The Astrology Podcast

A weekly podcast on topics related to astrology, hosted by professional astrologer Chris Brennan. The purpose of the show is to provide high-level discussions ranging from explorations of specific astrological techniques, to treatments of issues pertaining to the history and philosophy of astrology.

In episode 77 astrologer John Marchesella joins the show to talk about the value of astrological prediction, and what he has learned about the nature of astrology after practicing it for 40 years. John is the President of the National Council for Geocosmic Research, which is hosting a major astrological conference titled The Many Faces of Astrology from February 16–19, 2017, in  Baltimore, Maryland. The conference will feature over 50 speakers, including a number of workshops. Find out more at NCGRconference2017.com. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording of this episode. Last Chance to Enter This Month’s Raffle This is the last chance to enter the raffle for our first ever monthly giveaway, as we will be doing the drawing on the next forecast episode, which will be recorded on May 24. The grand prize is a full pass to the online astrology conference that is occurring in November titled Breaking Down the Borders 4. Other prizes include a great lecture by Demetra George titled “Integrating Traditional and Modern Methods,” a new lecture by Ben Dykes titled “Two Special Configurations: Aversion and Decimation,” and an awesome ebook by Kelly  Surtees titled “Saturn in Sagittarius: Focus Your Fire.” Check out this post for more info: The Astrology Podcast Monthly Giveaway for May 2016 Show Notes * Discussion based on John’s talk titled “the value of prediction.” * In the talk he said “prediction is astrology’s unique gift to the helping professions.” * Prediction is not just about “what” will happen, but “why” things will happen. * The meaning and the purpose underlying events. * Anecdotes from his experience and how to work with prediction. * Learning from mistakes * Be clear about your personal belief system about the future, and fate & free will. * John’s personal belief is that fate and free will is a spectrum. * “Prediction is the manifestation of the natal potential.” * Reticence about using the word “lesson.” Prefers “experience” instead. * Prediction can sometimes reveal unconscious motivations. * But not everything arises from unconscious motivations. * Prediction can be a counseling tool to open a dialogue. * Considering possibilities, and expanding one’s view of their own potential. * Sometimes this can feel validating for some people, confirming feelings. * Other times it can raise possibilities the client hadn’t previously considered. * Client doesn’t see themself doing X, but then they accomplish X. * Astrologer sees something in the client that the client doesn’t see themself * How far into the future to predict? * Sometimes thing just happen, not due to the client’s actions. * Other times events are directly tied into past actions. * Prediction allows you to put it in perspective and accept it, rather than blame or judge. * Finding out what went on in the past helps to predict the future. * Especially in terms of long term planet cycles, like the Saturn cycle. * Some transits are easier to make predictions on, while others are harder, more nebulous. * Prediction can bring peace of mind, but it can also bring anxiety. * What happens when prediction runs counter to client’s hopes or expectations? * Strategies for dealing with this. * Ways to present prediction. * Having long term clients vs avoiding dependence. * Describing events using analogies with ordinary ...

Episode 76 of the podcast features an interview with astrologer Ray Merriman on the topic of financial astrology, including the use of astrology to time changes in financial markets. Ray is the President of the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR), and he is one of the most well-known financial astrologers in the astrological community. You can find out more information about his work on his website at mmacycles.com. ISAR is hosting a major astrological conference on forecasting October 13–17, 2016.  You can find out more information about the conference on the ISAR website. Prizes Announced for the Monthly Giveaway for May At the beginning of this episode I announce the prizes for the first giveaway that we are doing for patrons of the show at the end of the month. We are giving away two lecture recordings by Demetra George and Benjamin Dykes, an ebook on Saturn in Sagittarius by Kelly Surtees, and a full pass to the Breaking Down the Borders online astrology conference that is happening in November. For more info see this page: The Astrology Podcast Monthly Giveaway for May 2016. Show Notes Here are some of the topics we covered during the course of the episode: * Ray’s background and early history with astrology. * Studying astrology since the 1960s. * What is financial astrology? * How can astrology be applied to financial matters? * Is it just financial markets, or what else is within the realm of financial astrology? * Natal/transiting indications for financial success. * Incorporation charts for companies. * Studying financial markets with astrology. * The necessity of being an expert both in astrology and in trading. * Pros and cons. * What are some things that astrology makes easier when it comes to markets? * What are some challenges that financial astrologers have? * Prediction versus forecasting. * Any major failures or learning situations? * Do some prominent market people use astrology successfully? * Financial astrology as a falsifiable application of astrology. * Recent book: Solar-Lunar Keys to Gold Prices: Secrets of a Gold Trader. * Identifying highs and lows in the gold market prices. * Worked with Mark Urban-Lurain on the stats. * Preparing for the ISAR conference in October. * Will have a financial track + US presidential election panels. * Planning special investment retreat in March of 2017. * Involved in organizing the next United Astrology Conference in 2018. * Other projects Ray is working on. Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your computer by using the buttons below:

