The Astrology Podcast

Jaksot

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  The Hermetic Origins of Hellenistic Astrology 04.09.2026 6t 24min

  Hellenistic astrology emerged in Egypt in the 2nd century BCE, representing a profound synthesis of the older Mesopotamian and Egyptian astrological traditions. While it is sometimes assumed that this was the result of a gradual or haphazard blending of cultures, recent historical and archaeological research points to a much more deliberate and brilliant invention. In this episode, I share the results of my latest research into the origins of Hellenistic astrology, arguing that this system was created by a group of astrologers connected to the Egyptian temples, representing the earliest iteration of the Hermetic technical and philosophical tradition. To understand how this happened, I trace the history leading up to the massive cultural melting pot of the Hellenistic era. Out of this Greco-Egyptian synthesis emerged four foundational astrological texts written in the 2nd century BCE under the pseudonyms of Hermes Trismegistus, Asclepius, Nechepso, and Petosiris. One of the central arguments of this presentation is that these manuals are not just the bedrock of the astrological tradition, but they also represent the earliest known iterations of Hermetic philosophy. By examining surviving fragments, such as the mystical vision of Nechepso, I demonstrate how some of the metaphysical tropes of later Hermeticism were already deeply embedded in these technical texts centuries before the Corpus Hermeticum was compiled. In the second half of the episode, I deconstruct the conceptual architecture of Hellenistic astrology. We explore how the founders took ancient concepts like the Mesopotamian Exaltations and seamlessly integrated them with new, interlocking diagrams: the Thema Mundi, the Seven-Zoned Sphere, and the Planetary Joys scheme. I also highlight a breathtaking recent breakthrough showing how the Planetary Joys are structurally projected directly from the Exaltations, proving that these diagrams were engineered together as a unified whole. This episode represents the culmination of a decade of new research and reflection since the publication of my book, Hellenistic Astrology, in 2017. By unpacking these interlocking mechanics, we can see exactly how the founders encoded their deepest philosophical and religious beliefs directly into the mathematics of the cosmos, building the exact framework the astrologers still use today to study fate and make predictions about the future. This is episode 548 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps PART I: THE HISTORICAL TRADITIONS00:00:00 Introduction00:11:44 The Mesopotamian Astrological Tradition00:46:02 The Egyptian Astrological Tradition01:03:08 The Early Greek Tradition01:15:48 The Hellenistic Era01:36:03 Early Hermeticism PART II: THE FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS02:04:27 The Four Foundational Hermetic Astrological Texts02:05:49 Hermes Trismegistus: The Dodecatropos (Twelve-Turning)02:26:40 Asclepius: The Octatropos (Eight-Turning)02:48:43 Nechepso and Petosiris03:28:56 The Mystical Vision of Nechepso & The God Kneph PART III: THE CONCEPTUAL CONSTRUCTS03:40:20 The Conceptual Constructs Underlying Hellenistic Astrology03:41:08 The Exaltations03:56:34 The Thema Mundi04:36:06 The Seven-Zoned Sphere04:57:58 The Planetary Joys Scheme05:39:57 Projecting the Joys from the Exaltations 06:02:54 Conclusion: The Architecture of Fate06:23:24 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JtxPvM2gQ0 - 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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  September Astrology Forecast 2026 02.09.2026 2t 4min

  A detailed look at the astrology forecast for September 2026, with astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock. We spend the first hour talking about news and events that happened over the past month since our last forecast, and then in the second hour we get into the astrology of September. In the first part of the news section we discuss the strikingly literal manifestations of the recent eclipses in Leo and Pisces, including devastating floods and the deaths of several prominent figures and monarchs. After that we address the recent controversy surrounding Steven Forrest. In terms of the astrology of September, we open the month still coming out of the chaos of eclipse season and the recent Mars-Saturn square, but the first week of September offers some excellent electional opportunities while Mercury and Venus are still in their home signs of Virgo and Libra. There is a major turning point and tone shift around the New Moon in Virgo on September 10, when Uranus stations retrograde in Gemini, and Mercury and Venus both change signs the same day. The astrology culminates late in the month around the Full Moon in Aries on September 26, because right after that Mars moves into Leo and begins to oppose Pluto, while Venus slows down to station retrograde in Scorpio in early October. Ultimately, late September acts as a preparatory phase, setting the stage and introducing the core themes for the intense Venus and Mars retrogrades that will dominate the next several months. This is episode 547 of The Astrology Podcast. Community Perspectives Samuel Reynolds: Letter to Steven Forrest Akwe McDaniels: Thoughts on Steven Forrest's Recent Comments Kay Marie: An Open Letter to Steven Forrest and Ricky Williams Janét Jones: A Black Friend Is Not an Alibi Janét Jones and Nichole Zapanta: Podcast on the Steven Forrest controversy Courtney Napier: Allyship Means Accountability…Even for Astrologers Rachel Star:  Unpacking the Steven Forrest scandal in the Astrology community  Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:57 News Segment Begins00:05:10 Pisces Eclipse and the Death of Kings00:09:46 Notable Celebrity Passings00:13:48 Leo Eclipse and the Death of a Lion00:15:59 Nepal Floods00:17:00 US-Iran Escalation00:17:42 The Steven Forrest Controversy01:01:21 September Astrology Forecast Begins01:07:19 Sequential Breakdown of September Begins01:12:33 Venus Enters Pre-Retrograde Shadow01:23:04 September 10: Tone Shift as Venus Enters Scorpio01:30:15 New Moon in Virgo & Uranus Stations Retrograde Sept 1001:32:20 Auspicious Electional Chart: September 801:37:23 Mid-September Transits: Mercury Opposite Neptune01:41:56 Mercury Opposite Saturn: Sept 17-18:01:44:46 Mercury Sextile Jupiter: Sept 2101:45:55 Full Moon in Aries Sept 2601:49:14 Mars Enters Leo & Opposes Pluto: Sept 2701:52:02 Late Sept / Early Oct: Mercury-Mars & Venus Retrograde01:57:07 Austin's Upcoming Stuff02:01:11 Chris' Upcoming Stuff02:03:21 End Cards Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zLqcyZ-Pwc - 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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  Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and Ancient Astrology 28.08.2026 1t 55min

