Context for Chaos

Why do we chase relationships just to feel something, only to end up feeling bruised, exhausted, and chaotic?In this raw and uncomfortably honest episode, we strip away the sterile, sanitized version of aesthetic spirituality sold on social media. True spiritual maturity isn’t about transforming yourself into an immovable statue who is completely untouched by human pain. The real test of your inner peace doesn’t happen on a quiet meditation cushion, it is tested in the messy and unpredictable theater of your relationships.Through hilarious and deeply human stories, including a radically vulnerable boundary that involved retreating into a fetal position on a crowded Thanksgiving couch just to keep from imploding, we explore what it actually takes to protect your nervous system. You’ll learn how to identify your personal compass of integrity so you know exactly when to apologize and when to stand firm, why scrolling Instagram is just a high-dopamine way of numbing out, and how to embrace the liberating reality that you are “not for all market”.It’s time to stop white-knuckling your way through life, join us as we explore how to stop reacting to the world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Stop trying to fix others or win impossible arguments and start taking authority over yourself.In this segment we explore the radical idea that boundaries aren’t about changing someone else’s behavior, they’re about refusing to self-abandon just to stay attached to a dopamine fix.We share a personal look at navigating emotional whiplash and why saying no to an invitation can be the ultimate act of self-trust. It’s time to stop white-knuckling for control and start building your own competence and sense of self.Join us as we learn to trust our intuition, lift the veil on the truth, and remain stable and secure in our own power. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Are you truly responding to the present moment, or is your brain just running a passive protocol based on your past? In this deep-dive, we explore the neurological trap of the “I know” mindset, the “kiss of death” that stops your brain from seeking new data and keeps you trapped in repetitive, painful relationship loops. We’re dissecting the radical difference between raw feelings and the elaborate emotional narratives we build to avoid taking ownership of our reactions.From hijacking your brain to shift your internal dialogue from “Why me?” to “What is this here to teach me?” to identifying the hidden “seeds” of incompetence and shame, this episode is a masterclass in weeding your mind. We discuss why assuming malice over incompetence can destroy connection and how to identify the ultimate green flag: a conscious lover who takes accountability for their triggers instead of scapegoating their trauma.It’s time to build a buffer between your triggers and your truth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

This week on Context for Chaos Vanessa retells the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde to present the argument that historical passion was often defined by suffering and external obstacles rather than stable commitment.Together we contrast this ancient perspective with contemporary Western ideals, suggesting that limerence and obsession are frequently mistaken for true love. By examining the difference between intoxicating attraction and conscious choice, we ultimately agree that authentic love involves maintaining one’s identity rather than losing oneself in a fantasy.Listen in to discover why love is not about losing yourself in a labyrinth of yearning, but about finding the courage to be present without certainty.Find out your Rising Sign and receive a full natal chart report.Read Love in the Western World. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

