About Sophia

Thanks so much for visiting my personal page – I’m truly delighted.

This is where I share my story and I’ll do that in a moment, but first, here’s a quick snapshot.

Sophia James – Astrologer

Sophia has been been practising, studying and using astrology in business for over 15 years; she speaks at groups, events and workshops and has developed her own astrology based blueprint, Connected Astrology, to help you transform your life and/or your business.

She has formal qualifications from London School of Astrology, Kairos School of Astrology and Bristol School of Astrology.

She practised as a commercial solicitor for over 20 years, has an MBA and board experience with a multi-million pound business.  An entrepreneur, she has started and run a number of businesses in fields from health & fitness to local business marketing – she understands only too well the myriad challenges of running a small business.

Today she helps individuals and business owners uncover their purpose; identify their talents (as well as blocks); communicate and negotiate effectively, understanding both their own less conscious needs and drives and other people to build balanced teams – as well as find the best timings for everything from starting a new business to launching a campaign.

Her approach is empathetic and holistic, as well as practical. She draws on her experience and interests (and numerous qualifications) right across the mind body and spirit fields – from NLP and life coaching to fitness, nutrition, meditation and Reiki.

The Heart of my Story – Gemini Sun

So, how did I come to be an astrologer? Let’s start at the beginning …

My name Sophia, means wisdom in Greek – by the way, it’s pronounced the English way – Sophia, not Sopheea (“fire” not “fear”!) I grew up in the beautiful and ancient New Forest, a magical place for a child, where ponies roam wild, fairies dance in the dappled sunbeams and witches’ spells repel foreign invaders.

My imagination was captured by the mythical tales of the Greek and Roman gods, goddesses and heroes, along with Norse, Egyptian, Celtic and English folklore, tales of magic and more. First though, there was work to be done …

Legal Life and Litigation – Libra Ascendant

I studied law at university and after qualifying as a solicitor, joined a Magic Circle law firm –  as the top 5 city firms were known. I specialised in Commercial litigation; analysing and interpreting business contracts and exploring the art of advocacy.

Litigation always reflects a breakdown in trust – in communication and in relationships. Some enjoy the cut and thrust of the courtroom, but in my view if you get that far without managing to reach a compromise you have failed. Of course, there are times when you need to stand up for what is right, but I’ve always given priority to negotiating solutions.

Next I moved to Bristol and specialised in professional negligence, later adding professional conduct and ethics issues, dealing with the most sensitive and confidential situations – and contributed to Legal Professional Ethics journals.

Commerce, Communication and Client Care – Mercury in Cancer

I’d always been interested in business strategy and management, so I completed an MBA at Bath University, while also working for a leading Building Society and then Bank; multi-tasking is fun, but hard work!

Next I became Director of Risk Management and Quality at a law firm; communication issues are at the heart of most problems. Managing risk is obviously quite different to avoiding risks.

Other roles included Head of Marketing and Client Care – in professional services, client care is the key to marketing success. So the primary focus was always on building deep connections and strong relationships, based on trust. Logos, fonts and such like are just the fluff; to be successful you need to go much deeper.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Vitality – Mars in Leo

After more than 20 years as a lawyer and in corporate business, I decided it was time for a change. Law firms have their own unique challenges – there’s a joke that managing professional partnerships is like “herding cats”.

I’ve always been interested in holistic health and fitness; the connections between mind, body and spirit; physical, psychological and universal energies. So I switched industries, setting up a new business – a gym and vitality centre.

Along the way, I qualified as a fitness instructor, in nutrition and in reiki… as well as NLP, hypnosis and coaching, all connecting to provide a deeper approach to wellbeing. An understanding of psychology and using powerful techniques to influence are essential for successful marketing and sales campaigns too.

Partnerships and Passion – Venus in Leo

After meeting my husband Nigel, it was time for another change and we set up an online marketing business together, choosing to work with small and local businesses.

The internet gives every business the opportunity to connect and communicate, right across the world – the opportunities today are amazing. It levels the playing field for independent and local businesses – and we’re both passionate about making sure every single one has access to the latest, powerful, online marketing tools and the knowhow to use them effectively.

As part of that commitment, I became chair of the marketing group of our local business group in Exmoor, starting network meetings, business training and creating a successful annual local business Showcase.

Astrology and Alchemy

Throughout this time and especially over the last 15 years or so, I’ve explored many of the fundamental questions about life and our universe – Who are We? Why are We Here? What Happens Next? – through everything from personal development courses to quantum physics and spiritual practices.

Among all these, I’ve simply found nothing as powerful as astrology – it’s such a multi-layered system, going deeper and ever deeper; you can use it for everything and anything – the key to developing true wisdom.

So finally, I decided to return to my roots and now I work with clients, using astrology to reveal their inner blueprint and tap into their true talents – so they can reach the life they are looking for.

Finally – Myths, Magic and Flying Horses

These are some of the other things I love:

• Explore the power of the mind – firewalking on hot coals and walking on broken glass were profound experiences
• Read – everything from business to novels to numerology; Paradise Lost to Nostromo, Astrocartography to Marketing
• Explore ancient myths and mysteries – stone circles, crop circles, zodiac landscapes, dowsing and druid rituals
• Walking ancient pilgrimage routes – currently I’m exploring the Apollo and Athena lines, as well as the Via Francigena
• Ride – my own fabulous horse, Stowaway, doesn’t have wings, but he thinks he does …

So that’s my story, so far – how about yours?

I’m always interested in what other people think and do, so if what I’ve shared resonates, please do connect on social media, or get in touch directly and if you’d like to work with me, please book a consultation.

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