I would never describe myself as lucky. I run off caffeine and elbow grease. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be lucky though. Back when I was a shadowy hooded-figure on Twitter, I came across a pay-what-you-can raffle for a consultation. I submitted myself knowing I didn’t meet the criteria. Well, thank God I did because your boy got picked! It was in that Zoom call that I meet Mercurius George. It was a delightful afternoon—flowing, casual, and full of conversation. I was reminded that astrology can be more than just prescriptive. It can result in luck and laughs and most importantly friendship. How happy and lucky am I to have all three and then some.

It feels as my life has been trying to merge the sacred and profane, the whimsy and the serious. I first came into contact with djenneba through their written work. Reading it, I felt like the girl on fire. It moved me because it made room for my staying, visceral experience of blackness. Months later, I posted something wild and ratchet on Twitter. She responded to it and I swear it was mess (read: love) at first sight. We’ve been friends ever since. It’s wild to think I had been moving through this odd and shiny world without her for so long. I found a partner-in-crime devoted to holding space for the human experience. Who could ask for anything more?

This is quite a bizarre story, but I have to share. I was at my day job tasked with taking two hours to clean a bathroom. I decided to put my headphones in and listen to a podcast episode. Diana took my ears, mind, and heart on a journey that resonated with me so deeply. I won’t tell you what she said because I don’t want to ruin it. I will say that it left me hollering so much and so often that several employees ran to bathroom to make sure I was okay. I was more than okay. In fact, I was being held in a bed of her fierce and compassionate roses. I think this story is bizarre because who would have thought you’d get what you need while scrubbing a toilet.

I started reading Chani Nicholas’ written work back in 2018. They weren’t the first horoscopes I’d ever read, but they were the first leave a lasting impression. I felt they spoke to the weather of my experience. Her words were like the comfiest raincoat. About a year and half later, I learned she’d written a book. I went to my local bookstore and bought tickets for her book tour. It was a splendid evening. I left feeling invigorated, filled with agency and conviction. I wanted to help others find their raincoats, umbrellas, gloves, and galoshes. I’ll never forget that night. It’s what led me here, straight to you.

Oh, where do I start? I guess I should begin by saying the first workbook I bought was written by Demetra George. It was my first exposure to how technical astrology could be. It’s most striking feature was that it introduced to me a plethora of other astrologers from various different fields. I was in heaven, sent on an astrological quest. I’d come to explore other works of hers, becoming acquainted with her pedagogical prowess and academic integrity. She illustrates a beautiful astrological legacy that has undergone so many remarkable transformations. It brings me great joy to take that line and extend it further and further into the future.

Whether it’s been for work or leisure, I’ve always had a sickening commute. I’d come to find a remedy in the guise of lengthy, enjoyable podcasts. Chris Brennan’s podcast in particular became the restorative I never knew I needed. It turned my bumper-to-bumper car ride into something I could look forward to. I’d float down the highway in a river of taillights learning behind the wheel. Chris’ exploration into the roots of Hellenistic astrology have inspired a great many explorations of my own. I find myself turning to his book and podcast as guide and reference. If there was ever an adventure worth taking, I’d absolutely recommend taking part in his.