What brought you to astrology?
When I was growing up my Mom used to give me Astrology coloring books, puzzles, games, and even a coffee table book. She wasn’t a practicing Astrologer by any stretch of the imagination, but she was always curious. I fell in love with the signs and lore so that when a friend of mine in college asked if I wanted to go to an Astrology class, I was all in.
Why do you practice astrology? What makes it juicy for you?
It’s an artform. I’ve been a full time Astrologer since I was 24. I have read for all types of people from all kinds of backgrounds and it never gets old. It’s a beautiful language and I’m deeply grateful that I get to speak it.
What is your specialty, or focus?
History and Astrology. But not just the history of Astrology. We all know that Astrology has a strong background in mythology but it also has an equally strong history in art and culture and religion. My expertise is in the history of Astrology in America from pre-Revolutionary times to now.
Is there a planet, sign, or aspect you’ve been exploring lately that represents an archetype or energy that feels important to you right now?
The quincunx and the semi-sextile. I regard these as the post-Modern aspects of Astrology – although they are as old as Paulus Alexandrinus. Completely fascinated with them.
What is your picture of astrology in the future?
That it retain its outsider status. What’s preserved Astrology through the centuries is its anti-dogmatic stance. Astrology has traveled alongised science and religion without ever really becoming a science or religion. I think this is the secret to it’s lasting as long as it has although it’s contributed richly to both. The fact that the rules are never set and that the formulas are never fixed – that Astrology is an artform and discipline that is forever evolving – is a rarity and my hope is that that exception can be preserved.
Are there any additional comments you would like to make about your lecture and workshop?
No.
If you discovered a new planet, or asteroid, what would you name it and why?
I would name it Nancy Langenbahn after my mother. Because she is a heavenly influence that continues to nurture and guide me although she passed years ago.
Christopher Renstrom is the creator of Rulingplanets.com, an online astrology site based on his bestselling book, Ruling Planets. He currently writes the daily horoscopes for SFGate.com. Renstrom also lectures on the history of astrology in America from pre-Revolution to modern times. Christopher’s latest books, The Cosmic Calendar and Rise and Shine: An Astrological Guide to How You Show Up in the World are both published by Penguin Random House. Christopher is also the weekly horoscope columnist for Astrology Hub, appears on their YouTube show Horoscope Highlights. Renstrom runs weekly IGLives on his Instagram account @christopherrenstrom.