Living the Spiral – Details, episodes & analysis

Celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse: Astrology, Human Design, and Lunar New Year Insights

Dive into an exploration of the powerful cosmic and cultural shifts happening with the Lunar New Year, the solar eclipse in Gate 30, and the Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries. This episode blends astrology, human design, and personal reflections to help you navigate these energetic orchestrations with awareness and grace.

Key Topics:

The significance and symbolism of the Fire Horse year in Chinese astrology

The influence of the lunar eclipse and solar eclipse layered into the new year

How the Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries in Gate 25 highlights themes of innocence, universal love, and personal awakening

The energetic qualities of fire over fire in Gate 30 and the metaphor of desire and transformation

Practical insights on grounding, pacing, and working with the year's catalytic energy

Honoring the transition from the wood snake to the fire horse with reverence and patience

Embracing emotional awareness as a means of spiritual and collective evolution

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and overview of cosmic coincidences this week02:18 - The symbolism of the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse05:00 - The significance of the solar eclipse in Gate 30 during the New Year07:50 - Energetics of the Gate of Feelings and the Gate of Innocence in the Saturn-Neptune conjunction11:11 - How eclipses serve as moments of revelation and reorientation16:22 - Navigating the transition from the wood snake to the fire horse with patience19:22 - The fire horse archetype: bravery, movement, and the element of fire25:54 - Respecting the ending of the wood snake year and honoring its lessons28:12 - Grounding practices for turbulent cosmic energies33:30 - The energy of Gate 30: desire, fire, and transformation39:10 - The shadow and gift of desire in Gene Keys and how to relate consciously44:18 - Embracing emotional flow and feelings as a vital part of this year's evolution54:22 - Practical tools for working with intense emotions and desires56:13 - The upcoming Saturn-Neptune conjunction: insights and reflections65:57 - Final thoughts on universal love, innocence, and living in harmony with cosmic flows

Resources & Links:

Hearth and Spiral - Readings & Offerings

Living the Spiral Substack

Gene Keys by Richard Rudd

Human Design Official Website

Astrology & Lunar New Year Resources

Connect with Alison:

Instagram

Website

Embrace the cosmic dance of this potent year with awareness, patience, and devotion to your authentic path. Happy Lunar New Year, and may the fires of passion illuminate your journey!

Sign up for next Wednesday's Aquarius Season Breathwork Journey here! In this episode of Living the Spiral, Alison Dale discusses the upcoming full moon in Leo and the significance of Imbolc, a Celtic pagan holiday between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox that symbolizes renewal and preparation for growth. She explores the transformative energies of Pluto in Aquarius, the challenges of navigating chaos and information overload in today's digital age, and the importance of mindfulness and retreat during the full moon. Alison emphasizes the need for personal reflection and nurturing one's inner self while also addressing collective needs and societal pressures. The episode concludes with insights on rituals and practices for growth during Imbolc and the significance of connecting with the goddess Brigid.

In this episode of the Cycles of Time podcast, Alison Dale discusses the cosmic energy report for the week of August 25th to 31st, 2025, focusing on the themes of intimacy and aloneness as we transition into Virgo season. She explores the significance of the new moon in Virgo, the gates of intimacy and aloneness in human design, and the astrological transits affecting our emotional landscape. The conversation delves into the dynamics of love and power with Venus entering Leo, the implications of Pluto going out of bounds, and the importance of rituals for self-connection and restoration.

Takeaways

The new moon in Virgo initiates a season of intimacy and vulnerability.

Virgo season emphasizes the balance between connection and solitude.

Astrological transits this week highlight themes of love, power, and personal boundaries.

Venus in Leo brings attention to our desires and how they interact with collective values.

Pluto going out of bounds signifies a shift in power dynamics and personal transformation.

Intimacy requires honesty and transparency with ourselves and others.

Rituals can help us explore the depths of our aloneness and intimacy.

The energy of the week builds towards the upcoming eclipse season.

