In episode sixteen of The Nature of Invisible Things podcast, I am joined by astrologer and comedian Val St. Claire. We met while attending the Portland School of Astrology, have similar astrology placements, and even have the same alma mater! We talk about our experience of learning astrology and how it helped us unpack our personal trauma and stoked a desire to help others. Note for listeners: while trauma and physical abuse are some of the underlying topics in this episode, no specific details are mentioned.

Val also shares how they found astrology and comedy and are always learning and deepening their craft. We also discuss how astrology is problematic, the ever-unfolding process of discovering the hidden dimensions of power dynamics within the self, and so much more.

Welcome, Val!

Val’s Bio:

Val St. Claire (they/them) is a Libra Sun/Pisces Moon/Libra Rising. They are an Evolutionary Astrologer, comedian, and being of endless light currently on Earth Lesbian assignment. Val lives in Boise, Idaho, with their partner, two dogs, a cat, plants, books, crystals, and their trusty wind chime.

Follow Val:

Contact Val at their website, valstclaire.com, and follow them on Instagram.

Other people and resources mentioned in this episode:

Amanda Moreno

Brittany Spire

Rob Brezsny

The Comedy Nest

NORWAC

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

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In episode fifteen of TNIT, I am joined by astrologer, writer, and teacher Britten LaRue. We all have those teachers who give us hard lessons; in my yogic path, we called them Saturnian teachers, and Britten was one of mine. Britten helped me learn one of the hardest lessons in my life, although it didn’t happen in the way one might expect. My time in her transformation container was very activating and, at times, frustrating. Still, her trust in me to figure it out made all the difference in how I emerged on the other side, and I can say it was 100% worth it. In this episode, we talk about it.

Britten also shares what it is like to experience pride as someone with Saturn in Leo and how that is different from success. We also discuss the connection between shame and boundaries and what it is like to live beyond shame. Britten shares her experience of midlife transits, a mystical experience from her youth, and one of her most helpful self-regulating practices.

Welcome, Britten!

Britten’s Bio:

Britten LaRue, MA, is a public astrologer, author, teacher, and intuitive guide. A self-described “recovering academic,” she left behind a twenty-year career in art history to reinvent herself at mid-life. Britten is known and loved by her community for modeling what it looks like to live from one’s dream field. Creator of Emergence Astrology, Britten’s deepest calling is to be a midwife for those in the process of birthing their own inner knowing, healing from shame, and learning to trust themselves again with the reckless freedom they deserve. Her first book, Living Astrology: How to Weave the Wisdom of the 12 Signs Into Your Everyday Life, was recently released in March 2024. She’s a Pisces Sun, Capricorn Moon, and Aries Rising.

Follow Britten:

You can find Britten online at brittenlarue.com or @brittenlarue. Her book, Living Astrology: How to Weave the Wisdom of the 12 Signs Into Your Everyday Life, is available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and her website. 

Underdog to Diva on May 9th

Britten on Ep. 439 of The Astrology Podcast

Unshaming the Signs Workshops

Other people and resources mentioned in this episode:

Caroline W. Casey

Jonathan Koe

My episode about the 8th house on Britten’s Moon to Moon podcast

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

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In episode fourteen of TNIT, I am joined by RaMa Danielle-Marie of EarthSeed Temple Arts, and we discuss the art of the sacred pilgrimage. I met RaMa in 2017 as we traveled to Glastonbury, England, on a pilgrimage to Avalon. In this episode, RaMa and I attempt to encapsulate the experience. We hear about her background as an artist and how she came to lead seekers to sacred sites around the world in partnership with Spirit and the Land. There are so many gems in this episode, and I look forward to sharing more of my personal experiences in the future, but I thought it best to have this conversation first. Enjoy!

Welcome, RaMa!

