A Jupiter-Pluto square keeps the Cardinal Climax hot * Mars opposes Jupiter and squares Pluto * Five Venus events * Dealing with fear of astrology * Is Neptune more "real" than Saturn? The Cardinal Climax stays hot this week, thanks to an intense Jupiter-Pluto square . And Mars turns up the heat further , making hard angles to both planets. Venus does some "Climaxing" of her own , making mostly hard aspects to four slow planets! We have a wealth of listener email this week, covering these topics and more: alternate Cardinal Climax names, if the impending death of the Sagittarius galaxy will affect chart interpretations, car purchase timing, dealing with fear of astrology , and -- is Neptune actually more "real" than Saturn? (One listener's opinion may surprise you!) Finally, a new round of astrology classes starts the week of August 30 -- choose from Beginning Astrology, Transits & Progressions, Relationship Astrology, Solar Returns, and two m

SATURN OPPOSES URANUS -- #5 of 5! * Mars and Mercury wade into the Cardinal Climax (with 11 events between them!) * Mayan astrologer Clare Coriell on the Cardinal Climax and 2012 -- a complementary perspective The final Saturn-Uranus opposition in the current series -- #5 of 5 -- hits this week. These planets are two of the key players in the current Cardinal Climax, and receive numerous aspects from Mars and Mercury this week as these faster planets make numerous aspects to the Cardinal Climax planets . Mayan astrologer Clare Coriell returns to the show, giving us a fresh perspective on the current shi ft ener gies from the perspective of some of the ancient world's most advanced skywatchers. She also discusses how to integrate the Galactic Core into Western astrological interpretations . And finally, we invite your feedback on the current state of the podcast one last time! Hear all about this and more -- click here to listen now, or go to ThisWeekInAstrology.com to learn a

CARDINAL CLIMAX BEGINS!!! * Jupiter square Pluto * Saturn enters Libra * Chiron enters Aquarius * Full Moon * Live consultation: should a stage director face the Cardinal Climax with Saturnian struggle or Uranian breakthrough? * "Simple and effective Solutions" lecture now available The most powerful aspect pattern of our lifetimes -- the much-anticipated CARDINAL CLIMAX -- begins this week. Its initiation is heralded by Saturn entering Libra , and a Jupiter-Pluto square is also part of this mighty alignment. This eventful week also features Chiron entering Aquarius and a Full Moon . Is that enough excitement for you? Our live listener consultation features a stage director, who co-directed opera productions for 10 years in the US and abroad, struggling with direct Cardinal Climax hits on sensitive points in his chart . One key issue we discuss: is his attitude of "necessary struggle" just making his challenges worse? My " Simple and Effective Solutions

Venus quincunx Jupiter and trine Pluto * ...aspecting a listener's natal Sun-Pluto conjunction! * "Perfect Astrological Storm" lecture now available online * Your show feedback invited! The week before the official start of the Cardinal Climax is like the calm before the storm, with Venus' quincunx to Jupiter and trine to Pluto the only significant aspects. But these planets do make powerful connections to a listener's natal Sun-Pluto conjunction! We also announce the availability of Benjamin's recent "Perfect Astrological Storm" lecture -- you can download the MP3 and the PowerPoint deck -- and invite your feedback on the current state of the podcast! Hear all about this and more -- click here to listen now, or go to ThisWeekInAstrology.com to learn about getting the show through iTunes. (We love it when you subscribe through iTunes!) Listener Chart Roberta, 8/26/58, 11:20 am, Port Arthur, Canada INDEX Overview: 5:21 Monday: 5:47 Tuesday: 6:4

Solar Eclipse! * Uranus retrograde * Seven Mercury events! * Interpreting "God's Fist" * Does Moon square Moon doom this couple? * Stephanie calls in her opinion about how we answered her personal question last week This week is a flood compared to last week's trickle! A Solar Eclipse headlines, but Uranus retrograde and seven Mercury events aren't far behind. Plus Venus has four significant events of her own! Our listener mailbox is full of fascinating topics, including how to interpret the "God's Fist" aspect pattern , whether a couple is doomed by the squaring Moons in their synastry , and Australia's "bloodless coup." Plus, Stephanie phones in her thoughts on how Spiritsong and I answered her personal question on last week's show! Finally, we need one more student so that Beginning Astrology Class (Wednesdays, Noon-2 pm eastern) can make . If that could be you, click here ! Hear all about this and more -- click here to li