The Smart Witch Podcast

In this week's episode, we're discussing today's New Moon in Taurus (square the Mars opposition to Pluto), Venus re-entering Aries and immediately forming a conjunction to Neptune over the weekend! Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

In this week's episode, we're talking about the Mercury/Pluto Opposition (square the sun), along with the Venus/Saturn/North Node conjunction (and a few helpful transits which will support us along the way.)Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

Happy Venus direct! We're basking in the afterglow of Saturday's Chironic Full Moon in Libra, while Mercury's third trine to Neptune sets a dreamy, nebulous tone for our week (and possibly brings something back up from the retrograde — this time, to move us in the direction of resolution.) The weekend features a helpful Mars trine to Neptune, and Mars/Mercury slide back into the signs they turned retrograde in (it's also officially Taurus Season as of this weekend, adding a vibe of grounded stability to the current astro-backdrop.) Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

We have a lot happening this week astrologically, beginning with a series of transits to Venus retrograde and leading into a Full Moon in Libra this weekend. Mercury and Venus station direct this week, and at the beginning of the episode, we briefly discuss the larger transits of Neptune in Aries (as of last week) and the ongoing sextile of Saturn and Uranus (in play until later in the month.)Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

We've got a TON happening this week astrologically, from Venus and Mercury Retrograde conjunct Neptune to Mars square Chiron and a Solar Eclipse in Aries over the weekend. We're unpacking all of it in today's episode!Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios

Happy Ostara!

This week, we have a sun/Saturn conjunction AND a Mercury/Venus conjunction to reconcile with — plus a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Virgo this weekend. Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://substack.com/@alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios

It's officially Venus retrograde! As Mercury takes his first steps through the pre-retrograde shadow zone and enters Aries on Monday, pay attention to what's seeded this week (as it's setting the tone for the upcoming Mercury Retrograde, March 15th — April 7th.) Especially around Sunday March 2nd (when Mercury forms the first conjunction to Neptune) any communication glitches, overlooked details or inaccurate reveals are likely to resurface or prove more significant throughout the retrograde. The sun square to Jupiter at the beginning of the week can incline us to take things to excess, while we end the week with a supportive sun trine to Mars — a lovely boost of resolve, fortitude and strength! Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

Mars turns direct this week…just as Venus turns retrograde until April 12th. In this week's episode, we're discussing both of these transits along with Tuesday's Mercury/Saturn alignment and an optimistic New Moon on Thursday. Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

This week's astrology forecast is short & features only a couple transits, including a Mercury square to Jupiter and the sun entering Pisces. If you've been sleepy, sensitive, emotional and having vivid dreams, you're picking up on all the Pisces energy this week (a nice break from last week's fixed full moon!) We also discuss the moment's Neptune conjunction to the North Node in the sign of the fish (exact at the beginning of the month but in play until March.) Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurrayEmail me at: Thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

We have an active week astrologically, beginning with a number of supportive aspects on Sunday (but Mercury conjunct Pluto complicates things mid-week.) A New Moon in Aquarius on Wednesday supports manifestation and wish-making, while Venus slips into her pre-retrograde shadow zone and conjuncts dreamy Neptune later in the week.Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

It's Aquarius Season, witches! And we have an active week in the cosmos, beginning with two lovely Mercury transits and ending with a supportive Mars trine to Venus. On Tuesday, the sun conjuncts Pluto, overlapping with Mercury square Chiron. We're in for a bit of a ride! Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios

In this week's episode, we're discussing a passionate Full Moon in Cancer on Monday, a productive sun/Mars Opposition mid-week, Venus conjunct Saturn over the weekend (an opportunity to bring structure and organization to our relationships, wellness and finances) and much more! We have a packed week astrologically, so you don't want to miss this episode.Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios

It's our first full week of 2025 and while we're still in the churn of Mars Opposite Pluto, it's a relatively quiet week astrologically. Mars backtracks into Cancer to finish out his retrograde, stirring primal feelings of vulnerability and (potentially) defensiveness, and Neptune casts a glamorous fog over our critical thinking skills this week when the shamanic planet forms a tense square to Mercury. Later in the week, Mercury enters Capricorn for the rest of the month — an excellent time to organize our thoughts and ground our goals and expectations — and the sun squares Chiron, activating our wounds around self-expression and a sense of purpose. Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=iosEmail me at: Thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this week's episode, we're unpacking the astrology of the last week of 2024 (and the first week of 2025) — and there's a lot to discuss! We have a tense Mars-Pluto Opposition mid-week (activating dormant resentment and general and unrest), but a stabilizing New Moon on Tuesday makes this the perfect week to set intentions for the next 12-month cycle. Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios

In this week's episode, we're unpacking the astrology from December 22nd — December 28th, 2024. We begin the week with a lovely sextile between sensual Venus and complex Chiron, a gentle invitation to feel seen, known and accepted. Mid-week, we have our second square of the year between Jupiter and Saturn, a larger influence promoting many of us to restructure our boundaries and/or our ability to be spontaneous (and possibly bringing up themes from August of this year. ) Later in the week, Mercury catches up to form his third opposition to Jupiter and square Saturn — people are likely to circle back on anything still up-in-the-air from the retrograde (IF they're going to.) Over the weekend, Venus squares Uranus, a potentially disruptive transit which shakes things up in our romances and/or finances (and arrests our people-pleasing instincts in favor of unapologetic individuation.) Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://substack.com/@alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

This week, we have a number of supportive transits although the chatter amongst the planets remains quiet. We have the sun trine Chiron on Tuesday — a supportive opportunity for a moment of healing and confidently engaging with activation — and later in the week, Venus opposes Mars retro and forms a sextile to Mercury (whose also currently retrograde.) Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

In this episode, we're unpacking the astrology of the week of December 1st, starting with a pragmatic yet productive New Moon in Sag on Sunday, squaring Saturn and trine vivacious Mars. It's a climactic week for Mercury Retrograde — the Trickster God stations direct on December 15th, but much of the mayhem is likely to happen THIS week if it's going to. With the Mercury Jupiter Opposition, exact on Wednesday December 4th, our words hold weight this week, and information circulates rapidly (and spreads more widely) — big assumptions can lead to miscommunications, and agreements or promises made are likely to reverse or yield unexpected outcomes (but if we remain flexible, it's a fab transit for socializing.) Mercury AND the Sun also square Saturn from the 4th — 6th, introducing possible delays, disappointing realizations, inconvenient obligations or pessimistic perspectives. Mars turns retrograde on Wednesday until February 24th, intensifying the need to rethink our motivations and drives, and we finish the week with dreamy Neptune stationing direct on Saturday (so this weekend, everything is NOT necessarily as it seems — especially with Mercury also retrograde.) This coincides with a Venus/Pluto conjunction in the first degree of Aquarius, a potent relationship threshold and intensifier, but we have a number of fun transits to offset any Saturnian melancholy or looming Mars/Pluto intensity. On Monday the 2nd, Mercury trine Chiron lends eloquence and sparks a breakthrough healing or moment of clarity (which is developed more fully around the Mercury cazimi on Wednesday) and a fun trine between Venus and Uranus sparks edgy romances and unexpected flirtations this week (along with possible health/financial/style breakthroughs for earth signs.) Plus, Venus sextile Neptune on Wednesday indicates that support IS available to navigate the week's more challenging transits (and WE may garner joy from reaching out and extending empathy.) It's an active, buzzy week in the cosmos, so staying centered (and working WITH these transits, not against them) will be crucial! Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray

In this episode, we're breaking down the astrology for the week of November 24th, starting with Mercury turning retrograde on Tuesday the 25th until December 15th in Sagittarius. Mid-week, a challenging Venus transit to Chiron actives our core wounding around our sense of self-worth, relationships and/or finances, but a supportive sun/Mars trine provides the energy and empowerment we can lean into to navigate it. Over the weekend, we have the final days of the moonwane — aka the Dark Moon. First in Scorpio (Thursday, Friday) then in Sagittarius (Saturday), we're invited to process whatever came up during this month's New and Full Moons, to clear out any physical or energetic clutter and re-acquaint with our deep selves before the New Moon. Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=iosMy Modern witch's guide to navigating Mercury Retrograde: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray/p/modern-witchs-guide-to-mercury-retro?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=iosEmail me at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

