My Background in Astrology

Astrology has been a profound and, at times, unexpected journey for me.

My path has taken me through studies in modern psychological Western astrology, traditional Western astrology with a focus on Renaissance techniques like horary, and astrological magic inspired by the 11th-century grimoire Picatrix. Along this journey, I’ve had the privilege of learning from many outstanding teachers.

However, it wasn’t until I encountered Jyotish that I truly felt at home in my astrological practice.

Why Jyotish?

Unlike Western astrology, which has experienced disruptions and interruptions over the centuries due to the church and rise of science, Vedic astrology has thrived continuously for thousands of years.

Despite its technical complexity and abstract nature, Jyotish has enabled me to delve deeper into birth charts than I ever could with Western astrology. Jyotish also offers a wealth of remedies that help individuals both enhance their strengths as well as alleviate their suffering. Its wealth of timing techniques allow you to get a glimpse into the future as well as a clearer picture of the now.

My Mission

In my consultations and writings, I aim to make the profound science of Jyotish accessible to everyone, even those with no prior knowledge of astrology.

I am particularly passionate about helping individuals gain clarity of purpose. My interests include Prashna techniques, omenology, mantras, and offering a variety of effective remedies that extend beyond traditional Vedic practices.

My Lineage

I study and practice Vedic astrology in the tradition of Sri Achyutananda Das, a 16th-century poet-seer and Vaishnava saint from Odisha, India. I owe immense gratitude to my teachers, Freedom Cole, Dr. Eric Rosenbush, and Pandit Sanjay Rath, among others. Their wisdom, patience, and guidance have been instrumental in my journey and in bringing me to where I am today.

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More about me

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve lived in Berlin, Germany since 1999. I became a dual, US-German citizen in 2019.

I studied classical voice at Mills College and planned to become a professional opera singer, but decided against it when I realized I wouldn’t be happy living out of a suitcase in a such a high pressure world. Although I still sometimes sing classical music, I’ve since moved on to jazz and, more recently, Indian classical singing. Besides voice, I also play piano and violin.

I’m a crafty person who likes to make lots of different things. My rule of thumb: give any craft that piques my interest a try as long as the equipment doesn’t cost too much. I especially love making jewelry, and have experimented a lot with designs made from resin as well as polymer and precious metal clay.

I write fiction under the name Rebeccah von Schlieffen.

XOXO

Michelle