  Scholar M. David Litwa joins the podcast to explore the intersections of Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and ancient astrology. David is a historian of early Christianity and Greco-Roman religions who recently published a new translation of the Corpus Hermeticum. Together, we trace how these esoteric traditions developed and interacted in the ancient world, particularly in the cultural melting pot of Alexandria. We discuss the emergence of Hermeticism as a synthesis of Egyptian religion and Greek philosophy, and how early Christian Gnosticism subsequently adapted many of these cosmological frameworks. A major focal point is how ancient astrology, including the ascent and descent of the soul through the planetary spheres, was integrated into these religious movements. We contrast the Gnostic view of the planets as restrictive archons keeping the soul imprisoned with the more sympathetic Hermetic view of the visible cosmos as a second God and part of divine providence. We also take a close look at the Peratics, a unique Gnostic group that integrated technical Hellenistic astrology directly into their religion in order to map the soul's escape from the material realm. Finally, we unpack the historical tensions between fate, providence, and free will, examining how early Christians navigated astrological determinism before figures like Augustine firmly pushed back against the practice. This conversation highlights the profound impact that Hellenistic astrology had on the broader philosophical and religious landscape of the ancient world. This is episode 546 of The Astrology Podcast. David's Website and YouTube Channel https://mdavidlitwa.com https://www.youtube.com/@m.davidlitwa Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction & David's Background00:04:46 Alexandrian vs. Roman Christianity00:07:27 Astrology in the New Testament00:09:55 The Nag Hammadi Library00:13:35 Debating the Term "Gnosticism"00:20:57 Alexandria: Birthplace of Hermeticism00:22:52 Dating the Corpus Hermeticum00:27:29 Early Astrological Hermetica00:35:18 The Cosmos as the Second God00:46:15 Ascent of the Soul00:54:08 Planets as Malefic Archons00:59:42 The Gnostic Demiurge01:06:58 The Paratai & Astrological Salvation01:16:36 Astrology, Fate, & Free Will01:21:17 Baptism & Freedom from Fate01:30:21 Augustine's Anti-Astrology Bias01:38:09 "De-astrologizing" Hermetic Texts01:48:46 The Need for Astrological Literacy01:50:46 Conclusion & Resources Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UZl_fMgGRs - 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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  Roland Orzabal on Astrology, Fate, and Tears for Fears 19.08.2026 1t 34min

  An interview with musician Roland Orzabal from the band Tears for Fears, discussing his new autobiography, Welcome to Your Life, where he tells his life story through the lens of astrology. In the late 1980s, Roland experienced a profound shift in his worldview, moving from the psychological belief that we are all born as "blank slates" to discovering the stunning accuracy of the natal chart. We discuss his deep dive into the subject and how understanding his Leo Sun and Capricorn stellium helped him navigate the intense pressures of global fame, the complex creative dynamics within Tears for Fears, and his challenging family history. What makes Welcome to Your Life so unique is that it serves as both a deeply personal, unfiltered memoir and an accessible introduction to astrology. During the episode, we pull up Roland’s birth chart to track the major transits of his life, from the Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions that aligned with some of his biggest career milestones, to the heavy Pluto and Neptune transits that correlated with periods of profound personal loss, addiction, and eventual healing. Ultimately, this is a conversation about fate, free will, and how astrology provides a hidden language to make sense of our most difficult and triumphant moments. It was an honor to speak with a legendary musician who is also a dedicated, lifelong student of the astrological tradition. This is episode 545 of The Astrology Podcast. Get the Book The book came out on August 4, and it is available now in bookstores everywhere: Welcome to Your Life: Love, Death & Tears For Fears Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction and Roland's new astrological memoir00:03:16 Discovering astrology and primal therapy in the 1980s00:10:55 Interpersonal astrology and synastry with bandmates00:16:36 Perspectives on fate, free will, and major Pluto transits00:20:57 Looking at Roland's birth chart and key placements00:25:26 The non-linear, Mercury retrograde style of the book00:28:13 The loss of his first wife and the astrology of meeting Emily00:33:02 Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions and signing the first record deal00:35:41 The first Saturn return and the split with Curt Smith00:46:24 Weaving astrological teachings into a mainstream memoir00:50:18 The astrology behind Songs from the Big Chair and The Seeds of Love00:53:40 Progressed Sun in Libra and experiencing a major life shift00:56:09 Thoughts on the Gary Jules cover of "Mad World"00:59:50 Childhood, his parents, and fourth house Uranian themes01:08:16 Neptune squaring the Ascendant and recovering from addiction01:17:31 How birth charts correlate with personal belief systems01:24:41 Major astrological influences: Liz Greene and Richard Tarnas01:28:55 Releasing an album on 9/11 during the Saturn-Pluto opposition01:32:34 Closing remarks01:32:42 End cards Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7miA6G8eqQ - 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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  The Origin of the Chaldean Order and Planetary Days of the Week 16.08.2026 3t 25min

