August is a month that asks a different question than most of us are used to answering. Instead of asking what's happening out there, it asks: Who are you becoming in the middle of it?

This week, Laurie explores the defining astrology of August 2026 and why the coming planetary shifts; from Venus entering Libra and Mars entering Cancer to the powerful Pisces Full Moon eclipse are less about reacting to the world's chaos and more about examining your own beliefs, motivations, and direction before taking action.

Against a backdrop of political upheaval, economic uncertainty, extreme weather, and constant distraction, Laurie shares practical ways to stay grounded, reconnect with your values, and rediscover meaning without becoming consumed by the collective noise.

Along the way, she pays tribute to legendary astrologer Joanne Wickenburg, whose scholarship and lifelong commitment to observation helped shape Laurie's own approach to astrology and reminds us why thoughtful study matters in an age of opinions and algorithms.

Listener questions cover finding joy in uncertain times, the Uranus opposition and midlife reinvention, protecting your energy, grounding practices, and how astrology can become a practical framework for understanding yourself rather than simply predicting events.

If the world feels louder than ever, this episode is an invitation to go within and challenge yourself to shifting your inner landscape to help shape a life experience worth diving into.

Episode LINKS

July Archives: Accuracy Report

AFA Joanne Wickenburg Books

Consultations with Laurie BOOK HERE

Time Stamps

00:00 – Remembering Joanne Wickenburg and her legacy
07:00 – The teacher who changed Laurie's career forever
18:00 – August astrology: self-examination before reaction
23:00 – Finding meaning and joy during uncertain times
33:20 – Understanding the Uranus opposition and midlife reinvention
37:25 – Astrology Q&A: city charts, eclipses and Saturn returns
43:15 – Protecting your energy and grounding during collective chaos
54:25 – Community updates, August classes, The Ralph Report and what Laurie is watching next

S7 Ep 38 Your host Laurie Rivers walks you through the astrology of August which technically kicks off with the July 29th Aquarius Full Moon.

Show Links: Awake Space Community on Patreon

True or Mean Node? Click for Article

Astrology Consults with Laurie & the astrologers CLICK TO BOOK

The Aquarius Full Moon is one of the most powerful lunations of the year. With Pluto, Jupiter, Uranus, Mars, and Venus all creating intense planetary dynamics, Laurie explains why this is not an ordinary Full Moon and why the days surrounding it could bring historic events, geopolitical escalations, disruptive weather, technology shocks, and major leadership developments.

More importantly, she explores how this same energy can become a catalyst for personal liberation. Rather than reinforcing old limitations, this Full Moon invites you to break through outdated beliefs, reclaim your agency, and use disruption as an opportunity for transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode

01:24 The cosmic rift: Full moon conjunct Pluto and opposition to Jupiter

02:20 How to navigate the energy of the full moon and upcoming astrological events

05:14 Predictions for August 2026: Environmental, political, and social insights

09:47 The importance of directing your narrative and beliefs

11:02 Managing systemic change: Strengths, community, and discernment

16:53 The significance of local action and self-sufficiency

22:42 Predictions for wildfires, environmental issues, and political shifts

28:50 Using astrology for personal empowerment and systemic liberation

37:35 The shadow concept in astrology and shadow work

40:48 Collective and personal impacts of lunar transits

56:35 The full moon in Aquarius: planetary aspects and global impacts

01:02:01 Potential leadership changes and global upheavals

01:12:45 Practical advice for navigating the energetic chaos

01:15:12 Community, self-care, and grounding practices

01:17:05 Upcoming projects, courses, and community support

The Awake Space Podcast is 100% listener supported!

Join the community at patreon.com/theawakespace for exclusive content, live streams and community

(New Members save 50% on annual memberships)

This week, Laurie returns to an audio-only format and shares why simplifying The Awake Space is the right move—for both her and the community. She discusses the future of the Patreon community, the importance of protecting spaces built on trust, and why sustainable teaching matters more than chasing algorithms.

Laurie also dives into the growing trend of AI-generated astrology, explaining why real astrological interpretation cannot be replicated by large language models or automated reports. Finally, she revisits André Barbault's famous "basket" aspect pattern, separating internet mythology from actual mundane astrology and sharing what she believes this week's planetary patterns may bring.

All Member Live Replay on the community changes https://theawakespacepodcast.com/Theawakespace/posts/recorded-live-on-164213350Awake Space Magazine

https://theawakespacepodcast.com/collection/20218

Astrology Consultations

wokeastrology.com/book-online

00:00 Welcome back to audio & why the podcast is changing

02:24 Community changes, Patreon updates & scholarship memberships

03:08 An AI company asks me to review its astrology tool

04:23 Birthday week, visual impairment & returning to what works

05:18 Barbault's Basket: separating astrology from internet hype

06:30 2027 recordings, planner updates & settling in

07:38 Why audio is the format that fits me best

10:03 Building community instead of building a fandom

12:12 Why AI astrology reports don't work

16:16 The 2027 Astrology Planner & applied astrology

18:43 Living by Luna, new websites & what's coming next

20:43 My response to an AI company asking for free expertise

27:03 Why AI cannot replace a professional astrologer

31:08 Setting boundaries around free labor and expertise

34:11 What is Barbault's Basket really?

36:45 The planetary pattern behind the July 19–20 Basket

41:16 Leadership, power & what this cycle could bring

43:21 Saturn-Pluto cycles, history & preparing for 2028

47:25 Why community matters more than followers

49:47 What I expect this week astrologically

52:44 Recent prediction highlights & weekly forecast accuracy

54:55 Focus on yourself, not the panic

57:20 Birthday month, community invitation & closing thoughts

S7 Ep 37 - I clutch my pearls after ending up on the wrong side of TikTok

This week I'm back in the studio after the 2027 Predictions & Preparation event, and one thing became crystal clear: 2027 doesn't feel like the explosive years we've been through. It feels like a year of revelations, consequences, and long-running stories reaching completion.

We also explore Mercury Retrograde in Cancer and why this isn't about getting trapped in the past. It's an invitation to notice what has become stable, what still needs attention, and the stories we keep telling ourselves.

Join The Awake Space Community for exclusive content and resources - https://www.patreon.com/c/TheawakespaceAstrology of the Child: 3 part lecture series

• Why July's astrology points toward a completion cycle that extends into 2027
• What Mercury Retrograde in Cancer is really asking of us
• Leadership changes, hidden truths, and why some masks may begin to fall
• Why literacy, discernment, and critical thinking matter more than ever
• The difference between facts and the stories we build around them
• A personal lesson about healing PTSD by refusing to create unnecessary narratives
• My thoughts on CERN, timeline shifts, and why collective consciousness is more powerful than conspiracy theories
• Three simple questions to help you regulate your nervous system during stressful times
• An introduction to Living by Luna and how working with lunar rhythms builds agency instead of fear
• A preview of Astrology of the Child and why understanding children's perceptions changes everything

If this episode resonated with you, join The Awake Space community for weekly forecasts, exclusive live sessions, and practical tools for navigating the changing world.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little more clarity and a lot less fear.

The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers is 100% listener supported

join as a NEW member and save 50% on annual memberships when you use code - F2736 at check out at patreon.com/theawakespace

Be sure to check out the pinned post for free and member only resources!!

Links and Resources

Errol Rivers on instagram @prosodist

Astrology Consults wokeastrology.com

Show Notes:

S7 ep 35 of The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers, you host walks you through understanding presence and why that's the key to moving through challenging and changing times. Laurie recounts her own journey in the moment dealing with aging parents while running The Awake Space and launching multiple projects.

