Astrology Bytes with Theresa Reed

Episode 123. Did you know that every part of your hand is connected to astrology? For example, the middle finger is associated with Saturn. Once you understand how these two go together, you'll see why "flipping the bird" is a powerful gesture. In this episode of Astrology Bytes, palmist James Divine teaches about the astrology in your hands. Learn about the mount of Venus, what the Jupiter finger says about leadership (and why world leaders tend to bend this finger in when they address the public), and so much more in this fascinating episode. You'll be looking at your hands - and astrology - in a whole new way!

Episode 122. Every so often, you’ll hear an astrologer refer to a planet as “out of bounds.” If you’re wondering what that means, here’s the deal: The Sun travels through a particular area in the sky which is a band of about 23° 27 minutes on both sides, north and south of the equator. The planets follow along for the most part but on occasion, they might stray off this path and reach higher declinations. When that happens, the planet is considered “out of bounds.” Think of it as a planet that is marching along a well-trod path behind all the others, and suddenly, they see another path that appears more interesting. They break ranks and go off on their own, which may disrupt the formation in some way. When this shows up in a chart, it means the planet is marching to the beat of its own drum, and not according to the rules. That means the planet is uncontrolled and perhaps a bit wild. Some people may consider the expression to be unconventional or creative. I’ve also seen people refer to it as “outlaw” energy. In other words: the planet isn’t doing what’s normal. Is it genius or just crazy? Maybe both. There are a few planets that never go out of bounds: the Sun, Lunar Nodes, Saturn, Neptune, and Chiron. The ones that tend to break off and do their own thing are the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Uranus, and Pluto. Jupiter can be out of bounds too, but not as common as the others.

Episode 121. A rising sign overlay pattern refers to the signs on the house cusps when a particular sign is rising. For example, if you have Scorpio Rising, Scorpio is on the first house cusp. The other signs would move around the chart in sequential order. This means if your rising is Scorpio, you most likely have Sagittarius on the 2nd house cusp. The signs on the cusps of the houses give a clue as to how you handle the issues associated with that sector in your chart. Using the Scorpio Rising example, Sagittarius on the 2nd house cusp would mean you’re fairly lucky with money and may like to invest in education and travel. When using the Placidus house system, the houses may not be equal, which means that sometimes the next sign does not land on the cusp of a house - but instead may be intercepted, something I’ve talked about in a previous episode. If you use the Placidus system as I do, you’ll see that this modifies the way the ascendant typically acts. Listen in to learn more.

If you love spells, magick, and all things witchy, you'll love this episode of Astrology Bytes! Madame Pamita joins me to teach how to use astrology for effective magickal workings. We discuss lunar phases, eclipses, and retrogrades (yes, you can use retrogrades to your magickal advantage!). Madame Pamita is a Tarot Reader, Spellcaster, Teacher, Author, and a Maker of Magic, Music, and Mischief. She is the host of a popular YouTube Channel, also the host of the "Magic and the Law of Attraction" podcast, and is the author of The Book of Candle Magic published by Llewellyn and also Madame Pamita's Magical Tarot published by Weiser Books.

Episode 119. When an astrologer refers to the final dispositor, they are talking about a single planet in the chart that is in its own rulership. This gives it importance in the astrology chart - and a source of power for the individual. Indirect dispositors form a chain or tree made up of a dispositing planet that disposits another planet and so and so on until you reach the final dispositor. If a single planet is in its own rulership and ends up being the final dispositor of all the other planets, it becomes powerful, perhaps more so than the ruler of the chart. Folks who lack a final dispositor tend to be more indecisive whereas a chart with a final dispositor is more likely to take action and be decisive. Charts with no planets in rulership or more than one do not have a final dispositor. Listen in as I use my chart for an example.

