Maria Wander

How did you get into astrology?

At seven years old, I received the gift of new stationery from a Zodiac Sign collection; Derek and Julia Parker’s The Compleat Astrologer was the coffee table book I loved to thumb through at home. Writing to pen pals and friends was a thing then, and the letterhead had my Sun-sign glyph, which I practiced at length to get the hang of the goat hoof/fishtail symbol. I rediscovered that book on a shelf seven years later and read it again with a better understanding and piqued interest.

What do you do for NCGR?

Coming Soon!

What do you do professionally?

I’m a university professor and clinical hypnotherapist with a doctorate in nursing. I specialize as a board-certified biomedical informaticist to optimize telemedicine platforms and improve health outcomes. I’m also an astrology consultant, lecturer, astro-mage, fiber artist and home textile designer, herbalist, author and reader of tarot, Lenormand, and Magi destiny cards.

Would you like to share anything personal?

I am high priestess for a nonprofit syncretic, spiritual organization based in the mid-Atlantic region, presently consisting of 14 covens and projected to grow to complete 12 zodiacal circles, each representing one of the astrological signs. We’ve collaborated to build The New Alexandrian Library, an open resource for seekers, students and scholars of the metaphysical aspects of all religions and traditions, with a special focus on Western mystery traditions, paganism and polytheism.

Why do you love astrology?

Being an astrologer is to be of service to the collective. We are — all of us — part of a larger pattern, like the scalable images contained in a hologram fragment that contains the entirety of the hologram itself. I love astrology as it provides symbolic language that can transmit myriad information by focusing on these holographic factors of people, position and phenomena for a better understanding of oneself and one’s place in time and space.

KristaLyn Sofia 

How did you get into astrology?

I got into astrology for two reasons: I was seeking a way to hack "God’s timing" and understand how to work with the circumstances of my life better, and astrology kept coming up around me every time I searched for a way to develop my spiritual and esoteric skills. So I listened!

What do you do for NCGR?

I am the clerk for NCGR. My earth placements rejoice in organizing and supporting the team toward growth and common goals that serve the astrological community.

What do you do professionally?

I am a professional astrologer and folk magic practitioner. I also run a publishing company and program that helps writers create books that support emotional healing. We also organize international retreats, where we learn about the spiritual history and practices of other cultures to enrich our own worldviews and experiences. I have an exalted Jupiter in the 9th House.

Would you like to share anything personal?

I have two corgis, named Jack and Zelda.

Why do you love astrology?

I love astrology because it helps us appreciate how intentionally made we all are. If the stars have been there for eons and they reflect the time we chose to come into being, then we were always intended to be here and we have incredible purpose and permission to be true to ourselves. It's hard not to love the person in front of you when you realize that.

Why do you love NCGR?

I love NCGR because it’s an inclusive community focused on the research, exploration and education of astrology, intuitive skills and other magical practices. I believe NCGR has a heart that can support incredible growth and expansion, and I am proud to be among those who keep that compassionate heart beating in rhythm with its vision for the future.

Pam Wenzel

How did you get into astrology?

My great-aunt (who was a psychic) told me I needed to learn astrology when I was twelve. I bought books with my babysitting money and taught myself how to set up astrology charts. When I was 18 I took some community services classes on astrology. I also studied under Michael Erlewine and Ray Merriman.

What do you do for NCGR?

Treasurer/Accountant

What do you do professionally?

Accountant

Why do you love astrology?

I find it to be very accurate to determine trends.

Emily Waldron

How did you get into astrology?

In 2018 a friend introduced me to the NCGR when I joined them for a meeting. I believe the topic was on the nodes of destiny. I was instantly intrigued. Life happened I turned to astrology to give me validation in my lived experience and a guide to help me live purposely and to my highest good. I have met amazing like minded individuals since I started my astro journey. 

What do you do for NCGR?

I help build the NCGR community and bridge members to their interest. I am also the Membership Secretary for the NCGR-NYC Chapter.  I am looking forward in creating new initiatives and expanding NCGR space for members to grow, connect and build upon their astrological knowledge.

What do you do professionally?

I work in business development for a tech solution that helps our partners connect with their customers on their specific needs through intuitive marketing, help maximize their retention, business, and reach.

Would you like to share anything personal?

I have a twin sister who is 1 hour and 20 minutes younger than I. We both are still Sag risings, different MC and IC’s. I have a BA in sociology, anthropology, women and gender studies. I have a cat named Kelly Kapowski.

Why do you love astrology?

Astrology gives me the tool to observe my life through a more creative lens. To help me think and analyze beyond the surface level. Because of astrology, I feel empowered to live life fully everyday no matter the circumstances. 

Anastasia Anderson

How did you get into astrology?

Astrology found me through tarot. My family plays a lot of card games and I collected decks. I was searching online for the prettiest card deck I could find and loved how ornate tarot cards were. I learned tarocchi, but quickly became curious about the astrological symbols on the cards. I thought to myself, “Astrology… that gimmicky stuff in the columns of teen girl magazines? How could that have anything to do with this deck of cards?” I was incredibly skeptical, but the more I learned, the more intrigued I became. I dove into everything from cartomancy and palmistry, to numerology, to alchemy, to herbalism and crystals, i ching, runes, dream interpretation–  my resulting love for astrology greatly surpassed my fondness for the rest of those topics.

What do you do for NCGR?

