Essential Astrocast

If you are wondering why 2025 doesn't seem to be kicking off with that New Year pep in its step, well you can thank Mars. The planet of motivation, drive, and war is retrograde. You might not be feeling up for a fight, particularly now that Mars has retrograded back into the sensitive, and sometimes passive-aggressive, sign of Cancer. 

This week does host several opportune transits for emotional healing. So allow yourself space to rest and repair. There will be plenty of "newness" up ahead in the coming months. For now, let this slow start be a balm for your weary heart.

In this week's episode I cover:

• The Nodes of fate beginning a new 1.5 year cycle in Pisces and Virgo.
• Mars retrograde opposing Pluto (still) and trining Neptune.
• The first Full Moon of the year in Cancer.

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As the Sun finishes up his journey through Sagittarius he squares Neptune, offering you a peek into your subconscious. Make sure you give yourself ample time to slow down and rest, since this transit may zap your energy. On the other hand, those naps and daydreams offer a portal into your subconscious. It's a great week to go to therapy, journal, or get creative. Luckily, Venus and Jupiter are working in harmony encouraging sweet connections and connecting with those that share your values and ideals. Finally, on Saturday, the Sun enters Capricorn, making it the Winter Solstice, aka Yule. I share a little about the history of this time of celebration in this episode.

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Mercury is retrograde, but so is Mars! When the red-hot planet goes backward, he packs a punch. This week I share all the details on Mars retrograde, as well as his seemingly never-ending opposition to Pluto. 

Beyond Mars and Mercury retrograde, we're living under the influence of two life-altering transits right now: 

• Jupiter square Saturn: this calls for a compromise between what might be growing too fast and what might be suffocating under our desire to control or restrict. 
• Mars opposite Pluto: this is a face-off between the God of War and the God of the Underworld. If you have long pushed down trauma or resentment, beware, when it comes to the surface, Mars will make you want to explode. Please refer to the "slow down" portion of my email above and take a breath! 

In addition, on this week's episode of the podcast, I share why I love this upcoming Full Moon in Gemini and a tidbit on how we are living in an Aquarian era (here's to T. Swift), but we are not in the Aquarian age. 

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This week comes with a big vibe shift. From the murky waters of Scorpio, the Sun emerges and enters Sagittarius bringing light, joy, and some holiday magic. The big news though is that Pluto enters Aquarius and this time, it's for good, well at least for the next 20 years. With Pluto in the fixed air sign get ready for big-idea thinking, a speed-up in our already fast-paced technological world, and a newfound appreciation for community over individualism.

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Mentioned in this episode: 

• Tara Brach's Podcast

The Pluto Return of the USA continues and this election has illuminated this potent, destructive, and transformative transit. Please tune in for some musings on how we can remember that we are all part of one cosmic consciousness. With Pluto entering Aquarius on November 19th, we all are being called to connect with the people in our community and fortify those bonds. 

Pluto may have his fingerprints all over the election, but Saturn is in charge this week. Venus moves into Saturn's home sign of Capricorn creating some heavy, somber, and serious vibes. 

The Full Moon in Taurus on Friday is joined by Uranus, which means you might be restless to shake things up, be impulsive, or just ready to do things differently. 

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Mentioned in this episode: 

• Catherine Urban's reflections on the US election
• Tara Brach's podcast "Becoming Bodhisattvas in a troubled world"

There is something even spookier than Halloween ghosts and ghouls... It's Mars opposite Pluto! This transit invites passion - in all its forms. You might feel motivated by your anger or inspired by a deep creative burning in your soul. 

Luckily this New Moon in Scorpio also gives us a fresh slate. The choices you make this week may have a lasting impact. 

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This is a bonus episode answering the question that everyone is asking me! I also answer the question, "What's a Solar Return?" I'll walk you through some of the things I'm watching in Kamala's chart and in the cosmos.

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The Sun enters Scorpio and the season of all things spooky begins! Scorpio season kicks off with a grand trine in water that may flood you with emotion. Lots of water in the sky can offer opportunities for deeper connections, but it may cause you to be self-indulgent. Scorpio season also tends to bring up power struggles and control issues, especially this year with the Sun squaring Pluto at the start, but this is a great aspect for putting your attention on something you can control.

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This time of year is when the veil is thinnest between the material realm and the spirit realm. With all of these planets in water in the heavens, you might feel overwhelmed by empathy or even intuitive impulses. I share some of my favorite and simple ways to cleanse your energy on this week's episode. Note: I don't think spiritual practices have to be complex or tedious to be effective.

We're all feeling on edge, and perhaps exhausted, thanks to that intense Full Moon last week. Calibrate your energy so you have bandwidth for the possible bursts of inspiration or breakthroughs that could show up on Thursday when Mars sextiles Uranus. 

It's a full week, with a Full Moon in Aries amping up your sensitive feelings. Assume everyone you see is a walking open emotional wound. The Full Moon in Aries is joined by Chiron (the wounded healer dwarf planet/asteroid) and squaring Mars in Cancer. This alone makes us all feel impatient, on edge, and passive-aggressive. Before the Full Moon arrives Venus opposes Uranus inviting you to take a new approach or angle to the same old emotional patterns. I know it's not easy but Uranus is the planet that forces us to adapt and make changes.

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Timestamp Overview: 
00:00 Share the podcast with your friends

04:23 Astrology this week highlights sensitive feelings with a full moon in Aries and a grand cross

07:46 Venus at Scorpio's end degrees signifies processing and release during Libra season, which Venus rules.

11:43 Self-awareness and working through emotional patterns are crucial, especially during an emotional full moon in Aries.

14:24 Mars in Cancer emphasizes our need for nurturing.

16:55 Balancing individuality and partnership by addressing energy imbalances during this Aries/Libra eclipse season.

20:58 Venus entering Sagittarius brings a joyous atmosphere. As the weekend approaches, prioritize who is important to you.

A powerful new moon solar eclipse in Libra has us shedding any old patterns of imbalance or people-pleasing in our relationships.  Libra is the sign associated with partnership, but also the scales of justice. If you've been feeling stuck in a relationship or situation where the energy exchange is uneven, this week may have you re-examining what works for you.

Sign up for the New Moon Restorative Ritual this Sunday, October 6th.

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Timestamp Overview
00:00 Focus on self-care during eclipse season. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks the sun; a lunar eclipse makes stars more visible.

04:54 Solar eclipses with the south node are liberating, signifying release or loss; a recent reading highlighted this liberation theme, especially under a Libra solar eclipse.

06:43 Feeling of heaviness and release linked to planetary movements and new moon/eclipse timing. Now moving forward after the second eclipse.

12:22 Eclipse season urges shedding people-pleasing habits, focusing on self-prioritization, and addressing injustice tied to Libra traits.

16:19 Eclipse influences emotions and primary relationships, prompting reflection, especially due to its Libra connection and Mars square.

17:12 The eclipse brings intense energy, influenced by Venus in Scorpio, triggering deep emotions and old wounds. Key transits: Venus trine Saturn on Friday, Mercury Square Mars on Sunday.

20:21 Join the email list for a reading. Have a great week and stay grounded.