The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers Podcast

Mercury Retrograde, London Walks & Astrology Through HistoryIn this special episode of The Awake Space, Laurie records her final podcast from London while walking through Chelsea and visiting the iconic Victoria and Albert Museum. Rather than a traditional studio episode, this is a reflective conversation about Mercury retrograde, navigating life's unexpected twists, and understanding astrology through the lens of history, culture, and philosophy. Along the way, Laurie shares personal updates, observations from her trip, and a fascinating exploration of how astrology evolved alongside science, art, religion, and society. Why Mercury retrograde is often misunderstoodNavigating disruptions, delays, and changing plansPersonal reflections from Laurie's time in LondonFamily concerns and embracing life's unfolding cyclesUpdates on upcoming Awake Space events and programsA walking tour through Chelsea and the Victoria & Albert MuseumThe connection between astrology, astronomy, and navigationHow astrology evolved from ancient civilizations through the RenaissanceThe role of philosophy, science, religion, and culture in shaping astrological practiceMercury retrograde often gets blamed for everything that goes wrong, but Laurie argues that its real function is redirection, revision, and review. The frustrations and delays are invitations to adjust course rather than reasons to panic. Sometimes Plan B turns out to be better than Plan A. Whether dealing with travel disruptions, family concerns, or changing circumstances, Laurie reflects on viewing life through the lens of cycles rather than labeling experiences as good or bad. The challenge is not avoiding obstacles but learning how to meet them. Astrology is not frozen in ancient times. Laurie explores how modern astrology developed through centuries of observation, mathematics, philosophy, and cultural exchange, particularly through the contributions of scholars in the Islamic world, Renaissance Europe, and later scientific thinkers. The way astrology is practiced today reflects the eras that came before us. Just as art, science, religion, and politics evolved, astrology evolved alongside them. Understanding that history provides important context for interpreting astrology in the modern world. From the Industrial Revolution to artificial intelligence, societies face recurring challenges around technological change. Laurie draws parallels between historical transitions and today's rapidly changing world, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and discernment. 00:00 Welcome from London and St. Luke's Church02:00 Personal reflections on travel, family, and change05:00 Awake Space updates and upcoming events07:30 Why Mercury retrograde isn't the real problem10:20 Walking through Chelsea toward the V&A Museum14:25 How to navigate Mercury retrograde successfully22:50 Ancient astrology, Sumeria, and historical roots27:00 Entering the Victoria & Albert Museum30:00 Medieval manuscripts, scribes, and astrology's history40:00 Navigation instruments, astronomy, and astrology44:00 Evolution versus tradition in astrological practice48:00 Renaissance art and changing philosophies53:00 Industrialization, technology, and cultural shifts58:00 The Industrial Revolution and lessons for today01:03:00 Timekeeping, clocks, and changing worldviews01:07:00 Mercury, mythology, and astrological symbolism01:09:00 Why discernment matters in astrology01:11:00 Final reflections and closing thoughtsThe 2027 Year Ahead Presentation (rescheduled to July 11)The Awake Space CommunityVictoria & Albert MuseumSt. Luke's Church, ChelseaWilliam LillyGalileo GalileiCopernicusCarl JungRoberto AssagioliBenjamin DykesIn This EpisodeKey TakeawaysMercury Retrograde Is Not the VillainLife Happens in CyclesAstrology Is a Living TraditionHistory Shapes InterpretationAdaptation Is a Human SkillTimestampsMentioned in This Episode

The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers is 100% listener supported by members of The Awake Space Community. Join the community at patreon.com/theawakespaceGrab your surf board, the Cosmic Tsunami is up with the Aquarius New Moon. The Aquarius New Moon kicks down the door of systemic change and opens the door to possibilities IF we take proactive strength based positions in our intentions. In S7 Ep 11, your host master astrologer, Laurie Rivers joins you gleeful after weeks of unexplained illness is finally solved. We can all laugh about it now. Then she walks you through understanding how to use the energy at hand to break free into a future of your own authentic creation. It's not about high vibes, it's not about wishful thinking, it's methodical intentions that get you through these "interesting times."Laurie also covers a bit of what to expect in the outer world, what's up with DJT's health over the next two weeks and then guides you through the power of setting clear intentions. Chapters00:00 The Unexpected Poisoning: A Personal Journey11:45 Astrology and Health: Understanding Cosmic Influences15:08 Navigating Challenges: The Importance of Support and Community15:25 Aquarius New Moon - Cosmic Tsunami49:40 Awake Space Community News & Shoutouts53:10 DTJ's Physicality Is Under Strain58:21 New Moon Intension setting guide