In episode 75 guests Laura Nalbandian and Gary Lorentzen join the show in order to talk about the late astrologer Maggie Nalbandian, and her contributions to the astrological community. Maggie is primarily known for running a popular astrology bookstore in Seattle called Astrology et al, organizing the Northwest Astrological Conference starting in the 1980s, and founding Kepler College in the early 1990s. Below you will find an outline of the episode, followed by links to download or stream the recording of our discussion. Episode Outline Here are some of the topics we covered during the course of the episode: * Place of origin, family background, growing up. * Born April 5, 1937 at 3:00 PM in Plainview, Texas – Hale County (she rectified to 3:12 PM). AstroDatabank entry. * Moved to Northwest in mid-1950s. * Married in 1956. Two children: daughter Laura born in 1959, and son Gregory in 1962. * Moved to Seattle in 1960. * How and when did she get into astrology? * Got into astrology as a skeptic, in order to disprove it to a friend around 1963/4. * Studied under Dorothy B. Hughes, who was the founder of the Seattle Astrological Association. * Hughes was the Grand Dame of astrology in Seattle in the 1960s and 70s. * Opening up the Astrology et al bookstore. First bookstore opened in April 1975. * Bookstore grew over the years, and moved to different locations around Seattle. * Different astrologers worked there, taught, or passed through over the years. * Jeffrey Wolf Green did readings there during his formative years. * Walked in for the first time the day of his Saturn return. * Maggie’s general openness and inclusiveness towards other astrologers. * Involvement in local astrology groups. * Gary became President of the local astrology group in 1976, and they held a mini-conference in 1977. * Seattle Astrological Association (SAA) became Washington State Astrological Association (WSAA) in 1976. * Maggie organized a larger regional conference with WSAA in 1979 after Gary moved. * Starting to plan the annual Northwest Astrological Conference in early 1980s. * The first NORWAC took place in Seattle in 1984. March 23-25. * Anti-astrology legislation in the 1980s causing concern. * Legislation proposed in Washington saying that in order for a person to provide counseling services that you had to have a degree in psychology. * A lot of astrologers were calling themselves counselors in the 70s and 80s. * The astrologers were able to defeat the bill, but this acted as a precursor to Kepler College because it brought up the issues of credentials, regulation, and education. * One law that did make it on the books says that if an astrologer runs afoul of the law then they could be brought in front of a panel of their peers before or potentially instead being brought before the state. * This was part of the impetus to form Kepler, because you can’t have a panel of peers unless you have an accrediting body and some sort of standardization. * The need to create the astrological equivalent of the American Medical Association, in order to set out criteria for what a professional astrologer is, and what qualifies a person. * Maggie’s position on regulation was “If we don’t do it, then the government will do it for us.” * The Kepler graduates were always ideally going to be the people who would be on the accreditation or overseeing board, because they would be well-versed in all of the necessary areas and traditions of astrology.