Episode 118. When an astrologer refers to the house ruler, they are talking about the planet that rules the sign that is sitting on the house cusp - and not just the Ascendant. We’re talking about every house. Every house has a ruler. For example, if you have Sagittarius on your 2nd house cusp, it means Jupiter is the ruler of that house. If you have Virgo on the 8th house cusp, Mercury rules that house. Got it? The house ruler gives a clue as to how you “act” with the issues that are associated with that particular segment of the chart. Using our example, the 2nd house connected to money and values. Jupiter as the ruler of this house would indicate a person who is lucky with money - and generous too. They might invest their money in educational or spiritual goals - or travel. Broadening their horizons is part of their values. Once you’ve determined the ruler of the house, look to see where the planet sits in the natal chart. This links the houses - and depending on the aspects, could determine the strength of the house and planet. I've got some examples of house rulers in this episode!

Episode 117. When an astrologer refers to a dispositor of a planet, they’re talking about the planet ruling the sign in which another planet is found. If a planet is in the sign of its ruler, then it does not have a dispositor. It disposits itself. Think of it like this: if you’re in your own home, you’re comfortable. But if you’re hanging out in someone else’s house, you may be uncomfortable or you may spruce the place up a bit. That’s dispositors in a nutshell. Let me give you an example. Let’s say your Mercury is in Gemini like mine. Mercury rules Gemini so that means there is no dispositor - instead, it disposits itself. If your Mercury is in Cancer, the Moon is the dispositor of Mercury because the Moon rules Cancer. The dispositing planet will have an effect on the sign and house where it sits. It may not be “in your face” but there is an influence nonetheless. We'll also talk briefly about mutual reception, which I covered in a past episode.

Episode 116. If you ever hear an astrologer mention a planet’s condition, they are talking about if the planet is well-aspected or poorly aspected. When it’s poorly aspected, it’s considered afflicted (I personally do not like that term but you’ll see it in astrology books, especially older ones). There are a few things to consider when trying to determine the condition of a planet. For one, you would look at its dignity. Is the planet exalted or in its fall? Is it in detriment? Next you’ll want to examine if the planet is supported by harmonious angles to other planets (ex: sextiles or trines) or receiving rough aspects from other planets (ex: squares and oppositions). Analyze those details and you’ll see what “shape” the planet is in - and how it may impact your chart.

Episode 115. How might astrology impact your values? Lauren Mercury joins me to answer that question. In this episode of Astrology Bytes, we'll discuss what values are, how they apply to different areas of your life, and how to discover them in your astrology chart! Lauren shares how the second house and Taurus influence your values - and does a mini reading on me! Yay!

Episode 114. Pluto is associated with transformation, regeneration, intuition, and power. Aspects to Pluto can show how you handle power and are able to regenerate yourself. It can indicate how or where you draw strength and manage difficulties as well. Depending on the aspect, it can show whether you use your power for good or evil.

Episode 113. Neptune is dreamy and idealistic. Aspects to Neptune in the natal chart - as well as the house and sign position - tell you a lot about the intuitive, creative influences in your life. A positive aspect to your natal Neptune could indicate creative genius or clairvoyance. The shadow side of Neptune aspects are illusion, deception, and escapism. If Neptune is negatively aspected, it could indicate someone who is not in touch with reality or who may be prone to addictive tendencies.

Episode 112. An aspect refers to the angles planets make to each other in the horoscope. They are measured by mathematical angles, which means you need to know a bit about geometry. I’ve talked about aspects in previous episodes so please go back and listen to learn more. Aspects to Uranus can show where you’re original, eccentric, intuitive, and rebellious. Depending on the houses and signs, it can also indicate where dramatic changes could happen as well as where you might find freedom. If Uranus is negatively aspected, it can create erratic energy as in the fool who doesn’t look before they leap.

Episode 111. When planets make aspects to Saturn in your natal chart, it can indicate how you deal with discipline or structure. Depending on the aspect, it can amplify ambition and create a sense of wanting to contribute something meaningful..or it can indicate an unwillingness to do the work. In some cases, a poorly aspected Saturn could indicate someone who lacks discipline or is too controlling.