This week is a MOMENT! Pluto enters Aquarius on Tuesday, marking the climactic beginning of a new era which brings us into 2044 (if you're feeling a little anxious or uneasy this week, you're not alone. The first few months of Pluto in Aquarius will be challenging — the Underworld God opposes Mars on and off through May of ‘25, leading to turbulence and tension — but as Pluto gets settled later in the year, the intensity will start to dissipate!) On Monday, we have the first of three oppositions between Mercury and Jupiter (take precautions this week to have a back-up plan if others can't follow up on their promises. And — conversely — be careful about over-promising and under-delivering, which could come back to bite you during the retrograde!) Otherwise, we have beautiful transits this week including the Sun trine Neptune, encouraging empathy and compassion, and Saturn sextile Venus (a stabilizing and sensual prosperity influence.) Mercury also forms the first of three trines to Chiron in the middle of the week, sparking a healing breakthrough which will prompt cool revelations throughout the retrograde! Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=iosMy blog post on Pluto in Aquarius! => https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray/p/the-real-tea-on-pluto-in-aquarius?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=iosEmail me at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we're diving into the astrology for the week of Sunday, November 10th to Saturday the 16th of 2024. Venus enters stately Capricorn for the month and on Tuesday, Mercury squares Saturn in the shadow of their retrograde (and just as Saturn prepares to move direct on Friday, coinciding with our first post-election FM on the 15th.) Friday's Uranian Full Moon intensity carries us into the weekend with an Opposition between the Scorpio Sun and Uranus in Taurus, stirring restlessness and a strong need to individuate and self-liberate. The Full Moon in Taurus and this week's Saturnian vibe strongly advises us to tend to our material, worldly affairs, and to make even small adjustments to the routines and systems which bring stability and grounding in turbulent times like these (while Uranus helpfully points out where we're conforming or over-compromising, stirring the collective unrest which we can channel into productivity.) Subscribe to my newsletter, Black Cat Press

In this episode, we're discussing the astrology for the week of Sunday, Nov 3rd. This includes a tense opposition between Mars and Pluto, stirring conflict and building momentum toward something to be developed more fully in the spring of 2025. Mars moves into Leo until January, shifting the dominant element in the cosmos from primarily water to fire, and Venus forms several aspects this week including a supportive trine to Chiron and an opposition to Jupiter (plus a square to Neptune later in the week.) We talk about why this is a great week for planning, restructuring, reflection and tending to administrative tasks (thanks to a supportive Sun trine to Saturn on Monday) but why it's not the best week for bold relationship or money moves, or to tackle difficult conversations with known turbulent people. We'll benefit from committing to our boundaries this week, to NOT over-doing it or taking things to excess (spending, scrolling, etc.) and paying attention to the revelations and insight from Pluto! Here is the link to subscribe to my newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios Send me an email at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

We're trying something new this week! In this episode, I'm breaking down the astrology from Wednesday the 25th to Tuesday October 1st, transit-by-transit. We've got Mercury Opposite Neptune casting a veil of mental fog over the week, but thankfully, Mercury trine Pluto brings intuitive insight and psychic-level tracking skills. We finish the weekend with a burst of clarity and illuminating dialogue with Mercury conjunct the Sun on Monday the 30th, and if you have to deal with a Saturnine dilemma, the Mars trine to Saturn on the same date supports you. We begin the new month on October 1st with a Dark Moon in Virgo, the perfect lunar moment for a power purge to prep us for next week's solar eclipse in relationship-oriented Libra.

In this episode, we talk about the moon in the birth chart by aspect to the inner and outer planets. We discuss how the moon in aspect to each planet benefits from self-care, in both theory and practice, as well as how it hints at the early developmental experience and shapes our needs, drives and instincts. Email me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com and follow me on instagram @thesmartwitch. And click here to subscribe to my newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios

In this episode, we dive deeply into the moon in the birth chart as the primary tool for understanding our deep self and achieving a sense of internal wellness. We go through how the moon manifests in the birth chart through the lens of each of the 12 signs, and then unpack this energy by house placement. This is a long one so grab a warm beverage, your birth chart and prepare for a deep immersion into your moon! Email me at: Thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com and click here to subscribe to my newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios

The podcast is back! In this episode, we're unpacking the energy of today's Solar Eclipse and the upcoming Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on October 28th, breaking down their respective astrology and the astrology of eclipses generally. We discuss how to work with eclipses from the modern witch's perspective as well as what their role is astrologically, and in the latter portion of the episode I teach you how to determine where these eclipses are happening in your birth chart and whether they're forming any aspects to your natal planets. Email me at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com and subscribe to my Substack blog here: https://open.Substack.com/pub/alimurray?r=tsu5l&utm_medium=ios

In this episode, we discuss the technique of tapping/EFT as an emerging (and highly effective!) witch's healing/creation/wellness tool. We discuss how to tap/why it works, how to use it in conjunction with other tools and, most importantly, why it's worth adding to your existing toolkit. Subscribe to my new and full moon newsletter: https://alimurray.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=postcta and email me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this week's podcast episode, I go through the astrology highlights relevant from February 16th — March 2nd (including a thorough exploration of the Leo Full Moon, this week's steamy conjunction of the Cosmic Lovers and a fun Uranus/Jupiter sextile!) We finish the episode with my crystal recommendations for the Leo Full Moon and a very short interpretation of Justice, which I pulled as our collective guide for this full moon. Subscribe to my bi-weekly newsletter: https://facebook.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7c152a2b4072087b315fe11d2&id=7881c26cf7 and email me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we dive into the Five of Swords of the tarot — comparing it to the other fives, breaking down the different ways it can show up, and discussing real examples of how the energy expresses itself. In addition to the usual interpretations, I argue that the Five of Swords is actually an important card for teaching self-love and personal integrity, and can even serve as a relationship cleanser and deepen the relationships in our lives that are worth continuing to nurture. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://facebook.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7c152a2b4072087b315fe11d2&id=7881c26cf7 and email me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we talk about everything going on astrologically for the rest of the spring including Mercury Retrograde in Gemini, Venus in Gemini, Jupiter in Pisces, Saturn retrograde and the Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius, focusing on how to work with and make the most of these astrological transits and optimize our potential through them. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://facebook.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7c152a2b4072087b315fe11d2&id=7881c26cf7 and email me at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, I address three listener questions, including where there is such a thing as “bad” natal astrology (are any aspects or placements inherently ill-fated? Should you fear getting your birth chart interpreted?), how to tell the difference between fear or anxiety and intuition, especially after pain or trauma, AND how to deal with post-spellwork boredom or malaise, why it's actually a GOOD thing to feel this (as opposed to anxiety or attachment to outcome) and how we can actually use our mentality and behavior post-ritual as a continuation of the magick. Send your questions to: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com and subscribe to my weekly newsletter!

In this episode, we break down the different terms which refer to manifestation (mainly, setting a “goal” versus setting an “intention.”) We discuss what these words mean and how their processes are fundamentally different, and how each approach to manifesting is uniquely powerful and preferred depending on the respective desire or area of life concerned. We then discuss HOW to set goals and/or intentions this Creation Season to ultimately upgrade every area of your life (and become a badass manifestation goddess.) Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: ttp://eepurl.com/geT-bX and email me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, I give my thoughts on a listener's question of how to direct creative energy into specific projects. We talk about why I think the phrase “creative energy” is slightly redundant, whether or not creativity is something we can always access, and the ideas we develop about what our relationship to our creativity “should” look like which are often counterproductive and unrealistic. E-mail your questions to: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com and subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX

In this episode, we discuss my favorite tools to support us in increasing our sense of self-worth. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and email me your questions at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we talk about the six of pentacles of the tarot as the card that teaches us how to infuse our relationships and connections with integrity and intention. We unpack the pentacles of the tarot as more than money, and then discuss how the Six of Pentacles is uniquely transactional and capable of teaching us how to create systems, boundaries, routines and language with which to keep our relationship dynamics clean and fulfilling. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and email me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we dive into the art of crafting and manufacturing questions for the tarot that set us up for responses which are empowering, rewarding, clear and actively helpful. I share a few of my favorite ones, teach you how to create your own, explore common mistakes beginners make when trying to intiate dialogue with the tarot that leave them either confused or disempowered, and we discuss why formulating empowered, specific, thoughtful and self-aware questions is actually the secret to cultivating a personalized and satisfying tarot practice. If you haven't already listened to my introduction to the tarot, you can do that here: https://anchor.fm/ali-murray/episodes/Episode-2-A-Gentle-Tarot-Intro-ed9vj4 and here is my other recent episode: https://anchor.fm/ali-murray/episodes/Episode-23-Tarot-FAQ-For-Beginners-eikjer Here is the link to subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX And email me at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, I give my thoughts on a wonderful question I received from a listener who wanted to know how to realistically go about cultivating a personalized, eclectic practice in the absence of any specific elder, mentor, teacher or influencer. I tackle some big points in this episode including my controversial thoughts on hereditary witchcraft and working in a coven, why I think it's actually a blessing not to have a mentor or any living relatives who practice, how the word “witch” itself is not necessarily one size fits all and most importantly, how to maintain a sense of connection to other witches while still honoring and creating a unique and individual practice that is ever-changing. Here is the link to subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX And send me your questions: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we're talking about how to infuse your wardrobe with magick and develop an intentional relationship with your clothing and the ritual of getting dressed. We discuss the importance of cleansing your clothing energetically (when, how and why it's a good idea), setting intentions for particular items and outfits, how to intentionally curate a wardrobe, dressing in harmony with the moon, and how to use your personal birth chart to access your unique aesthetic. Note: I refer a couple times to an episode on color magick which I've decided to hold off on releasing for right now. When I do I will link to it here. Send your questions to: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com and subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX

In this episode we talk about the role of Venus in the birth chart, first generally and then as she expresses herself through each sign respectively and how she interacts with the rest of the chart. Note: Sorry for the tease but I actually didn't publish the episode I keep referring to about Mercury — it's finished but I decided that I really wanted to release this one first. When I publish it, I will provide the link here. If you're new to reading your birth chart, you can listen to my introduction: https://anchor.fm/ali-murray/episodes/Episode-6-Natal-Astrology-101--The-Sun--Moon-and-Rising-Signs-ee5ih5 and episode 7 talks about the ascendant: https://anchor.fm/ali-murray/episodes/Episode-7-Natal-Astrology-101--The-Rising-Sign-ee5ml1 Here is the link to subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and you can email me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss the mythology of the Winter Solstice and the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction, which marks a new Aquarian era and releases us from the grip of active Saturn energy. We finish the episode with a short discussion of the Nine of Cups, the card I pulled for the collective, and how this perfectly complements the energy of the day. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX

In this episode, we discuss the Empress card of the tarot as a powerful teacher of pleasure and receptiveness, values which are under-discussed and under-prioritized in our culture but are more beneficial now than ever. We talk about the Empress as a uniquely versatile energy which looks/feels different to everyone at different times in our lives, and we finish by thinking about how we can incorporate and work with her in our everyday lives for a higher quality of living. Here is the link to subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and email me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we talk about my 4 most powerful tips for manifesting abundance, including thinking points and mental practices as well as working with tools and engaging with money differently. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and email me at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, I reveal my main crystal recommendations for this uniquely difficult time and how to work with them to bring peace, alleviate anxiety, and call in energies of protection and wellness. Here is the link to my intro to crystal magick episode: https://anchor.fm/ali-murray/episodes/Episode-17-A-Gentle-Intro-to-Crystal-Magick-egjudo and the link to subscribe to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX And, you can email me at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com with questions.

Happy Mabon! In this episode we talk about the sacred process of death and rebirth which we're ALL constantly going through via Underworld Journeys, which mirror and are represented by Persephone's yearly descent and from which we arise with newfound power, growth, wisdom and maturity. For more smart witchery emailed to you every week subscribe to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX

In this episode we discuss the magick and power of the Virgo New Moon as an important astrological moment to work spellwork around our health and wellness, to create or restructure our daily routines and forms of self-care, and to edit and adjust the general flow of our lives and even to work sex magick around reclaiming our sexual autonomy. I also share my favorite crystal talismans for this new moon in particular, and share how you can work with them to create magick in your life. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX, click here to listen to my episode on wardrobe magick: https://anchor.fm/ali-murray/episodes/Episode-22-Wardrobe-Magick-ei2ruh and send me an email at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com with your questions, which I might answer on the podcast!

Happy Mars Retrograde as of September 9th! This masculine planet continues moving retrograde in Aries until early November and this episode is a modernized explanation of what you can expect from/how you can work with this significant astrological event both individually and as part of the collective. Subcribe to my weekly newsletter for free astro insight: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and send me an email at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail with questions or to request a future topic.

In this shorter episode we're talking a bit about the devil card, which is actually one of my favorites! I share my interpretation inspired by Lindsay Mack (which is SO different than many of the more common, oversimplified, finger-wagging interpretations out there) and we spend a majority of the episode discussing WHY this card (and figure) is so misunderstood both in spiritual communities and pop culture. This organically leads to a short, seasonally appropriate discussion of Shadow Work and why I think this concept is also misunderstood at times and how, more importantly, we can actually work with the Devil (the card or the archetype) to liberate ourselves from shame and reach a greater level of self-acceptance. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and send your questions to: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss how to get started with cultivating a relationship with the tarot that is actively helpful for your manifestation practice and everyday life, from supporting your decision-making to increasing your self-understanding. We talk about everything from the process of choosing a deck and how many decks you should have, cleansing decks, fear and anxiety around tarot, framing questions to set yourself up for clear answers, some of my favorite questions, what to do when you don't understand the cards you've pulled as a response to your question, and how to engage with your readings interactively by layering other energy healing techniques onto your tarot practice. If you haven't already checked out my tarot intro it goes well with this episode: https://anchor.fm/ali-murray/episodes/Episode-2-A-Gentle-Tarot-Intro-ed9vj4 and also, here is the link to subscribe to my weekly newsletter: tp://eepurl.com/geT-bX

In this episode I share my thoughts on a few different questions/topics including whether or not cusps might affect your experience of your sun sign, love spells and how to conduct them in a TOTALLY energetically clean way, and the difference between Opal and more common Opalite (they actually have nothing to do with eachother) which becomes a conversation about my feelings on man-made glasses as magickal tools in general. Send your questions to: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com and subscribe to my weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX

In this episode we discuss the energy of the Wiccan holiday Lughnasadh (or Lammas), which falls on August 1st. We talk about the energy of this day, what it means, the mythology, and how you can celebrate regardless of your current circumstance. In the second half of the episode I do a Lunasa/Full Moon reading for every sign around what you have cultivated and are receiving on the First Harvest — for the best interpretation consider the cards that showed up for your sun, moon and rising signs in relation to eachother. For a weekly tarot reading, astrology, crystal insights and other good info, subscribe to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and e-mail me at thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com

Are the dates of all the zodiac signs wrong? Is Ophiucus the 13th sign? Are you really a (fill in the blank)? These and other common astrology questions and sources of confusion are fully addressed and explained in this episode. Not only do I answer these common questions once and for all, but I also explain where the misconceptions come from and why the scientific facts that lead to the frequent resurfacing of these rumors are actually unrelated to astrology (and clearly made up by those who aren't familiar with it beyond their weekly newspaper.) We finish the episode with a reflection on another commonly asked question I receive which is: “is astrology real?” My thoughts on all of these deep topics will hopefully give you the confidence to level with/challenge even the most intelligent astrology denouncers and, more importantly, proudly enjoy a public practice. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for astrology throughout the week: http://eepurl.com/geT-bX and contact me at: thesmartwitchpodcast@gmail.com