Daniel Giamario is the founder of the Turning of the Ages Mystery School, an astrology school dedicated to helping people navigate this time of the great turning through direct experience and participation with the earth and sky. As you may remember from my recent posts, I spent a week in September studying the night sky with TOTAMS at a desert hot springs in southern New Mexico, where Daniel had designed and co-built a stone circle on the hill. We talked about why that connection with the sky was so potent, and receiving direct transmissions from the sky and earth itself.

In our conversation, Daniel explained how the night sky tells us where we are in the 26,000 year cycle of the ages, and touched on many other topics, including:

* Your chart shows your purpose and intent in this lifetime, rather than a description of how you are;

* One of the shadows of Aquarius is a materialism of consciousness, as evidenced by AI and other technological efforts;

* TOTAMS teaches us to use technology after first apprenticing to nature;

* Use the three worlds approach to view life through the lenses of the celestial realm, middle world and underworld to understand what’s going on and how to navigate;

* We are in a period of greatest density right now, and we must use our spiritual will to perceive what’s really going on and respond.

Find out more about Daniel and TOTAMS on their website, https://turningoftheages.com/

Join Daniel and TOTAMS at one of their upcoming events, in person and online

In addition to two levels of membership in TOTAMS, the school has a number of individual offerings coming up, both online and in person:

This coming Monday, November 3rd, join a free call with the water element branch of the school .

In December, the school offers two days of online teachings and ceremony for the Solstice.

In August of 2026, travel to Spain to experience the solar eclipse and learn about sacred relationship with Daniel and members of the school: https://turningoftheages.com/event/spain/

Find all their events on the calendar: https://turningoftheages.com/events/

Join Kristine for an online 2026 forecast and/or an in-person Solstice retreat

Gain insight into the astrological shifts of 2026 next Saturday, November 8th, free for paid subscribers or $22 for the workshop only. Register here: https://kristinebackes.com/product/astrology-of-2026/

Join my Renew Your Life Solstice Retreat for magic, hot springs, deep relaxation, community and preparation for the coming year. Learn more and register: https://kristinebackes.com/integrate-and-renew-at-the-solstice/

More about Daniel:

Daniel Giamario has been an astrologer since 1969. After establishing his practice on a Rudhyarian foundation, he received a vision for this unique paradigm on a vision quest at Mount Shasta in 1981. The founding of TOTAMS is the natural evolution from the Harbingers of the Turning of the Ages and the Shamanic Astrology Mystery School.

The paradigm includes mythic, psychological, and spiritual elements inspired by numerous global traditions, synthesizing the most important ingredients that are applicable to contemporary global humanity.

This astrological system uses a Three Worlds Approach, inspired by global Shamanic traditions, offering techniques to navigate the Upper, Middle, and Lower Worlds. And above all, there is a strong emphasis on the experience and knowledge of the night sky.

The feeling I was left with after a very Neptunian conversation today with astrologer Chad Woodward was hopefulness.

I have been reading Chad’s newsletters and articles for several years, and was honored to have him join me on The Natural Wisdom Podcast. Chad shared his considerable insights into the archetypal forces at work in our world today, including:

* Chad’s historical research into activations of the Aries Point (0 Aries, the first degree of the Tropical Zodiac) led him to aptly name its energy as “pushing boundaries of reality”;

* The legacy of the previous conjunction of Saturn and Neptune at this point over 2500 years ago has lessons and resonance for our time;

* We are in an uncomfortable liminal space of growing into something new, and we won’t know what it looks like on the other side until we get there; and

* This is all part of a natural process - we know how to do this.

Chad Woodward is a professional astrologer and founder of Kosmic Mind Astrology, with nearly twenty years of experience exploring the symbolic language of the sky. His work combines psychological and evolutionary astrology with a profound appreciation for the rich history of astrology, integrating ancient techniques into a modern, integrative approach. Certified through Steven Forrest’s Apprenticeship Program and holding a postgraduate certificate in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Chad also draws on his background in cultural anthropology and other social sciences in his astrological research, exploring the complex interrelationship between cultural evolution and planetary alignments. In his counseling practice, Chad uses astrology as a tool for navigating the interplay of choice, creativity, karma, and destiny. His consultations invite clients to see beyond the materialist worldview and engage with the archetypal forces shaping their lives, uncovering deeper meaning, purpose, and potential for spiritual growth.

For more of Chad’s work:

Chad’s website: https://www.kosmicmind.com/Kosmic Mind Newsletter sign up: https://www.kosmicmind.com/kosmicmindnewsletterSubstack page:

Watch Chad’s recent talk on the Aries Point:

Find out more about Kristine’s Capricorn Solstice Renewal Retreat:https://kristinebackes.com/integrate-and-renew-at-the-solstice/

On the eve of the Virgo New Moon, astrological counselor and sister Substacker Danielle Polgar and I explored the possibilities of this time together on The Natural Wisdom Podcast. Some of our favorite topics are the unpredictable energy of Uranus in Gemini and the shadows we are seeing of Pluto’s journey through Aquarius. We also covered a number of fun and interesting themes:

* The “whirlpool effect” of the Lunar Nodes in our consciousness;

* The power of building parallel structures rather than participating in mainstream narratives;

* The fallacy of staying informed to stay in control;

* And the power of living in the unknown.

The New Moon squares Uranus, bringing the likelihood of surprises and breakthroughs, and leading us into eclipse season. Curiosity and wonder are superpowers for thriving in this time.

Danielle will soon be offering an 8 week Initiation course; subscribe to her publication to be the first to know about it.

Danielle Polgar is a trauma-informed astrological counselor who helps people navigate life transitions, access their innate power, and free themselves from limiting beliefs. Her work integrates astrology, psychology, and somatic awareness, offering an approach that is both compassionate and transformative.

With a Master’s in Holistic Counseling Psychology and more than two decades of astrological study, Danielle bridges the roles of artist, healer, and teacher. She brings a creative and intuitive lens to her work, guiding clients to find meaning in their experiences, build emotional resilience, and align with the natural rhythms of life.

Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Danielle works with clients worldwide, supporting them through times of growth and change with clarity, empathy, and practical tools for integration.

Find out more about Danielle or book a session with her on her website: https://daniellepolgar.com

Emily Trinkaus joined me for another episode of Cosmic Wisdom on The Natural Wisdom Podcast today. In a wide-ranging and fun conversation, we explored some of the potential of the planet Uranus moving into Gemini, and the unprecedented alignment of the outer planets.

Some of the insights we discussed included:

* Why it is time for astrology to evolve;

* Understanding that your agency is part of a tapestry of agencies of all beings;

* How attuning yourself to the field (including your own) allows the right things to happen at the right time;

* The need to be conscious of the spells (or curses) you are casting with the power of your words.

Check out Emily’s new Quantum Astrology course for astrologers who want to evolve the practice of astrology to a new level: https://embodiedaquarian.com/quantum-astrology

Is it time for greater insight into cosmic timing in your life? Book a reading or energy alignment session.

Disorientation. Extreme surrender. The dissolution of the old in preparation for what wants to emerge. These are some of the words and phrases Emily and I used today in our conversation on The Natural Wisdom Podcast. No matter how much chaos and change you have felt this year, it is just getting started.

All the planets are moving direct for a short period of time now that the retrogrades of Mars, Venus and Mercury have come and gone. We have momentum for the first time this year to move forward on what we want to create.

Emily and I spoke about the current astrological patterns and what they mean for us as individuals, including:

* Neptune’s movement into Aries on April 30 for the first time in 165 years;

* Saturn’s impending move to join Neptune in Aries on May 24th, for the first time since 1999;

* The coming shift of Uranus into Gemini, and Jupiter’s departure from that sign;

* And the once in many lifetimes chance to dissolve the old structures of your identity and worldview to bring your dream into existence.

Find Emily’s recent class all about Neptune in Aries here: https://embodiedaquarian.com/classes/p/neptune-aries

Or become a paid subscriber to The Embodied Aquarian Age for her new and full moon transmissions and in-depth astrology classes.

For more of Kristine’s posts and workshops, subscribe below.

Reclaim Your Natural Wisdom is a reader-supported publication. Join live workshops; attend quarterly astro-salons; receive discounts on readings; and get access to the archives by becoming a paid subscriber.

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Caroline Lindon is the creator of The Saturn Seminary, a Substack that probes the depths of human consciousness and dismantles unseen barriers. Saturn serves as her celestial guide, urging introspection and growth. Her work plants seeds of transformation in those willing to confront their inner darkness.

Living with ADHD and dyslexia, Caroline brings a unique perspective to wider social dynamics by incorporating her training in fields such as astrology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). She views these disciplines as tools for unlocking potential and reshaping reality. Her approach blends ancient wisdom with modern techniques to uncover hidden truths.

Caroline Lindon of Saturn Seminary joined me in a conversation about a wide range of topics, from Saturn to neurodiversity. I began following Caroline after reading and appreciating her realistic take on Pluto’s move into Aquarius:

and knew I wanted to have a conversation with her.

Caroline writes on a variety of topics, including astrology. She has a background in neuro-linguistic programming as well as teaching and business transformation.

As two “Saturn obsessed” people, we talked about why honoring Saturn as the traditional ruler of Aquarius matters; the need for taking back your personal authority; and how important it is to be in reality right now.

We dove into several other topics:

* Astrology as a way of revealing the patterns in your life;

* What Pluto in Aquarius seems to have in store for us;

* What “war” might mean in the modern world with Neptune in Aries;

* Why neuro-divergence does not need to be “fixed”;

* And the best advice for how to thrive in the midst of chaotic change.

Subscribe to The Saturn Seminary for more of Caroline’s work.

To receive Kristine’s posts and stay informed of my workshops, including “Reclaim Your Sacred Center with Saturn as Guide” on April 30th, be sure to subscribe to Reclaim Your Natural Wisdom:

This episode of The Natural Wisdom Podcast is a reading of my Manifesto, part I, on reclaiming the archetype of Saturn as the truth-teller of the soul, previously published in written form.

Reclaim your Saturn to own your life.

Get to know your own Saturn with a special Saturn consultation with me.

Thank you for listening to The Natural Wisdom Podcast!

In this 25 minute talk, I shared what embodiment means and why it is so important in these times. The last ten minutes or so include a meditative process to become more rooted in your physical experience, that is, more deeply embodied.

Enjoy!