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Light Your Torch: The Power of Presence, Purpose & Deconstructing Astrology

The world feels uncertain—but uncertainty doesn't have to become paralysis. This week, Laurie explores how to move beyond fear, reclaim your agency, and become solution-oriented during times of rapid change. Inspired by the legacy of Gloria Steinem, she examines why imagination is an act of courage, why presence is a form of resistance, and how astrology becomes far more powerful when used as a tool for observation rather than prediction.

Laurie also shares a reading of her new essay, "Astrology Deconstructed," answers a listener's question about using astrology for career decisions, reviews recent prediction highlights in The Ralph Report, and closes with guidance for this week's Virgo New Moon.

Show Links:

2027 Prepared: Astrology Based Planner & Workbook

Awake Space Magazine September 2026

00:00 Light your torch: Choosing hope over fear
09:00 Reading Astrology Deconstructed
43:30 Gloria Steinem's astrology and legacy
50:08 Career timing: Can astrology help you choose your next move?
57:07 The Ralph Report: Recent prediction highlights
1:04:42 This week's global forecast
1:17:06 Virgo New Moon intentions and practical guidance

• Why presence is your greatest source of personal power
• Gloria Steinem's lasting influence and what comes next
• Rethinking astrology through observation instead of determinism
• Breaking inherited beliefs and cultural conditioning
• How to use astrology to make better decisions
• Forecast highlights for the week ahead
• Virgo New Moon journaling prompts and intention setting

Knowledge isn't power unless you know your next step.

In This Episode

Join The Awake Space Community at patreon.com/theawakespace

This week on The Awake Space Astrology Podcast, Laurie Rivers looks ahead at September 2026, breaks down the fear surrounding claims that the U.S. power grid is about to collapse, and explains the difference between evidence-based forecasting and fear-driven divination.

After an emotionally intense eclipse week, Laurie reflects on loss, legacy, and the inspiration she found in Dolly Parton’s decision to put people before profit.

Laurie also introduces the upcoming 2027 Prepared planner and workbook, explains how the different Awake Space membership levels are evolving, and shares updates on Healing the Money Wound, coming May 6, 2027.

Then it is time to separate fear from fact. Laurie explains why the U.S. does not operate on one single national electrical grid, how the Eastern, Western, and Texas interconnections function, and why localized blackouts do not automatically signal a nationwide collapse.

Ralph returns with the latest accuracy report, including earthquake activity, flooding, power outages, transportation disruptions, nuclear-related headlines, labor actions, extreme weather, and other predictions from the previous week.

Finally, Laurie moves into the September forecast with a look at political shakeups, storms, flooding, transportation disruptions, geopolitical tensions, financial uncertainty, seismic activity, food recalls, regulatory developments, and the changing energy of the first week of the month.

The larger September theme is simple: anchor your authority internally. Strengthen self-trust, increase your tolerance for uncertainty, practice presence, and stop letting fear-based content make your decisions for you.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Eclipse aftermath, Dolly Parton, and choosing people over profit
05:37 2027 Prepared and upcoming Awake Space changes
09:00 Healing the Money Wound and making information accessible
12:40 Understanding the Awake Space membership levels
15:00 Divination vs. forecasting
19:54 Why the U.S. power grid is not about to collapse
27:27 Ralph Report: Reviewing last week’s predictions
31:55 Magazine updates, Saturn cycles, and Virgo guidance
37:27 September 2026 overview and major themes
42:03 Building self-trust during uncertain times
44:24 September 1–7 forecast: weather, politics, markets, and travel
49:06 The energy shift heading into the second week of September
51:23 Moving through systemic change without catastrophizing

2027 Prepared by Laurie Rivers BUY NOW

Laurie also introduces a new prediction format organized around weather and geology, politics and global affairs, the economy, travel, and fascinating or unexpected stories.

REMEMBER: Knowledge is only power when you know how to make your next move.

This week on The Awake Space Astrology Podcast, Laurie Rivers breaks down the intense astrology building toward the Pisces Full Moon and partial lunar eclipse, and why this energy does not have to be something we fear.

The pressure has been building. Anxiety, anger, exhaustion, frustration, and uncertainty are running high. But this Full Moon also carries tremendous creative potential. The question is: What are you going to do with it?

Laurie explains how to move out of overwhelm and into applied, sustainable action. Instead of scattering your energy through doom scrolling, outrage, or endless conversations about what is wrong, this is an opportunity to get organized, identify what you can influence, and make your next move.

