Episode 16

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk through the flood of chaos that kicked off 2025 and Mars’ retrograde through Cancer. Covering everything from the influx of devastating executive orders to Trump’s catastrophic colonial ambitions, Elon’s continuing coup-attempt, Kendrick Lamar’s Song of the Year, and Beyoncé’s historic Grammy win for Cowboy Carter, we look back at the many ways that this retrograde has manifested in the collective. Plus, we give a preview of what’s still to come, including the protest potential of Venus’ retrograde in Aries and the illusion-bursting end of Neptune in Pisces. It’s been a long year already, and we’re just getting started. Let’s get into it.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 16

(07:39) - Astrological insights on Mars retrograde

(12:47) - The significance of Mars in Cancer

(19:08) - Activating Cancerian themes of home, security, and family

(28:15) - Neptune’s influence and the power of narrative control

(35:15) - Neptune and the North Node in Pisces: the “flood the zone” strategy

(41:04) - Mars stations direct: collective unrest and class consciousness

(48:08) - Venus retrograde and the rise of protests

(56:10) - Healing through personal and collective violence

(01:01:59) - Cultural reflections: Mars retrograde at the Grammys

(01:08:56) - Neptune, Saturn, and the return of “manifest destiny”

(01:20:59) - Pluto in Aquarius: a new era for change

(01:32:52) - Focusing on community and resistance amid climate catastrophe

This episode was recorded on 2/5/2025.

For more astrological insights, download theCHANI app or follow CHANI onInstagram,TikTok, andBluesky.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created byNISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following creative works:

• “Libri Mysteriorum: The Astrological Metaphors” by Abû Ma'sar 

• The “Octavia Butler tried to tell us” T-shirt by exittheapple

P.S. The transcript for this episode is availablehere.

Episode 15

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode, we’re digging into the astrology of 2025 and what it reveals about the year to come. Marked by major planetary shifts, lots of activity in Aries, and some historically era-defining transits, 2025 is not for the faint of heart. Between the Mars and Venus retrogrades that point to conflict over traditional ideals, Saturn and Neptune transits that seem to signify the erosion of institutions, and Uranus in Gemini promising to usher in a new world order, there’s a lot to unpack. So buckle up. We’re breaking down the year month-by-month to give you insight into what to expect, takeaways to apply to your own chart, and tips to help you plot a course through the chaos. Let’s get into it.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 15

(02:28) - Introducing 2025, the year of massive change

(06:53) - January’s major astrological moments

(20:51) - The personal and political impacts of Mars in Cancer

(26:19) - February and the crisis of patriarchy

(35:35) - March and the Venus retrograde parallels to 2017

(39:13) - Counter movements to traditional gender roles

(42:16) - Astrological insights on Venus and Mars retrogrades

(46:24) - Eclipses and their influence on personal growth

(50:55) - Neptune in Aries: the “war of ideals” and the modern implications

(01:01:25) - The American Civil War and the power of historical narratives

(01:09:27) - April 2025 forecast

(01:12:15) - The Venus–Saturn conjunction: committing for the long-haul

(01:17:09) - The Mars–Pluto opposition: the final confrontation

(01:20:40) - May madness: Saturn and Neptune in Aries and the erosion of institutions

(01:30:43) - Jupiter’s exaltation in June: a hopeful turn

(01:35:25) - Navigating Saturn’s challenges and Jupiter’s blessings

(01:39:17) - The tension between individualism and community

(01:40:39) - Utopian visions of collective living

(01:41:37) - July and Uranus in Gemini: a catalyst for change

(01:48:10) - A new world order: shifting borders and information dynamics

(01:55:05) - August’s astrological highlights and cautions

(01:58:10) - September eclipses and returning to old patterns

(01:59:29) - Navigating themes of desire and consequence

(02:02:04) - Sorting through loss and serving your community: the Virgo–Pisces axis

(02:07:58) - Preparing for change: the movements of the outer planets

(02:12:02) - Assessing the landscape: political and global perspectives

(02:17:00) - Ending the year with clarity: a new beginning

This episode was recorded on 12/2/2024.

For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following creative works:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.