Self-care and restoration are essential for maintaining healthy relationships.

The interplay of shadow and light is crucial for personal growth.Stay in touch!

Website: Book readings with me at astrosomatics.com⁠⁠⁠

IG: @cyclesoftimepodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@astro.somatics⁠⁠⁠ ,

Substack: Subscribe at ⁠cyclesoftime.substack.com⁠ to get the pod in your inbox every Monday.

In this episode of Cycles of Time, your host Alison Dale reflects on recent astrological transits, particularly the Venus-Jupiter conjunction and Mercury's direct station, exploring their personal and collective impacts. She discusses the complexity of astrological energies, emphasizing that they are not strictly positive or negative.

The conversation transitions into the significance of community, midlife transitions, and the upcoming Virgo season, highlighting themes of commitment, intimacy, and the importance of setting intentions during the new moon. Alison also shares insights on the goddess archetypes associated with Virgo and the transformative energies of the changing seasons, preparing listeners for the upcoming eclipse season.

Takeaways:

Astrological transits can bring both positive and negative experiences.

Community support is vital during intense personal transitions.

Virgo season emphasizes service and emotional maturity.

Commitment and perseverance are key themes in personal growth.

Intimacy involves energetic openness and vulnerability.

The new moon is a powerful time for setting intentions.

Understanding the goddess archetypes can deepen our connection to Virgo.

Navigating the complexities of relationships requires discernment.

Eclipse season invites us to surrender to the unknown.

Personal evolution is intertwined with the cycles of nature.

Stay in touch!

Website: Book readings with me at astrosomatics.com⁠⁠⁠

IG: @cyclesoftimepodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@astro.somatics⁠⁠⁠ ,

Substack: Subscribe at ⁠cyclesoftime.substack.com⁠ to get the pod in your inbox every Monday.

Cycles of Time is a weekly forecast that explores at the energies of the upcoming week through the lenses of astrology, the Pagan Wheel of the Year, the Daoist 5-Element Cycle, the Indigenous Medicine Wheel, and the 64 gates of the I’Ching/Human Design/Gene Keys/ mandala.

Each of these ancient, cyclical systems have the potential to connect us deeply with the changing seasons and also with the wisdom of our global ancestors. Viewed together, they reveal the profound interconnectedness that human beings have always held with mother earth. Thanks for reading & listening!

-Alison

Hey friends and astro-lovers,

Welcome to Cycles of Time, and to a moment of blessings in the wheel of the year as we celebrate the annual Venus-Jupiter conjunction along with Mercury stationing direct this week after 3 weeks retrograding through Leo! If last week felt difficult (thanks to the Saturn/Mars opposition and a tense full moon), this week could provide a little bit of respite, the fog lifting a little bit.

With Mercury direct, conversations should flow more easily, and self-expression will feel more aligned. In the heat of Leo season, it’s a good time to speak from the heart, and to trust that what you’re reaching for might actually be reaching back.

Today and tomorrow, Monday/Tuesday, Venus and Jupiter meet in Cancer, in the Human Design Gate 39, known as Provocation. This is one of the luckiest and most twinkly conjunctions we get each year. It brings a chance for emotional expansion, heart openings, and surprising breakthroughs in love, creativity, and connection. In the Gate of Provocation, it might stir something up in you, but not necessarily in a way that causes trouble. The highest frequency of this gate is Liberation, so this conjunction here is like a gentle nudge from the universe, asking, What would happen if you let yourself want more? What if the discomfort is actually an invitation to bloom, to break free of the chains that your mind has been imposing on your actions?

This week, the seasonal wheel continues it’s turn to the West on the Medicine Wheel, which is an introspective direction, tied to autumn’s approach and the wisdom that comes from reflection. In the Wuxing cycle, we’re transitioning from the element of Fire to Earth, asking us to root in what’s real, what’s nourishing, and what sustains us beyond the quick wins.

