Q & A for Speaker Samuel Reynolds

What brought you to astrology?

I once hated astrology more than other “occult” studies. At 12 years old, when I was a fundamentalist Baptist minister, I used religion to avoid astrology’s lessons. Later, at 23 years old at his Jupiter Return, I realized I mostly disliked astrology because I didn’t know what it all meant. I was born on the “cusp” of two signs and didn’t know which one I was.

So, I went to an astrologer. The astrologer’s uncanny insights into my life went beyond the pale of guesswork. Convinced it was all a trick, I, a former academic, spent 10 years doing charts and studying astrology myself.

Now, over 26 years later, and my deepest love and life centers around astrology. I consult, write, and teach astrology full-time. I also serve on a few astrology organizational boards, and I am an entrepreneur who helps others build their businesses as mind-body-spirit practitioners. My life is a lesson on how you have to watch what you hate.

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

What makes astrology juicy for me is its beauty and mystery of astrology as a language for understanding our unique and deeply personal experience of the Cosmos, one moment at a time.

What is your specialty, or focus?

I am mostly a natal astrologer for clients, focused on forecasting techniques that help clients fulfill more of their life purpose. I have also been developing more courses for students of astrology. I strive to have a left and right brain approach to astrology that inspires a whole soul appreciation for the art. 

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’ve become nearly obsessed with the power of the lunar nodes in our lives in the last few years.

What is your picture of astrology in the future?

I envision astrologers of the future more adept at providing tools and inspiring prompts that help regular folks see the world in more creative and meaningful ways. In the future, I hope we’ve abandoned the pursuit to have validation from the scientific community. In fact, I hope we’re at the vanguard of challenging the exclusivity of “science” as the only way to know and understand the world.

We, astrologers, have been too smug, I feel, in believing we can explain and predict the world rather than give inspiring ways to see and envision our lives and possibilities. Astrology’s unique gift is that it can use the language of apparent empiricism (like science) to inspire artful ways to ponder a meaningful life.

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

Don’t think so.

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

Obatala. Mostly because I’ve never heard of one planet or asteroid named after a deity from a living African traditional religion.