What happens when love finally shows up—and we’re more afraid of receiving it than losing it?In Part 2 of this conversation, we dive deeper into the hidden ways hyper-vigilance shapes our relationships, our identities, and our capacity to receive love. We explore the difference between longing for someone and allowing ourselves to be loved by them, the ways childhood experiences create relationship blueprints, and why reciprocity can feel more terrifying than rejection.Together, we unpack how patriarchy, capitalism, and cultural narratives influence our understanding of commitment, attraction, and self-worth. We discuss the trap of building value around another person instead of building a life rooted in our own fulfillment—and how true intimacy requires us to risk being seen, challenged, and changed.As the conversation unfolds, we examine consciousness, communication, and what it means to become fluent in ourselves during this collective shift toward a more connected and self-aware era. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Can you truly experience love if your sense of worth depends on being chosen?In Part 1 of this two-part episode of Context for Chaos, Jessica and Vanessa explore the powerful distinction between loving someone and being loved, inspired by Kara Lowenthal's thought-provoking podcast episode, Loving Versus Being Loved.Together, they unpack how childhood trauma, attachment patterns, limerence, and hypervigilance can shape our relationships, influence our self-worth, and leave us searching for validation instead of genuine connection. The conversation moves beyond relationship advice into a deeper exploration of identity, personal values, emotional healing, and what it means to love from a place of wholeness rather than longing.If you've ever questioned why healthy love can feel unfamiliar, struggled with people-pleasing, or found yourself seeking validation through relationships, this episode offers an honest and compassionate perspective on breaking those patterns.In this episode, we discuss:Loving vs. being lovedSelf-worth and emotional validationChildhood trauma and attachmentLimerence and fantasy as coping mechanismsHypervigilance in relationshipsDiscovering your values instead of seeking approvalHealing relationship patterns through self-awareness🎧 Listen now and join us next week for Part 2, where we continue exploring what it truly means to build relationships rooted in authenticity rather than validation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Join us on this week on Context for Chaos as we explore the nuanced boundary between the body’s intuitive wisdom and the mind’s anxious reactions. We reframe anxiety as a temperature check rather than a stop sign, suggesting it signals where we need humility or more experience to grow. By viewing the ego as a malleable navigator rather than an enemy, we uncover how direct communication with our fears can lead to profound self-trust.The discussion dives into personal stories of career doubts and trauma responses, showing how to patch the leaks in your own vessel through mindfulness. We also distinguish between psychic sensing and intuitive decision-making, highlighting that intuition is built on the ingredients of our lived experiences.From the goo of ego-obliteration to the butterfly of transformation, this side quest offers a roadmap for anyone feeling stalled by a fear of failure. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Welcome back to Context for Chaos as we continue into the transformative Season of Love, exploring the spiritual architecture of human connection. This episode introduces the "Love Room," a shared sanctuary built on conscious agreements rather than traumatic triggers. We challenge the common rush toward commitment, inviting you to de-escalate and play in neutral territory before moving your relationship indoors. Discover why making your partner a false idol is a recipe for heartbreak and how spiritual curiosity prevents your capacity for love from remaining only as small as your own limited experience. We dive into elongating the dance of connection to ensure your shared space isn't just a temporary reprieve from inner storms. Join us as we move beyond chemical highs and into a deep, spiritual evolution of partnership. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

We’ve made it official, the Summer of Love on Context for Chaos begins now.Throughout this season, we’ll be transforming our capacity for conscious connection, breaking both emotional and karmic loops that keep us stuck in old patterns of grief and powerlessness, and finding the courage to growth over instant gratification. Listen in as we challenge modern socialization and the unconscious and learn to stand up for what we truly want, only by first understanding what that desire really is.This episode puts us at the start in our journey, and we kick off the season by redefining love as an intentional choice for spiritual growth rather than an involuntary feeling. We dive deep into the process of de-escalating burning connections to build sustainable containers that prioritize the spiritual evolution of ourselves and others. Together, we discover how to move beyond the pressure of being lovable to find a love that is its own unique power. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

This week on Context for Chaos we’re considering Ego.Starting with Temenos — a psychic container where your old identity dissolves before the new one can stabilize. Then why Manifestation Fails as we often get stuck in the “air” of thoughts and “water” of imagination, forgetting the “earth” of the body. We discuss why you might need to work backwards from the physical to finally dislodge those old, rotten stories that make you feel stuck and how to give your nervous system new data. Actual proof that you are safe and ready for a higher elevation one breakfast or workout at a time.If you’ve ever felt like you’re waiting in a waiting room for someone to call your number, this episode is your reminder that no one is coming to call you.You have to get up, take the test, and hit the road yourself. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

This one is a ride of self discovery. Vanessa recounts an epiphany about choosing partners who prioritize joy, while Jessica grapples with the nuclear codes of a magnetic situationship that feels like a dream behind closed doors but leaves her frozen in public. Together, we navigate the art of bonding, illustrating how deepening trust is like diving into high-pressure waters where the most unique views are found. Stick with us while we also geek out on synastry, exploring how planetary houses dictate whether a connection feels like doormat energy or mutual delight.Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for transitioning from a deficit of love to a state of abundance and self-possession. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

This week we’re diving into the grounding and fertile energy of the New Moon in Taurus, exploring how to find spiritual alignment within our daily lives.In this episode, we discuss:* The Love Ethic: Inspired by Bell Hooks’ All About Love, we explore building a code of ethics based on extending oneself for the spiritual growth of our communities and ourselves.* Finding Reality: Why finding reality through budgeting and honest self-investigation is the key to moving from reaction to intentional action.* Art vs. Drudgery: Reclaiming raw talent and the necessity of art in our everyday spaces to resist the domination ethic of modern life.* Small Luxuries, Big Impact: How listening to our internal needs leads to comforts that actually matter.Join us as we learn to build a root system for a future that feels like a million dollars, regardless of the price tag. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

