“Focus, our word in English for the concentrated attention, the interest that warms to life all that comes within its radius, originates as the Latin word for hearth. And Hearth was Hestia. The place where the home fire glowed was Hestia. This Focus was not her symbol; it was Hestia herself.”

James Hillman, Hermetic Intoxication

“… Hermes was the messenger of the gods, and an indiscriminate messenger. This because he carried all messages without actively entering into the content of what he carried. He had no opinions, values; he made no editorial comments; he did not censor. His task was to make communication possible, even communication with the realm of the dead and the world below.”

James Hillman, Hermetic Intoxication

I chose the name for my practice after reading depth psychologist James Hillman’s essay Hermetic Intoxication. My engagement with astrology began in 2011 when I was in graduate school. I found astrology to be a powerful tool for understanding myself as well as for analyzing world events. However, it was in a course on Counseling Astrology that I discovered the real alchemy of the connection between the astrologer and the client. By invoking The Hearth (Hestia) and The Herald (Hermes) in my practice, I intend to integrate the relational moment of the consultation with my ongoing astrological education outside of my sessions.

The Hearth sits at the center as the Herald travels around the periphery.

The Hearth roots and grounds. The Herald flies and slips through our fingers.

The Hearth burns at the center of the birth chart. The Herald flutters around the signs and houses.

The Hearth warms the family and elicits deep connection. The Herald travels alone to the ends of the Universe.

The Hearth is the sacred space and the intersubjective field of the reading. The Herald is the long history of astrology and the myriad knowledge that informs the reading.

Chris McNulty, MA (He, him, his)

I am a contemplative wanderer and astrologer, and my practice is informed by all of my life experience and continued study. Some important details about myself:

I am a gay, cisgender, white male who grew up in Northeast Ohio to parents of Western European heritage. I believe in the power of queer inclusion, anti-racist principles, and earth-centered ethics. I do my best to incorporate these fundamentals into my practices.
I received a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies. I focused my studies on process philosophy, the ontologies of quantum physics, the history and philosophy of science, and consciousness studies.
I studied archetypal astrology with Jessica DiRuzza, MFT at Trustpsyche, completing three courses: Initiation to Archetypal Astrology, Deepen Your Astrological Practice, and Astrological Counseling - How to Run a Successful Professional Practice.
I studied Hellenistic Astrology with Acyuta-bhava Dasa at Nightlight Astrology through his first year certification course, Ancient Astrology for the Modern Mystic.
I am proud to have had a rather kaleidoscopic work and volunteer history prior to starting my astrology practice:
- Waldorf-inspired first grade teacher in Cleveland Heights, OH and administrative assistant at the San Francisco Waldorf High School
- Community Engagement Coordinator at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
- Over a decade of work in the service industry in Cleveland, Berkeley, and Key West
- Former volunteer on the GLBT National Helpline, former classroom volunteer at Oakland International High School, former intern at the Pachamama Alliance in San Francisco, former board member of GLSEN Northeast Ohio