Who Holds Authority? | Jessica Lanyadoo & Jordyn Smith | Arcane Astrology Talks

What does authority mean in astrology—and who gets to claim it?In this first episode of The Arcane Astrology Talks on the Non Conformist Conscience podcast, astrologer Jordyn Smith is joined by Jessica Lanyadoo, host of the widely followed podcast Ghost of a Podcast, for a conversation exploring discernment, common sense, and emotional intelligence within astrological practice.Together we discuss how these qualities can feel surprisingly arcane within modern astrology, despite being essential to thoughtful interpretation. The conversation examines how historical power structures have shaped the traditions, language, and authority structures within astrology, and how those influences continue to appear within the community today. We also explore themes of activism, feminism, and the importance of questioning who holds authority in spaces that interpret symbols, stories, and collective meaning.We then turn to the astrology of the current moment. The discussion touches on the significance of the Saturn–Neptune conjunction in Aries, a rare cycle often associated with ideological restructuring and the dissolving of old narratives that no longer hold. We also explore the upcoming ingress of Uranus into Gemini and its square to the transiting lunar nodal axis, highlighting how these planetary movements may correlate with rapid shifts in communication, information systems, and collective direction.Through astrology, cultural reflection, and dialogue, this episode explores how practitioners can engage astrology with awareness, responsibility, and a willingness to question inherited frameworks.