We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Celeste Brooks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Celeste, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My background is in science and business—I earned my biology degree from UC Berkeley and later completed an MBA at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. I then spent over 25 years in corporate America working in sales, marketing, and business development roles for Fortune 500 companies. My life was very achievement-focused: success, performance, growth—the energy was always go, go, go. And for a long time, that served me well.

But as I reached my mid-40s, I started to feel something shift. Despite having a lucrative career and the goal to retire by 50, I began asking myself: Is this really all there is? The work started to feel more draining than fulfilling—like the soul was getting sucked out of me.

Then, something serendipitous happened. I love going to Rancho La Puerta, a spa in Tecate, Mexico, and during one visit, I wandered into what I thought was a talk on creative memory techniques. Turns out, it was actually an astrologer, Leslie McQuirk, giving a lecture. She was selling a book called The Power of Mercury, and I picked it up out of curiosity. That book cracked something open for me. It explained so much about my thought patterns, my communication style, and how I relate to others—all through the lens of Mercury.

I had always known I was a Taurus sun and resonated with it, and I’d been open to spiritual practices since my 30s—but this was different. Astrology suddenly felt like this beautiful, meaningful language that made sense of so much: not just about me, but about the world around me.

That sparked my journey. I got a full astrology reading, started taking classes, and it quickly became an obsession—in the best way. I couldn’t get enough. Eventually, people started asking me for readings—and even offering to pay me. That was the light bulb moment: Oh… this could be a career.

At 51 years and three days old, I left corporate America and began building my own business as a professional astrologer and entrepreneur. And honestly? It’s going like gangbusters. I feel more fulfilled, aligned, and energized than I ever did in my corporate career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Celeste Brooks, and I’m the founder of Astrology by Celeste, where I blend ancient wisdom with modern insight to help people live more intentional, purpose-driven lives. My journey into astrology wasn’t linear—it was born out of a successful yet ultimately unfulfilling 25+ year career in corporate America. I hold a biology degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, and for decades I worked in sales, marketing, and business development for Fortune 500 companies. From the outside, everything looked great—financial security, professional success—but by my mid-40s, I started to feel like something was missing.

I had always been ambitious, but I reached a point where the constant drive for more began to feel soul-sucking. I had a goal to retire by 50, but I didn’t yet see how I could walk away from such a lucrative career without losing my financial foundation. That’s when synchronicity stepped in.

On a retreat at Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, I attended what I thought would be a light talk about memory tricks—but it turned out to be a lecture by an astrologer. I was immediately intrigued and bought her book, The Power of Mercury. That was the spark. Astrology had always been on my radar—I knew I was a Taurus Sun and resonated with it—but this took things deeper. I saw how astrology explained my thought processes, my communication style, and my relationships. I got my first full reading, then took a class, and from there… I was hooked. Studying astrology felt like coming home.

Eventually, friends and colleagues began asking me for readings—and offering to pay me. That’s when I realized: this passion could become a profession. I officially left corporate life at age 51 (and three days) and began my fool’s journey as a full-time astrologer and business owner.

Now, through Astrology by Celeste, I provide astrology readings, coaching, and educational offerings that combine predictive astrology with intuitive insight. My services include:

Natal chart readings and forecasting to help clients understand themselves and navigate timing

Astrology-infused coaching to support spiritual entrepreneurs and changemakers

Corporate astrology consulting to help teams understand interpersonal dynamics and maximize strengths

Workshops and courses like Moon Mastery—which teaches students how to live in harmony with the lunar cycle—and Astrology Foundations, a course designed to help beginners build a strong base of knowledge

Speaking, podcasting, and events—including presentations at astrology conferences internationally

I also host the Celestial Insights podcast, where each week I break down the astrological transits and help listeners understand the energy of the week so they can navigate life like a boss.

What sets me apart is my ability to translate complex astrological concepts into clear, grounded, and actionable insight. I bring the structure and strategy of my corporate background into my astrological work, while also making space for spiritual guidance, symbolism, and mystery. I don’t just tell people what’s coming—I help them prepare, grow, and live in alignment.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve built a thriving business that empowers others while staying true to myself. I’ve spoken at astrology conferences internationally, joined the faculty at Kepler College, and now serve on the board of the Organization for Professional Astrology (OPA), where I also lead programs that support the next generation of astrologers.

