Part of our series profiling people and businesses who walk their talk.

I know very little about astrology. That said, I have met a few astrologers who impress me because they have spent a long time learning about the science and art of astrology and take it and their clients seriously. Dedication and smarts rule!

Andrea Bruckner is an astrologer who owns Blue Star Astrology in Seattle. We met because we both do consultations at East West Bookshop in Seattle. She also hosts a free monthly birthday party at East West so attendees can learn more about their astrological sign. I attended the Capricorn night, a relaxed, informative evening where Andrea talked about what it means to be a Capricorn. I had always thought that systems like astrology were too deterministic: if you were this sign, you were doomed to be emotional, and so on. That there was no possibility of being you, only the sign you born under.

Andrea made it clear that it isn’t as cut-and-dried as I assumed. With so many planets and houses and whatevers, each person really is unique, and it’s a complex business digging deep into a chart to see what it could mean to you. But you’re still in charge of your life.

Andrea made an interesting point. Someone at the Capricorn night who was born on the edge between signs was still Capricorn, even though she wanted to be under Aquarius, because some of the aspects of Capricorn made her uncomfortable. Andrea gently pointed out that you “become your sign as you live,” indicating that knowledge and sensitivity are all part of the package. Astrology is a guide, an indicator, but how and why you live your life are strictly up to you.

Later Andrea and I exchanged consultations. I did a Space Cooperating session for her in her new home north of Seattle, working via Skype. She did a personal and business astrological consultation for me and Alchemy West. I found it fascinating: she was not into telling me about my personality, which I am all too familiar with! Instead, she explored the ramifications of different aspects of my personal and business charts, which gave me insight into certain things I’d been exploring. Awesome!

Here is our interview.

How did you choose to work in astrology?

Andrea: “My journey of learning astrology started when I was just a little child. I loved to observe the stars through a telescope—I absolutely loved astronomy. My grandma had a book of dreams and an old almanac: I discovered the astrological symbols and was instantly fascinated by the language of astrology. That stuck with me through my years at the university where I studied chemistry, which is similar to astrology in that you are always learning something new and working with so much detail. I studied astrology every single free moment I had. I learned a lot on my own and from my wonderful teachers both in Europe and America.

“I started Blue Star Astrology, my astrology  company, while still working in the corporate world.”

What is your philosophical approach to astrology?

Andrea: “My approach to astrology is pretty self-explanatory: your chart gives you your best life possible, and I will find it with the client. There is always room to grow, there is no good or bad chart. Astrology can only show you how to deal with your stuff. I tend to focus on life journeys but I also do synastry readings, yearly updates, and relocation astrology for people. I do birth charts for people of all ages (children to adults)  and pet astrology. For people I tend to focus on soul journey, or finding your passion, what moves you, your talents and potentials, basically who are you meant to be. This also ties to business astrology. I also do , timing of events and astro cartography.

“One of the things that I share with my clients is that if things seem rough, you just need to remember that in this lifetime you are becoming your sign, you don’t need to be perfect and you don’t need to fight against the natural flow of your chart. If you are a Capricorn, you are for sure becoming more Capricornian. In other words, don’t sweat it, don’t seek perfection. It will all find you. It is your challenge, however, to look at all the positive qualities of your sign and to make sure that you are implementing them.”

How do you see this philosophy work out for your clients?

Andrea: “My clients are all different.  Some love to learn about astrology, some need reassurance and want to see how astrology can help them to learn about themselves. I have helped numerous clients from all around the world. After the session, my clients feel like they can see more clearly and they are open to new ways and ideas. Astrological reading is a tool to self-discovery.”

What do you like to do to relax?

Andrea: “I love spending my free time with my husband and son. I am also an avid runner. And last, but not least, I love to travel.”

I know Andrea personally and professional and heartily recommend her services. She knows astrology and can offer real insights that can help. Plus she’s warm and personable, making the experience fun and relaxing as well as informative.

You can find Andrea Bruckner at bluestarastrology.com, or 425-210-3510 (PST). Check out her blog on astronomy and the world around you at the-eleventh-house.blogspot.com.

©2013 Robyn M Fritz