Episodes
Friday May 07, 2021
Jupiter Through the Houses in the Natal Chart
Friday May 07, 2021
Friday May 07, 2021
Episode 133. Jupiter is the fifth planet in the solar system - and the largest of all the planets. In astrology, this big guy is associated with luck and expansion.
Where Jupiter is placed in your natal chart shows the areas of your life where you are fortunate and gifted. It’s where you can expand. If afflicted, Jupiter can bring foolish optimism or a lack of moderation.
1st: Jupiter in the first house indicates an optimistic, outgoing personality. You’re easy-going, generous to a fault, and confident. There is an element of spiritual protection around you as well - no matter how bad things get, you always find help, even it comes at the last possible moment. If afflicted, you could be prone to “big talking” or shooting your mouth off.
2nd: Jupiter in the second house means you’ve got business acumen and are lucky at attracting money. You may have financial support in your life, such as a well-to-do family. If afflicted, you could burn through money quickly or gamble it away foolishly.
3rd: Jupiter in the third house creates a positive, proactive mind. You love to learn and might be keenly interested in pursuing higher education. You enjoy travel and may take many journeys in your lifetime. If afflicted, you are reckless on your travels - or a bit of a Pollyanna.
4th: Jupiter in the fourth grants luck with home and family. Because this house is associated with the sign of Cancer, Jupiter is exalted here. You get plenty of support in childhood and might be a good parent yourself. You could be fortunate with real estate - or may live in a large, beautiful home. If afflicted, the family could be a financial burden or religious fanatics.
5th: Jupiter in the fifth house indicates many opportunities for love and pleasure. You may be fertile and blessed with a large family. You also have creative gifts or could be an inspiring teacher. If afflicted, you’ll need to be careful with speculation. You could lose large amounts of money through the stock market or gambling.
6th: Jupiter in the sixth house brings blessings through employment. You may be lucky in your career and always able to find a job. It also confers an interest in service - your career could be based around healing, charity, or medicine. If afflicted, it could indicate laziness or overindulgence.
7th: Jupiter in the seventh house creates harmonious relationships. You attract beneficial people into your orbit. Marriage or business partnerships usually bring good fortune. You’re fair in your dealings and may be an effective attorney. If afflicted, you may become codependent or be naive about certain relationships.
8th: Jupiter in the eighth house indicates inheritances and money through other people. For example, you could marry a wealthy person. Intuition is amplified and some people may be intrigued with life after death. If afflicted, there could be trouble through taxes or probate.
9th: Jupiter in the ninth house could mean lots of travel. You might see the world! Or perhaps you’ll have a deep appreciation for higher education or spirituality. You’re a seeker, always looking to connect to something greater than yourself. If afflicted, you could become a religious fanatic.
10th: Jupiter in the 10th house brings good fortune in the career. You can rise to a high place and may experience plenty of support along the way. Opportunities fall in your lap, and recognition is possible. Many famous people with blessed careers have this placement. If afflicted, you could be a braggart or a hypocrite. This could turn people against you fast.
11th: Jupiter in the 11th indicates an expanded social circle with people of influence. Friends will help you reach your goals or you may be involved in humanitarian groups. If afflicted, your friends may take advantage of you or vice versa.
12th: Jupiter in the 12th house often means you’ve got protection around you. No matter what happens, there is hidden support. Time spent in retreat can be meaningful for you. You might also be drawn to spiritual studies or working behind the scenes in large institutions. If afflicted, you may be on a perpetual pity party, and feel as if the world is against you.
Those are some mini thoughts about Mars in the natal chart houses. If you want to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Astrology for Real Life - a No BS Guide for the Astro-Curious. I also recommend Planets in Houses: Experiencing Your Environment Planets by Robert Pelletier.
Friday Apr 23, 2021
Mars Through the Houses in the Natal Chart
Friday Apr 23, 2021
Friday Apr 23, 2021
Episode 132. Mars is the Red Planet and is named after the Roman god of war.
