About the Association of Professional Astrologers International (APAI)
Promoting professional standards, ethics, and trusted astrological practice worldwide.
History of the APAI
1987 – The Idea Begins
The concept for a professional astrology organisation was first proposed by Mike Harding during a council meeting of the Faculty of Astrological Studies in London.
1989 – Formation Discussions
The idea was further developed within a peer supervision group in London.
Key contributors included:
Mike Harding, Babs Kirby, Jacqueline Knapp-Tupholme, Lindsay Radermacher, and Gaila Yariv.
The group formally agreed to establish the organisation in February 1989.
1989 – Establishing the Association
- Name “Association of Professional Astrologers” proposed
- Acting roles assigned (Chair, Secretary, Press Officer)
- Foundation structure formally organised
This marked the official groundwork of the association.
1990 – Official Launch
- First meeting held in London (February 1990)
- First AGM held in December 1990
- Founding council officially elected
APAI was formally established to represent professional astrologers in the UK.
2003 – Becoming International
The organisation officially became:
Association of Professional Astrologers International (APAI)
This reflected its expanding global membership and influence.
Today in APAI
APAI continues to support professional astrologers worldwide and remains committed to:
- Upholding high professional standards
- Supporting ethical astrological practice
- Promoting recognised education and training
- Expanding its international community
Our Mission
To establish and maintain recognised professional standards in astrology through education, accreditation, ethical oversight, and structured assessment.
Our Vision
To strengthen public confidence in astrology by promoting qualified practitioners committed to competence, responsibility, and professional integrity.
Leadership & Governance
APAI is led by a distinguished council of experienced professional astrologers committed to excellence, integrity, and the advancement of astrological standards worldwide.
Dr. Eleanor Whitmore - President
Provides strategic leadership to the Association, guiding its long-term vision and institutional direction. Safeguards the integrity, ethical framework, and professional standards that define APAI. Represents the organisation at national and international forums, strengthening its global presence and influence.
Sharon Knight - Chair, APAI
Sharon Knight has worked as a professional astrologer for nearly 40 years. Initially studying with the world renowned Faculty of Astrology gaining her Intermediate Diploma before qualifying as a QHP with Olivia Barclay. She then studied with Rob Zoller as one of his first students and pursued medieval astrology. She gained her MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology in 2004. She’s a Fellow of the Association of Professional Astrologers International and Chair of the same, having previously been the Secretary and Editor of the Newsletter. Sharon is currently a tutor & convenor of the QHP, as well as teaching her own accredited course on traditional natal astrology. Sharon won the Astrologer of the Year title in 2016 with her lecture on Sect & Triplicity. She has spoken at the AA Conferences, The Astrological Lodge of London, taught traditional methods at schools in China, Greece, Romania, Taiwan, Turkey, and to groups in South Africa, & around the UK. She’s written columns for various women's magazines, newspapers and astrological journals, and for 11 years had a regular slot on local radio. Sharon is also a qualified Phytotherapist (S.A.C. Dip). www.astrologersharon.co.uk
Lynn Holt - Editorial Board, Council Member, APAI
Lynn Holt, BSc (hons), DM Astrol (with merit) and holder of John Frawley’s Horary Craftsman diploma, is part of OPA and ISAR as well as being an active member of Council and also a Fellow of the Association of Professional Astrologers International (FAPAI), where she also serves on the editorial board. Although English born, Lynn has resided in Italy for most of her adult life and speaks fluent Italian. A professional natal, predictive, and horary astrologer with an international clientele, Lynn is author of several articles published in specialised astrology magazines and writes a successful blog with a worldwide following. She can be contacted at: myskypieastrology@gmail.com or through her website https://my-sky-pie.com or her Facebook page My Sky Pie
Contact: myskypieastrology@gmail.com | Website: www.my-sky-pie.com | FaceBook: My Sky Pie | Twitter: myskypieastrology@offahill
Aswin Subramanyan - Editorial Board, Council Member, APAI