Episode 74 features a discussion with Kelly Surtees and Austin Coppock about the major astrological alignments and forecast for May of 2016, as well as coverage of some of the most auspicious dates over the next few weeks, based on the principles of electional astrology. At the beginning of the episode we also had an extended digression about astrological education and certification, which I wanted to get Austin and Kelly’s thoughts on, since this is a reoccurring topic on the show lately. This discussion acts as a sort of companion piece to episode 72 on Astrological Training, Certification, and Credentials. For those that want to skip the certification discussion and jump straight to the astrological forecast, then just skip to 47:51 to go right to the forecast segment. As always, the cover art for this episode is from the 2016 PlanetWatcher Astrology Calendar. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording of our discussion. Episode Outline News and Upcoming Events * Upcoming events: * Kelly speaking at NORWAC in Seattle in late May. Travel to Sydney in June, San Francisco in July. Next online class on transits/progressions starts late June. * Austin teaching fundamentals course, covering houses this month. Planetary magic course May 12. * Question and answer episode tentatively scheduled for June 29. Send questions to Chris at astrologue@gmail.com. Education and Certification * Discussion about pros and cons of certification as recent podcast topic. * Certification versus education. * Austin: dangers of homogenization, but importance of lineage. * Kelly: doesn’t seem to really matter to clients at this point in time. Astrological Aspects for May (starts at 47:51) * Mercury retrograde in Taurus most of the month. * New Moon in Taurus May 6, ruled by Venus in Taurus. * Jupiter direct in Virgo May 9. * Sun ingresses into Gemini May 20. * Full Moon in Sagittarius May 21, conjunct Mars Rx in Sag/ruled by Jupiter in Virgo. * Mercury stations direct in Taurus May 22. * Venus ingresses into Gemini May 24. * Jupiter square Saturn May 26****. * Mars makes a retrograde ingress into Scorpio May 27. Venus in Taurus for most of May – dignity and not in aspect to Mars/Saturn. April 29 – May 24!! Other than the Jupiter/Saturn square, which is huge, lots of other aspects for May include sextiles and trines: * Mercury trine Pluto – May 13 + 30 * Venus sextile Neptune (May 9)/trine Jupiter (May 10)/trine Pluto (May 14) * Sun sextile Neptune (May 1)/trine Jupiter (May 3)/ trine Pluto (May 7) Auspicious Dates / Electional Charts For May Elections this month were picked out by Leisa Schaim, who is helping me while I’m focusing on working on my book. * May 5, 2016, around 12:25 p.m., with 16° Leo rising. * May 6, 2016, around 5:35 a.m., with 8° Taurus rising. * May 10, 2016, around 5:32 a.m, with 13° Taurus rising. *

In episode 73 I talk with astrologer Demetra George about her life and career in the field of astrology, as part of a new series of biographical episodes. Demetra has been active in the astrological community for over 40 years, and is perhaps most well-known for her work on the astrological meaning of the asteroids, and then more recently for some of her pioneering work on the study of ancient astrology. Demetra is doing an intensive on Hellenistic astrology this summer from July 11–15, 2016. You can find out more information about her work on her website at Demetra-George.com. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording of our discussion. Episode Outline Here are some of the topics we covered during the course of the episode: * Place of origin, family background, growing up. * Born July 25, 1946 at 06:22 a.m. in Chicago, IL. Natal chart. * Background in mythology. * College, career path as math major, switched to philosophy major. * Travels in Europe, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan 1969. * Moves to live on Commune in Southern Oregon in 1970. * Starts to read astrology and metaphysical books brought to commune by others. * Early studies in astrology. * Self-taught chart calculations, Oceanside Rosicrucian correspondence course, reading charts for other people on the commune. * Goes to first astrological conference in San Francisco in April of 1973, meets Eleanor Bach, receives asteroid ephemeris. * Background on Eleanor Bach (1922–1995). * New York based astrologer. * Had just published first asteroid ephemeris three weeks earlier. * Research on the asteroids during the 1970s. * Begins writing book on asteroids in 1980/81. * Completes manuscript in 1984, then shops it around. * Published Asteroid Goddesses (ACS) in June 1986, one week before UAC. * Attends and speaks at the first UAC. June 1986. Last minute cancellations resulted in her getting a speaking position. * Had a trade table with Douglas where they gave asteroid readings. * Career as an astrologer takes off. * Almost goes down path of becoming computer programmer. * Publishes Astrology for Yourself in 1987, with writing partner. * Busy period in astrological practice, teaching, conferences, tours to Greece, etc. * Mysteries of the Dark Moon 1992. Finding Our Way Through the Dark 1994. * Thinks about going to graduate school by the late 80s/early 90s. * Regression that foreshadowed Hellenistic astrology connection April 1993 * Became the first Project Hindsight subscriber in April 1993 * Hand and Schmidt formally announce Hindsight at NORWAC in May 1993 * Meets Zoller at AFA conference in Chicago 1994. * Attends second and third PH conclave 1995, 1996. * Goes back to school in mid-90s. 1997–2000, University of Oregon. * Decides to study classics, to deepen mythological research. * Learns Greek and other languages (reading proficiency in French) while studying classics. * Approached by Kepler College to teach midway through graduate school * Develops a stronger foundation in the history and transmission of astrology while at university