Episode 110. When planets make aspects to Jupiter in your natal chart, it can show how you expand. Keep in mind that Jupiter is one of the social planets so the expansion is based on the cooperation of others. That cooperation can come through shared spiritual beliefs, philosophic attitudes, or ethics. A well-aspected Jupiter could indicate someone who contributes to society in a positive manner and has their goals supported. A well-aspected Jupiter could also show where you’re lucky and could also add an enthusiastic, optimistic, jovial side to your personality. A poorly aspected Jupiter could indicate someone who is hypocritical or has trouble finding their place in the social structures. In some cases, a poorly aspected Jupiter could indicate excess, indulgence, or a tendency to take things for granted.

Episode 109. When planets make aspects to Mars in the natal chart, it can impact the way your express aggression or the way you take action. It can also have something to say about how you lead as well as your drive or ambitions. For example, a poorly aspected Mars might indicate someone who acts rashly and has an ill temper. A well-aspected Mars could signify a person that is an inspiring leader or who pursues their goals with enthusiasm.

Episode 108. When planets make aspects to Venus in the natal chart, it can impact relationships, how you express love, your creativity, as well as how you express your romantic feelings. It can also impact your capacity to create beauty and harmony as well as material prosperity. A well-aspected Venus could indicate a person who functions well in relationships, has creative talents or is able to attract the good things in life. A poorly aspected Venus could indicate problems around expressing romantic feelings or creative skills as well as possible relationship or social issues that will need to be worked on. I've got Venus sextile Uranus in my chart - which can bring unusual relationships into my life - or romantic relationships with friends. My husband and I were friends for five years before we became romantically involved. So there ya go!

Episode 107. When planets make aspects to Mercury in your natal chart, it can impact your thinking, and give clues as to what kind of mind you have. It can also affect how well you communicate or don’t. Remember that Mercury is rather neutral on its own. Where it sits in the natal chart and the planetary aspects will determine how it operates. A well-aspected Mercury can indicate someone with a fine, focused mind who is able to achieve success while a poorly aspected Mercury could indicate someone who has trouble with school or expressing their ideas. Learn more in this quick lesson!

Episode 106. "The 12th house needs a makeover," says Aliza Rose of The Business Mystic. I couldn't agree more. So many astrology books call this the "house of self-undoing," and connect it to prisons, karma, and institutions. Aliza Rose sees it differently. She views the 12th house as a superpower, a place of strength. Learn how you can turn this house upside-down and find your hidden power too.

Episode 105. (Recap: An aspect refers to the angles planets make to each other in the horoscope. They are measured by mathematical angles, which means you need to know a bit about geometry. I’ve talked about aspects in previous episodes so please go back and listen to learn more.) When planets make aspects to the Moon in your natal chart, it can affect your emotions, unconscious mind, habit patterns of the past, relationships with your mother, how you relate to women, and your parenting abilities. If your Moon is well aspected, you may be an exceptional parent or someone who has a centered emotional disposition. A poorly aspected Moon could indicate trouble expressing your feelings or a difficult relationship with your mother. Learn more in this fast 'n furious episode!

Episode 104: Finding Your Life Purpose in Astrology with Ruth Connell When people come to an astrologer, it's not just to find out about the future. They want to learn about themselves and their life purpose. Astrology can give clues to what you're here to do (hint: it's not always about vocation). There are a few markers to explore, namely the Sun, Lunar Nodes, and Midheaven. These three can indicate your reason for being here. But can your life purpose change? Absolutely. While some may seem to have a singular life mission, the planets are always moving and that can bring new avenues to explore. Transits show what's currently happening and how it may impact our destiny while the progressed chart indicates how you're evolving. In other words, as you continue through life's journey, you're always growing and changing. Astrology shows how this all plays out. In this special episode of Astrology Bytes, I'm joined by Supernatural actress Ruth Connell, to talk about finding life purpose in the astrological chart. We begin by examining her Midheaven, Sun, and Lunar Nodes and discussing how they have impacted her life's direction and career. We're also looking at the current transits to explore "what's next?" And lastly, we take a glimpse into the progressed chart. You'll get an idea of some of the things an astrologer looks at when they're trying to help you find your path.

