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

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.