In this episode:

• The Pisces Full Moon and partial lunar eclipse

• Mercury conjunct the Sun and the square to Uranus

• Why friction can become highly creative energy

• Turning anxiety, anger, and frustration into productive action

• How to stop disqualifying yourself and recognize your actual skills

• Preparing without panic or fear

• Listener questions about house size, the Ascendant, rising signs, sports, and astrology

• The Ralph Report and recent prediction hits

• Laurie's forecast for weather, seismic activity, international tensions, technology disruptions, and other potential headlines

01:14:00 | The Ralph Report + Weekly Predictions
A look back at recent prediction hits followed by Laurie's forecast for August 22 through 30.

01:24:50 | How to Ride the Cosmic Tsunami
Stabilize first. Get clear. Then act. Laurie closes with practical ways to work with uncertainty and intense Full Moon energy.

2027 Prepared releases September 3, with special pricing for Awake Space members. Laurie also shares updates about upcoming astrology classes, the September Awake Space Magazine, readings and consultations, and the next 2027 Prediction & Preparation event.

Knowledge is only power when you know how to make your next move.

Listen in, get grounded, and get ready to use the energy instead of letting the energy use you.

In S7 Ep 41 your host Laurie Rivers is focused on preparing your for the Pisces Full Moon on August 28. This week she helps you see how the current online discourse is the distraction to siphon your energy so that you're not taking action that helps you build your security and make your next moves.

Laurie answers astrology questions from Awake Space Community Members, gives highlights from What's in the Headlines? (Weekly predications) and reads the first section from her article "Retrogrades: The Real Story" from The Awake Space Magazine Aug 2026.

Show Links:

Aug 2026 Issue Awake Space Magazine

Love & Sex in Astrology Seminar (Free For Supporting Members) Click Here

Understand Your Pluto In Aquarius Transits CLICK HERE

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and core themes

02:11 Upcoming full moon and astrological significance

04:20 The influence of outer planets and astrology methodology

06:29 Understanding Pluto's cycle and generational impact

10:06 Mars in Cancer and current social themes

20:53 The upcoming Pisces full moon and collective revelations

23:42 Deconstructing social programming and patriarchy

30:02 Preparing for cosmic undertow and systemic change

34:45 Historical use of astrology in decision-making

40:14 Why house sizes vary in astrology charts

43:23 Sensitivity to lunar cycles and personal astrology

46:08 Jupiter return at age 48 and personal growth

55:26 Sneak peek into the 2027 astrology planner

01:02:04 The impact of stellium and misconceptions in astrology

01:03:01 Weekly predictions and Ralph's forecast

01:12:28 Astrological insights into global events this week

01:16:34 Virgo season and sample horoscopes

01:29:09 Self-examination and mindful engagement with social outrage

Join the Awake Space to explore how to use astrology in practical and liberating ways!

This week on The Awake Space Astrology Podcast, Laurie tackles the Steven Forrest controversy and addresses the idea that Western Tropical Astrology is exclusionary or a rip off of Vedic. (Find source material links below)

Laurie traces the fascinating development of astrology from ancient Mesopotamia through Greece, India, the Islamic world, medieval Europe, and into modern practice. She explains why Western Tropical and Vedic/Jyotish astrology are distinct traditions, how scholars exchanged knowledge across cultures, and why astrology has always evolved alongside our understanding of humanity.

She also shares why she developed Progressive Evolutionary Astrology, an approach centered on the complexity of human experience rather than rigid binaries, limiting labels, or outdated interpretations.

Plus, Awake Space Magazine Subscriber questions, this week’s Ralph Report, and a look at the August 12 Leo New Moon and solar eclipse.

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome & What’s Ahead
03:49 — The Steven Forrest Controversy
13:15 — Moving Astrology Forward
29:21 — The Real History of Western & Vedic Astrology
47:02 — Mundane Astrology & the U.S. Chart
51:10 — Your Astrology Questions Answered
01:05:00 — The Ralph Report
01:11:01 — August 12 Solar Eclipse & Leo New Moon

Astrology has never existed in a vacuum. It has grown through observation, mathematics, cultural exchange, scholarship, and generations of astrologers asking better questions. This episode explores that history while looking toward what astrology can become next.

Show Links:

July Archivist Report on Laurie's Predictions

Citations: Please note that some information is debated by scholars.

