Decoding the Cosmos: Your Guide to Becoming an Effective Astrologer

A Step-by-Step Plan

While there's no single prescribed path to becoming an astrologer, here's a general roadmap to guide you:

Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation

1. Self-Study: Dive into the vast ocean of astrological knowledge. Start with beginner-friendly books, resources, or online courses to grasp the fundamentals like planetary meanings, aspects, houses, and chart interpretation.
2. Choose a System: Explore different astrological systems like Western, Vedic, or Chinese astrology. While each offers valuable insights, focusing on one system initially will create a solid foundation.
3. Practice Chart Interpretation: Dedicate time to analyzing birth charts. Start with your own and those of friends and family. Analyze planetary placements, aspects, and house connections to understand how these elements influence personality traits and life experiences.

Step 2: Deepen Your Knowledge

1. Enroll in Formal Courses: Consider enrolling in accredited online or in-person astrology courses. Structured learning provides a deeper understanding of complex astrological concepts and provides opportunities for feedback and discussion.
2. Join an Astrology Community: Connect with other astrology enthusiasts online through forums or local groups. Share knowledge, ask questions, and engage in discussions to broaden your perspective and refine your interpretation skills.
3. Seek Mentorship: Find a seasoned astrologer who resonates with your style and approach to the practice. This guidance can significantly accelerate your learning and provide valuable insights into ethical considerations and professional practice.

Step 3: Develop Your Practice

1. Refine your Interpretation Skills: Continuously practice reading and interpreting charts. Offer free or discounted readings to friends and family to gain experience and hone your communication skills.
2. Build Your Brand: Develop a website or social media presence showcasing your expertise and services. Create content like blog posts, articles, or videos to educate others and attract potential clients.
3. Start Offering Paid Services: Once comfortable with your skills and confident in your interpretations, start offering paid readings and consultations. Set clear boundaries, pricing structures, and ethical guidelines for your practice.

Step 4: Continuous Learning and Development

1. Stay Updated: Astrology is an evolving field. Attend workshops, conferences, or additional courses to stay updated on the latest advancements and interpretations.
2. Specialize: As your knowledge grows, consider specializing in a specific area of astrology, like natal readings, relationship compatibility, or horary astrology.
3. Maintain Ethical Practice: Uphold ethical standards in your client interactions. Ensure confidentiality, respect client boundaries, and avoid making claims beyond the scope of astrology's capabilities.

Remember, becoming an effective astrologer takes time, dedication, and continuous learning. Embrace the journey, stay passionate about the practice, and always strive to use your knowledge ethically and with integrity.

Carolina Dean 
Astrologer to the Stars! 
12th House Books

Links 

• Astrology Books at 12th House Books 
• Astrology Readings at 12th House Books 

Tarot Talk: The 004 Card Cut

 My Life in the Cards 

When I was a kid, the TV channel TBS used to show James Bond movies all week long. My favorite was "Live and Let Die" from 1973. In that movie, there was a character named Solitaire, played by Jane Seymour. She was a tarot card reader who worked for a bad guy named Kanaga. He was a diplomat from another country who wanted to control the heroin business in the United States.

Solitaire could read tarot cards almost perfectly as long as she was a virgin. For example, she could predict when James Bond was coming, what his mission was, and how he would travel. This helped the bad guys send assassins to try and kill him. In another scene, Solitaire could even follow Bond's movements in real-time using her tarot cards.

Back then, I hadn't started learning about magic, so I actually thought it was possible to read cards that accurately. I had the "virgin" part down, but I didn't have any tarot cards! One day, I was at the local drugstore getting ice cream and saw a magazine with an article about how to read regular playing cards. It was a tough choice between the ice cream and the magazine, but I ended up buying the magazine. I secretly brought it home and hid it under my mattress, like it was something I wasn't supposed to have. I read that article over and over until I knew most of it by heart. When I felt ready to try it out, I borrowed a deck of my grandfather's poker cards. For several months, I secretly practiced reading the playing cards and slowly started doing readings for my family.

Even though I liked playing cards, I really wanted a real tarot deck. In the summer of 1992, my aunt Ernestine bought me my first one, the Rider Waite deck, at a Waldenbooks store in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. That's when I started learning and practicing with tarot cards. I remember my first big prediction was that Bill Clinton would win the presidential election that November. And as we know, he did.

The Four Card Cut 

One of the first tarot card layouts I learned was the four-card cut, and it's still one of my favorites. Even though it looks simple, you can get a lot of information from these four cards. You can even draw an extra card for any of the positions if you need more clarity, or add more rows of cards.

To start, you shuffle the cards while thinking about your problem or question. When you feel they're shuffled enough, you divide them into four piles from left to right. These cards represent:

• The Past
• The Present
• The Future
• The Outcome

Besides looking at what each individual card means, I also look at the whole layout like a painting. I consider the balance of the different elements in the cards (like water, fire, earth, air). Are there a lot of cards from one element? Is any element missing? This can show what's needed to bring balance and solve the issue. I also look at the colors in the cards. Do they go from light to dark, or the other way around? Do they start cool and become warm? This can give you an idea of how the energy is flowing and how it might affect the final outcome.

Next, I look at each card individually. The first card shows the past or the person or event that started the problem. The second card, the present, is seen as a continuation of what happened in the past – it shows where you are now in relation to that. The third card represents the future as it grows out of the present situation. Finally, the last card shows the likely outcome if things continue as they are right now. I always tell the person I'm reading for that the choices they make in the present can change what happens in the future.

This simple but powerful layout was one of the first things I learned, and it still helps me understand the flow of time. It shows me what happened before, what's happening now, what might happen in the future, and what the potential result could be. It also reminds us that we always have the power to make choices that can change what's going to happen.

Carolina Dean 
Official Tarot Reader
12th House Books 

Links 

• Tarot Books at 12th House Books
• Tarot Decks at 12th House Books
• Tarot Readings at 12th House Books
• Tarot of the Witches aka The James Bond Tarot Deck 
• Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming 
• The 007 Diaries: Filming Live and Let Die by Roger Moore 

Guise & Dolls

As many of you may or may not know, the books that I sell in my store are all curated from Thrift Stores and Yard Sales. I travel at regular intervals to specific places each week in search of rare and vintage books on Tarot, Astrology, Herbs, and other occult subjects. I have even cultivated relationships with the people who work at these shops who set things aside for me to purchase on my next visit. 

Some weeks I get lucky and make some great finds and other times, not so much. For this reason, I branched out and started offering my own writings on these subjects in the form of PDFs that you can instantly download for to your own device. 

When I was a professional Rootworker, people loved my handsewn dolls and found them to be not only beautiful but also powerful.  As I continue to grow and expand my store, I decided to add my dolls to my inventory. About six months ago, one person bought every doll I had in stock completely wiping me out! So, the past few weeks I have been hard at work with needle and thread replenishing my stock. The last time, I used the same pattern for all the dolls I had in stock, however, this time I decided to make dolls in various sizes and patterns for a greater variety. I am also working on some unique dolls that speak to the needs of today's society, such as this gender fluid poppet. 

While I am in the process of making my dolls, I have not yet listed them as I am waiting to do this all at one time. In the meantime, you can read all about my process for making dolls and how they are used. At the end of this article, I provide an easy spell for you to try. 

A Primer on Poppets 

Poppets are dolls made by sewing two human shaped pieces of cloth together and stuffing them with cotton or stuffing. Sometimes the color of cloth used to make the doll will also indicate its purpose, for example, a red or pink poppet for love, a green poppet for money, etc... These poppets can either represent a specific person or they can represent a person who has the qualities that you give to the doll during the course of its creation. 

In other cases, poppets are used to accomplish a goal that you wish to achieve that has nothing to do with a specific person. For instance, a Road Opening poppet might be made in orange cloth and stuffed with herbs and roots specifically for this purpose. Afterwards, you might write your intention on a piece of paper and pin it to the doll asking it to remove the obstacles in your way. 

When a poppet is intended to represent a specific individual, they are ritually linked to the person that they are intended to represent. Once linked any action enacted upon the doll can result in a similar effect on the individual. 

