Ellen is again joined by the wonderful astrologer Bruna Maia. Together they do a LIVE Q+A with Kayla.
Kayla has a background in tech, including running her own start-up. About a year and a half ago, she decided to take an extended break to recover from (formerly undiagnosed) near divergent burnout, work through complex trauma in therapy and get clear on the people, spaces and initiatives that give her joy. Having spent time healing and growing, she is wondering what is ahead for her career-wise which now feels incredibly unknown. She is curious if there is clarity- an energy that connects purpose with opportunity- ahead.
What we talked about in this episode:
BOOKS
Ambition Monster by Jennifer Romolini
Psyche and Eros: A Novel by Luna McNamara
SUBSTACK
Audacious Women Creative Lives by Ann Boyd
GUEST CO-HOST: BRUNA MAIA
How did you come to be an astrologer? What is your story?
Back in 2017, for my 29th birthday (Hello Saturn's Return!) I gifted myself an Astrology Reading with an Astrologer named Randall Curtis. It was love at first sight with the Astrological chart!! I was completely in awe of this map, and I was even more fascinated by how my Astrology chart connected with my therapeutic journey.
This is when I reached out to one of my teachers, Meire Santos, who was leading a group about Psychological Development using the Chakra Model. When I told her about the impact of the Astrology Reading, she also began to infuse Astrology into her Psychology Study Groups.
I then decided to get my Master's in Transpersonal & Depth Psychology, and I had a transformational reading with Heidi in Dec 2019 when I decided to fully commit to the path of the Astrologer. (Jupiter was transiting my Natal Uranus, and Uranus was transiting my Natal Jupiter at the same time!!!! and Heidi worded that transit and this path for me)
It's been 7 years since my first reading and I have never looked back!
What do you love about offering readings?
I love helping people see the multiplicity of each of the archetypes in the zodiac, and how can be brilliant teachers for our soul's development. The Aries in me also loves to help people see new opportunities ahead of them, and ways in which we can find the courage to take bold moves closer to our heart's desires.Â
I also love how much I learn from my clients. After I describe a specific archetype, I love hearing about each client's unique experience and how each of these astrological energies has impacted their lives.
Astrology also helps me be more compassionate to myself and others around me. It helps me understand their life path and areas where we might still be developing...
What is unique about your approach?
I consider myself a Psychological & Soul-Centered Astrologer – my work is guided by my background in Depth & Transpersonal Psychology and Dreamwork, and the esoteric teachings of Djwhal Khul.Â
I find that there's such a beautiful thread between Dreamwork and Astrology and I've been certified in Dream Tending and last year finalized an 18-month certification in Embodied Imagination.
I was amazed at the parallel between Embodied Imagination and Astrology because through embodied imagination there is a framework for us to work with powerful images that come up in the dream, and I see a beautiful link with Astrology...Astrology also provides us with a framework to work with powerful images that might come up in our waking or dreamworld.
What do you especially love about your own chart?
I love my Mercury in Pisces conjunct to the North Node in the 9th house. It takes me to the most unexpected esoteric places, it teaches me to let go of my Virgo South Node, to trust the flow of life, and the messages that I'm here to receive in my dreamworld, nature, and spontaneous conversations.
My Mercury in Pisces placement reminds me that I will always be an internal student of the esoteric world and that poetry, music, and dance can be infinite sources of inspiration for exploration.
What is something that has surprised you about being an astrologer?
The different types of people that I have met through this tool. I have connected with people from 0-100 years old and from diverse parts of the world and all walks of life.Â
Being an Astrologer requires me to constantly work on myself.Â
How do you prepare for a reading?
I first love to meditate on the mandala of the chart.Â
One of the questions that I ask in my intake form is any specific dates that jump out at you as developmental markers in your journey. I study those dates very carefully to understand the rhythm of the chart and how what are the key messages being taught by each archetype as they travel through your chart.Â
What are your favorite aspects of being an astrologer?
I love how Astrology has a way of showing me that even though we each embody different fractals of the zodiac, our souls live at the center, the heart of the chart...showing me that we truly are all one.Â
What are your favorite things to do when not working?
Dancing, watching indie foreign films, hiking in Marin (NorCal), having deep conversations with friends (Pluto in Scorpio in the 5th house), TRAVELING!!!Â
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My dad would always say in Portuguese: "Tudo vence o obstinado trabalho" - Everything wins with persistent work. Â
Hello, Saturn in Cap!!! This taught me the importance of dedicating myself to working hard and serving throughout my life.Â
BRUNA’S NEW OFFERING
Pillars of Astrology: Mastering the 12 Houses
October 22 - November 19, 2024
Dive into the cosmic blueprint of the Astrological Natal Chart by exploring the 12 astrological houses! In this 5-session course with Bruna Maia, you'll learn how each astrological house represents a different aspect of life, from identity and relationships to career, home, and beyond. You’ll also discover how planetary placements and signs in each house shape your personality, life experiences, and soul path. Whether you're new to Astrology or a seasoned enthusiast, this course will deepen your understanding of how the houses can influence your daily life, major life events, and overall personal growth.
ELLEN’S NEW OFFERINGS - Coming Soon!


The Next Chapter, A Mini-Podcast Series
October 28 - November 1, 2024
Stay tuned on October 28th for the first installment of The Next Chapter, a mini-podcast series about life, work, and reinvention featured on the Chart Your Career Podcast. Each episode, you’ll hear from someone who decided to take their career and life in a new direction—and how they did it.Â
Chart Your Career, Live!
November 16 - 17, 2024
SAVE THE DATES! A two-day live online astrology/career workshop with Ellen Fondiler and Caitlin Muelder. Practical and doable strategies to reach your career goals in 2025.
Have a question for the podcast?Â
If you have any career/astrology questions that you would like answered, please send them to assistant@heidirose.com. They can be recorded (please make them about a minute) or written. Include your birth date, time, and place in the cover letter.