I've learned a lot from the beings of nature, from bears to trees. In this short bonus episode, I share some basic lessons, such as: Be fully present Mind your own business Learn to share Respect and honor everyone! Want greater access to your natural wisdom? Book a session

Career coach and astrologer Aubrie De Clerck joined me on the podcast in a conversation about experiencing more joy, confidence and empowerment at work. Aubrie's journey with astrology began at her first Saturn return. One of the questions we considered was: how can we be human, and safely bring our whole selves to our work in a broken system? Other topics and insights: Astrology offers a framework for and deeper understanding of what we are experiencing in our lives; Our 'threads' are basic aspects of ourselves that don't change; Chiron and Vesta as key clues to what keeps us stuck and what propels us forward; We can't do our lives "wrong"! Aubrie De Clerck is a Career Coach and Astrologer who helps people open doors to fulfilling work. As a career coach, Aubrie has over 15 years of experience in corporate, non-profit, and education environments. She has been a student of astrology for 20+ years and has been supporting clients with career-focused astrology sessions since 2011. Aubrie is known for being highly inspirational and deeply practical, meeting clients with a spirit of open-mindedness, warmth, and possibility. Find out more about Aubrie on her website: https://coachingforclarity.net/ Sign up for her July 17th, 2024 Threads workshop here: https://coachingforclarity.net/event/intro-to-threads/ Learn more about Kristine's offerings here: https://kristinebackes.com/work-with-kristine/

Just a few days after the Cancer Solstice, astrologer and teacher Emily Trinkaus shared her passion and growing knowledge of biodynamic farming, a way of working with the forces of the cosmos, the elements, and the earth to grow food that nourishes us physically as well as spiritually. In a culture that has long separated science and spirit, this was a refreshing and hopeful look at a discipline that reunites traditional and modern, scientific and spiritual to help us remember our natural wisdom and belonging to both Earth and Cosmos. Biodynamic agriculture, based in the work of 'spiritual scientist' and founder of anthroposophy Rudolf Steiner goes beyond sustainable or regenerative farming by working with the metaphysical forces of the cosmos. Emily recommended the book "Agriculture Abridged", by Jeff Poppin as an accessible starting point to Steiner's course on biodynamic agriculture. Emily inspired us with a number of her observations and experiences, including: As humans, we are here to bridge the energies of earth and cosmos;Why many people are stuck in such a materialistic consciousness today;Her next level understanding of the planets and their forces through biodynamic processes;Her experience of profound, practical earth magic in biodynamic preparations. Find out more about Emily at EmbodiedAquarian.com

Relationship expert Bethany Nicole and I covered a whole lot of territory in our conversation on the podcast, appropriately recorded just as the Sun moved into Gemini, the sign of multiplicity! Bethany shared expertise and stories from her work as a relationship astrologer, writer, and all around expert on what's 'behind the scenes' in our interactions with each other, and the world. We talked about several astrology-related topics: How astrology is a 'cheat code' for your life; Your Black Moon Lilith placement shows the parts of you that you exile, as well as hidden gifts; Why astrocartography (the astrology of location) can help you work with the world instead of against it. Bethany is just about to publish her book "Secret Energetics of Relationships", and has written an e-book on working with your Black Moon Lilith. You can find her on Instagram as @bethanynicolelove or through her website: https://www.bethanynicole.com/ Find Kristine or get in touch at https://kristinebackes.com/

