C*I*A Turns 21!

A few months ago I was invited onto the Backstage Astrology YouTube podcast to talk about astrology, the C*I*A, its mission, and my thoughts on where we are today in this often overwhelming sea of astrology.

It was timely to receive Mayra’s message that the episode is ready and will be launched this week because tomorrow, Sunday 23rd August, here in Melbourne, the C*I*A turns 21.

I love the way Mayra has introduced the episode:

“In this episode of Backstage Astrology, Mayra Medina speaks with Australian astrologer Julija Simas, founder of the C*I*A, Cosmic Intelligence Agency, about the evolution of astrology in the digital age and the growing responsibility to protect its depth, credibility and integrity.”

We talk about what originally inspired me to create the C*I*A the frustration of seeing astrology reduced to Sun signs when it offered such a rich language for understanding ourselves and the world.

We talk about how astrology has changed as it moved into the digital age, and some of the unintended consequences of that visibility: AI-generated misinformation, sensational predictions, superficial learning, four-week certifications, and the dangerous assumption that popularity equals expertise.

And we go backstage into what it actually takes to sustain an astrological platform — the contributors, the reputation, the quality, the boundaries and the enormous amount of invisible work behind what can appear to be freely available online.

Ultimately, it is a conversation about discernment, and how astrology earns our trust through serious study, mentorship, ethical practice, lived experience and the courage to develop our own relationship with it.

CAN YOU STILL TRUST ASTROLOGY ONLINE?https://cosmicintelligenceagency.com/can-you-still-trust-astrology-online/

AND THEN THERE IS OUR 21ST SOLAR RETURN...

It’s always fascinating to look at the Solar Return for the year ahead and the patterns of growth ahead.

This year, with the Sun on the Nodal Axis, we know we are between eclipses. The 7th house is amplified, as is the Descendant, with Jupiter at 11° Leo.

Yes — 11° Leo.

We call this the “Agent Degree.”

Back in 2012, Caroline Casey told us that 11° Leo was the most significant degree she had found for “Secret Agents” while living and working in Washington DC.

And this year Jupiter at 11° Leo joins our natal 11° Mercury in the 7th house.

Then there is Venus in Libra in the 9th house, bringing so much of this together as we prepare to reconnect with many of you at UAC in Chicago and make our Venus Pilgrimage in the Yucatán. Venus is opposite Saturn right over our nodal axis, at 14° Aries/Libra, whilst the transiting Nodal axis joins out zero Virgo Sun.

A year of many more great connections ahead.

As usual, checking the astro maps is also remarkably on point.

At the exact Solar Return, the Moon in the 11th house is passing by Chicago, only about 200 km away. The Sun is similarly close to the IC in the Yucatán, while Uranus rises over Mexico City as Mercury transits the IC.

All these global connections and plans, made possible through our shared gift and love of astrology and global network of C*I*A Agents.

For 21 years, the CIA has been about more than simply producing astrology content.

It has been about keeping astrology alive as a living language one that connects the past, present and future through meaningful study, observation and lived experience.

And so, as we turn 21, we’re celebrating by opening the doors to the C*I*A Academy at 50% OFF.

21 years of astrology.
21 years of learning with each other.
21 years of connecting astrologers around the world.

Your membership gives you access to:

150+ astrology teachings
18+ new webinars every year
International astrologers & teachers
Live learning & special events
Member discounts
20% off AstroGold Software (now for Windows)

But C*I*A is about more than a library of webinars. It is about continuing to learn, discovering different approaches, questioning what we think we know, and keeping astrology alive.

If your membership has lapsed now is a great time to rejoin and lock in this dIscount.

Join the C*I*A HERE

Thank you to all who have continued to support the C*I*A as working Agents, Members and Colleagues over the years.

May the good work continue!

Cosmic blessings to All -
Julija and the C*I*A Team