Shows
Exploring EsotericaModern Astrology versus TraditionalClick here to sign up for my monthly newsletter and join me on this journey.The discovery of the outer planets created a massive change in astronomy and society. It also changed the framework and practice of astrology. Today I discuss these changes and how the practice has been adapted to fit modern society.*Correction at [12:18]: The group was not disbanded, just discredited by the greater scientific community.Timestamps:[00:00] Intro[02:43] Part 1: A Brief History[14:18] Part 2: Outer Planets[26:43] Part 3: Spiritual FreedomKey TakeawaysAstrology is constantly being adapted to fit...
2026-01-0630 minExploring EsotericaSagittarius Season and ExplorationSagittarius season is a time of exploration and expanding our station in life. Let’s discuss the various ways this may manifest in our lives as the seasons get ready to change once again. Timstamps [00:00] Intro[04:44] Exploring 12 Areas of Life[01:41] Sign of Sagittarius[13:31] One Last PointKey PointsAs the autumn season ends, we may feel urges to make a few more changes as the year comes to a close. Sagittarius is the sign of expansion and exploration, so we may want to make some changes to expand our ideas and ideals in an ar...
2025-12-1815 minExploring EsotericaScorpio Season & Emotional EmpowermentScorpio season is a time for celebration and deep connection with others and within ourselves. In this episode I discuss how that is related to emotional empowerment and topics related to that. Timestamps: [00:00] Intro[00:26] Scorpio Season [04:39] Emotional Empowerment[09:43] CommunityKey Takeaways: Autumn season is a time for celebration. Scorpio season is time for connection with others and our sense of spirituality.This is also a time to engage in advocacy work and caring for our community. Emotional Empowerment involves themes of shadow work, healing, setting boundaries, and...
2025-11-1211 minExploring EsotericaOutgrowing Your LifeThere are moments when we feel like we're outgrowing our current life. In this episode I connected this with astrology and rational steps we can take. Timestamps: [00:00] Intro[00:51] Jupiter Return [04:01] Four Areas to Consider[11:28] Two Things We Can DoKey Takeaways Planetary returns are important moments that relate to changes in our life. A Jupiter Return is when we feel the urge to expand our life in some significant way. What we can do in our life is dictated by our resources, time constraints and obligations, and we feel intuitively called to explore. This...
2025-10-0413 minExploring EsotericaCoping with Unexpected ChangeIn this episode, I deviate a bit from my normal format to talk candidly about the struggles I’ve been having, how that relates to the current astrological transit Uranus in Gemini, and how to cope with an unexpected change happens in life, especially a financial loss. Timestamps:[00:00] Intro[01:01] Uranus in Gemini[03:22] My Experience and Philosophy[05:27] Lean Into Community[07:05] Capitalism is not your identityKey Takeaways: Uranus is the planet of unconventional behavior and sudden unexpected change. This can be a good thing to change an outdated system or a challenge that makes us...
2025-09-1711 minExploring EsotericaPlanetary Conditions in AstrologyIn this final episode of my series on traditional astrology, we examine a few of the basic planetary conditions that determine the strength of planets in a chart. This is the fourth and final part of the framework of astrology. Correction: at 7:13 it shows Sun and Moon are square if Sun in Leo and Moon in Virgo. It should read Scorpio, not Virgo. I’m blaming Mercury currently being Retrograde, haha. Previous episodes in this series: Episode 12: Hellenistic AstrologyEpisode 14: Planets in Ancient AstrologyEpisode 15: The 12 Signs of the ZodiacEpisode 16: The 12 Houses in Astrology Timest...
2025-07-2521 minExploring EsotericaThe 12 Houses in AstrologyDisclaimer: you will hear faint chirping in the background. The birds were busy that day and I’ve tried to minimize it as much as possible. Apologizes if this is too distracting for you. This is the third part of the framework of astrology. I discuss the 12 houses in traditional astrology and how they fit together with the planets and zodiac signs. Previous episodes in this series: Episode 14: Planets in Ancient AstrologyEpisode 12: Hellenistic AstrologyEpisode 15: The 12 Signs of the ZodiacTimestamps: [01:42] Part 1: The Principles[11:14] Part 2: The 12 Houses [27:05] Part 3: Putting It TogetherKey T...