Leo season continues to blaze, but with a slower rhythm now. The cross quarter day of Lammas/Lughnasadh has passed, which marked the first harvest, both literal and symbolic. What did you harvest from the seeds you planted earlier this year? Where are you being asked to pause and reflect before the next wave of growth and the next harvest?

On the Human Design/I’Ching Wheel, we’re still moving through Gate 7, the Gate of the Role of the Self in Interaction, through Monday. As I spoke about last week, this gate asks: How do I lead in a way that serves the whole, not just myself? Then on Tuesday, we shift into Gate 4, the Gate of Formulization, where our minds may start searching for answers, sometimes a little too hard. This is a gate of youthful questions and playful ideas, but also of mental overdrive if we’re not careful. It might help to ask yourself: Am I trying to figure it all out too fast? Can I let the answers come in their own time?

The moon is waning now away from last week’s powerful full moon in Aquarius. The energy is softening a bit (finally). Let yourself exhale and reorient. There’s more big growth coming this year (*cough* September’s upcoming eclipse season)…. so take this week to revel in the glow of the kissing benefic planets, and remember that not everything has to be solved right this second.

You’re allowed to pause, to shift, to ask new questions, and to bask in the beauty of Venus/Jupiter this week.

This week in the Wheel of the Year:

* MEDICINE WHEEL Direction: WEST

* WUXING Element: EARTH

* PAGAN Season: LAMMAS/LUGHNASSA

* ZODIAC Season: LEO (July 22-August 22)

* I’CHING Hexagram/HUMAN DESIGN Gate:

* last Wednesday August 6- Monday, August 11:

* Gate 7: Earth over Water “The Army”, aka the Gate of THE ROLE OF THE SELF IN INTERACTION

* Tuesday August 12- Saturday, August 16:

* Gate 4: Mountain over Water “Youthful Folly (The Taming Power of the Small)”, aka the Gate of FORMULIZATION

* MOON Phase: Waning

* PLANETARY Dances:

* Monday, August 11th

* Venus conjunct Jupiter in CANCER (In Gate 39: Provocation)

* Mercury stations direct in LEO

Venus Kisses Jupiter in Cancer Gate 39: The Gate of Provocation

Last Saturday, we experienced the full moon in Aquarius shining through Gate 13: the Gate of the Listener. That lunation cracked open the vault of memory, collective and personal, asking us to hear the stories that want to be told and the truths that want to be witnessed. Aquarius brought the cool detachment that allows us to see patterns, with Gate 13 bringing the willingness to hold space for the raw, unpolished confessions that surfaced. Many of us, me included, have felt like we have been sifting through the archives of our own hearts, deciding which pieces of the past still matter and which we’re finally ready to release.

Now, Venus and Jupiter in Cancer pick up that emotional thread and pull it straight into the kitchen, the living room, into the heart of the home. In Cancer’s Gate 39 -the Gate of Provocation- these two planets known traditionally as the benefics are not content to just listen to your secrets, they want to shake them free. The stories that surfaced under the full moon aren’t meant to sit untouched in a journal. This is the moment to bring them into conversation and to risk vulnerability.

Venus in Cancer through the Gate of Provocation feels like love with a mischievous heartbeat. It’s the kind of affection that dares you to drop your guard and see things in a fresh light. In Cancer, Venus wants closeness, comfort, and emotional safety, but in Gate 39, she’ll poke and prod to get to the real root of the issue. This is tender button‑pushing, playful tests of loyalty, and teasing that’s really an invitation to share more of yourself. Venus here is about deepening bonds through the spark that comes when you’re stirred awake, and meeting up with the great expander Jupiter will give wings to whatever is opened up.

The full moon in Aquarius gave us the download, helping us find balance between listening and speaking. Venus–Jupiter now gives us the courage to stir the pot, to weave those revelations into our relationships, and to see what changes when we stop holding it all in. Expect heartfelt talks that start soft and meander into emotional truths. Expect to be lovingly pushed toward showing more of your real self. Together, these two moments in a row work like a tide: the moon pulled some memories to the surface, and now Venus–Jupiter wants to carry them to shore.