Where Mars is placed in your natal chart shows the areas of your life where you must take action. This is where you express your desires, passion, and leadership. If Mars is afflicted, it can indicate where conflict or anger shows up.
1st: Mars in the first house indicates an aggressive, outgoing, and courageous personality. If you’ve got Mars here, you want to be where the action is. You’re bold and not afraid to take risks. If Mars is afflicted, you may be headstrong and prone to temper tantrums. You’ll need to learn how to think before acting if you want to avoid drama.
2nd: Mars in the second house means you’re not afraid to hustle for your cash. You’ll work hard to achieve your financial goals and you may possess business acumen. You’re also competitive when it comes to money matters, which means you’ll do what you can to protect your own interests. If afflicted, you might be ruthless in your pursuit of material goods and not above using dishonest means.
3rd: Mars in the third house creates a fiery, passionate mind. You’re direct in your speech and can be aggressive when debating a point. Daily life is active as you’re not one to sit still for too long. When afflicted it produces a sarcastic, cruel tongue, and reckless driving.
4th: Mars in the fourth means you put a lot of energy into your home life. You may want to be the “boss” in the domestic sphere and could dominate family members. You’ll also want to improve your surroundings so may become handy around the home. If afflicted, you may have problems with your parents or other family members.
5th: Mars in the fifth house indicates you’ll be assertive in romantic matters. You’ve got a strong flirt game and will aggressively pursue the objects of your affection. You’ll probably possess a strong libido as well. If afflicted, Mars in the fifth could indicate sexual jealousy or unplanned pregnancy.
6th: Mars in the sixth house means you’ll be a hard worker and may bring a lot of energy to your working environment. You may be well suited for physical labor or a leadership role. You may not like to follow orders so you could be an entrepreneur too. If afflicted, you may experience burnout from too much work - or conflicts with coworkers.
7th: Mars in the seventh house indicates an aggressive role in relationships. You like to take control - and can get a lot done with partners if they don’t mind you taking the lead. This placement can also indicate an aggressive salesperson or PR agent - the kind who will push past boundaries to get what they want! If afflicted, it brings arguments with partners and acrimonious splits.
8th: Mars in the eighth house indicates a powerful intuition, strong desires, and sexual intensity. People with this placement are aggressive with other people’s money - which could be good or bad depending on the condition of Mars. For example, if afflicted it could mean criminal tendencies such as embezzlement. There could also be arguments over inheritances or taxes.
9th: Mars in the ninth house creates an adventurous spirit, one who wants to see the world and what it has to offer. If you have this placement, you’ll want to broaden your mind as much as possible through travel and education - but if afflicted, Mars in the 9th could produce a religious zealot or worse yet, a religious hypocrite who wants to force their fanatical views on others while not practicing what they’re preaching.
10th: Mars in the 10th house folks want to be recognized. They clamor for the limelight and will seek fame. If you’ve got this placement, you’ll be competitive, and willing to take initiative to get to the top. You could have political leanings and might make a fine politician. If afflicted, you’ll use whatever tactics you can to get ahead, even if they are unfair or ruthless. This could lead to a rapid climb followed by a downfall.
11th: Mars in the 11th mean you’ll put a lot of energy into friendships and group activities. You may be a leader in your community or involved in humanitarian causes. If afflicted, you’re a rebel without a cause or a rabble-rouser who wants to overthrow the status quo. Arguments with friends could find you alienated too.
12th: Mars in the 12th house indicates someone who prefers to operate in secret. Many actions are happening behind the scenes - and are perhaps influenced by the unconscious mind. This is a secretive Mars, which also means you could be a treacherous enemy because no one will see what you’re up to. By that same token, if afflicted, you may have plenty of secret enemies too.
Those are some mini thoughts about Mars in the natal chart houses. If you want to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Astrology for Real Life - a No BS Guide for the Astro-Curious. I also recommend Planets in Houses: Experiencing Your Environment Planets by Robert Pelletier.