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RaMa’s Bio

RaMa Danielle-Marie, the pillar of EarthSeed Temple Arts is an interdisciplinary artist, international woman of medicine, alchemical astrologer, cosmic high priestess, doula, childbirth educator, herbalist, gridkeeper, pilgrimage steward, sound healer and yogic scientist. She has studied the art of starkeeping for over 30 years and holds a Master of Arts in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology with merit through The Sophia Centre at the University of Wales.

RaMa considers her astrology alchemical, as it is rooted in the wisdom of the elements and merges the foundations of traditional and mundane western astrology with horary, magical elections, modern psychological, evolutionary and intuitive techniques. RaMa is dedicated to aligning the spiritual realms with academic intelligence. Her astrological practice leans upon yogic philosophy and an extensive practice of mediation, sound healing, ancestral healing and Daoist stone medicine.

In addition, she serves as a consciousness midwife as she offers Quantum Healing Hypnosis journeys as taught by Dolores Cannon. RaMa leads annual pilgrimages to Egypt, Avalon and the South of France. She has crafted the GOLDEN GATE ESOTERAKA an Ancient Future Mystery School which houses a living library of courses, a thriving private online community and initiations that are a catalyst to ignite your unique process of transformation. You may discover more at EarthSeedTempleArts.com. Every offering through EarthSeed Temple Arts is a living prayer for you to Cultivate Deep Roots and Make Miracles with the Cosmos.

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Follow RaMa:

Website

Podcast

Mystery School

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Subscribe to RaMa’s weekly transmissions:  Venusian Love Notes and Receive the 7 Keys to Your Unique Daily Practice: Every Moment is a Miracle

This audio transmission will guide you to create your signature daily rhythm and ritual

Join the private global EarthSeed Temple Arts community at this link

UPCOMING EVENTS and OFFERINGS TO NOURISH YOU IN THESE TIMES:

Book Your 1:1 Divination Session with RaMa for crystalline clarity

Transcend the Chaos with MA MAGICK: This is a Monthly Journey into Meditation, Star Medicine, God(dess) Consciousness and Elemental Wisdom. Join this astrologically based community of Wisdomkeepers

EGYPT OCT-NOV 2024: TIMEBENDING WITH THE TEMPLES OF ETERNITY

Do You Feel the Call to Experience an initiation in Egypt?  Email [email protected] to get on the VIP Pilgrimage list.

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Other people and resources mentioned in this episode

St. Brynach’s Church in Wales

Dolores Cannon

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

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In the thirteenth episode of The Nature of Invisible Things (TNIT), I am pleased to welcome tarot reader and storyteller Cole of Rosie Cole Reads. We met in 2021 in Britten LaRue’s Soft Strength, and I was enchanted by her proficiency and devotion to the tarot. Cole shared a Yes/No divination spread with us, which I continue to use today. In our conversation, we discuss discovering your reading style by building a relationship with the tarot and the work of embodiment. Cole also shares her story of her first encounter with the tarot and how choosing a deck for a reading is an intuitive exercise in its own right. We talk about our approaches to learning the meaning behind the cards and developing intimacy with how the cards show up in our lives. Cole also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her personal practice, favorite decks, tarot pulls, and so much more!

Welcome, Cole!

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Cole’s Bio:

Cole (she/her) is a word weaver, tarot traveler, and magic maker. A Virgo Sun and Gemini Rising, she finds Mercury fascinating and confounding in blissfully unequal measure. Cole spent her 20s and early 30s pursuing a career in psychology as a family therapist, rediscovering her love for tarot just before her first Saturn return. In the decade since this rekindling, she has embraced her role as a lifelong student and seeker, standing now at the crossroads of wisdom and mystery, knowing there are more trails to uncover. Perhaps you will show her a path you have found? In the digital realm, you can find Cole on Instagram and SubStack as Rosie Cole Reads. On the physical plane, she is often surrounded by open books, iced coffee, candles, and her 2 cats. In either dimension, she will try to make you laugh.

