of the talk, I will take the group through a guided imagery exercise to explore family myths.
Contact me for the address
New Moon Wishes: Working with the New Moon in Scorpio
Oct. 28, 2018, 1-2: 30 PM Plum Tree Yoga – Roswell, GA
New Moons are times of beginnings. It is a time to set intentions and call to us the things that we want. In this talk, we will look at this month’s New Moon and how to work with its powerful energy. As it is in Scorpio it’s a lot about transformation and desires. It asks of us to begin things tide to passion, transformation, and honesty; and finding a new way of handling compulsive actions, and any self-destructive behavior we may have. It is a time to ask:
What do you want?
What do you want to change?
Who do you want in your life?
What is your relationship to/with power?
This talk will be a combination of lecture, dialogue and experiential exercise some of which will do in this class and some you can do at home – that are best to do on the day of the day of New Moon.
For more info go to Plum Tree Yoga
Stellar Parenting Astrology and Understanding your Child
Nov.18, 2018 1-2:30 PM Plum Tree Yoga – Roswell, GA
Children are as unique as our bond with them. And although we love our children equally, our relationship with each of them is different. These differences are seen clearly when one looks at a child’s astrology. This lecture explores how and why astrology is an invaluable tool for understanding your child. There are constants when it comes to parenting, but because every child is unique there is a need to tailor the parenting of that child accordingly.
To illustrate this uniqueness, I will discuss some fundamentals of astrology as a parenting tool, with both general and specific examples gathered from my client work. Over the years I have come to see firsthand what C.G. Jung once wrote in a letter to B.V. Raman: “In cases of difficult psychological diagnosis, I usually get a horoscope [astrology chart] in order to have a further point of view from an entirely different angle. I must say that I very often found that astrological data elucidated certain points, which I otherwise would have been unable to understand”.
Please join me to gain insight into how this ancient and powerful tool can help you understand and support you and your child.
For more info go to Plum Tree Yoga
Dr. Tadd is available for speaking and teaching engagements; please contact her for details or to set up a speaking engagement.
What’s Your Moon Sign? Discovering Emotional Wellness Through Astrology.
Aug. 19, 2018 1-2:30 PM Plum Tree Yoga – Roswell, GA
Today many of us are familiar with reading our horoscope – be it in the newspaper, the back of Vogue or one of the numerous blogs. But, astrology is so much more than just the time of the year you were born. In astrology, the time, date and place of your birth are used to calculate the location of each planet and luminary, and each represents different parts of life. The Moon is representative of our emotions; how it feels to be alive. In discovering your Moon sign you will gain insight into your emotional nature; how you express your emotions, what contributes to your being out of balance, and how to regain emotional wellness when things in life go sideways.
For more info go to Plum Tree Yoga
Venus Retrograde: What do you really want?
Sep. 23, 2018 Aug. 19, 2018 1-2:30 PM Plum Tree Yoga – Roswell, GA
While Mercury being retrograde has become a bit of a colloquial phrase, it is not the only planet that goes retrograde. Approximately every 18-months Venus goes retrograde. This year on October 5th she will turn on her heels, and not be direct again until the 16th of November.
When Venus is retrograde, we are asked to re-evaluate. In this talk, we will explore how to make most of this time. What should we do to prepare for this shift? What would be best to avoid once she is retrograde? And equally important, how can we use this time in the most productive positive way possible. This period can make it difficult to get, or even know, what we want. But, it is simultaneously asking us to look at what and who we value, what and who we want. It is a time to check-in and sees if those wants, those needs, still hold true. Or is there something that needs re-evaluation.
For more info go to Plum Tree Yoga
You’re Not Just Your Sign: An introductory exploration many uses of astrology
June 24th 1-2:30 – Plum Tree Yoga – Roswell, GA $30
Today many people know their “sign”; you are a Leo because your birthday is August 12th, or a Capricorn because it is December 30th. But the truth is astrology is much more complex. This Sun Sign astrology (as astrologers refer to it) with its corresponding newspaper column and blog post only goes back to 1930, with the birth of Princess Margret. In truth, the roots of astrology go back to Babylon and have been used by leaders, scholars, authors, artist, business persons and layman for millennia. In this talk, I will discuss some of the many ways astrology is used today; how it is an invaluable tool for understanding ourselves, our relationships and the perfection of the timing of events.
Stellar Parenting Astrology and Understanding your Child
June 24th 1-2:30 – Plum Tree Yoga – Roswell, GA
Children are as unique as our bond with them. And although we love our children equally, our relationship with each of them is different. These differences are seen clearly when one looks at a child’s astrology. This lecture explores how and why astrology is an invaluable tool for understanding your child. There are constants when it comes to parenting, but because every child is unique there is a need to tailor the parenting of that child accordingly.
