Astrology for Beginners

Join me tonight for our New Moon gathering! There’s still time to register. Join us live or sign up to receive the recording afterward. Coming up later this month: The Moon & Your Nervous System , a two-part workshop exploring the Moon and your unique emotional wiring. Learn more and register here . It’s time for another listener Q&A! In this episode, we'll talk about: * The mechanics of retrograde cycles and what people mean when they say that a planet is in its "shadow” * How to keep from getting overwhelmed when looking at transits by focusing on the ones that may matter most (and how to tell which ones those are) * How to use astrology without an accurate birth time Want more astrology from me? Check out my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in my my September workshop? Or the next New Moon gathering? Learn more or register here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Interested in my my September workshop The Moon & Your Nervous System ? Or my next New Moon gathering? Learn more or register here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher In this episode, I respond to a listener's question about what matters more when interpreting the Lunar Nodes: signs or houses. The short answer is both , but we’ll look more closely at how the sign axis describes the underlying developmental story, while the house axis shows where that story tends to play out in your life. We’ll also talk about what happens when your nodes change houses when you switch house systems, true vs. mean nodes, and why the South Node isn’t necessarily something you’re supposed to abandon. Want more astrology from me? Check out my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in my my September workshop? Or the next New Moon gathering? Learn more or register here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

The Pisces lunar eclipse arrives on August 28th, and with a tight square to Uranus, it could bring some unexpected changes. In this episode, we’ll look at the astrological “nuts and bolts” of this eclipse, including the Uranus square, its opposition to Mercury in Virgo, a supportive trine to Mars, and how to make sense of a “final” eclipse in this sign for years to come. Finally I’ll also walk through two real-life charts to show how the exact same series of eclipses can play out very differently and how you can begin identifying the story in your own chart. Want more astrology from me? Check out my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in my my September workshop? Learn more or register here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Virgo Season begins on August 22nd, and while it will (as any Virgo season tends to do) bring our attention back to the details of daily life after a less focused summer period, it also isn't just any typical Virgo season. Why? This one begins right in the middle of an eclipse season! In this episode, we’ll explore the Virgo archetype, its planetary ruler Mercury, and the biggest transits of the season, including the lunar eclipse in Pisces, a powerful Mercury cazimi, and more. Want rising sign info for the upcoming Virgo Season? Subscribe to my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Want to join my next New Moon Circle? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever noticed that two people with the same rising sign can express that sign's energy very differently? In this episode, we'll talk about how to dig deeper than the basic meaning of the ascendant sign by using the ruler of that sign to tell a story. Using my chart as an example, I’ll show you how the chart ruler’s house, condition, and aspects to other planets can add a whole new layer to your rising sign's story. This episode is an extended preview of a longer bonus episode available to my paid subscribers on Substack. Subscribe to my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we'll discuss the Solar Eclipse in Leo and why the new Leo–Aquarius cycle may begin changing the way each of us thinks about joy and authentic happiness. We'll also talk about the symbolism of the South Node, and why this eclipse season may start out by helping us make space for something new. Want more astrology from me? Subscribe to my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Want to discuss the upcoming Solar Eclipse at my New Moon Circle? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s powerful Full Moon in Aquarius brings up important questions about who we are, where we belong, and where we may be ready for something to change. With a Jupiter cazimi and Pluto conjunct the Moon, something may be coming into clearer focus right now. In this episode, we’ll unpack what makes this Full Moon so unusual, what it may be revealing for us (collectively and individually) and how we can work with its energy as we consider what comes next. Note: This discussion is easier to follow with a visual cue. Be sure to take a look at the chart for this Full Moon. Want more astrology from me? Subscribe to my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Want to discuss the upcoming Solar Eclipse at my New Moon Circle? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Leo season has arrived, and after an emotional and reflective Cancer season, the energy is finally beginning to shift. In this episode, we'll explore a season filled with “extra” Leo energy, which includes Jupiter in Leo, a powerful Aquarius Full Moon, the lunar nodes shifting to the Leo–Aquarius axis, and a total Solar Eclipse in Leo. We’ll also talk about the ways this energy is shifting us from inner reflection toward outward expression, encouraging us to be seen and take up more space, and offering us a little more courage to live authentically. Want the Leo Season post with rising sign info? Subscribe to my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Want to discuss the upcoming Solar Eclipse at my New Moon Circle? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever looked ahead at your transits and worried that something upsetting was about to happen? In this episode, we're talking about how fear or anxiety can distort the way we read our charts, why astrology can’t predict one inevitable outcome, and what to do when or if a “daunting” transit sends you spiraling. I'll also share an experience I once had worrying about a distant transit, and how it played out much differently than I initially imagined. Subscribe to my Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading or want to check out my New Moon Circle? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

