About Mark

...a bit about me (No, my parents weren't hippies!)

A bit about me...

Welcome to my About section! The short story is that I grew up with a fairly decent drive to find meaning and joy in life. I lead a reasonably everyday life in rural PEI -- nestled in the woods on our beautiful wooded 22-acre property. Most days I'm chopping wood or driving to town to take our daughter thrifting at Value Village. I practice traditional karate (my daughter does, too) and it's pretty central to our lives. I also play traditional music (bagpipes, whistle) and have a Guinness or two, since you need balance in life, eh?!

I've studied and used astrology my whole life, but it wasn't until 2016 that I started taking it seriously, enrolling in the Diploma program at the APA. I furthered my practice by studying under the master astrologer, John Frawley, from 2019-2023. I feel very blessed to have received such a high-quality education in my astrology studies. Astrology is a lifelong pursuit, and it should make you humble. As an art, it needs to be respected and studied with care. I'm continuously learning new things about myself, through the birth charts. 

Other bits: I'm an elder in the United Church of Canada -- an affirming church. 

International Professional Astrological Appearances 

In 2021 Mark presented for the International Society for Astrological Research’s “Star Club,” Mark Douglas – Stress Planets in the Huber Energy Curve: Compensation, Sublimation, Transformation, and in 2019 for the Northern Stars Astrology Conference, “Age Points - Journey from the AC.”

In Dec 2023 Mark presented for ISAR Star Club in Calls of Self, Age Point Timing.”

Before founding The Sea Within You, Mark worked in human development, life skills, communications, and adult literacy with groups such as the Adventure Group, Reach Foundation, Mi’kmaq First Nations, PEI Council of People with Disabilities from 2008-2020. This was a thoroughly enriching time and made made him realize he loves one-on-one working with people, hearing their stories. Previous to that Mark has worked in environmental research and the tech industry - a profitable fun time when he got travel to Australia and Toronto quite regularly (not complaining!).

Qualifications:  

Astrology - Mark has a diploma in astrological psychology from the Astrological Psychology Association (U.K.). Member of the Atlantic Association of Professional Astrologers, provincial representative. Member of the International Association of Professional Astrologers International. Dipl. (APA)

Mark is currently completing his Horary Apprenticeship through John Frawley, a fantastic human and teacher, and also one of the best astrologers in the world. 

Master's in Theology & Peace - St Stephen's University (currently completing). 

Mark is a Board Certified Coach from CCE. He adheres to their code of ethics alongside the APAI code of ethics for professional astrologers.

Psychosynthesis Transpersonal Psychology - Graduate of the Synthesis Center San Francisco's International Board Certified Psychosynthesis program (2019-2022) including two years of supervision with Dr. Didi Firman and Karen Randall. TA Teaching Assistant from 2020-2021.

One unit of CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), 400-hour supervised program. 2022-2023, QE Hospital Spiritual Care Dept.  working on-call in the spiritual care dept. at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, assigned to the emergency dept, unit 7 and unit 3. This was an intense, beautiful period of learning. Mark is very grateful for this program.

Imagery and the 5th dimension: Mark has completed extensive coursework through the Amsterdam School for Imagery under Dr. Jan Taal, Winter 2020-2021 including supervision and trauma relating to coaching and imagery. 

Wild Imagination, waking dreams in psychotherapy and everday life course and group supervision with psychotherapist and author Allan Frater. January-May, 2021.

Grief Coaching Certificate through ILCT: A course to assist those who support, encourage, and help clients discover the meaning of life after the death of a loved one, or non-death losses and transitions.

Bachelor's in Human Development from the University of Prince Edward Island and a minor in religious studies.

His parents, who, being incredibly practical, and non-esoteric (putting it mildly ;) ) always supported and embraced many ways of knowing. They bought him his first astrology book at age 9 — how cool is that!? Having lost both parents in recent years, through suicide and heartbreak, Mark has leaned into the archetypal necessity and the meaning-making in the ineffable mysteries, embracing a journeying process from waves to wings - embracing Neptune’s desire for us to leave dry land. Soul-making.

FYI: My business is a small offering. I have no desire to grow a following or drain your pocketbook with new age spiritualism. My aim is an open, professional practice. I receive monthly supervision, mentoring and group alignment through the APAI. If I can be of service to you, please reach out! I’m happy to chat and support you to my abilities. 

Mark Douglas, MAPAI, Dipl. APA (UK), BEd, Human Development