To illustrate this uniqueness, I will discuss some fundamentals of astrology as a parenting tool, with both general and specific examples gathered from my client work. Over the years I have come to see firsthand what C.G. Jung once wrote in a letter to B.V. Raman: “In cases of difficult psychological diagnosis, I usually get a horoscope [astrology chart] in order to have a further point of view from an entirely different angle. I must say that I very often found that astrological data elucidated certain points, which I otherwise would have been unable to understand”.
Please join me to gain insight into how this ancient and powerful tool can help you understand and support you and your child.
The United Astrology Conference (UAC) 2018: Celebrating Earth and Sky: Downtown Chicago Marriott
May 26, 2018 – 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm
Stellar Parenting: The Parent and Child Relationship in Astrology.
The synastry of one’s natal chart to their parents are the transits their parents were under when they were born. Thus, one’s parents are not done with those transits. Understanding this is critical when looking at the child-parent interplay. This will be of interest for those looking to understand the relationships between parents and young children, as well as adult children looking to deepen their relationship with the people who raised them.
What’s Your Moon Sign? Discovering Emotional Wellness Through Astrology
Today many of us are familiar with reading our horoscope – be it in the newspaper, the back of Vogue or one of numerous blogs. But, astrology is so much more than just the time of the year you were born. In astrology the time, date and place of your birth is used to calculate the location of each planet and luminary, and each represents different parts of life. The Moon is representative of our emotions; how it feels to be alive. In discovering your Moon sign you will gain insight into your emotional nature; how you express your emotions, what contributes to your being out of balance, and how to regain emotional wellness when things in life go sideways.
***Although not required, for those who preregister I will calculate the location of your Moon before class. To do so I will need the time, date and location (City, State, Country) of your birth before class. (All personal data will be kept confidential). Please email me or go the contact page.
For maore inforamtion and to register go to Serenbe Yoga
Saterday Aprail 20, 2018 2-3:30 Dream Interpretation Group
Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore (Atlanta)
Symbols are everywhere, in both our waking and dreaming lives. In this dream group, we will explore some of the ways we can find meaning out of our dreams; what are they telling you? Is there something within the dream that can give you answers to questions you’ve been grappling with? Or maybe there is something with in the dream asking you to make a change in your life in some way? Rather than just be a class on the theory of dreams, we will work with dreams themselves, so bring one to share. Depending on the size of the group, and richness of a given dream, we may not get through everyone’s dreams but the exercises will still be beneficial to all in attendance.
March 16th 2-3:30 PM Working with the New Moon In Pisces –
Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
Experiential class with Dr. Laura Tadd on the New Moon in Pisces –
March 13th, at the Serenbe Community Center 7-9PM
In our culture the Full Moon gets a lot of attention, (people always seem to get a little crazy on Full Moons) but did you know that the New Moon is of equal power an importance to pay attention to and work with?
This New Moon, on the 17th, will be in Pisces the sign of dreams, music, spirituality, escapism, and wine.
New Moons are times of new opportunities, of setting intentions and beginnings. Before the Moon is obscured from view in March lets explore what this New Moon has to offer you and how best to work with the change she can bring. Come get dreamy with me in this experiential class with lecture, discussion, and exercises.
Sunday Oct. 22 9:30-10:30 AM Serenbe Interfaith Group Serenbe Community Center
Your Mythic Tale is Written in the Sky: The Many Uses of Western Astrology
Since the earliest days in human history our ancestors of looked to the sky for answers. Slowly as they observed the sky they began to find correlations with the locations of, what we now know as planets, to the events in their lives. Mythic tales, metaphoric legends of gods, goddesses and creatures were created to help translate this stellar story. In fact, the etymology of the word Astrology is the story of the stars.
In this talk Laura will discuss how she came to be an astrologer, and a quick look at its evolution over millennia. Primarily she will talk about her client work and the numerous ways an astrological view of life can be empowering, transformative and healing. You are not as the 1970’s pick-up line implies, just your sign. Today astrology is used not just as a divination tool, but as a form of self-help, understanding and improving relationships, as a cosmic clock to aid in the timing of actions, in business and retrospectively to help understand past events.
In the words of C.G. Jung:
“We are born at a given moment in a given place and like vintage years of wine we have the qualities of the year and of the season in which we are born. Astrology does not claim anything else”.