  In this episode I propose a new theory about the origins of the so-called Chaldean order of the planets, as well as the assignment of the seven traditional planets to the days of the week. In ancient times, a specific sequence of the planets arose known as the order of the seven-zoned sphere, which goes: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. In modern times, this is often called the "Chaldean order", because the 5th-century CE writer Macrobius referred to it as the "system of the Chaldeans." For a long time, it was mistakenly thought that this meant it came from ancient Babylonian or Mesopotamian astrologers, but we now know there is no trace of it in that tradition. In Macrobius’s era, the word "Chaldean" had simply become a generic term for "astrologer", so when he refers to it like this, what he really means is "the system of the astrologers." So, where did this system come from, and when was it introduced? While historians have long known that this planetary order was popularized during the Hellenistic era, the standard assumption has been that it was first developed by astronomers, or Pythagoreans, or some other group, and then only later incorporated into astrology. In some academic sources this shift, which radically moved the Sun to the center of the planets, is notably glossed over, largely because scholars don’t really know where it came from or how it happened. In this lecture, I propose the exact opposite: that this system was actually first popularized, and potentially even invented, by astrologers in Egypt in the 2nd century BCE, starting with the group of texts Hermetic surrounding Nechepso and Petosiris. From the 2nd century BCE forward, this order became widely adopted across different scientific, philosophical, and religious traditions, eventually becoming the underlying rationale for the names of the seven days of the week. My primary goals with this episode are to: 1) Demonstrate that this planetary order originated with the astrologers working in Egypt in the 2nd century BCE. 2) Demonstrate that the days of the week which are derived from it also may have originated with these same astrologers in Egypt during that same time period. This is episode 544 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:07:36 Early Planetary Orders00:15:58 Plato's Order00:22:32 Eratosthenes & The Hellenistic Shift00:27:00 The Seven-Zoned Sphere00:39:57 Nechepso and Petosiris00:51:33 The Seven-Zoned Sphere as a Conceptual Construct00:52:00 The Hermetic Conceptual Constructs01:24:43 Stoic Philosophy & The Heart01:44:26 Supposed Pythagorean Connection01:48:54 Planetary Significations Derived from the Seven-Zoned Sphere02:21:22 Decans and Monomoiria02:31:56 Planetary Days and Hours02:58:28 Ptolemy's Cosmological Model03:11:07 Concluding Remarks03:23:28 Credits Watch the Video Version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yIa5eyDdiI - – 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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  The Libra Rising Birth Chart of the United States 07.08.2026 4t 15min

  In this major new episode, I do a deep dive into the historical evidence for when the Declaration of Independence was finalized on July 4, 1776. There has been a mystery surrounding the birth chart of the United States for more than two centuries, but I recently discovered some new evidence that allows us to triangulate the approximate birth time much more closely than I previously thought possible. This was a massive research project that I suddenly stumbled into last month shortly after the Mars-Uranus conjunction went exact on July 4. I found new historical evidence showing that Thomas Jefferson regularly recorded the times he took temperature readings outside. This detail led me to re-examine all of the surviving primary sources, including the Journals of the Continental Congress and letters from John Adams. Through this, I conclude that it is possible to achieve much greater certainty about the probable time for the Declaration. In this four-hour video essay, I present a series of compelling arguments that the birth chart for the US should be set for the late morning of July 4, 1776, giving the country a Libra Ascendant. Key topics I covered in this episode: The Astrological Signatures of 1776: A look at how the Mars-Uranus conjunction in Gemini represented the severance and armed rebellion against Great Britain, while the highly auspicious Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Cancer symbolized the union of the thirteen colonies. Jefferson's Weather Log: How Thomas Jefferson's daily temperature readings help establish a clear timeline of when Congress was in session and taking breaks. Debunking the Sibley Chart: An explanation of the critical misunderstanding behind the popular Sagittarius rising chart. I show how Ebenezer Sibley actually cast a mundane ingress chart for London rather than a timed natal chart for Philadelphia. The Gemini Rising Myth: Why a 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM chart is historically implausible and makes for a poor electional chart. Historical Transits: A preliminary look at how major events in US history, such as the Civil War, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the stock market crash of 1929, and Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech align remarkably well with a Libra rising chart. This episode outlines all of my research findings in one place to help advance the long-standing debate over the true astrological chart of the United States. This is episode 543 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:05:53 Why July 4, 1776?00:49:31 Historical Evidence for the Time on July 2 & 4, 177601:10:18 The Vote for Independence on July 2, 177601:28:10 Finalizing the Declaration of Independence on July 401:57:05 The Proclamation on July 8 as Supporting Evidence02:03:34 Analyzing the Libra Rising Chart as an Inception Chart02:22:54 Preliminary Analysis of Some Major Events in US History02:50:23 What About the Gemini and Sagittarius Rising Charts?03:26:46 The Timeline and Transits of 177603:57:08 Concluding Remarks04:12:48 Credits Watch the Video Version of the Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP1yoSz32Ck - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 543 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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  August Astrology Forecast 2026 30.07.2026 2t 44min

  A deep dive into the astrology forecast for August 2026, with astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock. We spend the first hour talking about the astrology behind events that happened in the news in July, and then in the second hour we do a deep dive into the astrology of August. August is mainly centered on an eclipse season, which begins the first week of the month with a solar eclipse in Leo, and is followed later in the month by lunar eclipse in Pisces. Early in the month Venus enters Libra, which is the sign that it will later retrograde back to in October, and it begins its shadow degree phase by the end of August. A Mars-Saturn square begins building mid-month, and eventually culminates on the final day of August at the same time that a Jupiter-Saturn trine goes exact. This is episode 542 of The Astrology Podcast. Austin's Website https://austincoppock.com Chris' Patreon and Hellenistic Course https://www.patreon.com/astrologypodcast https://theastrologyschool.com Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:00:51 August Astrology Quick Overview00:03:24 News Segment Begins00:06:01 Iran War Reignites on Mars-Uranus Conjunction00:18:03 Nuclear Stories00:22:35 Three Mars-Uranus Recurrence Transits00:27:25 Mars-Uranus Conjunction Countries00:31:34 Jupiter-Pluto Opposition00:45:14 US Birth Chart00:49:22 Austin Anecdote00:54:44 Chris's Projects00:56:33 Austin's Projects00:57:51 August Forecast Begins01:01:09 Eclipse Season01:09:58 Venus Retrograde Shadow Sign01:19:26 Mars-Saturn Square01:32:35 Chronological Breakdown of July Begins01:33:16 Venus Enters Libra Aug 601:35:51 Venus-Jupiter Sextile Aug 16/1701:40:17 Mars Enters Cancer Aug 1101:43:22 Solar Eclipse in Leo Aug 1201:51:30 Mercury-Jupiter Conjunction Aug 1501:55:56 Auspicious Electional Chart: August 1601:59:51 Mars-Neptune Square Aug 1702:02:35 Venus-Saturn opposition Aug 2102:05:40 Sun and Mercury Enter Video Aug 22 & 2502:06:16 Lunar Eclipse in Pisces Aug 2802:18:53 Mars-Jupiter Trine & Mars-Saturn Square Aug 3102:20:43 Saturn-Neptune & Barbault Basket Reflections02:33:56 Predictive Patience & Seed Moments02:40:22 Wrapping Up02:41:53 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJeUvRzMwso - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 542 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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  July Astrology Forecast 2026 29.06.2026 2t 20min