In episode 72 astrologer Anne Ortelee joins the show to talk about the process of becoming a professional astrologer, and specifically the pros and cons of becoming certified by the major astrological organizations as part of pursuing astrology as a vocation. Anne is the host of the Weekly Weather astrology podcast, and you can find more information about her work on her website at AnneOrtelee.com. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording. Episode Outline Here are some of the topics we covered during the course of the episode: * The question of when and how to make the transition from amateur to professional astrologer. * Getting the necessary training: * Self study * Taking classes * Certification * Talking about the pros and cons of certification * Different astrological organizations that certify astrologers: * ISAR, NCGR, AFA, OPA, ACVA, etc. * Diplomas from schools and apprenticeship programs. * Standards that certified astrologers have to abide by. * The organizations have ethics codes. * NCGR code of ethics * ISAR code of ethics * Client confidentiality and other standards. Update 4/29/2016: Topics surrounding certification and astrological education continued to be a theme over the next few episodes of the podcast after this one, including a 40 minute followup discussion on the topic with Kelly Surtees and Austin Coppock that took place at the beginning of our May 2016 forecast episode. Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your computer by using the buttons below:

In episode 71 astrologer Lee Lehman joins the show to discuss medical astrology, and some of the ways that astrology and medicine have been used together since ancient times. Lee is the author of a book on medical astrology titled Traditional Medical Astrology. You can find out more information about Lee’s work on her website at LeeLehman.com. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording. Episode Outline Here are some of the topics we covered during the course of the episode: * Lee’s background and interest in astrology and medicine. * Book published in 2012: Traditional Medical Astrology. * Has a traditional bent, because most medical astrology was formulated during the middle ages. * Doctors were trained in astrology * There were chairs for astrology in the universities. * Theoretical basis of ancient medicine * Hippocratic and Galenic medicine * The elements, humors, and temperaments * Hot, cold, wet, dry. * Sanguine, choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic. * Health through balancing one’s temperaments. * Similar idea in Indian astrology/medicine/Ayurveda. * Determining one’s temperament through the natal chart. * How to balance temperaments through foods, practices, etc. * Identifying weaknesses in the body that could lead to illness. * Analysis of the 1st and 6th houses as related to patterns related to prevalence of disease. * Different branches relevant to medical astrology: * Natal astrology * Electional astrology * Decumbiture charts * Horary astrology * Astrology as a diagnostic tool, when other tools didn’t exist. * Using electional astrology for surgery dates. * Elections for non-surgical health treatments. * Predicting the course of illness through critical day theory, via the natal chart. * Longevity and issues surrounding the length of life. * Reframing length of life technique as periods that may be difficult for vitality. * Ethical and legal issues connected with practice of medical astrology in modern times. * Adapting traditional astrology to current sociological and medical trends. Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your computer by using the buttons below:

In episode 70 astrologers Nick Dagan Best and Austin Coppock join the show to talk about Mars retrograde periods and their significance in astrology. In particular was focus in on understanding the upcoming Mars retrograde period in Sagittarius and Scorpio that is set to begin in April of 2016. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording: Episode Outline Some of the topics we touched on during the course of the episode include: * What does Mars signify? * What does it mean when a planet or Mars in particular goes retrograde? * Mars retrograde from an astronomical standpoint. * How frequently does it occur? * How long does it last? * What are the important points during a retrograde cycle? * Shadow periods. * Retrograde cycles repeating in 15 year increments. * How are retrograde cycles applied to natal charts in practice? * What makes a chart more responsive to Mars retro than another? * Things unique to this particular retrograde in Sagittarius/Scorpio. * Stations RX April 17 at 8 Sagittarius, near the fixed star Antares. * Opposition May 21/22 at 1/2 Sagittarius. Coincides with full Moon in Sag. * Mercury also stations direct in Taurus then. * May 27 Mars Rx ingress into Scorpio * Stations direct at 23 Scorpio June 29. * Past examples. * Famous figures. * Some tips for further study of Mars retro periods. Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your computer by using the buttons below:

