Jessica Murray trained as a fine artist before graduating in 1973 from Brown University, where she studied traditional psychology and linguistics. After a stint in political theatre, Jessica began a study of metaphysics and has been practicing and teaching astrology in San Francisco for thirty years. Jessica lives in San Francisco, teaches and offers a full range of astrological readings, by appointment, in a professional, comfortable setting complete with a pot of fine tea.

PS Magazine: 'there is so much in a name,' what does your first name mean?

Jessica: "Jessica" is a feminization of "Jesus", "gift of God"; but I was named, by my English-professor father, for Shylock's daughter in "The Merchant of Venice".

PS Magazine: why do you do what you do? When did you start? And what is in it for you-personally?

Jessica: From an early age I have been interested in language, particularly languages of meaning. I studied linguistics and psychology, and investigated different religions to see what the common threads were.

PS Magazine: A Turning point: Was there a teacher, a book, or an
event that inspired/influenced what you do, or started you on your path?

Jessica: I discovered Joseph Campbell and other mythologians, and then Carl Jung. That led me to astrology, a symbolic language all-encompassing enough to ask both very small and very big questions. I feel less restless now. I know that though there may still not be answers, there is at least a way to frame the questions that doesn't do violence to their subtlety and scope.

PS Magazine: An unusual, special or extraordinary memory of an experience that still sticks in your mind?

Jessica: I met Dane Rudhyar, the father of modern Western astrology, briefly at a conference in the mid-70s. There was not a microdot of posturing in his manner; no condescension or distractedness. He gave his focus to every individual and question that came his way, with profound humility and curiosity.


PS Magazine: What are you working on currently, and what is your next project?

Jessica: In my private practice I work one-on-one with serious students of metaphysics, hoping to pass along the understandings I have come to over the years. With clients, we go deeply into their birthchart in an effort to tease out the underlying and often confusing themes in their life; the goal being to get at the core life purpose. I may do only one or two readings with a client, or see them regularly, as in psychotherapy. My current writing seeks to apply astrological principles to help myself and others understand the crisis the world is in, focusing on the chart of the USA, the major player in this phase of global human experience. I also work with an activist group which organizes mobilizations about my government's policies, while seeking to counter the propaganda in mass media.  

PS Magazine: A favourite book/quote you were inspired/influenced by?

Jessica: "When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist; "Revisioning Psychology" by James Hillman; all of Dane Rudhyar's works.

PS Magazine: You are going on a much deserved holiday, what  treasured items are you most likely to always pack and take with you?

Jessica: My tarot cards, a silk scarf to lay them on, and my hot water bottle.

PS Magazine: What would you like to be when you 'grow up'?

Jessica: This is it. If I'm not grown up now, I've lost my shot.

PS Magazine: When you are not working, how do you have fun?

I head up to a natural mineral springs retreat in the hills for a few days, to have bodywork done and soak in the hot healing waters under the stars. In the city, I'm a restaurant whore. I like the elegant aspect of city life, and I enjoy thought-provoking films and theatre.

Jessica’s telephone number is +1 415 626 7795.

email address is jessica@MotherSky.com. 

Her Web Site is www.MotherSky.com.

PS-Magazine.com and MerlianNews.com
a trans-Atlantic holistic internet resource

About PS Magazine l Terms