The Natural Wisdom Podcast

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: 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

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.pdf And the Sabian symbol graphic we showed: https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jupiter-Uranus-Sabian-symbol.pdf Join 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-2024 You can learn more about Emily and her work: https://embodiedaquarian.com/ Or find Kristine: https://kristinebackes.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

In the run-up to Monday's Solar Eclipse in Aries, there was a whole lot of pop astrology coming from fear, with all sorts of end-of-world predictions. This is a misunderstanding, at best, and misuse at worst, of the power of astrology and other ways of working with the mystery behind the visible world. Each one of us gets to choose - or at least stay curious about - whether we see the cosmic forces as friend or foe. In this episode, Kristine talks about astrology as a way of being in conscious conversation with the cosmos. Get in touch or check out my services on my website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

On the eve of the Equinox, I had the pleasure of talking with Ally Leadbetter, creatrix of Wild Betty Healing Arts, on coming into heart coherence, knowing your 'station' - and re-membering your place as part of the wild world wherever you are. We talked about the soul loss many of us have experienced because of our disconnection with the natural world; how coming back to the true Self is the ultimate protection from and antidote to conditioning; the power of some special places on the Earth right here in Montana; our DNA as our antenna; and more. Wild Betty Healing Arts is a holistic wellness approach to understanding the mind, body, soul, spirit connection to empower each client to reclaim their wholeness, holiness, and energetic sovereignty. Ally works at the intersection of the earth and energetic realms, specializing in channeling the subtle energies that are in a constant dynamic dance with the physical world. Working thru a variety of modalities such as energy transmission healings, channeled information, ancestral work, earth medicine work (earth attunements, crystal therapy, herbalism, animal guides), spirit guide connection, vibrational sound therapy, trance journey work, shadow work, home and land healing, and tarot readings, she is able to help you remember your connection to your most authentic and sovereign self. Learn more about Ally's Reviving Eden retreat here. Set up a time to chat with Ally about her Chrysallis spiritual alchemy course here. Check out Kristine's work here: https://kristinebackes.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

The upcoming New Moon in Pisces (March 10, 2024) opens the portal of eclipse season. We are immersed in chaotic motion and yet feeling stuck, a dualism that reflects the two Piscean fish swimming in opposite directions. Kristine offers some simple practices to find your way in to your true source, and embrace the opposites of the time. Find out more about Kristine and her offerings on her website: https://kristinebackes.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

Emily Trinkaus joined the podcast for another of our Cosmic Wisdom conversations. As power planet Pluto hangs out at 0 degrees of Aquarius for weeks, all the personal planets - Mercury, Mars and Venus - pass over it. Our conversation focused on what these current astro-energies mean on a personal level and how to use them to become more conscious, including: the importance of fully being ourselves; the power (and shadows) of astrology; allowing our minds to be blown; and trusting ourselves at all levels. In true Aquarian fashion, we took questions from our live audience in this episode! And we didn't watch our language, thus the 'mature' rating. Local to Livingston? Join Kristine's course to Learn the Language of Astrology: https://kristinebackes.com/product/chart-interpretation-2024/ Check out Emily's astrology mentorship here: https://embodiedaquarian.com/mentorship --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

This episode comes on the heels of the ancient cross-quarter holyday of Imbolc here in the northern hemisphere, and as the archetype of the wounded healer approaches the North Node of the Moon in Aries, the sign of I AM. This configuration in Aries offers an opportunity to reclaim your sense of yourself as sacred, and heal the wound of separation from your sense of belonging here, now. The practitioner I mentioned who specializes in healing your birth wound is Charlotte Kanyi, of Birth Essence. She was my guest on the podcast in October of 2022. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

In this first episode of 2024, Kristine shared a preview of some of the energetic shifts coming our way, and some practical guidance on how to stay centered and healthy in the midst of the chaos. Slow-moving, intense planet Pluto moves from Capricorn to Aquarius on January 20th, changing the very nature of power dynamics, especially in our relationship to technology, information, and society. Stay grounded an centered by tapping into your unique frequency and building your subtle awareness. Want more detail about the astrology of 2024? Check out Kristine's workshop The Shock of the New or book a reading. Sign-up for the Natural Wisdom Newsletter on Kristine's website to get a discount on all of Kristine's recorded workshops. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

