About Susan West
Directions to Susan West's Office
Susan has a Masters degree in Human Relations and a Bachelors Degree in English/Education. Growing up in Spokane and Seattle, WA, she spent several years in Germany then returned to the Northwest and settled in Oregon. Susan spent most of her earlier career as a Regional Sales Manager for a Washington, DC business lobby group. In 1985, she was diagnosed with advanced cancer (now fully recovered) and stepped off the fast track to redirect her life and find her true vocation. As a Virgo, Susan found that her natural gift and service to the world is to be an astrologer and lecturer.
Susan is a Certified Astrological Professional (CAP) and maintains membership in several professional astrological organizations: OAA, ISAR and AFAN. She also has studied the I Ching extensively.
A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE
How I became an Astrologer
It seems life's greatest lessons come from what appears to be life's most difficult challenges. I struggled with breast cancer in 1985 and recovered fully, only to have my marriage of twenty-three years disintegrate. My husband no longer had time for me and I felt neglected and lonely. We had two beautiful children--a son in college and a daughter still in high school--but I knew something was wrong in my life.
There I was, reeling from a life-threatening disease and facing divorce. I considered going back to my career as a business woman, but found that cancer had changed me. I no longer had the energy or the focus to be a dynamo in the business world, and I was in a panic. What would I do? How would I cope with raising a daughter alone?
A girlfriend who studied Edgar Cayce had been sending me all sorts of literature on spiritual guidance and trying to get me in touch with my true self. I had known nothing about Astrology or even thought about it until then. I had gone to an all girl's Catholic school and still was involved with my church in my small town. I was wary of "new age" practices, but there were things that spoke to me.
I studied and read and thought about new and ancient ideas on spirituality. I became intrigued with Astrology and began intensive study of the subject. I did readings for a few friends and discovered that I had a gift for seeing and interpreting, but had trouble reconciling it with my Catholic upbringing.
My girlfriend suggested I stay with her in Chicago and attend a journaling retreat led by a nun at a Catholic convent . It was a nondenominational retreat on the North side of Chicago a few blocks from the lake.
She thought it would open me up spiritually. My friend suggested that I might learn to listen and to trust my inner self--go within, ask the questions and write the answers. I felt out of place and had no confidence with what I might find within myself. I didn't know whether to introduce myself by my married name or my maiden name. I was fearful to say that I was divorcing, let alone reveal that I was considering being an astrologer.
Needing to be alone, I went to an early Mass. Questions crowded my mind. Who am I? How can I be a good mother? How do I know my purpose is? Could the gifts I'd been given as an interpreter be wrong to pursue? I prayed.For some reason, I looked above me in the chapel and there was a zodiac on the ceiling--all the symbols and signs of the heavens, of Astrology. I laughed. I felt it was an answer. A true sign. I went back to the retreat and told everyone I was an astrologer. Everyone was very excited and asked me questions. Rather than scorn me and think me foolish as I'd feared, they embraced me. This and other miracles confirmed that I was to continue on this spiritual path.
It's been many years since that epiphany. I am healthy, happy and lucky to have found my chosen path to help others find their way in the world.
To schedule an appointment, email susan@bluemoonastrology.com or call 800.630.2288.