Follow Cole:

Substack

Instagram

Other people and resources mentioned in this episode:

Britten LaRue

Yes/No Tarot Divination

Impact of dance on depression from BMJ

Rachel Pollack’s Tarot Wisdom

Paul Huson’s book

The Wild Unknown

The Zerner-Farber Tarot

Lindsay Mack

Jessica Dore

Gabriela Herstick

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

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In the twelfth episode of The Nature of Invisible Things (TNIT), I am pleased to welcome astrologer and tarot reader Chels Holmes. We met in 2022 at The Magician’s Table and then had the exciting opportunity to connect at NORWAC that same year. We talk about our experiences with Neptune, the desire for freedom in our non-traditional work lives, and how a little bit of structure helps to make that happen.

With Uranus on the ascendant, Chels shares about the tendency to set everything on fire in times of change and how she created a model of what success looks like, or rather feels like, for her. She also shares her love for the goddesses of Greek mythology and the magick of the mountains of Appalachia. Chels describes her approach to sharing the effects of capitalism in the readings and how her exposure to economic disparity as a young child shaped her worldview. We talk about all of that and much more.

Welcome, Chels!

Chels’ Bio

Chels is an intuitive astrologer, tarot reader, and podcaster offering readings for individuals and events both online and in Dallas, Texas. Readings with Chels validate your lived experience; they’re often future-focused but not fortune-telling. They help you feel empowered and more connected to your decision-making and well-being, all through this woo-woo stuff. In addition, she provides the Weekly Woo with Chels podcast every Sunday, which covers an astrological forecast for the week ahead and is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Follow Chels

Website

Instagram

Other people and resources mentioned in this episode

The Magician’s Table

NORWAC in-person tickets for 2024 are sold out, but you can still join the fun online

The Astrology Podcast

Sarah J. Maas

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

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In the eleventh episode of The Nature of Invisible Things (TNIT), I am pleased to welcome writer and astrologer Gina Piccalo. We met in 2022 and reconnected in 2023 when I was moved by an article she wrote with Sam Reynolds in The Mountain Astrologer about exploring race on the Taurus-Scorpio axis and how astrology may provide a gateway for understanding and connection. You’ll hear Gina share what that process was like during a very polarized time for our country. We also talk about our love of studying astrology, in Gina’s words, as “the joy of endlessly peeling an onion.” She also shares how she came to astrology and how being on the receiving end of some not-so-great readings strengthened her resolve in what she had to offer as an astrologer. We also discuss the opportunity to have challenging signatures in our charts and much more!

Welcome, Gina!

Gina’s Bio:

Gina Piccalo's first career was in journalism, eventually landing on staff at the Los Angeles Times. She studied astrology in secret for 20 years, before earning her certifications at Kepler College in 2014. Today, Gina works one-on-one as a counseling astrologer, lecturing monthly at SoHo House Nashville, where she is the house astrologer, and recently founded the Nashville Astrology Club. Her astrology research has been published in The Mountain Astrologer and Evolving Astrologer magazines. She uses astrology to help people cultivate self-compassion and align with their true path.

Follow Gina:

Gina offers Astrology 101 at her Patreon membership, astrological analysis on her Substack, and daily guidance on Instagram. 

https://www.patreon.com/ginapiccaloastrology

https://theexalted.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ginapiccaloastrology/

Other people and resources mentioned in this episode:

NORWAC in-person tickets sold out for 2024; virtual tickets are available

Diana Rose Harper

Sam Reynolds

The Mountain Astrologer

Austin Coppock

Kepler College

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share!

In the tenth episode of The Nature of Invisible Things (TNIT), I am pleased to welcome artist, storyteller, and my spiritual mentor, Lara Vesta. She shares how she came to her spiritual path growing up in rural Southern Oregon. We discuss listening to Spirit and how we are always invited into deeper alignment and trust. Lara also shares how the pontification of spiritual practice isn’t enough and how important it is to weave webs of connection because we are not meant to do life, this human experience, alone. She also shares what she would do if someone gave her a magic wand and a challenging lesson learned through resistance.

Overall, this episode is a life-affirming conversation about death and much more.

Welcome, Lara!