Friday Apr 09, 2021
How to Avoid Making Astro-Excuses with Ben Katzman
Friday Apr 09, 2021
Friday Apr 09, 2021
Episode 131. What happens when you get a music-loving astrologer together with an astrology-loving musician? This great conversation between Ben Katzman and yours truly! Ben, along with his band DeGreaser, is the musical genius behind Astrology 101, an astrology-inspired album with songs for every sign of the zodiac. (You MUST check out the video "My Mom's A Capricorn" - it's hilarious!) In this episode of Astrology Bytes, we discuss how to avoid making "astro-excuses" aka blaming astrology for things! (Ex: "well, I can't help it...I'm a Gemini!" WRONG!) Of course, we also talk a bit about music and his new album too. Listen in and let's shred those astro-excuses!
Friday Mar 26, 2021
Venus Through the Houses in the Natal Chart
Friday Mar 26, 2021
Friday Mar 26, 2021
Episode 130. Venus is the goddess of love and is associated with romance, art, beauty, and how we express ourselves socially.
Where Venus is placed in your natal chart shows the areas of your life or activities where you find beauty, art, and pleasure.
1st: Venus in the first house indicates a pleasing appearance and loads of charm. You’ve got that “it” factor and always look pulled together.
2nd: Venus in the second house means you can attract money and resources with ease - or you may make a living in the arts. You may have a love of beautiful things and could acquire wealth. You might even marry into it!
3rd: Venus in the third house gives interest in the arts and cultural pursuits. You may enjoy reading poetry or could be a talented creative writer. Artistic scholars sometimes have this placement. Sometimes Venus in the 3rd indicates people who write beautiful love letters.
4th: Venus in the fourth usually indicates a happy childhood and beautiful nest. You might be attached to your home - or your mother. Interior designers or people who enjoy architecture sometimes have this placement.
5th: Venus in the fifth house means you are a pleasure seeker and have a highly romantic nature. You love being in love and have no shortage of admirers. You’re also a lover of the arts or may possess creative talent yourself. If you have children, they will be beautiful and the love of your life.
6th: Venus in the sixth house indicates romance on the job - and a need for a harmonious working environment. You usually get along well with coworkers - and may base much of your social life around work.
7th: Venus in the seventh house could mean happiness in love and committed relationships. When you marry, it’s for love and love alone - and keeps. You also have an ability to charm the public, which would bode well for a career in public relations.
8th: Venus in the eighth house gives an active sex life - and the possibility of financial gain through marriage. In some cases, this could indicate an inheritance. If Venus is negatively aspected, you might marry for money.
9th: Venus in the ninth house indicates a love of travel, foreign cultures, philosophy, and religion. You might meet romantic partners on trips - or through universities and churches. Art historians sometimes have this placement.
10th: Venus in the 10th house means the public loves you - and you love them. You may choose a career in the performing arts or something that puts you in the spotlight. Sometimes this placement indicates a social climber.
11th: Venus in the 11th brings many friends who are helpful towards achieving your goals. Friends support you and vice versa. Some of your friendships could be with musicians or artists. You might even meet romantic partners through your social life. Friends can become lovers, and lovers can become friends.
12th: Venus in the 12th house indicates a love of mediation, solitude, and working behind the scenes. You don’t mind being by yourself - you enjoy your own company. Sometimes this placement can bring secret lovers.
Those are some quick thoughts about Venus in the natal chart houses. If you want to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Astrology for Real Life - a No BS Guide for the Astro-Curious. I also recommend Planets in Houses: Experiencing Your Environment Planets by Robert Pelletier.
