We're excited to tease an upcoming collaboration with Julie Rader, an astrology expert and yogi. With two decades of teaching yoga and meditation under her belt, Julie has dedicated her life to studying and understanding the power of the mind through meditation and the study of astrology has been an influence in her teachings from day one. We're excited for you to meet Julie!
How did you first get involved with astrology? What initially attracted you to it, and how has your relationship with astrology evolved over time?
I remember watching my Grandma reading her horoscopes when I was in elementary school. I was always intrigued and asked her questions, so my young mind could comprehend. She was my first introduction to astrology and was definitely my inspiration. She passed away when I was 13 years old, but I still feel her presence as I study and practice astrology today. When I was younger, I knew everyone's birthdays and gathered information based on their personality and sign. As a psychology major in college, after learning Carl Jung practiced astrology to better understand his patients, I began diving deeper into the signs and planets. Astrology was weaved into teaching my yoga classes and even the way I parented my children based on their charts. After a couple decades of self study, I found my astrology teacher, who has taken my practice of chart reading to another level. Now I combine my intuition with the science of astrology to look at personality strengths and predictive techniques of all of my clients.
How can someone benefit from a personalized, guided astrology chart reading? How should one prepare for an astrology chart reading?
The astrology chart reveals our personality traits, innate strengths, and areas where we can focus more energy. For example, I had a lightbulb moment when I first discovered my astrology chart has no earth elements. It explained why I always felt I was floating through life. Now I utilize daily grounding techniques and wear specific crystals and colors to balance out my lack of earth or practical skills. To prepare for a chart reading, I need the exact time of birth, which can be found on the birth certificate. I always recommend having an intention for the chart reading in mind, so I can answer specific questions about a certain area of life.
If someone is completely new to chart readings, what can he or she expect from the experience?
I love reading charts for newbies. There is something very special about witnessing the "aha" moments as the puzzle pieces of someone's personality and life are revealed through the astrological chart. The Zoom readings are recorded, and I highly recommend listening to them several times to fully process all of the juicy goodness. During the reading, we discuss how to best utilize the planetary aspects that make up one's unique personality as well as looking at transits and solar returns which give information of upcoming potential life changes.
What are your thoughts about the connection between crystals/colors and mindful living?
I believe crystals hold sacred energy to enhance focused intention. Colors are powerful for awakening and balancing out the energy systems in the body. I often suggest that my clients wear certain colors or crystals. For example, someone lacking water in their chart would benefit from wearing turquoise to tap into their feelings and intuition.
What are your thoughts about personal talismans? Do you have any talismans in your own collection...if so, could you describe them?
Personal talismans are used in many cultures as a way to commemorate one's lineage. I believe talismans are a reminder of one's sacred journey in life. Just like a wedding band is symbolic of a sacred commitment to another person, a personal talisman is a commitment to oneself. Every piece of jewelry I wear is intentional. Each one has a different purpose and a ritualistic experience associate with it. My meditation mala, which was given to me by my yoga teacher in India, travels with me everywhere. Even though I use it for meditation and don't wear it, it reminds me of who I am and my unique gifts.
What makes you most excited about your upcoming collaboration with JBJ?
I am honored and thrilled to be partnering with JBJ on creating astrological pieces. I truly believe everyone would benefit from having a piece of intentional jewelry as a sacred reminder to live one's highest potential in a beautiful way!
To learn more about Julie, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.