©2005 by Brian Clark

Astrology, writing and politics were a passionate trinity for Shelagh as long as I knew her. In her own way she was able to embrace and be embraced by all three. As a keen political observer and commentator she enthusiastically witnessed the repatriation of the Canadian constitution, the raising of the new flag and the Quebec referendums from her home in Ottawa, Canada’s capital. In the later 80’s she moved south of the border near Washington DC where she was able to be absorbed in the machinations of US politics. As a native of Liverpool, England Canada became her adoptive home and she loved its history, unique positioning and relationship with Britain and the US.

I knew Shelagh as an astrologer and first met her in 1978 when the Ottawa Astrological Society was in its infancy. Wary of astrologers and organisations Shelagh’s reserve dissolved in our mutual devotion and respect for astrology. From that point forward we were colleagues and friends involved in both the local and national astrological organizations. During this period Shelagh also had a regular radio show where she would review the daily astrological phenomena. Diligent and thorough she brought astrology alive for her listeners. As a teacher and lecturer she was always engaging and as a busy counsellor she was always able to combine empathy with professionalism.

In 1980 we began working together on a project of collecting Canadian data, both mundane and from celebrities. We divided the research and when it came to the celebrities Shelagh would contact the writers and politicians and I would contact the actors and hockey players. The day Shelagh received a note from Margaret Atwood with her birth details was as euphoric as the day I received a letter from Wayne Gretsky! In 1982 we launched our self published Charting Canada in Winnipeg at the national astrology convention. From then on Shelagh and I continued collecting the data and publishing it in Data Bank in the national astrological journal. Sixteen years later John McKay-Clements released his book of Canadian data The Canadian Astrology Collection dedicating it to Shelagh and I for pioneering the collection of Canadian data.

Shelagh was a great contributor to Canadian astrology through networking, teaching and lecturing as well as her professionalism in her private practice. But others outside Canada also knew her through her writing. Besides her many articles she released her book Cycles of the Century in 1999 and she enthusiastically sent me one as soon as it was published. She had done a lot of groundwork for her daily radio show and knew intimately each cycle that was important in the year and how it affected each sign. But besides that it revealed her great love and knowledge of political history through the greater planetary pair cycles and outer planetary ingresses. Shelagh had integrated all three passions in the book.

Shelagh was also very spiritually aware. In 1978 Isabel Hickey visited our group and Shelagh saw a way to claim both the spiritual and technical sides of her craft. She had a strong faith and I imagine that her crossing was smooth. As an avid conversationalist I also imagine she continues her astrological dialogues with the colleagues she was so fond of who went before. We miss her and give thanks for the times we were able to spend together.

TRIBUTE: I had the good fortune to have Shelagh Kendall as an astrology teacher here in Ottawa in 1979 or 80 and again in 1982. I used to listen to the astrology show on CHEZ 106 with Brian Clark and I was so excited when she put the message out that she was planning on teaching. I phoned the radio station immediatly.  How I loved those classes with her and I was never disappointed. She became the consolidating force for me in the elusive pursuit of this subject.  For me she remains a beacon of integrity and sound judgement still and as an astrology teacher, unsurpassed.  

For many years I waited to see her name again here in Ottawa and finally found her again in Tone magazine  a couple of years ago.  When I called her she was as interested and as generous in her engagement  with a former student as ever.  Sadly I did not see her again and when I heard that she had passed this year  I felt that an integral member of the astrological community had passed but her star shines on brightly...

It was with a quiet prayer that I sent her off but I'm glad to be able send out a more public testimony as she always dignified her subjects with a certain respect and compassion which I'd love to return in kind.  This is the legacy she left with me as a student of astrology.  She never lost sight of the inherant humanity of her subjects no matter their station in life.

 

Thanks for the opportunity to remember Shelagh here.

 

Sue-Anne Stitt

BIRTH DATA: Brian Clark gives her data as February 10, 1924, 4:28 AM, Liverpool, England, 53N25; 2W55, apparently Shelagh's own rectification. AstroDataBank notes that she quoted the midwife as saying 4:20 AM. Rated A, from her memory.

Memorials A-K, Continued
To Memorials L-Z

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD? This memorial is interactive, and we welcome your memories and tributes, which we will add in the order received. (They may be edited for grammar, length, and suitability.) If there are any additional contributions we should mention or any inaccuracies in the memorial, please bring them to our attention. We would also love to have photos to bring back vivid memories. (Photos will be scanned and returned.) To suggest names, share memories, create tributes, or volunteer, send us an e-mail.

CREDITS: Biographical information came from Brian Clark.