  A deep dive into the astrology forecast for July 2026, with astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock. The month opens on highly unstable ground, dominated by a volatile Mars-Uranus conjunction that threatens sudden, unpredictable shifts and explosive turns. This erratic energy is ruled by a newly stationary retrograde Mercury, which has just backed away from a conjunction with Jupiter. This combination sets the stage for logistical snafus, technological difficulties, and widespread delays right out of the gate. Jupiter, having just entered Leo at the end of June, begins to form a tense opposition with Pluto that goes exact around the middle of the month. This highlights major power struggles and the tension between truth and control. This opposition is part of a much larger, momentous pattern of simultaneous outer planet alignments peaking this month. As Uranus completes its first exact trine with Pluto, these planets lock into a complex basket configuration alongside Jupiter and Neptune. This heavy planetary geometry indicates that significant precursor events are unfolding in the background, particularly surrounding rapid technological or military innovations. We finally see a more positive shift in the astrological weather during the second half of the month. Mars applies to a stabilizing, constructive sextile with Saturn, helping to ground the earlier chaos. Mercury stations direct, clearing up miscommunications, and the Sun makes its triumphant ingress into Leo to form an auspicious conjunction with Jupiter. This cazimi brings a much needed wave of radiant, showy warmth and outward confidence, despite an opposition with Pluto. However, a lingering Venus-Mars square operating in the background introduces an unwelcome element of creative friction and tension in partnerships, pitting the forces of unification against the drive to sever and divide. This late July window ultimately serves as a temporary lull, and a calm before the storm. By early August, we swiftly transition into eclipse season, bringing weighty major endings and beginnings to the forefront, just as Venus enters the shadow sign of its upcoming retrograde phase. This is episode 541 of The Astrology Podcast. United Astrology Conference https://uacastrology.com Austin's Website https://austincoppock.com Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:00:53 July Astrology Quick Overview00:03:57 News Segment Begins00:04:51 Venus-Jupiter Conjunction Stories00:05:13 First Trillionaire00:08:49 Spielberg Disclosure Day00:13:45 Marriages00:16:25 Iran-US peace deal00:20:31 Zelda Remake00:22:07 Beer Shortage00:24:04 Venus-Pluto Opposition00:26:50 Mars-Uranus Stories00:27:06 Venezuela Earthquakes00:29:47 AI Companies Authorized00:35:03 Lebanon agreement00:36:17 Nuclear news on Mars ingress00:38:36 Wrapping up news segment00:41:43 United Astrology Conference00:46:04 July Forecast Begins00:47:06 Mars-Uranus Conjunction00:59:34 Mercury Retrograde01:02:11 Outer planet alignments01:09:07 Jupiter-Pluto opposition01:25:23 Sequential breakdown of the month01:25:46 July 1: Mars-Uranus Overview & Sun-Saturn Square01:26:55 July 7: Neptune Stations Retrograde in Aries01:29:45 July 9: Venus Enters Virgo01:31:33 July 12: Mercury Retrograde Cazimi01:33:08 July 14: New Moon in Cancer01:35:58 July 15-18: Uranus Sextile Neptune & Trine Pluto01:39:35 July 19: Mars Sextile Saturn01:41:21 July 20-21: Jupiter-Pluto Opposition & Outer Planet Aspects01:50:54 July 22-23: Sun Enters Leo & Mercury Stations Direct01:51:52 July 24: Venus Sextile Mercury01:54:44 July 25: Neptune-Pluto Sextile01:55:04 July 26: Saturn Stations Retrograde & Lunar Nodes Shift Signs01:57:33 July 27: Sun Opposes Pluto01:58:55 July 28: Venus Square Mars02:02:29 July 29: Sun-Jupiter Cazimi & Full Moon in Aquarius02:04:31 Electional Chart for July02:07:42 Wrapping Up02:17:39 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ0uN2QpczA - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 541 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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  Babylonian Goal Year Periods in Astrology 27.06.2026 3t 31min

  Astrologers Chris Brennan and Patrick Watson explore the ancient timing technique known as Babylonian goal year periods, which can be used to identify repeating transits and events over very long spans of time. Recovered from the astronomical diaries of Mesopotamian sky watchers in the first millennium BCE, these periods demonstrate how the visible planets repeat their exact zodiacal placements and phase relationships with the Sun over predictable intervals. Our discussion breaks down the math behind these synodic cycles and highlights how repetition is the ultimate key to prediction in both mundane and natal astrology. By examining compelling historical case studies for each of the traditional planets, from the 1929 Wall Street Crash to major breakthroughs in modern communication technology, we show how tracking these ancient cycles allows astrologers to identify profound historical recurrences and project future events with stunning accuracy. This is episode 540 of The Astrology Podcast. Patrick's Website https://patrickwatsonastrology.com Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:02 What are Babylonian goal year periods?00:08:52 The story of recovering these ancient periods00:10:42 Donald Trump's birth chart and the 2024 election00:19:29 Historical context: Mesopotamian sky watchers00:34:00 The math and synodic cycles behind the periods00:47:14 Repetition is the key to prediction00:49:44 The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse00:55:41 Mars goal year examples00:56:19 The 1929 Wall Street Crash and the 2008 Housing Crisis01:15:26 Mercury goal year examples01:21:14 The first video broadcast, cell phone call, and 5G network01:38:16 Venus goal year examples01:41:08 How the 8-year Venus cycle perfectly tracks Nintendo's history01:43:32 The Academy Awards and broadcasting fiascos02:03:55 The Seneca Falls Convention and the 19th Amendment02:21:19 Jupiter goal year examples02:45:12 FDR's Lend-Lease Act and Biden's Ukraine aid package02:48:05 Saturn goal year examples03:00:12 Intimations of the outer planets?03:15:44 The 1,151-year ACT periods03:22:08 Concluding thoughts Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmOUA9qQTvk - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 540 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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  Venus-Jupiter Conjunction Transit Stories 24.06.2026 1t 43min

