“We are no longer caterpillars, not yet butterflies—we’re in the cocoon.”

In this episode, Traci Stein welcomes back her friend and noted astrologer, Leslie McGuirk, who does a deep dive into the current astrological climate. They discuss:

• Why this Mercury retrograde in Leo feels especially draining and overwhelming personally and for the collective
• The impact of having multiple planets in retrograde at once
• Why this is a time of reevaluation, letting go, and transformation
• The Lionsgate portal (August 8th) and the Sturgeon Full Moon (August 9th) as opportunities for intention-setting and manifestation
• The role of outer planets (Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto) in shaping global and personal events
• The numerology of 2025: a year of endings and spiritual growth
• Golden aspects in astrology: what they are and how they help us
• Practical tips for coping

For information on Leslie McGuirk, her books, workshops, personal astrology readings and more, visit: Leslie’s Linktree: http://bit.ly/45lyqnM

For more on Traci Stein and her meditations to foster greater mindfulness, let go of unhealthy patterns, and more, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Chapters:
01:00 – Introduction: Astrologer and author Leslie McGuirk
04:00 – Why This Astrological Period Feels So Intense
06:00 – Mercury Retrograde in Leo: What’s Different
08:00 – Multiple Planets in Retrograde: Why We’re Feeling Stuck & Overwhelmed
14:00 – Astrology as a Tool for Understanding Change
16:00 – Navigating Retrogrades: Why “Reverse” Isn’t Always Bad
18:00 – Why Progress Feels Slow
20:00 – Communication & Tech Issues During Retrograde
24:00 – When Will It Get Better?
26:00 – The Lionsgate Portal (August 8), Sturgeon Full Moon (August 9) & 
      Golden Aspects
28:00 – September’s Astrological Challenges & Eclipses
30:00 – The Impact of Outer Planets: Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto
32:00 – Numerology of 2025: A Year of Endings
34:00 – How to Survive and Thrive
40:00 – The Lionsgate, Full Moon, and Setting Intentions
42:00 – Golden Aspects Explained
43:30 – Leslie’s Workshops & Mystery Guest Series
44:30 – Final Thoughts