The Astrology Podcast

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Venus and Mars Retrogrades as the Unfolding of a Sequence of Events Jun 21, 2025

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In episode 493 I interview some patrons and students talk about how the recent Venus and Mars retrograde periods went for them, and to demonstrate a principle I discovered about how retrogrades can describe the unfolding of a sequence of events over an extended period of time. One of my unique perspectives on Venus and Mars retrogrades is that they are not just the period when the planet is moving backwards, but instead represent an extended stay in one or two signs of the zodiac. This long transit often coincides with the unfolding of a sequence of events over several months, frequently centered on the topics of the whole sign houses the retrograde occupies. Now that the extended retrograde period ranges have been completed this month, with Venus finally departing from its retrograde sign of Aries and Mars departing from its retrograde sign of Leo, I wanted to document and demonstrate this principle by sharing some real-life stories. I'm joined by several students from my courses and patrons of the podcast who share their experiences of how these transits played out in their lives. In particular we explore three specific ways that I have identified about how retrogrades can manifest: Retrogrades that represent the unfolding of a sequence of events that play out over an extended period of time. Retrogrades that cross a sign boundary and connect two sets of topics across the whole sign houses involved. When Venus and Mars are retrograde in different signs and the topics of both houses they are in become relevant. Through these discussions, we see clear examples of how these extended retrograde periods timed significant life stories, from relationship changes and career shifts to health matters and dealing with family. This episode serves as a final case study to substantiate the theoretical framework I outlined in previous forecasts, providing concrete examples to help astrologers learn how to apply this concept to future retrogrades. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction & premise00:09:36 Three retrograde types00:19:04 Kitt00:38:34 Abby00:49:53 Baykan01:00:51 Emily01:16:31 Summer01:32:15 Christine02:03:08 Dinah-Maria02:24:55 Erin02:26:31 Denese02:48:15 Concluding remarks03:02:13 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CS4YLeg4xc - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 493 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Ottoman Court Astrology Jun 11, 2025

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In episode 492 Professor A. Tunç Şen joins the podcast to discuss his book, Forgotten Experts: Astrologers, Science, and Authority in the Ottoman Empire, 1450-1600, which is on astrologers working in the Ottoman court in the 15th and 16th centuries. The conversation offers a detailed picture of the lives and social dynamics of astrologers who operated at the highest levels of power in the Ottoman court. A significant focus is the establishment of a formal unit for court astrologers, or munajjim, within the Ottoman bureaucracy, which paralleled other expert fields like physicians and architects. This unit, which could consist of one to six astrologers, was created in the 15th century and remarkably lasted until the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century. The episode delves into the various duties performed by these court astrologers. A primary function was the practice of electional astrology, where they would determine auspicious moments for a wide range of state affairs, including military campaigns, the founding of mosques, and wedding ceremonies. The astrologers would also issue an annual almanac, interpret the birth charts of rulers, answer horary astrology questions, and sometimes give medical advice. The conversation also explores the personalities and internal dynamics within the court. Much attention is given to Sultan Bayezid II, a ruler with a deep personal interest in the astral sciences who was instrumental in the institutionalization of the court astrologers. The story of the astrologer Riyazi is also highlighted—a highly skilled but frustrated practitioner who was never appointed chief astrologer and expressed his professional frustrations in poetry. This illustrates the debates, disagreements, and competition for authority that existed among the astrologers themselves, as well as other practitioners of esoteric or occult sciences. The discussion challenges the narrative that astrology was in a state of decline after an earlier "golden age," demonstrating that it remained a vibrant and impactful field. Tunç's book was just released on May 20, and you can order it on Amazon or other online retailers now: Forgotten Experts: Astrologers, Science, and Authority in the Ottoman Empire, 1450–1600 This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:02:45 Challenging the "Decline Narrative" of Astrology00:04:11 Astronomy vs. Astrology in the Ottoman Empire00:07:20 The Story of the Istanbul Observatory's Destruction00:09:03 The Official Unit of Court Astrologers (Müneccim)00:14:23 How Astrological Knowledge Was Transmitted00:16:50 The Benefits of Being a Court Astrologer00:22:50 How Electional Astrology Was Used by Sultans00:27:13 A Debate Over an Electional Chart for a Mosque00:36:08 The Story of the Frustrated Astrologer-Poet, Riyazi00:43:04 Sultan Bayezid II: The Philosopher King00:50:49 The Sultan's Rebellious Youth & Lifelong Friendship00:58:02 A Scholar's Spirited Defense of Astrology01:03:01 Why Astrologers Needed Better Astronomical Data01:12:21 The Many Duties of the Sultan's Astrologers01:13:13 The Annual Almanacs & Predictions for the Kingdom01:16:26 The Risks and Rewards of Predicting for the Sultan01:21:33 The Decline in Status for Court Astrologers01:25:01 Competition Between Astrologers & Other Esoteric Arts01:31:53 Conclusion Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvZiDOnFIf0 - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 492 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

