Listener Q and A

Dearest listeners,We've decided it's time to bring our podcast, Let's Get Real Astrology, to a close. This wasn't an easy decision, but as with all things in life, there comes a time to embrace new chapters and follow the call of our evolving paths.For the past three and a half years, we've had the deep pleasure of sharing our passion for astrology with you. We've explored the depths of the zodiac, navigated cosmic weather, and delved into the mysteries of the human experience through the lens of the stars. It's been an incredible journey filled with laughter, learning, and a deep appreciation for the power of astrology to illuminate our lives.We are immensely grateful for your support, your insightful questions, and your willingness to get real with us about astrology. You've been an integral part of this journey, and we cherish the connections we've made along the way.While this marks the end of Let's Get Real Astrology, it's not a goodbye. We both continue to offer our services as astrologers, and we encourage you to stay connected with us through our individual websites and social media channels listed below.Please enjoy this final episode in which we do a proper Mercury-Retrograde-in-Sagittarius wrap-up, followed by our insights and takeaways about the life of “Let’s Get Real Astrology.”Thank you for coming with us on this journey!With gratitude,Dena & KatieLinks:Katie’s design business: https://www.sloansinteriors.com/Katie’s astrology and tarot services: https://www.katiesloanastrologer.com/Dena’s Mentorship Program: https://www.denadecastro.com/mentorshipTransit Your Year: A Four-Reading package with Dena: https://www.denadecastro.com/transit-your-yearLink to sign up for To Be Magnetic:https://login.tobemagnetic.com/a/2147524106/HwojxxzWUse coupon code KATIESLOANASTROLOGER to get 15% off membershipMartha Beck Book, The Way of Integrityhttps://marthabeck.com/product/the-way-of-integrity/ If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

Dena and Katie delve into the upcoming Mars retrograde, exploring its potential impact on our energy levels, passions, and emotional well-being. They discuss the pre-shadow phase (October 4th - December 6th) and how to use this time for preparation and self-reflection. The conversation then shifts to the retrograde itself, which will take Mars through both Leo and Cancer, highlighting themes of creative expression, ego challenges, family dynamics, and emotional sensitivity. Dena and Katie share personal anecdotes and offer practical tips for navigating this transit with greater awareness and self-compassion. They also announce some important news about the future of the podcast.  Find Katie's services at https://www.katiesloanastrologer.com/Find Dena's free eBook, Self-Care for your Sun & Moon Sign, below: https://www.denadecastro.com/self-care-for-your-sun-and-moon-signsMars Retrograde Dates:Pre-shadow begins: October 4, 2024 at 17 degrees CancerMars stations retrograde at 6 degrees Leo: December 6, 2024Mars re-enters Cancer: January 6, 2025Mars stations direct at 17 degrees Cancer: February 23, 2025Mars re-enters Leo: April 18, 2025 (remaining in Leo through June 17, 2025)Post-shadow ends: May 2, 2025 If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

In this episode, Dena and Katie welcome intuitive reader Nora Hooper for a fascinating discussion on the power of intuitive readings. Nora shares her unique perspective on helping people uncover their innate gifts and navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and confidence. Listeners will learn how intuitive readings can offer practical support and guidance during difficult times, and how connecting with your inner wisdom can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Nora also shares her personal journey as an intuitive reader, offering valuable insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to their soul and create a more meaningful life.Nora's site:  https://norahooper.com/Contact Nora: https://norahooper.com/contact/Nora's podcast: Exploring Your Intuition If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

In this episode, Dena and Katie take a deep dive into the four elements in astrology - Fire, Earth, Air, and Water - exploring the strengths and challenges associated with each. They share personal stories and insights about their own experiences with the elements, and how they manifest in their charts and lives. The conversation touches on the importance of self-awareness, balance, and embracing both the light and shadow aspects of each element. They also discuss the significance of elemental patterns in birth charts and how they can offer valuable clues about a person's personality and life path. As always, Dena and Katie keep it real, offering relatable insights and practical tips for understanding and working with the elements in astrology. If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

Dena and Katie share their personal experiences and reflections on the recent Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Leo. They discuss the challenges of perfectionism, self-doubt, and feeling overwhelmed, as well as the unexpected opportunities for creative expression and reconnection with old passions.Katie shares how she revisited past projects and explored new creative outlets, while also experiencing delays and frustrations. Dena talks about the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with her cat's health issues, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and surrender.Both hosts encourage listeners to set clear intentions, prioritize self-care, and embrace the lessons of Mercury Retrograde – to rethink, review, and reflect on what truly matters in their lives.Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges and opportunities of Mercury Retrograde, reminding us to embrace the unknown and to trust the process.NOTES:You can find out more about Katie’s Tarot Readings and Group / Event bookings HEREGet on Dena’s books for your Year-Ahead Astrology Forecast HERE If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