The foundation for establishing this link is accomplish in three phases. The first phase concerns your choices of materials for the creation of your poppet. Your choices include

1. Making the doll look as much like the individual as possible (homeopathic magic). 
2. Including something personal or intimate in the doll (contagious magic). 

That is not to say that you cannot do both, for example you can make the doll look like the individual as much as possible AND include their personal concerns in the doll OR even make the doll out of their own clothing. 

In addition to any personal concerns, a poppet will often, but not always, contain herbs, roots, sigils drawn on paper, crystals, etc... and anointed with essential oils which correspond to your goal or intention. 

The second phase involves the act of actually sewing your poppet, which is a magic ritual in and of itself. When I make a poppet, I gather all my equipment and materials such as my sewing kit, the cloth I will use to make the doll, and any herbs or roots I will place in the doll itself. I sit comfortably, put on some music, light a candle and some incense. While I am making the doll I visualize the person that it is supposed to represent, I speak their name with every stitch and explain what I hope to accomplish with the doll. 

The third and final phase of establishing the link between the doll and the person is the Naming Ceremony. In this phase you ritually name the doll for the specific person. The act of naming the doll gives it an identity and seals the link between the individual and the poppet. You will find many naming rituals online that range from elaborate to simple. Personally, I like to hold the doll in my left hand, look it in the eyes (the eyes are the window to the soul), and rub the finger of my right hand over it's heart in clockwise circles. Over and over I will chant "You are (name)." When I feel the time is right, I will say "all that I do to you, I do to him/her. So mote it be." 

If you feel you would like to use a more traditional incantation, you might say something like

This doll represents 

(N) in every sense

so be it done, they now are linked

their fates aligned, & destinies synched! 

When I am done, I will wrap the doll in a clean cloth and store it away until I am ready to use the doll for its intended purpose. 

Spiritual Cleansing Poppet 

Spiritual Cleansing is like washing away bad spiritual energy or feelings that have stuck to a person or place. This can happen for many reasons:

• feeling stressed in your body, mind, or emotions
• being around negative places, things, or people 
• going through hard times like divorce, getting sick, or losing your job
• doing mean or bad things to others. 
• having mean things done to you. 

When someone feels this bad energy, they might want to cleanse themselves. Some of the ways they do this is through the use of spiritual baths, egg cleansings, head or foot washings, or smudging themselves with burning sage. 

Another way is to use a doll, or poppet. To use this method, you will have to create a doll, such as the one in the photo here. You can make your doll in any color that you desire. You might use white for purity, or yellow for happiness, or even purpose for power --- it's up to you. 

Once you make your doll, take it with you to bed. Just before sleep, hold the doll to your heart and think about your desire for spiritual cleansing and all the feelings, emotions, and energies that you want to be rid of. Put the doll under your pillow. Some people like to put it inside the pillowcase, so it does fall out of the bed. While you sleep, the doll will pull those bad feelings and energies out of your and take it into itself. 

The next morning, take the doll and put it in a sunny window, on your altar, or another spiritual place where that bad energy will flow back out into the universe and (hopefully) transform into something more useful. If you desire you can spritz it with some Florida Water or smudge it with sage or palo santo. Remove the doll at sunset, wrap it in a clean, white cloth, and store it away in a safe place until you need it again. 

Carolina Dean 

Doll Maker Extraordinaire

12th House Books  

Hoodoo Almanac 2025

“Banned in prisons. Built to endure.”

Not Your Average Almanac. Not Your White-Washed History.

The Hoodoo Almanac 2025 is a cultural survival tool — a yearly guide rooted in Hoodoo, conjure, folk magic, and Indigenous lifeways. Banned in prisons. Challenged in libraries. Built to endure.

This is ancestral technology for people who refuse to forget. Inside you’ll find rituals, spells, divination spreads, and astrological insights alongside historical records and cultural commentary — all grounded in traditions that were never meant to be erased.

