Linda Kubota Byrd

How did you get into astrology?

When I turned 23, a friend gifted me with a reading. That was the beginning of my lifelong journey into the world of astrology.

What do you do for NCGR?

I currently serve as the president of NCGR and chair of the national board. I have also been the President of the Sacramento Chapter for 12 years. I feel my calling is to get NCGR into alignment with its chart: Pisces Sun, Cancer Moon, Libra Ascendant and Leo MC. (My Moon is 4' from NCGR’s Sun, and my Saturn is 27’ from the MC.)

What do you do professionally?

I am a professional astrologer and personal growth consultant/coach. I’m also a teacher, speaker and workshop facilitator. Using astrology as my guide, I often integrate energy psychology, NLP, and inner child work into my sessions.

Would you like to share anything personal?

My Jupiter is in Scorpio, and Uranus trines my Aquarius Ascendant, so I am attracted to anything metaphysical. I’ve been a Stargate Experience Facilitator for 10 years. Combining astrology with the energy of the Stargate has been truly transformational.

Why do you love astrology?

To me, astrology is an invaluable gift. not only for self-awareness, but to help others come to know and love themselves. It helps us move out of victim consciousness and connects us to the wholeness of life.

KristaLyn Sofia Montrose

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.

Shirley Prisco

How did you get into astrology?

I can’t remember a time when I was not curious about astrology. In the late 1960s I read Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs, which spurred me on. From that time, I bought every book I could find on astrology. It was a different time and you really had to hunt them down. Then I discovered NCGR and quickly recognized that I could learn astrology in a proper way through this organization.

What do you do for NCGR?

Today I am membership director. I am looking for ways in which we can serve our membership better. NCGR is unique in that it has chapters around the world, although we have many at-large members. I am searching for ways to connect and serve this group. All suggestions are welcome.

What do you do professionally?

After many years in corporate America, I am retired. Today I write a Sun Sign column and seasonal forecasts for Motif, a local newspaper in Rhode Island. I see clients as well.

Why do you love astrology?

It never ceases to amaze me. I know that I can never know it all. Each horoscope I cast is like a new adventure. Each personal transit is like, “Wow, the books never told me that.” Astrology is never boring. I look forward to the planetary shifts coming up. I know Uranus will surprise us all.

Leigh Westin

How did you get into astrology?

As a young mother, I was looking to better understand my two quite different toddlers, born 15 months apart. Over many months, a librarian friend had gathered psychology books for me, and in the last batch, she accidentally included a book on the astrosciences. This one book held more simple answers about my toddlers than all the others, and it opened an incredible lifelong path — all remarkably timed, as my progressed Sun was exactly parallel, and less than a degree conjunct, a natal first-house Uranus!

What do you do for NCGR?

In 2003, I joined the national board as chapter director, and I have been re-elected ever since. I also serve as editor of the Geocosmic Journal.

What do you do professionally?

I write, edit, lecture, teach and research.

Why do you love astrology?

Geocosmology offers the delight of puzzles to be solved and precious glimmers of the workings of destiny. It also provides the best understanding of the relativity of one’s place in the universe.

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.