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/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
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-ariesOr 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! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
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 is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
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! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
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! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
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-retreatYou 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! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
One of the disciplines associated with the sign Aquarius is astrology itself. This art and science studies the patterns of the cosmos and their connections to people and events here on Earth. Astrology has been growing in popularity for a number of years now, to the point that it is almost mainstream in many circles. But with that growth has come greater potential for abuse, as well.Pluto’s move into Aquarius will show us the shadows of astrology so we can work with it more consciously. In particular, Pluto highlights the ways in which power is used consciously in cooperation, or unconsciously as a form of control. In this podcast episode, I spoke about some of the ways astrology can be misused, and my commitment to sharing it as a way of supporting our/your power to co-create with the planetary energies. Some specific topics I covered were these:* Pluto’s shift from Capricorn to Aquarius won’t be all “rainbows and unicorns”;* What Capricorn - and Pluto’s time in that sign - is really all about;* How to work with Pluto in Aquarius in your own life.Want a read on how to cooperate with Pluto’s energies in your life?Book a reading with me!To receive new posts and support the podcast, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
Friday’s New Moon in Scorpio brings the tensions of the moment to a fine point. Scorpio is the season of both death and rebirth, as the light of the Sun begins to ‘die’ at the midpoint between the equinox and the solstice.With three separate planetary oppositions at the New Moon, there is plenty of potential for projection and it is quite evident in the US presidential campaign.Kristine explains the potential contained in the cosmic forces, and concludes with suggestions on how to exit the fear matrix in these intense times.Subscribe to Kristine’s Substack community for posts and workshops on co-creating with the cosmos: https://kristinebackes.substack.com/Want personal guidance from the cosmos? Book a session with Kristine here: https://kristinebackes.com/work-with-kristine/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
We are in a concentrated period of change in the history of the world, and there is a whole lot of tension between our dreams and the reality we are living. Are you feeling it? But - you and I have the opportunity to cooperate with the cosmic forces to commit to the beautiful future we want to see IF we focus our attention on what we love, instead of fear, hatred, and dystopia. In this workshop, find out why now is the time, why "The Secret" isn't enough, and take some practical tips with you to get started bridging the gap between your dreams and your reality.To get access to more workshops like this one, live and by recording, become a paid subscriber! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
Astrologer Emily Trinkaus joined me on the podcast to shed light on the October 2nd Solar Eclipse in Libra. In this sign of relationship, balance, harmony and the other, the Libra Eclipse highlights how we relate - to each other as well as the world around us. This eclipse has signatures of both endings as well as new beginnings. It may well bring up some of the shadow aspects of Libra, such as being more focused on what other people think and what we project onto others. Prepare for a rebirth by slowing down, and spend time dreaming into the future you want!Find Emily's offerings at https://embodiedaquarian.com/ and https://embodiedaquarian.substack.com/Find Kristine at https://kristinebackes.com/https://kristinebackes.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
We are in a concentrated period of change in the world right now. It kicked off in 2020 with the Saturn-Pluto conjunction, and culminates in 2026 with the Saturn-Neptune conjunction. The old ways are breaking down and we have the opportunity to co-create the new.Lots of people are "prepping" for more chaos, more breakdown. Can you be available for what you really want, the dreams that inspire you?In this episode, get the details on what is changing, and why your dream matters. Focus on the future you want and co-create a more beautiful world by working with the cosmic forces.Watch Kristine's free workshop and learn more about the September intensive to co-create your beautiful future. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
I've learned a lot from the beings of nature, from bears to trees. In this short bonus episode, I share some basic lessons, such as:Be fully presentMind your own businessLearn to shareRespect and honor everyone!Want greater access to your natural wisdom? Book a session This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
Career coach and astrologer Aubrie De Clerck joined me on the podcast in a conversation about experiencing more joy, confidence and empowerment at work. Aubrie's journey with astrology began at her first Saturn return. One of the questions we considered was: how can we be human, and safely bring our whole selves to our work in a broken system?Other topics and insights:Astrology offers a framework for and deeper understanding of what we are experiencing in our lives;Our 'threads' are basic aspects of ourselves that don't change;Chiron and Vesta as key clues to what keeps us stuck and what propels us forward;We can't do our lives "wrong"!Aubrie De Clerck is a Career Coach and Astrologer who helps people open doors to fulfilling work. As a career coach, Aubrie has over 15 years of experience in corporate, non-profit, and education environments. She has been a student of astrology for 20+ years and has been supporting clients with career-focused astrology sessions since 2011. Aubrie is known for being highly inspirational and deeply practical, meeting clients with a spirit of open-mindedness, warmth, and possibility.Find out more about Aubrie on her website: https://coachingforclarity.net/Sign up for her July 17th, 2024 Threads workshop here: https://coachingforclarity.net/event/intro-to-threads/Learn more about Kristine's offerings here: https://kristinebackes.com/work-with-kristine/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
Just a few days after the Cancer Solstice, astrologer and teacher Emily Trinkaus shared her passion and growing knowledge of biodynamic farming, a way of working with the forces of the cosmos, the elements, and the earth to grow food that nourishes us physically as well as spiritually. In a culture that has long separated science and spirit, this was a refreshing and hopeful look at a discipline that reunites traditional and modern, scientific and spiritual to help us remember our natural wisdom and belonging to both Earth and Cosmos.Biodynamic agriculture, based in the work of 'spiritual scientist' and founder of anthroposophy Rudolf Steiner goes beyond sustainable or regenerative farming by working with the metaphysical forces of the cosmos. Emily recommended the book "Agriculture Abridged", by Jeff Poppin as an accessible starting point to Steiner's course on biodynamic agriculture.Emily inspired us with a number of her observations and experiences, including: As humans, we are here to bridge the energies of earth and cosmos; Why many people are stuck in such a materialistic consciousness today; Her next level understanding of the planets and their forces through biodynamic processes; Her experience of profound, practical earth magic in biodynamic preparations.Find out more about Emily at EmbodiedAquarian.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
Relationship expert Bethany Nicole and I covered a whole lot of territory in our conversation on the podcast, appropriately recorded just as the Sun moved into Gemini, the sign of multiplicity!Bethany shared expertise and stories from her work as a relationship astrologer, writer, and all around expert on what's 'behind the scenes' in our interactions with each other, and the world.We talked about several astrology-related topics:How astrology is a 'cheat code' for your life;Your Black Moon Lilith placement shows the parts of you that you exile, as well as hidden gifts;Why astrocartography (the astrology of location) can help you work with the world instead of against it.Bethany is just about to publish her book "Secret Energetics of Relationships", and has written an e-book on working with your Black Moon Lilith. You can find her on Instagram as @bethanynicolelove or through her website:https://www.bethanynicole.com/Find Kristine or get in touch at https://kristinebackes.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
What happens when two Capricorn women have a conversation about healing? We get practical. Michelle Lundquist, of Michelle's Healing Home and a podcast by the same name, is a 'home maker', herbalist, and wise woman in the primordial tradition. In our wide ranging conversation about plants, developing a relationship with nature, and becoming your own 'mad scientist', we touched on some fascinating topics, including:How to face the programming to fear nature;Practical ways of developing your relationship with plants, whether in your garden or the wild;The folk medicine versus scientific approaches to herbalism;Building trust in your intuition and direct knowing;Michelle's experience and surprising results with urine therapy.References Michelle mentioned include the book "Healing Wise" by Susun Weed; Dr. Amandha Vollmer; and author Barbara Walker on symbols.Michelle is a folk herbalist, gardener and homemaker with a passion for plants and theirability to heal deeply. An herbal enthusiast since 2013, much of Michelle's knowledge hascome from personal, hands-on experience and mentors of the wise woman tradition. A do-it-yourself spirit permeates her work as she encourages folks to take their well-being into theirown hands.Michelle creates and shares small batch, handcrafted remedies through her monthlynewsletter and offers her skills through tutorials, articles and more. She is also the host ofThe Healing Home podcast which can be found on YouTube, Rumble & Spotify.You can find Michelle and sign up for her monthly newsletter here: https://www.michelleshealinghome.com/Listen to Michelle's Healing Home podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@michelleshealinghomeFind Kristine here: https://kristinebackes.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
Founder of Symbolic Studies, artist and graphic designer Mario Garza joined me at the Scorpio Full Moon to explore his unique and profound interpretations of Saturn through the ages. We discussed the distortions and conflicts of our time as a consequence of losing our way, or 'giving away your pole', as well as: When our 'sky clock' was not the Zodiac but the constellations revolving around the Pole Star; Correspondences between the great ages and the Tarot Why returning to your sacred center is the key to reclaiming a new Golden Age How being fully present is the key to peace.Mario Garza is a lifelong artist and graphic designer of twenty five years currently living in the Pacific Northwest. Over the decades Mario developed a serious interest in visual, archetypal and esoteric symbolism. Mario has integrated a number of topics in his research including: The tarot, mythology, astrology, etc. His passion project, Symbolic Studies, was created as an outlet to explore these topics starting with the signs of the zodiac as a loose foundation.Having recently booked a Tarot reading with Mario, I can highly recommend him for his depth of understanding with the cards, as well as his compassionate presence.You can find out more about Mario or book a Tarot reading on his website, Symbolic Studies.Learn more about Kristine's Empowered Astrology workshop, or book a session. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe
Emily Trinkaus and I covered the astrology of the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction of April 20th, 2024, a continuation of sorts of the April 8th 'Great American' Solar Eclipse. With a strong feminine energy in the skies, we agreed there is 'no pushing allowed' right now. Our best advice was to get comfortable with being uncomfortable as we enter a new cycle of unexpected change; and rest!We explained why Jupiter and Uranus are continuing on with the initiation of the Solar Eclipse;Why now is not the time to be forcing anything;And why it's so important to purify your motivation.Here is the chart of the Jupiter Uranus conjunction: https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jupiter-Uranus-2024.pdfAnd the Sabian symbol graphic we showed: https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jupiter-Uranus-Sabian-symbol.pdfJoin Kristine to reset your relationship with the cosmos and take the fear out of astrology - live or by recording: https://kristinebackes.com/product/astrology-for-empowerment/Find Emily's 2 hour recorded class on the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction: https://embodiedaquarian.com/classes/p/jupiter-uranus-2024You can learn more about Emily and her work: https://embodiedaquarian.com/Or find Kristine: https://kristinebackes.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kristinebackes.substack.com/subscribe