Lori Bell, 65: The Good Witch

How can we access the wisdom of the world around us and tap into the wisdom that’s born within each of us? If you catch a glimpse of the life Lori Bell has lived thus far, the answer appears to be quite simple: to live fully—to learn, observe, and feel it all. But living fully doesn’t mean we have to take life too seriously. On the contrary, seeing the impermanence of it all can unlock new portals of perception and lead us to play more freely. Now, for some, this concept may sound far off, easier said than done. But for this Capricorn, her professional work, spiritual path, and life-long mission have guided her to do just that, toward experiences and realizations that call her to embrace ancient wisdom, her life experience, and the present moment.

Since the age of 14, Lori has been a student of astrology. In the 1990s, at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, she studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and went on to use this modality to help treat symptoms of other debilitating diseases and become an accredited expert in other complimentary modalities as well, including acupuncture, NSEV healing, typology, meditation, and more. Together, these make up her mental, emotional, and spiritual tool box, which she uses herself and shares with others to help them enhance their emotional and spiritual well-being.

Beyond her many accreditations and hands-on training, being awakened on the path of Tibetan Buddhism has allowed her to lead with more kindness and less judgment as she guides guests, clients, groups, and audiences toward balance, healing, and transformation. For the past two decades, she has been a light at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach, Florida, hosting bayside astrology dinners, collaborating with The Standard brand to produce an astrology card deck called Planet Standard, and writing her long-running horoscope column for Standard Culture.

“She has a real presence,” David Stewart, founder of AGEIST and SuperAge, says of meeting Lori, who is lovingly referred to as the “Good Witch.” “The white hair is luminous, and her demeanor is quiet but powerful.” Where does this type of magic emanate from? From surrendering to the multiplicity of the human experience, from living in the present, and from pursuing a life that’s aligned with who you are and where you want to go.

How old are you?
Sixty-five.

Where are you from, and where are you currently based?
Miami Beach, where I was born and raised. I love to travel, but I am always so happy to return home.

If memory serves us, you’ve moved around quite a bit.
At the age of 11, I moved to Spain, and the following year, I attended boarding school in Lugano, Switzerland. During that time, I developed a passion for astrology, inspired by a book my roommate owned, which I eventually claimed as my own.

Are you married? Kids?
No, I almost got married a few times, not meant to be in this lifetime. No kids, two cats.

Your hair is strikingly beautiful. What led you to embrace your white hair?
Thank you. I waited until COVID to make the change; it was the ideal time. If only I had listened to my dad, who had urged me for years to let my hair go natural. He would say, “You’d look so cool with white hair!” Embracing my natural color feels so liberating and empowering.

After two decades as “Miami’s foremost doyenne of alternative healing,” how has your approach to holistic wellness evolved as you’ve matured in both your practice and personal life?
Over the past two decades, my professional journey has evolved significantly. While studying Chinese medicine at the Community School of Traditional Chinese Healthcare, where I graduated in 1993, I experienced the height of the AIDS epidemic, during which 75% of the patients at the student clinic were living with HIV. After graduating, I joined a medical group that was one of the few in South Florida to provide integrated care for HIV patients. I was privileged to work with an incredible team of doctors and practitioners.

My next career pivot involved shifting my focus from dealing with death to embracing new life. I concentrated on fertility and collaborated closely with an IVF fertility practice, which proved to be a deeply healing experience for me.

In 2006, The Standard Spa opened, and I have been working there ever since. Throughout my career, my experiences have imparted invaluable lessons about life and the importance of being fully present in each moment.

Your practice uniquely combines Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and astrology. What inspired this integrative approach, and how has it deepened with your life experience?
I have a natural ability to understand people through the lens of Chinese Medicine typology and astrology, which enhances my insight into their personalities. I am particularly fascinated by the long history of wisdom traditions. For centuries, astrology and medicine have been intertwined, with astrology once being a respected scholarly and scientific discipline. Hippocrates famously stated, “A physician without knowledge of astrology has no right to call himself a physician.” After studying traditional astrology and medical astrology, I found it a natural progression to integrate it into my two practices.

