Because I enjoy making in-depth connections between disciplines, I have collected, over the years, a broad portfolio of qualifications, both orthodox and alternative, which span mind, body and spirit.
I have trained as a pharmacist, naturopath, herbalist, psychotherapist and historian as well as an astrologer, and I write, consult and lecture on astrology, its history and present-day psychological and medical applications. My practice is in Edinburgh, where I also teach astrology.
I have a PhD in History from the University of Edinburgh where my thesis was entitled ‘Astrology in Early Modern Scotland ca. 1560 to 1726.’
In 2018 I was presented with the Charles Harvey Award for Exceptional Service to Astrology for my work on medical astrology.
Below is a little information about my background and some of the work that I do. At the moment I’m able to take on a limited number of new clients for consultations.
ASTROLOGY
The most frequent response of clients to an astrological reading is relief and pleasure that their own inner reality has been affirmed and validated and that there is indeed a reason for their feeling and acting the way they do. Astrology is like an X-ray of the psyche. It can describe how the individual sees and responds to the world. The less we understand our innate natures, the fewer choices we have when faced with life’s challenges.
Astrology is a powerful tool to gain insight into both physical and psychological processes that leads to greater freedom of choice through greater self-knowledge.
Background/Training
Trained by the Faculty of Astrological Studies for whom I have been a guest tutor. I have been a professional astrologer for over 30 years.
COUNSELLING/THERAPY
The aim of therapy is to create a safe and respectful space, which enables the client to explore troublesome issues and to work towards living in a more satisfying, authentic and resourceful way. The approach used is determined by the individual client.
Background/Training
Diploma in Counselling from Strathclyde University based on Person Centred (Rogerian) Therapy.
3-year training from the Centre for Transpersonal Psychology, London, in Transpersonal Psychology which focuses on the spiritual perspective of psychological growth.
PHARMACY
Background/Training
BSc (Hons) in Pharmacy from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Post-graduate training at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. After many years of locum work in community pharmacy I have now retired from the register.
NATUROPATHY
Naturopathy teaches us how to live in harmony with nature in order to achieve high-level health. The approach is threefold. The first area is nutrition, looking at the quality and quantity of foodstuffs taken and presenting ways of enhancing the enjoyment of healthy eating, fine-tuned for the individual.
The second is physical care, which includes exercise, breathing, skin care, hydrotherapy and gentle manipulation.
The third is psychology – understanding ourselves and recognising the links between emotional states and behaviour patterns and specific diseases.
Background/Training
3-year postgraduate training of the Incorporated Society of Registered Naturopaths, based on the Nature Cure principles of the Kingston Clinic, Edinburgh.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbal medicines are extracts from parts of whole plants used to restore the balance of the body, thus enabling it to mobilise its own healing powers. They can be used in conjunction with the psychosomatic approach to illness, which focuses on understanding the connection between body symptoms and beliefs and emotions.
Background/Training
Four-year training from the School of Herbal Medicine (Phytotherapy) Tunbridge Wells, leading to membership of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the oldest body of practising medical herbalists in the world.
PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS
A Handbook of Medical Astrology [2nd edition, revised & expanded]
(Edinburgh, CrabApple Press, 2006)
The 12-title Zodiac Code Series (Edinburgh, Mainstream Publishing, 2004)
Shaping Your Relationships, [series of 12 minibooks]
(London, Brilliant Books for Tesco, 2000)
Shaping Your Future, [series of 12 minibooks]
(London, Brilliant Books for Tesco, 1999)
A Handbook of Medical Astrology (London, Penguin/Arkana,1990)