Also Monday: Mercury stations direct in Leo

On the same day as the Venus/Jupiter conjunction, Mars is finally stationing direct in Leo after three weeks of retrograde on Monday. How has the backwrads ride been for you? Have you felt your fire dim, your momentum stall, or your confidence wobble in unexpected ways? Retrograde Mars in Leo has a way of pressing pause on bold moves, forcing you to question where you’ve been pouring your energy and whether it’s truly aligned with your heart. As the planet of drive turns forward again, notice what you’re ready to pick back up, what battles you’ve decided aren’t worth fighting, and where your courage feels freshly renewed.

As Mercury stations direct in Leo, it does so under some potent company. It is still opposing Saturn and Neptune in Aries, which can feel like driving with one foot on the gas and the other lightly on the brake. Saturn asks for patience and discipline, while Neptune blurs the road ahead. Even with Mercury direct, this opposition can bring moments of self‑doubt or a sense that your motivation is tangled with uncertainty. The best way through is not to rush. Instead, channel Leo’s fire into focused, deliberate action and let Neptune soften the edges of your ambition so it aligns with something meaningful rather than reactive.

The combination says: you have the power to move mountains, but Saturn and Neptune will insist you know why you are moving them. If you stay patient and purpose‑driven, this aspect pattern can turn the weeks ahead into a launchpad for truly transformative momentum.

Some questions to ask yourself as these 2 transits start off the week:

* What heartfelt conversation have you been putting off that now feels ready to be had?

* Has someone’s loving “provocation” helped you see a truth more clearly?

* Where are you ready to speak from the heart without overthinking it?

* What connection or relationship is calling for a little more warmth and a little more honesty?

* How might you turn recent misunderstandings into deeper understanding?

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Tuesday: the Sun moves from Gate 7 (The Role of Self) into Gate 4 (Formulization)

On Tuesday, the Sun is moving from Gate 7, The Role of the Self, into Gate 4, Formulation. This is a shift from the heart of leadership into the mind’s search for answers.

Gate 7 lives in the G Center in Human Design and holds the frequency of the democratic leader. Its essence is not about power over others but about guiding with integrity, attuned to the shared direction of the group. In the Gene Keys, this is the journey from the Shadow of Division to the Gift of Guidance to the Siddhi of Virtue. Division here is the mindset that separates self from others and loses sight of the whole. Guidance arises when you understand that leadership is not self‑appointed but emerges from trust and alignment. Virtue is the luminous state where leadership becomes an expression of universal truth. In the I Ching, this is Hexagram 7, “The Army,” which speaks of discipline, unity, and the wise use of power in service of the collective good.

As the Sun enters Gate 4 in the Ajna Center, the energy turns toward the mind’s way of handling uncertainty. Gate 4 is called the Gate of Formulization or “Youthful Folly” in the I Ching. This hexagram tells the story of the eager yet inexperienced mind seeking understanding. It teaches that true answers require patience, humility, and openness to the process of learning. In the Gene Keys, Gate 4 evolves from the Shadow of Intolerance to the Gift of Understanding to the Siddhi of Forgiveness. Intolerance here is the mental rigidity that wants quick answers and closes the door on alternative views. Understanding emerges when you allow questions to be lived rather than forced. Forgiveness is the higher state where all mental judgment softens and compassion for human imperfection becomes second nature.

This transition asks us to carry the wisdom of Gate 7 into the curiosity of Gate 4. Bring the inclusive vision of the leader into the process of forming solutions. Use your mind not as a weapon to be right but as a tool to uncover insight that serves the whole. What you seek to solve now will carry more weight if it reflects the integrity of the heart and the humility of the perpetual student.

