The Astrology Podcast

In episode 412 astrologer Demetra George joins the podcast to talk about the connection between the ancient Mesopotamian goddess Inanna, the Venus retrograde cycle, and the Barbie movie! During the course of the episode we talk about the ancient Mesopotamian myth of the descent of the goddess Inanna into the underworld, and how it is connected to the Venus synodic cycle, and especially the retrograde phase of Venus. I saw Demetra give a lecture in 2005 connecting the myth of Inanna with Venus retrograde, and then I was really pleasantly surprised to see a number of parallels with the myth show up in the Barbie movie that was released recently right when Venus stationed retrograde. Some of these parallels between Barbie and Inanna were pointed out in an article by a writer named Meg Ellison titled “Barbie is the new Inanna": https://wildhunt.org/2023/07/barbie-is-the-new-inanna.html Demetra and I have been talking about a lot of this for the past few weeks, and decided to record an episode on it, in order to dive deeper into some of these ancient myths surrounding the Venus retrograde cycle and talk about how they are still relevant today. In the process we covered a lot of interesting ground, and touched on a number of important and fascinating figures, including the first author in history who signed her name to her writings, a priestess of Inanna named Enheduanna that lived around 2300 BCE. In that way this episode builds a little bit on the previous discussion Demetra and I did earlier this year on Heliodora and the early history of women in astrology. We also talked about the nature of archetypes, planetary significations that have been lost through time, and a deeper understanding of the complex yet profound meanings of Venus and her cycles. We also delved into some Barbie astrology facts, and I should say that there are spoilers for the Barbie movie in this episode, so if you care about spoilers then maybe watch the movie first before listening to the episode. For more about Demetra visit her website: Demetra-george.com This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:30 Inanna, Venus retrograde, and Barbie 00:03:01 Meg Elison: Barbie is the New Inanna 00:07:00 Barbie movie released on Venus retrograde 00:08:45 Greta Gerwig born on Venus retrograde 00:09:37 Inanna book published when Gerwig was born 00:11:14 1959 Venus retrograde when Barbie became popular 00:12:30 Goddess Inanna in Ancient Mesopotamia 00:27:40 Venus synodic cycle 00:29:45 Inanna's descent into the underworld 00:43:24 Heliacal set under the beams of the Sun 00:48:36 Seven gates to the underworld 00:54:00 Emergence from the underworld 00:59:39 Inanna finds husband on her throne 01:04:40 Venus stations direct and maximum elongation 01:05:25 Venus as morning star vs. evening star 01:12:00 Morning setting and superior conjunction 01:15:44 Venus retrogrades and breakups 01:18:00 Archetypes 01:25:52 Contradictory meanings of Inanna 01:41:55 Barbie, Marilyn Monroe, Margot Robbie connection 01:46:41 Solar Fire & AstroGold 01:47:21 Enheduanna 02:03:42 Mesopotamian influence on Greeks planet names 02:12:16 Dual characteristics of Inanna in Enheduanna 02:17:15 Feminine rage and seeking vengeance or justice 02:20:00 Identifying your natal Venus phase 02:29:30 Concluding remark 02:30:52 Demetra's work and events 02:37:35 Patrons, sponsors, credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYkoqj5UGUU – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 412 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 411 astrologers Chris Brennan, Austin Coppock, and Michael J. Morris look ahead at the astrological forecast for August 2023! This month sees the continuation of the early and middle phases of the Venus retrograde in Leo, with the Sun-Venus conjunction happening mid-month, while later in the month Mercury slows down and goes retrograde in Virgo. In the first hour of the episode we discuss the astrology of some recent stories in the news, such as the Barbie movie being released the day Venus stationed retrograde, and then in the second hour of the show we get into the forecast for August. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. The Astrologers’ Websites https://www.chrisbrennanastrologer.com https://austincoppock.com https://www.michaeljmorris.co Auspicious Election for August The most auspicious astrological date this month is August 7 2023 at 6:12 AM with Leo rising! For other auspicious dates this month see our Auspicious Elections podcast: https://theastrologypodcast.com/elections/ The Astrology of Barbenheimer The bonus episode on the astrology of Barbie and Oppenheimer: https://www.patreon.com/posts/casual-astrology-86773522 Patreon for Early Access + Bonus Content https://www.patreon.com/astrologypodcast Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:05 Barbie movie astrology 00:16:58 Idealized aesthetics 00:26:05 More Barbieology facts 00:39:28 Actors strike, cinema, Oppenheimer 