Astrology Bytes With Theresa Reed

Episode 53: Interception is not just some sci-fi DiCaprio movie (although that movie is cool).  In astrology, an interception happens when you have a house larger than 30 degrees and an entire sign becomes part of that house. When viewing an astrology chart, you’ll notice that one sign seems to float in the middle of a house - that sign is intercepted. If a planet is in the intercepted sign in that house, it’s intercepted too. Interception always happens in pairs - if one sign is intercepted, the sign directly across from it will be intercepted too. In this episode, we'll cover what interception is and how you might interpret it. Sites mentioned in this episode include Llewellyn and Bob Marks Astrology. Book mentioned in this episode is How to Get More Love, Money, and Success by Traveling on Your Birthday by Bob Marks.  

Episode 52: The Big Three. Want to read a chart but don't have a ton of time? No problem, pardner! All you gotta do is look at the big three: Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. These three chart points will give you a ton of information. In fact, some astrologers feel that you can glean most of the info you need just by examining these three biggies.  The Sun is the core personality, the Moon is your emotions, and the Ascendant is your veneer or armor. Once you understand the big three, you have a decent comprehension of a person's astrological makeup. In this episode, we'll cover the big three and I'll give a down 'n dirty quick chart interpretation as an example. 

Episode 51: Mutual Reception. Mutual reception occurs when two planets are in each other’s rulership. For example, if the Moon is in Sagittarius and Jupiter is in Cancer, that’s mutual reception. Here’s why: the Moon is ruled by Cancer and Jupiter is ruled by Sagittarius. It's like they are wearing each other's clothing. Got that? Two planets in mutual reception strength and assist one another. The planets may also take on a few each other’s characteristics as well. 

Episode 50: Fall. In the last few episodes, we began exploring planetary rulerships. Rulerships is an old concept where each planet is said to “rule” one or more astrological signs. A planet is considered to be in its fall when it's placed in a sign opposite of the exalted planet. When a planet is in its fall, it's considered to be the weakest expression. In other words, this is the worst position for the planet! 

Episode 49: Exaltation. In the last few episodes, we began exploring planetary rulerships. Rulerships is an old concept where each planet is said to “rule” one or more astrological signs. A planet is considered to be exalted when it’s in a sign that that brings out the best principles of that planet. In other words, this is the most powerful, intense expression of the energy. 

Episode 48: Detriment. Detriment occurs when a planet is in the opposite sign of the one it rules. The energy becomes weakened. This is not the weakest position but it’s compromised nonetheless. An example: Mars rules Aries. In Aries, the energy is forceful, passionate, and assertive. Mars in Libra would be detriment. Mars in Libra would be more concerned with approval and cooperation - which can dilute the aggressive Mars energy. This isn't all bad but again, it's not functioning at full speed.

Episode 47: Planetary Rulerships. In this lesson, we'll look at planetary rulerships.  Planetary rulerships help to determine a planet's strength or weakness.  When the planet sits in the signs it “rules”, which means it’s at home.  The planet functions well. For example, the Moon in Cancer is happy because Cancer is ruled by the Moon. 

Episode 46: Oppositions. In this quick lesson, we're covering oppositions, the easiest-to-spot aspect (hint: planets in the opposite sign). Learn how to work with this challenging astro-energy!

Episode 45: Trines. The trine aspect is formed when two planets create a 120º angle. It's the most fortunate aspect. Learn more in this short lesson. 

Episode 44: Squares. As we go through the major aspects one by one, we come to squares, astrology's tough aspect. Squares occur when two planets form a 90º angle. They can be an obstacle - or a catalyst. Learn more in this short episode!

Episode 43: Sextiles. Moving right along on our aspect lessons, we're diving into sextiles, astrology's friendly aspect. The sextile occurs when two planets are 60º apart. 

Episode 42: Conjunctions. In a previous episode, I gave you an introduction to the major aspects. Now, we're taking them on one by one with examples! This week, I'm covering conjunctions, which occur when two planets are in the same sign. You'll learn about how this might impact a natal chart for good or ill. I also cover stelliums, a configuration that happens when three or more planets are lining up in the same sign. There's a lot packed into this little lesson but it should get you up and running  - and looking for conjunctions and stelliums in your chart!

Episode 41: The Part of Fortune. In this little lesson, we'll look at the Part of Fortune, astrology's most popular Arabic Point! Wanna go deeper? This post from astrology legend Robert Hand is my favorite.

Episode 40: Introduction to Aspects. Aspects are the angles the planets make to each other. In this lesson, we'll take a peek at the main aspects: conjunctions, sextiles, squares, trines, and oppositions.

Episode 39: Lunar Nodes. The Lunar Nodes are not actual planets but they are important. In this episode, you'll learn what they are and what role they play in the astrological chart. The book mentioned in this episode is Astrology for the Soul by Jan Spiller. 

Episode 38: Chiron. Chiron is an asteroid that gets a lot of attention in astrology. Wondering what it's all about? In this ultra-short episode, I'm giving you the lowdown on this special asteroid. Learn about the myth of Chiron the centaur and the role this celestial body plays in your astrological chart. 

Episode 37: Retrogrades in the Natal Chart. You may have heard about the dreaded Mercury retrograde. But what about when Mercury or other planets are retrograde in your natal chart? We explore that in this short lesson.

Episode 36: Saturn Return - what you need to know with Aliza Einhorn. Wondering what that Saturn return is all about? Aliza Einhorn, the author of The Little Book of Saturn, fills us in on how to wrangle this challenging transit!

Episode 35: Empty Houses. When a planet occupies a house in the astrological chart, that house is affected. But what about an empty house? In this episode of Astrology Bytes, we'll examine what you need to know about an empty house. 

Episode 34: Hemispheres. In this episode, we'll explore the four hemispheres of the astrological chart - and what it means when one is loaded with planets.