How This Could Show Up for You

This week’s mix of energies could feel like a slow emotional tide turning. You may notice conversations that stalled or went sideways in the past few weeks suddenly opening up again. That could look like reconnecting with a friend you’ve been distant from, finally addressing an unspoken tension with a partner, or realizing that something you’ve been holding back is ready to be said. With Venus and Jupiter in Cancer in Gate 39, honesty is best served with warmth. If you need to provoke, let it be a loving nudge rather than a sharp jab.

Mercury stationing direct in Leo might give you a burst of courage to re‑enter a project, passion, or pursuit you had put on hold. You may feel the desire to take up more space again, whether that’s speaking more boldly in a meeting, showing up more visibly in your creative work, or simply moving through life with more confidence. If you’ve been second‑guessing yourself, this shift can help you shake off hesitation and step forward.

The Sun’s move from Gate 7 to Gate 4 brings a natural change in focus. You might go from leading or guiding others toward thinking more deeply about your own questions. This could show up as brainstorming solutions to a problem at work, deciding how to restructure a daily routine, or reassessing how you’re approaching a personal goal. The key is to bring the integrity and service‑mindedness of Gate 7 into your problem‑solving so that the answers you land on work for more than just yourself.

With Mercury direct, clarity starts to return. If you’ve been misunderstood recently, you may get a chance to explain yourself. If you’ve been carrying someone else’s story, this is a good time to gently reflect it back to them or ask for more context. You may notice that listening feels easier now, and speaking feels more natural. This is the week to take advantage of that flow before the pace of life picks up again.

Until next week,

Alison

Stay in touch!

Website: Book readings with me at astrosomatics.com⁠⁠⁠

IG: @cyclesoftimepodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@astro.somatics⁠⁠⁠ ,

Substack: Subscribe at ⁠cyclesoftime.substack.com⁠ to get the pod in your inbox every Monday.

Current Offerings »

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If you want to support my work, you can become a paid subscriber here on Substack to join the EMBODY THE REVOLUTION membership for just $8/month!

Cycles o fTime is a labor of love! To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Embody the Revolution membership and get all the goodies listed below.

The Embody the Revolution membership includes:

* a detailed guidebook for each Zodiac season delivered to your inbox

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* access to the chat to ask questions and share in community

To join, click the button below to become a paid subscriber for just $8/month.

Thanks so much for reading, y’all!

xox,

Alison

Cycles of Time Podcast: Weekly Forecast for August 4th to 10th, 2025

Episode Overview: In this episode, your host Alison Dale guides you through the astrological landscape of the week, focusing on the Lions Gate, the Full Moon in Aquarius, and the Grand Trine Kite. These celestial events offer a unique opportunity for personal growth and collective transformation.

Key Themes:

Lions Gate Portal: Explore the symbolism and significance of this cosmic alignment, celebrated for its potential to amplify manifestation and heart-centered awakening.

Full Moon in Aquarius: Understand the polarity between self-expression and collective consciousness, and how this full moon invites us to balance leadership with listening.

Grand Trine Kite: Delve into the dynamic energies of Mars, Uranus, and Pluto, and how their alignment fosters quick thinking, radical insight, and transformative force.

Leo Season Breathwork:

You're invited to a Leo season breathwork and community reflection session on Zoom. This session focuses on integrating the themes of radiance and courage, aligning with the heart's energy. Astrological Insights: Gain deeper understanding of the week's planetary movements, including the Grand Air Trine and its impact on personal and collective dynamics.

Practical Takeaways:

Embrace the heart-centered energies of Leo season to foster courage and self-expression. Harness the transformative power of the Grand Trine Kite for breakthrough thinking and strategic alliances. Balance leadership with listening to align personal will with the collective good.

Call to Action:

Register for the Leo Season Workshop & Breathwork session ⁠here⁠!

