The feeling I was left with after a very Neptunian conversation today with astrologer Chad Woodward was hopefulness.

I have been reading Chad’s newsletters and articles for several years, and was honored to have him join me on The Natural Wisdom Podcast. Chad shared his considerable insights into the archetypal forces at work in our world today, including:

* Chad’s historical research into activations of the Aries Point (0 Aries, the first degree of the Tropical Zodiac) led him to aptly name its energy as “pushing boundaries of reality”;

* The legacy of the previous conjunction of Saturn and Neptune at this point over 2500 years ago has lessons and resonance for our time;

* We are in an uncomfortable liminal space of growing into something new, and we won’t know what it looks like on the other side until we get there; and

* This is all part of a natural process - we know how to do this.

Chad Woodward is a professional astrologer and founder of Kosmic Mind Astrology, with nearly twenty years of experience exploring the symbolic language of the sky. His work combines psychological and evolutionary astrology with a profound appreciation for the rich history of astrology, integrating ancient techniques into a modern, integrative approach. Certified through Steven Forrest’s Apprenticeship Program and holding a postgraduate certificate in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Chad also draws on his background in cultural anthropology and other social sciences in his astrological research, exploring the complex interrelationship between cultural evolution and planetary alignments. In his counseling practice, Chad uses astrology as a tool for navigating the interplay of choice, creativity, karma, and destiny. His consultations invite clients to see beyond the materialist worldview and engage with the archetypal forces shaping their lives, uncovering deeper meaning, purpose, and potential for spiritual growth.

For more of Chad’s work:

Chad’s website: https://www.kosmicmind.com/Kosmic Mind Newsletter sign up: https://www.kosmicmind.com/kosmicmindnewsletterSubstack page:

Watch Chad’s recent talk on the Aries Point:

Find out more about Kristine’s Capricorn Solstice Renewal Retreat:https://kristinebackes.com/integrate-and-renew-at-the-solstice/

On the eve of the Virgo New Moon, astrological counselor and sister Substacker Danielle Polgar and I explored the possibilities of this time together on The Natural Wisdom Podcast. Some of our favorite topics are the unpredictable energy of Uranus in Gemini and the shadows we are seeing of Pluto’s journey through Aquarius. We also covered a number of fun and interesting themes:

* The “whirlpool effect” of the Lunar Nodes in our consciousness;

* The power of building parallel structures rather than participating in mainstream narratives;

* The fallacy of staying informed to stay in control;

* And the power of living in the unknown.

The New Moon squares Uranus, bringing the likelihood of surprises and breakthroughs, and leading us into eclipse season. Curiosity and wonder are superpowers for thriving in this time.

Danielle will soon be offering an 8 week Initiation course; subscribe to her publication to be the first to know about it.

Danielle Polgar is a trauma-informed astrological counselor who helps people navigate life transitions, access their innate power, and free themselves from limiting beliefs. Her work integrates astrology, psychology, and somatic awareness, offering an approach that is both compassionate and transformative.

With a Master’s in Holistic Counseling Psychology and more than two decades of astrological study, Danielle bridges the roles of artist, healer, and teacher. She brings a creative and intuitive lens to her work, guiding clients to find meaning in their experiences, build emotional resilience, and align with the natural rhythms of life.

Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Danielle works with clients worldwide, supporting them through times of growth and change with clarity, empathy, and practical tools for integration.

Find out more about Danielle or book a session with her on her website: https://daniellepolgar.com

Emily Trinkaus joined me for another episode of Cosmic Wisdom on The Natural Wisdom Podcast today. In a wide-ranging and fun conversation, we explored some of the potential of the planet Uranus moving into Gemini, and the unprecedented alignment of the outer planets.

Some of the insights we discussed included:

* Why it is time for astrology to evolve;

* Understanding that your agency is part of a tapestry of agencies of all beings;

* How attuning yourself to the field (including your own) allows the right things to happen at the right time;

* The need to be conscious of the spells (or curses) you are casting with the power of your words.

Check out Emily’s new Quantum Astrology course for astrologers who want to evolve the practice of astrology to a new level: https://embodiedaquarian.com/quantum-astrology

Is it time for greater insight into cosmic timing in your life? Book a reading or energy alignment session.

Disorientation. Extreme surrender. The dissolution of the old in preparation for what wants to emerge. These are some of the words and phrases Emily and I used today in our conversation on The Natural Wisdom Podcast. No matter how much chaos and change you have felt this year, it is just getting started.

All the planets are moving direct for a short period of time now that the retrogrades of Mars, Venus and Mercury have come and gone. We have momentum for the first time this year to move forward on what we want to create.

