New Times: How did you get your start in the world of astrology?
Diana DeGarmo: In 2000 I was lost, wondering who I was, what the heck I was about. So, on an exploration of who I was, I started studying astrology really heavy and got a reading in Santa Fe. Some of things that the woman said to me started occurring, and I was like, “Whoa.”
New Times: She told your future?
DeGarmo: She was talking about my personality and who I was, like I am going to be talking to you. Astrology is about loving yourself exactly the way you are. It is understanding who you are and being OK with that. Most horoscopes, like Brezsny in New Times, are just looking at the sun. But the sun is just one entity that is affecting us. There is Pluto, Mars, Venus, the moon, which is big. Astrology is very complex. It has taken me eight years to learn how all of this math goes together. I went to school in Colorado and I studied with four different masters locally. I also do tele-learning, I have been a massage therapist for the last nine years, and I am a clinical hypnotherapist too.
New Times: What do people find surprising about astrology and readings?
DeGarmo: I work with projecting and forecasting. In astrology there is a lot of math involved. It’s not a fortune-telling thing, it is actually using rhythms and patterns—like in physics. It seemed to be natural for me, since I was a stockbroker. My astrology is more like counseling astrology; I am not just here to tell you about the doom and gloom. I work with people in crisis. There is a reason people call me. I’m optimistic in nature. My specialty is compatibly charts. I am all about relationships.
New Times: What is your favorite aspect of what you do?
DeGarmo: I have clients all around the world, I do a lot of [astrology readings] on the phone. I don’t have to be in front of you. I don’t even have to know anything about you except for your birthday and birth time. I am a facilitator, an interpreter. I look at the map that has been used for 5000 years. Astrology doesn’t determine your destiny. Paths come in your life; you can choose this path or that path. We always have a choice. Like genetics, you are who you are. Astrology is the same way. You’ve got a blueprint. And I want to show you what yours looks like.
New Times: We have never met before, correct?
DeGarmo: No. You have such a gift as a writer. This is what you’re destined to be doing. You’re extremely curious. You’re bright, flexible, bubbly, and happy.
New Times: Yes. All true.
DeGarmo: You’re broad-minded, not petty. You’re not limited. You’re global, and very open. Working with a progressive group of people is always going to be important for you. Opening people’s minds to the possibilities.
New Times: Wow, what else?
DeGarmo: You very much need to be in the public eye, you won’t be able to get away from it, although you are shy [at times]. You will present a message and people will notice you.
New Times: I’m very narcissistic. But it’s all from a good place. A tad vain.
DeGarmo: You feel your sense of royalty.
New Times: People have told me, men especially I have dated, “You put on airs.” It’s not the best quality to have. I don’t mean to do it. Being a writer, you have to have some type of ego. I’m not married; I don’t have kids, so all I have is me.
DeGarmo: It’s just who you are. You had to be mature at a young age.
New Times: Yes. But I still feel pretty immature. I have never felt mature.
DeGarmo: Whether or not you think you are mature, there is a sense of maturity about you. In late February you are going to have an unexpected awakening. Something is really going to shake things up. It is big energy. Kaboom. Water is sensitive and compassionate. Like the ocean, it’s mysterious. You are a little deficient in water. You’re quirky and fun.
New Times: Oh god.
Christy Heron can be reached at cheron@newtimesslo.com.