This week we dive into the deep, electric waters of the Scorpio Full Moon occurring on Friday, May 1st.As the Sun in Taurus illuminates the Moon in Scorpio, we explore the tension between earthly comfort and soulful depth.In this episode, we're discussing:* The “Scorpio Howl”: Why this specific full moon creates a palpable, almost feral energy that brings people out of their homes and into the night.* Cleaning the Spiritual Basement: How the Sun in the 12th House acts as a spotlight on our self-sabotage and hidden habits.* The Jupiter-Pluto Tug-of-War: Navigating the conflict between Jupiter’s optimism and Pluto’s transformative fire, pushing us to let go of the ego-driven patterns that no longer serve us.Whether you are a water sign feeling the juicy intensity or just someone trying to navigate the cacophony of the world, join us as we find spiritual context within the worldly chaos. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Vanessa and Jessica return to the mic for a one-on-one deep dive into the spiritual context behind worldly chaos. To begin this transitional season, we tackle the often-misunderstood architecture of values. Vanessa breaks down the crucial distinction between needs (the Moon) and values (Venus).Through candid stories we explore why we often sacrifice our own standards to make a connection succeed. Whether you are navigating toxic values or learning to root yourself so deeply that you can finally handle joy, this episode is a call to stop negotiating your worth and start advocating for your own authenticity.Get ready to chew on some spiritual medicine and discover why your world never has to get smaller, and then listen with us to Kara Loewenthial's episode on value which we’ll discuss next week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this grand finale, tarot luminary Barbara Moore returns to help us bridge the gap between human chaos and spiritual hope. We explore the evolution of tarot spreads, tracing how they have shifted from 18th-century parlor games to mirrors of our modern, polarized reality. Barbara breaks down the Fool’s Journey as a shamanic roadmap for transformation, revealing how the Major Arcana can act as a guide for deprogramming the psyche. She gets vulnerable about her own multi-year struggle to claim the High Priestess archetype, proving that even masters must learn to wear the crown of their own divine authority. Listeners are treated to a bespoke four-card pyramid spread designed to illuminate the shadow and facilitate deep personal healing.From striking physical poses to turning cards into movement spells, this episode is an invitation to move beyond intellectualizing and start living the magic.Follow Barbara on Instagram @barbaramoore07 or visit her website to find her many published works on tarot and energies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this grand finale, Barbara Moore reveals the hidden geometry of the soul by decoding how the physical layout of cards dictates the story. We discover how the literal distance between cards mirrors the intimacy of a relationship and how a bridge card can fuse two distinct energies into one. Barbara shares her secret to triangulating meaning with minimal cards, proving that efficiency is the ultimate magical tool. From the aspirational peak of a triangle to the cyclical flow of a circle, you will learn how geometric shapes provide a map for your internal experiences. She also recounts an epic, all-night reading using three decks that challenged her own rules on spread size.Our series concludes with a vital lesson on giving the tarot enough room to breathe so it can answer the questions you didn’t even know you had. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this fourth installment, Barbara Moore serves up a reality check on novelty spreads, comparing flashy ice cream sundae layouts to tools that are fun but ultimately disposable. She argues that a truly effective spread should act as a poet or a plumber, making the reader's job easier by following the natural flow of human psychology and graphic design. We explore the visual logic of horizontal time-lines and vertical hierarchies, where a simple shift can transform a reading from a problem-solver into a map of the internal world. Barbara reveals how to avoid painting yourself into a corner by providing just enough structure to open a vista rather than a pinhole. The conversation highlights the middle child card of the five-card cross, demonstrating how movement and interaction are where the real magic happens.Join us to discover why the most powerful readings often rely on the ancient wisdom of "as above, so below" rather than complex, rigid instructions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this provocative third segment, Barbara Moore pulls back the curtain on the privileged, rich white men of the Golden Dawn whose cryptic shorthand made early tarot texts nearly impossible to decode. She recounts a life-changing encounter with the late Rachel Pollack, who shattered Barbara's world by creating a bespoke spread on the spot and proving that the rules are all made up. While others claim psychic gifts, Barbara identifies as a master of patterns and structures, arguing that a solid foundation actually sets intuition free. Things get a bit catty as we critique the cluttered “Pinterest” spreads that often box readers in with confusing, irrelevant designs. Discover why your struggle with a reading might not be your fault, but rather the result of a poorly built map.We explore why critiquing these modern flaws is essential to legitimize tarot and reclaim its status as a tool for truth-telling. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this second installment, Barbara Moore strips away the velvet curtains to expose the huckster era of 1-800 psychics and the enduring stigma of the fortune teller. We trace the lineage of modern tarot back to the pioneering women like Eden Grey and Rachel Pollack who rescued the cards from unintelligible occultists. Barbara reveals the startling truth that tarot's supposed ancient Egyptian roots were actually a 15-minute fabrication by an 18th-century Frenchman. You’ll hear why the oldest members of the community still struggle with labels that once felt exploitative and charlatanly. She also shares her bold, late-career critique of the misogynist attitudes found in the foundational works of figures like Arthur Waite. Ultimately, we explore the liberating secret that while the history is all made up, the human magic remains undeniable. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Join us for a kickoff to our five-part interview with tarot legend Barbara Moore. From a fateful college party to designing world-class decks, Barbara reveals how tarot serves as both a practical plumber for life's messes and a mystical poet for the soul. We dive into the grit of the 90s, when readers traded purple robes for business suits to distance themselves from huckster stereotypes. Discover how Barbara’s background in art history and mythology transformed 78 cards into a vibrant, interdisciplinary map of the human experience.This introductory segment is your gateway into the rarely discussed world of spreads and the evolution of modern tarot. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this deep-dive follow-up, Mark Horn invites us to move beyond spiritual bypassing and engage the internal backtalk that creates our own resistance. We explore the secret of the Devil card’s loose chains and how to conduct a 49-day housecleaning of the soul through the ancient technology of the Omer. From the streets of Havana to the God channel found on a meditation cushion, this episode is a map for finding the spiritual gold hidden in your everyday human life.Read Mark’s book Tarot and the Gates of Light to find your own practice and build your own tradition. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