2025-06-1528 minExploring EsotericaThe 12 Signs of the ZodiacThis is the second episode in my astrology series. I go over the 12 signs of the zodiac and a few ways they are categorized in ancient astrology. Previous episodes in this series: Episode 14: Planets in Ancient AstrologyEpisode 12: Hellenistic AstrologyTimestamps: [00:00] Intro[05:58] Part 1: A Brief History[10:57] Part 2: 12 Signs of the Zodiac[20:10] Part 3: Planetary RulershipKey Takeaways: The planets signify themes and circumstances in our lives, while the zodiac signifies how they are expressed. In the tropical zodiac, the signs are defined by season, mode, and element. This further explains the expression of each s...
2025-04-2647 minExploring EsotericaPlanets in Ancient AstrologyThis is the first episode in my astrology series. I go over a brief history of this practice and dive the most important component, which is the planets. This is in terms of ancient astrology, which is slightly different than the popular modern version. Timestamps:[00:00] Welcome [02:34] Part 1: A Brief History[19:31] Part 2: The Planets[38:36] Part 3: A Modern PerspectiveKey Takeaways:Most of the development can be attributed to the Mesopotamians and Egyptians. Hellenistic Greece refined these components. Astrology became shunned and outlawed due to the spread of Christianity. The planets signify external circumstances more than...
2025-03-2841 minExploring EsotericaWelcome to Exploring EsotericaIn this podcast I explore the culture, history, and framework behind different esoteric practices and philosophies. Previously called Merwin's Philosophy.
2025-02-1200 minExploring EsotericaWestern Esotericism Western Esotericism is the new focus of this podcast. Let’s explore the basics of this field of study. References Useful Charts “Western Esotericism Family Tree”Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed by Wouter J. Hanegraaff
2024-11-0725 minExploring EsotericaHellenistic AstrologyAn introduction into astrology and its importance. We start off during the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece. Reference: Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune - Book by author Chris Brennan
2024-09-2427 min
Exploring EsotericaWhat is Resilience? - Strength CardThe strength card represents our ability to withstand hardships and adversity. This is also known as resilience. In this episode I explore the misconceptions of this word and why it’s so important today. References:Building your resilienceAPA - Resilience
2024-05-0419 minExploring EsotericaFinding Your Path Again - The ChariotIn this episode we explore the Chariot card and how it feels to be on the right path versus feeling lost. We also explore how this relates to an emotional crisis and what to do. Midlife CrisisSurviving Your Quarter Life Crisis: Strategies and SupportWhy Do I Feel Lost? What it Means and 6 Things to Do About It
2024-03-1825 minExploring EsotericaThe 7 Types of Love, Part 2 - The LoversIn this final episode on Love, I discuss the 3 types of romantic love and the important of separating fantasy from reality.
2024-01-0528 minExploring EsotericaThe 7 Types of Love, Part 1 - The LoversIn this first episode on Love, I discuss the 4 types of platonic love and the important of self-awareness and honesty.
2023-10-1230 minExploring EsotericaFinding Yourself When You Feel Lost - The HierophantWhen we are having a major issue in our life or going through a transition, it’s best to reach out to others for help. However, there are caveats to consider when doing so. Part 1: Group Support [05:07] Part 2: Leaving the Group [06:21] Part 3: Discovering Yourself [11:03] References: Very Well MindPsych Central
2023-08-2717 minExploring EsotericaUnderstanding Empowerment - The EmperorThe Emperor in Tarot represents empowerment. Empowerment is the other side of self-care. It is one of those easily misunderstood concepts especially when considering it on a more societal scale. Join me as I explore this concept in a deeper way in this episode. Transcript available here: Understanding Empowerment
2023-08-0310 minExploring EsotericaThe True Meaning of Self-Care - The Empress Some of us may have misconceptions when it comes to self-care. Let’s explore the true meaning and the nuances of it. This is represented by the Empress tarot card, as part of the Life Journey Series. https://www.merwinmccrady.com/blog/the-true-meaning-of-self-care
2023-07-0211 minExploring EsotericaSpirituality Versus PsychologyI explain the difference between spirituality and psychology, and how they both affect our lives on a deeper level. This episode is the basis of this podcast. https://www.merwinmccrady.com/blog/spirituality-versus-psychology
2023-06-2008 min