Nov. 18th 10:00 – 11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
Making the Most of the New Moon
New Moons are times of beginnings. It is a time to set intention and call to us the things that we want. In this talk we will look at this month’s New Moon and how to work with its powerful energy. With this month’s New Moon in Scorpio it’s all about transformation and desires. What do you want? And what do you want to change? Because the talk will be on the day of the New Moon we will also do some experiential exercises to make use of this powerful day. Come play with the Moon.
Oct. 21, 2017, 10:00 – 11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
Jupiter Moves into Scorpio- Expansive Transformation
Jupiter, the largest of the planets in our solar system spends about 12-months in a sign. On October 10th, he will leave justice seeking Libra and enter Passionate Scorpio for the first time since mid -October 2005, and will be there until November 8th, 2018. In this talk we will explore the meaning of Jupiter in astrology, and how to use this energetic shift to our advantage; how to use this planet known for bringing luck, without getting so caught up in a Pollyanna view where everything is possible at all times. For the next year, when it comes to the god of luck,
Sep. 16th, 2017 10:00-11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
Dream Interpretation Group
Symbols are everywhere, in both our waking and dreaming lives. In this dream group, we will explore some of the ways we can find meaning out of our dreams; what are they telling you? Is there something within the dream that can give you answers to questions you’ve been grappling with? Or maybe there is something with in the dream asking you to make a change in your life in some way? Rather than just be a class on the theory of dreams, we will work with dreams themselves, so bring one to share. Depending on the size of the group, and richness of a given dream, we may not get through everyone’s dreams but the exercises will still be beneficial to all in attendance.
Sep. 19th at 7PM Serenbe Community Center
You’re Not Just Your Sign: An introductory exploration into the history and many uses of astrology.
Today many people know their “sign”; you are a Leo because your birthday is August 12th, or a Capricorn because it is December 30th. But the truth is astrology is much more complex. This Sun Sign astrology (as astrologers refer to it) with its corresponding newspaper column and blog post only goes back to 1930, with the birth of Princess Margret. In truth, the roots of astrology go back to Babylon and have been used by leaders, scholars, authors, artist, business persons and layman for millennia.
In this talk, I will discuss part of this cosmologies history as well as some of the many ways astrology is used today; how it is an invaluable tool for understanding ourselves, our relationships and the perfection of the timing of events.
Sep. 25th at 6PM (Privet Gathering)
Working with Venus Energy
Early in human history people began to look to the sky to try to deepen their understating of life. For millennia one of the most frequently looked to and worked with planet was Venus. The recordings of observation – correlation of her location in the sky and life in earth goes back at least as far as 1st century BCE. In this talk we will explore her meaning, mythology and how to work with the energy she represents. Particular attention will be given to, her alignment with Mars on Oct. 5 and the fact that over the next 6 moths she will be transition from Morning Star to Evening Star. We will discuss the differ kinds of energy and archetype this phases support as well as some rituals, mediations, and exercises you can conduct make the most of the energy she is offering up
Aug. 19th 10:00-11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
What? Mercury is Retrograde Again?
On August 12th Mercury will be going retrograde. This retrograde starts when he is in Virgo, a sign linked with service, analysis and perfection. Mercury will be retrograde until Sep. 5th having gone back into Leo, the sign of play, passion and ego. In this class you will learn how to make the most out of Mercury Rx, both what works well and what to be careful with. A retrograde is not something to be feared, it is an opportunity to reboot and get a do over. What do you need to do again and how can you make the most of your take two?
July 15th, 2017 10:00-11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
A Different Kind of Blue Moon: Working with the first of two Leo New Moons
Astrologically speaking a New Moon happens when the Sun and Moon are in the same sign. Every few years we have two New Moons in the same sign back-to-back. This can only happen if the first New Moon happens on the first day the Sun is in that sign, so there is enough time for the Moon to move through its 28-day lunar cycle and sill be in the same sign at the start of a new phase.
This year is one of those years. This time it is playing out in Leo. We have not had two Leo New Moons back-to-back since July and August 1998 and we will not have another two New Moons in Leo until July and August of 2036.
This year the second of these two Leo New Moons is a Solar Eclipse. This happening simultaneously is not unheard of, but it is unusual. An eclipse did coincide with two Leo New Moons in 1998 and 1979, but there was not an eclipse with the previous 5 two Leo New Moons in 1960, 1941, 1922 1911 or 1903.
In this class, there will be some exploration into the Solar eclipse that takes place on Aug. 21st, but the emphasis this month will be in preparation; working with the New Moon leading up to the eclipse. In the class, I will discuss how you can work with this first Leo New Moon, as you prepare for the Solar eclipse is August. This will be an experiential class so you come away with more than just information in the lead up to these New Moons. And with the new Moon in Leo the sign of the child, come ready to learn and play.
