Ireland  -  Hawai'i -  California 

 Biography - Margaret Gray  

Astrological Background

My lifelong interest in astrology became a passion when I first started my formal studies in Astrology in the late 80's in Bristol, UK with Psychological (Kleinian) Astrologer, Cate Reidy-Birtwell.

Following 6 years of weekly classes I went on to  complete the three year Certificate course at the Centre for Psychological Astrology in London (Jungian focus), where I studied with the director and world renowned Psychologist, Analyst and Astrologer Liz Greene. I was also fortunate to be taught by Melanie Reinhart (most famous for her research on the Centaurs and excellent book on Chiron, the wounded healer) and the late Charles Harvey (author of some of the best books on mundane astrology and midpoints and always remembered for his kindness and patience towards students). At the end of my studies I obtained the Diploma and was one of only two people to be fortunate enough to gain a Distinction for my work.

In 2005 my colleague John Green and I were elected by Liz Greene to set up the International section of the CPA.  We immediately organized and taught the first CPA Psychological Astrology foundation course and seminar to be held outside of the UK. This took place in San Francisco and was a huge success leading to further courses in Newport Beach and New York as well as in Dublin. ( See the section on Courses for information on upcoming CPA International courses.)

My Astrological work continues on different levels, including individual and couple consultations both in person and on the phone in southern California, Hawai'i and Dublin as well as teaching courses and seminars both independently and on behalf of the CPA in the USA and internationally. I do the book reviews for the ISAR journal and carry out my own research for the purpose of teaching and publication. I am currently working on a book with a colleague. 

Other Training and Credentials

My first degree was in Sociology from Trinity College Dublin (my birth home).  In 1985 I obtained my MSW in Clinical Social Work in the USA and worked for 16 years in the voluntary and statutory sectors in Ireland and the UK.  My clinical work spanned the areas of child abuse, addictions, fostering and adoption and domestic violence. Over the years I continued with my personal training, supervision and therapy with an ongoing interest in depth psychology. I am also an accredited Life Coach and NLP practitioner.

Prior to obtaining my Green Card through the lottery program in 2004 I co-owned and directed  "The Bristol School of Holistic Therapies" in Bristol, UK where I also taught astrology.

In April 2004 I was fortunate to be able to follow my life dream and move to Hawai'i where my heart and soul finally felt truly at home.

In February 2007 I relocated to Los Angeles California for a period of time due to work commitments and to continue with my studies.  However although I am spending some time in Ireland to be with my elderly father I will be returning to live in Hawai'i in the summer making making regular trips to Dublin to teach and do consultations.

Specific areas of Astrological Interest

I work extensively with Vocation and Creativity, assisting individuals to unearth talents and skills. If we each do what we truly enjoy, our heart opens and we connect easily with ourselves and others.

I particularly enjoy working with Relationship issues with individuals and couples and also love Relocation astrology having experienced first hand the astrological and psychological effects of moving and living in different parts of the world.

As most of my students know well, I am  deeply fascinated with Pluto and the 8th house and my current research is on Pluto transits to the angles.

What informs me

My work as a Psychological Astrologer is informed by my belief in the power of the unconscious and particularly by the writings of Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, Marian Woodman, James Hollis and Liz Greene. I view the chart as a symbolic tool which can assist each of us in understanding our personal myth and support us in our unique and precious journey of individuation. 

Other Interests

My second passion in life after astrology is the ocean, hence the photo page of mostly ocean images which I have included in my website for your enjoyment.

Having grown up on a small Island I have always felt a sense of comfort when surrounded by a large body of water and since childhood, have had a fascination with the different  shapes and shades of the ocean waves.

I had the great fortune of living in Hawai'i for three years where I sat for many hours watching the absolute splendor of the pacific ocean surrounding the islands in all its moods at different times of the day and evening.

My other interests include non-fiction writing about social issues which concern me; particularly around children's rights some of which have been published in Social Work magazines in the UK. I have also written for the UK Astrological Association Journal and have had a short story published in an anthology in Hawai'i.

Following the illness and death of a beloved friend from a brain tumor many years ago I became interested in the 6th house/Virgo  mind/body connection and in holistic approachs to health and healing.  My current explorations are in the area of guided visualisation and imagery as a tool for healing childhood abuse and deprivation. 

One of my current dreams and projects is to set up a Healing Center for Children in Hawai'i.  If you would like to be a part of this project, or have any suggestions or thoughts about it, or if you would just like to discuss it further, I would be delighted to hear from you.