Astrologer Emily Trinkaus joined me today to talk about the unique energies of this Capricorn Solstice on December 21st, and using the power of your mind to create the world and life you want to live in. Some of the alignments we discussed include these: This is the last Solstice for nearly 250 years with Pluto in Capricorn, bringing forward the question of how we use our power; Mercury is exactly conjunct the Sun at the Solstice, a rare occurrence emphasizing the need and opportunity for 'mental ownership' and sovereignty, as well as the power of our attention; Venus has a great deal of influence at the Solstice, and the alignment with Uranus offers a chance to break free from old trauma stories and resentments. We also discussed, explained, and shared a rant about the ever-recurring and unnecessary debate over the difference between the tropical (with the seasons) versus sidereal (with the stars) Zodiacs. We shared our views on why they both work, they are both accurate, and each Zodiac has its own form of elegance. Chart of the Capricorn Solstice Graphic of the equinoxes, solstices, and their correspondence to the Zodiac Find out more about Emily's work Learn more about Kristine's online Solstice retreat --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

From the white lions of Timbavati, to the asteroid Chiron, to the importance of spiritual practice to health, today's conversation with psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, astrologer, and holistic healer Dr. Judy Tsafrir bridged many dimensions. We discussed Judy's new book, "Sacred Psychiatry: Bridging the personal and transpersonal to transform health and consciousness", and its combination of personal stories, practical guidance, and deeply felt commentary on the state of medicine and health in today's world. We met on the eve of the New Moon in Sagittarius, calling on its atmosphere of expansiveness and imagination. Judy's accessible, helpful and fascinating book is available for pre-order now, and will be published on Jan. 2nd, 2024. Find out more here: https://judytsafrirmdauthor.com/ Find out more about Kristine's ritual and celebration at the Solstice (live or by recording): https://kristinebackes.com/product/solstice-ritual-retreat-2024/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

From the white lions of Timbavati, to the asteroid Chiron, to the importance of spiritual practice to health, today's conversation with psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, astrologer, and holistic healer Dr. Judy Tsafrir bridged many dimensions. We discussed Judy's new book, "Sacred Psychiatry: Bridging the personal and transpersonal to transform health and consciousness", and its combination of personal stories, practical guidance, and deeply felt commentary on the state of medicine and health in today's world. We met on the eve of the New Moon in Sagittarius, calling on its atmosphere of expansiveness and imagination. Judy's accessible, helpful and fascinating book is available for pre-order now, and will be published on Jan. 2nd, 2024. Find out more here: https://judytsafrirmdauthor.com/ Find out more about Kristine's ritual and celebration at the Solstice (live or by recording): https://kristinebackes.com/product/solstice-ritual-retreat-2024/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

I had an enlightening and timely conversation with Joel Young, creator and custodian of Non-Personal Awareness, as we close out the 2023 eclipse season with a volatile combination of energies. Mars, planet of action and assertion faces off with unpredictable change-maker Uranus on November 11th, and their intense relationship continues through the Scorpio New Moon on Monday, November 13th. Scorpio is an intensely emotional sign, and deep fear is one way of experiencing Scorpio themes of loss and renewal. In this episode, Joel shared his perspective on how we can shift our relationship with fear and other experiences that cause us suffering through the Non-Personal Awareness process. Get Joel's free download of the NPA process Learn more about Joel's Fear Dissolver workshop For healers, coaches, therapists - check out the NPA Mastery course (and join me in it in 2024!) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

Friend and colleague Belinda Noakes joined me for this episode, in which we held forth on joy as a power move; why we sometimes get lost in trying to heal endless trauma; and why it's so important to design a joyful life. Kristine gave an overview of the Taurus Lunar Eclipse of October 28th, and its themes of power, desire and letting go of control. With Venus carrying overtones of Leonine joy for the next 19 months, now is a perfect time for a joy practice! Join Belinda for her free call on October 30/31st "Once upon an apocalypse" Learn more about Kristine's six month journey into Power, Passion and Purpose --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

At the Aries Full Moon, I had the pleasure of examining the astrology of leadership with Beth Cavagnolo, leadership and human resource expert, witch, and sister astrologer. Some of the key points we covered were: everyone leads in one way or another; astrology can give us great insight into our styles of leadership; understanding each other's differences allows us to work together with more ease. One of Beth's guiding principles is to give each other the benefit of the doubt! Find out more about Beth through her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/winterwitch1221 Or LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethcavagnolo/ Kristine's website: https://kristinebackes.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

Emily Trinkaus joined me a few days before the Libra Equinox to talk about the current cosmic forces, including the October eclipses and Saturday's Equinox in Libra. Themes of self-love, joy, and understanding the difference between your innate power and its shadow of manipulation were all part of our discussion. The inner planets (Mercury and Venus) are moving forward again, but the outer planets are still in retrograde motion, offering us time to integrate what we have discovered these past weeks. We also touched on the US Pluto return, a transformational turning point for our country! Find more about Emily and her bi-weekly Moon updates here: https://embodiedaquarian.com/moon-updates Connect with Kristine here: https://kristinebackes.com/ Charts we used in the podcast: https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Libra-Equinox-2023.pdf, https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Solar-Eclipse-10-23.pdf, https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Lunar-Eclipse-10-23.pdf --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

How do you know what you know? The Virgo New Moon is tomorrow, September 14th, and Virgo's ruling planet, Mercury, the planet of facts, information and perception is extra strong right now. The New Moon comes at a time when there is a lot of information - human-generated and artificially created - out there, and we need to discern what feels true. Ready for a reading or some karmic clearing work? Check out Kristine's website to learn more or connect: https://kristinebackes.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

We are fast approaching the cross-quarter holyday of Lughnasadh, or Lammas, the mid-point between June Solstice and Autumn Equinox. The Sun's light is beginning to wane here in the northern hemisphere. There are other significant energy shifts going on, including the completion and rebirth of Venus' 19 month cycle and the shift of the eclipse axis into the signs of Aries and Libra. Venus has been retrograde in Leo, sign of the heart, since July 22nd, offering us a period of re-evaluating what we want, what we value, and what matters to us. Venus will be reborn in a new cycle as a morning star in late August. At the same time, the shift of the eclipse axis offers new challenges and opportunities for seeing through collective programming, especially around desire and having what we want. I created a whole workshop on this topic, which you can find here: ⁠⁠https://kristinebackes.com/product/lunar-nodes-karma-2023/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

On the second anniversary of The Natural Wisdom Podcast, Dr. Kristian Strang and I talked about the many paths to uncovering our innate natural wisdom. One subject we came back to several times is the danger of getting stuck in 'finding our tribe' by seeing differences instead of common values. We also talked quite a bit about the power of fiction and stories to convey wisdom. Kristian is a mystic, metaphysical psychologist and an Amazon bestselling author. She’s written 12 books in the genres of visionary fiction, paranormal romance, and channeled message Oracles. Kristian has been featured in a variety of publications and as a featured speaker on a number of podcasts and summits, including her own podcast, Awakening: The Podcast. When she’s not doing all of that, you’ll find her dance-walking on the Oregon Coast or baking it up in the kitchen for her high-vibe nutrition blog, Metaphysical Menu. You can also receive free meditations and transmissions from Dr. Kristian at: www.Sacred-Spirituality.org. Kristian's latest book, The Angelics: Wildest Dreams is now available for pre-order. Go on "a wild ride of destined lovers, magic, divine counterparts, Angels and so much more (inspired by IRL events)". Find out more about Kristine and her work at kristinebackes.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

In this episode, recorded just a few days after the Cancer Solstice, I talk about cycles of light and dark, and especially the experience of dark times. One of the gifts of astrology is greater perspective on the timing of and cooperation with the heavier times of our lives. I shared some of my thoughts and experience with depression and the 'dark night of the Soul'. The book I mentioned is "Learning to Walk in the Dark" by Barbara Brown Taylor. The other author I mentioned who has written authentically about his experiences of depression is Parker Palmer. One of my favorite books is titled "Let Your Life Speak". Book a consultation with Kristine: https://kristinebackes.com/work-with-kristine/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message

The Goddess Astrologer Jude Hotep joined me for a wide-ranging conversation about the return of Divine Feminine energy; healing the split between Soul and body, and more. Jude and I met as presenters at the Aquarian High Council online summit, and found a common interest in undoing some of the dominator distortions of astrology. One of my favorite quotes from Jude: "Saturn restricts to catalyze", just as contractions are part of the birth process. Jude Hotep is The Goddess Astrologer, a Professional Astrologer, Master Soul Coach and emotions expert, and host of the Light Goddess Podcast. Learn more about Jude and Download the Understand Your Astrology FREE Mini-Course Here:http://www.thegoddessastrologer.com You can also connect with her through her Light Goddess Podcast, as well as on YouTube and other social media channels as The Goddess Astrologer. Learn more about Kristine's work on kristinebackes.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/natural-wisdom/message