What I want people to know is that astrology isn’t just about personality or prediction—it’s a profound tool for healing, clarity, and transformation. Whether you’re facing a major life decision, feeling stuck, or just curious about your purpose, astrology can offer a roadmap.

At Astrology by Celeste, my mission is to help you see the beauty in your journey, find meaning in the patterns, and live with more intention—one celestial cycle at a time. I love inspiring people and giving them practical, spiritual, and intuitive tools to move beyond their perceived limits, expand their lives, and find more success, whatever that means for them.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

When I started Astrology by Celeste, one of the smartest decisions I made was working with a branding expert. She helped me clarify my message, refine how I wanted to present myself in the marketplace, and define my offerings in a way that felt authentic and aligned. That foundational work gave me the confidence and direction I needed to grow.

From there, consistency became my superpower. I began building my audience primarily on Instagram, starting with weekly posts and eventually sharing content three times a week. I focused on a niche that I was deeply passionate about—the moon cycles—and that decision made all the difference. The lunar cycle is one of the most powerful timing tools we have. Each month brings a new moon to seed intentions, followed by a predictable pattern of growth and release. When people learn to work with that rhythm—especially in alignment with their natal chart, which I call their roadmap or divine guide—it creates profound results.

I made it a mission to educate my audience on how to harness the lunar cycle in practical and empowering ways. Through my studies, I learned about the lunar phase families technique, which wasn’t widely known, even among astrologers. Teaching this elevated my visibility and attracted clients and students—including those already seasoned in the field.

Another turning point was starting my weekly Instagram Live broadcast. I’d engage directly with my audience, talking about the moon, sharing forecasts, and breaking down world events through an astrological lens. People loved the “as above, so below” connection—seeing real-world headlines match up with celestial patterns brought astrology to life in a tangible way and helped establish my reputation as a trusted voice in the field.

I also leaned into relationship-building from the start. Even as a student, I made it a point to speak up in classes, ask thoughtful questions, and engage meaningfully with my peers. That helped me stand out and connect with others in the astrology community. I started hosting Cosmic Conversations, where I’d collaborate with other astrologers and spiritual practitioners, expanding my network and reach organically.

Attending astrology conferences was another key strategy. In fact, it was at a conference where I was first invited to speak to an astrology group—an invitation that launched my speaking career. From there, I continued building relationships and eventually took on leadership roles within astrology organizations. I now serve on the board of the Organization for Professional Astrology (OPA) and lead programming initiatives that support the growth of our field.

Ultimately, I’d say networking has been my #1 growth tool—paired with a willingness to speak up and show up consistently. I often say, closed mouths don’t get fed. Being visible, sharing your insights, and connecting authentically with others opens doors you never expected.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies I’ve used to grow my clientele has been hosting free webinars where I teach an astrology concept and then demonstrate my expertise through live hot take chart readings. During these sessions, attendees would submit their birth information, and I’d offer spontaneous insights into their natal charts. It created an interactive, dynamic experience where people could see me in action—sharing meaningful, accurate information with no prior prep.

This format worked so well because it gave people a low-stakes, high-value way to get to know me and my style. There was no financial investment upfront, which made it accessible, and people walked away with real insight—often wanting to go deeper in a one-on-one session or enroll in one of my programs.

I was fortunate to be launching my astrology business around the time COVID hit, when many people were home and exploring new tools for self-understanding and healing. These webinars became a powerful way to connect during a time of collective uncertainty—and build trust with potential clients.

Plus, because I recorded and shared the sessions on my YouTube channel, they continue to serve as evergreen marketing. Anyone can find them, watch me work, and get a sense of my approach before booking a session. It’s been a great way to let people see, hear, and feel what it’s like to work with me—and that “know, like, and trust” factor is key in this kind of work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.astrologybyceleste.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrologybyceleste
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astrologybyceleste
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrologybyceleste/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/astrologybyceleste
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/astrology-by-celeste-oakland
• Other:
  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@astrologybyceleste
  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrologybyceleste
  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/astrologybyceleste.bsky.social
  Podcast: https://celestialinsightspodcast.podbean.com/

Image Credits

Nye Lyn Tho