Constellation is a multi-modality space in the village of Catskill, New York. Derek James Smith offers Consultations and Event Services with Tarot, Astrology, Hypnotherapy & Puppet Divination. The Original Artwork displayed throughout the shop is created by both Derek and his wife, Rosannah von Moritz.

With over a decade of professional experience, I offer intuitive Tarot readings that blend heart and mind to help bring conscious energy to the elements at play in decision-making and life alignment. Perfect for insight at a crossroads, Tarot readings are personal, accessible, productive and are offered at various lengths and rates. I’m available for individual and group readings, both in-house and for off-site events. Please email to discuss event and group options.

Astrological consultations vary in scope and can be blended with other modalities to form in-depth, “hybrid” sessions. Focused on the blueprints of individuality, natal chart consultations are helpful for understanding elements of your inherent identity, latent potential and how to align with life lessons. Composite Chart Readings will help find harmony and greater understanding in relationships. My hand made Astrological Dice are available to include in any consultation. Astrological Readings for groups and events can be tailored to almost any occasion. Please email me to find out more.

I have been practicing as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (CCHT) and member of the Nation Guild of Hypnotists since 2015. Predominately basing my technique on the structure of Alchemical Hypnotherapy, developed by David Quigley, I utilize a state of “alert trance” to facilitate interactive sessions that tap into your unique inner guidance. The goal of my practice is to help you align with your life’s particular lessons. All hypnosis is essentially self-hypnosis and all healing is self-healing. By engaging underlying issues in the subconscious mind, we have the ability to address an enormous scope of entry points, both psychological and somatic, therapeutic and exploratory in nature. I can assist in such areas as understanding patterns of relationship, somatic healing, “conference room therapy,” addressing childhood trauma or past life regression. Please email ahead of scheduling a hypnosis session, so that we can talk briefly and make sure we are the right fit for each other.

PUPPET DIVINATION

The puppets of Constellation are constantly evolving beings. These O.D.B. (Odd Dimensional Being) Mystics are for adults, for children, for fun, for media, for events and for consultations that I call, “Puppet Divination.” The leader of the group is Tollzar - a minor celebrity who can’t wait to become your Guru (if he hasn’t already). You can schedule an appointment to experience Tollzar’s twice-channeled wisdom as an interactive, multi-modality experience in the shop. Have your existential questions answered as you spin the divination wheel, roll astrological dice and flip Tarot cards. 15 or 30 minute readings are available to book online and small groups are encouraged. Tollzar is also available to bring his wisdom to parties and events, in innovative fashion. Please email and we can discuss the details.

Rosannah von Moritz

The scope of Rosannah’s artwork grows with the seasons. To start the journey of Constellation, she is painting, illustrating and decoupaging a variety of creations, original, and often collaborative in nature. In addition to her established line of illustrations and note cards, she is adorning apothecary bottles, flower presses, acorn caps, wooden eggs and various natural-world discoveries with beautiful flora pressings. Her contributions of pressed sepal stars and fern landscapes breathe magic into Constellation’s Cosmic Discs. You can visit Constellation to see her latest explorations, or visit her website to inquire more.

In Rosannah’s words…

“I am deeply influenced by the natural world and find myself most rooted in who I am creatively when out in nature observing plant and animal life and chatting to any and all obliging creatures. Much of what I paint and illustrate is inspired by the combination of my love of plants and animals, as well as the heartfelt experiences I have shared throughout my life with the people most dear to me.”

Sometimes an exploration, sometimes a grounding meditation, my artwork in Constellation primarily revolves around the Japanese method of Shou Sugi Ban wood charring and preservation. I create custom, decorative interior boards, which are part of the shop’s aesthetic framework, but I’ve also established a language to create anything from wall-hanging “Cosmic Discs” to divination devices, shelving, signs, gates, tables, dice and flower presses. These are often collaborative efforts with my wife, Rosannah von Moritz, who adds her painting and pressed flower decoupage work to the pieces. We both try to price our art to be accessible to the general public. For now, we will be selling a majority of these works in-shop, but you can email me if you are interested in purchasing or commissioning a piece from afar.

It started from a curiosity for knitting, while I was living in the beautiful area of Anderson Valley, California. That lead to my first business - The Knitted Brow - co-owned and spun into existence on hand-made yarn and custom knit hats. When I moved back east to Burlington, Vermont, I taught myself some traditional millinery techniques and fine-tuned my process by making custom hats for people in town. I eventually owned a vendor cart on Church Street in Burlington and offered my work to the general public. I’m excited to explore the next chapter of my work through Constellation. At this time, I’ll be offering custom made hats, with a modest in-house inventory. If you’re interested in commissioning a hat, please stop by the shop or send me an email to see if we can wrap our heads around something.