Melanie Harding, who has 25 years’ experience in the healing arts, tells us about her craft, intuition and how the world is more accepting of spirituality
Q. Hello Melanie. How/when did you first become aware of your spirituality?
“I’ve always had a heightened intuition for the unseen. I sensed otherworldly presences and experienced phenomena such as astral travel as a child. My interest in astrology and the Tarot began early, but it was a chance encounter at 18, after losing my parents, that led me to a spiritual teacher who guided me on a path of deep healing and spiritual learning. Since then, my spiritual journey has been one of continuous growth, healing, and intense learning.”
Q. What career path did you follow to where you are & what you do today?
“I’ve always felt outside of the mainstream. My career began in nursing, and later, I explored my creative side by studying and teaching photography. However, the pivotal moment in my life – and career – came when I became a single mother and learned my son had a life-limiting medical condition. This experience completely transformed my perspective on life. In seeking ways to navigate the physical, emotional, and mental challenges we faced, I turned to alternative therapies, energy healing, and spiritual practices. Astrology and Tarot provided invaluable guidance, illuminating my strengths and offering insights into the challenges I faced. The wisdom I gained from these practices, particularly astrology, profoundly influenced me and played a key role in shaping my career path.”
Q. Speaking of signs… Many of us are aware of star signs & our birthdays… But is it our birth that steers us? Or are there other elements (ascending etc) that have real influence?
“We each embody the entire zodiac, with our chart revealing different aspects of our personality. Our Sun sign reflects our core essence and aspirations, changing monthly, while the Rising sign (Ascendant) shifts every two hours, showing how we present ourselves to the world. The Moon sign, which changes around every two and a half days, reveals our deepest feelings and sources of comfort. The elements – Fire, Earth, Air, and Water – further define our nature. Planetary positions also provide insight: Mars indicates our drive, Venus shows where we find harmony, and Mercury affects our communication and how we organise. Outer planets – Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto – move slowly and mostly influence generational traits. All of this, while seeming intricate and complex, unfolds within a greater, divine plan – guided by God – that shapes each of our lives.”
Q. What is your own sign / astrological make-up? And how does this make you receptive to energies?
“My astrological make-up is quite mixed: my fire Sun sign brings enthusiasm and creativity, while a water Ascendant enhances my intuition, helping me to connect with others. An earthy Moon sign provides grounding, aiding in processing and stabilising the information I pick up. Together, these aspects help me to stay attuned to the energies around me.”
Q. Can you tell us anything about any famous or celebrity clients?
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with some well-known artists and a respected best-selling writer and environmentalist. Of course, I can’t give names for confidentiality reasons!”
Q. Could you give an example of a client whose life your services have significantly helped & how they used this for the better?
“Clients often seek astrology or Tarot when they’re at a crossroads and searching for clarity. Recently, I worked with a client who was transitioning from a job in finance to a career in healing – a dramatic shift. With in-depth guidance from astrology and insights from the Tarot, they successfully navigated this transition. Today, they are thriving as a practitioner of alternative therapies, positively impacting the lives of others.”
Q. Do you ever find people are sceptical or even scared of the spiritual world?
“A few years ago, I would have said yes, people were often sceptical or even scared of the spiritual world. But now, spirituality has become much more mainstream, and people are generally more open and curious. Many are actively interested in their own spiritual growth.”
Q. Do you think the modern world right now means we could do with tuning into our spiritual side a bit more?
“Definitely. Many of my clients are finding that learning about their spiritual side helps them navigate today’s fast-paced and uncertain world. They’re often searching for deeper meaning and connection, asking questions such as ‘why am I here?’ and ‘how can I make a positive impact?’ Exploring one’s inner self offers valuable insights and guidance.”
Q. What are the most surprising and misunderstood aspects of astrology & Tarot?
“One of the biggest misconceptions about the Tarot is the idea that certain cards, like Death, The Devil, or The Tower, are inherently ‘bad’ or bring negative outcomes. In reality, there are no ‘bad’ cards in the Tarot. Each card highlights specific energies or blueprints behind a situation, guiding us to understand the deeper dynamics at play. For instance, the Death card often symbolises transformation and new beginnings, rather than literal death. It’s all about perspective and understanding the broader message these cards convey.
As for astrology, many people believe it’s just about their Sun sign but astrology is so much more complex and nuanced. It’s a science, with roots stretching back thousands of years, it was widely respected as such until relatively recently. An astrological chart is like a cosmic fingerprint, unique to the individual, and as well as the zodiac signs it includes all the planets, their aspects, and the houses they influence. Reducing astrology to just the basics oversimplifies a rich, intricate system that has been used for centuries to understand the human experience.”
Q. You grew up in Somerset? But could you tell us any favourite spots in Wiltshire & Oxfordshire which nourish the soul or feel especially magical?
“Avebury is a magical place with very powerful energy. I’ve always been drawn to the magical landscapes of Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. In Wiltshire, Avebury is one of my favourite spots – the stone circle there, along with Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, is deeply connected to ancient ley lines and has a uniquely spiritual energy. In Oxfordshire, the Rollright Stones hold a similar magic. These ancient stones are part of a network of ley lines that link to other significant sites, like Wayland’s Smithy and Uffington Castle, and connect to the ley lines in Wiltshire, and Somerset There’s a tangible sense of powerful connection across the landscape. More than anything else, I love walking in the woods, possibly foraging for natural ingredients. You can often find me in the kitchen making rosehip syrup, elderberry tincture, and various other concoctions. My three-legged Bengal cat, Sid, keeps me company while I prepare them. I’m also an avid reader and enjoy listening to audiobooks.”
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