• Encyclopaedia Iranica — Horoscope, David Pingree
• Encyclopaedia Iranica — Astrology and Astronomy in Iran, David Pingree & Christopher J. Brunner
• Encyclopaedia Iranica — Zodiac
• Encyclopaedia Iranica — Planets
• Bill M. Mak — The Date and Nature of Sphujidhvaja’s Yavanajātaka Reconsidered
• Cambridge History of Science — Translation and Transmission of Greek and Islamic Science to Latin Christendom

• Please note he was an astrologer (astronomers and astrologers were not separate occupations until the 18th century) https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Al-Biruni/
• https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-history-of-science/islamic-astronomy/DBE63FFD4918F948F362A66DE721C022
• Plato Tiburtinus who translated Ptolemy into Latin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato_Tiburtinus

Also not mentioned directly in the podcast, but given the Islamic Empire was very vast throughout it's history I decided to look up what might be in Timbuktu which still houses literature that goes back over 1000 years. Here's an article that might be very interesting - remember, there was not division between astronomy and astrology until the 18th century. https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2014-12-02-africas-ancient-astronomers-made-their-mark-in-culture-folklore

August is a month that asks a different question than most of us are used to answering. Instead of asking what's happening out there, it asks: Who are you becoming in the middle of it?

This week, Laurie explores the defining astrology of August 2026 and why the coming planetary shifts; from Venus entering Libra and Mars entering Cancer to the powerful Pisces Full Moon eclipse are less about reacting to the world's chaos and more about examining your own beliefs, motivations, and direction before taking action.

Against a backdrop of political upheaval, economic uncertainty, extreme weather, and constant distraction, Laurie shares practical ways to stay grounded, reconnect with your values, and rediscover meaning without becoming consumed by the collective noise.

Along the way, she pays tribute to legendary astrologer Joanne Wickenburg, whose scholarship and lifelong commitment to observation helped shape Laurie's own approach to astrology and reminds us why thoughtful study matters in an age of opinions and algorithms.

Listener questions cover finding joy in uncertain times, the Uranus opposition and midlife reinvention, protecting your energy, grounding practices, and how astrology can become a practical framework for understanding yourself rather than simply predicting events.

If the world feels louder than ever, this episode is an invitation to go within and challenge yourself to shifting your inner landscape to help shape a life experience worth diving into.

Episode LINKS

July Archives: Accuracy Report

AFA Joanne Wickenburg Books

Consultations with Laurie BOOK HERE

Time Stamps

00:00 – Remembering Joanne Wickenburg and her legacy
07:00 – The teacher who changed Laurie's career forever
18:00 – August astrology: self-examination before reaction
23:00 – Finding meaning and joy during uncertain times
33:20 – Understanding the Uranus opposition and midlife reinvention
37:25 – Astrology Q&A: city charts, eclipses and Saturn returns
43:15 – Protecting your energy and grounding during collective chaos
54:25 – Community updates, August classes, The Ralph Report and what Laurie is watching next

S7 Ep 38 Your host Laurie Rivers walks you through the astrology of August which technically kicks off with the July 29th Aquarius Full Moon.

Show Links: Awake Space Community on Patreon

True or Mean Node? Click for Article

Astrology Consults with Laurie & the astrologers CLICK TO BOOK

The Aquarius Full Moon is one of the most powerful lunations of the year. With Pluto, Jupiter, Uranus, Mars, and Venus all creating intense planetary dynamics, Laurie explains why this is not an ordinary Full Moon and why the days surrounding it could bring historic events, geopolitical escalations, disruptive weather, technology shocks, and major leadership developments.

More importantly, she explores how this same energy can become a catalyst for personal liberation. Rather than reinforcing old limitations, this Full Moon invites you to break through outdated beliefs, reclaim your agency, and use disruption as an opportunity for transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode

01:24 The cosmic rift: Full moon conjunct Pluto and opposition to Jupiter

02:20 How to navigate the energy of the full moon and upcoming astrological events

05:14 Predictions for August 2026: Environmental, political, and social insights

09:47 The importance of directing your narrative and beliefs

11:02 Managing systemic change: Strengths, community, and discernment

16:53 The significance of local action and self-sufficiency

22:42 Predictions for wildfires, environmental issues, and political shifts

28:50 Using astrology for personal empowerment and systemic liberation

37:35 The shadow concept in astrology and shadow work

40:48 Collective and personal impacts of lunar transits

56:35 The full moon in Aquarius: planetary aspects and global impacts

01:02:01 Potential leadership changes and global upheavals

01:12:45 Practical advice for navigating the energetic chaos

01:15:12 Community, self-care, and grounding practices

01:17:05 Upcoming projects, courses, and community support

The Awake Space Podcast is 100% listener supported!

Join the community at patreon.com/theawakespace for exclusive content, live streams and community

(New Members save 50% on annual memberships)

This week, Laurie returns to an audio-only format and shares why simplifying The Awake Space is the right move—for both her and the community. She discusses the future of the Patreon community, the importance of protecting spaces built on trust, and why sustainable teaching matters more than chasing algorithms.