Friday Mar 19, 2021
Friday Mar 19, 2021
Episode 129. Before you start making assumptions that you simply can't get along with that Taurus or you can only date "certain signs," hear this: you can learn how to foster healthy relationships with anybody, no matter what their sign may be. Astrologers Amy Zerner and Monte Farber join me to talk about how the "celestial trilogy" can help you learn to understand the people in your life better - and create stronger partnerships, even if the stars aren't aligning. Once you know how someone operates (and what you both need), you can work together in a way that is best for both parties. We talk about this - and their new book, Mindful Astrology, a helpful guide to the celestial trilogy, the three most important points in the zodiac chart.
Friday Mar 12, 2021
Mercury Through the Houses in the Natal Chart
Friday Mar 12, 2021
Friday Mar 12, 2021
Episode 128. Where Mercury is placed in your natal chart shows the areas of your life or activities that occupy your mind or impact your communication.
1st: Mercury in the first house indicates a personality that is curious and talkative. You have an intellectual outlook on life and might be intellectually competitive. It may be hard to shut you up at times though.
2nd: Mercury in the second house means your mind is preoccupied with money and business. Like Snoop Dogg, “You’ve got your mind on your money and your money on your mind.” You might make your living through a career in writing, teaching, or communications.
3rd: Mercury in the third house is accidentally dignified since this house corresponds with Gemini. If you have Mercury in the third, you’re probably quick-witted, intelligent, and a great speaker. You have a way with words. This placement can also indicate a nervous mind - or a tendency to gossip way too much.
4th: Mercury in the fourth means a lot of mental activity happens in the home. There may be noisy family life, or you may work from home. It’s also possible that home may be a place of study or your parents were well-educated. Sometimes this can indicate many moves or a nomadic lifestyle.
5th: Mercury in the fifth house gives an intellectual interest in the arts. For example, you may be a critic or screenwriter. You can express your ideas in a bold, dramatic fashion. Because the 5th house is associated with speculation, it can also indicate an interest in the stock market. Parents or teachers who invest a lot of energy into children’s education may have this placement as well. On the low vibe, it can also mean you’re approach to romance is too analytical. The “no one is good enough” vibe can be an afflicted fifth house Mercury.
6th: Mercury in the sixth house means you need work to be mentally stimulating. You may go into a specialized line of work or might be interested in medicine, science, or technology careers. Disorder of any sort can affect your health.
7th: Mercury in the seventh house indicates communication is vital for your relationships. You need to have mental compatibility in order for harmony. This placement can be great for anyone who works in law or public relations. However, it can also indicate a preoccupation with what other people think.
8th: Mercury in the eighth house might mean you’re interested in researching the mysteries of life. You’re psychic and great at getting to the bottom of things. You may also possess mediumship abilities. It’s often thought that people with this placement are secretive - or like to plot revenge!
9th: Mercury in the ninth house creates a desire to broaden one’s horizons through higher education and travel. There may be an interest in philosophy, law, or religion. If you have this placement, travel is a balm for your soul and you may visit many countries in your lifetime. If negatively aspected, you could be an intellectual snob or religious hypocrite.
10th: Mercury in the 10th house can mean you pursue education to further your ambitions - or you’re in a career where you engage with the public in some way. For example, you may be a politician, speechwriter, journalist, or public speaker. You can communicate with the public well. If your Mercury is afflicted, your words could get you into trouble.
11th: Mercury in the 11th indicates an interest in mentally stimulating friendships and associations. You may have many friends that you like to keep in contact with or a broad network of associates that help support your goals. You might also be involved in humanitarian work.
12th: Mercury in the 12th house indicates a mind that needs quiet from time to time. Periods of solitude benefit you greatly. You might be secretive with your thoughts - or you may be hesitant to say what you mean. In some cases, Mercury in the 12th could indicate psychic ability or neurotic tendencies based on past experiences.
Those are some quick thoughts about Mercury in the natal chart houses. If you want to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Astrology for Real Life - a No BS Guide for the Astro-Curious. I also recommend Planets in Houses: Experiencing Your Environment Planets by Robert Pelletier.
