Astrologer, musician, and teacher Fred Abong joins host Jenn Zahrt from Rhode Island to rock out on books and more! Join these pals, as they discuss: astrology in the ivory tower; ancient Hindu astrology; relationship charts; astro*carto*graphy; midpoints, and more! Plus: eyeballing the Saturn return, taking a peek at the Aries point, and… start simple and stay simple!

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Transcripts available upon request.

Song “Wake Up” used with permission by The E-Block Band.

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Episode timestamps (conversation recorded July 2024):

00:31 – Fred Abong is a singer/songwriter and one time bass player for influential art-punk band Throwing Muses and indie-pop band Belly. Prior to that, Fred was active as a drummer and bass player in numerous bands centered on the Newport, RI hardcore punk scene. In addition to playing music, Fred earned his PhD in Humanities in 2016.

03:38 – The books that got Fred started include Heaven Knows What by Grant Lewi and Ancient Hindu Astrology for the Modern Western Astrologer by James Braha. Fred also gives a hat tip to Braha’s How to Be a Great Astrologer: The Planetary Aspects Explained. And Jenn mentions Astrology for Millions by Lewi as well!

09:16 – If Fred could bring only three books to a deserted island, his first pick would be Braha’s previously mentioned Ancient Hindu Astrology for the Modern Western Astrologer. Also, Fred mentions the bonus book Planets in Composite: Analyzing Human Relationships by Robert Hand.

12:16 – Interlude: Join CAELi and snag yourself a Saturn stress-relief ball. (Yes, you read that right!)

13:03 – Fred’s second choice would be The Psychology of Astro*carto*graphy by Jim Lewis with contributions by Kenneth Irving.

15:08 – The third title Fred would bring is The Combination of Stellar Influences by Reinhold Ebertin.

22:18 – For beginners, Fred recommends getting a mentor! Fred studied with Vedic astrologer Gary Gomes, which was a wonderful way to learn.

26:23 – Find Fred at his website: https://www.fredabongastrology.com/.

27:12 – Thanks for listening to Within Orb! If you love the show, please help support it at no cost to you: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen, rate it five stars, or write a happy review! And if you’d like to become a CAELi member or support our work with a contribution of any amount, we’d be delighted – thanks!

Show notes by Jen Braun, JJ Boots Productions LLC.