What if the solid world you touch is actually light moving slowly enough for your senses to grasp?With Mark Horn we venture into the quantum realm of the soul, where ancient Kabbalistic maps align with modern physics to reveal a reality without separation. Discover how the human body is not a prison to be escaped, but a divine vessel designed to hold the descending fire of creation. Before we dare to climb the Tree of Life, we must first clear the energy centers of the self to ensure we can receive the light without being overwhelmed. Explore the power of your own free will as a sacred spark, echoing the first moment the divine said, "Let there be light." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Listen to Mark Horn move beyond the labels and step into a reality where every card is a gate and every breath is a prayer. In this segment explore the ancient dangers of the mystical garden where only the most prepared can walk among the angels and return in peace. Through a 49-day ritual of purification, we learn to strengthen the vessels of our lives so the lightning of revelation does not shatter us. From the sacred rejoining of masculine and feminine to the balancing of dual energies, this journey offers a map for those seeking harmony.Discover how the tarot acts as a cosmic transformer, stepping down the blinding light of the infinite into a power you can finally hold. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

We invite you to step into a 49-day desert wandering where the Minor Arcana become mirrors for the ancient, hidden energies of the Tree of Life. Discover the secret Jewish roots buried within the world’s most famous tarot deck and the woman who bridged two mystical worlds to bring these teachings to light. This is a journey of clearing spiritual blockages to prepare the heart for a personal revelation that transcends ordinary sensory experience. When the colors are heard and the voices are seen, will you be ready to receive what has been waiting for you at the summit?Join us as we move beyond reading the label to finally take the medicine of true spiritual liberation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Listen in this week with Mark Horn to discover how a physical connection to a lost love transcends death and proves that we are never truly alone in this universe. We explore the convergence of Buddhist practice and Kabbalistic secrets, finding that the void and infinity are one and the same. This is more than a story, it is an invitation to stop reading the label and finally take the medicine of spiritual liberation.Join us as we count the Omer through the mirror of the Tarot and step into a home that finally has room for all of who you are. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Journey with us from the streets of 1960s Brooklyn to the temples of Japan as Mark Horn reveals how a technology for the soul can illuminate the path back home. Explore a world where the Fool’s leap of faith and the Page of Cups’ ancient whispers offer more than just stories — they offer a path to liberation. We delve into a life shaped by a profound karmic love and the realization that some connections are written in the stars long before we arrive. Beyond the dogma of organized religion lies a deeper experience of reality waiting to be observed through the simple act of breathing.Step through the gates of light with us and discover the universal truths hidden within the cards and your own heart. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this conversation, author Meg Jones Wall reveals the radical transformations in her life since 2023. We dive deep into her upcoming book, The Devils We Know exploring the 15th archetype not as a boogeyman, but as the tender, scary parts of ourselves we often hide away. Meg unpacks the Devil work of living in the gray areas, challenging listeners to abandon the false safety of binary thinking and religious dogma. By trading defensiveness for curiosity, she argues that we can finally move our shadows from the unconscious into the light of awareness. Listen in as we discuss the nature of evil, the depravity of power, and how to reclaim our humanity from the labels of monsters.Join us for an alluring exploration of why the cards we fear most often hold the keys to our most profound liberation.Read Meg’s current books Finding the Fool: A Tarot Journey to Radical Transformation and Tarot Spreads. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this finale, Meg Jones Wall explains why she prioritizes radical self-empowerment over predictive love readings to help seekers focus on their own growth. She highlights the importance of finding your unique lane in spirituality and resisting the urge to compare your practice to others on the internet. We also deconstruct the King of Wands, exploring how to step into fiery authority as the intentional architect of your own life changes. Through the lens of numerology, Meg shows how archetypes like the Hierophant can help us listen to our own inner spiritual guidance during times of transition. This concluding conversation is a powerful invitation to celebrate where you are already in your bag and embrace the goodness of your current cycle. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In the fourth segment of our interview, Meg Jones Wall explains why strict tarot methodologies can be brutal and why she prefers a more playful, intuitive approach. We dive into her unique numerological system, where Queens embody the protective power of the Emperor and Kings act as visionary pivot points for change. Meg shares her creative method of assigning jobs to court cards, reimagining the Queen of Wands as a fire dancer and the King as a deliberate setter of necessary forest fires. We also deconstruct the Two of Cups, moving past simple love card cliches to explore deep compatibility and heart-centered decision making.This episode highlights how the internet has fostered communities where seekers can finally settle into authentic spiritual ecosystems. Join us to learn how to stop treating tarot like a rigid dictionary and start using it as a flexible, living language. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this segment Meg Jones Wall reveals her investigative approach to tarot, sharing how crafting journal prompts stimulates deeper self-discovery beyond just reading for oneself.We explore the “Hanged One" state, a period of limbo and surrendered control that Meg navigated during a difficult move in Brooklyn. By applying Pythagorean numerology, she illustrates how the Hanged One connects to the healing energy of the Empress and the restorative power of nature. Meg introduces the concept of card constellations, where every number reflects a broader picture of facets like the dualism and intuition found in the Twos. This system allows seekers to move past rigid dogma and reclaim their instincts, transforming the deck into a map for navigating life’s difficult choices.Learn more with Meg at 3am Tarot. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this installment, we dive into Meg Jones Wall's creative process and her decision to move beyond the ubiquitous Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Meg reveals how she built a digital tarot grimoire using writing software to track her personal evolution with the cards over many years. She challenges the idea that tarot is an inherent talent for only "special" people, arguing that anyone can access its magic if they are willing to play and trust their own body's response. We explore her book’s unique approach, which ditches card images in favor of astrology, numerology, and sensory experiences.This conversation is a call to stop treating tarot like a dictionary and start treating it like a flexible, living language. Ultimately, Meg invites us to break free from the shoulds of tradition to find a practice that actually resonates with our real lives. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Meg Jones Wall, the queer and chronically ill author of Finding the Fool, as she explores her journey from fundamentalism to tarot. Raised in a strict evangelical community in New England, Meg describes a childhood where anyone outside her specific sect was considered unsaved. Meg opens up about the devastating trauma of losing a friend in her youth and how her upbringing taught her to distrust her own intuition. Meg recounts her Tower moment of walking away from the church, a terrifying process of smashing her old life to find true spiritual liberation. This episode is a raw look at breaking the familiar chains of dogma to embrace a more relatable and grounded way of being. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this follow-up interview, Corinna Rosella returns to share the raw transition from running a large-scale apothecary to finding freedom in a smaller, more tangible individual practice. After facing a nervous system collapse brought on by the heavy burdens of small business ownership under capitalism, Corinna explores how she is reclaiming her energy through ritual art and analog photography.The conversation dives into the “psychedelic” nature of cardiac herbs for processing collective grief, the grounding boundaries of Mugwort, and the radical act of redefining success by walking away from a project before it turns to bitterness.From film soup experiments to the quiet wisdom of planting native trees, this episode is an invitation to ground your spirituality in the body and the earth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In the final chapter of our conversation, Corinna Rosella explores the true meaning of sovereignty and what it looks like to move from a reactionary ego to a place of grounded, internal power. We delve into the distinctions between controlling one's environment and mastering one's own emotional landscape, using the Kings of the tarot to redefine what leadership actually looks like. Corinna shares a humbling personal anecdote involving a minor daily frustration that reveals the gap between our high spiritual ideals and the messy reality of being human. We also discuss the pitfalls of toxic positivity, the necessity of Empress-level self-care, and the fifteen-year journey of hard lessons that shaped her understanding of authority.This episode is a call to reclaim power from external systems and find the upright king within yourself. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In the third installment of our interview with Corinna Rosella, the conversation expands from personal healing to the necessity of collective liberation. We delve into what it looks like to dismantle the internalized systems that hold us back—from the "cop in your head" to the limiting binaries of being "all good or all bad". Corinna offers a radical reimagining of ancient archetypes, shifting the focus from traditional gendered tropes to the literal elements that sustain our existence and the accountability we owe to our own well-being. We explore the power of finding the right language for our truths and why the direction of the future ultimately rests in our own autonomy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In the second part of this interview, Corinna Rosella returns to dismantle the spiritual ego and re-frame traditional archetypes like The Empress not as a figure of hetero normative motherhood, but as a symbol of radical boundaries and self-sustenance. You’ll hear a candid discussion on why the most profound healing is often quiet and internal, and how to identify when “spiritual narcissism” is doing more harm than good. Whether you are a work in progress or a seasoned seeker, this conversation offers a grounded look at using the cards to break cycles and step into your integrity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