Friday Mar 05, 2021
Lunar Cycles for Business with Leslie Tagorda
Friday Mar 05, 2021
Friday Mar 05, 2021
Episode 127. I follow the Moon closely for everything. I'm serious about that. It's especially useful for business. Brand astrologer and host of The Savvy Luminary podcast Leslie Tagorda knows this - and guides her clients to success using lunar cycles for business. In this episode of Astrology Bytes, she shares her wisdom so you too can make your biz swoon with the moon!
Leslie is the author of Star Powered Brand and New Moon Rituals for Entrepreneurs (I HIGHLY recommend both).
*Note: I mistakenly say this is episode 203 but it's actually 127.*
Friday Feb 19, 2021
The Moon Through the Houses in the Natal Chart
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Episode 126. The Moon symbolizes your emotions, needs, and how we respond to others and the world around us.
There are twelve houses in the natal chart. You can go back to older episodes to learn about the attributes of each house.
Where the Moon sits in your natal chart shows where you get emotional. Because the Moon is changeable, this can also indicate where conditions in your life may fluctuate too.
1st: The Moon in the first house indicates a personality that expresses feelings outwardly. Your heart is right on your sleeve. Sometimes, you may be too reactionary.
2nd: The Moon in the second house means money is important to you. It comes and goes, which can create anxiety. When you have enough cash in the bank, you tend to be more chill.
3rd: The Moon in the third house indicates emotions tend to color your thoughts. You’ve got a great imagination and might be intuitive. At times, you need to work hard to keep your feet planted on the ground.
4th: The Moon in the fourth is at home since this is the natural placement for la luna. Home is where your heart is and you’re probably close to your family. You might have a comfy home too. You’ll need to guard against holding on to the past. If you can’t let go of the old, you can’t be present.
5th: The Moon in the fifth house makes you a hopeless romantic. You want true love, and nothing less will do. You’re probably fertile, could have many children, and would make an excellent parent. But watch out that your pursuit for pleasure doesn’t cause you to leave a trail of broken hearts behind you.
6th: The Moon in the sixth house means work needs to be emotionally satisfying. You may choose a career as a caregiver or in the food industry. Drama at work can affect your well-being and could sometimes be a catalyst for many job changes.
7th: The Moon in the seventh house places emotional emphasis on relationships. You crave security through a long-term partnership. You’re highly empathic but can also become codependent.
8th: The Moon in the eighth house heightens intuition. You can feel things - and people out with ease. You also have good instincts for handling money. However, boundaries can be weak or you may struggle to find emotional intimacy. Hot and cold? Yep.
9th: The Moon in the ninth house creates a desire to see the world or feed your head. You love to learn about other cultures and may have a strong moral compass. But this placement of the Moon could also indicate restlessness or religious hypocrisy.
10th: The Moon in the 10th house means the public loves you and you love them. You want recognition and you probably get it. The negative side of this placement could be someone who does whatever they think will get the most applause.
11th: The Moon in the 11th brings close emotional relationships with friends. Friends often become members of the family - or you may have a chosen family of buddies that replaces an unhappy birth family. The Moon in the 11th can also make you susceptible to peer pressure.
12th: The Moon in the 12th house indicates a deep, emotional need for solitude. Too much time spent with others drains your batteries. Frequent sabbaticals or therapy helps you to restore your sense of emotional balance. You’ll need to be careful that your past experiences do not color the present moment. Let go of those old stories!
Those are some quick thoughts about the Moon in the natal chart houses. If you want to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Astrology for Real Life - a No BS Guide for the Astro-Curious. I also recommend Planets in Houses: Experiencing Your Environment Planets by Robert Pelletier.
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Sun Through the Houses in the Natal Chart
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Episode 125. Today we’re starting to look at the planets in the houses on the natal chart. I’ll give brief descriptions of possible interpretations for each planet in upcoming episodes. Once we’ve gone through every planet through the natal chart, we’ll start looking at planetary transits through the houses.