  In this episode a group of students and patrons join me to reflect on the recent Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Cancer, and to share stories of how it manifested in our lives based on which of the twelve houses it was transiting in their birth charts. The episode opens with a brief introduction where I talk about the importance of taking into account both the entire range of the sign-based conjunction or copresence between Venus and Jupiter, which lasted from May 18 until June 13, as well as the more intense range of the degree-based conjunction which went exact on June 9. After that I interview several people about their experience of the conjunction, looking at how it functioned in various houses alongside examples of notable public figures who also experienced this transit. This is episode 539 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:02:27 Celebrity Examples: Musk, Spielberg, Biden, etc00:15:43 Factors that Makes the Conjunction More or Less Important00:19:25 Squares from Aries00:22:48 Michelle: Venus-Jupiter Conjunction in 2nd House00:26:30 Arrie - 8th House00:30:32 Laszlo - 3rd House00:34:07 Karina - 8th House00:38:59 Miriam - 12th House00:45:58 Margaret - 1st House00:51:29 Jessica - 1st House00:57:40 Delilah - 11th House01:04:02 Miscellaneous Examples01:17:06 Gillian - 1st House Challenging Example01:28:57 Chiron and Eris01:38:45 Concluding Remarks Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwwZmj_Daco - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 539 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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  June Astrology Forecast 2026 02.06.2026 2t 46min

  A deep dive into the astrology forecast for June 2026, with astrologers Chris Brennan and Leisa Schaim. We spend the first hour talking about the astrology behind news and events that happened since our last forecast, and then in the second hour we get into the astrology of June. The month opens with one of the most auspicious planetary alignments of the year: a Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Cancer that remains active for the first two weeks. Venus-Jupiter conjunctions are excellent for relationships, marriages, and partnerships, as well as peacekeeping efforts and the confirmation of good things. In the middle of the month, there is a distinct tone shift when Venus enters Leo and begins opposing Pluto. This aspect can bring up issues related to power, manipulation, and control within the context of partnerships and relationships. At the same time, Mercury enters its shadow period, slowing down and preparing to station retrograde, while Mars moves within a 10-degree orb of a volatile conjunction with Uranus. The latter part of the month takes an unexpected and explosive turn, especially once Mars officially enters Gemini and the conjunction with Uranus tightens. On the final day of the month, Jupiter enters Leo, beginning a one-year transit through that sign. However, this transit starts with an opposition to Pluto that will culminate in July, highlighting themes involving the manipulation of truth and attempts to control knowledge. Simultaneously, Mercury stations retrograde just before it can reach a conjunction with Jupiter, effectively revoking and delaying a beneficent alignment just as the much more malefic Mars-Uranus configuration is forming. This is episode 538 of The Astrology Podcast. LA Astro Fest https://laastrofest.com Astrocartography Petitions https://www.astrologicalassociation.com/astrocartography-petition/ https://www.change.org/p/protégeons-l-astrocartographie Leisa's Website https://www.leisaschaim.com 2026 Electional Astrology Report https://theastrologypodcast.com/2026report/ Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:00:38 Quick Overview of June00:02:45 News Segment Begins00:04:01 Iran War00:12:02 Explosions Around Mars Aspects00:19:08 Hantavirus and Ebola Outbreaks00:27:53 Pope Issues AI Encyclical00:37:01 Saturn-Neptune Anti-Astrology Signature00:41:52 Trump Visits China00:49:00 Cuba00:54:01 Supreme Court Decision on Voting Rights Act01:01:32 Astrocartography Trademarking Controversy01:15:12 LA Astro Fest01:16:35 June Forecast Begins01:20:25 Mercury-Neptune Square (June 3)01:24:45 Mercury-Saturn Square01:27:56 The Venus-Jupiter Conjunction (June 9)01:41:31 Auspicious Electional Chart for June01:46:24 The World Cup & June Bright Spots01:50:10 Gemini New Moon & Mid-Month Vibe Shift01:54:41 Venus-Pluto Opposition (June 17)02:00:53 Sun Enters Cancer & Summer Solstice02:02:53 Late June Volatility & Mars-Uranus Conjunction02:04:56 Medieval Astrological Technique of "Revoking"02:06:48 Mars-Uranus in Gemini & US History02:21:40 Personalizing the Mars-Uranus Transit02:24:44 Story Time: Chris Brennan's Spicy Pepper Incident02:29:53 Jupiter Ingress into Leo (June 30)02:39:54 Final Wrap-up & Promo Outros02:43:07 End Cards Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJyrm_k3CNg - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 538 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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  Mars-Saturn Conjunction Transit Stories 19.05.2026 1t 53min

  In this episode a group of students and patrons join me to reflect on the recent Mars-Saturn conjunction in Aries, and to share stories of how it manifested in our lives based on which of the twelve houses it was transiting in our birth charts. The episode opens with a brief introduction where I talk about the importance of taking into account both the entire range of the sign-based conjunction or copresence between Mars and Saturn, which lasted from April 9 until May 18, as well as the more intense range of the degree-based conjunction which went exact on April 19. After that I interview several people about their experience of the conjunction, and we end up covering most of the twelve houses. A recurring theme that we keep encountering is letting go of something in our life that was represented by the house of the conjunction, such as quitting smoking under a 6th house conjunction, quitting one's job due to their boss in the 10th house, or leaving one's marriage in the 7th house. It was clear that although this process of letting something go wasn't easy, in many instances it was freeing up the native and making room for something better that would develop in that area of the life in the future. This is episode 537 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:01 Sign-Based and Degree-Based Aspects00:03:08 Differing Levels of Importance00:04:52 Chris' Third House Examples00:11:22 Jacqueline: Mars-Saturn Conjunction in 6th House00:22:02 Dimitris: 10th House00:31:00 Kriemhild: 5th House00:45:49 Jessica: 11th House00:54:22 Morgan: 7th House01:01:07 Feven: 3rd House01:12:51 Whitney: 12th House01:18:50 Cheyenne: 1st House01:27:48 Olga: 5th House / IC degree01:42:49 Final Thoughts01:50:19 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I64b_TJ5-88 – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 537 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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  Linda Goodman: Life and Legacy of the Sun Signs Astrologer 15.05.2026 2t 52min

