Some of the things astrologers track include correspondence of solar and lunar phases to growth patterns and human activity and the repeating apparent cycles of planets and constellations as they relate to predominant behaviors and mood.

One of the most common applications of astrology today is the natal chart. The natal chart is, most basically, a graphic interpretation of the sky at the exact time and place a person is born. The natal chart depicts a person’s first bodily/somatic impressions of movement, light, vibration, and emotional environment, which, in turn, sets a baseline tone for perception and personality. Natal chart interpretation can be used to assist with issues as wide ranging as: timing for important events and life processes; personality and character assessment; life path and purpose; financial goals; political strategy; relationship compatibility; health diagnoses; psychological self-understanding; divination; and communication with ancestors and spirit guides.

Today, astrology is practiced all over the globe, through a number of different systems. There are many culture-specific systems (i.e. Indian/Jyotish, Chinese/Shēngxiào, Western/Tropical) and a plethora of different methodologies within each cultural system. My background and training is in Tropical Astrology. This system originates from the Greek and Hellinistic systems, which drew from Babylonian and Chaldean astrology, and is also informed by Vedic and Arabic astrology. Contrary to common perception, Western astrology is based on seasonal light, not the constellations. Within Western Astrology, there are many offshoots and variants. I have been most influenced by Psychological Astrology, Esoteric Astrology, Medical Astrology, Feminist and Queer Astrology.

Astrology is inherently embodied. As opposed to astronomy (the scientific method of observation, calculation and analysis of astronomical data), astrology is used to create meaning and provide context for our human lives on Earth. We don’t exist on this planet without our bodies. Therefore, any method for divining meaning, method or prescription for us, will be linked implicitly to our embodiment.

As an embodied astrologer, I seek to articulate and center the embodied experience. I do this in several ways:

• I consider the embodied context. Beyond the cookbook formulations of what certain planets, signs or aspects mean, I’m interested in how these qualities and symbols will show up uniquely for each of my clients or other events I’m interpreting. Cultural contexts, life cycle, race, class, (dis)ability and other significant health factors, gender presentation and sexuality are all important elements of a person’s embodied experience. I do my best to consider these elements within my readings, and to apply any astrological associations with as much relevance to these contexts as possible.

• Through Medical Astrology methods. As mentioned above, there are many different modalities astrology is applied through. One of the oldest uses of astrology is as a tool for medical diagnosis. The astrological chart is frequently used as a diagnostic tool in Ayurvedic medicine and the foundations of modern Western Medicine were laid by astrologers (Hippocrates, Aristotle and Claudius Ptolemy were all astrologers). In my practice, I consider the chart and placements through the lens of Medical Astrology. I do not give medical diagnoses, but I do utilize the system for insight on where and how my clients bodies are being affected.

• Through sensate intuition. There are many different kinds of intuitive and psychic abilities. I identify as a sensate intuitive or clairsentient. When I work with clients I receive powerful impressions in my own body. These impressions often very specifically relate to my client’s psychological state or emotional memories, their current physicality (health, dis-ease, tension habits etc.), and other impulses or motivations they may be experiencing in various levels of their awareness. As an intuitive, the astrological chart serves to guide my attention and inform my interpretations.

Renee Sills is a second generation astrologer, intuitive, and somatic educator, and a devoted student of embodied spiritual practices for over 30 years. She is the founder of Embodied Astrology, an evolving participatory project that prioritizes co-learning, co-leadership, and accessible, experiential approaches to astrology through wide application and synthesis of astrological practice in combination with arts, healing, activism, and social design thinking. 

Raised by a mother who integrated her love of astrology into her jobs as a bodyworker, herbalist, and therapist, Renee’s orientation towards astrology has always been embodied and is deeply foundational to her core perspectives of life and relationship. Though astrology has been a primary language, Renee has been a devoted student of astrology for the past two decades and continues to be an ardent explorer of the craft.

Renee has also been a student of somatic healing practices since age 11 and has worked as a movement educator since 2004. From 2013-2018 she served as the Co-Founder and Programming Director of Sola School – a yoga therapeutics training program that focused on accessible, adaptive, and inclusive therapeutic movement practices, and the integration of holistic wellness and social justice. Renee has taught and continues to teach yoga, meditation, and somatic awareness to a wide-range of students and clientele. She has an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and works with individuals to cultivate efficient, adaptive, and supportive practices. Renee has been credentialed as a Somatic Movement Educator (SME) through the International Somatic Movement Educators and Therapists Association (ISMETA), as a registered yoga therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), and as a SomaSource leader through Golden Bridge.   

Along with her studies of astrology and somatics, Renee holds a BFA in Intermedia and Cyberart from Concordia University (Montreal) and an MFA in Social Practice from Portland State University (Oregon).