June 17th 20117 10:00-11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
Astrology as a Tool for Parenting
Children are as unique as our bond with them. And although we love our children equally, our relationship with each of them is different. These differences are seen clearly when one looks at a child’s astrology. This lecture explores how and why astrology is an invaluable tool for understanding your child. There are constants when it comes to parenting. But because every child is unique there is a need to tailor the parenting of that child accordingly. To illustrate this I will discuss some fundamentals of astrology as a parenting tool, with both general and specific examples. Additionally, I will discuss how an astrological view illuminates what you are learning from your child; they are as much your teacher as you are theirs.
May 20th 10-11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
Dream Interpretation Group
Symbols are everywhere, in both our waking and dreaming lives. In this dream group, we will explore some of the ways we can find meaning out of our dreams; what are they telling you? Is there something within the dream that can give you answers to questions you’ve been grappling with? Or maybe there is something with in the dream asking you to make a change in your life in some way? Rather than just be a class on the theory of dreams, we will work with dreams themselves, so bring one to share. Depending on the size of the group, and richness of a given dream, we may not get through everyone’s dreams but the exercises will still be beneficial to all in attendance.
April 6th, 2017 Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore 7-8:30 PM
Mercury Retrograde: Making an Ally out of the Trickster
With ever growing frequency the term Mercury Retrograde is being used. Often when something goes wrong or brakes it seems the question is posed: “Is Mercury Retrograde?’ And while he is retroceding multiple times a year this planetary phenomenon gets a bad rap. Yes, it can be a time of combination and technological brake down. But there are things the energy of this time is asking of us as well, and ways we can make the most of these tree week periods of time. In this talk, we well discuss not only how to navigate the pitfalls and traps this trickster can lay, but also how to work with this energy, and have it work for you in the most advantage way possible.
March 4th, 2017. 10:00-11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
Venus Dancing Backwards
While Mercury being retrograde has become a bit of a colloquial phrase, it is not the only planet that goes retrograde. Approximately every 18-months Venus goes retrograde. This year on March 4, 2017, she will turn on her heels, and not be direct again until the 15th of April.
When Venus is retrograde, we are asked to reevaluate. In this talk, we will explore how to make most of this time. What should we prepare for in the preceding weeks? What should we avoid once she is retreating through the zodiac? What should we approach with caution or try to avoid? And equally important, how can we use this time in the most productive positive way possible? This period can make it difficult to get, or even know, what we want. But, it is simultaneously asking us to look at what we value, what and who we want in our life. It is a time to check-in and sees if those wants, those needs, still hold true.
March 4th Venus the planet of love, values, beauty and relationships will appear to be moving backward (retrograde) in the sky. Before she turns on her heels there are a few things we can do in preparation. If you are planning a fashion or beauty purchase, such as a new hair color, do it now, before the retrograde. Venus Retrograde asks us to reevaluate what and who we like, love and value. March 4 – April 15 is the perfect time for Spring Cleaning, to clear out what you no longer like and let go.
Feb. 18th, 2017. 10:00-11:30 AM Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore
Astrology as a Tool for Parenting
Children are as unique as our bond with them. And although we love our children equally, our relationship with each of them is different. These differences are seen clearly when one looks at a child’s astrology. This lecture explores how and why astrology is an invaluable tool for understanding your child. There are constants when it comes to parenting. But because every child is unique there is a need to tailor the parenting of that child accordingly. To illustrate this I will discuss some fundamentals of astrology as a parenting tool, with both general and specific examples. Additionally, I will discuss how an astrological view illuminates what you are learning from your child; they are as much your teacher as you are theirs.
February 13, 2016: The Gift of Squares Kepler College, Webinar
In astrology, we often talk about how a square blocks or impedes a planet from fully expressing itself, and that this obstacle leads to challenge and frustration for the native. But are obstacles always a bad thing?
I explored this question in my article Re-framing Squares in the 2015 June/July issue of The Mountain Astrologer. In the article, I spoke to of how astrologers often fail to explore the fact that within the blockade of energy indicative’ to a square is a huge gift. For a squares impact is not limited to the positive, healthy, beneficial archetypal qualities of a planetary signature– the shadowy, negative, and toxic aspects are also blocked and impeded from manifesting with ease. The energy a square brings in does not cannot, cherry-pick what it obstructs; blocking only the positive and letting the negative run wild and free. It must impact all qualities of the signature.
In this class, we will explore this idea further. We will look to chart examples to understand the complexity of this aspect and how labeling it one of the “hard” aspects can lead to a failure to see the gifts it provides. We will look at the more common interpretation of a given square as well how the blocked energy a square creates can be in one’s best interest.