Episode 69 features a discussion with Kelly Surtees and Austin Coppock about the astrological forecast for April of 2016, as well as a segment on some of the most auspicious electional dates over the next few weeks. The cover art for this episode is from the 2016 PlanetWatcher Astrology Calendar. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording: Alignments for April MARS STATIONS RETROGRADE! ******** * April 17th at 8 Sag * Mars station at 7 – 8 Sag all month. Treading water? * Previous retrograde was 15 years ago * May 10 2001 SRx at 29° Sagittarius – July 19 SD at 15° Sagittarius Mercury Retrograde * Stations Rx on April 28 at 23 Taurus. Lunations * New Moon in Aries – April 7th 18 Aries * Full Moon in Scorpio, April 21st at 2 Scorpio * Fun fact: New Moon is on the degree of the Sun’s exaltation, the Full Moon is in the degree of the Moon’s maximum fall. Miscellaneous * Both Jupiter/Saturn rx all month. Interestingly, Uranus pushes beyond 20 Aries, where he stationed last July. Breaking new ground? People with planets at 21 cardinal triggered Elections for April This month’s elections feature contributions from Leisa Schaim, who has been helping me with the electional column for TMA over the past few months while I’ve been working on my book. These elections are set for Denver, Colorado, but you should be able to use approximately the same times after you have set them for your location, since they are set for local time. Just make sure that when you relocate the chart that it has the same rising sign and degree in your location as what is shown in the chart below. * April 1 around 8:05 a.m., with 12° Taurus rising – Venus ruling the Ascendant, exalted in Pisces in the 11th. Moon in Capricorn in the 9th whole sign house, conjunct the degree of the MC and applying to a sextile with Venus. * April 8 around 11:30 a.m., with 14° Cancer rising – Moon ruling the Ascendant, exalted in Taurus in the 11th, applying to a trine with Jupiter in Virgo in the 3rd. * April 12 around 12:05 p.m. with 24° Cancer rising – Moon ruling the Ascendant, placed in its own domicile in Cancer in the 1st whole sign house, applying to square Venus, then sextile Mercury and Jupiter. * April 27 around 1:05 p.m. with 18° Leo rising – Sun ruling the Ascendant, placed in Taurus in the 10th, applying to trine Jupiter in Virgo in the 2nd. Moon in Capricorn in the 6th, although mitigated by a trine with the MC, and applying to a trine with Jupiter. Mercury is stationing retrograde. Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your computer by using the buttons below:

Episode 68 features a discussion with Nick Dagan Best about the famous astrologer Joan Quigley and her work for Ronald and Nancy Reagan while they were in the White House. Nancy Reagan died recently, on Sunday, March 6, 2016, and her use of astrology to help her husband while he was President was mentioned in her obituary. This became a major story in May of 1988 after an expose was published that detailed Nancy’s consulting with an astrologer in order to elect auspicious dates for her husband’s political activities. Some of the details surrounding this story are still murky though, so the purpose of this episode is to put together all of the known facts and discuss what we know versus what we don’t know about the Reagans’ use of astrology. I’m going to include a more extensive set of notes below than I usually do, followed by links to download or stream the recording at the bottom of the page. I’m doing this mainly for search purposes, and people should listen to the full discussion before commenting on the episode, as we used the notes mainly as a starting off point for the discussion. Extended Show Notes Extensive outline of the points that we touched on during the course of the episode: Introduction * Genesis of this show is that Nancy Reagan died recently, on Sunday, March 6, 2016. * The New York Times ran an interesting and touching obituary that mentioned her use of astrology. * I was surprised that they made it seems like she only turned to astrology after the assassination attempt on March 30, 1981. * This was part of the damage control narrative after the story broke in 1988. * The problem with the narrative is that the Reagans had consulted with astrologers prior to 1981. * Purpose of this episode is to give an overview of what happened, and discuss some lingering questions and issues that are still points of debate. The Sequence of the Controversy * In early May of 1988 the media started talking about a new book that was coming about by Reagan’s former White House Chief of Staff, Donald Regan. * For the Record: From Wall Street to Washington * Book asserts that a large part of President Reagan’s schedule is dictated by astrology, and that Nancy controls this by consulting astrologer from California. * The press had a field day with the story, and it became a media sensation. * White House was forced to release a statement on whether it was true. * On May 3 the White House confirms it is used for scheduling, but says it doesn’t affect policy. * The press quickly identifies the mystery astrologer Nancy was consulting with: Joan Quigley. * The following year, 1989, Nancy releases a book titled My Turn. * Dedicates a chapter to the astrology controversy. * Tries to frame the use of astrology as a reaction to the assassinati...