This first installment of the interview features Corinna Rosella, the creator of Rise Up Good Witch, as she explores the intersection of spirituality, leftist politics, and personal recovery.Learn how her background in anthropology and activism informs her Tarot School for Liberation, where she teaches that the personal is political and that spiritual work must acknowledge the harms of capitalism and systems of oppression. Corinna also challenges traditional views on psychic ability, arguing that the true power of tarot lies not in predicting a fixed fate, but in identifying the unhealed patterns and cycles from our past that shape our future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

We’re reuniting with Tim and Julia of Spiral Sea Tarot to explore how their practice has evolved since 2023 into a more accessible living language of symbols. Discover the hidden connections between alchemy and tarot as Tim reveals how plants like nettles mirror the astrological decans and elemental energies of the cards. Julia shares her transition into a "low consumption era," emphasizing the importance of curiosity over expectations for anyone starting their spiritual journey. Come back to the conversation and find out how to weave magic into the mundane through the beautiful patterns of the natural world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Step into the final chapter with Julia and Tim of Spiral Sea Tarot as they reveal how to transform tarot into your own personal, living language. Learn why breaking the rules and prioritizing fun is the secret to a sustainable practice that goes far beyond book definitions. We dive into live card pulls, exploring the ease of the Nine of Cups, the heavy lifting of the Ten of Wands, and the visionary power of the King of Wands.Come celebrate the beautiful obsession of the mysteries and find the soulful connection you’ve been looking for. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this segment, Julia shares her personal resurrection through the Judgment card, reflecting the moment she stopped denying her spiritual calling and fully embraced her practice. We explore the art of reading what isn’t there, such as how a lack of cups in a love reading can be just as telling as the cards present. We also demystify the Court Cards, viewing them as stages of experience and internal attributes rather than just literal people.Join us to learn how to find your own rhythm and feel safer trusting the patterns of this ancient language. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Welcome back as we explore the practical magic of building an intuitive tarot practice with Julia and Tim from Spiral Sea Tarot. Learn why they champion a loosey-goosey approach that favors personal resonance and excitement over rigid, scholastic rules. We delve into their unique methods for shadow work, including the “surface and depth” spread and using trigger cards to uncover deep-seated patterns.Join us to find out how to stop over-analyzing and start trusting the wisdom already waiting within your deck. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Join us for the second part of our journey with Julia and Tim from Spiral Sea Tarot as we dive into the depths of the unconscious mind and esoteric practice. Discover the fascinating world of lucid dreaming and hypnagogic states where voices and visions blur the lines between reality and the dream world. Tim reveals his intense experiences with Golden Dawn elemental purification rituals and the transformative power of surrendering control to life’s lessons. Explore their unique collaborative projects including musical meditations designed as portals to experience the raw essence of the Major Arcana.Tune in to learn how to move beyond dictionary definitions and truly feel the living language of tarot in your own life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Join us for an intimate conversation with Julia and Tim of Spiral Sea Tarot as they reveal how their unique paths converged to form a powerful spiritual partnership. From Julia’s lifelong immersion in esoteric wisdom to Tim’s transformative journey through recovery and mystical awakening, their stories offer profound insights into the mysteries of the craft.We invite you to explore how they blend occult philosophy with breathtaking aesthetics to find the missing puzzle pieces in your own practice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Megan Leatherman returns to our podcast to share how a transformative four-day wilderness vigil deepened her connection to the land and shifted her understanding of human purpose. We explore how to move beyond