Episode 103. An aspect refers to the angles planets make to each other in the horoscope. They are measured by mathematical angles, which means you need to know a bit about geometry. I’ve talked about aspects in previous episodes so please go back and listen to learn more. When planets make aspects to the Sun in your natal chart, it can affect your selfhood and willpower. For example, if you have the Sun at a positive angle with Pluto, it can indicate that you are able to stand firmly in your power and might be a leader. If the Sun is in a challenging aspect to Pluto, you may be a person who is timid - or has a tendency to abuse your power. Aspects to the Sun can give a clue about your energy and courage. If your chart is well aspected but your Sun is weak, it can make it difficult to rise to your potential. In that case, you may have to work extra hard to grab those opportunities.

Episode 102. If you've been studying astrology for any time, you know that the Moon impacts your personality, namely your emotional world. But did you know that the phases of the Moon you're born under have something to say about you too? For example, I'm born near an eclipse - which amplifies my intense Scorpio Moon. The current transits of the Moon also can create an impact based on your lunar phase. Curious? Listen in as Sarah Faith Gottesdiener joins me to share her wisdom on Lunar Types. You'll learn about the various phases of la Luna, the effect it has on your persona, and how current transits affect your "lunar type." Sarah is such an amazing teacher - I learned so much! Tune in and lunar on! The website mentioned in this episode is NASA Skycal. Psst...check out Sarah's upcoming class Moonbeaming 2020. Pre-order her book: The Moon Book: Lunar Magic to Change Your Life.

Episode 101. Back when I started studying astrology, the books available were from a heteronormative perspective. There were little if any, books that spoke to the LGBTQ+ audience. But times are changing and authors like Colin Bedell are giving astrology an update. In Queer Cosmos: The Astrology of Queer Identities & Relationships, Colin delivers a fresh, empowering astrology book for the LGBTQ+ community. He joins me today to talk about his book, astrology from an LBGTQ+ perspective, compatibility, issues around shame, and so much more. Listen in to our soulful and sometimes funny conversation and learn why I think his book belongs on EVERY astrologer's shelf. (Psst...get the book.)

Episode 100: The Imum Coeli or Nadir. The Imum Coeli which is Latin for “bottom of the sky or lowest point” is also known as the IC or Nadir. It’s where the Sun was at the lowest point at midnight. This is the point on the cusp of the fourth house in the astrological chart. (It’s reversed in the southern hemisphere.) The IC represents your private self, and your root or home base. It symbolizes where you’re coming from while the Midheaven, which is opposite the IC, represents your public life, reputation, career, and where you’re going. If your Imum Coeli was Cancer, you may have a strong connection to your family and mother, while someone with Aquarius on the fourth house cusp may come from an eccentric background - and might be distant from their family.

Episode 99. The Descendant is the cusp of the seventh house of the astrology chart. It’s easy to find. This point is directly opposite your ascendant. So if your rising sign is Taurus, your Descendant will be Scorpio. While your Ascendant shows the face you present to the public, the Descendant gives a clue as to how you operate in relationships. The sign on the cusp of the seventh house can also represent what type of people you are attracted to and how you might start a romantic relationship. Keep in mind, the Descendant and seventh house aren’t just about romance - it can symbolize all of our important partnerships, including business.

Episode 98. A stellium occurs when there are three or more planets in a single sign or house. When it happens, it puts a lot of focus on traits associated with that sign or house - and it also emphasizes the areas that house rules. For example, if you have the Moon, Mercury, and Venus sitting in your 4th house in the sign of Taurus, you’ll approach 4th house matters like a Taurus. This means you’ll be the warm nurturing earth-mother type who loves to create a cozy nest surrounded by things that make you and the people you love feel secure. You might even be possessive about your family but you’ll see that as protective. Learn more in this little lesson.

Episode 97. Cazimi occurs when a planet is in a tight conjunction with the Sun - within 17 minutes of the arc. In other words, the planets need to be as close to exact as possible. Astrologers will say that a Cazimi planet is “in the heart of the Sun.” Cazimi gives the planet strength or superpowers. It amplifies the energy. Learn more in this short episode.