Episode 67 of the podcast features an interview with astrologer Kay Taylor on how the outer planets manifest their significations within the context of relationships. The discussion primarily centers around the spectrum of different experiences that accompany aspects between the inner planet Venus and the outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in a birth chart, although it can also be used as an access point for understanding the meaning of the outer planets in other contexts as well. You can find out more information about Kay on her website at KayTaylor.com. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording: Outline Met Kay at the OPA retreat last October. There she gave an excellent talk titled Sex, Love & Crazy, talking about different manifestations of the outer planets in relationships. I thought that this would be a good discussion to have as a followup to the episode from earlier this week on the significations of the visible planets. Our focus is on aspects between Venus and the outer planets, especially hard aspects, although many of the interpretations can also be applied to other instances when the outer planets are connected with relationship sectors in the chart. We start with Pluto, and then move on to Neptune and Uranus aspects. Some of the keywords our wrote down as was talked: Venus-Pluto aspects Challenging: compulsion, obsession, control, manipulation, money issues, manipulation and control around money, Constructive: passionate, dramatic, intensity, depth, transformation, Venus-Neptune aspects Challenging: illusions, disillusionment, fall in love with people who are unavailable, isn’t really there, aren’t what they seem, one-sided relationships, lacking substance, feelings of sacrifice, lack of practicality or grounding. Constructive: transcendent experiences, attunement to or feelings of connection with the souls of other people, kindness, compassionate, charitable, conscious spiritual relationship, unconditional love, philanthropy. Venus-Uranus aspects Challenging: disrupting, abandonment, instability, dissociation, detachment, erratic behavior, erratic relationships, abrupt beginnings and endings, leaving partner before being left, subconscious sudden shifts and then abrupt preemptive endings, feelings of being unsettled or variability Constructive: freedom, spontaneity, open relationships, polyamory, vehicle for awakening, outside of attachment without disassociating, weird relationships or unique relationships, against societal norms. Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your computer by using the buttons below:

Episode 66 features a discussion with Austin Coppock and Kelly Surtees about the astrological forecast for March of 2016, as well as a segment with Leisa Schaim about some of the most auspicious electional charts over the next few weeks. The cover art for this episode is from the 2016 PlanetWatcher Astrology Calendar. Below you will find the show notes, followed by links to download or stream the recording: Major Astrological Alignments for March * Mercury ingresses into Pisces March 5 * Mars ingresses into Sagittarius also on March 5 * Mars enters Sag portion of shadow, begins co-presence with Saturn. Fun times. * Solar eclipse in Pisces March 8 * Venus ingresses into Pisces March 12 * Jupiter trine Pluto March 16 * Jupiter square Saturn March 23 * Sun ingresses into Aries March 20. International Astrology Day. * Mercury ingresses into Aries March 21. * Lunar eclipse in Libra March 23. * Saturn stations retrograde in Sagittarius March 25 Auspicious Electional Dates for March These elections are set for Denver, Colorado, but you should be able to use approximately the same times after you have set them for your location, since they are set for local time. Just make sure that when you relocate the chart that it has the same rising sign and degree in your location as what is shown in the chart below. * March 6 around 9:10 AM with Taurus rising – Venus ruling the Ascendant, placed in Aquarius in the 10th. Moon in Aquarius in the 10th, applying to sextile with Saturn, with reception, sextile with Uranus, and then conjunction with Venus. Mars and Saturn are in the 8th, although overcome by Jupiter with reception by day. Mercury is getting wrecked, in Pisces, square Mars, applying to conjoin Neptune. At least it is separating from Mars at this point though, and has the opposition with Jupiter. * March 12 around 11:50 AM with Cancer rising – Moon ruling the Ascendant, exalted in Taurus in the 11th house, applying to a trine with Jupiter in Virgo. Jupiter is in the 3rd whole sign house, but conjunct the degree of the IC, in a day chart, with the North Node. Venus is now in Pisces, where it exchanges signs with the Moon, although it is being overcome by Mars and Saturn. Mercury is getting free of Mars, but applying to square Saturn still. * March 23 around 3:50 PM with Leo rising – Sun ruling the Ascendant, exalted in Aries in the 9th, with Mercury cazimi. Moon in Libra in the 3rd, just after eclipse. Venus applying to oppose Jupiter, square Saturn. * March 26 around 3:35 PM with Leo rising – Similar to the March 23 chart, except with the Moon now in Scorpio in the 4th, applying to sextile Jupiter and trine Venus. Venus separating from Saturn and Jupiter. * March 31 around 3:10 PM with Leo rising – Another Leo rising chart. Sun now applying to trine Saturn. Mercury conjunct Uranus. Moon in Capricorn in the 6th, applying to trine Jupiter, trine the MC to mitigate cadent placement. Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as ...

