raise your hand if you’ve ever heard an astrologer say “work with this astrology”… and quietly wondered wtf that even means. 🙋🏻‍♀️

Cause, same.

When I first started digging into astrology, I wanted so badly to “make the most” of the cosmic moments… but actually doing that felt wildly unclear to me. I can’t be the only one!

That’s why, today, I’m breaking down how to go beyond binging astro content and create a bonafide astrology-based spiritual practice.

We’ll talk about common mistakes that keep folks stuck, how to avoid astrological anxiety, and I’ll share my simple framework to help you move through life with the cosmos, not at the mercy of it.

✨ Think of it as a crash course in making astrology part of your spiritual practice in a way that feels grounding, supportive, and practical.

Timestamps:

0:02 — What I mean by working with the stars01:17 — Common astrology mistakes + how to avoid ‘em06:35 — How to choose transits that actually matter for you07:27 — My 3-part flow: Prediction → Intention → Reflection12:23 — Wrap up + an invite to Sol Circle

🌞Sol Circle is Open!🌞

Join and get immediate access to our community and everything inside. Our first live call is Wednesday, July 2!

https://selfhelpwitch.com/solcircle

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

Let's talk about how to create your new moon rituals, even if you're a beginner! :)

Today I'll teach you my 3R framework for creating personalized rituals, which provides structure and flexibility. I'll tell you all about each of the "R"s then show you how it works by taking you behind the scenes of my latest new moon ritual.

What I love about this framework is it provides structure without being too prescribed. I'm excited to show it to you!

Comment with questions and insights–I love to hear from you!

ABOUT

Dana Solara is an astrologer, + witch weaving astrology, magic, and personal growth. Her goal is to give spiritual seekers the tools to create spiritually fulfilling lives. She especially loves supporting women in self-reclamation journeys and specializes in making the esoteric both accessible and practical. She's a Pisces Sun, Gemini Moon, and Libra Rising.

FREE RITUAL SUPPORT TOOLS

* Lunar Ritual Guide

* Magical Life Toolkit

HOMECOMING

* Explore Homecoming

30 DAY GUEST PASS: OPEN APP

* click here

INSTAGRAM

* click here

CHAPTERS

* 00:00 Introduction

* 00:53 The 3R Framework

* 05:53 Ritual Part 1: Dark Moon

* 14:55 Ritual part 2: New Moon

* 22:34 Final Tips for Your Ritual

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

I’ve got good news and bad news if you’re tired of feeling stuck chasing your “authentic self” or searching for your one true purpose:

Good news? It’s not you.

Bad news? It’s your fixation on finding your purpose and your authentic self that’s keeping you stuck.

But more good news! All it takes is a simple reframe to immediately shift out of the rut that searching for your purpose & authentic self can keep you stuck in.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the myths behind “authentic self” culture and why the endless search for purpose can actually keep you feeling confused, burnt out, and disconnected.

I’ll show you how to break free from spiritual self-help traps and start living with more curiosity, creativity, and real fulfillment.

🔮 Perfect for: spiritual seekers, overthinkers, self-help junkies, and anyone tired of feeling like they’re never “enough” or haven’t found their purpose.

🔍 What You'll Learn in This Video:

→ Why “authentic self” and “purpose” culture keeps you stuck → The hidden pressure of always trying to “figure yourself out” → How self-help burnout happens (and how to escape it) → The difference between living for the future vs. living in the present → Why the idea of an authentic self is extremely limiting & the new concept you can replace it with → Practical steps to reconnect with your real desires and values → How to find fulfillment every day — not just someday in the future when you’ve “found your purpose”

🔗 Resources & Links

🎟️ FREE: SPIRIT WEEK: Join for a full-blown, weeklong Oprah-style party, where you'll get not one, not two, but THREE juicy, just-for-you freebies. PLUS, you'll be on the Homecoming VIP list, where you’ll get first dibs + the best price on Homecoming, my signature spiritual reclamation experience that helps you stop outsourcing your power and finally trust yourself again. → https://selfhelpwitch.com/waitlist

💻Youtube: https://youtube.com/@selfhelpwitch

🗣️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/selfhelpwitch

💬 Let’s Connect: Have you ever felt stuck chasing your “authentic self” or purpose? Share your story or aha moment in the comments — I’d love to hear from you. 💛

📝Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Spiritual Kool-Aid 02:52 The Problem with Finding Purpose 05:30 The Trap of Self-Help Burnout 08:10 Rewriting the Narrative on Purpose and Authentic Self 10:45 Introducing Dana and Self-Help Witch 11:30 The Pitfalls of Future-Focused Purpose 15:00 The Myth of the Singular Authentic Self 18:20 Embracing the Expansive Self 21:00 Big Picture Takeaways 23:30 Steps to Discovering Your Expansive Self 26:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

Okay, I know in my last episode, I literally said forecast astrology is overrated… and here I am, talking forecast astrology. 😆

I guess what I should have said is this:

I find super technical, astro-jargon-y forecasts boring to create, and I don’t want to make them. 🤷🏻‍♀️

So here I am, talking about the astrology of the moment, but NOT like that.

