My astrological journey began in 2004 when I met Daniel Giamario, the founder of Shamanic Astrology, while attending a shamanic breathwork event in Oregon. My understanding of astrology up to that point was scattered and relatively peripheral. Only when I heard Daniel’s interpretation of my chart and how it relates to my own experiences, could I gain of true semblance of how astrology could help people. But while I attended three SAMS workshops in total. I didn’t feel a true integration until after a 4-year absence from the school.
It was near the time of Spring Equinox in 2010 when I felt ready to re-engage with the Shamanic Astrology Mystery School. During that 5-day workshop I had profound experience which helped crystallize & integrate parts of myself that left me with a deep knowing that I could take this material and run with it. After that workshop, I imagined it would be another year or two before I would be ready to give astrology readings. But the Universe had other ideas.
Shortly after coming back home near Portland, Oregon, a friend who also had attended SAMS referred me to one of her friends to do a reading. About a week later, that first reading started a near-flood of referrals. The readings kept coming and my thoughts drifted back to Tucson, AZ where SAMS is based. I then formed my new business, called InSpiral Nexus.
The name, InSpiral Nexus came to through a dream and a bit of rational thought. Here’s what it means:
- The “In” of “InSpiral Nexus” is the integration of all the parts of Self, including the shadow or ‘dark’ parts of our soul
- The “Spiral” came to me in a dream. I realized this as a significant symbol that describes the cycles of life, the spiral having been a part of humanity for many thousands of years.
- The “Nexus” was the rational thought that completed the business name. Its simply a way to define the eternal connection of the Earth and Sky to our own cyclical nature.
A few more months later I decided to take my ‘newly-hatched’ business to the southwest to complete my studies with SAMS. I still worked at a full-time job in insurance but was able to “take” the job with me and work remotely. I packed only the most valuable and necessary things in my 4-door sedan and left on October 29th, 2010. I arrived in Tucson on Halloween night at a motel with everything I owned (save for 3 boxes mailed to me).
My time in Tucson was blessed. New experiences were the major theme while living in Tucson. I tuned into to the astrological cycles that were present and fully participated in them. Learning through these cycles, I went into the well of my heart and soul and came back more whole, facing my fears and expanding my frontiers to places that a few years ago were not on my radar. I was a vendor at several psychic fairs, met with groups in which I created presentations and I was able to formalize my vocation or calling in life by graduating the Shamanic Astrology Mystery School in October of 2011.
In 2012, my life and work took another step in taking steps in creating the life that I want. It took me back to Portland, Oregon, where I discovered new ways to bringing myself ever closer to my soul’s intent. Since 2010, I have counseled thousands of people through personal readings, talks and shamanic astrology classes. I served as the Managing Director of the Shamanic Astrology Mystery School from 2012-2021 and still contribute creative content and teach courses through the school.
From 2013 to 2020, my research led me to write a book about Vesta, the asteroid, called Sacred Hearth Within, when I noticed its role with Saturn when we have Saturn Returns along with what Vesta means in the natal chart. You can check out my book here.
Since September of 2020, I live in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. I continue to offer readings, teach classes and give talks. In the last 2 years, I have placed research and focus on the astrological nature of the planet Mars, inquiring what is the true nature and essence of the masculine in this world and uncovering new insights that is leading me to a new Pathseeker Mars Online Course now available to take here. It is about the journey of Mars across the sky and following the planet along with the astrology.
I’m also invovled with cor-creating online courses with Cayelin Castell through My Star Alchemy. These courses venture into the spiritual, mythological and magical qualities of the stars and constellations along with a greater understanding of how to navigate the night sky without a telescope. Check out what is available now with two complete online courses here.
Like most things in life, Shamanic Astrology is never-ending learning process and one I’m passionate to follow. This work fills me with wonder as I learn more and more about the spiral of life. My hope is that this sense of wonder and insight carries over to others who seek to discover who they are with ways to navigate the human condition.
Peace,
Erik Roth