June Astrology Forecast 2025 May 30, 2025

Show notes

In episode 491 astrologers Chris Brennan and Leisa Schaim look at the astrological forecast for June of 2025! We spend the first hour of the episode talking about the astrology of news and events that have occurred since our last forecast, and then in the second hour we transition into talking about the astrology of June, starting at 1 hour and 3 minutes into the episode. June opens with Venus and Mars wrapping up their extended retrograde periods by moving into new signs finally, with Venus moving into her home sign of Taurus and Mars moving into Virgo. A major shift this month is Jupiter moving into Cancer, which is the traditional sign of its exaltation, where it will stay for the next year. There are some tense alignments in the middle of the month, with an explosive Mars-Uranus square around June 15, and restrictive Jupiter-Saturn square going exact on the same day. By the end of the month Saturn has moved within 1 degree of a conjunction with Neptune, making that alignment peak in intensity, blurring the lines between what is real and what is not. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:04 Quick overview of June00:03:47 News segment01:03:49 June forecast02:31:55 Electional date for June02:38:00 Wrapping up02:42:03 Credits Patreon for Early Access & Bonus Content Patreon.com/AstrologyPodcast Leisa's Website LeisaSchaim.com Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of our astrology forecast for June on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDMTDGvDjuI - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 491 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Mesopotamian Astrology May 27, 2025

Show notes

In episode 490 professor M. Willis Monroe joins the podcast to discuss the history of astrology in ancient Mesopotamia. Willis is a historian of the ancient Near East and scholar of Cuneiform Studies with a focus on the science and scholarship of first millennium Mesopotamia, and he did his doctoral thesis on the use of zodiacal subdivisions in cuneiform sources. During the course of the episode we give an overview of the origins of western astrology in ancient Mesopotamia, starting with the earliest surviving sources around 2000 BCE, and then working our way forward until cuneiform writing died out around the 1st century CE. We end up discussing the earliest evidence for astrology in eclipse omens from the 2nd millennium BCE, the high point of state supported astrology under the Neo-Assyrian kings in the 7th century BCE, and eventually the development of the zodiac and natal astrology in the 5th century BCE. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:22 Ancient Languages: Akkadian, Sumerian & Cuneiform00:02:49 The Origin of Writing in Mesopotamia00:07:28 How Urbanization Led to Specialized Roles like Diviners00:10:02 The Role of Polytheism and Gods of Specific Cities00:12:46 The Concept of a God's "House" (Temple)00:17:48 The Emergence of Divination in Mesopotamian Culture00:20:01 Earliest Evidence: Gudea's Dream & Divination (c. 2100 BCE)00:22:38 Three Forms of Divination: Astrology, Dreams, and Entrails00:28:43 The Omen Series Format: "If P, then Q"00:32:08 Early Significance of Eclipses & Rituals to Avert Omens00:35:25 How Astrology Motivated the Development of Astronomy00:40:46 The Enuma Anu Enlil: The Canonical Collection of Omens00:42:42 No Distinction Between Astronomy and Astrology00:50:52 High Point of State-Sponsored Astrology (7th Century BCE)00:54:38 Astrologers Reporting to the King & Scholarly Disagreements01:12:37 The Late Period: Development of Natal Astrology (Birth Charts)01:20:23 The Astronomical Diaries: Daily Records of Sky & Earth01:28:02 Goal-Year Texts & Long-Term Planetary Cycles01:32:04 The Standardization of the 12-Sign Zodiac01:40:51 Early Qualities of the Signs (Body Parts, Gender)01:46:40 The Exaltations (Hypsomata) Originated in Mesopotamia01:50:31 The First Images of the Zodiac Signs on Clay Tablets02:02:49 The Hellenistic Period & Cross-Pollination of Astrology02:08:32 The End of the Cuneiform Tradition & Loss of Knowledge02:20:01 The Babylonian Creation Myth (Enuma Elish)02:30:20 Adapa: The Mythical Sage Who Revealed Astrology02:37:05 Lineage vs. Individual Authorship02:42:31 Regional Differences in Astrological Practice (Babylon vs. Uruk)02:57:33 Willis's Current Research Projects03:06:23 Conclusion Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on Mesopotamian astrology on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkcM6wOJBZY - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 490 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Astrology, Fate, and Destiny May 04, 2025