Aswin Subramanyan traces his astrological lineage through over 350 years of maternal heritage. Rooted in Jyotisa (Indian Astrology), he integrates Hellenistic and Persian astrological traditions into his work. He holds a Diploma in Traditional Natal Predictive Astrology, an M.A. in Indian Astrology, and is pursuing a PhD program. Author of Firdaria – Periods of Life and co-author of Astrology by Moonlight, he serves on the council of the Association of Professional Astrologers International (APAI) and edits its quarterly journal, The APAI Chronycle. He teaches the Diploma in Indian Astrology at his school, Cosmic Lineage Academy, and is a faculty member at Kepler College and AstroCollege (Australia). Aswin co-hosts The Joli-Aswin Show, hosts The CAPISAR Podcast, lectures internationally, and shares insights via his blog and weekly letters at www.aswinsubramanyan.com
Kenan Yasin Bölükbaşı - Council Member and Community Architect, APAI
Kenan Yasin Bölükbaşı is a professional astrologer, educator, and researcher based in Istanbul, Turkey. He originally studied Molecular Biology and Genetics before devoting himself fully to astrology, combining scientific curiosity with symbolic depth. His approach is grounded in both classical tradition and modern innovation. He specializes in Locational, Medical, and Mundane Astrology, with extended expertise in Horary and Electional techniques. Kenan is the founder of Deneysel Astroloji Academy (The Academy of Experimental Astrology), an APAI-accredited school that trains astrologers through long-term, research-based programs. Kenan holds the ISAR Cap certification and is a Council Member of APAI, and a member of APAI, OPA, and AA. He is also a Faculty Member at Kepler College (AstroMapping). As the European representative of the Cosmic Intelligence Agency, he speaks regularly at international conferences and contributes to global panels and journals. He is also the author of four published books and regularly shares articles, research, and educational content that inspires astrologers in Türkiye and around the world. Website: www.kenanyasin.com
Paul Summerfield
Paul has always been interested in Astrology and started studying in 2002. He passed the Astrology College Diploma in 2009 and joined the APAI in 2010. Shortly after joining the APAI, he also became a council member. Currently, Paul is the Media Officer and has always enjoyed being involved with the APAI.
Martyn.J. Shrewsbury - Council Member, Editorial Board, APAI
Martyn is a Jungian Psychotterapist with over 30 years of experience. His fascination with Astrology began at the age of ten when he first read Linda Goodman-s book ' Sun Signs" . He has a Diploma in Psychological Astrology from the Mercury Internet school of Psychological Astrology and a Certificate in Psychological Astrology from the Centre of Psychological Astrology. He was trained by Chris Brennan in Hellenistic, Horary Electional and Rectification Astrology. He has degrees in Classics and Social Anthropology. In addition he has numerous Philosophy and Literature courses from Swansea University. He teaches Philosophy and Social Anthropology at his centre the Asclepius Centre in Swansea. He holds Diplomas in Jungian Studies, Clinical and Pastoral Counselling as well as Hypnotherapy. Martyn is a council member of the APAI and part of the editorial board of the APAI Chronycle. He is a Grandfather,, a partner, the steward of dogs. He represents his local community as a Green Party Councillor . He has been a Parliamentary and European candidate many times.
His Web site www.wilfredhazelwood.com is named after his beloved grandfather he runs an astrological blog called 'soldiers of fate' . He loves the music of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. He is partially sighted and makes wonderful typos at times. Sun sign Aries , Ascendant Virgo Moon sign Sagittarius. Mercury rules his chart and he has a fascinating Venus Pluto opposition in his chart. Depending on which house system you use ...its either in Leo in the 12th for Pluto versus Venus in Aquarius in the sixth or Pluto in Virgo in the first house versus Venus in Pisces in the seventh .
Jadranka Coic
Jadranka Coic is a perpetual student of astrology. She began with the Faculty years ago, did the QHP diploma, and now spends time either practising medical astrology or pursuing secondary progression. She is the Treasurer of the Astrological Association and APAI, and used to be a Beginners’ Class Tutor for the Astrological Lodge of London.
Our Aims & Objectives
APAI works to uphold professional standards and protect the integrity of astrology worldwide.
Representing Professional Astrologers
Assessing and approving astrologers through defined professional standards.
Supporting
Our Members
We support members in maintaining ethical and professional practice.
Professional Recognition & Promotion
We promote accredited astrologers through our public directory and communications.
Protecting
the Public
We maintain strict standards to ensure safe and reliable services for the public.
Insurance & Professional Security
We facilitate access to professional indemnity and liability insurance.
Education & Communication
We encourage continued learning, collaboration, and professional development.
Maintaining the Reputation of Astrology
We safeguard the image and credibility of professional astrology.
Knowledge &
Community
We maintain strict standards to ensure safe and reliable services for the public.