The Astrology Podcast

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 Foundations 00:03:53 Fate, Free Will, and the Stoic Perspective 00:09:26 Astrology vs. Scientific Materialism 00:11:16 The Role of Fate in Personal Growth 00:17:34 Understanding Predetermined Events in Life 00:21:10 The Interplay of Fate and Free Will 00:27:12 The Internal and External Aspects of Fate 00:32:40 Zodiacal Releasing and Life's Turning Points 00:35:40 Finding Meaning in Predetermined Choices 00:38:45 The Nature of Experience and Free Will 00:40:06 Astrology and Personal Growth 00:41:54 Understanding Control and External Circumstances 00:44:10 The Limitations of Control in Astrology 00:48:31 Electional Astrology: Navigating Choices 00:51:45 The Interplay of Timing and Fate 00:56:34 Fate, Free Will, and Life's Direction 01:01:23 The Role of Astrology in Accepting Fate 01:06:39 The Stoic Perspective on Fate and Acceptance 01:12:03 Predetermination vs. Free Will in Astrology 01:17:37 Electional Astrology and Conditional Fate 01:24:36 The Balance of Knowledge and Action in Astrology 01:31:27 The Unfolding of Fate and Personal Growth 01:39:16 Understanding Fate and Destiny in Astrology 01:45:08 The Complexity of Free Will and Fate 01:49:33 The Birth Chart: Present Life Focus 01:55:29 The Immutable Nature of the Natal Chart 01:58:38 Fate, Free Will, and Timing in Astrology 02:00:12 Finding Peace in Astrological Insights 02:03:10 Astrology as a Language of the Cosmos 02:06:34 Personal Perspectives on Astrology and Fate 02:09:21 The Importance of Technical Approaches in Astrology 02:12:25 Exploring Different Astrological Traditions 02:19:18 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:

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:

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 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:

Listeners share captivating stories about the recent Venus and Mars retrogrades and how these cosmic events influenced their lives. From home renovation mishaps to unexpected family reconnections, personal growth and communication are at the forefront. The discussion highlights how astrological transits intertwine with daily experiences, challenging relationships and professional dynamics. There are reflections on identity and self-discovery, all revealing the powerful connection between astrology and personal transformation.

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:

Dive into the cosmic chaos of April 2025 as celestial events shape global tensions and personal dynamics. With Mercury and Venus ending their retrogrades, expect renewed clarity, yet brace for the intensity of Mars opposing Pluto later in the month. Eclipses stir up geopolitical unrest, including potential annexations and immigration turmoil. The interplay of astrological energies highlights both challenges and opportunities, making this month pivotal for navigating relationships and societal shifts. Join the journey through the stars and see what’s on the horizon!

In episode 483 astrologers Chris Brennan and Nick Dagan Best discuss what happened in the past when the planets Saturn and Neptune form conjunctions every 36 years, and how these alignments often coincide with important turning points in history. We spend the first three quarters of the episode going through the seven most recent Saturn-Neptune conjunctions in history in detail, starting with the 1989 conjunction and then going backwards in 36 years increments to 1952/3, 1917, 1882, 1846, 1809, 1773. In the last part of the episode we highlight recurring themes that have come up across multiple conjunctions, and extending our study all the way back to the year 500 BCE. By looking at conjunctions from the past we hope to get a better idea of what the current Saturn-Neptune conjunction means, which is forming in the sky now in 2025 and 2026. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:17:34 2025-2026 Conjunction 00:24:42 1989 01:57:54 1953/3 03:01:00 1917 04:05:28 1882 04:45:00 1846 05:26:52 1809 05:53:36 1773 06:17:28 Recurring Themes 08:17:57 Concluding Remarks 08:48:10 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on Chinese astrology on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCLto1i-Cxk – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 483 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

In episode 482 features an interview with astrologer Berna Lee about the history, philosophy, and practice of Chinese astrology. Berna is a graduate of the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology program from the Sophia Centre, with a thesis examining the theory and practice of astrology in modern Hong Kong, and she is a 45th generation Chinese astrologer. During the course of the episode we discuss the historical development of Chinese astrology, and the different eras in which specific technical practices arose. We also touch on a number of other topics, including fate and free will, the Chinese zodiac, and the role of comets as omens in mundane astrology. You can follow Berna through Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/astromergency/ This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on Chinese astrology on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xamRgTzVP4M – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 482 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

In episode 481 astrologer Chris Brennan gives a recap of some of the highlights of the 2025 Oscars ceremony from an astrological perspective. Venus stationed retrograde in Aries the day before the Oscars, and so we expected some firsts, some controversies, and some snafus, and it did not disappoint! Listen in for a full recap of all of the highlights! Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BamB04H6hXE – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 481 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

In episode 480 of The Astrology Podcast astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock look at the astrological forecast for March of 2025. March is one of the most active and important months of 2025, which includes Venus and Mercury going retrograde in Aries, eclipses in Virgo and Aries, and Neptune moving into Aries at the very end of the month. 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 March. Chris' Horary Astrology Course TheAstrologySchool.com Austin's Website Austincoppock.com Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:51) Quick Overview of March (00:03:13) News Section Begins (00:04:32) US News & Mars Retro in Cancer (00:47:14) Airline Crashes (00:52:19) Kendrick Superbowl (00:58:53) Oscars Controversy (01:04:20) Crypto Scam & Hack (01:06:22) Luigi & Mars Stations (01:10:26) SNL 50th Anniversary (01:13:51) Fyre Festival 2 (01:16:44) New Horary Course (01:23:15) Forecast begins (01:23:24) Leaving Mars Retrograde (01:26:57) Venus retrograde (01:44:15) Mercury Retrograde (01:51:27) Lucky Date for March (01:54:59) Eclipse in Virgo (02:14:34) Venus and Mercury Cazimi (02:18:01) Mercury and Venus Return to Pisces (02:25:02) Eclipse in Aries (02:51:48) Austin's Projects (02:54:45) Chris' New Horary Course (02:56:37) Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkwUpYkVMbA – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 480 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3: