The Year of the Goddess

I have always been fascinated by the wonder of myth and the stories of the ancient Gods and Goddesses. One of the reasons I began to study astrology in the first place was my attraction to this area and the interrelationship of astrology to the ancient deities. Both teach us many deep truths about human nature.


Many cultures in history, including the Egyptian and Mayan, have interpreted their astrology by reference to their gods. I have always loved discovering new ways to expand the mind and spirit, especially from the study of old wisdom passed down for many generations. It seems a very relevant time in history to open our minds to our divine potential, both in its inherently creative and destructive capacities. I believe that the true purpose of all metaphysical and spiritual investigation is as the ancient temple of Delphi stated—to know thyself—and there are a myriad of ways to achieve this. If studied responsibly, all forms of astrology, divination, and magick lead to an advanced way of seeing the self and one’s path of destiny. I also believe they lead us to make better, more informed choices.


As a child, my grandmother taught me how to read palms and noticed my ability to accurately read people’s auras. I later studied tarot, astrology, and divination of all kinds. I was first introduced to Chinese animal astrology when I was at university and found a number of fascinating books on the subject. I began to do some readings for my family, and later for student friends. Everyone found my readings to be extremely accurate, while uncannily reflecting aspects of their character. I enjoyed widening my field of study to Chinese astrology because I felt that it was yet another way of clarifying one’s spiritual path. In the area of personality and character analysis, including relationship issues, I found the animal signs to be an invaluable tool. After university, where I studied English and law, I worked as a lawyer for a number of years. During this time, I continued to read for associates and friends as a favorite extracurricular activity, and was often told I should make a career of it.


When I did begin doing full-time readings, I started to do personalized charts on astrology and animal signs. I had fun combining the animal sign and the Western sign together to produce further insights. I was, at the same time, rediscovering my initial attraction to the study of Goddess Paganism from great books by writers like Kathleen Burt (Archetypes of the Zodiac, Llewellyn) and Barbara Walker, amongst many others. I began to practice magickal rituals and incorporate my studies of astrology and divination.


One day, I received a message from my guides that I was to write a book for women on their connection to their animal sign. In my research, I was to include the insights that many years of practical application had given me in understanding individual character traits. Although animal astrology is fun and immediately accessible, it owes its origins to ancient wisdom tested through time. Thus, I believe it teaches in an entertaining and accurate way, and opens many new dimensions to us.


When I looked further into the connection between the animal signs and the Goddess, I saw how we could personalize our connection with her by studying the animal energy in connection with the type of Goddess we could relate to—and indeed carry within us. I began incorporating this into my practical readings, finding that my clients could easily relate to these concepts. This is how Goddess Signs was born.


I have written the book on several levels, to hopefully stimulate a kind of shamanic experience for all who read it. Included are sections on animal connections, elemental energy, and Goddess signs (including their effects on relationships). I have also included example readings of famous people for reference.


As I state in the book, there are many forms and diverse aspects of the Goddess. I offer this perspective, however, in the belief or hope that it will inspire spiritual curiosity and discovery, and honor the Goddess in her divinity. I believe Goddess Signs can open the door to further magickal and personal knowledge of how divine energy can be realized through your animal sign, yet can also encourage a new astrological perspective on this old method of divination. This book is dedicated to bringing out spiritual, mental, and emotional inspiration in our own lives through understanding our personal connection to the divine Goddess. May 2004, a Venus ruled year, inspire us to see her in a new way!