Show Notes
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
More from The Awake Space with Laurie Rivers Podcast
Join the Awake Space Community! Patreon.com/theawakespace The astrology is heating up, and the October 25 Taurus Full Moon is bringing some serious shake, rattle, and roll! This week on The Awake Space, Laurie Rivers breaks down an exceptionally volatile week of astrology, including the explosive Taurus Full Moon squaring Pluto. From geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty to extreme weather and seismic activity, the cosmic currents are anything but calm. But here's the thing: You don't have to let the chaos around you become the chaos within you. Laurie shares her forecasts for October 18–27, reviews last week's predictions with the Ralph Report, and explains why giving up your personal agency is the last thing you want to do right now. Plus, there's exciting news about the evolving Awake Space community, Living by Luna, and Laurie's new Substack, Laurie Thinks Out Loud. https://lauriealicerivers.substack.com/ In a particularly personal moment, Laurie shares how a stranger's simple smile changed her life and reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make an enormous difference. And before you go, Laurie walks you through a simple five-minute practice to calm your nervous system, focus your attention, and find your footing when the world feels overwhelming. Because you can't control everything happening in the world, but you can choose how you respond.
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"Knowledge is only power when you know how to use it." Laurie A. Rivers This podcast is 100% listener supported!! Join The Awake Space Community to connect, discover and grow patreon.com/theawakespace
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Learn, Grow and Explore in the Awake Space - CLICK TO JOIN This week on The Awake Space, Laurie Rivers looks at nostalgia, resilience, technology, AI, water resources, and the importance of knowing your next move during a period of massive systemic change. Laurie starts with a weekend trip to see Practical Magic 2, reflections on aging parents, family, memory, and why Mars in Cancer has us craving coziness, familiarity, and connection. She also shares updates on Living by Luna, the new LaurieRivers.com website, and how she intentionally worked with a Mercury transit to solve a long-standing technical problem. Then it’s Q&A: Venus retrograde and cosmetic procedures, how to calculate a solar return, aspect patterns in natal charts, and where astrologers might begin looking when researching AI and emerging technology. In the Ralph Report, Laurie reviews last week’s predictions against actual headlines before looking ahead at the astrology and potential headlines for September 13–21. The episode closes with a deeper discussion of AI, data centers, stressed aquifers, climate concerns, and why local action matters. The message throughout: knowledge by itself isn’t power. Power comes from knowing what you can actually do next. LINKS: Sign Up for Charts & Channeling with Laurie and Medium Matilda - September 26, 2026 GET YOUR TICKETS Grab 2027 Prepared by Laurie Rivers CHECK IT OUT TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Practical Magic 2, nostalgia & community 03:13 – AI, technology, water & environmental concerns 06:22 – 2027 Prepared + upcoming events 08:22 – Living by Luna guided experience 10:06 – Using Mercury transits to solve problems 11:15 – Aging, family, mortality & making memories 16:05 – Preparing for winter and creating coziness 17:07 – Daily Insight coming to LaurieRivers.com 22:01 – Astrology Q&A 22:23 – Venus retrograde & cosmetic procedures 23:16 – Solar return charts 24:36 – Aspect patterns in natal charts 26:27 – Where does AI show up in astrology? 33:00 – Laurie’s thoughts on September 36:04 – Simple practices for cultivating presence 37:22 – The Ralph Report: what Laurie got right 40:51 – Astrology and headlines for September 13–21 49:57 – Water resources, aquifers & data centers 53:24 – Will AI kill us all? 54:12 – AI misuse, regulation & human agency 55:01 – Why local action matters 57:04 – Managing heavy energy and finding your next move