You’re known as the “Good Witch” at The Standard Spa. How did this persona develop, and how does it reflect your authentic self at this stage of your life?
I was in the New York office of Standard International when the CEO introduced me. He asked, “What exactly do you do?” I replied, “I am the Good Witch.” That’s how it all began. At this stage in my life, my hair reflects my life experiences and the wisdom I’ve gained. Now, I can truly embrace being the Good Witch!

Many AGEIST readers are exploring second or third careers. What advice would you give to those considering a midlife pivot into wellness or alternative healing?
Go for it. Embrace your life experiences and your wisdom; nothing compares to them. Understand that going into a wellness career means getting accreditations, studying, and immersing yourself in learning.

How has your perspective on wellness and healing shifted since turning 50? What wisdom have you gained that you wish you’d known earlier?
Lighten up, don’t take everything so seriously. I wish I had greater compassion for myself.

Your devotion to Tibetan Buddhism has taken you on numerous pilgrimages. How have these spiritual journeys influenced your healing practice and personal resilience?
Tremendously—every aspect of my life has improved through daily practice and meditation. While exotic pilgrimages are amazing, the true magic lies in having daily practice and meditation, taming the mind. I have become kinder and less judgmental, and as my positive qualities expand, I am better able to see the positive in others. Everything is impermanent, and this understanding helps with resilience, allowing me to pivot with grace.

How do you balance the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and astrology with modern wellness approaches in your practice?
I have worked with medical doctors for most of my career, and I believe that integrating traditional medicine with wellness practices is essential—this is what modern wellness is all about. There are so many exciting advancements in wellness right now, and I am always trying new things on myself; I really enjoy exploring the latest developments in the field.

What self-care practices do you rely on to maintain your energy and insight while guiding others through their healing journeys?
Meditation, sleep, new experiences through travel, and continuously studying.

As someone who helps others navigate life’s challenges, what has been your most significant personal challenge, and how did your healing practices help you overcome it?
My older brother passed away when I was 20 years old. At that time, martial arts provided me with immense support. I had been practicing karate since I was 14, and it served as a meditative discipline that focused my mind. A year after my brother’s passing, the Dalai Lama made his first visit to the U.S. in Vermont, and I was fortunate enough to attend his talk. It was an auspicious moment for me, awakening me onto the Buddhist path.

Many of our readers are redefining what it means to age well. How do you define “aging well,” and how do your holistic practices support this vision?
Aging well involves several important factors. First and foremost, sleep is essential, so be sure to prioritize it. Regular physical activity is also crucial. Additionally, maintaining curiosity, staying engaged, and pursuing activities that bring meaning to your life are vital for healthy aging.
Acupuncture is remarkable in many ways; it addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. When we feel aligned and expansive, we become more open to experiencing life with less judgment and greater kindness. Remember, age is just a number. My dad, who was the coolest 90-year-old, often said, “Don’t worry about getting older, just stay interesting.” I truly love that sentiment.

Your career spans corporate speaking engagements to intimate healing sessions. How do you maintain authenticity across these diverse platforms?
This is where age provides a significant advantage. I am confident in my identity; simply being myself allows me to maintain authenticity.

What role does community play in healing and wellness, especially after 50?
It is critical to have a community to engage with, learn, laugh, inspire, and be connected. It keeps us growing.

What does a typical day look like for you? Go-to meal, preferred way to move your body, favorite ways to connect with others?
My morning routine is coffee, whey protein, a collagen shake, meditation, and then I start my day. My daily commute is a walk through a beautiful park, where I stop under my favorite tree and wish for happiness for all beings. That sets the tone for my day. I love to walk; I prefer to exercise at the end of the day. I love connecting with others in person, having dinner, going for a long walk, hanging out with dear friends, or talking on the phone.

Looking ahead to the next decade of your life and career, what new directions or expansions of your practice are you most excited to explore?
Sharing my knowledge and expanding on a wider scale in the hospitality industry: curating retreats and activations on properties while working with the teams. I am always on the oath, learning and deepening my knowledge.

What are your three life non-negotiables (i.e., the things you can’t live without)?
My daily practice, good friends, and travel.

Editor’s Note: Some answers may have been condensed and/or edited for clarity.

Connect with Lori: www.loriabell.com

Cover image credit: Jipsy Castillo