As Director of Chapters I encourage membership recruitment and chapter formation, co-chair Chapter Presidents’ meetings and document activities, facilitate inter-chapter collaboration

and communication, ensure compliance with NCGR and IRS by-laws for new charters,

coordinate annual chapter reports and maintain documentation, and support chapter

governance and provide essential resources.
I also host some podcast episodes, lightly edit the recordings, and coordinate and plan with guest speakers. I’m also the leader for our NORWAC Committee, coordinating table volunteers, party planning, and managing the organization's on-site marketing inventory. I assisted in the release of our Special Interest Research Group ReSIRGence launch in October of 2025, and I’m currently the Vice President and Treasurer for the Puget Sound/ Seattle chapter.

What do you do professionally?

I have been a professional astrologer since COVID and it has been my bread and butter for the last 5 years. I used to have a brick-and-mortar business selling metaphysical items such as crystals, tarot decks, incense, tuning forks, books, etc. My services were much more popular than the retail end of things, so I’ve fully committed to astrology as my sole income. I hold certifications in tarot, master herbalism, naturopathy, sound healing, and crystal healing.

Prior to being an astrologer, I was in university and working as a chiropractic assistant. The chiropractor I worked for was also a licensed acupuncturist, so I studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). My client work is focused around natal and medical astrology, encouraging health through mind, body, and spirit using both Western and Eastern influences. I emphasize the importance of metaphysical and esoteric anatomy in the human body and its function as the microcosmic reflection of the astrological macrocosm.

Would you like to share anything personal?

I am a Christian first, and an astrologer second. Growing up in the Church of Christ, my astrological research is focused around Scriptural interpretations using hermeneutics and linguistic scholarship to defend both Christianity and astrology. I support this Bible-based research with historical and cultural texts to illustrate that Biblical Astrology is not confined to the metaphorical interpretations of astrotheology. I hope to build off of theories like the Star Doctrine and The Heavenly Tabernacle. Currently, I’m exploring Jewish Astrology as the precursor to Christian Astrology and how the Kabbalah and Apocryphal books influenced the knowledge and culture around astrology prior to Christ.

Why do you love astrology?

My love of astrology stems from my love for the LORD. The intimacy of knowing an artist through their art is special, nature is by design and so is each and every person on earth. There is only so much about the spiritual realm that humans can comprehend, meaning the knowledge we can receive about our Creator is finite. Just as learning any other natural science like chemistry or physics gives insight to the laws governing the universe, learning astrology is one of the windows we look out of to see who God is and how He sustains our lives. Every chart we see is a piece in that puzzle.

The Gospel was written in the stars at the beginning of time and ever since it’s been staring at us every night while we’ve slept, whispering the prophecy of Christ’s victory over Satan. How can I love anything more than that?

Rachel Lang

How did you get into astrology?

I discovered astrology when I was 14 years old during a trip to the public library. The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need, by Joanna Martine Woolfolk, almost jumped off the shelf and into my hand. Learning astrology helped me develop self-awareness, which led to self-acceptance. I continued to study more seriously when I was in college. I attended development classes at a metaphysical bookstore in my hometown. On the weekends, they held spiritualist services, and I developed my psychic mediumship skills in conjunction with learning astrology. At the time, I never imagined it could be a career path, and I’m grateful for the mentors and teachers who helped me develop as a professional.

What do you do professionally?

I started my practice as a professional astrologer and psychic medium in 2006 and have been building it ever since. I was recently elected to serve on our city council — on November 8, 2022, the eclipse election. It has been a rewarding new branch of my professional life.

Would you like to share anything personal?

In my free time, I am a writer and an artist. I’m working toward a certification in screenwriting from UCLA. I’ve written three books, including a children's book about astrology, called As Above, So Below.

Why do you love astrology?

Astrology provides a framework for understanding ourselves, others, and our infinite connectedness. It helps us find meaning in the circumstances of our lives. It welcomes us into mystery and magic. I live in constant awe of the way the macrocosm corresponds to the microcosm. I’ve always been oriented to symbolism and metaphor, and astrology offers a rich symbolic language that appeals to my imagination. Using astrology, I can shine a light to help guide my clients, illuminating shadow aspects of themselves or helping them identify opportunities. It’s a powerful tool for strategic planning, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Why do you love NCGR?

NCGR has one benefit no other organizations do: It features local chapters. I first discovered NCGR through the Los Angeles chapter’s meetup page. The organization upholds high professional standards within the field of astrology, and I love being a part of an organization dedicated to excellence in research and education. I have met lifelong friends through NCGR and am dedicated to the community I’ve found through this organization.

Howard Moore

How did you get into astrology?

In 2003, both a significant relationship and a job that I loved ended, and for the first time in my life, I didn’t know which end was up. A friend recommended an astrologer. I was so amazed by her reading that I went back each year, and I grew more curious each time. I think it was year three when she showed me the ephemerides and explained transits. That lighted the fire. I started to study then and there, and I’m still at it.

What do you do for NCGR?

In January 2024, I was elected to the NCGR board as program director. I’m also on the board of the New York City chapter; I edit The Ingress, its newsletter; and I’m associate editor of the Geocosmic Journal.

What do you do professionally?

I work as a writer and editor at a publication that covers the institutional asset management industry. I also teach astrology and consult with clients.

Would you like to share anything personal?

Scorpio Sun, Pisces Moon and Aries Ascendant. Learning to cast a chart by hand is mind-blowing. I have a lot of interests, including art — I have a degree in art history — architecture, design, cooking and travel. I grew up in New Hampshire, I live in New York City and I love Rome.

Why do you love astrology?

It’s the only way I’ve been able to understand myself, others and the world around me. It’s also never ending — the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. From Classical zodiacal releasing to Uranian midpoint structures, I can’t get enough.