The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers is 100% Listener Supported!Become a member of the community at patreon.com/theawakespaceThe week and month kicked off with the Full Moon in Leo and gets more interesting as it moves along with Uranus starting it's station direct on the 3rd and is direct on the 5th, we'll be having Saturn buzzing through the final degrees of Pisces before it makes Aries it's home for the next 2 years. I share the BIG IDEA for February from the 2026 Year Ahead Predictions and Prep event. You save $30 when you use code 928CE at checkout CLICK HEREOne of my favorite things about The Awake Space Community is the heart centered community. Patron Stephanie P. posted screenshots from a FB message from the owner of Prelude Breakfast Bar in NW Arkansas. I was so moved by the message I wanted to share it with you because it so eloquently expresses so much of what I try to teach here. I think you'll be moved, too. We forget the power of we (aquarius) and that none of us are free (aquarius) if only some of us are free (aquarius). E Pluribus UnimI go over how to deal with all of the big energy this month and let me tell you it is very overstimulating energy. You're not alone. Grounding isn't so easy this month, coming to center as often as possible is necessary. Community members be sure to use the meditations to reduce stress and over thinking in the Awake Space! https://www.patreon.com/collection/1317185I end the podcast talking about what Saturn in Aries is offering up once it comes flying into Aries. It does kick off a time of accountability, but not just for a select few evil doers, everyone needs to hold themselves accountable. Accountability, like karma isn't all bad and I walk you through how to move through the Saturn in Aries period using the energy to your advantage. The show closes out talking about Uranus making it's station this week and what will and won't work.The Awake Space Community has access to this Saturn in Aries 54 minute lecture on Saturn in Aries, what themes we're looking at and how to use the energy on a personal level. Check it out here https://www.patreon.com/posts/saturn-in-aries-12940552700:00 Introduction and Personal Update05:50 Astrology and Personal Growth06:47Saturn in Aries: Accountability and Reflection07:06 Sassy Beginnings and Personal Updates09:12 Astrology and Overstimulation in Current Times12:01 Navigating Emotional Responses and Taking Action14:45 A powerful message shared by a community member29:09 Understanding February's Energies and Stress Management29:25 Supporter Shoutouts!31:10 Accountability and Responsibility in the Age of Saturn in Aries39:08 Building Security and Embracing Opportunities50:48 Finding Your Calling and Community Engagement

The Awake Space is 100% listener supported you can join The Awake Space Community for exclusive content, resources and more at patreon.com/theawakespaceIn S7 Ep 4 your host, Laurie Rivers walks you through the shifting cosmic currents starting January 19 2026. Aquarius season begins and with it we see the cosmic tide whip up. People will be showing up in community, disrupting the status quo, and there's going to be some real interesting disruption happening. Rivers walks you through this week's astrology and what that means for the collective and for you personally!Laurie gives you the must know info on how to move through this energy and how to use it to your advantage.You can harness the disruptive energy to make a difference in your life! Laurie walks you through that as well.Feel free to share this episode on your socials and to friends.What's in the Headline's comes out for patrons at the $5 level on Tuesdays. Magazine subscribers have access starting Sunday here's the link to the postAwake Space Magazine is found HERECapricorn New Moon Patron Only Podcast with how to set intentions for this New Moon: CLICK TO WATCHWant to know what's up with Neptune moving into Aries? Check out this video I made with my daughter last year when we got the sneak peek in 2025 CLICK TO WATCHDon't forget to check out your member perks in the collections, including the moon phase class on how to use the energy of each of the 8 phases CLICK TO WATCHChapters00:00 Introduction to the Awake Space Podcast00:26 Keeping April in mind as we go through the chaos01:44 Understanding Astrology and Historical Context02:23 Looking Ahead: Economic Shifts and Community Support03:25 Understanding Energy and Predictions08:45 The Impact of Collective Energy13:34 Personal Agency and Community Engagement16:25 Astrological Overview for January 202617:40 The Passion of Aquarius Energy19:04 Strategies for Coping with Economic Challenges25:11 Resilience and Personal Growth33:12 Finding Joy in Adversity35:29 Welcoming New Members37:28 Setting the Tone for the Episode37:46 Introduction: Navigating Turbulent Times40:09 Embracing Change: The Energy of Aquarius42:28 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities44:18 Introducing Core 12: A Methodology for Conscious Living46:29 Building Community: The Importance of Connection

For the FREE video version with closed captions go to https://www.patreon.com/posts/s6-ep-14-walking-146890027SEE SHOWNOTES BELOWThe Awake Space with Laurie Rivers is 100% listener supported by community members at The Awake Space. NEW members save 50% on annual subscriptions at the $15 level and up if they join before December 31, 2025. go to http://patreon.com/theawakespace (The $22 tier is being retired and grandfathered Jan 1 2026, and members at that level get early access to super cool tools and mini courses in Mid-late January 2026 ahead of the public)SHOW NOTESIn S6 Ep 14 of The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers you discover what it takes to navigate the energy of 2026, especially the first part of the year before the energy makes a dramatic shift in March/April and we truly feel like we're in a new era.No, it's not going to be peace, love and light in the outer world, and Laurie guides you through understanding what it takes to create that from within and that's our focus here at the Awake Space in 2026. The Astrologers' Roundtable has the astrologers from Laurie's website wokeastrology.com discussing a patron question "What was the hardest part of learning astrology?"As always there is much gratitude to the wonderful Awake Space Community members with our newest members shoutouts!Chapters00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Change00:53 Embracing 2026: Building Stability and Security19:58 The Importance of Patrons in Podcasting20:55 Welcoming New Members and Community Engagement22:20 Astrologers' Roundtable26:27 Embracing Lifelong Learning in Astrology30:28 Unlearning and Rebuilding Astrological Knowledge33:43 Finding Trustworthy Sources in Astrology38:49 The Evolution of Astrological Interpretation42:25 The Role of Technology in Modern Astrology44:50 The Importance of Note-Taking and Retention54:24 Embracing Vulnerability and Personal Growth56:58 Healing the Money Wound and Building Confidence01:00:01 Navigating Life's Challenges and Finding Security01:03:09 Looking Ahead: 2026 and the Future of Astrology