In the early 20th century, astrology was fairly common practice in the United States, popularized by newspaper and magazine horoscope columns. As Ethel learned more about astrology, she was directed to join related social groups, most notably The National Astrological Society. Through the organization, she corresponded with Zariel, the society’s secretary, whom Ethel would write and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of herself and her own future in the organization. Around this time, she changed her name from Ethel to Vahdah, which, according to a letter from Zariel, was a more suitable “Astral Maji name.” Vahdah’s husband also changed his name to align with their astrological interests and became known as Zarh Bickford.

Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge

Welcome letter from National Astrological Society, March 2, 1918. Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

Invitation to the Hollywood Astrological Club honoring Capricorn, December 11, 1966. Vahdah Olcott-Bickford, Collection

After joining the National Astrological Society, Vahdah began training as an astrologer to conduct her own readings. She corresponded with Evangeline Adams, a well known astrologer of the time who claimed to have predicted the famous Windsor Hotel Fire the day before it occurred in 1899. The Vahdah Olcott-Bickford archives contains some of their correspondence, including a letter from Adams telling Vahdah she would be directing people around Los Angeles to contact her for readings of their own.

Certificate to Vahdah from the National Astrological Society, February 17, 1918. Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

Messages from the Stars: A Gallery

International Bulletin of Astro Science Front Cover, January 1958. Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

“Flowers of the Zodiac,” excerpt from World Bulletin of Astro Science, May 1958. Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

“Gems, Colors and Flowers from the Astrological Standpoint, By Vahdah Olcott-Bickford.” Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

Vahdah’s Qabalscope visioned and indited by Hermes Trismegistus. Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

Enthusiasts from around the U.S. did reach out to Vahdah requesting personal horoscopes, and the archives contains some of these forecasts with notes and astrological symbols. Vahdah had been known to have many medical issues and she used her knowledge to create readings for herself, including one titled, “Election for abdominal operation for Mrs. Bickford.” She remained associated with the National Astrological Society until her death in 1980.

Natal Chart of Leonce Pierre Albert Joseph Aruaed compiled by Vahdah. Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

Best known for its 7,000+ classical guitar music scores and correspondence of accomplished guitarists and musicians, the Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection within the International Guitar Research Archives at California State University, Northridge attracts music researchers from around the world as far as Spain, Australia, France, Portugal, and the UK. The collection also provides an interesting look into early- to mid-20th century American astrological practice. Personal horoscopes—including a 4 page reading for the “U.$.A.”—and astrology related pamphlets, newsletters, correspondence, and essays are found, as well as astrological notes on famous composers such as Tchaikovsky and Chopin.

“Notes on U.$.A. Horoscope.” Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

Astrological notes on “Great Musicians.” Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.

Digital reproductions of selected items in the collection can be found online as a part of the Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Correspondence (IGRA) project, the International Guitar Research Archives Score Catalog, the IGRA Guitar Scores, and the International Guitar Research Archives Discography. To learn more about these projects, check out the Oviatt Library Digital Collections.

Julieta Garcia is Processing Archivist of the International Guitar Research Archives at California State University, Northridge. She has worked with the university’s Special Collections and Archives for seven years, where her passion for libraries and archives has flourished. She is currently pursuing an MLIS and is slated to graduate this year. “In the past 7 years, I have learned a lot about the various collections in our holdings, the classical guitar, and how much work it takes to be an archivist. Every time I work on a new project, I have a new respect for our profession.”

Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection, California State University, Northridge.