Episode 96. You know what aspects are. They're the angles the planets make to each other and can impact how they interact. For example, two planets that are 90º apart are in a square - and this indicates tension. So what are astrologers talking about when they mention applying and separating aspects? An aspect is applying when the faster-moving planet is heading toward the slower-moving planet and closing in toward the exact orb. It's intense. I liken it to "crowning" - the period before the baby is born. You can feel it, you know it's coming, and you have to brace yourself. It's the buildup before the grand finale. For applying aspects, the tendencies are magnified. Separating aspects occur when the faster-moving planet is moving away from the exact orb of the aspect made to that slower-moving planet. The energy here is like the birth has happened, now we're adjusting to our new life, and perhaps feel a sense of relief. Learn more in this short episode.

Episode 95. After a year spent frolicking in Sagittarius, Jupiter slipped into Capricorn on December 2nd. This is a less "fun" transit because Jupiter is in its fall when moving through Capricorn (it's in its rulership when hanging out in Sagittarius). So what does this mean? For one: it can be a strong time for business expansion. But as RuPaul says: "You better work." In other words, the rewards are there for those who are willing to do the work. There's more. Listen in to this tutorial and get the scoop. As always, my goal is to help you be prepared, not scared.

Episode 94. I am a huge fan of setting New Moon intentions. It's a practice I've been doing for years - and I swear by it! I began perfecting my intention setting with a book called New Moon Astrology by Jan Spiller. Recently, I received a Wish Beads bracelet from Alexa Fischer. Alexa is a master at goal-setting and wish-creating so I thought it would be fun to talk about setting intentions with her. Listen in on our conversation and learn how you can create strong, positive intentions around the New Moon (or any time). The other book mentioned in this episode is The Magical Writing Grimoire: Use the Word as Your Wand for Magic, Manifestation & Ritual by Lisa Marie Basile.

Episode 93. What happens if a planet makes zero connections to the other planets? No squares, conjunctions, trines or any aspects - nada. What's that all about? This is called an "unaspected planet." An unaspected planet is free to do whatever the heck it wants. It can create a defining characteristic - or it can be untamed and a bit of a wild card. Learn more in this ultra-short tutorial.

Episode 92. Last week, we discussed anaretic degrees. To recap: it’s when a planet is at 29º. This is called a “fate degree” and can signal the planets at this degree have reached a critical point – and there may be important issues to deal with. This week, we're covering the other "critical degrees." Critical degrees means the energy of the planet is intensified - and that planet needs to be paid attention to. It can be challenging and requires more effort on your part. If you do the work, that planet can become your secret sauce or a source of power for you. Here are the other critical degrees: 0, 13, and 26 of Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn 8-9, 21-22 of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius 4 and 17 of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces.

Episode 91. If a planet is found in the final degree of any sign, it’s considered anaretic. That means the sign would need to be in 29 degrees or 30 degrees of a sign. By the way, astrologers say 29 but it’s really the 30th degree - after all we start on 0 degrees, not 1 degree. In some texts, this is also called the Fate Degree - it indicates the planets at this degree have reached a critical point - and there may be important issues to deal with. It’s also considered accidentally weak because it’s the “end of a cycle.” Therefore, the energy can feel urgent as if something needs to be done. Learn more in this short 'n snappy lesson.

Episode 90. The void-of-course Moon occurs when the Moon makes one last major aspect before heading from one zodiac sign to the next. In other words: it’s like this - the Moon in Gemini forms an aspect, say a trine with Jupiter and it’s the last aspect before the Moon enters Cancer. The period between that aspect and the Moon changing signs is the void-of-course period. The void-of-course moon may last a few minutes or hours. When the Moon is void of course, it’s like a cosmic time out. This is not the period to start new things. Instead, you want to take care of things that already in motion. It’s not a good time to launch a business, start a new project, or legal proceedings. In fact, I don’t even recommend it for a first date! Learn more in this quick tutorial!

