Dorothy Oja| December 2025
Dorothy Oja, certified astrological professional and a long-time NCGR member, discussed her journey into the field, including her early interest sparked by her grandmother and her subsequent education and practice. She highlighted her work in astrological research, particularly in choosing surgery times, and emphasized the importance of helping clients find the best expression of their birth energies. Dorothy was instrumental in advancing ethics in the astrological community. She continues to be an active consultant, teacher, writer, and lecturer. She seeks to maintain a balanced life through various creative and spiritual practices.
Dorothy shared her astrological chart features, including Sun in Leo, Moon in Sagittarius, Leo Rising, and five planets in the 12th house, which she attributes to her spiritual searching and love of writing, which is typically a solitary process. She discussed her niche in astrological research, particularly in choosing times for surgeries, and her relationship work. She emphasized the importance of helping clients find the very best expression of their energies.
Dorothy's Astrological Journey
Dorothy shared her journey into astrology, starting from her childhood when her grandmother mentioned studying the stars, which piqued her interest. As an adult, Dorothy delved deeper into the subject, reading extensively and attending astrology classes, including those led by Michael Lutin & Lenore Canter in NCGR New York. She highlighted influential figures in astrology, such as Bernadette Brady, and Steven Arroyo, Mark Edmund Jones, Liz Greene, Dane Rudhyar, Alan Oken, Michael Meyer, the Rosicrucian Fellowship, and Carl Jung. She expressed a desire to preserve and protect the spiritual roots of astrology.
Astrology Ethics, and Practice, Organizational Involvement
Dorothy discussed her involvement in the astrology ethics movement, including her work with ISAR and being instrumental in developing the Ethics Awareness program. She expressed support for certification in astrology, believing it adds credibility and helps identify serious practitioners. Dorothy also shared her experience with various astrology software, mentioning her primary use of Solar Fire. She explained the evolution of her practice, MindWorks, which she started in 1981, and described how she refined her focus over the years to specialize in surgery dates research, and relationship astrology.
She shared her extensive involvement in astrological organizations, including NCGR, AFAN, and ISAR. For AFAN, she worked on legal issues related to fortune-telling laws in the 1980s, eventually leading to a successful case in the California Supreme Court. Dorothy emphasized the importance of astrologers joining and supporting professional organizations through volunteer work to enhance the credibility of the practice and be part of the astrological community.
Respecting Astrology as a Tradition
Dorothy discussed her approach to astrology, emphasizing the importance of education and certification, love of the Tarot, mentioning the Rider Waite deck is a favorite, and expressing a preference to keep astrology and tarot separate in her practice. Tarot used a different mental channel.
Hypnotherapy and Creative Interests
Dorothy shared that she no longer practices hypnotherapy with clients due to a lack of proper office space, though she has done it for family members. Dorothy also described her creative interests, including photography, artwork, creating greeting cards, and a small desk calendar. She uses her iPhone to capture images that she shares through blogs, Substack, Art Fairs, and exhibits.
Yoga, Cooking, and Astrology Balance
Dorothy shared her passion for yoga, which she has practiced for over 50 years, though she has never taught it. She also enjoys cooking and has recently taken up wildcrafting, making tinctures, and drying plants for tea. Dorothy explained that these activities provide a balance to her analytical work in astrology, which she finds both fulfilling and time-consuming.
Astrology and Stewardship Discussion
Dorothy and Leyza discussed the importance of finding meaning in life and the concept of stewardship, which involves taking care of what's within one's circle, whether it be people, plants, or even furniture. They explored how astrology can help individuals align with what's within their control and what lights them up, comparing it to a breathing process of contraction and expansion. Dorothy emphasized the historical roots of astrology, which was primarily focused on agriculture, mundane events, and the needs and destiny of rulers. She stressed the importance of being responsive to the world (social, cultural, political) while taking care of oneself and one's family.
Leyza asked Dorothy for advice for aspiring astrologers, to which Dorothy replied that they should come from a place of integrity and trustworthiness, since clients come to them seeking help. Focus should remain on the needs of the client and not personal ego.
Ethical Astrology and Client Empowerment
Dorothy emphasized the importance of maintaining an open and compassionate approach in astrology, advising against the desire for absolute certainty (not possible!) and the pitfalls of a hierarchical dynamic between astrologer and client. She stressed the need for astrologers to listen to clients, ask questions, and recognize that interpretations should remain flexible and context-dependent. Dorothy also highlighted the significance of self-analysis and the responsibility of astrologers to use their influence ethically, avoiding a "power-over" mindset. She encouraged young astrologers to consider certification and to focus on the guiding role of astrology in helping clients find their own answers, while astrology offers perspective and the landscape the client is moving within.
How to follow Dorothy’s work:
Substack (subscribe for free): dorothyoja.substack.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DorothyOjaAstrology
Bluesky: @ojaastrology.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ojaastrology
Art Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticphotog/
PlanetWeather newsmagazine, published for 28 years, and a daily blog for 13 years.