Today’s talk is an intuitive – dare I say channeled? – take on the Saturn and Neptune in Aries cocktail we’re about to be drankin’ for the next few years.

🚨This is not a drill, y’all.

Saturn enters Aries on Saturday, May 24, and Saturn and Neptune will be in conjunction territory (aka the same place in the sky) on and off for the next few years.

In this episode, I share:

* What Saturn and Neptune in Aries actually means (and why it's such a potent, paradoxical combo)

* The spiritual assignment Saturn is handing out, and why it's so hard but worth it

* How fear, honesty, and the inner critic are central to this moment

* Neptune’s dreamy influence and why we NEED Saturn [in a word: discernment!]

* Why Jupiter in Cancer is the cosmic safety net we need right now

This one’s got depth. Expect a cosmic pep talk to help you do the damn thing—even if it’s scary.

Mentioned in the episode:💥 The Disruptor – My new mini-course + nervous system support toolkit to help you work with fear and limiting beliefs (aka Saturn)❤️‍🩹 [free] The Inner Critic Healing Guide - a free 30+ page resource that helps you unmask your inner critic

Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why this transit matters so much03:15 – Saturn and Neptune 101: What they represent and why it’s a wild mix08:22 – Saturn in Aries: The courage to take responsibility for your sacred agenda13:40 – Fear, honesty, and the inner critic (and how Saturn brings them up)20:55 – The Neptune effect: Transcendence, illusion, and collective consciousness26:50 – The danger of false gurus + the need for discernment31:20 – The gift of Jupiter in Cancer (aka help is on the way)35:00 – Final thoughts: Trust yourself. Leap. Let it be messy and worth it.

Wanna work with me? ✨ Explore offerings here

Closing Vibes:May Saturn teach you strength.May Neptune remind you to trust.And may Aries light the match.You’ve got this.

Happy Gemini season, and I’ll catch you next time!

Ask an Astrologer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

Hey, welcome to Ask an Astrologer – an astrological Q&A + advice publication where I (an astrologer & witch) answer your questions about astrology, spirituality, and personal growth.

Got a question for me? Submit it here.

Wanna go deeper with me? Consider pledging your support with the paid tier. You’ll get video breakdowns of upcoming astrological weather, guides to support your spiritual self-development, and a members-only chat where we can kiki about anything you like.

This week’s question comes from instagram:

Dear Dana,

What does it mean to be a witch?

I love this question, and it came at a perfect time. Just last week, someone left a comment on the Spotify broadcast of this show, saying something like, “Good content, but use something better than Witch.” 😒

And to that, I say, Nope. I’m keeping it. I love the word Witch. It feels so specific, and for me, it’s deeply tied to how I show up in the world.

So today, I’m going to share my personal take on what it means to be a Witch. I’ll talk about how I embody the Witch archetype and what that looks like in my life. And I’ll explain why the word Witch means so much to me—and why it might resonate with you too.

Key Topics Covered:

→ The Witch’s Lifestyle:

→ My Personal Practice:

→ Witchcraft Meets Self-Help:

→ Co-Creating Your Reality

→ Choosing Yourself

Resources Mentioned:

→ Self-Help Witch: My blend of astrology, witchcraft, and empowerment.

→ Personal Gnosis: The idea that witchcraft is about personal knowing—each of us has our own unique practice.

→ Creatrix Waitlist: If you felt an internal HELL YES while listening to this, you’re going to want to join the Creatrix waitlist – my most intimate container for high-functioning, spiritually-stuck women who are done outsourcing their power and ready to build a life that actually feels like home. Doors opening in May.

Connect with Me:

→ Visit Self Help Witch to explore my offerings.

→ Follow me on Instagram at @selfhelpwitch.

