Episode 13 - Teachers, Gurus, & Accountability

As eclipse season wraps up, I’ve been reflecting on the roles of teachers and gurus, the nature of real power, and how our collective healing is shaped by the actions of those we look up to. Recently, a situation unfolded involving one of my own astrology teachers, Steven Forrest. He found himself at the center of controversy after using racist language in a podcast. This has sparked important conversations about harm, accountability, and the work we all must do within ourselves and our communities.

Listen now!

Mistakes are human—we all make them. But what matters most is how we respond when our actions cause harm. In this case, Steven didn’t intend to hurt anyone, but his initial response was to get defensive rather than listen and fully apologize. True healing requires us to look honestly at our own beliefs and biases, to listen when others tell us we’ve caused harm, and to do the sincere work of growth. Accountability is an ongoing process, and it’s up to each of us—teachers included—to demonstrate our commitment to healing over time.

The Responsibility of Community and Self

It’s also a reminder of the dangers of putting authority figures on pedestals. When we rush to defend our teachers, spiritual leaders, or anyone in power—rather than holding them accountable—we risk giving away our own agency and perpetuating harm. It can feel easier to stay comfortable and avoid taking a stand, but real healing requires us all to examine our own biases and privileges. We each bear responsibility for justice and inclusion, both in our communities and within ourselves.

We’re all works in progress, learning and growing as we go. One step we can take is to educate ourselves—especially about Black history and the stories that are often left out of mainstream narratives. Making the world a more inclusive place benefits everyone, not just those who have been marginalized. Systems of oppression harm us all, and healing is something we do together, as a collective. Let’s each reflect on our role in this ongoing journey toward justice and wholeness.

Astrology, Healing, and Social Change

Interestingly, this controversy unfolded during a powerful astrological moment: the July 29th Full Moon in Aquarius conjunct Pluto. That Full Moon, along with the more recent Leo Solar Eclipse, illuminate opportunities for deep healing and transformation in this moment. They invite us to look within, to notice where hierarchy and systems of oppression reside—even in spaces dedicated to growth and awareness—and to ask ourselves how we can respond with integrity.

Real power isn’t about dominating others or defending our comfort. It’s about the willingness to look deeper, to sit with discomfort, and to ask: What’s the most powerful and healing response I can offer right now?

Transformative Power: Looking Within

Power isn’t about making ourselves feel big while diminishing others. True power comes from our own healing—as we access authenticity, truth, and vulnerability. It’s in releasing old patterns, healing past traumas, and stepping into our fullest selves that we find peace, transformation, and reconciliation.

Healing, for me, is a journey of transformation. In evolutionary astrology—the branch I practice and teach (and the techniques I learned, ironically, from Steven Forrest)—we believe each soul comes into this life to experience lessons that help us evolve toward our purpose.

Astrology is just one of the tools I use, alongside decades of work in holistic healing as a board-certified holistic nurse. Together, these perspectives reveal the deeper possibilities for growth, wholeness, and unconditional love within each of us.

Healing on Every Level

Healing happens on many levels—body, mind, emotion, and spirit. In astrology, these connect with the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. There’s always a higher possibility available to us, and learning to access that helps us step more fully into who we truly are: beings of infinite potential, unconditional love, and ever-unfolding new possibilities.

Perhaps, in a sense, we’re all learning to embody unconditional love—which includes holding ourselves accountable and honoring our growth. Our astrology charts reflect, in symbolic language, the unique ways we’re called to step into our purpose and our potential.

Moving Forward Together: Resources and Next Steps

I’ll be sharing more about using astrology as a tool for transformation in future episodes. If these ideas resonate, I invite you to follow along as we continue to explore how the planets inspire us to unlock higher possibilities. None of us is perfect, but we all have the capacity for learning, healing, and growth.

Astrology offers a powerful lens for understanding where our opportunities for healing lie and how we can respond—supporting wellness in body, mind, emotion, and spirit. Our personal healing is deeply connected to collective healing. Part of our work is to look within and dismantle internalized systems of oppression, but we’re not alone.

Abundant resources and communities support this journey. Seek out the real stories—read works like the 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones, listen to Black voices and artists, support Black astrologers and businesses, and learn about your own privilege. There’s so much richness and wisdom available to all of us. Our healing journeys are unique, but ultimately, we’re in this together.

Let's Stay Connected

My hope is to serve the greater good with honesty, humility, and a commitment to healing and evolution. For more about my work and where I stand regarding my studies with Steven Forrest, you can read my mission and vision statements at transformationalastrology.com.

In my book, Cycles of Healing, I explore how astrological cycles support our healing and transformation—helping us manifest positive change in our lives and in the world. Stay tuned for more on how to work with the cycles, including the Moon’s phases, to support your own journey.

Thank you for reading and for being part of this ongoing journey. I’d love to hear your thoughts—find my contact information on the About page. Thank you for showing up, doing the work, and supporting healing for yourself and the world around you. Until next time, be well.