In Spaces Between (Australia)

How I Do It: An Interview with Tali from AstroStyle

by Rachel McDonald

I had been an obsessive fan of the horoscopes on AstroStyle for quite some time before I booked in with Tali to get a reading early last year, and let me just say, her insights have been so spot on it’s… well… kinda ridiculous.

Warm, vibrant, full of energy and (hurrah!) a fellow Sagittarian, Tali is the type of person you feel instantly comfortable around. Her energy is magnetic, powerful…. and light. She’s a heap of fun. As real as they come. The thing I loved most about my experience with Tali is that the reading was part deep-dive-into- my-chart, part pragmatic advice and part loving life coaching sesh.

In a nutsell – it was everything you could want in 90 minutes with a super smart astrologer. (I’ve actually got another one coming up and can’t wait to see what the cosmos have in store for me!)

If you’re not yet familiar with Astro Style, head over to check out the brilliant free daily/ weekly/ monthly horoscopes that Tali creates with her identical twin sister Ophira, and keep reading for all the behind-the-scenes details.

Let’s kick off with a biggie. Why do you do what you do?

Being an astrologer is the “accidental career” that makes perfect sense. I didn’t intend to make this my career path, it just found me. (Of course there were early signs, like the grade school trip to Space Camp and the obsession with reading books about girls with psychic powers.) But I’ve always been fascinated by discovering what makes people tick — and I also love seeing people thrive, living the lives they love. The astrological chart is like the secret blueprint for people’s desires, ambitions, and ultimate happiness. I feel so honored to have “cracked the code” and learned how to interpret this for people. I often pinch myself that I’m able to make a living doing this.

What are three of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?

1 // Astrology is like wrapping a tough lesson in a sweet candy shell. For some reason you can say anything to people when talking about their star sign; it provides just
enough distance for them to reflect and take it in.

2 // The North and South Nodes of the Moon (destiny point and past life point) are essential to understanding where you come from and where you’re supposed to go.

3 // People always come together for a reason, and you can see exactly why from their relationship’s chart!

What’s been absolutely key for you in building your tribe online?

Giving enough of the good stuff away for free. People have advised us to charge for the horoscopes on our website, AstroStyle.com, but we’ve always dismissed that advice. Generosity begets generosity and we have a loyal following because we provide enough content for people to come back and find more.

Actually, my life requires more planning and discipline than one would imagine from a “woo woo” astrologer (kidding). I have a pretty intense writing schedule: I handle the dailies and weeklies on our site, as well as a batch of dailies for Elle.com and a weekly column for TV Guide magazine and Refinery 29.

I also do a 90-minute reading every weekday. It’s a good thing I love what I do or I might go insane. But I move around from home to cafes to a cool coworking space so I can get my fix of people energy during the day. I do a lot of weekend workshops and reading to keep our horoscopes fresh. I like to constantly learn and stretch myself so that I can bring my best back to our readers.

Describe the process of writing the horoscopes for AstroStyle.

I definitely need to soak up a lot of news, self-development techniques and pop culture so every morning I do a little ritual of meditation and reading before I sit down to write. I use my ephemeris (a guide to the planets and what sign each is connecting with) to map out what I’ll write about. Then, I apply it to each sign and let my imagination take it from there. Writing is a meditative process, perhaps even a form of channeling. Once I sit down at my computer, the words just flow. I’m not even sure they’re coming from me… but I’m grateful for the chatty voice in my head that gives them to me!

Routines and rituals for the soul: can you tell us about the little – or big – things that keep you feeling grounded, joyful, connected, inspired?

As crunchy as it sounds, I step outside every morning for a breath of fresh air. If it’s cold, I’ll put on my big fluffy coat. Some days, I’ll even go for a 15 minute walk. Nature is so rejuvenating and reminds me of the abundance and regeneration that’s available to us all.

When I’m working at home, I like to cook a healthy meal for myself. I’ve had kale growing year round in my garden, so I’ll pick some and juice it or make a salad. That burst of live enzymes keeps me going.

I also call my twin sister (and fellow AstroTwin) Ophira about five times a day. We’ll check in and share little tidbits and thoughts. We always re-inspire each other, even if we start off venting.

The not-so-hot days. We all have them. How do you combat overwhelm and self-doubt?

When I start to feel overwhelmed or down on myself, it’s usually a sign that I need to get back into my body. I’ll either go to Bikram yoga or the boxing gym. Punching the bag is such a release. I often don’t realise how much energy I absorb from other people, especially through readings. I adore my clients and sometimes forget to let go after we end the session. Exercise helps.

I love to sing too. One of my favorite releases is to rent a private karaoke room and go belt out the jams. I’ll even go alone sometimes… and I admit, I’ve stayed for over 3 hours before singing with just me, myself and I.

RAPID FIRE:

I feel empowered, electric, alive, the most ME when… I’m singing, laughing, or

wearing a crazy costume.
I feel restricted when… I can’t crack a joke.
I’m inspired by… Originality.
My current mantra/ affirmation is… I am a force of nature. Ta-da!

To wrap up, imagine you’re sitting in conversation with yourself in 10 years time. What are you doing? What does your life look – and feel – like?

I’d be happy if it looked like it does now. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people I love, living in a progressive city, free to express my creativity and make money doing something I love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The AstroTwins

Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, are the founders of Astrostyle.com and the authors of multiple bestselling astrology books. Their horoscopes reach millions here and through their resident astrologer column at ELLE Magazine.