MARY VOHRYZEK
(1921-1988)

Barbara Somerfield and Henry Weingarten in Heliogram, 1988:

"For over 30 years, Mary Vohryzek's work has been deeply appreciated as a source of inspiration to the world Astrological community. Mary was instrumental in developing Astrology as a tool to practically assist individuals in manifesting their full potential mentallv, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Rejecting the disease diagnostic model, she pioneered a holistic use of astrology, laying the groundwork for a new generation of counselors. In addition she was an innovator in financial and mundane Astrology.

Globally, people received her mailings free of charge on numerous and multi-leveled topics pertinent to the full education of a holistic astrologer. Anyone who called upon her she helped. Always giving of herself and her knowledge Mary significantly affected the lives of all who knew her.

"Thousands of people were touched through her lectures, tapes, articles, counseling and the high standard of excellence and ethics with which she conducted her life. Her unconditional sharing and constantly brilliant inquiring mind remains a beacon. She will be deeply missed."

NOTE: The flower in the background is Echinacea, common name purple coneflower, which is widely used as an herbal remedy. We thought it was well-suited for Mary, with her holistic approach.

Edie Custer, writing in Heliogram in 1988:

"On May 20, 1988, I received word that a person who has always been very special to me had passed away the day before. Mary Vohryzek passed away at her home in Rockport, MA after a long battle against lung cancer. This was a very fine astrologer who gave many of her years teaching us how to live healthier and more productive lives. Ironic, isn't it?"

"I have an autograph book which many of my favorite people have signed over the years that I have been involved in astrology. I would like to share with you what Mary wrote in it: 'If I haven't got a virtue I fake it - apologies to Wm. Shakespeare. You and I should not be turned loose in the same room together. Affectionately, Mary V."

"Naturally, there is a story that goes along with what Mary wrote. She and I were attending alecture and sitting at the same table. It seems we got mixed up in a lecture in which some fellow was talking about resuscitating (so help me!l) a BUG!! Mary and I looked at each other and said - Don't inhale! That was the beginning of the end. Table mates kept shushing us without success. The more the poor lecturer talked the funnier it struck us and the sillier we got. To this day I have no idea what the poor fellow was talking about - all I can see is him inhaling this bug. Mary and I have laughed many times over the "bug" incident. We shared so many pleasant memories. I shall miss you, friend."

"I got to meet and visit with Mary one time. I was back on the East Coast doing some seminars and I called her and asked to meet her. She agreed. She lived in a beautiful little house with lots and lots of flowers around it. I had never met her before; only through her work. We had tea in her comfortable, very Victorian-looking front room. It was a warm summer day.

"Mary didn't seem to realize the importance of what she had done in medical astrology; but I enthusiastically launched into how much her work had helped me--and continued to help me as a fledgling medical astrologer at that time. She just sort of waved my enthusiasm aside; a very practical, down-to-earth kind of person with an incredible humility.

"I urged Mary to write a book on what she knew, but she waved that aside, too. Mary Vorhyzek is a 20th century medical astrologer of profound importance. She led the way in so many quiet ways...and helped a lot of people in the process. That afternoon is indelibly imprinted upon my memory; her warmth, her graciousness, her humility. Her contributions cannot be minimized.

"Between her and Robert Jansky, they led the way for the rest of us to follow. And what wonderful role models they both were. There is no question in my mind that Mary Vorhyzek was an inspired, creative genius when it came to medical astrology. The legacy she left us are like gems that will never diminish with time or use."

BIRTH AND DEATH DATA: AstroDatabank gives the following data, rated A, as quoted from Mary in the NCGR Memberletter, Vol 13/1. She was born on May 20, 1921, at 3:04 PM MDT, in Denver, CO. She died on May 19, 1988, at 8:35 PM, Rockport, MA.

Memorials L-Z, Continued
To Memorials A-K

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CREDITS: This memorial was created by Donna Cunningham of Word of Mouth Web Design. The echinacea background set came from an excellent collection at Julie's Homegrown Graphics, which also contributed the candle background that is our signature. Mary's photo came from Kathy Kreshock.