Final Thoughts:I hope this episode helps you see that being a Witch is about embracing your power and agency—you get to choose your life, your desires, and your path. It’s a journey of self-reclamation, and witchcraft is such a powerful tool to help you get there.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

Whitney and I had a great time discussing this interesting and busy astrological context – particularly, how the malefics are teaming up to bring much-needed change to our lives.

You’ll hear us nerd out on:

→ the Mars in Cancer saga of the last 7 months

→ The role of Uranus in this moment

→ Four key themes to watch for as this transit unfolds

→ Big takeaway of this episode: This is a beautiful moment to take responsibility for your feelings, act with courage, and move toward healing—without bypassing the messiness that gets you there.

Also: Severance, Norse mythology, and 80s hair bands somehow make it into this astrology forecast. You’re welcome. 😇

FIND Whitney Kranz:

→ IG: https://www.instagram.com/astro.arcana.astrology/

→ Website: https://astroarcana.com

ABOUT DANA: Dana Solara weaves ritual and personal growth to help spiritual seekers know themselves, trust themselves, and choose themselves. She's a Pisces Sun, Gemini Moon, and Libra Rising. FREE

FREE ASTRO CHEAT SHEET:

→ https://selfhelpwitch.kit.com/74b1ee3bfe

BOOK A READING:

→ https://selfhelpwitch.com/consults

LEARN ASTROLOGY WITH ME:

→ https://selfhelpwitch.com/library

INSTAGRAM:

→ https://instagram.com/selfhelpwitch

CHAPTERS

00:00 Final Whit + Dana

02:38 Discussing TV Shows and References

03:44 Astrological Insights: Mars in Cancer and Saturn in Pisces

06:51 Analyzing the Chart and Key Themes

12:12 Emotional Splinters and Mercury in Pisces

17:45 New Mission Gains Momentum

18:40 Mars and Saturn: Sustained Growth and Motivation

19:14 Potential Power Outage and Exhaustion

20:42 Repressed Feelings and Emotional Awareness

22:11 Thor's Hammer: Power and Blessings

22:56 Taking Responsibility for Feelings

28:58 Rebelliousness and Resistance

34:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

Retrogrades need a rebrand.

As we navigate a peak retrograde moment, with both Venus and Mercury retrograde, I’ve been thinking about how constructive these moments are – if only we allow them to be.

Retrogrades, at their core, are a review. In life, we must review our work. If we only move forward without ever looking back and reflecting, we run the (almost certain) risk of losing ourselves in the process.

It’s in the review that we reconnect to our truths, that we see where we’ve gone astray, and we fix what’s broken. It’s not always fun or easy, but it can be extremely valuable.

So today, I’m sharing some specifics on how to reflect with retrogrades - breaking down the meaning of the most important moments in the retrograde cycle and how we can engage that energy for our reflective practice.

Then, I break down the important dates and features of Mercury and Venus retrograde of Spring 2025 so you can dig into what this moment is offering you.

And if you’re watching this in the future, I think it’s still valuable to reflect on these specific retrogrades, since we’re in the middle of some big astrological s**t poppin’ off – I imagine you’ll be able to look back at Spring 2025 as one of the more pivotal moments of your life.

ABOUT

Self Help Witch is the creative baby of astrologer & witch Dana Solara. She weaves magic, astrology, and personal growth to help spiritual seekers know themselves, free themselves, and be themselves. She loves supporting women in self-reclamation from people pleasing and perfectionism, and she specializes in making the esoteric accessible and practical. She's a Pisces Sun, Gemini Moon, and Libra Rising. FREE

FREE ASTRO CHEAT SHEET: https://selfhelpwitch.kit.com/74b1ee3bfe

BOOK A READING: https://selfhelpwitch.com/reading

LEARN ASTROLOGY WITH ME: https://selfhelpwitch.com/library

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/selfhelpwitch

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

Welcome back to Ask an Astrologer, where you can ask me – an astrologer and occultist – anything at all about astrology, witchcraft, spirituality, or how to use these tools to work with a situation in your life more mindfully.

Got a question for me? I’d love to answer it – submit it right here.

I’m back today to tell you about my birthday.

On March 13, I turned 36.

As an astrologer, my solar return chart for this year had me a lil 👀

That’s because just hours after my solar return perfected - aka the sun returned to the same place as my natal sun – the full moon Virgo eclipse became exact.

Not gonna lie - I had a decent amount of astrological anxiety going into this birthday. I hadn’t been feeling my best emotionally, and knowing that eclipses can be edgy, I felt a little fearful that something major, unexpected, even catastrophic would go down.