00:43:43 LGBTQ+ and Venus retrograde in Leo 01:07:20 Forever chemicals: Saturn in Pisces 01:15:04 August forecast begins 01:15:48 Full Moon in Aquarius August 1 01:24:55 Mercury in Virgo all month 01:35:05 Venus square Uranus August 9 01:39:25 Venus cazimi August 13 01:52:37 Myth of Inanna 01:59:15 New Moon in Leo August 16 02:00:09 Auspicious date for August 02:03:06 Mercury retro Aug 23 + Mars opp Neptune 02:11:20 Mars into Libra August 27 02:19:16 Full Moon in Pisces August 30 02:26:23 Michael, Austin, and Chris' websites 02:30:24 Patrons, sponsors, and end cards Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2RZ5A5w7H4 – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 411 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Episode 410 is a workshop led by Chris Brennan where members of the Denver Astrology Group share stories about how past Venus retrograde transits have manifested in their lives. This meeting was held on July 9, 2023, and members were given a Venus retrograde worksheet and instructed to research their chronology  ahead of time and come prepared to share stories of past Venus retrograde transits. During the course of the meeting 8 different astrologers shared real-life stories of how the transit had worked out for them in the past, and in some instances how the events that happened under one retrograde were linked to subsequent ones in 8 year increments. This episode acts as a nice followup to our previous episode titled Venus Retrograde in Astrology Explained, which covered more of the theory of how the transit works and used a number of celebrity charts, while in this workshop we get an even deeper sense of how it actual works out in the lives of normal people. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Venus Retrograde Worksheet Venus Retrograde Worksheet Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:30 Venus retrograde 00:04:20 Repetitions in 8 year increments 00:05:48 Example 1 00:12:50 Example 2 00:29:15 Example 3 00:36:51 Example 4 00:46:55 Example 5 01:02:03 Example 6 01:14:40 Example 7 01:29:28 Example 8 01:55:09 Concluding remarks 01:56:56 Patrons and sponsors Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of our Venus retrograde workshop here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkNNdp7HzCM - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 410 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 409 astrologer Gary Lorentzen joins the podcast to talk about the astrology of the AIDS pandemic, and how the timing of it correlated with the Saturn-Pluto cycle. In this episode we study the AIDS pandemic from the perspective of mundane astrology, but then also discuss it in terms of the impact it had on the astrological community. We begin by noting the parallel between the Saturn-Pluto conjunction that happened in January 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic and the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in the early 1980s at the start of the AIDS pandemic. We then follow the 40-year Saturn-Pluto cycle and note how some key turning points during the course of the AIDS pandemic occurred around the time of the squares and opposition. We also talk about the pandemic from perspective of the impact it had on the astrological community, and the astrologers who died of AIDS in the 1980s and 90s, and how their loss set the community back by decades. Gary approaches the topic both as a seasoned expert in mundane astrology, as well as from the perspective of a gay man that lived through the pandemic and witnessed the impact it had. You can find out more about Gary on his website: GaryLorentzen.com 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 the astrology of AIDS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U4ROqRCxQo – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 409 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 408 astrologer Michael Erlewine joins the podcast to talk about the history of founding the first company that produced astrology software for the personal computer, called Matrix Software. Michael founded Matrix and began producing astrology software in 1977, and it helped to usher in the era of computerized astrology. During the course of the episode we talk about Michael's life and the early days of creating astrology software programs, and we also touch on his work in heliocentric and locational astrology. Michael has written a history of Matrix Software, which you can read here: History of Matrix Software You can find out more about Michael on his website: SpiritGroves.net This episode is available in audio and video versions below. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:40 History of Matrix Software 00:04:04 Michael's background and natal chart 00:09:40 Hitchhiking with Bob Dylan 00:12:49 Berkeley years in 1960s 00:15:34 When Michael became an astrologer 00:17:08 Band with Iggy Pop 00:19:18 Calculating charts by hand for bookstore 00:27:10 First programmable calculator 00:39:54 Heliocentric astrology 00:48:22 Local space relocational astrology 00:56:50 Disadvantages of astrologers not knowing astronomy 01:00:32 Heliocentric vs. geocentric chart 01:02:49 Michael's interest in Buddhism 01:11:11 Commodore PET - Michael's first computer 01:22:55 The first astrological software and reports 01:26:43 Early fears about computerized charts 01:29:40 When Matrix became successful 01:36:19 The Heart Center in Michigan 01:37:44 Friendship with Robert Schmidt 01:48:10 Early astrology conferences 01:53:56 Music and film business 01:58:15 Astrological archives 02:05:51 Where is astrology going? 02:07:30 Michael's legacy 02:10:00 Michael's Facebook and website 02:12:54 Patrons and sponsors Watch the Video Version of This Episode You can watch the video version of my interview with Michael Erlewine on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_WXC-cpZjA - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 408 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 407 astrologers Chris Brennan, Austin Coppock, and Kira Sutherland look ahead at the astrological forecast for July of 2023! This month Venus stations retrograde in the sign of Leo, and transiting Mars in Virgo opposes Saturn in Pisces. At the top of the episode we discuss the astrology of some recent stories in the news, largely focusing on the first Saturn station in Pisces and how that coincided with a string of notable ocean related stories. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Sphere and Sundry SphereandSundry.com The Astrologers’ Websites https://www.chrisbrennanastrologer.com https://austincoppock.com https://www.astrologyofhealth.com Auspicious Election for July The most auspicious astrological date this month is July 30 at 6:35 AM, with Leo rising! For other auspicious dates this month see our Auspicious Elections podcast: https://theastrologypodcast.com/elections/ Our year ahead electional report is now on sale for 50% off: https://theastrologypodcast.com/2023report/ Patreon for Early Access + Bonus Content https://www.patreon.com/astrologypodcast Venus Retrograde Worksheet Venus retrograde worksheet Chinese Translation of Chris' Book Astromages.org/habook/ Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:50 Quick overview of July astrology 00:01:48 Welcoming Kira and Austin 00:02:43 Apple announces new VR headset 00:04:35 Submarine and Saturn in Pisces 00:13:39 Orcas 00:17:41 Possible life on Saturn’s ocean Moon 00:18:50 Lab grown meat approved 00:23:25 Russian rebellion 00:42:08 Sphere + Sundry sponsor 00:46:05 July forecast begins 00:47:45 Venus retrograde buildup 01:13:15 Capricorn Full Moon July 3 01:22:00 Mars-Saturn opposition applying July 10-20 01:38:00 New Moon in Cancer July 17 01:48:00 Venus stations retrograde July 21/22 02:12:54 Auspicious election July 30 02:15:25 Mercury into Virgo July 28 02:19:19 Kira, Austin, and Chris’ offerings 02:26:21 Patrons, sponsors, end cards Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfLydVGC0Zk – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 407 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 406 astrologer Kira Sutherland joins the podcast to talk about how to look at the topic of health and wellness through the lens of astrology. During the course of the episode we talk about some of the different ways that the birth chart can be used to study the topic of health, both in terms of what it looks like when health issues arise, as well as some strategies for maintaining optimum health. Some of the technical points we touched on were the different houses associated with health in the birth chart, specific ailments associated with the planets, and how astrology can be used to help determine the unique constitution of each individual. For more about Kira check out her website: AstrologyOfHealth.com 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 astrology and health YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54byquWQ48w - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 406 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 405 astrologers Nick Dagan Best and Patrick Watson join the podcast to give an in-depth explanation of what Venus retrograde means in astrology, and show how it can coincide with important turning points in people's lives. We begin by talking about what Venus retrograde means astronomically, and what it correlates with in mundane astrology, and then focus on what it means as a transit in natal astrology. Later we outline some techniques for determining if an upcoming Venus retrograde will be important in your life, and what area of your life it will manifest its significations in. Eventually we touch on the 8 year Venus synodic cycle, and show how Venus retrograde repetitions during these periods can connect events in a person's life over a longer span of time. For more information about Nick and Patrick check out their websites: NickDaganBestAstrologer.com PatrickWatsonAstrology.com This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:22 Venus' significations 00:04:55 Venus retrograde astronomically 00:19:10 What does Venus retrograde mean? 00:39:15 Examples in world events 01:19:29 Examples in lives of individuals 01:29:00 Venus retrograde in the birth chart 02:26:12 Retrogrades more important when you have it natally 02:39:34 8 year synodic cycle repetitions 02:39:35 The house Venus goes retrograde in 03:22:12 Annual profections 03:26:08 Shadow periods, intervals & phases 03:37:33 Patrons, sponsors, end cards Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lDnRnE9r3Q - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 405 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 404 astrologers Stella and Cameron of the Mercuranians podcast stop by the studio for a casual chat about astrology with Chris. Stella and Cameron were on their way back from the Northwest Astrological Conference in Seattle when they came through Denver on a road trip back home, so we decided to meet up a record a conversation where we talked about a bunch of different astrological topics. During the course of the discussion we touched on topics like changes to the astrological community in the past 30 years, how newer astrologers deal with an overabundance of resources for learning astrology, and the role of chance and fortune in astrology. You can find out more about Stella and Cameron on the Mercuranians YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@themercuranians This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:00 Benefits of astrology conferences 00:06:46 Changes in astrological community in the last 30 years 00:09:38 Synthesizing spirituality with astrology 00:12:30 Saturn in Pisces 00:15:40 Daimon 00:21:48 Astrological consensus 00:31:16 The observer effect in astrology 00:35:54 How to navigate all the astrological information 00:44:56 Importance of chance meetings and encounters 00:49:00 Finding an astrology teacher 00:59:13 Valens 01:03:33 Learning from journals and drafts 01:10:14 Rhetorius 01:15:04 Creative misunderstandings that lead to new techniques 01:18:51 Subjectivity vs. objectivity in astrology 01:33:38 Fortune 01:39:12 Dealing with difficult transits 01:43:10 Simplicity in interpretations 01:52:14 Science and astrology 01:57:59 AI 02:02:35 Stella and Cameron's podcast 02:09:30 Patrons, sponsors, and credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MNX3k82eFg - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 404 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:

Episode 403 features a look ahead at the astrological forecast for June of 2023, with astrologers Chris Brennan, Austin Coppock, and Kirah Tabourn. This month Venus ingresses into Leo and begins the pre-retrograde shadow period, Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn, and Saturn stations in Pisces while Jupiter sextiles from Taurus. Our lunations this month are a Full Moon in Sagittarius, and a New Moon in Gemini. At the top of the episode we talk about some recent news and events, such as recent concerns over the safety of AI that were raised when Pluto stationed in Aquarius, as well as King Charles III being coronated under a Scorpio lunar eclipse. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Archetypal Explorer https://www.archetypalexplorer.com The Astrologers’ Websites https://www.chrisbrennanastrologer.com https://austincoppock.com https://www.kirah.world Auspicious Election for April The most auspicious astrological date this month is June 18 2023 at 11:56 AM, with Virgo rising. For other auspicious dates this month our elections podcast: https://theastrologypodcast.com/elections/ Our year ahead electional report is now on sale for 50% off: https://theastrologypodcast.com/2023report/ Patreon for Early Access + Bonus Content https://www.patreon.com/astrologypodcast Timestamps 00:00:00 June astrology overview 00:02:18 Welcoming Kirah and Austin 00:08:42 Pluto station and AI safety concerns 00:18:45 400 episode milestone 00:19:42 Writer’s strike 00:21:30 Aquarius, AI, and aliens 00:32:00 King Charles coronation eclipse 00:39:20 Ancient eclipse reports 00:45:35 Mercury retrograde stories 00:51:00 Firmicus Maternus 00:52:55 Ellen Black 00:55:50 Archetypal Explorer 00:59:10 June forecast begins 01:03:55 Venus retrograde shadow begins 01:33:40 Full Moon in Sagittarius June 3 01:46:15 Pluto returns to Capricorn June 11 01:47:45 Mercury in Gemini June 11 to 26 01:55:35 Jupiter sextile Saturn June 19 02:02:38 Auspicious date June 18 02:07:00 New Moon in Gemini June 17 02:18:55 Mars square Uranus June 25 02:25:55 Mercury cazimi June 30 02:33:00 Kirah’s projects 02:34:00 Austin’s projects 02:36:21 Chris’s projects 02:38:00 Patrons, sponsors, credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VPtonsVZS0 – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 403 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3: