Our Big Fat Journey Across the Universe

This episode breaks down one of the most important concepts in astrology, the birth chart (also known as a natal chart).(Note: we will cover how to identify the angles and other axial relationships after we've covered the planetary basics episodes.)A birth chart is a symbolic map of the sky at the exact moment of your birth. It shows the positions of the planets, signs, houses, and angles, providing the foundation for nearly every form of "Western" astrological interpretation. In this episode, we discuss how to identify planets, signs, and houses, and how these components work together to create a unique astrological blueprint.Whether you're completely new to astrology or looking to strengthen your understanding of the basics, this episode provides an introduction to the technical elements that make chart interpretation possible.If you're learning astrology from the ground up, understanding the birth chart is an essential step toward understanding the language of astrology as a whole.

This episode breaks down the three modalities in astrology—cardinal, fixed, and mutable—and the role they play in the movement of the zodiacal cycle.Where the elements describe the underlying quality of a sign, the modalities describe how that energy operates. They are the structural patterns of movement within astrology: cardinal signs initiate and begin, fixed signs stabilize and sustain, and mutable signs adapt, transition, and redistribute.This episode frames the modalities as patterns of momentum and developmental process. They describe 3 distinct ways that energy moves through experience, responds to change, and participates in cycles of creation, preservation, and transformation. Understanding the modalities provides a clearer foundation for interpreting the signs, planetary expression, and the internal logic of the chart as a whole.If you’re learning astrology from the ground up, the modalities are one of the core frameworks that make the zodiac function as a coherent system.

This episode breaks down the four elements in astrology—fire, earth, air, and water as fundamental building blocks of the Astrological language.Where the zodiac describes a twelve sign progression, the elements describe how each sign expresses itself. They are the underlying qualities that shape experience: fire initiates and animates, earth stabilizes and builds, air thinks and connects, and water feels and bonds.This episode frames the elements as models of engagement with reality. They describe 4 ways that energy moves, organizes, sorts through and makes meaning. Understanding them provides a clearer structure for interpreting the zodiac, the planets, and the chart as a whole.If you’re learning astrology from the ground up, this is a very important, foundational concept.

This episode breaks down what the zodiac actually is—beyond personality stereotypes, compatibility charts, and pop astrology shortcuts.We start with the foundation: the zodiac as a twelve-part, seasonally anchored cycle based on the relationship between Earth and Sun, not the constellations themselves. From there, we unpack the difference between tropical and sidereal astrology, including the role of the precession of the equinoxes and why your sign hasn’t “changed.” More importantly, this episode reframes the zodiac as a symbolic process—one that describes recurring phases of development in nature, in human experience, and in the psyche. If you’ve ever felt like astrology was missing structure—or wondered what sits underneath the language of signs—this is where that structure starts.

In this episode, we learn what archetypes are, and how they function with an astrological context. This episode is absolutely fundamental for anyone wanting movie beyond surface-level astrology.Using familiar characters from popular films--like the hero, the maiden, and the warrior--this episode guides us toward an understanding of archetypes underlying patterns, not fixed roles. Then, we begin to apply that new understanding to popular astrology--clarifying why zodiac signs are often misunderstood as stereotypes, and how they function more accurately as broad frameworks for expression.

What is astrology actually for?In this episode, we define astrology as a structured system for recognizing patterns, understanding how different parts of life function, and making sense of experience as it unfolds. Rather than treating it as something abstract or symbolic on its own, we approach astrology as a practical framework for identifying what is happening, how it is operating, and how those processes interact.We break down how astrology describes patterns over time, how it organizes those patterns into a readable system, and why that structure makes it useful. This episode also establishes the foundation for the series by introducing the core idea that astrology is not adding anything new to your life, but helping you see more clearly what is already there.This is the starting point for understanding how the rest of the system fits together.

We’re introducing something new.Alongside our co-hosted episodes, we’ll now be releasing short, 15–30 minute episodes focused on the fundamentals of astrology—designed to help you learn astrology from the ground up.This new co-series functions as a free beginner astrology course, covering the core building blocks of the chart step by step: planets, zodiac signs, houses, and how they all work together as a system.If you’ve ever felt like astrology content assumes too much, moves too fast, or skips over the basics—this is for you.These episodes will be:beginner-friendlyclear and structuredeasy to follow, even with no prior knowledgeThey’ll be released alongside our regular weekly episodes, so you can learn the foundations while still engaging with the larger conversations.Topics include: beginner astrology, astrology basics, natal chart, planets in astrology, zodiac signs explained, houses in astrology, how to read a birth chart.

Welcome back to our Natal Planets Overview with Megan.In Part 3, we widen the lens.So far, we’ve been working with the planets as functions, and tracking how those functions show up and develop. Here, we move beyond the personal and into the larger forces shaping the system.We introduce the outer planets—those slower, more collective influences that don’t just describe individual experience, but the broader atmosphere we’re moving through. These are not functions you “use” in a simple, immediate way. They operate at scale, often showing up as pressure, change, or long arcs of transformation that take time to recognize.Alongside this, we bring in planetary dignities—the conditions that describe how well a planet can do what it’s trying to do. Not all placements are equal. Some environments support a planet’s function, others complicate it. This gives us a clearer way to assess strength, clarity, and constraint within the chart.The goal here is to round out the framework—so that when you look at a chart, you’re not just seeing what each part is, but how well it can operate, and within what kind of field.And as we move forward into the individual planets, you’ll have a more complete set of tools to understand not just what’s happening—but how, and under what conditions.

Welcome back to our Natal Planets Overview with Megan.In Part 2, we're refining the framework a bit.Part 1 introduced the planets as functions, but here we slow that down and get more precise about what that actually means. Stay tuned for more information on how each planet operates, and how they differ from one another.We also start to look at how these functions develop over time. Not everything in the chart shows up immediately. Some things are felt in real time, others unfold gradually, and others shape the larger arc of a life.The goal here is to illuminate how astrologers make the system usable, so that when we move into the individual planets, we'll all be on the same page.If anything in these co-hosted episodes with Kelsey, Jaimie, or Megan feels too vague and abstract--we have something special in store for you! You're in the perfect position to take advantage of the Fundementals of Astrology co-series Kelsey will begin releasing at the end of April, in tandem with the co-hosted episodes. These episodes will appear in the same thread, no need to search for a second podcast.Each of these Fundementals of Astrology episodes gets straight to the point teaching the basics in 15-30 minute lessons, akin to a beginner's astrology course.

Today we're kicking off Season 2 with our astrology expert, Megan! This season we will be discussing each of the Natal Planets in detail, starting with the Sun and finishing strong with Pluto. But first, we bow at the alter of Megan's brilliance for a 3-part overview.And if any of the loose discussions we have on our main, co-hosted series feel a bit too vague or inaccessible, no sweat! Our solo, companion series launching at the end of April will feature 15-30 minute episodes where Kelsey breaks down the building blocks of astrology one-by-one. These companion episodes will run very loosely parallel with what we will be discussing in the main episodes, and will appear in the same feed.

As the final zodiac sign, Pisces is here to blur the boundaries between self and other—between subject and object—between fantasy and reality. In this hour long discussion we explore three Piscean archetypes and their shadow expressions. The Maiden vs. The Manic Pixie Dream Girl, The Mystic vs. The Madman, and The Artist vs. The Addict. As usual, to skip the chitty-chat scan about 3-5 minutes into the episode.

As the fixed water sign, Scorpio is INTENSE. It represents the waters beneath the surface, signified through themes of transformation, depth, power, and occasionally seeing straight through you in the most hypnotizing--and unsettling--ways.In this episode, we unveil the zodiac sign Scorpio beyond the stereotypes and into its archetypal depth. After a little front-end banter, we unpack Scorpio through three archetypes: the Sorcerer, the Shaman, and the Detective.We get into Scorpio’s relationship with truth, control, vulnerability, and the unseen layers of reality that most people avoid but Scorpio instinctively moves toward.We also explore one of the most misunderstood Scorpio themes: sex versus intimacy. Why is Scorpio so often associated with sexuality? What’s actually happening behind the scenes? We also get into how sex can function as a proxy for intimacy, a tool for control, or a gateway into genuine emotional merging — and how Scorpio navigates that distinction.This episode touches on psychological depth, emotional transformation, power dynamics, trust, and what happens intensity replaces vulnerability.

Cancer isn’t just moody. It’s cardinal water — the waters of the womb — archetypes of nurturance, memory, intuition, and occasionally loving you so hard it becomes a strategy.In this episode, we explore the zodiac sign Cancer beyond the stereotypes and into its archetypal depth. After a little front-end banter, because obviously, we unpack Cancer through three polarities: the Spy versus the Sharp-Shooter, the Mother versus the Smotherer, and the Healer versus the Enabler.As the first water sign — cardinal water — Cancer represents the “waters of the womb,” the first waters we ever experience. The waters that grow us, nourish us, and fundamentally shape us from the inside-out. We touch on emotional intuition, protectiveness, attachment, and what happens when care turns into control or healing turns into rescuing (or obvious co-dependency).We also get into Cancer’s imaginal side — the Ariel-from-The-Little-Mermaid  cave of emotional trinkets, the love of disappearing into books, music, fantasy… and yes, possibly a really good rave.This is Cancer as myth, psyche, and shadow — not just “moody.”

In this solo episode, Kelsey explores the water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—through Dr. Glenn Perry’s psychoastrological framework. Learn how emotional development unfolds across the lifespan, from the birth of emotional intelligence (Cancer), through midlife transformation and shadow work (Scorpio), to surrender, spirituality, and end-of-life integration (Pisces). This episode covers emotional development, attachment, trauma, midlife crisis, transformation, spirituality, and the psychological tasks of each water sign.

In this episode, we explore the Air sign Developmental Stages—Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius—as phases of psychological growth. From the emergence of language and perception, to learning how to relate ethically with others, to stepping outside the system to see the bigger picture, these stages map the evolution of how the mind produces thought, how it seeks meaning and balance, and how it prioritizes social awareness across a lifetime. We look at each sign’s core characteristics and how they relate to their respective development age phases-- for better or worse-- and discover the consequences when curiosity, harmony, and vision lose grounding. This is astrology as a lens for development, not personality labels.

Look, we know Gemini has a bad reputation but hear us out... Synopsis:This episode is an invitation into the mind of Gemini — the zodiac sign that notices patterns, asks questions, and finds meaning through conversation. Over the course of the hour we discuss 3 Geminian archetypes, their shadows, and what it's like to inhabit a mind that’s always in motion. (Like... pathologically so)As always, to skip the chit-chat scan to minute 15, give or take

Is Jaimie Sick? Yes. Is that going to stop us?! Yes, it did, which is why this year we're doing a *special* Holiday Special with our enthusiastically hesitant, live-in skeptic, Kelsey's Fiance, Spencer

And finally everyone's favorite alien, Aquarius. Oh, Aquarius... you slithy tove, you.

Libra just loves to be fashionably late... that's our story, and we're gonna run with it. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did <3Yes, I did just realize hashtags don't work on this platform, but I AM 36 years old sooo...

Friends... enemies... lovers...astro-nerds... and everyone who's pretty sure they're missing a diagnosis or two, welcome. This episode is dense, and nerdy, and I get to dive into Dr. Perry's brilliant theory of the Astrological signs as Social Development Stages and I... I enjoyed every second of it. I hope you it helps illuminate the zodiac archetypes in a way that is as mind blowing as it has been for me. Don't worry! Next week Jaimie will be back and we'll have a breather and a laugh with our favorite little cute, quirky and stupidly smart comedian. XOXO

We're back! Well, not with a typical season episode, but with a b-b-b-bonus episode from Kelsey. As you wait ever so patiently for our Libra episode, we decided to have Kelsey jump on and create a couple bonus episodes to synthesize, summarize, and correlate the Astro-Social Development Stages as penned by Dr. Glenn Perry for the first 6 zodiac archetypes we've covered thus far. Today, our Fire signs, next, Earth! Hopefully this episode will clarify some of the deeper layers of why and how each astrological archetype add onto and complete one-another.Remember, there are no "bad signs", just immature expressions of those signs.xoxo, Kelsey

In honor of Virgo, everyone's little perfectionists, we gotta admit... this one is kind of rough. Please forgive the sound, and for the growing pains we continue to undergo as we figure out how to be humans doing new, human-y-er things. Much love, and we'll be back next week with Libra

Whew, that was a long couple of weeks' break, but there's no better sign to return with than the warm, cozy, safe sign of... well, you know. This episode will be in the same format as the previous episodes about zodiac archetypes-- we will be using Stephen Forrest's "The Inner Sky" and Dr. Glenn Perry's theory on "Astrological Development Stages" to get super nerdy about our good friend and favorite bed rot buddy, Taurus. #astrologyforbeginners #astrology #learnastrology  #taurus #archetypalastrology

Well, it took well over 8 hours and 7 attempted uploads across 2 devices, but the Capricorn episode is here.  Universally speaking, it makes sense to my personal life that this episode got posted 10 minutes past due, Thanks for letting me out of Cosmic time out,  Saturn, you fugly—@$s stank b*!ch. #astrologypodcast #astrologyposts #astrology #learnastrology #ourbigfatjourneypodcast #zodiacsigns #thezodiac#astrologyforbeginners #aries #taurus #gemini #cancer #leo #virgo #libra #scorpio #sagittarius #capricorn #aquarius #pisces #astrologyfornerds # I don’t know if this is how podcast hashtags work… # someone send help…

Oh man, I typed such a lovely little intro here, and it's just... it's gone to the ether. But anyway! Welcome to our first bonus episode about the three zodiac modalities (sometimes referred to as the quadriplicities. I know... I know). Cause I don't know about y'all but these never made a whole lot of sense when I was trying to study Astrology through random, scattered pages across the internet... and the professional sources honestly didn't touch too much on them either.So, if you are also like "wtf?", hopefully by the end of this episode you'll have a deeper, more applicable, and fun understanding of the modalities. Cause, like, we all have one... there's no escape. And if this doesn't clear up absolute sh*t for you, I am so deeply sorry, and beg for your forgiveness; cause we love you anyway. Like... we LIKE like you. 4ever.XOXO --Kelsey & Jaimie#astrologypodcast #astrologyposts #astrology #learnastrology #ourbigfatjourneypodcast #zodiacsigns #thezodiac#astrologyforbeginners #aries #taurus #gemini #cancer #leo #virgo #libra #scorpio #sagittarius #capricorn #aquarius #pisces #modalities #quadriplicities #cardinalsigns #fixedsigns #mutablesigns  # I don’t know if this is how podcast hashtags work… # someone send help…

Oopsie-daisy! Better late than never! This is our Wednesday, Season 1, episode 8 on the unforgettable, one-of-a-kind, Sagittarius! You can expect these regular series episodes every Wednesday moving forward, and on either Monday or Fridays, you can expect bi-weekly bonus episodes! This Friday we'll be sharing our Modalities bonus episode. If you don't follow us yet, what are you even doing? Just kidding. We love you, and we hope you'll continue to join us on Our Big Fat Journey Across the Universe!#astrologypodcast #astrologyposts #astrology #learnastrology #ourbigfatjourneypodcast #zodiacsigns #astrologyforbeginners #aries #taurus #gemini #cancer #leo #virgo #libra #scorpio #sagittarius #capricorn #aquarius #pisces 

Need a break from all the f@sc*sm? Take an hour to chill out with some casual, but informative astrological banter from bffs Kelsey and Jaimie as they take us on Our Big Fat Journey Across the Universe. Today we discuss the second of the fire signs; our charming, gregarious, rockstar of the zodiac, Leo! Keep an eye out every Wednesday for a new episode, and starting August 25th, keep an eye out for bi-weekly bonus episodes ;)... because we love you, and we need a break too. XOXO#astrologypodcast #astrologyposts #astrology #learnastrology #ourbigfatjourneypodcast #Leo #zodiacsigns #astrologyforbeginners

This is the first of our zodiac sign archetype episodes. Over the next 12 weeks you can expect to learn first about all three fire signs, then all three earth signs, followed by all three air signs, and rounding everything out with the three water signs. Keep an eye out for bonus episodes about the modalities, the elements, and more as we journey through the zodiac!If you're interested in a 3-5 part episode on "The Astrology of Revolutions" follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @ourbigfatjourneypodcast, where we will be updating you on where and when to expect this mini-series of episodes as the increasingly obvious lead ins to revolution continue to unfold around the world.

This quick bonus episode is a synopsis of the Introduction to the Birth Wheel Episode released this past Monday. It is most useful if you need a quick reference to something in your Natal Birth Wheel. Link for Whole Sign Chart Calculator:https://cafeastrology.com/shop/astrology-birth-chart-calculator-whole-sign/(this resource is free)

In this episode, Kelsey and Jaimie go over the basic layout of the natal birth wheel, and outline the content you can look forward to over the rest of this season :)

In part two of our "Meet the Expert" video we wrap up our discussion from part 1, and have some fun with a playful segment led by Jaimie!As mentioned in episode below:-"Astrology and the Authentic Self, by Demetra George"-@OurBigFatJourneyPodcast on Instagram for constellation photo 1 , 2, and 3-Find Megan on Substack! @hearthfireastrology

In the first of this two-part episode, hosts Jaimie and Kelsey help you get to know our resident Astrology expert, who will be making guest appearances throughout the season.

Kelsey and Jaimie introduce themselves and discuss how this podcast is relevant in today's world, and why they feel it's a valuable, worthy use of their time and yours.

In this episode, Kelsey explores the potential of studying astrology to enhance the depth and enjoyment of the human experience. She introduces a modern discussion that suggests the value and validity of studying topics from both a scientific and a spiritual perspective in order to better understand what it means to be alive on Earth. In a warm, approachable way, this trailer extends an invitation to astrology believers and non-believers alike to follow along as her and her co-host explore the Fundamentals of Astrology in this informative, whimsical podcast. By the end of this brief episode, you too may come to the conclusion that science and spirit are not mutually exclusive, and that they may, in fact, be two halves of the same whole.