Connect with Us:

Instagram: @Astro.somatics @cyclesoftimepodcast

Substack: cyclesoftime.substack.com

Website: astrosomatics.com

#Astrology #LionsGate #FullMoon #Breathwork #Transformation

In this week's Cosmic Energy Report, Alison Dale discusses the transition into Leo season, the impact of Mercury retrograde, and the significance of the new moon in Leo. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, personal reflection, and authentic leadership as we navigate these cosmic energies. The conversation explores the themes of influence, community, and the courage to express oneself, encouraging listeners to embrace their narratives and set intentions for the upcoming lunar cycle.

Takeaways:

Leo season brings a shift in energy and self-expression.

Mercury retrograde in Leo encourages reflection and review.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for personal growth.

Gate 56 symbolizes the transition from introspection to expression.

Leadership should be rooted in humility and community.

The new moon in Leo is a time for setting intentions.

Astrological aspects influence our personal narratives.

Authentic leadership resonates with the collective needs.

Embrace the messiness of life and leadership.

Writing and sharing stories can be therapeutic and enlightening.Stay in touch!

You can find me at astrosomatics.com, ⁠⁠⁠@cyclesoftimepodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@astro.somatics⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram, or subscribe at ⁠cyclesoftime.substack.com⁠ to get the pod in your inbox every Monday.

In this week's episode of Cycles of Time, Alison Dale discusses the significant astrological events occurring from July 14th to 20th, 2025, focusing on the impact of multiple retrogrades, including Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto. She emphasizes the importance of reflection, reassessment, and the integration of past experiences as we transition from Cancer to Leo season. The conversation highlights the themes of detail orientation, storytelling, and creativity, encouraging listeners to embrace the energies of the upcoming season.Takeaways:

This week features multiple retrogrades, urging reflection and reassessment.

Saturn retrograde emphasizes the need for hard work and commitment.

Neptune retrograde invites a deep inward journey to clarify dreams.

Mercury retrograde in Leo may lead to miscommunication and creative revisits.

The Gate of Details encourages attention to the small things in life.

Cancer season stirs deep emotions, preparing for Leo's self-expression.

The transition to Leo season is about storytelling and adventure.

Gathering experiences enriches our understanding and creativity.

The importance of details can shape larger patterns in our lives.

Embrace spontaneity and exploration as we enter Leo season.___________Stay in touch!

You can find me at astrosomatics.com, ⁠⁠⁠@cyclesoftimepodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@astro.somatics⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram, or subscribe at ⁠cyclesoftime.substack.com⁠ to get the pod in your inbox every Monday.

In this episode of Cycles of Time, Alison Dale discusses the astrological events of the week, focusing on the new moon in Gemini and the Mercury Cazimi. She reflects on the energetic shifts from Saturn's transition into Aries and how these changes impact personal growth and new beginnings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of presence, exploration, and communication during this transformative period.

-

Takeaways

The recent Saturn ingress from Pisces to Aries has brought significant energetic shifts.

Many people felt a sense of closure and new beginnings during this transition.

The new moon in Gemini invites exploration and curiosity.

Mercury Kazemi offers clarity and insight into our thoughts and communications.

This week is about being present and self-assured in the moment.

The new moon encourages us to express our truths and initiate new projects.

Astrology can provide a framework for understanding personal experiences and growth.

The importance of community and shared experiences in navigating astrological changes.

The upcoming changes in the podcast format aim to enhance listener engagement.

Feedback from listeners is crucial for shaping the future of the podcast.

In this Cosmic Energy Report, Alison Dale explores the themes of provocative liberation during the Cancer season. She discusses the significance of the recent new moon, the influence of Pluto, and the energetic transition this week from stillness to provocation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, healing, and the integration of ancient wisdom with modern practices. As Venus and Uranus align, themes of sudden change and liberation in relationships and values emerge, culminating in a call to embrace authenticity and let go of outdated beliefs.

Stay in touch!

You can find me at astrosomatics.com, ⁠⁠⁠@cyclesoftimepodcast⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@astro.somatics⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram, or subscribe at ⁠cyclesoftime.substack.com⁠ to get the pod in your inbox every Monday.