Q & A for Speaker Kelly Surtees

What brought you to astrology?

I have always been curious about life, purpose and how to make sense of our human experience. I discovered astrology fairly young, around the age of 11. From the very first, I was fascinated by the insights astrology can provide. Childhood events lead me to be especially curious about a whole host of spiritual practices and tools. Astrology was what most made sense, not necessarily in an intellectual way, but more in that felt sense, like a knowing deep inside. After that, I was hooked!

Why do you practice astrology? What makes it juicy for you?

This is like asking me why I breathe! Astrology is such an incredibly useful tool, I believe we best honour astrology by sharing it as widely as possible, and in ways that feel most comfortable for our personality. For some this means research and academia, for others this involves serving the astrological community, for others still that includes teaching and consulting. I love working with people and to be able to do so using astrology is really my dream. Not to get too Pisces on you, but to me, practicing astrology often feels like a manifestation of that Kahlil Gibran quote, ‘Work is love made visible’. The experience of connection and sharing with both clients and students is what makes astrology juicy – and irresistible – for me.

What is your specialty, or focus?

I love combining traditional techniques or older ideas with modern practice. I have a fairly large client base so sharing astrology with the public is also a big passion, and a huge part of what I do. While I am always in awe of astrology’s insights into personality and purpose, I especially enjoy using astrology cycles to help client’s time life events. There is so much we can each make of any given planetary trigger, given a little advance notice.

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?

I’m slowly leaning into the Saturn in Capricorn cycle, and what it means for tradition, along with the ways in which we might resurrect ancient nature based or feminine wisdom. I’m also enjoying the first taste of Uranus in Taurus, and am excited about what that might mean for the next eight years. And then how these dry earth placements can be softened or made malleable through the Neptune in Pisces transit.

What is your picture of astrology in the future?

Astrology has so much potential. As each of us continues to develop our practice, and to work with astrology in a professional manner, awareness of the many applications of astrology will continue to grow and expand. In many ways the use of astrology – in its full, broad and inherently practical ways – is really an untapped market. There is an abundance of opportunities just waiting for each of us to find our niche, commit to our path and move forward as stellar examples of all that astrology can offer.

Are there any additional comments you would like to make about your lecture and workshop?

I invite everyone who is interested in learning more not just about our topics on the day, but who wants to connect with likeminded students and practitioners, to come along. There is always something to learn and the group experience, especially of a workshop, can add so much to your understanding of astrology.

If you discovered a new planet, or asteroid, what would you name it and why?

Probably something that included ‘australis’ to honour my Australian roots.