I was introduced to Astrology through my Mother.

Ever since I was a child, I've had a fascination with the stars. Why their there, what they are, what they're made of, and what they mean. I loved learning about the constellations and their relationship to Greek Mythology. I was glad to know that stars also played in a part in Astrology. I also knew that though my mother had an interest in stars and Astrology, I never saw her read the newspaper horoscopes. She always spent a lot of time reading lots of books about Astrology instead.

It looked complicated but interesting, so I asked her to teach me how to do it. She wasn't sure if she wanted to teach me since my older Sister didn't take to it. But when I wouldn't stay away from her books, she took the chance.

She taught me basic Sun Sign Astrology that's used in newspapers first. I learned how the signs' symbols are drawn and each signs' assigned character what those images mean.

Then she started teaching me the basic emotional characteristics of each sign and why they're assigned to its corresponding planet. We moved on to the learning the components of a birth chart (a map of where all the planets are when one is born) and how the signs fit in each place. Next was the categories and groups that each of the signs fit into.

The hardest part of learning Astrology for me was the mini quizzes my Mom would give me every time we studied. She wanted to make sure the general knowledge stayed with me — for it greatly pertained to anything new I learned. Then there is the math involved in correctly calculating someone's birth chart placements that I still to this day have not figured out.

My mother focused on all the ways someone's personality shows in their birth chart. She was fascinated by the untapped potential in people's personalities. She spends her time countlessly going over the birth charts of celebrities and public figures.

I, on the other hand, am fascinated with learning how much the stars affect us upon birth and throughout our lives. Particularly how the stars can point us to our true love.

My mom has this incredible talent of looking at a birth chart and immediately knowing what someone is like. That could come from years upon years of studying her books, but it still amazes me whenever she does it. I have been practicing incorporating Tarot into my Astrological studies.

For me, Tarot is a direct way to get information from the stars about one's destiny without studying the birth chart.

My mom cautions me not to predict the future, and not to unconditionally rely on the stars for guidance. And though I agree with this advice, I do see the benefit to indulging in such things. One day there will come a time when I can't go to my Mother anymore.

I look to the stars to not only guide my path in life but also guide me to others who share my interest so we can learn even more.

This time of year always brings up my years of Astrological studies since I spend time with my Mom reminiscing and celebrating time renewing once again. I have a lot of things I want to come to fruition in 2018, and a constant eye on the stars gives me comfort in uncertainty.

So far things are pointing in a good direction, and I want to make sure I stay on the path.