Modern Mystic Profile: Vanessa Couto
Tell us about you and what you do, and tell us about your family:
I'm an astro coach & artist. In my work with clients, I weave in elements from depth psychology, dreamwork, storytelling and psychological astrology. Through my work, my intention is to bring about insight, clarity and a bigger perspective on the transformational issues that one is facing. In many ways, I'm a 'liminal coach', serving as a guide as my clients journey through their own threshold experiences of change and transformation. I'm engaged to a wonderful man, who is my best friend and partner. We live in Portland, Oregon with our 2 cats, or otherwise known as our 'office assistants'.
How do you stay healthy, resilient and vibrant?
For me my friends are a key element to my health and sanity. I also try to bring in some quiet time for myself doing what I love like reading, doing art work, coloring, etc. I also like to have some time out and about, preferably traveling.
What does being a Mystic look like on a daily basis?
I think it changes with the mood of the times. But at the end of the day, I believe that being a Mystic is about seeing the bigger picture, tapping into the symbolic zeitgeist of the times and being able to 'read' the signs all around. It's a dialogue between the inner world and the outer, and seeing beyond the material reality.
Tell us about your path to creating your path right livelihood (and what does Right Livelihood mean to you)
It's been a long road towards right livelihood, and in some ways, it's still in the making. For me it's about being able to align my purpose, with what I love and enjoy and make a living out of it. In other words, not having to do just a 'job', but to be able to feel that your work in the world has meaning, even if that is being a barista or waitress. So in other words, all work can be aligned with Right Livelihood, as long as it's aligned with what one feels is their purpose and gives them meaning, and a way to pay their bills and live abundantly too.
How have you integrated your innate talent and Mystic Arts into your life? What challenges did you face in this integrative process?
Creating my business was and still is about connecting all the spokes of my own wheel of skills and talents. In many ways, 'coming out of the closet' was the hardest part, because that visibility and ability to step into the world as astrological coach and artist, was a long journey around self-confidence, self-worth and ultimately dismantling some old beliefs about what I could or not do in the world. Thankfully the world is changing, despite at times the news doesn't seem to reveal that, but embracing the Mystic Arts isn't as condemning as before. What I also see is that it's important to know that it's about how we project that out in the world. So it all comes down to self-confidence and faith in ourselves. Often I still find that I'm my worst enemy blocking my own path. So it's a constant inner conversation with the different parts of myself - my inner committee.
What important lesson would you share with an earlier version of yourself, or to somebody who is just now exploring what a mystical path might mean to them?
Follow your curiosity and see where it leads you. Have a beginners mind. Ask questions and don't be afraid to explore many avenues and see what sparks you.
If there was only one thing a person could find the energy and resources to make a priority, what should it be?
Not to toot my own horn, but I think having an astrology session, diving deep into your birth chart - your life's road map - is a great way to start. It helps cut through a lot of dead ends and gets to the heart of the matter on issues around your purpose and style of approaching life and it's challenges. A great tool for insight and investment in yourself.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
"All paths lead to Rome". Not sure who said this. Perhaps it's from the Bible, but I have always found great comfort in this quote, because it makes me feel that even when I feel lost, it still means that I'll get there - wherever that is - in the end.
Vanessa Couto is an astrological coach & artist. She believes that we are all midwives to each others’ dreams. She’s passionate about working with individuals who want to better understand who they are, find their purpose and are navigating transformative thresholds in their lives. She helps clients on their journey towards birthing a richer and more purposeful life. In her work she weaves astrology, depth psychology, dreamwork, mythology and art to help clients broaden their understanding of their life’s story and the path ahead. She believes the birth chart is our life’s road map. www.vanessacouto.com www.facebook.com/