• Planetary transits and moon phases
• Rootwork, seasonal rites, and spiritual protection
• LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming magickal practices
• Tarot and bone reading tutorials
• Kitchen witchery, animal lore, and herbal wisdom
• Folklore and conjure tips across traditions
• Moon magick and lunar gardening
• Freedom fighters and historical resistance figures
• Tools for survival, remembrance, and reclamation

Created for conjurers, rebels, healers, historians, and anyone living between worlds. This almanac doesn’t just tell time — it keeps memory, pushes back, and plants seeds for what comes next.

The Hoodoo Almanac 2025 — We do not comply. 

Buy yours here!

Carolina Dean 
Published Author 

Secondhand Books, First-Class Finds: Collecting Books on a Budget

For the seasoned book collector or astute reseller, the local thrift store presents a unique and often underestimated hunting ground. While others might browse for gently used paperbacks, you see potential – the glint of a first edition beneath a stack of mass-market novels, the subtle elegance of a forgotten fine binding, the whispered history within yellowed pages.

As a writer with a deep appreciation for the tangible history held within books, I understand this thrill of the chase. Thrift stores, often brimming with overlooked treasures, offer a landscape ripe for discovery – if you know where and how to look. This isn't casual browsing; it's a strategic expedition. So, fellow bibliophiles and entrepreneurial bookworms, let's delve into the art of extracting literary gold from the thrift store labyrinth.

Sharpening the Collector's Eye:

• Beyond Sentimental Value: Focus on True Rarity and Condition: Unlike the casual reader, your focus is on scarcity, edition, and preservation. Train your eye to discern first editions (look for explicit statements on the copyright page), early printings, limited editions, and signed copies. Condition is paramount for value. Be ruthless in your assessment of damage: tears, water stains, foxing, loose bindings, and missing elements significantly impact worth.
• Mastering Bibliographical Basics: A foundational understanding of bibliographical terms and identifiers is crucial. Know the difference between a first edition and a first printing. Recognize key publisher marks and edition indicators. Familiarize yourself with common binding styles and their historical context. This knowledge is your secret weapon.
• Genre Expertise is Your Compass: While serendipitous finds are exciting, having a deep understanding of specific genres or authors can significantly increase your success rate. Are you a specialist in modern firsts, Victorian literature, or children's illustrated books? Focus your attention accordingly but remain open to unexpected discoveries outside your niche.
• The Dust Jacket Imperative (for 20th Century Finds): For many collectible books published in the 20th century, the original dust jacket is not merely an accessory – it's an integral part of the book's value. Its presence and condition (look for tears, chips, fading, and price clippings) can dramatically influence desirability and price.

Strategic Thrift Store Navigation:

• Frequent the Fringes: Don't just focus on the designated "collectibles" section (if one exists). Often, valuable books are miscategorized and tucked away in genre fiction, history, or even the forgotten corners of the children's section. Leave no shelf unturned. For example, I often find books about astrology in the science section next to books about astronomy. 
• Timing is Tactical: Become attuned to the thrift store's donation schedule. Ask staff when new books typically arrive. Visiting shortly after a restock can significantly increase your chances of finding fresh, unpicked-over inventory.
• Cultivate Relationships (Discreetly): While you don't need to broadcast your intentions, a polite and respectful rapport with the staff can be beneficial. They might occasionally set aside interesting items or offer insights into recent donations.
• The Digital Scout: Utilize your smartphone as an invaluable tool. When a book piques your interest, quickly cross-reference its publication details, edition, and condition with online book price databases (like Abebooks, Vialibri, or BookFinder) and auction records (like eBay Sold Listings). This real-time research can prevent costly mistakes and highlight potential gems.

The Reseller's Edge:

• Identifying Market Trends: Stay informed about current trends in the rare and vintage book market. Which authors are gaining popularity? Are there specific editions or genres experiencing a surge in demand? This knowledge will inform your purchasing decisions.
• Assessing Resale Potential Beyond Rarity: Consider factors beyond just rarity, such as the book's aesthetic appeal, historical significance, or potential for niche collector interest. A beautifully bound but not exceptionally rare volume might still find a discerning buyer.
• The Art of Gentle Restoration (Proceed with Caution): While significant restoration should be left to professionals, learn basic techniques for gently cleaning dust jackets or tightening hinges. However, always err on the side of caution and prioritize preserving the book's original state. Transparency about any repairs is crucial for ethical reselling.
• Building Your Network: Connect with other book collectors and sellers. Share knowledge, discuss finds, and potentially collaborate on acquisitions or sales.