What happens when two Capricorn women have a conversation about healing? We get practical. Michelle Lundquist, of Michelle's Healing Home and a podcast by the same name, is a 'home maker', herbalist, and wise woman in the primordial tradition. In our wide ranging conversation about plants, developing a relationship with nature, and becoming your own 'mad scientist', we touched on some fascinating topics, including: How to face the programming to fear nature; Practical ways of developing your relationship with plants, whether in your garden or the wild; The folk medicine versus scientific approaches to herbalism; Building trust in your intuition and direct knowing; Michelle's experience and surprising results with urine therapy. References Michelle mentioned include the book "Healing Wise" by Susun Weed; Dr. Amandha Vollmer; and author Barbara Walker on symbols. Michelle is a folk herbalist, gardener and homemaker with a passion for plants and their ability to heal deeply. An herbal enthusiast since 2013, much of Michelle's knowledge has come from personal, hands-on experience and mentors of the wise woman tradition. A do-it- yourself spirit permeates her work as she encourages folks to take their well-being into their own hands. Michelle creates and shares small batch, handcrafted remedies through her monthly newsletter and offers her skills through tutorials, articles and more. She is also the host of The Healing Home podcast which can be found on YouTube, Rumble & Spotify. You can find Michelle and sign up for her monthly newsletter here: https://www.michelleshealinghome.com/ Listen to Michelle's Healing Home podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@michelleshealinghome Find Kristine here: https://kristinebackes.com/

Founder of Symbolic Studies, artist and graphic designer Mario Garza joined me at the Scorpio Full Moon to explore his unique and profound interpretations of Saturn through the ages. We discussed the distortions and conflicts of our time as a consequence of losing our way, or 'giving away your pole', as well as: When our 'sky clock' was not the Zodiac but the constellations revolving around the Pole Star;Correspondences between the great ages and the TarotWhy returning to your sacred center is the key to reclaiming a new Golden AgeHow being fully present is the key to peace. Mario Garza is a lifelong artist and graphic designer of twenty five years currently living in the Pacific Northwest. Over the decades Mario developed a serious interest in visual, archetypal and esoteric symbolism. Mario has integrated a number of topics in his research including: The tarot, mythology, astrology, etc. His passion project, Symbolic Studies, was created as an outlet to explore these topics starting with the signs of the zodiac as a loose foundation. Having recently booked a Tarot reading with Mario, I can highly recommend him for his depth of understanding with the cards, as well as his compassionate presence. You can find out more about Mario or book a Tarot reading on his website, Symbolic Studies. Learn more about Kristine's Empowered Astrology workshop, or book a session.

Emily Trinkaus and I covered the astrology of the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction of April 20th, 2024, a continuation of sorts of the April 8th 'Great American' Solar Eclipse. With a strong feminine energy in the skies, we agreed there is 'no pushing allowed' right now. Our best advice was to get comfortable with being uncomfortable as we enter a new cycle of unexpected change; and rest! We explained why Jupiter and Uranus are continuing on with the initiation of the Solar Eclipse; Why now is not the time to be forcing anything; And why it's so important to purify your motivation. Here is the chart of the Jupiter Uranus conjunction: https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jupiter-Uranus-2024.pdf And the Sabian symbol graphic we showed: https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jupiter-Uranus-Sabian-symbol.pdf Join Kristine to reset your relationship with the cosmos and take the fear out of astrology - live or by recording: https://kristinebackes.com/product/astrology-for-empowerment/ Find Emily's 2 hour recorded class on the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction: https://embodiedaquarian.com/classes/p/jupiter-uranus-2024 You can learn more about Emily and her work: https://embodiedaquarian.com/ Or find Kristine: https://kristinebackes.com/

In the run-up to Monday's Solar Eclipse in Aries, there was a whole lot of pop astrology coming from fear, with all sorts of end-of-world predictions. This is a misunderstanding, at best, and misuse at worst, of the power of astrology and other ways of working with the mystery behind the visible world. Each one of us gets to choose - or at least stay curious about - whether we see the cosmic forces as friend or foe. In this episode, Kristine talks about astrology as a way of being in conscious conversation with the cosmos. Get in touch or check out my services on my website.

On the eve of the Equinox, I had the pleasure of talking with Ally Leadbetter, creatrix of Wild Betty Healing Arts, on coming into heart coherence, knowing your 'station' - and re-membering your place as part of the wild world wherever you are. We talked about the soul loss many of us have experienced because of our disconnection with the natural world; how coming back to the true Self is the ultimate protection from and antidote to conditioning; the power of some special places on the Earth right here in Montana; our DNA as our antenna; and more. Wild Betty Healing Arts is a holistic wellness approach to understanding the mind, body, soul, spirit connection to empower each client to reclaim their wholeness, holiness, and energetic sovereignty. Ally works at the intersection of the earth and energetic realms, specializing in channeling the subtle energies that are in a constant dynamic dance with the physical world. Working thru a variety of modalities such as energy transmission healings, channeled information, ancestral work, earth medicine work (earth attunements, crystal therapy, herbalism, animal guides), spirit guide connection, vibrational sound therapy, trance journey work, shadow work, home and land healing,  and tarot readings, she is able to help you remember your connection  to your most authentic and sovereign self. Learn more about Ally's Reviving Eden retreat here. Set up a time to chat with Ally about her Chrysallis spiritual alchemy course here. Check out Kristine's work here: https://kristinebackes.com/

The upcoming New Moon in Pisces (March 10, 2024) opens the portal of eclipse season. We are immersed in chaotic motion and yet feeling stuck, a dualism that reflects the two Piscean fish swimming in opposite directions. Kristine offers some simple practices to find your way in to your true source, and embrace the opposites of the time. Find out more about Kristine and her offerings on her website: https://kristinebackes.com/

Emily Trinkaus joined the podcast for another of our Cosmic Wisdom conversations. As power planet Pluto hangs out at 0 degrees of Aquarius for weeks, all the personal planets - Mercury, Mars and Venus - pass over it. Our conversation focused on what these current astro-energies mean on a personal level and how to use them to become more conscious, including: the importance of fully being ourselves; the power (and shadows) of astrology; allowing our minds to be blown; and trusting ourselves at all levels. In true Aquarian fashion, we took questions from our live audience in this episode! And we didn't watch our language, thus the 'mature' rating. Local to Livingston? Join Kristine's course to Learn the Language of Astrology: https://kristinebackes.com/product/chart-interpretation-2024/ Check out Emily's astrology mentorship here: https://embodiedaquarian.com/mentorship

This episode comes on the heels of the ancient cross-quarter holyday of Imbolc here in the northern hemisphere, and as the archetype of the wounded healer approaches the North Node of the Moon in Aries, the sign of I AM. This configuration in Aries offers an opportunity to reclaim your sense of yourself as sacred, and heal the wound of separation from your sense of belonging here, now. The practitioner I mentioned who specializes in healing your birth wound is Charlotte Kanyi, of Birth Essence. She was my guest on the podcast in October of 2022.

In this first episode of 2024, Kristine shared a preview of some of the energetic shifts coming our way, and some practical guidance on how to stay centered and healthy in the midst of the chaos. Slow-moving, intense planet Pluto moves from Capricorn to Aquarius on January 20th, changing the very nature of power dynamics, especially in our relationship to technology, information, and society. Stay grounded an centered by tapping into your unique frequency and building your subtle awareness. Want more detail about the astrology of 2024? Check out Kristine's workshop The Shock of the New or book a reading. Sign-up for the Natural Wisdom Newsletter on Kristine's website to get a discount on all of Kristine's recorded workshops.

Astrologer Emily Trinkaus joined me today to talk about the unique energies of this Capricorn Solstice on December 21st, and using the power of your mind to create the world and life you want to live in. Some of the alignments we discussed include these: This is the last Solstice for nearly 250 years with Pluto in Capricorn, bringing forward the question of how we use our power; Mercury is exactly conjunct the Sun at the Solstice, a rare occurrence emphasizing the need and opportunity for 'mental ownership' and sovereignty, as well as the power of our attention; Venus has a great deal of influence at the Solstice, and the alignment with Uranus offers a chance to break free from old trauma stories and resentments. We also discussed, explained, and shared a rant about the ever-recurring and unnecessary debate over the difference between the tropical (with the seasons) versus sidereal (with the stars) Zodiacs. We shared our views on why they both work, they are both accurate, and each Zodiac has its own form of elegance. Chart of the Capricorn Solstice Graphic of the equinoxes, solstices, and their correspondence to the Zodiac Find out more about Emily's work Learn more about Kristine's online Solstice retreat

From the white lions of Timbavati, to the asteroid Chiron, to the importance of spiritual practice to health, today's conversation with psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, astrologer, and holistic healer Dr. Judy Tsafrir bridged many dimensions. We discussed Judy's new book, "Sacred Psychiatry: Bridging the personal and transpersonal to transform health and consciousness", and its combination of personal stories, practical guidance, and deeply felt commentary on the state of medicine and health in today's world. We met on the eve of the New Moon in Sagittarius, calling on its atmosphere of expansiveness and imagination. Judy's accessible, helpful and fascinating book is available for pre-order now, and will be published on Jan. 2nd, 2024. Find out more here: https://judytsafrirmdauthor.com/ Find out more about Kristine's ritual and celebration at the Solstice (live or by recording): https://kristinebackes.com/product/solstice-ritual-retreat-2024/

I had an enlightening and timely conversation with Joel Young, creator and custodian of Non-Personal Awareness, as we close out the 2023 eclipse season with a volatile combination of energies. Mars, planet of action and assertion faces off with unpredictable change-maker Uranus on November 11th, and their intense relationship continues through the Scorpio New Moon on Monday, November 13th.Scorpio is an intensely emotional sign, and deep fear is one way of experiencing Scorpio themes of loss and renewal. In this episode, Joel shared his perspective on how we can shift our relationship with fear and other experiences that cause us suffering through the Non-Personal Awareness process. Get Joel's free download of the NPA process Learn more about Joel's Fear Dissolver workshop For healers, coaches, therapists - check out the NPA Mastery course (and join me in it in 2024!)

Friend and colleague Belinda Noakes joined me for this episode, in which we held forth on joy as a power move; why we sometimes get lost in trying to heal endless trauma; and why it's so important to design a joyful life. Kristine gave an overview of the Taurus Lunar Eclipse of October 28th, and its themes of power, desire and letting go of control. With Venus carrying overtones of Leonine joy for the next 19 months, now is a perfect time for a joy practice! Join Belinda for her free call on October 30/31st "Once upon an apocalypse" Learn more about Kristine's six month journey into Power, Passion and Purpose

At the Aries Full Moon, I had the pleasure of examining the astrology of leadership with Beth Cavagnolo, leadership and human resource expert, witch, and sister astrologer. Some of the key points we covered were: everyone leads in one way or another; astrology can give us great insight into our styles of leadership; understanding each other's differences allows us to work together with more ease. One of Beth's guiding principles is to give each other the benefit of the doubt! Find out more about Beth through her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/winterwitch1221 Or LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethcavagnolo/ Kristine's website: https://kristinebackes.com

Emily Trinkaus joined me a few days before the Libra Equinox to talk about the current cosmic forces, including the October eclipses and Saturday's Equinox in Libra. Themes of self-love, joy, and understanding the difference between your innate power and its shadow of manipulation were all part of our discussion. The inner planets (Mercury and Venus) are moving forward again, but the outer planets are still in retrograde motion, offering us time to integrate what we have discovered these past weeks. We also touched on the US Pluto return, a transformational turning point for our country! Find more about Emily and her bi-weekly Moon updates here: https://embodiedaquarian.com/moon-updates Connect with Kristine here: https://kristinebackes.com/ Charts we used in the podcast: https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Libra-Equinox-2023.pdf, https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Solar-Eclipse-10-23.pdf, https://kristinebackes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Lunar-Eclipse-10-23.pdf

How do you know what you know? The Virgo New Moon is tomorrow, September 14th, and Virgo's ruling planet, Mercury, the planet of facts, information and perception is extra strong right now. The New Moon comes at a time when there is a lot of information - human-generated and artificially created - out there, and we need to discern what feels true. Ready for a reading or some karmic clearing work? Check out Kristine's website to learn more or connect: https://kristinebackes.com/