And just a heads up, there were two instances where the audio cuts out during our recording that I didn’t catch until production. So, around minutes 21-22, you’ll notice some choppy audio.

Lara’s Bio

Lara Vesta, MFA, is an artist, author, storyteller and educator transforming chronic illness into a path of healing and reclaiming. She is the author of The Moon Divas Guidebook, Wild Soul Runes: Reawakening the Ancestral Feminine, and the forthcoming Year of the Dark Goddess (Red Wheel/Weiser 2024). Her research interests include ancestral connection, mythtelling and disability as initiation. She shares her path of ancestral animism, sacred art and story with her Patreon community and through by-donation classes at the Wild Soul School: laravesta.co.

Follow Lara

Pre-order the Year of the Dark Goddess book

Olden Practice—a free quarterly newsletter on Substack

Lara’s website

Olden Practice Blog

Patreon Community

Current Wild Soul School Offerings:

Unlearn OnlineFoundations of Ancestral Animism

Other people and resources mentioned in this episode

Britten LaRue

Deva Munay

What are the odds that you exist? Infographic

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share!

In the ninth episode of The Nature of Invisible Things (TNIT), I am pleased to welcome astrologer, bodyworker, and fellow Portlandian Kelsie Hammitt (she/her). Born with Chiron on the ascendant, Kelsie shares her experience of Chiron as a teacher and much more than the wounds we accumulate through betrayals, choices, and accidents.

We also discuss the thrill and anticipation of attending NORWAC each May and the beauty of the unexpected things that find us. Plus, we get into the embodied experience of learning astrology, the magick of the moment, and how, when one is present, everything can reflect the influence of the cosmos. As Air suns & moons, we share a love of birds and discuss their symbolic representation and connection to the element of Air and life force. Kelsie also shares the gift held within the hard-edged advice she received from her colleagues and peers that changed her career trajectory.

We also explore what our nervous systems can actually handle and process in these times and how that may shape social media use. This is a gem for these times if I ever heard one.

Welcome Kelsie!

Kelsie’s Bio

Kelsie Hammitt (She/Her) is a Professional Astrologer and Licensed Bodyworker in Portland, Oregon. Alongside her work in Western Astrology and Biodynamic Cranial Sacral bodywork, Kelsie has been studying Classical Chinese Medicine since 2018 and will graduate with her Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine license in 2025. With the combination of therapeutic touch and astrological interpretations, she helps people integrate the many layers of their experience to ultimately find greater ease and clarity. Outside of her work with others, Kelsie is a devoted writer, offering weekly newsletters on current Astrological transits, and behind the scenes is working on writing a synthesis of her three realms of study to be used together in practice. Kelsie came to her studies through traditional mentorship and credits the foundation of her work to her mentor, teacher, and great friend Bill Frazier. 

Follow Kelsie

Website: www.alchemyastrology.net

Substack Newsletter: https://alchemyastrology.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alchemy_astrology  

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kelsiehammitt

Other teachers & resources mentioned in this episode

NORWAC is May 23-27, 2024, and online tickets are still available.

Demetra George

Bill Frazier

Jason Holley & Gray Crawford's upcoming trip to Greece is full, but a waitlist exists.

Fly Away Home movie (1996)

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share!

In the eighth episode of The Nature of Invisible Things (TNIT), I am pleased to welcome Amanda Moreno (she/her), one of my first astrology teachers.

I studied with Amanda for four years, 2020-2023, and appreciate her grounded approach to astrology. We discuss several things, but one of my favorite sections is her studies of apocalyptic imagery on the human psyche and using astrology and ritual to help folks process and make meaning from it. Amanda's perspective offers us a thoughtful invitation for the times we’re in and the times to come. She also shares a rite of passage she experienced when moving into astrological client work and teaching as a full-time practice.

We also talk about the importance of self-care in addition to community care, the need for connection, and slow ways of processing.

Welcome Amanda!

