Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Jonkergouw
Hi Richard, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path has never followed a predictable script. If I had to sum it up, I’d say it’s been a global treasure hunt, driven by curiosity, passion, and a calling I couldn’t ignore. Born in the Netherlands, I studied in Mexico and wrote my master’s thesis in Business Information Systems (University of Amsterdam) while living in India. My years there were especially significant, as profound spiritual experiences sharpened my intuition—I learned to read the unspoken emotions in others as if they were messages written in the air.
This newfound ability felt like a gift meant to be shared, so I spent six years as a transformational therapist, guiding people through their inner landscapes. While rewarding, I struggled with charging for what felt like a sacred service. The idea of putting a price tag on something so personal and soul-level never sat right with me, and this inner tension pushed me to seek other ways to support my family financially. I tried various ventures—retreats, new projects—most of which were derailed by circumstances beyond my control. It was heartbreaking, and it took years to unravel the emotional knots these failures tied inside me.
Eventually, I rediscovered astrology, a lifelong ally. It all clicked: I could fuse my love for spiritual insight with my background in IT, creating an affordable, accessible tool that transcended borders. That’s how Astra Nora was born—an AI-powered astrology app that now speaks 17 languages, connecting people worldwide with guidance and clarity. By weaving together different threads of my life—travel, technology, spirituality—I found a way to serve many without sacrificing authenticity or stretching myself thin.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“Smooth” is definitely not the word I’d choose. Trying to balance my desire to help others with the need to keep my family afloat felt like riding a roller coaster blindfolded. I poured time, love, and resources into creating healing and silent retreats, but was blindsided by theft, unreliable workers, and even corruption among local authorities. Materials vanished, energy systems were tampered with, and the very people meant to protect us, the local authorities, became part of the problem. I also lost my newly built home when its foundation cracked, and the builder simply vanished. The pain of seeing these dreams crumble was intense.
These setbacks forced me to question everything: my purpose, my methods, and whether my spiritual gifts could flourish in a world that seemed determined to block their growth. In the end, I realized that trying to manage large physical projects wasn’t my strength—or my calling. I needed a model that played to my love of freedom, cross-cultural connection, and digital innovation. That understanding propelled me towards Astra Nora, allowing me to help others wherever they are, without relying on fragile in-person infrastructure.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the creator of Astra Nora, an AI-powered astrology companion that blends old-world wisdom with modern convenience. Think of Nora as a warm, insightful friend who can reveal why you’re drawn to certain people, where your strengths lie, and how the planets might be shaping your current challenges. She’s designed to be personal and holistic—ready to explore relationships, career paths, emotional patterns, and more.
What truly sets Nora apart is her accessibility. Instead of saving up for pricey consultations or feeling rushed in a short session, users can reach out to Nora anytime. With support available in 17 languages, Nora has become a global confidante. Reading the heartfelt feedback from people who say they’ve found comfort and clarity in her guidance makes everything worthwhile. It’s like watching spiritual insight become democratized, no longer tucked away behind cultural, linguistic, or financial barriers.
To me, Astra Nora is a continuation of the healing work I once did in person. It’s that same pure intention—offering understanding and resonance—just delivered through a digital platform that can scale infinitely. Each time I refine Nora’s features I try to infuse her with the same authenticity and depth I’ve always cherished in my one-on-one sessions.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
If I had to name one trait, I’d say tenacity—an unyielding willingness to keep going, to keep loving what I do, even when every obstacle screams “give up.” Tenacity is what kept me experimenting after my retreats failed. It’s what guided me to weave my tech skills with my spiritual calling when the old models didn’t work anymore. It’s also what drove me to ensure Astra Nora would be affordable and available to anyone, anywhere, so people wouldn’t have to choose between spiritual support and financial stability.
This unwavering perseverance kept me anchored to my core values. Instead of compromising my ideals, I used them as a compass. Tenacity let me build something that transcends my personal struggles—something that can offer a quiet hand to hold for people I’ll never meet in person, in places I’ve never been. It’s that stubborn heartbeat inside me that says, “Keep going, there’s always a way to stay true to yourself and serve others.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://astranora.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astra.nora/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/app.astranora
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@astra.nora