October 14, 2015: Astrology as a Tool for Parenting at East West Books SeattleChildren are unique, as is our bond with them. And although we love our children equally, our relationship with them is different. These differences are seen clearly when one looks at a child’s astrology.
For this talk I held a discusses astrology is an invaluable tool for understanding your child. There are constants when it comes to parenting, but because every child is unique there is a need to tailor the parenting of that child accordingly.
To illustrate this Laura will discuss some fundamentals of astrology and parenting, and provide examples of how a child is impacted by their astrology. Additionally, she will discuss how an astrological view illuminates what you are learning from your child. They are as much your teacher as you are theirs.
July 11th, 2015: Uranus and History: The trickster through the zodiac: Kepler College Webinar
In this community webinar, I will look at Uranus throughout the zodiac and historical events reflective of that alignment. Particularly with Uranus, as part of its meaning is tied to society and community, exploring how the archetype is expressed at the collective level deepens our understanding of the archetype and thereby how it may be expressed at an individual level.
March 20th, 2015: International Astrology Day, Kepler College Webinar – Astrological Research Doesn’t have to be Difficult with David Cochrane, Judith Holloway, and Laura Tadd
A discussion panel on astrological research.
May 10th, 2014: How to work with Mars’ extended stay in Libra Launching Pad Berkeley CA
In this talk, I discussed the planet Mars in the sign of Libra. In astrology Mars represents our drive & ability to go forward. As the God of War, he also represents anger and aggression. The sign of Libra is associated with partnerships, balance, and fairness. What happens when these two energies are forced to work together? How is self-directed Mars expressed when seen through the lens of other-centric Libra?
January 28th, 2014: Action, Reaction, Re-action: Mars in astrology and how to be proactive when you feel like you are going backward. Saybrook UniversityIn this talk I will discuss the planet Mars from an astrological perspective and how it is a reflection of where and how we are driven to action and proactive ways of being. You may have heard of “Mercury retrograde”, but did you know that all planets have a retrograde cycle? Mars is going Retrograde on the 1st of March. Where as when Mercury is retrograde it can bring a breakdown in communication and technology, Mars retrograde can make it difficult to move forward. Unlike the Mercury retrograde that is about 3 weeks, Mars will be retrograde for 2 1/2 months. In this talk, I will also provide some suggestions as to how to make the most of this time that can feel like you are going the wrong way on the escalator. We will explore how you can remain driven in school, in work all parts of your life- and what are the advantages of having to slow down and or do things over?
Alex and Ani (+) Energy 2013: Corporate Retreat: Stellar Power – Using astrology to facilitate the growth and well-being of an organization
This talk addressed some of the underlying principles of an astrological philosophy, and how understanding the relationship between the cosmos and life here on earth is an invaluable tool. Over the course of the hour, we explored what is meant by astrology and why it is relevant in the context of an organization. For example: in recent decades the term Mercury retrograde has become a more commonly known phrase; but what is it exactly? Is it really this doomsday-like event, occurring multiple times a year, or are there benefits to this astrological occurrence as well?
August 29th, 2012: Uranus – Rebel with a Cause. Saybrook University
In Western astrology, the planet Uranus is representative of innovation, revolution, rebellion and humanity. He is the rebel with a cause. Unlike the Moon that moves through a sign in just over two and a half days, Uranus takes just over 84 years to orbit the zodiac, staying in one sign for around seven years. Currently, Uranus is in the sign of Aries where he has not been since 1935. In this talk, I discussed how the innovating rebel is expressed throughout each of the 12 signs. Uranus is believed to be the higher octave of Mercury. That is Mercury or the Mercury archetype expresses how one gathers and analyzes knowledge- with Uranus we see how one comes to new and unconventional ideas. Uranus represents your aha moments – seeing & understanding things in a completely new way; be it you, your larger community, cultural or even at global scale. By understanding the sign Uranus was in at the time of your birth you can come to see where your thoughts and actions have the greatest potential to be groundbreaking and cutting-edge.
January 18th, 2012: The God of Communication and You – What does the astrological placement of the planet Mercury say about how you think and communicate? Saybrook University
In Western Astrology, each celestial object in the sky represents different archetypes and parts of the self. The planet Mercury, like its Roman namesake, is about communication. In astrology the sign you have Mercury in, that is where it was when you were born, is seen to reflect how you think and communicate. Do you tend to think and communicate in a methodical deliberate manner – or do you tend to think abstractly? Knowing where you Mercury is and how the god, the archetype, is working with you can lead to more effective communication as you can come to have a deeper understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses in communication.