Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Freed PhD.
Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am 62 and have not had anything lifted so I look my age and I am still working full time as social emotional educator and a psychological astrologer. When I was 19, I had my astrology chart read by a profound seer and this led me to pursue both my psychology training and a deep dive into astrology for the rest of my life. At that time most people absolutely made fun of me and thought I was a kook “believing in “astrology. After ten years of study and practice in my twenties, I started training therapists and others how to use astrology. I have been teaching for 30 years.
Flash forward – I have always loved writing (inherited by my Grandmother who was an author and a spy) and over the next 20 years from ages 30-50 I wrote 10 books on the subjects of social and emotional learning and typology. But THEN at age 60 a good friend and colleague said YOU MUST WRITE your book about psychological astrology! I complied, and lo and behold there was a bidding war on my book proposal, and I landed a great deal. The book came out January 7th and was an immediate bestseller.
The best part of this story is that I never relied on my writing for anything other than sharing my learnings and enjoying the creative process. So this sudden popularity and reward is a big fat bonus. My biggest take away is that 62 is not the new 42- It is verification that if you work hard at something, and last through all the doubts and detractors, your wisdom will be received. My calling is to be an elder who does not try to be younger but to actually stand for the exquisite wisdom, and naturally wrinkled beauty, that comes with conscious aging.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
IT was never a smooth road but what a gorgeous journey. I have experienced tremendous loss along the way with my brother, mother, father and two close friends dying. My retirement account was stolen by a “good friend”. I think a full life has many potholes but the challenge is to see the beauty in the edges and be vulnerable and loved during the inevitable crucibles. As a leader, I have encountered profound sexism and homophobia however I have mostly encountered unbelievable support and love. I like to say “I have been profoundly lucky except for just a few big things.”
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am so proud of my work because I have stayed the path this whole time and developed a practice that literally no one else has in the whole world.
My psychological astrology work is influenced by years of psychotherapeutic skills and experience, and over 20 years as a lead trainer in the field of social and emotional education for teens, families, teachers, and companies.
My consultations and trainings offer people deep insight into their soul’s journey and give highly practical skills for living their optimum life.
I am so grateful that work many hours a week on behalf of the most marginalized and poor families with AHA! wwwahasb.org, and I work many hours a week with the 1%. and influencers from all over the world.
My work gives me a particular eye into the psyches of people in every demographic.
It is the biggest honor to be a deep listener for people no matter what their position is, or what hurts their heart. Fundamentally humans all long for the same thing. “To be safe, seen, and celebrated” Jennifer Buffett. My gift is to uplift people and encourage them no matter where they may be standing.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My success is all about loving people and believing in people and doing the disciplined work of being a sane human being every day, the best I can.
Every day I write. Every day I practice Qi Gong. Every day I exercise. Every day I meditate. Every day I have a cup of coffee and a glass of wine at night.
But the single biggest factor in my success is having a loving partner for 24 years and my connection with my dear dear friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: jenniferfreed.com
- Instagram: @drjenniferfreed
- Facebook: jenniferfreedPhD
Image Credit:
Kim Reierson photo
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