Meet the Astrologer: Brooke Macqueen, Creator of Various Friends
Brooke Macqueen is an astrologer, writer, and sky poet whose profound knowledge of the stars has made her a trusted voice in astrology. Since moving to Byron Bay, Australia, I’ve been following her work for years. Her insights have helped me develop a deeper self-awareness, guiding me to look to the sky for clarity amid life’s ever-changing landscape.
After studying under the head of the Federation of Astrologers Australia for seven years, Brooke combines her astrological knowledge with a poetic flair to craft beautiful insights into the sky’s wonders.
She has collaborated with leading fashion, wellness, beauty, jewellery, and children’s brands. Her work has appeared in various publications and collaborations, including We Are Pampa, Rhythm Swimwear, Dazed but Amazed, and more.
Her unique ability to blend the wisdom of the cosmos with artistic expression has earned her a loyal following and a place among the most respected astrologers today.
Please join me in this Q&A with Brooke to discuss creativity, sky poetry, wellness, and more.
Describe the traits of your star sign and what features of your sign show up powerfully for you.
We are learning to embody our Sun sign. It is the formation of our identity that becomes our greatest self-development path. As an Aries Sun, I’m still learning to take risks, step into leadership, and trust my individuality. I am here to resist comparison and not allow fear to paralyse me into inaction. The process has been about embracing courage, even in uncertainty. What shows up the strongest is diving in headfirst without a plan. It doesn’t always work out, but it sure makes for one hell of a good story.
What inspired you to begin your journey with astrology? How did you get started, and where did the name Various Friends come from?
My earliest education in astrology came from reading horoscopes in Cosmopolitan. I memorised my family’s signs, and, of course, the most important detail was that I was an Aries. Over the years, I explored many paths; honourable mentions go to starting a bed linen label, becoming a corporate travel agent for Amex, and running a yoga and surf retreat in Sri Lanka. Then came my Saturn return, marking the shift into adulthood. It brought love, motherhood, and a complete redefinition of my identity.
When my son Banjo was one, I felt lost and turned to an intuitive counsellor. When she asked me what I loved, I blurted out astrology. I didn’t know much beyond the new and full moons, but her response was simple: “Well, do that.” Yeah, sure, lady. But after that revelation, I found an astrologer who read my chart, and she opened the sky for me. After the session, she said she would love to tutor me. That astrologer, who happened to be the Head of the Federation of Astrologers in Australia, became my mentor. That was eight years ago. An artwork by Dallas Clayton inspired the name Various Friends. He draws little creatures in it, and it struck me that just like we have various friends, we all have various signs, all contributing different perspectives.
Your work has a beautifully poetic undertone. How do you incorporate creativity and astrology in your writing?
Thank you! Astrology is my creative expression, offering a rich tapestry of symbolism and archetypes that shape my writing. Though I’ve always loved poetry, it wasn’t until I studied astrology that I found my medium. Astrology requires objectivity, allowing me to create writing that invites honest self-reflection rather than offering clear answers. Through storytelling, I explore the depths of the human experience, using the beauty of language to help others connect with themselves and spark introspection.
You’ve worked with many notable fashion, wellness, and beauty brands. Could you describe your process within these projects?
Honestly, it’s my favourite thing to do. Outside of astrology, I’m a fashion and wellness girlie through and through. When collaborating with brands, my process is intuitive. I dive into the brand’s values and then align those with the astrological influences. I aim to create a natural extension of the brand’s tone of voice, ensuring that what I produce resonates authentically with the audience.
You’ve been studying astrology for over seven years. How has your understanding and approach to astrology evolved?
Over the years, I’ve moved beyond the surface-level understanding of zodiac signs and their stereotypes, which, while often funny and meme-worthy, feel limiting and unevolved. While we all enjoy a good laugh at a meme, these stereotypes miss astrology’s more nuanced reality. Astrology symbols are neutral; there are no good ones. There are no bad ones. I view astrology as a tool for growth, not just a way to label personalities. The planets don’t pull our strings; instead, our societal existence and experiences shape how we express the energy of each sign and planet.
How can people use astrology to understand themselves, their well-being, and their relationships with others better?
Astrology provides a framework for self-awareness and personal growth. It gives context to the landscape. But we still get to chart our course and choose our adventure with our free will. Astrology, if anything, helps us meet the moment.
How we respond is based on our lived experiences, our resources (internal and external) and the makeup of our birth charts because knowledge implies responsibility.
What is a common astrological practice or ritual you recommend to your followers or clients for personal growth or self-awareness?
I recommend following the lunar cycles. The Moon is a reminder that change is ever-present. As she waxes and wanes, shifting signs every 2.5 days, she brings a new emotional landscape.
New Moon: Emergence - planting seeds and feeling uncertain.
Crescent: Assertion - emotional clarity and possibilities.
First Quarter: Action - pushing through challenges.
Gibbous: Expression - seeking refinement.
Full Moon: Fulfillment - celebration or disappointment.
Disseminating: Synthesis - sharing insights and evaluating.
Third Quarter: Reorientation - peace and reflection.
Balsamic: Release - rest and surrender.
How does the astrological climate affect people’s lives and the greater community?
As above, so below. Astrology is a mirror reflecting life. It helps us witness ourselves and the greater community.
For those new to astrology, what’s one piece of advice you would give to help them understand their personal charts?
Start with the basics: your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. The Sun reveals your essence and the path for your personal growth. The Moon speaks to your emotional needs and the experiences that nourish you. The Rising sign shows how you see the world and how others perceive you. Together, these three elements provide a foundational understanding of your identity.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the astrology for 2025?
In 2025, the outer planets will dip their toes into new signs after long periods, marking a time of significant shifts. Uranus moves into Gemini, Neptune and Saturn in Aries, and Jupiter in Cancer. These changes urge us to be the heroes of our own story, embracing innovation, taking inspired action, and integrating personal empowerment with technological advancements. 2025 is a year to shape our futures with courage and curiosity, serving as the prelude to 2026 and urging us to step boldly into the future we wish to create.
Finally, what’s coming up next in your work for your followers and fans, so they can look forward to?
I’m excited to announce that I’m carving out space again for readings and hosting more in-person workshops. I tend to hide behind my writing, but I’ve missed the community and connection of gathering in person. I’ll also continue to focus on my Substack, where you can learn astrology with me without the confines of
social media tiles.
To learn more or to get your reading, follow @variousfriends, reach out via her website www.variousfriends.com and delve into her words on Substack.
Photography credit: Kiri Hance.
https://www.kirihance.com/