Episode 89. What are the histories of the symbols for Saturn and the Moon through the lens of traditional and modern astrology? How might we work with these two planets in a way that benefits the collective? In this episode of Astrology Bytes, author and astrologer Alice Sparkly Kat joins me to discuss those questions and more. I'm a big fan of Alice's work and when I noticed that she's got a new book coming out on this topic, I wanted to know more! Money Magic: Etymologies of Saturn and Moon is available for pre-order. Listen in, learn what it's all about, and be sure to get your copy. You know you want one after hearing her take on this subject!

Episode 88. Did you know that every part of the body is connected to a different astrology sign? Knowing this can give you insights into creating a customized wellness plan. Today I am joined by the dynamic duo, Monte Farber and Amy Zerner, to discuss how to create a healthier body using astrology as a guide. Monte and Amy just released their newest book, Astrology For Wellness, a fabulous guide to creating your best, healthiest life based on your Sun sign. In this episode, we chat about the book, body parts ruled by the signs, health care practices that can enhance your current regime, other places to look in the astrological chart for guidance - and more!

Episode 87. New Moons occur when the Sun and Moon are conjunct. In the sky, the moon will appear to be barely a sliver - or hard to see at all. Sometimes it might appear to be a moonless night. On those nights, we know that the New Moon is happening. The New Moon signals a day to set intentions, to begin things, or to plant seeds for future endeavors. This is your day to petition the Universe or to get something going. I’ve been setting New Moon intentions for many years and I swear by this practice. My favorite book on this is from Jan Spiller called New Moon Astrology. It will teach you how to set intentions that work for each New Moon. For example, a New Moon in Taurus might be the time to set intentions around money while a New Moon in Virgo could be the perfect day to make wishes around your job or health.

Episode 86. Full Moons are often pictures in horror films as something to be feared. While they can amp up emotions (the word lunatic comes from luna), the Full Moon is actually a good time to let go. It symbolizes the culmination of work already done. You'll learn that there is absolutely nothing to fear when the Moon is full. Book mentioned in this episode: The Moon in Your Life: Being a Lunar Type in a Solar World by Donna Cunningham.

Episode 85. The Chiron return happens around ages forty-nine to fifty-one and hangs around for about two years. During this time, you have an opportunity to heal old wounds. As you work on healing yourself, you can find compassion for yourself...and others. This period can be lonely but also deeply spiritual.

Episode 84. When astrologers talk about the Jupiter return, they are talking about a transit that happens every twelve years. This is when Jupiter returns into the sign it was in when you were born. For example, I have Jupiter in Gemini in my natal 8th house - when Jupiter is transiting through Gemini, I’m in the midst of my Jupiter return. Because Jupiter takes about 12 years to circle the earth, it takes 12 years to get back into Gemini. Got that? The Jupiter return is a year of opportunity and change. Everything seems possible, doors open, and abundance flows. The Jupiter return gives you the chance to manifest the life you want - or to make important changes. Keep in mind that this doesn’t guarantee your year will be without hardship. You may still experience rough times during a Jupiter return but there are opportunities to grow from them.

An orb is the exactness of the degrees in an aspect. If the orb is tight - say an exact aspect, it’s powerful. For example, my Sun is 20º Gemini and my Mercury is 20º Mercury. That means this is an exact conjunction - and it’s potent. The Sun is power and Mercury is the mind so this amplifies my mental acuity - and ability to express myself. If the orb is wide - say 10 degrees or more, the energy isn’t as powerful. It may be barely felt. Learn more in this short lesson!

Episode 82. Have you ever heard someone say that they were "born on the cusp?" Wonder what that means? It simply means that they were born on the day that the Sun changed signs. BUT hear this: you're not actually born "on the cusp" - you are either one sign or another. (Astrologers get grouchy when people talk about being born on the cusp.) That's not the only cusp in astrology by the way. There are also the astrological house cusps - which are legit. In this episode, you'll learn about cusps - and how to figure out what the cusps are on your astrological chart.