the capitalistic grind by embracing your most authentic self — just like a cedar tree simply being a cedar. This conversation invites you to reclaim your right to belong and to finally start taking your own dreams seriously.Visit awildnewwork.com to continue the journey with Megan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Welcome to the finale where Megan Leatherman explores how to prioritize your well-being over the hollow demands of a capitalistic society. We discuss the vital importance of divesting from traditional success to experiment with new ways of living and working that actually nourish the soul. Discover why your higher purpose does not require reaching a spotlight to be valid and essential to the world. This conversation is a call to become a pioneer of meaningful work that values honesty and community connection over materialistic turnover. Find deeper peace by visiting awildnewwork.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Welcome back to our series with Megan Leatherman as we dive into the four suits of the tarot and their connection to your higher purpose. Discover how to balance your inner creative flame while navigating the mental conflicts and psychological shifts that come with true change. Megan helps us find the spiritual nature within our mundane needs for money and rest by teaching us how to align our physical resources with our souls. You are invited to see yourself as a diverse meadow where every version of you is welcome and necessary for the ecosystem to thrive. Visit awildnewwork.com for more guidance. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In the third installment of the week, Megan Leatherman explores the complex intersection of higher purpose and the practical realities of living within a capitalistic system. We discuss the liberating permission to separate your financial needs from your soulful callings, allowing you to pursue passions like art or service without the pressure of a paycheck. Learn how Major Arcana cards signal significant life transitions, acting as medicine to help you honor both your spiritual self and your material needs.Join us to find clarity on what your soul is most hungry for right now and visit awildnewwork.com to dive deeper into Megan’s offerings. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

In this second installment, Megan Leatherman shares how stepping into the wild can provide a perspective that humbles us and deconstructs capitalistic views of success. Megan demystifies spiritual connection, explaining that you don’t need a week-long solo trek to find magic; it is present in your houseplants, pets, and the very technology connecting us. We also dive into the true meaning of a higher purpose, shifting the focus away from finite jobs or public recognition toward the soulful expression of your unique essence. By viewing ourselves like the seasonal blooming of an iris, we can learn to honor our internal life cycles and find purpose in the simple act of being.Explore Megan’s work at awildnewwork.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

This week is featuring Megan Leatherman, a coach and amateur ecologist who helps listeners find their higher purpose by aligning with the natural world. Megan shares her journey of reclaiming her identity through tarot after feeling dried out by a restrictive religious upbringing.Her business, A Wild New Work, helps listeners deconstruct harmful tropes of capitalism by returning to their roots as part of an ecosystem. You will learn how to view your professional life through seasonal cycles, finding permission to rest in winter and inspiration to cross-pollinate when the timing is right.Discover more information at awildnewwork.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com

Welcome back for a long-awaited reunion with Taylor Ursula. We dive deep into the world of Astro Cartography, exploring how your birth chart splayed across a map reveals the unique planetary energies activated in different corners of the globe. Whether you’re looking for your Venus line for love or a Mercury line to write your next book, this episode is your invitation to view the world as a vast portal for evolution.Taylor also shares her journey as a therapist and her contribution to the book Tarot in Other Words, which explores the vital work of queering the tarot to find clarity outside the binary.Visit thatssopisces.com to follow Taylor’s work, including her upcoming Winding the Wheel planner, and use the link below to start your own journey.Astro Seek Cartography Calculator This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theaquarean.substack.com