Fast forward to March 12 - the day of the Saturn cazimi. I woke up with an immense amount of unexplainable sadness.

Little did I know that morning that this sadness would propel me into a profound 12th house revelation – one that would bring sharp clarity to my limiting beliefs around being loved and the freedom to be honest about my needs.

I tell the story in today’s talk, along with horoscopes for the South Node in Virgo for all 12 rising signs.

My hope in sharing my story is to 1. normalize astrological anxiety while also pulling back the curtain to show how our worst fears are almost never the reality; 2. to help you get a sense for how 12th and 6th house transits that look scary can show up in extremely positive, liberating ways.

Make Astrology Your Spiritual Swiss Army Knife

If you love the idea of using astrology as a spiritual self-development tool – for example, as a way to reflect on your soul’s lessons at this time, like I did in this video – I invite you to join me in Astrology for Everyone.

Astrology for Everyone is an on-demand learning library that comes with unlimited content requests. I think of it as a totally asynchronous 1:1 astrology mentorship.

It’s really simple – you get immediate access to my library of 30 or so videos on everything from Astrology Fundamentals to using astrology as a spiritual practice, along with the ability to request new videos whenever and as often as you want.

Astrology for Everyone is by far quickest and most affordable way unlock the power of astrology – and I’d love for you to be a part of it!

And yes, you CAN google everything and learn on your own, but it will take way more time and effort than popping into the learning library or emailing me your question. 😉

Join here → https://selfhelpwitch.com/library

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

Welcome back to Ask an Astrologer by Self Help Witch!

I took some time off this week to celebrate my eclipse-y birthday – more on that later – but for now, I’m back with a reflection on the promise of the South Node in Virgo.

Got a question about astrology, mysticism, or personal growth? I’d love to answer for Ask an Astrologer – submit it right here.

🚀 Ready to go deeper?

✨ Work intentionally with this spring's eclipses with my free Eclipse Season Guidebook for Spring 2025.

✨ Become a paid subscriber to Ask an Astrologer. You’ll get exclusive spiritual self-development guides to work with the upcoming astrology + a members-only community hub where we can connect and reflect together.

✨ Learn with me in Astrology for Everyone, where you’ll get lifetime access to my complete astrological learning library. Lifetime content requests included!

✨ Hang with me on IG & Youtube - I’m @selfhelpwitch on both platforms.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com

Today, we’re diving deep into Eclipse Season for Spring 2025, a time of powerful transitions.

I know lots of folks are feeling anxious about March’s astrology, especially with eclipse season coinciding with everything else. To help you feel empowered and at ease, I creatde a free Eclipse Season Guidebook designed to help you co-create with the cosmic shifts.

In today's talk, I break down the major moments of the eclipse lunar cycle, including:

🌑 Pisces New Moon (Feb 27th) – Setting the stage with themes of endings and new beginnings. With a Pisces-Aries energy pile-up, we’re dreaming big… but Jupiter in Gemini might be making it hard to see the vision clearly.

🌕 Full Moon Eclipse in Virgo (March 14th) – A mega-release moment. With the South Node in Virgo, this is all about letting go of control. But watch out—Neptune and the North Node in Pisces might tempt us to escape reality rather than face it.

🌑 New Moon Eclipse in Aries (March 29th) – The rebirth moment. Aries says new chapter, new me, but Mars squaring Chiron suggests there’s healing work to do first. Think of it like pulling out a splinter—painful but necessary for true healing.

🔮 How to Work with This Eclipse Season:

💫 Grab my Eclipse Season Guidebook to intentionally co-create with the cosmic shifts.

💫 Pay attention to your Pisces & Aries houses—where are these shifts happening in your life?

💫 Don’t force things—observe. Eclipse energy unfolds in its own time.

💫 March is all about endings and beginnings. What needs to be released so you can fully step into your next chapter?

🚀 Ready to go deeper?

✨ Become a paid subscriber to Ask an Astrologer. You’ll get exclusive spiritual self-development guides to work with the upcoming astrology + a members-only community hub where we can connect and reflect together.

✨ Learn with me in Astrology for Everyone, where you’ll get lifetime access to my complete astrological learning library. Lifetime content requests included!

✨ Hang with me on IG & Youtube - I’m @selfhelpwitch on both platforms.

Wishing you a powerful and illuminating eclipse season—trust the process, and embrace the shifts. 🌙💜

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit selfhelpwitch.substack.com