  In this episode I'm joined by writer Courtney Ann LaFaive to discuss the life and work of the famous 20th century astrologer Linda Goodman, who wrote the highest-selling astrology book of all time. In 1968, Linda's book Sun Signs became a runaway phenomenon, selling millions of copies and becoming the first astrology book to make the New York Times bestseller list. Goodman’s approachable writing style appealed to a wide variety of readers, and helped to catalyze a massive boom in astrology in the late 1960s and 70s, serving as the gateway for millions of people to discover their full birth chart. She then followed this up in 1978 with another successful book titled Love Signs, which was on relationship compatibility between zodiac signs. This book set a record at the time for the highest advance ever paid to an author, which was 2.25 million dollars, and helped to make the question "What's your sign?" a ubiquitous cultural catchphrase. However in her later years Goodman struggled to cope with immense personal loss, most notably the tragic death of her daughter in 1973, and her inability to distinguish between reality and illusion. Courtney is the author of a new book titled Follow the Signs: Searching for Linda Goodman, America’s Forgotten Astrology Queen. The book is a memoir about a period of her life spent researching Linda Goodman's biography for her PhD thesis, and the difficulties she faced in the process of piecing together Linda's nebulous story. Together, we explore and attempt to document the incredible life, complex legacy, and lasting astrological impact of Linda Goodman. This is episode 536 of The Astrology Podcast. Courtney's Book Follow the Signs: Searching for Linda Goodman, America's Forgotten Astrology Queen Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:00:42 Introducing Courtney Ann LaFaive00:03:08 Introducing Linda Goodman00:04:49 How Courtney & Chris First Found Linda00:10:42 Astrology in the First Half of the 20th Century00:18:47 Linda's Early Life & Entry into Astrology00:20:46 Linda's Birth Chart00:23:09 Early Career in Writing and Radio00:25:34 First Marriage, Children, and Early Trauma00:35:00 Getting into Astrology and Writing Sun Signs00:48:28 The Release of Sun Signs in 196800:51:10 The 1968 Virgo Solar Eclipse00:52:35 NYT Bestseller Status00:55:40 Comparing the 1960s Astrology Boom to the 2020s Boom00:58:49 Introducing the Full Birth Chart to the Public01:05:25 Impact on the Astrology Publishing Industry01:08:44 Key Features of the Sun Signs Book01:15:00 Using Pop Culture & Celebrities to Teach Astrology01:18:25 Popularizing Modern Planetary Rulerships01:24:32 The Gap Decade & The Shift to Metaphysics01:29:45 The Tragic Loss of Her Daughter01:40:00 The Gemini Lunar Eclipse of 197301:50:54 Love Signs Book Released in 197801:58:48 Later Works: Star Signs (1987) and Gooberz (1989)02:13:25 Becoming the Epitome of a Pop Astrologer02:25:05 Linda Passes Away in 199502:27:10 Scorpio Eclipse When She Passes Away02:32:39 Final Analysis of Linda's Chart02:42:50 Concluding Discussion on Courtney's Book02:49:41 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B_y17cyGpg - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 536 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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  Hantavirus Astrology: Mars-Saturn Conjunctions and Outbreaks 09.05.2026 1t 36min

  In this episode I explore the astrology behind the deadly Hantavirus outbreak that is currently dominating global news headlines, specifically focusing on how it began around the recent Mars-Saturn conjunction, and demonstrating why ancient astrologers associated these alignments with plagues and pestilences. This is an alignment that we were nervous about and actually predicted in our year-ahead forecast for 2026, partially because it reminded me of the Mars-Saturn conjunction that took place in March and April of 2020. During that time, the world experienced the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns just as Mars and Saturn came together in Capricorn and Aquarius. I review clips from our previous forecasts to show how we anticipated this, and break down exactly why these specific malefic conjunctions describe very difficult periods of time historically. To show how these alignments work in practice, I go through a detailed timeline of the current Hantavirus outbreak that began on a cruise ship over the past month, showing how perfectly the crisis mapped onto the exact Mars-Saturn-Neptune conjunction. I also walk through several other historical case studies from the past decade to demonstrate this recurring pattern. We look at how previous Mars-Saturn conjunctions coincided with major inflection points for the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the 2022 Monkeypox outbreak, and the naming of the AIDS pandemic back in 1982. Part of my goal here was not simply to highlight a successful prediction and show how well the outbreak ended up coinciding with the alignment, but also to demonstrate why I made the prediction based on other similar alignments I had seen in the past. A couple of interesting additional things I found in this episode are that the Hantavirus first became recognized during a major outbreak in the Korean War in the early 1950s, which coincided closely with a Saturn-Neptune conjunction. Later, the Hantavirus was officially named and categorized under two Mars-Saturn conjunctions in 1980 and 1982. Now, we are seeing a recurrence of both of those planetary alignments, with the Mars-Saturn-Neptune conjunction that started in April, right as a new major outbreak of the virus is happening in the world. Finally, I touch on the underlying philosophy of mundane astrology: the idea that the planets are not necessarily causing events to happen, but rather they act as a timing mechanism that mirrors what is happening on Earth. Because repetition is the key to prediction in astrology, studying the alignments surrounding these current and past outbreaks can provide us with a framework for forecasting the future, and my hope is that this will provide a useful foundation for later studies. This is episode 535 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:34 Our Predictions About This00:05:33 Current Hantavirus Mars-Saturn Timeline00:18:11 Covid Pandemic Timeline Comparison00:33:56 Outer Planet vs Inner Planet Cycles00:35:48 2014 Ebola Outbreak00:46:49 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak00:50:27 Naming of AIDS in 1982 on Mars-Saturn00:58:48 Ancient Views on Mars-Saturn Conjunctions01:01:04 1348 Report on the Plague Pandemic01:02:49 Signs vs Causes01:05:07 Repetitions are the Key to Prediction01:07:43 André Barbault's Prediction About the Covid Pandemic01:13:09 Hantavirus and Earlier Planetary Alignments01:24:27 Future Transits Timeline01:29:53 Final Thoughts and Remarks Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1C2fEYf51o - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 535 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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  May Astrology Forecast 2026 01.05.2026 2t 38min