Amanda’s Bio

Amanda Moreno is an astrologer, soul worker, witch and educator based out of Seattle, WA. She obtained her Master’s Degree in depth psychology in 2012 with a focus on how astrological ritual can help folks transition through apocalyptic rites of passage. Amanda’s blend of astrology is evolutionary, queer, psychological and socially conscious. Her practice centers the relationships not just between practitioner and client but between humans and the lands, waters, spirits, ancestors and other beings.  She practices a form of cathartic past life regression work, somatic psychosynthesis and teaches courses that help folks lean into their own ways of knowing. Amanda’s greatest joy is supporting clients and students in their process of connecting with their spark of genius for the sake of healing the soul of the world.

Follow Amanda

www.aquarianspirals.com

www.patreon.com/aquarianspirals

upcoming classes: aquarianspirals.com/classes

insta, threads and facebook: aquarianspirals

Other resources mentioned in this episode

The Moon, Uranus, and Ancestral Healing - Amanda’s 2023 NORWAC lecture

JP Hawthorne, formerly of the Portland School of Astrology

Antero Alli

Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas

Antioch University’s Depth Psychology and Spirituality program

Take Back the Magic: Conversations with the Unseen World by Perdita Finn

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

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In the seventh episode of The Nature of Invisible Things (TNIT), I am pleased to welcome diviner and astrologer Jana Barrett (they/them). Jana is also a graduate of the Portland School of Astrology. However, we met through attending Amanda Moreno’s moon circle meet-ups and then participated in Amanda’s 2022-23 Soul Stories Evolutionary Astrology Immersion & Apprenticeship course. In our conversation, we discussed working with the Akashic records and the imagination and the importance of staying grounded and available in the present moment. We also share our love for Aquarians, the 12th house, and the gifts that our shadows hold. We talk about how our own experiences and practices shape our public offerings.

Look no further if you’ve needed a nudge to start a daily devotional practice! Jana is hosting a 22-day intuitive tarot journey starting March 10th. This feels nourishing, and I can’t wait. Check it out here. https://feelingloudly.myflodesk.com/22daysoftarot

Welcome Jana!

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Jana’s Bio

Jana Barrett (they/them) is a humanistic & evolutionary astrologer, diviner, writer, activist, and witch based in the so-called Pacific Northwest. They offer 1:1 and group services to support people through courageous transformations. A keen depth explorer, Jana acts as a steady guide through Plutonian times, helping folks alchemize shame into power to rediscover their magic and joy. As a certified Somatic Parts Work practitioner, much of their work centers on reconnection — bringing people into compassionate relationship with the parts of themselves they've forgotten or denied. They see this work as a personal pathway to pleasure and fulfillment, and a stepping stone to collective liberation and healing. You can learn more about their background and offerings at feelingloudly.com, and find them on social @feelingloudly. Jana also offers low-cost monthly events, group readings, and exclusive content through their Patreon.

Follow Jana

Website: https://feelingloudly.com

Newsletter: https://feelingloudly.myflodesk.com/themoonletter

Patreon: http://patreon.com/feelingloudly

Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/feelingloudly

Discord: http://tinyurl.com/feelingloudlydiscord

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelingloudly

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@feelingloudly

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@feelingloudly

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@feelingloudly

Other resources mentioned in the episode:

Amanda Moreno's Soul Stories EA Immersion is already underway for 2024, but I’ve got an episode with her on March 13th, so stay tuned! https://www.aquarianspirals.com/

Friday, I AM LOVE a Venus in Pisces Devotional Experience via Zoom on March 15, 2024

https://slowmagick.com/astrology-events/2024/3/15/friday-i-am-love

In the introduction to our conversation, I mentioned my writing post-session with Jana. You can check that out here. https://open.substack.com/pub/thenatureofinvisiblethings/p/journey-into-the-heart-of-the-sun

The Nature of Invisible Things Podcast is hosted and produced by Erin Kelley; the artwork is by Erin Kelley, with music by Matthew Jaidev of Audio Soul Healing.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share!