Episode 14

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to debrief after the US election. We start by comparing our past predictions to the actual results, and discussing where hope fits into the equation. Then we get into all that’s still to come — from the tech, AI, and alien(?) implications of Pluto in Aquarius to the cazimi following Inauguration Day and how it could act as a fluorescent spotlight on the seedy underbelly of American politics. We also revisit the planetary parallels to the 1968 election for historical hints regarding the work that lies ahead. And finally, we dig into the upcoming Mars and Venus retrogrades, including what they might reveal about gender dynamics and activism in this new era. These uncertain times (and the sky) are always changing. But we know we’ve got each other. So let’s get into it.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 14

(02:58) - Post-election reflections

(06:01) - The role of hope in astrology

(09:03) - The complexity of political astrology

(11:50) - Mars square Pluto: a battle of forces

(15:01) - The future landscape of politics

(17:59) - Inauguration Day and the Pluto cazimi

(21:00) - The underbelly of American politics

(23:59) - The “age of Aquarius” and its challenges

(30:40) - Pluto’s influence on technology and society

(31:59) - The rise of tech oligarchs and the corruption of money in politics

(35:59) - The media’s shifting role in election cycles

(40:06) - Astrological parallels to 1968

(56:34) - Gender dynamics and Mars’ retrograde

(01:01:52) - The impact of Venus’ retrograde on activism

(01:08:01) - Ask us anything: breaking down critical degrees in astrology

This episode was recorded on 11/18/2024.

For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram and X.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following creative work:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.

Episode 13

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode begins with a look back at all the events that played out during the latest eclipse season and in its wake, including Cardi B’s split with Offset, the indictment of New York City mayor Eric Adams, the devastation wrought by recent hurricanes, and the politics of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ press tour for The Message. Then we look ahead and dig into the astrology surrounding the US election — the shadowy power struggles signaled by the upcoming Mars–Pluto opposition, the potential for heightened paranoia with Mars in Cancer, and the inconvenient timing of a Mercury retrograde as we await a final vote count — all while reviewing the birth chart of the United States. Suffice it to say, there’s a lot to unpack in the astrological group chat. So settle in, and let’s get started. 

Content warning: genocide, natural disasters

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 13

(01:44) - Reflections on the Libra eclipse

(05:56) - Recap of world events during eclipse season

(21:42) - Ta-Nehisi Coates and the press tour for “The Message”

(32:45) - Upcoming astrological influences surrounding the US election

(36:26) - The Mars–Pluto opposition: power struggles and hidden conflicts

(39:46) - The enemy within: Mars in Cancer, domestic threats, and paranoia

(42:58) - Mars and Pluto: Reflecting power dynamics in politics

(47:47) - The battle for reproductive rights and Mars in Cancer

(51:52) - Mercury's role in understanding election outcomes

(01:02:29) - Mars opposing the Sun: A final meltdown before Inauguration Day

(01:12:03) - Astrological insights about the US birth chart

(01:14:03) - Transits and their implications throughout US history

(01:16:31) - The United States’ Uranus return and what it signals

(01:20:00) - Election day astrology and predictions

(01:29:00) - Mars retrograde: personal and collective reflections

This episode was recorded on 10/17/2024.

For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram and Twitter.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following creative works:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.

Episode 12

Want a personalized Black Moon Lilith reading? Download the ⁠CHANI app⁠ and use code LILITH30 for a 30-day, all-access pass to all our premium content, including Black Moon Lilith birth chart readings, guided meditations, and more.  Terms and conditions apply.

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This special episode is dedicated entirely to Lilith — the exiled goddess, the feral femme, the cosmic wild one. Starting with the myth of Lilith and the ways she is characterized in ancient texts, we parse the role Lilith has taken up in lore. Then we break down the astro — the origin of Black Moon Lilith as an astrological point and everything it can tell us about embodying the power of the archetypal outcast. We also take a look at the birth charts of prominent cultural icons with notable Black Moon Lilith natal placements — from Audre Lorde to Marilyn Monroe — and discuss how each of these figures has embodied the spirit of the original outsider. So open your CHANI app, and get ready for untamable Lilith to enter the chat.

Content warning: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 12

(00:00) - The myth of Lilith: an introduction

(19:55) - Lilith in ancient texts and traditions

(29:55) - The duality of Lilith: wild vs. cultivated

(39:56) - Lilith's transformation in patriarchal narratives

(49:59) - Astrological significations of Black Moon Lilith

(01:00:12) - Black Moon Lilith in personal astrology: chart interpretations

(01:16:43) - Josephine Baker: the shadow and the spotlight

(01:24:34) - Audre Lorde: the power of the erotic

(01:39:10) - Amy Winehouse: the wild spirit

(01:51:31) - Janis Joplin: the outsider's voice

(02:03:05) - Marilyn Monroe: the misunderstood seductress

This episode was recorded on 9/12/2024.

For more astrological insights, download the ⁠CHANI app⁠ or follow CHANI on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Twitter⁠.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by ⁠NISHA⁠ and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following creative works:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available ⁠here⁠.