  A deep dive into the astrology forecast for May 2026, with astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock. We spend the first hour talking about the astrology behind news and events that happened since our last forecast, and then in the second hour we get into the astrology of May. The month opens with a peace-shattering Mars-Jupiter square around May 4. At the same time there is a very intense Pluto station on May 6, which highlights themes of power and control, but will also mark an important turning point with respect to ongoing technological and social transformations over the past few years. Speaking of technological transformations, in the middle of the month a newly ingressed Uranus into Gemini will make its first conjunctions with Mercury and the Sun in Gemini, which will initiate and accelerate new technological advancements in communications and transportation, while also promising some unexpected disruptions and surprises. The middle of the month also features some mildly pleasant sextiles between the Sun and Jupiter and Mercury and Jupiter on May 10 & 12, as well as a sensual Venus-Mars sextile around May 18. Later in the month things become more tense, with a destructive Mars-Pluto square around May 26. Fortunately the very end of the month closes out with one of the most positive and auspicious alignments of the year starting to form in the sky, as Venus and Jupiter form a conjunction in Cancer that will culminate in early June. This is episode 534 of The Astrology Podcast. United Astrology Conference https://uacastrology.com Patreon for Bonus Content + Electional Podcast https://www.patreon.com/astrologypodcast Austin’s Website https://Austincoppock.com Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:00:37 Quick Overview of May Astrology00:03:49 Iran War & Naval Blockades00:17:53 Saturn-Neptune Cycle & The History of Oil00:38:36 Uranus Enters Gemini00:45:45 Mars-Neptune Conjunction & Religious Heresy00:54:58 Weaponization of AI video01:00:39 Reactivating Dark side of Saturn-Neptune01:04:33 The OpenAI Bubble: Mars & Saturn-Neptune01:10:34 United Astrology Conference01:13:23 Forecast Segment Begins: Overview01:29:11 May 1: Full Moon in Scorpio01:34:22 May 4: Mars Square Jupiter01:39:29 May 5-7: Pluto Station & Mercury Square Pluto01:47:50 May 10-12: Sun & Mercury Sextile Jupiter01:50:00 May 16: New Moon in Taurus01:51:26 May 18: Venus Sextile Mars01:54:26 May 12: Venus Square Neptune01:59:21 May 17-22: Mercury & Sun Enter Gemini & Conjoin Uranus02:03:18 May 18: Mars Enters Taurus02:11:44 May 25: Mars Square Pluto02:16:56 May 28: Venus Square Saturn02:17:41 May 31: Full Moon in Sagittarius02:22:46 Auspicious Election for May02:29:19 Austin's Projects02:32:43 Chris' Projects02:35:34 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWnEQjvLtLY - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 534 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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  Oil Crisis Astrology: Mars, Saturn, and Neptune 14.04.2026 35min

  In this episode I explore the stark astrological alignments coinciding with the escalating global oil crisis, which is rapidly accelerating as the planets Mars and Saturn form a conjunction in the sky. In the first part of the episode I discuss how the Mars-Saturn conjunction, which goes exact on April 19, is set to coincide with when the last oil tankers that made it out of the Strait of Hormuz before the war in Iran began will arrive at their destinations. Then in the second part of the episode I discuss how this is tied in with the broader Saturn-Neptune conjunction that recently occurred, and how important turning points in the history of oil often coincide with these conjunctions, which take place every 36 years. This is episode 533 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:41 Mars-Saturn: Grinding to a Halt00:10:39 Oil and the Saturn-Neptune Cycle00:27:12 Conclusions00:32:48 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmYGY8kU0tI - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 533 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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  The Birth Chart as a Story: Fate and the Life Narrative 12.04.2026 2t 31min

  This episode is a recording of a live chart reading webinar I did with patrons, where I talked about how I conceptualize the practice of natal astrology as identifying a person's life narrative and fate, and then I interviewed three patrons about how their chart describes some unique facets of their life story. Before jumping into the readings, I give a brief philosophical introduction exploring how ancient Hellenistic astrologers viewed fate as an ordered sequence of events, reflecting on Vettius Valens' analogy of each person playing a specific role as an actor in a cosmic play. During the live consultations, we trace how specific transits and eclipses align with major turning points in these individuals' lives, unexpectedly uncovering fascinating shared themes like profound family secrets revealed through DNA testing, major career shifts, and physical health challenges. Ultimately, this episode serves as a demonstration of how a static birth chart truly comes alive through the reciprocal dialogue of a consultation, offering a grounded perspective on how we can understand the underlying sequence of our lives. This is episode 532 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:05:23 Charlene00:51:15 Jennifer01:18:05 Ray02:19:17 Concluding Remarks02:28:20 End Cards Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzSrIs9ObIk - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 532 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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  Exact Transits in Astrology Webinar 09.04.2026 2t 15min

