Anne Whitaker – hiding in the hills…
Though the uninitiated may be intimidated by, if not downright skeptical of, the apparent mysticism of astrology, Anne’s practical approach makes learning and interpreting the signs of the zodiac more accessible, even to a complete novice. Her qualitative research reveals fascinating and compelling correlations, if not causality, between planetary cycles and psychological, physiological and social change.
“Almost from the outset, I became utterly captivated by astrological symbolism. Captivated by its ability to reveal the relationship between that tiny, vital spark of an ordinary human life and those bigger pictures of family, nation, culture,” she writes.
“Realising the profound weave which exists between the symbolic and practical manifestations of every kind of life on Earth, I was awestruck.”
You can connect with Anne on Twitter @annewhitaker and on her website, www.anne-whitaker.com. ( 2017: now an archive, folks – but lots of interesting articles there on a variety of topics. My main site is the one you’re on, ie http://www.astrologyquestionsandanswers.com)
Our 20 questions with Anne start now:
1) What is your full name?
Anne Whitaker
2) What is your professional job title?
Writer, Teacher, Mentor, Astrologer
3) Describe your organization.
Writing from the Twelfth House is a one-woman band where I do all the things I love to do—and get paid!
4) Describe your surroundings right now.
three floors up in a handsome Victorian red sandstone tenement, listening to the river flowing below us. Hand clutching teacup. Biscuit.
5) What was your first paid writing gig?
“How I was left on the shelf and found true happiness” for the West Lothian Courier’s Spring Brides feature. “Unromantic” said the editor.
6) What was the last thing you wrote?
“How to travel without going anywhere…if Kant could do it, why not you?” for www.anne-whitaker.com
7) What is the next thing you plan to write?
Immediate present: haven’t a clue, but will by tomorrow. Long term plan: writing my fourth book, on the theme of “Descent and Return…”
8) Finish this sentence: The ideal way to start my day is …
to wake up at 5.00 am, unable to sleep, so that I can get up and have two hours’ peace and quiet, listening to the river and writing …
9) Besides your computer, what is sitting on your desk right now?
A brass Moon calendar carriage clock, a miniature of Rodin’s “Thinker”, two digestive biscuits, mug of tea, box of tissues, heaps of clutter
10) So-called writer’s block is no match for you! What is your antidote?
A crispy bacon sandwich, lashings of butter wrapped in foil, left to cool on my laptop overnight. Not allowed to open until 500 words written
11) Finish this sentence: I hate it when I read …
reductionist scientists banging on about how nothing can possibly exist outwith the remit of our five senses and the material world …
12) What are the most important tools, programs and systems you use for your work?
Up to date and synched laptop, IPad, IPhone. Social media especially Facebook and Twitter. Great backup from expert local web company
13) First book that comes to mind? Go!
“Stoner
14) What are your favorite smartphone apps and why?
Ibooks to carry reading around and read anything, anywhere. The Night Sky to stretch my imagination. TimePassages to check daily planets
15) What have you always wanted to write?
a book of people’s experiences of the ‘dark night of the soul’ which links with ancient myths of descent and return, affirming myth’s value
16) What is your advice for aspiring professional writers?
Read widely and daily if possible. Write every day. Have a JFDI notice clearly displayed (JUST F—ing DO IT!) Keep a journal. Persevere!!
17) First famous writer who comes to mind? Go!
Terry Pratchett
18) Finish this sentence: My favorite thing about being a writer is …
that the world of the imagination which I can enter whenever I like is totally uncluttered by the hassles, and limitations, of everyday life
19) Pencil versus pen—who wins and why?
I just LOVE Faber-Castell pencils
20) Finish this sentence: One word or phrase people will never read in my writing is …
‘…it is undoubtedly true that…’
Zodiac
********
800 words copyright Anne Whitaker/’Stuff Writers Like’ 2015/2017
Licensed under Creative Commons – for conditions see Home Page
Astrology: Questions and Answers 
from Anne Whitaker • 2 years ago on ‘Stuff Writers Like’:
Thanks for the all Shares, folks! Most pleased! Bacon sandwiches all round…
***
from Editor Gary:
Thank you for sharing your answers, Anne. One of our favorite—or should I say favourite—20 Qs yet. You better write a “Bacon: The Ultimate Motivational Food” book before someone steals your idea!
***
from Anne Whitaker
Thanks, Gary, pleased to hear that. Being a Leo, I love ANY praise! ( not that I set much store by Sun Sign astrology, of course…) And yes, I have always slavered to write a book about the motivational qualities of bacon. Unfortunately, Book 4 mentioned in the interview, about” Descent and Return – the dark night of the soul “- must come first. Maybe I can work in being saved by a bacon sandwich in the Underworld…
LikeLike
What fun, reading this Anne! Thank you! Hoping you are well. 😊
LikeLike
Great to hear from you,Carrie! Well, we all really need a laugh especially in February…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a fun post, and the photo gives us a glimpse of a fun, witty person, someone who lights up a room! Thanks – it put a great smile on my face!
LikeLike
I do you like to entertain, Lisa! I thought I looked a bit bonkers in this photo, so it’s nice to have a positive take on it…
LikeLike
No yu don’t look bonkers! It’s a fun refreshing image that now burns in my memory (and continues to make me smile!)
LikeLike
That’s a relief, Lisa! Keep smiling-it’s almost Spring…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the sound of those Faber-Castell pencils, instead of the rubbish cheap biros I always buy. And love the rest of your interview – as left field as I would expect from one of my oldest (I mean, long-standing) friends.
LikeLike
Ah well,Jane, I have been called much worse things than left-field in my day… Lovely to hear from you here! x
LikeLike
Love it! Truly inspiring and really enjoyed he title of your first written paid work 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Fernanda! Yes, the title was quite cheeky. I was surprised The Editor took it…but that was a very long time ago, when you could get away with more than you can now! X
LikeLiked by 1 person
21.2.17:
Via Facebook:
Judith Burke:
Love that Terry Pratchett is one of your favorite authors. ❤ Good luck on your deadlines!
LikeLike
Thanks, Judith! Well, I am halfway through the last one, but it’s a long slow one…
LikeLike
21.2.17:
Via Facebook:
Frances Mckee:
I think that’s the best selfie I have ever seen . Article not bad either:-))))
LikeLike
Phew, thanks,Frances! I thought I looked pretty bonkers, actually…but Lisa – see above – assures me that is not the case…
LikeLike
22.2.17:
Via Facebook:
Carole Bone:
Only a Saturn/Pluto person could resist a bacon sandwich for 500 words… 😎 xXx
LikeLike
Ha ha ha …👽👽👽 X
LikeLike
When I got to the last answer — ‘…it is undoubtedly true that…’ — I laughed out loud and woke up the cat. This really was a fun post. And when I was still able to write at length by hand, I liked those Faber-Castelle pencils, too. Now, arthritis keeps me at a keyboard instead of hand-writing, but that’s not the end of the world.
LikeLike
‘I laughed out loud and woke up the cat’has now been filed and will reappear somewhere in my ouevre – with due credit given, of course!
Most happy to have amused you, Linda – and it is no surprise at all to me that you are a fan of Faber Castell pencils. I don’t hand write much any more either, but stubs of those pencils pop up everywhere from spectacles case to dressing gown…
LikeLike