Episode 81. In the last two episodes, I covered the Mercury retrograde and the Venus retrograde transits. This week, we’re talking about the Mars retrograde transit. Here’s what you need to know… Mars retrograde happens about once every other year. It generally lasts about two months. During a Mars retrograde, anger and aggression can get out of hand. This is NOT the time to start a fight or war. Whichever side starts it usually loses. This means you’ll want to practice some restraint when it comes to expressing your anger. You’ll also want to take a more chill approach when it comes to anything that requires aggression including sales. If you’re involved in sales or running your own biz, this is not the time to push hard. A softer approach will go further. I cover this and a few other tips (don't do surgery or launch a biz during this transit!) in this episode.

You might be familiar with the Mercury retrograde transit (ugh). If you aren't, I covered it in last week's Astrology Bytes. This week I'm talking about Venus retrograde, another retrograde transit you might want to pay attention to. Venus retrograde happens about once every other year. It generally lasts about six weeks. During this transit, relationships can become challenging. Not just romance - any partnership. Lots of folks end up squabbling more than usual. Or old partners show back up on the scene. A relationship started under a Venus retrograde can suddenly go bust without any warning. In business, clients can be demanding or unreliable. This transit can also bring issues with money, legal affairs, and more. I'm giving you the basics you can be prepared, not scared!

Episode 79. Mercury retrograde. Ugh. The two most dreaded words in astrology! Even people who don't work with astrology know that Mercury retrograde brings on the drama. In this short episode (recorded during a Mercury retrograde!) we'll go over what it means and my simple strategy for working with this rascal. (Hint: add the letters "re" to everything!) The blog post mentioned in this episode is How To Have a Happy and Productive Mercury Retrograde.

Episode 78. It's eclipse season around here so I thought it might be cool to talk about eclipses. In this episode, I talk briefly about what an eclipse is (thank you NASA!) and the astrological impact of an eclipse. I also give you my strategies for dealing with them because they can be challenging. The book mentioned in this episode is Eclipses and You: How to Align with Life's Hidden Tides by Judith Hill. Magazine mentioned is The Mountain Astrologer.

Episode 77. And now we're at the last house in the astrological chart. The twelfth. It's a heavy one, folks. The 12th house represents karma, rest, reflection, hospitals, institutions, prison, psychological health, the subconscious, hidden enemies, secrets, and self-undoing. This house is associated with the sign Pisces, which is the last sign of the zodiac. Neptune would be the ruling planet. It would be considered mutable and would belong to the water element. It's also one of the "cadent houses." When a planet sits in the natal 12th, it may have something to say about your subconscious or where you need to let go. If a planet transits this house, it could impact your private life - or could awaken a karmic situation.

Episode 76. The 11th house represents your friends, social life, groups, and associates. Goals are also placed here. This house is associated with the sign Aquarius, which is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. Uranus and Saturn would be the ruling planets. It would be considered fixed and would belong to the air element. It's also one of the "succedent houses." When a planet sits in the natal 11th, it may have something to say about your social life. If a planet transits this house, it could impact your friendships or goals.

Episode 75. The Tenth House. The 10th house represents your reputation, status, career, and authority. This is the place that symbolizes your street cred, both inherited and earned. It’s also your higher calling. The Midheaven is the angle associated with the tenth house. The Midheaven is the degree and sign at the top of your chart - in other words, the degree and sign overhead at the moment and location of your birth. I like to say that it shows where you’re going in the world. The Midheaven can indicate your aspirations and how you approach or define success. This house is associated with the sign Capricorn, which is the tenth sign of the zodiac. Saturn would be the ruling planet. It would be considered cardinal and would belong to the earth element. It's also one of the "angular houses." When a planet sits in the natal 10th, it may have something to say about your career, higher calling, and reputation. If a planet transits this house, it could impact your standing in the world - or your career.

Episode 74. Travel, foreigners, higher education, spirituality, and philosophy all fall under the 9th house. These are the things that allow you to expand your horizons and have a fuller understanding of the world around you. This house is associated with the sign Sagittarius, which is the ninth sign of the zodiac. Jupiter would be the ruling planet. It would be considered mutable and would belong to the fire element. It's also one of the "cadent houses." When a planet sits in the natal 9th, it may have something to say about how you travel, as well as your relationship to knowledge and religion. If a planet transits this house, it could impact your trips, education, or spiritual beliefs.