Dena says “There was a sweet spot between about ‘74 and ‘76 when my twenty-something Mom and Dad would throw parties every few weeks on our small farm property in Sonoma County, California. Dad would get out the Tarot cards and sit in the corner doing short readings. I’d crouch on the floor next to his chair, scrunched as tightly as I could so I wouldn’t be noticed, taking it all in.  What I have always known is that Astrology, the Tarot, and other oracles are not “The Dark Arts.” These tools can help us understand ourselves better, and can guide us during in times of indecision, challenge, and crisis. They are “Ways of Knowing.” They have helped me on my path, have given me comfort, and have guided me toward right action over and over again.” For many years, she followed her childhood interest in writing and reading to become an English Major with an M.A. in English. She thought she’d teach college English and do astrology readings on the side. She did that for about 8 years. Then she came to a point where she needed to choose between them, and she chose to pursue astrology as my sole career.

Dena got a second M.A. from Marylhurst University in Liberal Studies with a focus on Spiritual Traditions. This degree also pointed her toward training in Spiritual Direction — a type of pastoral counseling that is centered on contemplative listening and providing questions for reflection. She went on to earn a 2-year certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Urban Spirituality Center, Portland, in 2009.  Dena is highly accomplished astrologer who created a podcast and has published several articles to name a few.