Episode 65 features an interview with astrologer Maurice Fernandez about a new book that he edited titled The Professional Astrologer: Building a Successful Astrology Practice. The book was published by the Organization for Professional Astrology (OPA), which Maurice is the president of, and it features contributions by a wide range of practicing astrologers which provides an overview of the field of astrology as a profession or vocation. The purpose of the book is to give people a guide for how to make the transition from doing astrology as a hobby to doing it professionally as a full-time career. You can order the book online through Amazon: The Professional Astrologer: Building a Successful Astrology Practice on Amazon Below you will find an outline of some of the topics covered during the course of the episode, followed by links to download or stream the recording. Episode Outline Some of the different topics that we covered during the course this episode include: * Background information on the Organization for Professional Astrology. * Discussing the purpose of the book and goals the organization wanted to accomplish. * Identifying areas of potential growth within the astrological community. * Improving the public perception of astrology. * Helping astrologers to feel confident about what they do. * Identifying different demographics within the field. * Giving an overview of some of the different chapters in the book. Chapters Different chapters and sections of the book discussed during the course of the interview: * Donna Young – The Different Orientations in Astrology * Maurice Fernandez – Building and Sustaining a Successful Practice * Sandra-Leigh Serio – Consultations, Counseling and Ethical Considerations * Chris McRae – The Financial Equation * Georgia Stathis – Making your Practice Financially Viable * Anne Ortelee – A Business Plan * Robert Woodliff and Leisa Schaim (AFAN) – Legal Issues in the Practice of Astrology * Wendy Stacey – The Times are a-Changin’ * Monica Dimino – Building a Feedback Loop into your Professional Practice * Jacqueline L. Janes – Counseling Techniques for the Consulting Astrologer * Arlan Wise – Writing and Astrology * Frank C. Clifford – In Print: A Practical Guide for Writers of Astrology * Alexandra Karacostas – The Power of the Peer Group in Astrology * Kay Taylor – Professional Development and the Community of Astrology * Interviews with professional astrologers, including Steven Forrest, Melanie Reinhart, Kim Marie, Chris Brennan, Hakan Kirkoglu, Caroline Casey, Madalyn Hillis-Dineen, Linea Van Horn, Donna Woodwell, Ray Merriman, and Aleksandar Imsiragic. * Resource Index – Nancy Beale Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your computer by using the buttons below:

In episode 64 Kelly Surtees and Austin Coppock  join the show to talk about the meanings of the seven classical celestial bodies, as well as how astrologers developed those meanings. The topic was motivated by Chris recently finishing a translation of a chapter on the significations of the planets from the 2nd century astrologer Vettius Valens, and wanting to discuss how astrologers conceptualized the planets when there were just seven. Part of the purpose of this episode is to help astrologers become more familiar with the meanings of the visible planets, and how their meanings function as an interrelated group. Below you will find an outline of some of the topics covered during the course of the episode, followed by links to stream or download the recording. Episode Outline * The set up is that I’ve been working on this chapter of my book on the planets over the past month, and wanted to talk about it. * Finalized a translation of Valens 1, 1 on the natures of the planets. * Important for astrologers to get a good grasp of the 7 traditional planets on their own, and not be overly dependent on the outer planets, like a crutch. * The 7 traditional planets are visible to the naked eye * Visibility distinction may still be relevant today * Sun and Moon included as “planets” * The original meaning of “planet” in contrast to the current one (wandering star) * Where do the significations come from? How would one generate them from scratch? * While mythology is relevant, it is not as important or resorted to as frequently in the early tradition as one might expect. * Only in modern times that this becomes the primary go-to for meanings. * Raises some issues or questions about new planet discoveries, and whether some of the meanings aren’t being generated on a partially mistaken premise. * Most fundamental distinction is benefic / malefic. * Tied into observational fact that Venus & Jupiter are bright / Mars & Saturn dark. * Allows for contrasts between polar opposites. Moral opposites. Subjective opposites. * Contrariety becomes a core concept more broadly. * In order for something to signify something, then something must signify the opposite or alternative. * Ptolemy’s basic natures and temperaments. * Modifications due to planetary condition. * Difficulty of articulating an archetype. * Discussion of some of the main significations of the seven classical planets, starting with the Moon and then moving up to Saturn. Listen to This Episode You can either play this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your computer by using the buttons below: