Yesterday · 30 min
TA
Religion & SpiritualitySpirituality
Timeline Astrology
Gary O'Toole
Discussions about Vedic astrology and up-to-date sidereal (fixed star) transits
- 21 episodes
- Avg 26 min
- English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- TASeptember 16 · 1 hr 37 min
Backburning: Mars, Jupiter and Ketu
In this episode, I'm joined by Darinka Maja as we explore the volatile conjunctions of Mars, Jupiter and Ketu as they gather in Leo and eventually backtrack into Cancer. We consider what this unusual alignment could mean for each sidereal sign, as well as for conflict, politics, the economy and global security. The practice of backburning—deliberately burning the land ahead of an advancing fire—offers an important metaphor. Can a controlled crisis prevent something worse, or might an attempt to contain the flames cause them to spread? These transits suggest that actions intended to protect, correct or regain control could produce unforeseen consequences.
- TASeptember 8 · 9 min
New Moon in Leo (Pūrva Phalgunī)
The Moon reaches the Sun’s degree on September 11 at 04:27 BST/ 23:27 EDT. This New Moon occurs in Pūrva Phalgunī, the lunar mansion ruled by Bhaga, the god of enjoyment and creativity. It is one of the zodiac’s most pleasurable and creative spaces. Those with the Moon here often delight in artistic expression, romance and pleasures of the bed. Procreation is itself a form of creativity, although this energy can find expression through many creative pursuits. Whatever Leo represents for you is where you’re likely to find greater enjoyment. Although the Sun and Moon have passed the South Node, some uncertainty may remain. Yet the Sun is now far enough beyond it to bring greater clarity and confidence. With Mercury and Venus strong in their own signs, and exalted Jupiter supporting this New Moon, this may be one of the most auspicious lunar months of 2026. However, this is the calm before the storm, both literally and figuratively. Make the most of it by planting seeds for a creative endeavour. This New Moon is more likely to inspire new ideas, especially with both Mercury and Jupiter exalted. Venus in Libra adds to the month’s potential rewards. Whatever you begin, however, keep Venus’ retrograde in October in mind. You may need to revisit your plans and reconsider where you compromised too much to get started. In the coming lunar month, creativity may mean tearing up the original plan and beginning again.
- TASeptember 2 · 15 min
Dṛṣṭi, Aspects and the Nepal Floods
In this podcast, I examine the recent eclipses and planetary transits surrounding the devastating floods in Nepal. Using these events as a case study, I explore an important distinction in Indian astrology: the difference between general aspects and dṛṣṭi, the particular “sight” or influence cast by a planet. Although the terms are often treated as interchangeable, understanding their differences can add greater precision and depth to chart analysis.
- TAAugust 26 · 14 min
Full Moon in Aquarius (Śatabhiṣāj) – Partial Lunar Eclipse
The Full Moon in Aquarius is a partial lunar eclipse, reaching its maximum at 05.12 am BST/ 00.12 EDT on August 28. This is (almost) the last eclipse in this sign until 2035. There will be another lunar eclipse on the cusp of the sign in August 2027. Rāhu continues to transform this area of your life. Collectively, Aquarius represents AI technology and its impact on society. Personally, whatever Aquarius represents in your chart is undergoing a similar upgrade. This can bring growth, but may prove too much, too soon, unless approached consciously. There can be an ‘all-or-nothing’ approach. You may obsess about it and then dissociate. We tend to rush forward wherever Rāhu transits, and a lunar eclipse can accelerate this. Change is necessary, but greed inevitably creates losses later. Both lunar nodes are transiting lunar mansions associated with them in Indian astrology: Rāhu in Śatabhiṣāj and Ketu in Maghā. Rāhu is stronger in Aquarius, encouraging experimentation and innovation. Meanwhile, Ketu in Leo can diminish confidence or prompt us to reject what Leo represents as we pursue something in Aquarius. We can see this play out in mob mentality. The eclipse occurs in Śatabhiṣāj, meaning “one hundred healers”, symbolised by an empty circle. Healing is possible, but unexpected developments must also be considered. It may feel like taking medicine that cures one condition while creating another. Whatever Aquarius represents for you, this is where you are evolving, consciously or otherwise.
- TAAugust 24 · 35 min
Punarvasu, Puṣya & Āśleṣā
In this episode of Maps of Consciousness, Kishori and I explore the three nakṣatras spanning sidereal Gemini and Cancer: Punarvasu, Puṣya and Āśleṣā. We trace the movement from renewal, through nourishment and belonging, to the deeper entanglements and transformative wisdom.
- TAAugust 21 · 19 min
Does astrology make life easier?
Does astrology make life easier? Perhaps not immediately. Greater awareness means we can no longer distract ourselves from what life is asking us to face. Yet, over time, astrology can help us embrace experience more fully, savouring every flavour, or rasa, of life. Even grief and sadness, when deeply felt and understood, hold the potential to be transmuted into bliss.
- TAAugust 10 · 13 min
New Moon in Cancer (Āśleṣā) – Total Solar Eclipse
The New Moon on August 12 is a total solar eclipse. In areas of totality, including parts of Iceland and Spain, the Sun will be eclipsed as it sets, creating a striking spectacle. Traditionally, we are advised not to watch eclipses but to turn inward. I believe we can do both. Observing the outer world while remaining aware of the one who is observing can be deeply illuminating. This is an essential lesson of the lunar nodes: witness what is happening without becoming consumed by it. Insights are more likely when the Sun, Moon, Earth and lunar nodes align. Ketu and the eclipsed Sun occupy different divisions of the sidereal zodiac, bringing both Cancer and Leo into focus. Eclipses reveal and conceal, so bear in mind that the full picture may not be immediately apparent. We would usually look to Jupiter for guidance, but Jupiter is also involved in this eclipse, as it is hidden by an eclipsed Sun. Although it emerges from combustion by the end of the month, whatever insights arise, keep them close to your chest until matters become clearer. At the same time, this eclipse is asking you to let go of something you may have a hard time letting go of. The eclipse occurs in Āśleṣā, a complex lunar mansion at the end of Cancer. Symbolised by a coiled serpent and ruled by the serpent deities, the Sarpas, it represents attachment, instinct, and entanglement. It may also reflect kuṇḍalinī śakti—the coiled energy at the base of the spine—and the spiral of DNA, connecting it with healing. This eclipse represents a shedding of skin, a deep process of emotionally letting go. With Ketu’s help, we are asked to loosen our attachments and transform basic survival instincts into something more conscious and evolved.
- TAAugust 7 · 36 min
Are Tropical Signs Phantom Signs?
Over the past two thousand years, astrologers have accumulated, repeated and refined an extensive body of sign delineations. Yet during that same period, precession has gradually displaced the tropical signs from the sidereal constellations and stars with which they once broadly coincided. Could astrologers still be sensing the accumulated meanings of those original signs, while attributing them to zodiacal positions that have since moved away from them? Like a phantom limb, a tropical sign may continue to be felt as a real and meaningful presence—not necessarily because it remains where it was, but because its image has been preserved within the inherited body of astrological practice. Tropical delineations may therefore persist through accumulated observation, cultural memory, symbolic association and continued reinforcement.
- TAJuly 29 · 24 min
August 2026 Sidereal Astrology Forecast
Venus moves into Virgo at the beginning of August, following its conjunction with Ketu in Leo, the South Node and ‘remover of obstacles’. Yet Ketu can also remove things we would prefer to hold onto. In the end, whether of this life or a chapter within it, we must let it all go if we are to evolve. The Ketu part shows where we might hold on, or revert back to something familiar, while Rahu, the North Node, points us forward to where we must try something new. As we have seen in recent weeks, wars have ramped up, reflected in Venus’ conjunction with Ketu. Venus’ ingress into Virgo, a sign it's fallen in, does not bode well for peace in the more immediate timeframe. The mood is likely to dip, and things you would usually appreciate may lessen in your eyes somewhat. Venus does not have the support of Mercury in Virgo, which, following its retrograde in July, slowly returns to Cancer in August, where Jupiter remains exalted. Venus is opposite Saturn and squared by Mars while in Virgo. With Venus under such scrutiny, it would be far too easy to complain about whatever Venus represents for you. Generally, we’re all likely to complain about the lack of accord and goodwill in the world. The concerns are also likely economic, as well as diplomatic. Diplomatic failure may trigger economic issues, of course. Jupiter offers hope that all may yet be well, despite the challenges ahead. However, Jupiter is combust in August as the Sun moves through Cancer, making it difficult to see the results we are hoping for. This is where faith becomes important. We must have faith in the process, even when progress is not immediately visible. An uprising or revolutionary movement may struggle to gain traction or make a meaningful impact on entrenched systems, as Jupiter continues to oppose Pluto in Capricorn. Positive changes (Jupiter in Cancer) you know you must make may not be as easy to implement when there’s so much else to adjust to. The biggest adjustment we must make is the eclipses in Cancer and Aquarius. Time can feel warped and events more fated. The positive vibes will return in September, so use August to be open to the change that must happen. Jupiter continues to aspect Saturn and Neptune in Pisces, so this can bring more of a sense of what’s the right thing to do, despite Saturn’s and Neptune’s retrograde in the depths of possibility, asking us all to keep an open mind about eventual outcomes. Whatever form the astrological weather takes for you in August, hold firm to whatever gives you a sense of meaning, while remaining realistic about the issues that must be addressed.
- TAJuly 27 · 14 min
Full Moon in Capricorn (Śravaṇa)
The Moon reaches its brightest in sidereal Capricorn on July 29 at 15.35 BST/ 10.35 EDT, conjunct Pluto and opposite an exalted but combust Jupiter in Cancer. This Full Moon may bring resolution and mark a significant turning point. It occurs in Śravaṇa, the lunar mansion associated with listening and tradition. This is a time to tune in and hear what matters, as Saturn, Capricorn’s ruler, begins to backtrack. Ruled by Viṣṇu, Śravaṇa seeks balance and harmony, although this must sometimes be restored through major events that require more adjustments. Globally, tensions may emerge between the profound changes underway and how leaders respond. Important steps are likely to be taken, which will affect the world in various ways. This Full Moon also coincides with Guru Pūrṇimā, a Vedic festival honouring teachers and commemorating the birth of Sage Veda Vyāsa. This year’s observance is especially significant, as Jupiter (Guru) is exalted directly opposite the Full Moon. It is a powerful time to reconnect with teachers and teachings that clarify what is right and true, inspiring us to act for the good of all. Emotions may run high as we dig beneath the surface and listen for the deeper truth.
- TAJuly 22 · 12 min
Barbault's Basket
A look at the minor grand trine between Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, as Jupiter opposes Pluto. What this so-called 'basket' is, and what it clearly isn't.
- TAJuly 13 · 7 min
New Moon in Gemini (Punarvasu)
The New Moon in Gemini on July 14 at 22.43 BST/ 17.43 EDT is conjunct Mercury retrograde, creating what could be called a ‘New Mercury’. This can bring an important insight through introspection. Yet delays are still likely, so allow extra time for plans to unfold. There may be much to process, both mentally and emotionally. The New Moon occurs in Punarvasu, meaning ‘the return of light’. Its theme is the repetition of patterns, with the Sun, Moon and Mercury drawing attention to something you may not have fully understood or integrated before now. The symbol of Punarvasu is an arrow returning to its quiver. It points to something repeating, but also to the clarity that comes from recognising the pattern. This is an excellent time to step back and see how the pieces fit together. Whatever Gemini represents in your chart is likely to become clearer from this point onward. However, the finer details may not emerge until Mercury stations direct at the end of July. Use this New Moon to reset some intentions based on your insights.
- TAJune 29 · 35 min
July 2026 Sidereal Astrology
Mars forms an exact conjunction with Uranus in Taurus while squaring the South Node in Leo and the North Node in Aquarius by July 4. As we have already seen with the earthquakes in Venezuela, this configuration tends to rattle the world. With Venus slipping from Cancer into Leo on the same day, many layers point to an event or tide shift that impacts the world in a big way from here on out. Watch for signals and more unexpected disruptions. These may bring a pleasant change for some, but also more extreme highs and lows, regardless. With Mercury, Saturn, and Neptune all retrograde in July, there are likely no clear answers to the questions as yet. As Neptune retrogrades along with Pluto, they both move into an exact alignment with Uranus in Taurus and Jupiter in Cancer, the idealised “Barbault basket”, named after the French astrologer, André Barbault, who pointed out the potentials of this alignment, many of today’s astrologers have pinned their hopes on for a “new humanity.” I’ll simply stick with my take, which is that it’s about a subtle yet powerful shift as the outer planets align. Another important piece of the pattern is when Jupiter opposes Pluto, while both planets are trine Uranus and Neptune. As these outer planets form this potent alignment, a ‘minor grand trine’, it shows a subtle yet powerful shift in perspective. This may bring major change across the political spectrum, strengthening the revolutionary atmosphere and the potential for more profound transformation in societies. Jupiter's exaltation alone reflects a need for something better than the plutocracies of the world are doing, as Pluto’s transit through Capricorn continues to show the breakdown of world structures. As Saturn turns retrograde by the end of July alongside Neptune, they remain in a supportive trine to Jupiter, as many sectors of society require further revision and restructuring due to the uprisings that are possible. All of this unfolds while the planets remain clustered on one side of the lunar nodes in July, creating a sense that events are somehow disjointed, exaggerated, and imbalanced. Yet Venus' conjunction with the South Node offers a corrective influence after its conjunction by July 11. Venus may help break the spell by revealing where imbalances have developed, encouraging a slow but necessary return to a clearer perspective. This may mean an economic correction, of course. Whatever appears to be happening in the world or in your life, the simplest answer is probably the correct one. Venus-South Node conjunctions typically demand we cut out the noise to get clear, of course. July is likely a month where truths are revealed, which, in hindsight, seem obvious all along. Nonetheless, there are likely some surprising turns of events in July to keep us on the edge of our seats.
- TAJune 26 · 9 min
Full Moon in Sagittarius (Pūrvāṣaḍhā)
The Full Moon occurs on June 30 at 00:56 BST/June 29 at 7:56 pm on June 29 EDT in sidereal Sagittarius, shining a light on Jupiter in Cancer, with the Moon and Jupiter exchanging signs. This can be a particularly rewarding Full Moon, especially after you have worked through something mentally or emotionally. Aries, Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio, and Pisces are likely to experience this exchange more smoothly, while the remaining signs may need to make some adjustments. This is due to the houses involved in the exchange. Even so, every exchange carries the potential for growth and benefit, regardless of any initial challenges. The Full Moon occurs in Pūrvāṣaḍhā, meaning “former invincible.” It is one of a pair of lunar mansions, along with Uttarāṣāḍhā (”latter invincible”), associated with purification, upliftment, and eventual victory. A Full Moon in Sagittarius is naturally optimistic and buoyant, but this one offers even greater support. It can help those who feel overwhelmed stay afloat while lifting those already doing well to heights beyond their expectations. Water imagery is especially fitting, as Pūrvāṣaḍhā is ruled by the water goddess, Apas. Yet while this Full Moon brings opportunities for growth, healing, and inspiration, it is important not to go overboard. The approaching Mars-Uranus conjunction is already beginning to make its presence felt and could encourage excess or impulsiveness. With Mercury stationing retrograde on the day of the Full Moon, there may be some things resolved, but the details must be reviewed in the coming weeks.
- TAJune 24 · 27 min
Mṛgaśirṣā and Ārdrā: The Curious and Clarifying Ones
In the latest episode of our Maps of Consciousness series, Kishori and I explore the next two lunar mansions, carrying us from sidereal Taurus into Gemini through the rich symbolism and stories of Mṛgaśirṣā and Ārdrā. Along the way, we examine the qualities of what I call the Curious One and the Clarifying One—two nakṣatras that invite us to seek, question, discover, and ultimately arrive at a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
- TAJune 17 · 34 min
Life's Periods (Mercury)
When everything becomes more flexible Not all periods are heavy or intense. Some are lighter, more adaptable. Mercury brings movement through thought, communication, and exchange. Life becomes more changeable, sometimes more scattered - but also more open and curious. During a Mercury period, you may find yourself learning, upskilling, connecting, adjusting, and rethinking your direction. In this week’s episode, I explore how Mercury periods operate and why they can feel both dynamic and changeable.
- TAJune 13 · 41 min
Life's Periods (Saturn)
Some periods slow things down Saturn is often associated with difficulty, and not without reason. It brings pressure, responsibility, and the need to face what cannot be avoided. But Saturn isn’t there to punish. It’s there to stabilise. It asks for patience, discipline, and a willingness to work with what is, rather than what you wish it to be. Over time, Saturn periods can build something lasting - if you stay with them. In this week’s episode, I explore how Saturn shapes experience, often through challenge, but ultimately through structure and endurance.
- TAJune 12 · 10 min
New Moon in Taurus (Mṛgaśirṣā)
We have another New Moon in Taurus, following the New Moon at the very beginning of the sign in mid-May. This one occurs at the final degree of Taurus, in the lunar mansion of Mṛgaśirṣā. Mṛgaśirṣā is generally a playful and sociable lunar mansion. Spanning both Taurus and Gemini, it takes the pleasures and comforts of Taurus and seeks to share them through exploration, conversation, and connection with others. Ruled by Soma, it is also associated with intoxication, whether through substances such as alcohol or through experiences that captivate and enchant us. Anything that draws us into a state of absorption falls within its domain. A New Moon, however, is not usually the ideal time for indulgence. The Moon’s light and vitality are at their lowest, and excessive stimulation can leave us feeling even more depleted. That said, this is an important month to make space for enjoyment. The key is to approach it mindfully during the New Moon itself. With the Sun also poised between signs, energy levels may feel lower than usual, even as the desire for new experiences grows. Rather than rushing into action, the New Moon may be best used to plan something enjoyable for the weeks ahead. Once the Moon begins to wax, the atmosphere becomes far more supportive. As the Moon moves forward, it joins Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter, gathering all of the benefic planets in the same region of the zodiac. This combination suggests a period that can be especially enjoyable, meaningful, uplifting, and rewarding.
- TAJune 8 · 38 min
Life's Periods (Jupiter)
When life begins to make sense There are periods where things begin to open. Understanding deepens. Opportunities arise. There’s a sense that life is moving in a meaningful direction. This is often the domain of Jupiter. But Jupiter doesn’t just bring growth; it brings perspective. It helps you see the larger pattern behind your experiences. At its best, it offers guidance, support, and expansion that feels aligned. But even here, there can be excess, too much of a good thing, or a tendency to rely on what feels easy. In this week’s episode, I explore how Jupiter periods unfold and why they are often remembered as times of growth, learning, and possibility.