A listener recently asked a question that seems like a contradiction: How can someone be born on a New Moon if their Moon is also void of course? Doesn't a conjunction with the sun mean that the moon isn't void? In this episode, we unpack what each of these astrological concepts means and how both can be true at the same time. You'll also find out how these concepts apply to the upcoming New Moon in Cancer, what having a void of course new moon might feel like in a natal chart, and how this concept is being reflected in my own solar return (and life) this year. Want to prepare for the New Moon in Cancer? Register here at Tending the Sacred . Subscribe on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Schedule one here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Chiron has entered Taurus for the first time in roughly fifty years, beginning a new chapter in a collective healing journey that started when Chiron entered Aries in 2018. In this snippet of a subscriber-only bonus episode, we'll explore the lessons of Chiron in Aries and why Chiron’s move into Taurus will shift our collective focus. The full episode, as well as a post containing individual rising sign forecasts, is available to paid subscribers. Subscribe to Stefanie's Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Schedule one here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Jupiter enters Leo on June 29, beginning a year-long cycle focused on creativity, confidence, self-expression, and the courage to be seen. In this episode, we'll explore the themes of Jupiter in Leo, reflect on what we've learned during Jupiter's time in Cancer, and look at how this transit may show up in your life. Follow or subscribe on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Schedule one here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Cancer season begins with the Summer Solstice and brings our attention back to home, family, emotional foundations, and the things that truly nourish us. In this episode, we'll walk through the major astrological events of the month ahead, including planets moving into new signs, Mercury retrograde in Cancer, the Capricorn Full Moon, the Mars-Uranus conjunction, Jupiter's long-awaited move into Leo, and more. Join me as we explore the themes, opportunities, and turning points shaping this cardinal water season. Want to prepare for the New Moon in Cancer? Register here at Tending the Sacred . Subscribe on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Schedule one here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Venus and Jupiter meet in Cancer this week, opening a new chapter around expansion, connection, and possibility. But the story doesn't end there. Mercury will station retrograde later this month at the same degree, providing us with ample opportunity to revisit, reflect, and deepen our understanding of what is now forming. In this episode, we'll explore the Venus-Jupiter conjunction, the upcoming Mercury retrograde, and why retrograde cycles often unfold in three distinct parts. Then, prepare for the upcoming New Moon in Gemini! Join my live community event on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 7 PM ET. Register here at Tending the Sacred . Follow or subscribe on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Schedule one here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the three types of houses in a chart: angular, succedent, and cadent. We'll discuss each type and how they describe different phases of action, growth, and learning. You'll also learn why understanding this simple framework can add an entirely new layer of meaning to the way you interpret planets in your chart. Follow Stefanie and subscribe on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Explore that here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

In this listener Q&A episode, we’re diving into some of the less common, and often misunderstood, chart features and astrology concepts: unaspected Moons, out-of-bounds planets, planetary returns in transit charts, and what it means when your Sun, Moon, and rising sign are all in the same sign. Listen to learn more! Follow Stefanie and the podcast on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading? Schedule one here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the astrology of Gemini Season, 2026. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be a fast-moving, mentally stimulating month filled with shifting storylines, emotional intensity, and some turning points. We’ll discuss the biggest themes and transits of the season ahead, including Uranus in Gemini, Mars square Pluto, Venus’s emotional storyline, and Chiron’s first move into Taurus. Together, we’ll look at what this electric and transitional season may be asking all of us to learn, release, and adapt to. Follow Stefanie and the podcast on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in the moon circle or booking a reading with me? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Email Stefanie at stefaniekateboucher@gmail.com . Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever wondered what it means when an area of a natal chart is empty? For example, does an empty 7th house mean you won't have many significant relationships? Does an empty 10th house mean you won't be a career person? Nope. Not at all. In this episode, we'll explore why no area of a chart is ever truly empty and how to interpret these quieter areas. Follow Stefanie and the podcast on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading with me? Schedule one here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

Void of course (VoC) moons are often thought of as “bad timing.” But are they really? In this episode, we'll break down what a void of course moon actually means in both transits and the birth chart, and how to work with this quieter, more drifting energy instead of against it. Follow Stefanie and the podcast on Substack: http://stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading with me? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Want to sign up for the next New Moon Circle: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Email Stefanie at stefaniekateboucher@gmail.com . Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe

You can look up your current transits for free at astro-seek.com . In this episode, we break down what transits actually are, what people mean when they say to look at your transits, and how the current sky interacts with your birth chart. If you’ve ever felt confused about what transits are, this will give you a simple starting point. Follow Stefanie and the podcast on Substack: stefaniekateboucher.substack.com Interested in a reading with me? Find me here: https://stan.store/stefaniekateboucher Email Stefanie at stefaniekateboucher@gmail.com . Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/serenity . License code: TKAOZTDSJ5OX7OYP This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stefaniekateboucher.substack.com/subscribe