Episode 11

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode, we’re reading the birth charts of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump alongside the astrology of Election Day and Inauguration Day to forecast what could come next — and think about how to prepare. We’re also digging into the recent astrology that’s been showing up in the news: from the transits unexpectedly reflected in major headlines (think: dogs, childless cat ladies, and the presidential debate) to the Pisces lunar eclipse that called our shadows to the fore (think: the second assassination attempt on Trump, Diddy’s arrest, and the anticipated fall of the music mogul’s empire). There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get into it. 

Content warning: Sexual assault

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 11

(03:01) - Analyzing the presidential debate

(06:01) - The role of Venus and Black Moon Lilith in the debate

(08:56) - Themes of reproductive rights and social issues

(12:11) - The impact of Trump’s comments on pets

(15:05) - The aftermath of the debate and polling insights

(17:53) - Transitioning to the Pisces eclipse

(21:13) - The significance of this lunar eclipse

(24:06) - The arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs and the cultural ramifications

(26:58) - The parallels between Diddy and Weinstein in 2017: Venus retrograde and 2025 trends

(56:10) - Eclipses and how they unearth our shadows

(57:28) - Analyzing Harris’ and Trump’s charts

(01:01:15) - Annual profections and their impact

(01:05:09) - Mercury’s role in the election

(01:10:53) - Transits and their implications for Harris

(01:17:27) - Uniquely challenging transits for Trump

(01:22:21) - Inauguration Day forecast

(01:30:29) - Progressions and their connection to the upcoming election

(01:39:17) - Zodiacal releasing and what it can tell us about the election

This episode was recorded on 9/23/2024.

For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram and Twitter.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.

Episode homework:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.

Episode 10

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas and Thea Anderson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to catch up on how recent transits have manifested in current events, including the Democratic National Convention. We cover all the major headlines: the swell of hope (and hype) for the Harris–Walz ticket, the hypocritical exclusion of Palestinian delegates during the DNC, the parallels between the US student protests for Palestine and the “Gen Z revolution” in Bangladesh, and the chaos of the It Ends With Us press tour. Plus, we give you a preview of what to expect from eclipse season. (FYI: It’s right around the corner.)

Content warning: Genocide, trafficking, domestic violence

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 10

(02:00) - Chaotic and controversial energy: The Influence of Mars in Gemini

(11:03) - A return to ideals: The Full Moon in Aquarius

(20:48) - Groundbreaking movements: The student uprisings in Bangladesh

(29:45) - Historic candidacy: The rise of Kamala Harris

(32:01) - Venus’ recent square to Mars

(36:15) - Exclusion of Palestinian voices at the DNC

(53:01) - Holding multiple truths and working toward change

(01:08:20) - Embracing transformation: The first eclipse in Pisces

(01:15:21) - Focusing on the future we want to build

(01:20:49) - Opportunities for organizing

This episode was recorded on 8/26/2024.

For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram and Twitter.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following articles, organizations, and creators:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.

Episode 9

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk through how recent transits (read: the Mars–Uranus conjunction, the Full Moon in Capricorn, and Mars’ ingress into Gemini) have shown up in the collective — and specifically, the US presidential election. Covering everything from the Trump assassination attempt to Biden’s decision to bow out, Kamala Harris’ “brat” summer, and the parallels between the upcoming DNC and the historic DNC of 1968, we look at how these key astro events have manifested IRL and could continue to play out.

Plus, we give you homework to get involved. After the episode, check out the work of Seed the Vote and the Working Families Party, take action with the Uncommitted National Movement by calling on Harris to do the right thing and end Biden’s disastrous policy of arming Israel’s ongoing genocide and occupation in Palestine, and support grassroots candidates and organize around down-ballot voting in the upcoming election.

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) – Welcome to Down to Astro episode 9

(00:00:40) – Introduction 

(00:01:33) – The Mars–Uranus conjunction and the assassination attempt on Trump

(00:11:21) – The culmination of the Full Moon in Capricorn, the ICJ ruling, and Biden’s withdrawal from the election

(00:14:47) – The Microsoft outage

(00:17:30) – Mars in Gemini and the changing narrative of the Democratic presidential campaign

(00:30:16) – Dems calling the GOP “weird”

(00:36:20) – Venusian themes of female power, Brat green, and cat ladies

(00:39:54) – Circling back to the astrological parallels and predictions we got right: the 1960s vs. now

(00:51:39) – The astrology of August: the Mars–Jupiter conjunction, the Mars–Saturn square, Jupiter–Saturn square, and Venus’ movements amid everything

(01:04:58) – Surprising news during the upcoming Full Moon in Aquarius

(01:14:12) – Kamala Harris’ chart during the DNC: a Venus return and 12th House profection

(01:30:53) – Zodiacal releasing technique: Kamala Harris is peaking on all levels

(01:36:20) – Homework: Vote and get involved with grassroots organizations

(01:37:40) – Episode 9 wrap-up

This episode was recorded on 8/5/2024.

