Writing as Observation
Three vignettes on what (and who) informs my practice.
One
I was talking with a friend during one of our virtual chats that we initially started as a way to catch up and review the Astro-weather each month. Sometimes, we get to the astrology. Mostly, our discussions are expansive and deep and tend to shapeshift rather than stick to a strict plan, form, or mode. After two decades of friendship, I suppose it is to be expected that we meander. Getting lost in a good conversation is the part I love the most—it’s where I lose myself, and where I listen best.
Last month, we attuned our attention to the practice of writing. My friend is an excellent writer and reader. He inspires me to embody more of both. In our 20’s, we’d share poems back and forth, like a call-and-response positive feedback loop. I’ve kept many of his writings, and cherish them all. I am thrilled whenever I receive mail from him. The joy of seeing my name and address inked through the tender labor of his hands—full of 27 bones, and numerous muscles, ligaments, and tendons—evokes a sense of comfort and reverence. The shape of each word delights my heart and brings to mind the image of him, and the shape his body makes, as he etches down thoughts in a language that is at once ours and not ours: A mutable tongue we must leverage to stay connected. This language has sent us into fits of furious laughter, guided us into the depths of feeling, and stopped time.
Over the years, we’ve made every effort to keep our communication open and free-flowing, which helps us continue to engage in the practice of writing for ourselves, and each other.
Two
Most of the writing I do in my daily work is technical. Specifically, I write a lot of charts: health assessments, progress notes, medication lists, and, more recently, natal charts. It recently dawned on me how much time I devote to the practice of writing. Much of the writing is a record. But, isn’t all writing a form of record-keeping and documenting our existence? As Mia Mingus writes,
“We must leave evidence. Evidence that we were here, that we existed, that we survived and loved and ached. Evidence of the wholeness we never felt and the immense sense of fullness we gave to each other. Evidence of who we were, who we thought we were, who we never should have been. Evidence for each other that there are other ways to live--past survival; past isolation.”
I’ve started thinking about the meaning and use of charts—what they are, and what they can be.
table graph diagram
listing map plan
plot record sketch
blueprint cast shape
A chart can be described and utilized in many ways. For example, the New Moon and eclipse in the constellation of Aries on March 29, 2025, at 6:57 AM EST has a signature astrological chart, uniquely tied to a specific time and place. It denotes the movement of the Moon between the Sun and the Earth, which blocks the Sun’s light and casts a shadow on the Earth and can symbolize fated meetings and experiences, or the balancing of past and future.
Every person, business, town, nation, and relationship can have a chart that maps the emergence of life into the world.
A chart can also be a method of planning and tracing a course of action. Such is the case with a “progress note” which is a tool that many health providers use. Although the term “progress” can conjure notions about productivity, it nonetheless provides context as to how this type of chart can be, and is often, utilized. The infamous acronym, “SOAP” (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) is employed as a means to document and assess somatic changes, and, in some cases, can be a helpful tool to track the cognitive and emotional response to change as people move through a treatment strategy.
An additional method that I use in practice comes from my training in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and utilizes four main criteria: observation, listening, asking, and palpating. There is something about the number four that feels stable and grounding, and I’ve noticed that I rely on this framework—for the perspective and foundation it provides—while I work with people’s charts, be it for medical or astrological purposes, or the intersection of the two.
Three
A part of my work and writing involves looking for the patterns, correspondences, and threads that shape the stories we tell. Recently, I’ve been revisiting some of the earlier essays and letters that have formed the body of this newsletter (I’m looking for its shape, and how it has changed). In July, it will be three years since starting this project—roughly 1,095 days worth of words, research, and connections. I’ve learned a lot, have undoubtedly meandered, and made some mistakes along the way. I’ve also continued to write through uncertainty and self-doubt; when I’ve felt unsure of my ability to weave together a coherent thought. Still, I am drawn to the possibility that sticking to it might be a doorway into memory, to deeper listening, or parts unknown.
My desire to look back is simple. I want to remember two core things: Why I started, and what keeps me in practice. Although I spend a lot of time writing, I don’t always have a clear sense of my voice. Some of that, I think, has to do with the type of writing I do and the form it needs to take—including the use of medical and astrological terms and phrases. Writing this letter has been a helpful exercise. Attending writing workshops (specifically those geared toward ecological and environmental topics) has filled my creative cup, and provided a gentle place to land as a health practitioner who also writes. I am an acupuncturist and astrologer informed by the work and writing of ecofeminists, black and indigenous scholars, artists, environmental scientists, and friends. I can’t filter out these influences, I bring this confluence of thinking—as labor and practice and love—with me.
Listening
This is one of the go-to playlists that I listen to while working with acupuncture clients—apropos of the name and vibe of my business.
Reading
For my birthday this year, my partner got me a few books on my wishlist. Body Work: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative, by Melissa Febos, was one among three. I am about 30 pages in, and love the writing thus far.
Work With Me
My books are open in April and May. If you’re local, I offer acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Also: Cupping! Guasha! Tuina! Astrology readings are available in person or virtually. And, if you’d like to work more in-depth, I offer 6-week partnerships. Here is a kind review from a recent client:
“I connected with Christian at the beginning of the year for the Tiny Habits/Inner Ecology Reading and spent 5 weeks exploring the depths of my chart, current transits for the year and mapping out what was coming up in my sphere to create and plan out for 2025. Christian’s insights, questions and guidance helped me to understand the background of my energy and how to best work with it. After each session, I felt a sense of clarity that gave me the confidence to implement small daily habits that I could put into place that have continued to stick with me even after we finished our sessions. This offering is wonderful for those who want to understand their own energetic blueprint and explore how to slowly learn how to best support it.”
If you’re curious and want to learn more, you can schedule a complimentary consultation, and we can talk through your questions and which offering would be a good fit.
Until the next one,
Christian