The thrift store isn't just a place to offload unwanted belongings; for the astute collector and resourceful reseller, it's a landscape ripe with untold literary treasures. By honing your knowledge, employing strategic searching techniques, and leveraging the power of information, you can transform these unassuming shelves into a source of remarkable finds and profitable opportunities. Happy hunting, and may your next flip through a dusty spine reveal a true bibliophilic gem.

Carolina Dean 
Book Lover 

How Yoga Shaped Who I Am Today

It's so clear in my mind. It was 1989, and I was 16. It was another boring Saturday afternoon, and my family was just relaxing at home. I was in the living room watching TV. My grandpa was sitting at the kitchen table, like he always did, drinking coffee and looking out the window. My grandma was doing the laundry, and my aunt, who's only six months older than me, was listening to music in her room.

Then, there was a knock on the door. It was Dennis, our mailman. Back in those small towns, we actually knew our mailman's name. He had a package for my grandpa, which was unusual. This was before online stores like Amazon, the Home Shopping Network, and even Temu! Sometimes, my grandma would get things in the mail after trading in Green Stamps she got from the Piggly Wiggly grocery store.

We all gathered around the table to look at the box. Grandpa wasn't expecting anything, and there was no return address. Who could have sent it? What was inside? Little did I know that my life was about to change completely.

Grandpa opened the box, and I was thrilled to see it was full of books! My grandpa enjoyed reading old Westerns, stories about cowboys and the lawless Wild West, but I never liked those stories. There were about 20 books in total, and hidden among them were two that really caught my eye. One was called "Yoga, Youth, and Reincarnation" by Jess Stearn, and the other was about the life and work of Edgar Cayce. My grandpa let me have these two books because he wasn't interested in them.

I took the books to my room and started reading the yoga one. Looking at the table of contents, I realized it wasn't just about weird yoga poses like I thought. It also had chapters on astrology, reincarnation, and psychic abilities. In this book, I read about the basics of reading playing cards, how readings are done, and how to develop my own psychic ability by focusing on my "third eye" chakra. I also read about the author meeting Sybil Leek and her practices as a witch. I had always been interested in witchcraft, but up until then, all I knew about it was from watching Samantha Stephens on the TV show "Bewitched"! This book was probably the first place I learned that witchcraft was a religion, not something evil or against God.

I kept that book in my room for a long time and would reread certain chapters or parts over and over, wanting to learn more, hoping to find something new each time. Then one day, I came home, and the book was gone. My grandma had decided to "clean" my room, and she threw it away without thinking about how I felt about it. Or maybe I talked about it too much, and that's why it disappeared.

Eventually, I moved on and found other books. I read them and started writing down what I was learning – this became my first book of spells and magical knowledge. I also started building my own collection of books that would become my personal library of the occult. That first book faded from my memory to the point where I couldn't remember the title or the author anymore. However, I remembered the things I had read about divination and witchcraft. Sometimes, I would try to search for the book online using different keywords, but I never had any luck, and eventually, I stopped trying to find it for my growing book collection.

Then, just last month, I was at a thrift store looking for rare and old books to add to my collection or sell in my Etsy shop when I saw it. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew exactly what it was, and all the memories came rushing back – me in my room focusing on my third eye, o taking a deck of cards from my grandpa's tin of pennies he used for poker so I could practice reading cards.

And now, finally, after more than 30 years, the book is back in my life and in my collection, bringing with it all the happy memories of my youth as I took my first steps towards becoming who I am today. Oh and as for the origin of the book, it was sent to my grandfather by his daughter from his first marriage who lives several cities away. She had bought the box of books at a yard sale and sent them to my grandfather without looking at them too closely. 

Carolina Dean 
Bibliophile-in-Chief
12th House Books. 

Additional Links 

• Astrology Books
• Tarot Books 
• Witchcraft Books