Show notes

In episode 489 astrologers Chris Brennan and Leisa Schaim discuss their views on astrology, fate, and destiny. This is part of a new series exploring our personal view on the philosophy of astrology, and in particular exploring the relevance of some ancient Stoic concepts related to fate and determinism. While most of the episodes of the podcast are usually more technically oriented, the purpose of this series is to begin to articulate some of the philosophical and spiritual views that we have developed based on our practice of astrology. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Leisa's website with info on her upcoming zodiacal releasing workshop: https://www.leisaschaim.com Chris' ancient astrology course: https://courses.theastrologyschool.com Timestamps 00:00:00 Exploring Astrology's Philosophical Foundations00:03:53 Fate, Free Will, and the Stoic Perspective00:09:26 Astrology vs. Scientific Materialism00:11:16 The Role of Fate in Personal Growth00:17:34 Understanding Predetermined Events in Life00:21:10 The Interplay of Fate and Free Will00:27:12 The Internal and External Aspects of Fate00:32:40 Zodiacal Releasing and Life's Turning Points00:35:40 Finding Meaning in Predetermined Choices00:38:45 The Nature of Experience and Free Will00:40:06 Astrology and Personal Growth00:41:54 Understanding Control and External Circumstances00:44:10 The Limitations of Control in Astrology00:48:31 Electional Astrology: Navigating Choices00:51:45 The Interplay of Timing and Fate00:56:34 Fate, Free Will, and Life's Direction01:01:23 The Role of Astrology in Accepting Fate01:06:39 The Stoic Perspective on Fate and Acceptance01:12:03 Predetermination vs. Free Will in Astrology01:17:37 Electional Astrology and Conditional Fate01:24:36 The Balance of Knowledge and Action in Astrology01:31:27 The Unfolding of Fate and Personal Growth01:39:16 Understanding Fate and Destiny in Astrology01:45:08 The Complexity of Free Will and Fate01:49:33 The Birth Chart: Present Life Focus01:55:29 The Immutable Nature of the Natal Chart01:58:38 Fate, Free Will, and Timing in Astrology02:00:12 Finding Peace in Astrological Insights02:03:10 Astrology as a Language of the Cosmos02:06:34 Personal Perspectives on Astrology and Fate02:09:21 The Importance of Technical Approaches in Astrology02:12:25 Exploring Different Astrological Traditions02:19:18 Leisa's zodiacal releasing workshop Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1wIprhk9AE – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 489 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

May Astrology Forecast 2025 Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

In episode 488 astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock look at the astrological forecast for May of 2025! May opens with the tense Mars-Pluto opposition separating but still in close alignment, and this gets reactivated when Pluto stations in Aquarius and the Moon swings in and acts as a trigger at various points. Venus returns to Aries where it retraces its steps and begins the process of fully winding down its long retrograde period, and Mars is similarly finishing up its broader retrograde cycle as it makes its way through Leo. The most important transits this month is that Saturn moves into the sign of Aries on May 24, and this marks the beginning of a three year transit through this sign, where it will meet up with Neptune this summer and early next year. The month ends with an auspicious stellium of planets all meeting up in Gemini, which provides us with one of the best electional charts of the year. We spend the first hour of the episode talking about the astrology of news and events that have occurred since our last forecast, and then in the second half we transition into talking about the astrology of May. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:49 Quick overview of May 00:03:08 Beginning of news segment 01:03:08 May forecast begins 02:03:28 Electional chart for May 02:07:49 Late May 02:14:30 Upcoming projects 02:20:48 Credits Patreon for Early Access & Bonus Content Patreon.com/AstrologyPodcast Austin’s Website Austincoppock.com Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_645ovm11u0 - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 488 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Venus Retrograde in the News Part 2 Apr 27, 2025

