She wrote her grade school term paper on zodiac constellations when she was 12. “I guess the passion for it never stopped — there was always something new to learn and unpack, and the insight you gain is always great and purposeful.” To this day: “My mom calls me up every time I’m in a bind to ask how I am — her intuition is spot-on. If it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood.” It was only natural for Eunice to become a certified astrologer, but choosing the right program is key if you want to get a certification in astrology. For Eunice, triple Virgo and purist teacher and mentor Rebecca Gordon gave her students the knowledge “to read a birth chart, do horary and electional astrology, perform solar chart readings, and then some.” Eunice considers said abilities valuable “modern-day life skills.”
How to Knock On the Astrology Door
There are an estimated 1.5 million practicing witches in the United States today. The amount of information about Wicca, astrology, and zodiac signs can be overwhelming. So, where to start? According to Eunice, a simple birth chart reading is all people need. You can get a free reading online from trusted astrology sites if you know your birth date and time. In a nutshell, astrology boils down to “as above, so below.” In other words, “the sky offers a blueprint of energies (provided by the planets, luminaries, nodes, asteroids, etc.) when we’re born that’s unique to us and no one else.” This exact snapshot of the universe is yours the second you’re born.
Why do you think astrology is becoming so popular these days?
Eunice Lucero-Lee: I think astrology, witchcraft, and other new age-leaning practices are so big these days because the uncertainty has us in a death grip lately. Everything from once-uncontested belief systems to our everyday health to financial stability to the fate and longevity of our planet has been questioned, and people are looking for reasons. We need answers, and we need guidance. I also think many are just sick of the traditionally masculine, outward approach to world reform — war, tyranny, organized religion, oppression — that we’re now looking inward into our own intuitions and tapping into the divine feminine, which is more nurturing. To be clear, no one has to be certified to reap the benefits of astrology or witchcraft. But for those who want a deeper dive or want to break into the business of astrology or energy work (like reiki healing, tarot reading, etc.), it’s definitely recommended to build a loyal client base; certification can help.
What’s the meaning and value of altars? Why are they essential to have?
Eunice Lucero-Lee: Altars are your sacred space and act like a spiritual vision board and a practical workspace. It’s an area where you can practice your spells and intentions and a space where you can also meditate. Any practicing witch will benefit from having a focal point on which to focus their energy when praying or practicing their spellwork. An altar is also a place where you can honor and pray to your ancestors and invoke them for guidance and protection. A witch needs an altar or a personal, dedicated area for their fixed candles, crystals, rosaries, tarot cards, oils and formularies, cauldrons, incense, or anything they need to help them with their spellwork and intentions. It doesn’t need to be a giant, elaborate setup with figurines or all sorts of esoteric paraphernalia — literally, a windowsill or bathroom shelf with a few plants and crystals can be just as effective — for as long as it’s an area that allows you to focus and visualize your energy and intentions in.
What objects does a witch need to perform their craft? How has old dark witchcraft evolved into the new one related to wellness and self-care?
Eunice Lucero-Lee: Witchcraft is as varied as the witch practicing it, which is to say it is neither “good” nor “evil”; it all depends on the witch’s intention. Hexing and banishing have their place in the craft and are just as crucial to your spiritual hygiene as conjuring up blessings, protection, and well-wishes. Denial of the “darker” forces of witchcraft is spiritual bypassing or avoiding the full picture of the human condition — or what many probably recognize as Instagram-friendly witchcraft, which is all “love and light” or “good vibes only.” In a sense, practicing magic is a tool of self-empowerment because the believer can manifest a positive outcome. The spell becomes the medium to visualize positive thinking and often a positive, tangible result. For example, manifesting landing the job offer after a job interview.
In your opinion, what’s the connection between witchcraft (dark forces) and wellness (light forces)?
Eunice Lucero-Lee: The term witchcraft shouldn’t be equated with “dark forces”; I think doing so is misogynistic, false, inaccurate, and a relic from the Inquisition’s days. Witchcraft uses a balance of energies from nature, so just like nature, it can be nurturing, fruitful, transformative, and destructive all at once. Its relationship to wellness is as prosaic as it sounds; it goes with the flow. And it’s all about energetic balance: A balance within the forces of nature in witchcraft and a balance within our bodies for wellness. Simple actions such as meditation, sage burning, or chanting are considered bridges between the so-called dark and light practices.
What’s the benefit of adopting new age philosophies like rituals, chakras, energy repellers, sage, incense, and palo santo?
Eunice Lucero-Lee: These ancient practices have sustained mankind for thousands of years, way before the advent of modern religion. They’re inclusive and can work in tandem with all creeds, races, beliefs, etc.; one doesn’t have to be baptized or formally inducted into a school or church to practice. Energy is universal. Sage, incense, palo santo (or holy wood in Spanish), crystals, and the like are now-mainstream tools that many new-age practitioners use to help with their own personal practices. Palo santo has been used in South America for thousands of years to treat pain, stress, and repel bad energy. The benefits of the tools mentioned above include protecting oneself from negative energies, communicating with spirits, and manifesting intentions.
How are these connected to our well-being and self-care?
Eunice Lucero-Lee: Any practice that makes you look inward encourages meditation and makes you accountable for the energy you put into the world and directed toward others can reap the rewards. Self-awareness is self-care. I’ve also found that some forms of witchcraft are very effective tools in creating and enforcing healthy boundaries. For example, invoking or talking to your guardian angel to ease anxiety in a stressful moment.
How has your persona and life improved since you became certified and adopted your new learnings?
Eunice Lucero-Lee: Self-awareness, self-actualization, and a stronger intuition are just a few of the many upsides. Not everyone has to be certified astrologer or practicing witch to achieve these. But there’s something to be said about knowing you’re one with the universe and are a vessel for its life force that inspires you to get on the right path. You realize you’re all connected and that whatever you put out in the world comes back to you.