For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram and X.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following works and organizations:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.

Episode 8

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode is all about how the recent movements of Mars, Mercury, and Uranus showed up IRL. From Israel’s invasion of Rafah to Trump’s 34 guilty counts, we look at how the past month’s astrological events manifested in the collective. Plus, we give you a preview of what’s coming next.

Content warning: genocide

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 8

(00:00:40) - Introduction

(00:02:38) - Mars in Aries and Israel’s invasion of Rafah

(00:16:28) - Jupiter in Gemini (the sign of the twins) and Biden / Bibi

(00:23:54) - Mercury conjunct Uranus and Trump’s conviction

(00:28:37) - Mars in Taurus and pro-Palestine protests

(00:31:19) - Mars conjunct Uranus on Trump’s midheaven

(00:34:18) - Saturnian consequences for Trump

(00:35:29) - More on Jupiter

(00:37:06) - Taurus and fundamentalism

(00:38:16) - Upcoming DNC convention during Jupiter’s and Mars’ squares to Saturn

(00:39:26) - Advice for activists during the difficult astrology to come

(00:52:29) - Biden’s restrictive immigration policy

(00:57:58) - Whale news, courtesy of Saturn in Pisces

(01:03:58) - Episode 8 wrap-up

This episode was recorded on 6/6/24, before the Nuseirat refugee camp raid.

For more astrological insights, download the CHANI app or follow CHANI on Instagram and Twitter.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by NISHA and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following creative works:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available here.

Episode 7

In this podcast, professional astrologers Chani Nicholas, Thea Anderson, and Eliza Robertson look to the sky to make sense of what’s happening here on Earth.

This episode brings you into the astrological group chat to talk through how the recent eclipses and Jupiter–Uranus conjunction landed IRL. From the ongoing student protests (and violent backlash) to the discord surrounding the exorbitant Met Gala, we look at how these astrological events manifested in the collective. Plus, we give you a preview of what’s coming next. It’s practical. It’s chatty. And it grounds the current astrology in everyday life.

Content warning: police violence

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Welcome to Down to Astro episode 7

(00:01:49) - Overview of eclipse season and the Jupiter–Uranus conjunction in relation to student protests and anti-war movements

(00:09:23) - Timeline of student protests at Columbia University and how the astrology aligned

(00:13:25) - Events that occurred the last time Jupiter was in Taurus, including Occupy Wall Street

(00:17:04) - Events that occurred the last time Jupiter and Uranus were conjunct, including the Arab Spring

(00:18:44) - The 2024 and 1968 protests at Hind’s Hall

(00:20:46) - Saturn in Aries, extreme punishment, and divesting from carceral systems

(00:23:18) - The legality of the student protests in response to the genocide in Gaza

(00:25:19) - The balm of Jupiter conjunct Uranus

(00:27:36) - Macklemore’s song “Hind’s Hall” and the public perception of celebrity wealth amid genocide

(00:29:08) - Jupiter in Taurus, the Met Gala, and the Hunger Games

(00:31:43) - Pluto in Aquarius, the French Revolution, and “haleyybaylee”

(00:32:43) - Ways celebrities can help people in Gaza: Operation Olive Branch

(00:33:23) - #Blockout2024 and the “digital guillotine” movement compared to literal guillotines of the French Revolution

(00:35:34) - How astrology and social movements are seeded in the past but continue to sprout in the future

(00:36:59) - The perception of wealth inequality and the responsibility of people in power to create positive social change

(00:42:16) - Different models of uprising: TikTok, Mercury and Chiron near the North Node, and in-person protests

(00:44:47) - The impact of TikTok, X, and other digital spaces for social organizing

(00:47:46) - Jupiter’s ingress into Gemini, the sign of the twins, amid talks of a two-state solution

(00:53:29) - Student protests at the Democratic National Convention

(00:58:59) - Politicians’ recent and historical responses to protests

(01:04:09) - The anti-apartheid protest at Hind’s Hall in 1985 and Mars’ conjunction with the North Node

(01:06:54) - How Pluto functions in fire signs and impacts each generation’s drive to create change

(01:08:49) - Jupitarian homework: working with hope as a practice

(01:11:11) - Jupiter in Gemini predictions

(01:17:48) - Personal stories about travel during difficult astrology

(01:19:35) - Episode 7 wrap-up

This episode was recorded on 5/13/24.

For more astrological insights, download the ⁠CHANI app⁠ or follow CHANI on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Twitter⁠.

The song “Midas,” featured in the podcast, was created by ⁠NISHA⁠ and is available wherever you listen to music.

This episode also mentioned the following creative works:

P.S. The transcript for this episode is available ⁠here⁠.