Laurie also dives into the growing trend of AI-generated astrology, explaining why real astrological interpretation cannot be replicated by large language models or automated reports. Finally, she revisits André Barbault's famous "basket" aspect pattern, separating internet mythology from actual mundane astrology and sharing what she believes this week's planetary patterns may bring.

All Member Live Replay on the community changes https://theawakespacepodcast.com/Theawakespace/posts/recorded-live-on-164213350Awake Space Magazine

https://theawakespacepodcast.com/collection/20218

Astrology Consultations

wokeastrology.com/book-online

00:00 Welcome back to audio & why the podcast is changing

02:24 Community changes, Patreon updates & scholarship memberships

03:08 An AI company asks me to review its astrology tool

04:23 Birthday week, visual impairment & returning to what works

05:18 Barbault's Basket: separating astrology from internet hype

06:30 2027 recordings, planner updates & settling in

07:38 Why audio is the format that fits me best

10:03 Building community instead of building a fandom

12:12 Why AI astrology reports don't work

16:16 The 2027 Astrology Planner & applied astrology

18:43 Living by Luna, new websites & what's coming next

20:43 My response to an AI company asking for free expertise

27:03 Why AI cannot replace a professional astrologer

31:08 Setting boundaries around free labor and expertise

34:11 What is Barbault's Basket really?

36:45 The planetary pattern behind the July 19–20 Basket

41:16 Leadership, power & what this cycle could bring

43:21 Saturn-Pluto cycles, history & preparing for 2028

47:25 Why community matters more than followers

49:47 What I expect this week astrologically

52:44 Recent prediction highlights & weekly forecast accuracy

54:55 Focus on yourself, not the panic

57:20 Birthday month, community invitation & closing thoughts

S7 Ep 37 - I clutch my pearls after ending up on the wrong side of TikTok

This week I'm back in the studio after the 2027 Predictions & Preparation event, and one thing became crystal clear: 2027 doesn't feel like the explosive years we've been through. It feels like a year of revelations, consequences, and long-running stories reaching completion.

We also explore Mercury Retrograde in Cancer and why this isn't about getting trapped in the past. It's an invitation to notice what has become stable, what still needs attention, and the stories we keep telling ourselves.

Join The Awake Space Community for exclusive content and resources - https://www.patreon.com/c/TheawakespaceAstrology of the Child: 3 part lecture series

• Why July's astrology points toward a completion cycle that extends into 2027
• What Mercury Retrograde in Cancer is really asking of us
• Leadership changes, hidden truths, and why some masks may begin to fall
• Why literacy, discernment, and critical thinking matter more than ever
• The difference between facts and the stories we build around them
• A personal lesson about healing PTSD by refusing to create unnecessary narratives
• My thoughts on CERN, timeline shifts, and why collective consciousness is more powerful than conspiracy theories
• Three simple questions to help you regulate your nervous system during stressful times
• An introduction to Living by Luna and how working with lunar rhythms builds agency instead of fear
• A preview of Astrology of the Child and why understanding children's perceptions changes everything

If this episode resonated with you, join The Awake Space community for weekly forecasts, exclusive live sessions, and practical tools for navigating the changing world.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little more clarity and a lot less fear.

The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers is 100% listener supported

join as a NEW member and save 50% on annual memberships when you use code - F2736 at check out at patreon.com/theawakespace

Be sure to check out the pinned post for free and member only resources!!

Links and Resources

Errol Rivers on instagram @prosodist

Astrology Consults wokeastrology.com

Show Notes:

S7 ep 35 of The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers, you host walks you through understanding presence and why that's the key to moving through challenging and changing times. Laurie recounts her own journey in the moment dealing with aging parents while running The Awake Space and launching multiple projects.

Artist, Errol Rivers from Portland, Oregon joins Laurie to talk about their journey in life in living authentically. Errol is Laurie's brother and the community supported him in the Art of Elysium's art competition and fundraiser. Huge thanks to everyone's support. Laurie and Errol answer member's questions in part 1 of this interview, part 2 comes out in the Awake Space Community. You can find Errol's prints at BoneJax Curiosities in Portland, Oregon

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Welcome Back & July Updates
• 05:46 July Reflections: Cultivating Presence
• 19:49 July Community Updates & Astrology Classes
• 24:16 Interview with Errol Rivers
• 01:29:41 Living by Luna Journal Preview
• 01:31:58 Birthday Offers & Closing