  In this episode I discuss the importance of exact transits to the birth chart within one degree of orb, and I interview patrons who share personal stories about events that happened in their lives under these close alignments. While sign-based transits set the broader stage and signify the overarching themes of an extended period, the moment a transiting planet aligns exactly to the degree and minute of a natal placement is often when the most critical, tangible events occur. We explore how these precise hits function like a spike in intensity, bringing the reality of the transit to the immediate forefront of our lives. Throughout the episode, listeners share a wide spectrum of lived experiences, demonstrating how both major life milestones and seemingly minor day-to-day occurrences can be mapped to exact planetary alignments. We delve into firsthand accounts covering everything from career promotions and sudden job losses to the severing of long-term relationships, medical emergencies, and the heavy culmination of the Saturn return. These examples also beautifully illustrate how overlapping astrological timing techniques, like annual profections and retrogrades, can dramatically amplify the significance of a single degree-based transit. Ultimately, this collection of stories serves as a powerful reminder of astrology's precision and its ability to reflect both our internal choices and our external circumstances. By tuning in to the exact transits occurring in your own chart, you can better anticipate key turning points and understand the specific timeline surrounding unfolding events. This is episode 531 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:05 Sign-Based vs. Degree-Based Transits00:03:36 When transits go exact within 1 degree00:09:54 Different Transit Scenarios00:13:24 Listener Examples from Social Media00:14:44 How to identify more important transits00:16:34 Social Media Examples Continued00:21:15 Interviewing Patrons About Exact Transits00:21:33 Charles - Mercury conjunct Ascendant in 2nd house year00:27:42 Bebe - End of a relationship transits00:37:36 Karen - Mars-Jupiter opposition loss of father00:45:15 Josh - Job loss transit00:53:34 Maureen - Sick while on a trip01:03:52 Aimee - End of a marriage01:16:53 Jessica - Saturn return01:29:43 Laura - Home birth transit01:36:40 Kelly - Job promotion and loss of brother01:52:08 Rachel - Medical event01:54:58 Naʻe - Loss of mother and father02:07:44 Wrapping Up02:12:36 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghcvUxK82Ak - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 531 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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  April Astrology Forecast 2026 30.03.2026 2t 49min

  A deep dive into the astrology forecast for April 2026, with astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock. The first hour is dedicated to unpacking the astrology behind recent world events, with a primary focus on the outbreak of war in Iran that aligned with the recent Mars-Uranus square. We explore the striking historical repetitions at play, discussing how current Saturn-Neptune and eclipse cycles mirror significant historical turning points from the past, and what that means for the present global landscape. In the second half, we transition into the granular astrology of April, a month characterized by a fiery, highly concentrated planetary stellium in Aries. The standout alignment is a severe and grinding Mars-Saturn conjunction peaking mid-month, bringing intense friction, tests of endurance, and a distinct feeling of pressing the gas and the brakes at the exact same time. Finally, we look ahead to the monumental shift occurring on April 25 as Uranus officially ingresses into Gemini, where it will remain for the next seven years. We discuss the profound historical precedents of this transit, often coinciding with major ideological shifts, communicative and technological disruptions, and pivotal conflicts in US history, and what it implies for the years ahead. This is episode 530 of The Astrology Podcast. Patreon Early Access + Electional Podcast https://www.patreon.com/astrologypodcast Austin’s Website https://Austincoppock.com Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:00:42 Quick Overview of April00:02:09 News Segment Begins00:03:07 Iran War00:53:45 Cuba00:59:39 New Dime01:06:19 AI Video and VR Reductions01:11:51 Astro-Seek Website Down01:13:04 Oscars01:16:53 Lee Lehman Passed Away01:22:25 Northwest Astrology Conference01:28:15 April Astrology Segment Begins01:35:39 Mars Conjunct Saturn01:38:49 Mars Conjunct Neptune01:47:44 Mercury-Mars Conjunction01:52:44 Uranus Enters Gemini02:03:37 Full Moon in Libra02:04:19 Mercury Trine Jupiter & Venus Square Pluto02:05:46 Sun Square Jupiter02:08:46 Auspicious Election: April 102:11:11 First week of April vs later02:14:07 Mars Enters Aries02:19:57 New Moon in Aries02:27:10 Mars Separates from Saturn02:29:40 Mercury Square Jupiter02:32:26 Venus Conjunct Uranus02:35:54 Full Moon in Scorpio02:41:38 Upcoming Projects02:46:03 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNMInpu2IXg - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 530 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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  Midpoints in Astrology: Historical Origins 27.03.2026 1t 19min

  In the episode I trace the history and origins of the astrological technique called midpoints back to two students of Placidus who lived in the 17th century, and then tell the story of its recovery and popularization by German astrologers in the early 20th century. For the past twenty years, the history of midpoints has been shrouded in mystery. Many astrologers have speculated about its origins, with myths tracing the technique back to the 13th-century astrologer Guido Bonatti, the 2nd-century astrologer Claudius Ptolemy, or assuming it was invented from scratch by Alfred Witte and the Hamburg School around the 1920s. After spending a while researching the history, I'm excited to present the conclusions I came to and help set the record straight. It turns out that the midpoint technique actually originated in 1675. That is when two students of the famous astrologer Placidus, named Francesco Brunacci and Francesco Maria Onorati, introduced the concept of what they called "equidistances" in an appendix to the second edition of their teacher’s work, Physiomathematica. However, this technique almost didn't survive. Throughout the episode, I discuss how the midpoint doctrine went through two distinct periods of suppression: first by the Catholic Church and the Inquisition in the late 17th century, and later by the Nazis in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. We follow the lineage of the technique from its near-erasure in Italy, to its survival via a subtle reference by the 17th-century astrologer Antonio Francesco de Bonattis (not to be mistaken for Guido Bonatti), and finally to its rediscovery by Albert Kniepf in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. From there, we explore how the technique was championed and popularized by Alfred Witte and the Hamburg School and Uranian Astrology, as well as by Reinhold Ebertin through his approach called Cosmobiology, eventually becoming a staple of late 20th-century astrology. This is episode 529 of The Astrology Podcast. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:01:45 What is a Midpoint?00:03:56 The Mystery of Historical Origins00:08:49 17th Century Origins of Midpoints00:16:55 Introduced by Students of Placidus in 167500:31:20 Did Ptolemy Mention Midpoints?00:34:01 Placidus's Works Banned by the Inquisition00:38:41 Antonio Francesco di Bonattis in 168700:43:39 Rediscovery and Popularization in Germany00:45:01 Albert Kniepf Recovers the Technique00:46:06 Alfred Witte and the Hamburg School00:49:39 Reinhold Ebertin and Cosmobiology00:54:06 Suppression of Astrology During WWII01:01:45 Popularization of Midpoints After WWII01:03:55 Summary and Conclusions01:10:16 Special Thanks and Sources01:16:35 Endcards Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfFK61RenOg - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 529 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3: