Astrology for Beginners

Last week, we learned how to identify chart rulers and use them to explore the key lessons and overarching themes in one’s life. This week, we’ll continue this line of thinking by talking about individual house rulers and how they can be used to explore our experiences in more specific life areas. There is a handout for this episode! Get the secret celebrity natal chart on Substack and have it on...

In this episode, you’ll learn all about your chart ruler, or the planet that rules your rising sign. You’ll find out how this influential planet shapes your personality, personal journey, and the key learning themes you’ll encounter again and again throughout your life. Then, you’ll get practical, step-by-step tips for how to interpret your chart ruler and better use it’s energy. Follow Stefanie o...

In astrology, each planet has particular signs that they function very well in – and others that they don’t function well in. When a planet is in a sign that complements its energy, it’s said to be dignified. Conversely, when a planet is in a sign that it contradicts its true nature, it’s said to be debilitated. In your natal chart, a planet being either in domicile, exaltation, detriment, or fall...

This episode explores how your lunar phase at birth helps shape your personality and life’s journey. From the active and adventurous waxing moon phases to the reflective and introspective waning phases, you’ll discover how your birth moon can influence your mood, decision-making, and overall view of life. Before the episode begins, you can find your natal lunar phase here: https://horoscopes.astro...

The 8th and 12th houses in astrology are mystical, mysterious, and occasionally daunting places that involve complicated themes like spirituality, the subconscious mind, and healing. Given the similarities they share, it’s common for people to feel confused about the differences between the two. And yet, they are different. Listen to find out how, as well as how and why they compliment one another...

A retrograde is a type of transit in astrology that occurs when a planet “appears” to be moving backward along its path in the sky. When this occurs, we collectively have a chance to review the parts of our lives that fall under the rulership of that planet. But what happens if a planet was retrograde on the day you were born? Does having a retrograde planet in your natal chart mean something? Fin...

In this episode, we’ll discuss two of the more commonly discussed minor aspects in astrology: semi sextiles and quincunxes. Listen to learn what each aspect signifies and how identifying the minor aspects in your chart can enhance your natal chart readings. Find and download the handout for this episode. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKA...

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the five major aspects in astrology, with a focus on the hard aspects, or squares and oppositions. The hard aspects signify parts of ourselves, or our lives, where we experience obstacles, conflict, or restrictions. But they’re not all bad! They also infuse us with the energy and ambition we need to accomplish things. Listen to learn more. Visit the...

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the five major aspects in astrology, with a focus on the soft aspects, or trines and sextiles. Trines and sextiles facilitate a harmonious exchange of energy between two planets and signify the natural talents, skills, and tools that we are born with. Listen to learn how to decipher the meaning of the soft aspects your natal chart and how they may im...

In this episode, we begin taking a deep dive into the five major aspects in astrology, with a special focus on planetary conjunctions. Conjunctions signify a powerful blending of energies, shaping both our personality traits and life experiences. Listen to learn how to decipher the meaning of conjunctions in your natal chart and how they may impact you. Then, don’t miss the next couple of episodes...

In your natal chart, there are four highly sensitive, deeply important points that help define how you show up in key areas of your life and illuminate the path you are likeliest to take. Listen to this episode to learn more about the the Ascendant (ASC), Descendant (DSC), Midheaven/Medium Coeli (MC), and Imum Coeli (IC), and what they say about you. Get the optional handout for this episode on Su...

Chiron represents our deepest wound and the thing that makes us feel unlovable. But in this wound lies our greatest opportunity for personal or spiritual growth and the greatest gift we have to offer others … thus we become a “wounded healer.” Listen to find out more about Chiron and how understanding your Chiron placement can help you unlock your full potential. Find a transcript. Join Stefanie’s...

The lunar nodes work together to tell a story about our soul’s personal journey. The South Node represents our past experiences, including where/what we’ve already developed, what we’re good at, and the karmic lessons we’re looking to resolve. The North Node, on the other hand, represents the next step on your evolutionary path and what you’re growing into in this life. Listen to find out more and...

In this episode, we’ll discuss the enigmatic and mysterious influences of the outer planets. Uranus sparks innovation. Neptune fuels both our dreams and illusions. And Pluto transforms everything it touches through a process of destruction and rebirth. Learn how their placements in a natal chart signify generational traits, societal shifts, and profound personal transformations. CW// This episode...

Eclipse gateways – or the time that elapses between one eclipse and another during an eclipse season – offer us a unique set of energy. Find out what that is and how to use it, and get more info on what to expect with the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8. You’ll also learn a little bit about Pluto in this episode and what it feels like to have a Pluto ascendant (like Stefanie does). Email Stefani...

Jupiter and Saturn – the two social planets – create seemingly opposite, but complimentary, forces in our lives. Jupiter encourages us to explore, be hopeful, and have fun, while Saturn provides the necessary boundaries, structure, and challenges we need to grow and, ultimately, accomplish our goals. Together, they help us balance idealism with realism so that we can make contributions to society....

Eclipses usher in change and are associated with endings, beginnings, and transformation. And they often earmark a new chapter in our lives! As we embark on the first eclipse season of 2024, find out what to expect both personally and culturally, and get insight as to how to best to work with the (typically) unpredictable eclipse energy. Join Stefanie’s Moon Circle: https://mooncircle.substack.com...

The personal planets give us valuable insights about our core identity and the ways we think, feel, and behave. If the luminaries are who we are, and Mercury is how we think, then Venus and Mars are what we want and how we get it. Listen to find out how understanding these placements in your chart can help you reach your goals and build a more fulfilling life.   Contact Stefanie Kate Boucher on Su...

The personal planets – the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars – give us valuable insights about our core identity and the ways we think, feel, and behave. Listen to find out more about what each planet in astrology means in your natal chart and how to analyze their placements in order to reveal your unique talents and life purpose, in addition to possible challenges. Be sure to join next week for...

In this episode, we’ll talk about the big three in astrology – your sun, moon, and rising signs – and how each one works together to form your unique personality. Then, we’ll take a look at a celebrity chart for a real-life example of how the big three get woven together in practice. Ready to begin reading your own chart on a very basic level? Don’t miss the hands-on activity that will get you sta...

House systems determine how astrologers divide the sky into segments for chart interpretation. In this episode, you’ll get a brief overview of how and why different house systems are used and learn about three of the most widely used house systems: Placidus, Equal House, and Whole Sign. You’ll also learn how each house system offers a unique “lens” through which to look at your chart, and how to c...

Welcome back to the second episode of our Zodiac journey! In this discussion, we’ll delve into the unique characteristics of Libra, the fair and harmonious diplomat; Scorpio, the mysterious detective; Sagittarius, the adventurous philosopher; Capricorn, the ambitious achiever; Aquarius, the visionary rebel; and Pisces, the compassionate dreamer. We'll also discuss how you can begin bringing the in...

In this episode, we’ll delve into the zodiac, exploring the first six signs. Starting with Aries, the initiator of new beginnings, we’ll journey through Taurus, the steady builder; Gemini, the social communicator; Cancer, the empathic protector; Leo, the charismatic performer; and Virgo, the humble perfectionist.  We’ll also discuss the ways that each person’s life and personality are impacted by...

You probably already know that there are 12 signs in the Zodiac. And if you’ve been paying attention to astrology for a while, you may even be able to name them all. But as a beginner, what you may not know is that the signs are structured, categorized, and grouped together in two different ways: by element and by mode.  Tune in to find out about the elements and modes and what it means if you hav...

Every natal chart wheel is divided into 12 sections (those things that look like slices of pizza) called houses . Each of those houses represents a particular area of a person’s life - such as home and family, romance, career, or friendships, to name a few. In this episode, we’ll take a deep dive into the meaning of all 12 houses and discuss which part of your life each one governs. We’ll also tal...