In this episode of Backstage Astrology, Mayra Medina speaks with Australian astrologer Julija Simas, founder of the C*I*A* (Cosmic Intelligence Agency), about the evolution of astrology in the digital age—and the growing responsibility to protect its depth, credibility and integrity. Julija reflects on the frustration that originally inspired her work: seeing astrology reduced to Sun signs when it offered a far richer language for understanding ourselves and the world. That desire led to the creation of the Cosmic Intelligence Agency, which grew alongside the early rise of social media and helped introduce serious astrological conversations to a much wider audience. But visibility has brought unintended consequences.

We explore AI-generated misinformation, sensational predictions, superficial learning, four-week certifications and the dangerous assumption that popularity equals expertise. We also go backstage into what it really takes to sustain an astrological platform: managing contributors, protecting a reputation, maintaining quality, establishing boundaries and navigating the enormous amount of invisible labor behind freely available content. Ultimately, this is a conversation about discernment—and how astrology earns our trust through serious study, mentorship, ethical practice, lived experience and the courage to develop our own relationship with it. –

— ABOUT JULIJA SIMAS Julija Simas is an Australian astrologer, teacher and the founder of the Cosmic Intelligence Agency. Based in Melbourne, she began formally studying astrology in 1999, completing a five-year diploma rooted in astrology, mythology and psychology. In 2005, she conceived the Cosmic Intelligence Agency as a creative global platform through which astrologers could become “agents” of astrological consciousness. Since launching its first website, the CIA has grown into an international community, educational membership and extensive archive featuring astrologers and teachers from numerous traditions. Julija’s work brings together psychological, mythological, mundane and contemporary approaches to astrology. Her current research and teaching include astro-mapping, geodetic astrology and the phases of Venus. At the heart of her work is the belief that astrology is a living language—one that connects the past, present and future and becomes meaningful through study, observation and lived experience.