Artist, Errol Rivers from Portland, Oregon joins Laurie to talk about their journey in life in living authentically. Errol is Laurie's brother and the community supported him in the Art of Elysium's art competition and fundraiser. Huge thanks to everyone's support. Laurie and Errol answer member's questions in part 1 of this interview, part 2 comes out in the Awake Space Community. You can find Errol's prints at BoneJax Curiosities in Portland, Oregon

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Welcome Back & July Updates
• 05:46 July Reflections: Cultivating Presence
• 19:49 July Community Updates & Astrology Classes
• 24:16 Interview with Errol Rivers
• 01:29:41 Living by Luna Journal Preview
• 01:31:58 Birthday Offers & Closing

Mercury Retrograde, London Walks & Astrology Through History

In 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 practice

Mercury 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 Church
02:00 Personal reflections on travel, family, and change
05:00 Awake Space updates and upcoming events
07:30 Why Mercury retrograde isn't the real problem
10:20 Walking through Chelsea toward the V&A Museum
14:25 How to navigate Mercury retrograde successfully
22:50 Ancient astrology, Sumeria, and historical roots
27:00 Entering the Victoria & Albert Museum
30:00 Medieval manuscripts, scribes, and astrology's history
40:00 Navigation instruments, astronomy, and astrology
44:00 Evolution versus tradition in astrological practice
48:00 Renaissance art and changing philosophies
53:00 Industrialization, technology, and cultural shifts
58:00 The Industrial Revolution and lessons for today
01:03:00 Timekeeping, clocks, and changing worldviews
01:07:00 Mercury, mythology, and astrological symbolism
01:09:00 Why discernment matters in astrology
01:11:00 Final reflections and closing thoughts

• The 2027 Year Ahead Presentation (rescheduled to July 11)
• The Awake Space Community
• Victoria & Albert Museum
• St. Luke's Church, Chelsea
• William Lilly
• Galileo Galilei
• Copernicus
• Carl Jung
• Roberto Assagioli
• Benjamin Dykes

In This EpisodeKey TakeawaysMercury Retrograde Is Not the VillainLife Happens in CyclesAstrology Is a Living TraditionHistory Shapes InterpretationAdaptation Is a Human SkillTimestampsMentioned in This Episode

1 Million Downloads, Venus in Leo, and How to Get the Most Out of an Astrology Reading

The Awake Space has officially surpassed 1 million downloads and listens, and Laurie takes a moment to celebrate this milestone with the community that made it possible.

Join the Awake Space Community http://theawakespacepodcast.com

In this episode, Laurie reflects on the journey from recording podcasts in her backyard to building a globally listened-to, listener-supported show. She shares updates on Healing the Money Wound™, Living by Luna, and upcoming plans for The Awake Space community.

Then Laurie is joined by astrologers Damien Shelby, Susie, and Shelby for another installment of the Astrologers Roundtable, where they discuss how to prepare for an astrology consultation, how to ask better questions, and how astrology can help you navigate major life transitions with more confidence and clarity.

Finally, Laurie explores Venus in Leo, discussing confidence, self-worth, visibility, creativity, and what it means to stop seeking permission from others and start owning who you are.

LINKS

use code SAVE10% to save 10% on all readings when you book an astrology consultation at wokeastrology.com/book-online

00:00 Welcome and celebrating 1 million downloads

02:15 How the podcast began and why listener support matters

04:35 Updates from The Awake Space community and magazine

06:40 Updates on Living by Luna and Healing the Money Wound™

08:55 Future plans for teaching, Laurie’s Lab, and upcoming projects

11:00 Social media updates, recovery, growth, and new branding

15:30 Personal update: dental health and self-care

18:00 Community updates and future astrology training opportunities

20:55 Astrologers Roundtable begins

21:30 How to prepare for an astrology reading

23:10 Why specific questions create better results

25:30 Examples of successful consultations

27:50 How astrologers create a safe and supportive environment

30:20 Why prepared clients get more from readings

32:40 Common fears about transits and astrology

35:00 How astrologers communicate difficult information

38:00 Final advice from the astrologers

40:15 Roundtable wrap-up and consultation information

41:50 Venus enters Leo

44:15 Confidence, presence, and "being queen"

48:50 Self-worth, security, and the deeper meaning of Venus

50:45 Working with the Gemini New Moon

53:15 June magazine, journal prompts, and community resources

54:15 Final thoughts and closing message

New Supporting Members:

Steph, Zoe, Dakota, Michelle, Carrie, Jalil, Claire, Jackie, Sarah, Dawn, Kathy, Chels, The Community Garden, Priyanka, Jen, Vonda, May, Cara, Demi, Jazmin, Kristin, Unbotheredhan, Joey, Lezlie, Shira, Katie, Jason