Show notes

In episode 487 astrologers Chris Brennan, Lindsey Turner, and Nick Dagan Best review a number of stories in the news recently that coincided with the Venus retrograde. This is a followup to episodes 475 and 477 where we talked about what Venus retrograde in Aries has coincided with in history, and part of our purpose with this episode is to document repetitions where stories from the past became relevant again today under the current retrograde. In the first half of the episode we focus on 8 year repetitions of Venus, connecting past and present events, while in the second half we focus on other stories in the news that match the general quality of Venus retrograde. For more info about Lindsey and Nick check out their websites: https://badpastor.me https://www.nickdaganbestastrologer.com Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction: Tracking 8-Year Repetitions 00:03:36 - The 2025 Venus Retrograde Timeline 00:06:17 - Keywords: Normative vs. Non-Normative 00:08:31 - Rollback of Civil Rights & The SAVE Act 00:13:51 - The Target Boycott Reversal from 2017 00:19:01 - The Handmaid's Tale: From 1985 to Today 00:20:50 - Violence Against Women During the Station 00:24:24 - Lady Gaga and "Reheating Her Nachos" 00:28:41 - Artists Looking Back: The Beatles' "Get Back" 00:30:58 - Breaking News: Beyoncé's Rumored Birth Time 00:38:20 - Repetitions in Bridge Construction 00:42:21 - Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl 00:57:52 - The Breakfast Club 40-Year Reunion 01:06:47 - Trump's "Liberation Day" Speech & Historical Callbacks 01:12:37 - Nintendo Switch 2 Delayed by Tariffs 01:15:33 - Severing of Global Relationships & Alliances 01:42:06 - Invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act 01:58:41 - Casey Anthony Resurfaces 02:14:40 - RFK Jr.'s Comments vs. "Love on the Spectrum" 02:29:13 - Conclusion & Guest Information Watch the Video Version on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB6AlA16nbA Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 487 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Venus and Mars Retrograde Stories Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In episode 486 astrologer Chris Brennan interviews some listeners of the podcast to talk about the recent retrogrades of Venus and Mars and what changes they coincided with in their life. Mars is recently coming off of its retrograde in Cancer and Leo, while Venus is wrapping up its retrograde in Aries and Pisces, so it felt like a good moment to check in with some people and see how these retrogrades played out depending on where the transits happened in the chart. During the course of the discussion we hear about some unique and interesting ways that the transits manifested, especially in terms of the houses that the retrograde periods happened in. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Watch the Video Version on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRLXFU_qDeI - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 486 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Venus Retrograde in Aries and Queer History Apr 06, 2025

Show notes

In episode 485 astrologer Elly Higgins joins the show to discuss the 8-year repetitions of Venus retrograde in Aries and how they tie into queer history over the past century. In this episode we start with the Venus retrograde in Aries of 1905, and then work our way forward in 8 year increments, discussing how important moments and turning points in queer history keep coinciding with this retrograde. In the process we ended up finding a bunch of repetitions, many of which give insight into the Venus retrograde that we are currently living through today. Elly is the host of Star Gays: The Queer Astrology Archives Podcast, and you can find more information here: https://ellyhiggins.com https://stargaysastrology.ghost.io This episode is available in audio and video versions below. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:16:32 Inanna 00:24:03 1905 00:29:22 1913 00:35:12 1921 00:40:59 1929 00:48:27 1937 00:58:45 1945 01:05:49 1953 01:37:53 1961 01:43:55 1969 02:25:57 1977 02:55:36 1985 03:36:05 1993 04:14:33 2001 04:27:42 2009 04:43:31 2017 04:59:26 2025 05:40:46 Conclusions 06:07:28 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg7Ug8-tC1g – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 485 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

April Astrology Forecast 2025 Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In episode 484 astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock look at the astrological forecast for April 2025. April see the continuation and eventual conclusion of many of the alignments that started in March, with the effective range of the Aries eclipse extending through the first week or so, and then Mercury and Venus wrapping up their retrograde cycles and stationing direct in the second week of April. The second half of the month becomes intense when Mars moves into Leo and forms an opposition with Pluto, with that energy peaking around the fourth week of the month. We spend the first 90 minutes of the episode talking about the astrology of news and events that have occurred since our last forecast, and then in the second half we transition into talking about the astrology of April. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:02) Quick April overview (00:04:04) News segment begins (01:21:26) NORWAC 2025 (01:25:39) LA Astro Fest (01:27:32) April forecast begins (02:29:33) Wrapping up (02:44:39) Credits Northwest Astrological Conference Norwac.net LA Astro Fest LAastrofest.com Patreon for Early Access & Bonus Content Patreon.com/AstrologyPodcast Austin’s Website Austincoppock.com Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hinoyom1qwo – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 484 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

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