We’ll begin this part of the series by talking about the Sun Through the Houses in the Natal Chart.
When you read the horoscopes in a magazine, they are focused on the Sun sign. The Sun represents your basic personality. This is your ego and your vital life force. It’s “you” at your core.
There are twelve houses in the natal chart. You can go back to older episodes to learn about the attributes of each house.
Where the Sun lands in your natal chart shows where you can shine brightly. This is where your power lies and where you can express yourself fully.
1st: The Sun in the first house indicates a warm, magnetic personality. You can be a leader. People are drawn to you. However, you’ll need to keep your ego in check.
2nd: The Sun in the second house can mean you’ve got mad skills at making money. Or great ambition for cash. Material success drives you but you must be careful not to put things above people.
3rd: The Sun in the third house indicates intellectual strength. You love expressing your ideas and you’re proud of them too. Relationships with siblings and neighbors tend to be positive.
4th: The Sun in the fourth house puts the emphasis on family and home. Your loved ones mean the world to you. You work hard to create a comfortable household but can be domineering.
5th: The Sun in the fifth house is the natural placement for this planet. You can express yourself powerfully. You love being on stage and could be a fine performing artist. Your heart is huge, and you could be a wonderful parent. When you fall in love, it's with all your heart. You just gotta remember to leave room in the limelight for other people to shine.
6th: The Sun in the sixth house means you take great pride in your work. You also enjoy being of service in some way. Meaningful work is important to you but you must be careful that you don’t make work a god.
7th: The Sun in the seventh house puts an emphasis on relationships. You attract a lot of people in your life and some of these relationships will be powerful. Even when in a relationship, you maintain your own identity. Compromise could be challenging.
8th: The Sun in the eighth house produces a deep, sexy, and intense personality. You’re smoldering! Intimacy is your thing. This placement can indicate psychic abilities and the ability to get to the bottom of things. There is also an ability to handle other people’s money. When wronged, this Sun placement could turn vengeful.
9th: The Sun in the ninth house indicates a desire to broaden your horizons through education, travel, and spirituality. You may be a globetrotter, religious scholar, or a perpetual student. Writers and publishers often have this placement. When negatively aspected, it can produce a fanatic.
10th: The Sun in the 10th house can bring fame. You want to be recognized for your contributions to the world and most likely you will. This is the placement for world leaders and politicians - or anyone that loves to be in the spotlight.The public loves you. However, if the ego gets in the way, you easily move into dictator mode.
11th: The Sun in the 11th house brings a wide circle of acquaintances. Friendship is important to you and you may popular. Tolerance and compassion make you a do-gooder. You just need to be mindful that you don’t pick up any bad influences along the way.
12th: The Sun in the 12th house shows a quiet, retiring nature. You don’t need the spotlight - you need your space. Time alone and introspection are important. You’re an excellent researcher and caregiver, so you may be attracted to the medical field. Too much lone wolf vibes could make you lonely at times. Get out of the house!
Those are some mini thoughts about the Sun in the natal chart houses. If you want to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Astrology for Real Life - a No BS Guide for the Astro-Curious. I also recommend Planets in Houses: Experiencing Your Environment Planets by Robert Pelletier.
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Solar Return Charts
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Episode 124. The Solar Return is one of the methods astrologers use for predictive astrology. A Solar Return is basically a yearly chart that is calculated for the exact time the Sun returns to the position position in your natal chart. For example, my natal Sun is at 20º Gemini. Every year, when the Sun is at 20º Gemini, that marks my Solar Return.
What’s the Solar Return all about? Well, it shows you the themes for that particular year. For example, let’s say your Solar Return for the year puts the Sun in your 5th house. That would indicate creative self-expression, romance, and children could be a major focus for the year. Maybe you’ll be engaging in the arts, finding true love, or having a baby. Learn more in this fast lesson!
You can get a copy of your Solar Return Chart at Astro-Seek.