Podcast Summary:

We Can Do Hard Things
Episode: Astrology for Skeptics: Sonya Renee Taylor Reads Our Charts
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Glennon Doyle (A), Abby Wambach (B), Amanda Doyle (D)
Guest: Sonya Renee Taylor (C)

Main Theme

This episode explores the transformative potential of astrology through deeply personal chart readings by Sonya Renee Taylor, acclaimed author and intuitive astrologer. Initially skeptical, Glennon and Abby invite Sonya to interpret their astrological charts. What follows is a thoughtful, moving conversation about soul purposes, self-acceptance, the roots of suffering, and the invitation to claim our ancient wisdom as a form of guidance. The episode aims to show both the ancient roots and practical relevance of astrology, demystifying it for skeptics and reconnecting listeners to personal and collective healing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Reflections on Astrology & Skepticism

[00:00–03:16]

• Glennon introduces the episode, describing how the chart readings turned unexpectedly profound.
• A light moment about blaming life’s chaos on Mercury retrograde, leading to the humorous:

  "Mercury’s not in retrograde. You’re just an asshole." (Sonya quoting a meme, 02:18)

• Self-reflection is highlighted over cosmic scapegoating, setting up the theme of facing oneself honestly.

2. Sonya’s Philosophy of Astrology

[03:16–06:34]

• Sonya: "We are not an accidental experiment... Life is happening intentionally, on purpose, in service of our highest good, with radical love." (03:16)
• Asserts a belief in intrinsic connection to the cosmos; astrology is another lens through which we can learn from life.
• The value of astrology lies in its ability to offer insight and clarity, even if the mechanism is mysterious.
• Glennon discusses how wisdom from stars and herbs, historically associated with women and marginalized groups, was co-opted and packaged by institutions—suggesting a return to “what was always ours.”

3. Ancient Wisdom and the 12th House

[06:34–09:29]

• Sonya illuminates the 12th house, historically called the “House of Death, Institutions and Prisons." She reframes it as the house of spirituality—a place of profound connection, historically suppressed by those in power.
• The conversation underscores how women, wisdom, and alternative forms of knowledge were forbidden and persecuted.

"The 12th house... is the location where we have profound connection with all of existence, with what is and what was and what will be." (Sonya, 08:28)

4. The Nature of Sonya’s Practice

[09:39–10:44]

• Sonya gives a gentle disclaimer about being a "baby astrologer," sharing her charts by intuition, feeling them as a “conversation” with the energies.

5. Reading Glennon’s Chart

a. The Sun (Aries, 0 degrees – 1st Decan, 1st day of preschool)

[10:56–20:24]

• Interpretation:
  • Aries as the initiator and beginner; zero degrees brings energy of newness, starting a brand-new cycle, leaving behind the Piscean theme of self-sacrifice.
• Life theme:

  "Something is starting that has not been before... You too can begin again, be new from what you know to be true about your own desires.” (Sonya, 16:08)

• Notable: Glennon’s journey from self-sacrifice to authenticity powerfully mirrors her Aries sun’s narrative.

b. The Moon (Sagittarius, 4th House)

[20:25–24:56]

• Interpretation:
  • The emotional need for meaning, knowledge, and teaching, but also temptation to escape emotional depth through intellect and humor.

  "Sagittarius Moon is asking us...what happens when I feel uncertain, how do I deal with that?" (Sonya, 24:10)

c. The Rising (Virgo, 1st House)

[25:08–33:01]

• Interpretation:

  • Virgo rising is often misconstrued as perfectionism, but its higher purpose is “purity” as essence and sovereignty—being whole, undiluted, and self-possessed.

• Guidance:

  • Glennon is encouraged to “welcome all parts” of herself with the gentleness of a preschool teacher to a new child.