Emily and I spoke about the current astrological patterns and what they mean for us as individuals, including:

* Neptune’s movement into Aries on April 30 for the first time in 165 years;

* Saturn’s impending move to join Neptune in Aries on May 24th, for the first time since 1999;

* The coming shift of Uranus into Gemini, and Jupiter’s departure from that sign;

* And the once in many lifetimes chance to dissolve the old structures of your identity and worldview to bring your dream into existence.

Find Emily’s recent class all about Neptune in Aries here: https://embodiedaquarian.com/classes/p/neptune-aries

Or become a paid subscriber to The Embodied Aquarian Age for her new and full moon transmissions and in-depth astrology classes.

For more of Kristine’s posts and workshops, subscribe below.

Reclaim Your Natural Wisdom is a reader-supported publication. Join live workshops; attend quarterly astro-salons; receive discounts on readings; and get access to the archives by becoming a paid subscriber.

We’d love to hear from you!

Caroline Lindon is the creator of The Saturn Seminary, a Substack that probes the depths of human consciousness and dismantles unseen barriers. Saturn serves as her celestial guide, urging introspection and growth. Her work plants seeds of transformation in those willing to confront their inner darkness.

Living with ADHD and dyslexia, Caroline brings a unique perspective to wider social dynamics by incorporating her training in fields such as astrology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). She views these disciplines as tools for unlocking potential and reshaping reality. Her approach blends ancient wisdom with modern techniques to uncover hidden truths.

Caroline Lindon of Saturn Seminary joined me in a conversation about a wide range of topics, from Saturn to neurodiversity. I began following Caroline after reading and appreciating her realistic take on Pluto’s move into Aquarius:

and knew I wanted to have a conversation with her.

Caroline writes on a variety of topics, including astrology. She has a background in neuro-linguistic programming as well as teaching and business transformation.

As two “Saturn obsessed” people, we talked about why honoring Saturn as the traditional ruler of Aquarius matters; the need for taking back your personal authority; and how important it is to be in reality right now.

We dove into several other topics:

* Astrology as a way of revealing the patterns in your life;

* What Pluto in Aquarius seems to have in store for us;

* What “war” might mean in the modern world with Neptune in Aries;

* Why neuro-divergence does not need to be “fixed”;

* And the best advice for how to thrive in the midst of chaotic change.

Subscribe to The Saturn Seminary for more of Caroline’s work.

To receive Kristine’s posts and stay informed of my workshops, including “Reclaim Your Sacred Center with Saturn as Guide” on April 30th, be sure to subscribe to Reclaim Your Natural Wisdom:

This episode of The Natural Wisdom Podcast is a reading of my Manifesto, part I, on reclaiming the archetype of Saturn as the truth-teller of the soul, previously published in written form.

Reclaim your Saturn to own your life.

Get to know your own Saturn with a special Saturn consultation with me.

Thank you for listening to The Natural Wisdom Podcast!

In this 25 minute talk, I shared what embodiment means and why it is so important in these times. The last ten minutes or so include a meditative process to become more rooted in your physical experience, that is, more deeply embodied.

Enjoy!

Astrologer, friend and mentor Emily Trinkaus joined me today for our first conversation of the year on the epic astrology of 2025.

We covered a lot of ground in our almost 90 minute talk, including:

* The slow start to the year of first Mars, then Venus and Mercury retrograde, and how to use these inward-looking times to prepare for what’s coming;

* The heavy emphasis on endings as well as new beginnings this year with so much happening at the juncture between Pisces and Aries, the respective last and first signs of the Zodiac;

* The shift of the Lunar Nodes, the axis of the eclipses, into Pisces and Virgo and the imperative of spiritual integrity and embodiment.

As always, the energies of the planets hold potential for conscious and empowered cooperation, as well as shadows. We talked about a number of practices for making the most of this exciting time in our lives. Plus, both Emily and I have a number of offerings to help you navigate and flourish.

If you want to be one of the twelve women joining Emily at her in-person Solstice retreat, check it out here: https://embodiedaquarian.com/summer-solstice-retreat

You can find more about Emily’s offerings, including her monthly New and Full Moon transmissions here: https://embodiedaquarian.com/

Join Kristine live (or by recording) on January 10th for more on the astrology of 2025, plus guidance and practices to thrive in the new age, open to all subscribers:

Kristine is also speaking at the Living from the Core Sacred Embodiment Convergence this week, live on Tuesday, January 7th at 11 am Mountain, or by recording. There is a wonderful line-up of healers, astrologers, coaches and others coming together to share wisdom and practices for coming back to your sacred center. Join the Facebook group here to watch and participate.

Both Emily and Kristine are available, too, for astrology readings through our websites.

We’d love to hear what’s going on for you, and how you are experiencing this new year!