In this episode of Let's Get Real Astrology, Dena and Katie explore the fascinating relationship between astrology and tarot. They discuss how both tools offer unique insights into our lives and can be used together to gain deeper self-awareness and navigate challenges. Katie does a live tarot pull for Dena regarding a choice she’s been struggling with.Key takeaways:Both astrology and tarot are powerful divinatory tools, but they emphasize self-empowerment and personal growth, not just prediction or control.The hosts share their personal approaches to using tarot and astrology, highlighting the importance of intuition and open-mindedness in both practices.They discuss the explicit connections between astrology and tarot, such as the astrological correspondences associated with each tarot card.Dena and Katie offer practical tips for combining these tools, including using tarot to clarify astrological transits or incorporating astrological symbolism into tarot readings.They emphasize the importance of setting healthy boundaries and avoiding the temptation to use these practices to control the future or avoid personal responsibility.This episode offers a refreshing perspective on the interconnectedness of astrology and tarot, reminding us of their potential to empower us on our personal journeys.Notes:Find out about Dena’s Astrology Mentorship Program by August 30th  HERE and apply for the program HEREYou can find out more about Katie’s Tarot Readings and Group / Event bookings HERELink to MJ Cullinane’s Tarot collection HEREBooks:The Ultimate Guide to Tarot: A Beginner's Guide to the Cards, Spreads, and Revealing the Mystery of the Tarot by Liz DeanGateway to the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti  If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

In this episode of Let's Get Real Astrology, hosts Dena and Katie explore the fine line between astrology for empowerment and using it for prediction or control. They address common client requests that can lead to ethical dilemmas and share personal experiences navigating these challenges. The hosts discuss the limitations of prediction and emphasize the importance of using astrology as a tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and owning responsibility for one's own life choices. Tune in to gain insights into how to approach astrology with a healthy mindset and avoid the pitfalls of seeking external validation or control through the stars.Key takeaways:Astrology is most powerful when used for self-empowerment and personal growth, not prediction or control.Focusing on others' charts or seeking definitive answers about the future can detract from self-exploration and personal responsibility.Ethical considerations are crucial when working with astrology, particularly when it involves reading for third parties.By understanding our natal charts and transits, we can gain valuable insights into our strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth.The current Jupiter-Saturn square transit emphasizes the need to balance optimism with realism and take intentional action towards our goals.It's important to be mindful of how our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality and to cultivate a healthy relationship with astrology as a tool for self-discovery.Events and Services: Dena's Fall Astrology Mentorship Program is open for enrollment until August 29, 2024. Space is limited. Find out more and apply HEREFind out more about Katie's Yearly Tarot Insight Readings and how to book her for a group event HERE If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

In this episode, Dena and Katie discuss the current Jupiter-Saturn square transit, exploring its themes of hope vs. realism, expansion vs. contraction, and dreams vs. reality. They delve into the individual influences of Jupiter in Gemini and Saturn in Pisces, examining how these contrasting energies play out in our personal and collective lives. Dena and Katie share personal anecdotes about how they've been navigating this transit, discussing the challenges of self-doubt and overwhelm, as well as the importance of maintaining hope and taking aligned action towards our goals. They offer practical advice for navigating this period, including focusing on what we can control and setting clear intentions. Finally, they touch on the upcoming shift of Saturn into Aries and Jupiter into Cancer next summer, highlighting the potential for new beginnings and the culmination of projects started during this transit.Notes:Katie's mini-tarot-reading event on August 8th at BLK MGK within the Mining Exchange Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO HEREFind out about & apply for Dena's Astrology Mentorship Program HERERelated episodes:Jupiter in GeminiSaturn in Pisces If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

In this episode, we demystify the astrological concept of Solar Returns. Discover how this personalized chart, cast for the exact moment the Sun returns to its position at your birth, can offer valuable insights into the year ahead. We delve into the debate of using birth location versus current location for casting the chart, sharing our experiences and preferences. Get ready to learn how to harness the power of Solar Returns to gain a deeper understanding of your personal growth and potential challenges in the coming year.Try this experiment:1. Cast your own Solar Return for the current year you are in (example: if your birthday is in November, cast your SR using the 2023 chart). Use your place of birth.2. Cast the same chart again, but using the location you were on your birthday.3. Compare the two charts. Using basic interpretation skills, which chart resonates more with the experience you've had so far since your last birthday?You can repeat this process for any previous year, too. You may also do this for the charts of family and friends. Keep notes of your findings in a notebook (digital or old-school paper). This will help you to formulate your own sense of what works for you in practice.  -If you need a video tutorial on how to cast a Solar Return chart in Luna Astrology Software, you can find it about 1 min 53 secs into THIS VIDEO. -For more information about the "place at birth vs. place at birthday" debate, Steven Forrest wrote a great article expanding on it HERE-And here is the book Katie referred to:  Planets in Solar Returns: Yearly Cycles of Transformation and Growth by Mary Fortier Shea If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!

Katie and Dena answer listener questions in this long-awaited episode! They talk about house systems, the “aneretic degree,” how to keep your readings grounded, how the “Shadow” series has informed their practice--and much more! Related episodes:Intuition: What is it and how do I get some?  If you have a topic idea for a future episode, you can reach out to us:Katie on IG: @sparkthesunDena on IG: @denadecastroFollow the "Let's Get Real Astrology" podcast on IG: @letsgetrealastrologyPlease support the show: like, subscribe, follow, and review us on your favorite podcast app! Please share an episode of this show with anyone you think would be interested!