  "Your job is to treat this journey the way that you would want someone to treat your preschooler on the first day of preschool." (Sonya, 31:17)

• Memorable dialogue:

  (Glennon, amused, connecting her past as a preschool teacher to this insight): "I became a preschool teacher so that I could create that world that I wanted to live in." (32:08)
  (Sonya): "You became a preschool teacher so that you could learn how to be a really good preschool teacher to the preschooler in you. Shit." (32:14)

6. Reading Abby’s Chart

a. The Sun (Gemini, 12th House)

[37:10–47:44]

• Interpretation:
  • Gemini sun’s core lesson is integration, “finding the twin you have outcasted and bringing that twin home.”
  • In the 12th house—hidden, mystical energies—learning to be seen for the real self, not just ideas or efforts.
• Quote:

  "Who is supposed to see you will." (Sonya, 42:17 & 46:09)

b. The Moon (Capricorn, 7th House)

[47:48–54:48]

• Interpretation:
  • Emotional response is disciplined, prefers structure/compartmentalization; can overvalue strength and suppress vulnerability, especially in relationships.
• Quote:

  "The moon...can become very harsh on itself. So you both have these harsh on themselves placements..." (Sonya, 49:58)

c. The Rising (Cancer, 1st House)

[47:48–54:48]

• Interpretation:
  • Rising sign’s lesson: learn gentleness and nurture yourself first; “Can I mother myself?”
• Interplay:
  • Abby describes her struggle to cultivate self-kindness, sometimes expecting Glennon to do it for her.

  "I’ve been fighting against resenting you for not being able to do it for me." (Abby to Glennon, 55:36)

• Validation: Sonya highlights brand-new “Venus” energy for Abby—she’s “six months preschool” at self-love, normalizing the struggle.

d. Interpersonal Insights

[56:29–57:14]

• Sonya frames Glennon and Abby as “preschool classmates"—new to major soul lessons, learning by being gentle and patient with themselves and each other.

e. Guidance for Both

• The importance of “sitting still”—being with discomfort rather than reverting to default coping (overthinking/intellectualizing or abandoning self).

7. Navigating Present Difficulties

[57:40–62:40]

• Abby shares feeling weighed down recently; Sonya explains intense astrological transits affecting Abby’s everyday life, communication, and routines (Saturn, Mars, Jupiter in Virgo; current nodal axis affecting certain chart points).

• Major theme: Shedding perfectionism and the “old ways," embracing system upgrades even when it's hard.

• Sonya’s Reframe:

  "There will be tension in this location of your chart as you are here to master something...there is tension because we are upgrading you—system upgrade." (61:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Suffering and Alignment:

  "The gap between who we really are and our learned personalities is suffering...we lessen suffering by becoming more aligned with what our souls came here to do." (Glennon summarizing Sonya, 00:34 & Sonya, 12:23)

• On Feeling Brand New:

  "Every day I’m like, why do I always feel like I just got here?" (Glennon, 32:29)

• On Self-Gentleness:

  "The hardest lesson for a preschooler is to just sit in the seat. To just stay in the seat." (Sonya, 57:12)

• On Being Seen:

  "Who is supposed to see you will." (Sonya to Abby, 46:09 and 45:59)

Timestamps for Crucial Segments

• Astrology as Soul Map & Why it Works: [03:16–05:25]
• Astrology, Ancient Wisdom, and Institutions: [05:25–09:29]
• Sonya Explains Her Chart Reading Approach: [09:39–10:44]
• Glennon’s Chart Reading—Sun, Moon, Rising: [10:56–33:01]
• Preschool Teacher and “Beginner’s Mind” Realization: [32:08–32:54]
• Abby’s Chart Reading—Sun, Moon, Rising: [37:10–54:48]
• Abby on Her Struggle with Self-Nurture and Relationship Reflections: [54:48–55:36]
• Astrological Transits and Feeling Stuck: [57:40–62:40]
• Preview for Next Episode (Amanda’s Chart): [62:53–63:16]

Summary Tone

The tone is candid, humorous, and deeply compassionate, blending raw vulnerability, mutual support, and moments of piercing insight. Sonya’s voice is wise and gently challenging, inviting the hosts—and listeners—to embrace all parts of themselves, including those that feel new, raw, or unworthy. Glennon and Abby respond with a mixture of awe, gratitude, and self-deprecating humor.

For Listeners

This episode is a journey into self-exploration using astrology as a mirror. You’ll find resonant themes about beginnings, self-acceptance, and relational growth, even if you’ve never given astrology much thought. Expect practical guidance (be gentle, be “preschoolers” on new paths), theoretical reframing (ancient wisdom as future-building), and memorable, relatable moments from beloved hosts and a wise guest.

Next Episode: Amanda’s chart reading and a group debrief, promising more revelations and meaning-making.