𓁛𓁿𓁞 About Me 𓁛𓁿𓁞

My name is Natalya Alas (Thomen is my paternal surname) though I also go by Nayetési — the title given to me through formal Vodoun Hwendo initiation which translates to “priestly adepte of the vodoun (deity) of sacred rivers, Nayete” — and Naji Hounon is the name given to me through divination at my initiation. Preferred pronouns are they/themme/she and I identify as queer/bi latinx.

I am a sound sculptor and multi-disciplinary artist, full-time professional consulting astromancer, somatic bodyworker and anxiety coach, herbalist, spiritworker, birthworker and deathworker. I work with sound, spirits, chthonic deities and the Dead, celestial beings and their regents, plants and planets. My astrological praxis is rooted in the synthesis of traditional techniques (Babylonian, Egyptian, Hellenistic, Persianate and Jyotish) with modern applications immersed in the healing arts, occult sciences and celestial esoterica. My writing has been published and featured in The Mountain Astrologer and I have presented my research through the International Association of Astral Magic (IAAM) and the Astro Magia Conference.

The services I provide are geared towards radical self-understanding, self-empowerment and self-actualization by way of astral devotional magic, theurgy & thaumaturgy, somatic experiencing and ancestral medicine. Sessions with me are provided in a safe space of intimate exchange and approached with trauma-informed care.

𓁛𓁿𓁞 My Origin Story 𓁛𓁿𓁞

Born on Mercury day/Sun hour. My Almuten or Hilaj is my 10H Mercury which rules my Lot of Fortune. My Heliacal Rising Stars are Spica and Rasalhague makes its first visibility in the lat + long on the day that I was born. My Heliacal Setting Stars are the Pleaides. 

Raised by my abuelos during my first 7 years of life in Central America, I was exposed to syncretized Folk Catholicism and Ancestral reverence from an early age. My family lineage is multi-ethnic, constellating various cosmologies from Mesoamerica to the Mediterranean and Africa. In my early spiritual search I was introduced to Pythagoreanism, Platonism, Orphism and Orphic Magic. Taoism, Buddhism and Hinduism also deeply intrigued me in adolescence, so a good portion of my 20s thru first Saturn Return were spent living as a celibate renunciate in an ashram. Eventually my spiritual path led me back to the feet of my benevolent Ancestors, who called for my initiation in 2016 into Vodun Hwendo priesthood, a tradition linked thru my maternal grandfather’s bloodlines. Then in 2020 I was made the official court astrologer for the temple palace of the supreme chief of Vodun, Dada Daagbo Hounon Houna II (Houhoué) in Agondji, Ouidah, Bénin.

Growing up between El Salvador and the USA, I have lived in San Salvador, Los Angeles and Northern California, New York City, Florida and Fiji. Currently I am based in Bénin, West Africa where I live with my daughter on the Vodun temple palace grounds of sa majesté, Dada Daagbo Hounon Houna II. To read more about my life experiences, check out my Journal.

Through all of my spiritual wanderings, the art of Star-Gazing, Star-Scrying or Stellar Communion has been a central calling. This opened me to the understanding that the soul is innately anchored to the mystery of the celestial realms. My obsession with astrology first developed in childhood from noticing family Sun-sign synastry and my astrological learning began through scouring the shelves in bookstores and libraries. Then in my early 20s when studying astronomy alongside film and fine arts as an undergrad, I was introduced to the Avalon School of Astrology and encouraged to study there by Michelle Gould. My path as an astrologer would meander, however, finally coming full circle years later.

Prior to embracing my astrological practice professionally, I worked in the performing arts as a sound engineer, theater guild techie, recording studio assistant, musician and artist (Otis, UF, SAE). I also wrote freelance music reviews and film columns for independent magazines plus a variety of side hustles over the years including being a librarian assistant, receptionist and body piercer for a tattoo parlor, receptionist for yoga & pilates studios, barista, bartender and server. I also received clinical training in the healing arts, becoming a trauma informed licensed massage therapist, sound healer, somatic coach and counselor (FSM). All of my creative and healing skills inform my practice, especially my background in the healing arts.

I am also a purveyor of fine artesenal products and create traditional talismans, magical soaps and other apotropaic & propitiatory offerings through my botánica here: La Botánica Hounon Houna (please sign up for my newsletter to receive updates, discounts and announcements).

𓁛𓁿𓁞 Lineage & Credentials 𓁛𓁿𓁞

Since pursuing my path as an astromancer, I have formally studied Hellenistic, Electional & Horary Astrology with Chris Brennan and Rob Bailey (Horary), and Astrological Magic with Christopher Warnock and Michael Ofek. The work and research of Demetra George, Dorian Greenbaum, Maria Maragou, Mary Plumb, Jenn Zahrt, Nina Gryphon, Ryhan Butler, Austin Coppock, J.D. Kelley, Rob Hand, R. Hakan Kırkoğlu, Liana Saif, J.M. Hamade, and Sasha Ravitch have also greatly informed my astral practice. 

Currently I am studying Jyotish with Ashwin Subramanyan. I am also training for my proficiency badge as an End of Life Caregiver through Peaceful Presence. I have also participated in the Deep Listening Intensive program through The Center For Deep Listening at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Certified in Hellenistic, Electional and Horary Astrology. Member of the Astrological Association, AYA, AFAN, ISAR, NCGR, and OPA. Abiding by the Ethical Guidelines as detailed by the International Association of Ethics in Astrology (IAEA).