MEET BROOKE MACQUEEN
For those that don’t know you, introduce yourself….
Hello, I’m Brooke! I’m a sky poet, aka astrologer and writer. I love beautiful words, and I weave them into my astrological interpretations. I’m also a mother of two. My son Banjo is seven, and Clancy, my baby girl, is 4. My two loves are Astrology and fashion, and I’m lucky that these worlds often intertwine. I am deeply an introvert, then have bursts of wanting to be social, then I’m good to go back to my quiet little world.
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey as an Astrologer?
Growing up, I was always fascinated with sun signs, you know, reading them in Cosmo, but that’s about it. Yet, I knew my mother was a Cancer, my father a Leo and my brother a Taurus, but more importantly, I was an Aries. It wasn’t until I became a mother that I took on studying professionally. When my son Banjo was 1, I was utterly lost in my new identity as a mother. So I sought help from an intuitive counsellor (did I mention I was lost)? During my session, the counsellor asked me, “what do you love?” I blurted out, “Astrology.” So, she told me to “just do that then.” At this stage, I had no idea about the order of the 12 signs. Look, I didn’t know the 12 signs. I knew there was a Full Moon, which concluded my Astrological repertoire, oh and maybe that the colour of Aries is red.
“Just do that.” It was so simple yet painfully complex. So, I looked for an Astrologer to read my chart; she did and said she would love to tutor me, and the rest is history. Now I’m a full-time Astrologer, and I mainly write content for leading brands and magazines, anything from kids’ astrology to sex astrology – it’s been a wild trip. My husband and I (he is the artistic genius behind our brand) creating celestial-inspired things which can be found all around.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
I just wrapped it up! It consumed the last six months of my life, but unfortunately, I’m not allowed to talk about it. I can say it’s probably some of my best work. Watch this space.
Your biggest personal influence/muse?
As women, we are constantly influenced by images of how and what we should be. And in different periods of my life, I held others on a pedestal. I mean, I do have a soft spot for Liv Tyler in Sleeping Beauty. That top bun is some kind of wonderful. However, my friends are the only constant. They are so unapologetically themselves. I’m in awe of their brilliance.
Things that help you with your creative process?
It goes a little like this. I’ll start to think about whatever Astrological event is coming up, for example, a Full Moon. The themes are always in the back of my mind, and sometimes I will come up with sentences in the shower or places where I don’t have time or access to write them down, like lying still waiting for my child to fall asleep. Other times, I’ll hear a word or a song lyric and build entire paragraphs from those few words that inspire the theme I’m writing about. My writing conditions must be quiet. That’s non-negotiable. I also don’t consume content from anyone else until I have created something. Once I have the body of the work, I’ll edit it until I think it’s ready. What I have learnt is that less is more. There is no need to use the entire space of the Instagram caption. Trust me; I gave it a good nudge.
What does a day in the life of Brooke look like?
Each morning I will write three pages freehand upon waking if my children don’t roll into my bed waking up before me. On weekdays we hustle to leave the house and get ready for school. It’s not chill. I would be lying if I said it was. I try to drink warm lemon water through a straw, but I often leave it to cool down and forget about it before doing the drop-off rounds. Once that is done, I’ll grab a cup of joe and take too long to drink it. I’m one of those people who can drink it cold. I’ll accept any “that is gross” thoughts. I then head to reformer Pilates because too much jumping isn’t good for the body after birthing two children. Too much information? Returning home, I’ll make a smoothie and begin work before school pick up. Work involves writing content for socials, any outside collaboration, packing orders and the odd shoot. On the weekends, beach, please.
Your favourite piece from Dune The Label and what is your favourite way to wear it/style it?
The Pacifico Tee capsule is playfully nostalgic and classically tailored. They pay homage to all things vacation, something I am here for.
Your beach, Summer holiday essentials?
Sunscreen, hat, towel and snacks. Also, the coffee that I have had for hours.
Who and what inspires you?
The things that make me stop and pay attention. Words inspire the subtleties of nature, my children, art, colours and, once again, the people around me. The idealists and realists. The pure beauty of giving life a go and saying, “well, shit, at least we tried.”
Brooke Macqueen | @variousfriends
Brooke wears the Souvenir Tee, Happy Hour Tee and Calypso Skirt. Other items are Brookes own. Jewellery by @margaux.lee.jewellery
Photographer | @theriseofshe.creative