Welcome to The Seeker's Field Guide, your gateway to the world of holistic health and wellness. I'm your host, Kerri Schoonyoung. We have an amazing guest today, certified Astrologer and Life Coach, Sonja Francis.
Sonja combines multiple disciplines to help clients tap into their inner wisdom and reach their full potential. Originally from Vienna, Austria, and now based in Pittsburgh, she has studied astrology for over 30 years. Sonja received her NCGR Level 1 certification in 2005 and is a longtime member of the National Council for Geocosmic Research. In 2010, she founded her practice, Astrologer Coach Sonja Francis, offering personalized astrological readings and life coaching sessions to clients worldwide.
She is known for her soul-based approach to astrology, which focuses on personal growth and aligning with one’s highest potential. She’s passionate about helping clients better understand themselves, release limiting beliefs, and create more happiness and fulfillment. In addition to her one-on-one work, Sonja teaches astrology through her online curriculum and live soul journey seminars, empowering students from beginners to advanced levels to embrace a heart-centered approach to astrology.
Today we discuss what it means to practice soul-based astrology, how to use your birth chart as a tool for self-discovery, and ways astrology can help us navigate life’s challenges. Sonja also clears up some common misconceptions about astrology, shares how retrogrades and astrological events can influence our lives, and explains how understanding energetic patterns can improve relationships and foster community. We even touch on her favorite wellness practices and how she integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health in her daily life.
Episode Highlights:
[02:52] We learn how Sonja became involved with wellness. When she was 19, she read a book about Buddhism that sparked her interest in astrology.
[05:08] Astrology is a way for us to look at ourselves. It's a snapshot of the planetary positions at the time of our birth. This energetic blueprint can be used to help understand ourselves.
[06:32] A person can be guided to accept parts of themselves that they may have rejected in the past.
[06:44] Sonja shares what soul-based astrology is. The astrology chart is connected to our soul.
[08:13] Addressing misconceptions about astrology.
[09:44] The birth chart consists of more than the sun signs. There are 10 planets or celestial bodies in the birth chart.
[10:30] Retrogrades invite us to go within and to improve our alignment between the inner and outer world. It's a way to balance the yin and the yang and the feminine and masculine energies in our life.
[13:18] Sonja shares her thoughts on compatibility with zodiac signs. It's important to look at all of the planets, not just the sun signs.
[14:58] She loves all the signs but has a soft spot for Gemini and Scorpio. We all have signs somewhere in our chart.
[15:57] Sonja does readings with people because she wants them to know themselves. It's important to understand yourself fully to be the best version of yourself.
[16:40] A client success story. Sonja combines life coaching with astrology.
[18:19] People who love astrology want to connect with others and have a community.
[21:21] It's also possible to overlay your chart with other people's charts.
[22:03] Sonja was surprised to learn how in tune she was with astrology and the energetic world.
[23:13] Sonja does a lot for physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. She sees herself as a whole system where it's all connected. Her routine includes plenty of rest, focusing on growth, and gratitude.
[25:20] She's also a big believer in self-care and being heart centered and love-based.
[27:41] Seekers Field Guide is about empowering individuals to create their own unique wellness journey.
[28:45] The Sedona Method is Sonja's favorite tool. It allows you to let go and release things from the past that make you feel stuck.
[29:47] Her husband is a lifelong learner and a great inspiration to her. She also just started a 1-year program to get an international coach certification.
[32:10] Sonja tackles the rapid fire questions.
[34:21] Pay attention to what resonates with you and choose a teacher or book who feels in alignment with who you are and listen to your heart.
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