Remembering our Astrological Stars

Jeanni Monks

A Tribute to Jeanni
22 June 1949 – 27 July 2023

I have been fortunate to know Jeanni for over two decades both as a friend and colleague. Of course I knew of her, in 1998 it was her and Charyn’s smiling faces that I met at reception as I checked in for my first FAA Conference in Brisbane, although our paths did not really cross again until the following Conference in Melbourne. It was Brian Clark, who always has the future best interest of the FAA at heart, who sought (hijacked) us both with the suggestion of becoming examiners. Very aware of the big shoes we had to fill, we took up the challenge under the initial guidance of the late Alia Ryder (Griffin). Over the ensuing years we went through a number of directors starting with Michelle Lewis, Mark Green and Tess Cullen to our wonderful, current day Coordinator Pauline Hepburn.

Everyone knows who has ever worked on a committee, the importance of trust and respect and it is this that has always been the foundation of our friendship and working life. The Exam Board has always been a progressive presence for the FAA and under the current Board of myself, Christine Rothwell, Narelle Duncan and Sagari Menefy have raised the FAA Exam System from Certificate Level to Diploma Level and then, in line with established educational standards, to the current FAA Practitioner Certificate. Maggie Kerr was also a member up until 2015 and Anita Ings has always been a constant and guiding presence on the Exam Board, as the FAA Representative. Recognised internationally, our Australian astrologers and students of astrology, always surprise those overseas lecturers not only on our camaraderie but also on our depth of knowledge.

Jeanni has played a major role in the education and high standard of astrology in Australia as an educator, mentor, lecturer, examiner and professional advocate. Exam Board meetings have always been full of robust discussions and arguments and are not for the faint hearted. When astrological education is front and centre and is the main priority, there is no room for ego and Jeanni with her well-modulated voice gave as well as she got. At the end of the day it is drinks all round with laughter and discussion. Jeanni was our Eagle Eye as her eye for detail far surpassed the rest of us for its consistency. This tribute would not have passed Jeanni’s eagle eyed proof read and I would have had it emailed back with corrections of spelling, punctuation etc.

After the resignation of Anne Button as Vice President of the APA in 2015, I was quite devastated. Who, I thought could possibly fill her shoes? With a couple of Scorpios on the Executive there were certain requirements that were paramount and not to be trifled with. A few names were bandied around but Jeanni became the obvious choice. Already part of the APA Board as Committee Member and Membership Convenor, it was a decision we have never regretted.

During mid-July whilst still in hospital a group of Jeanni’s students initiated a group healing at midday each day. Many joined and continued to spend a few minutes sending positive thoughts of love, health and healing, said a prayer or would light a candle each day for Jeanni’s recovery. This love and light spread throughout Australia and is indicative of how much and how many of us loved Jeanni and just what she meant to us.

I hope the Goddesses appreciate the beautiful soul we entrust to their care.
Patricia Shepherd
On behalf of the APA Executive and Committe members