Astrologer and teacher Sofia Barao joins host Jenn Zahrt from Paris, France! Together the two chat about books, philosophy, and more, including: seven-year cycles; mythology and archetypes; and the importance of art and artists. Plus: helpful neighbors, Black Moon Lilith, and a decan-based astral color palette!

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Transcripts available upon request.

Song “Wake Up” used with permission by The E-Block Band.

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Episode timestamps (conversation recorded November 2025):

00:12 – For Sofia Barao, astrology is a lifelong passion, kindled in her childhood. With over 30 years of astrological exploration, she’s developed a profound love for humanistic and archetypal astrology, which she passionately shares as a teacher, researcher, and professional astrologer (since 2014). Following Jungian studies, her approach blends traditional and modern techniques with Jungian (and post-Jungian) archetypal symbolism, giving meaning to the soul’s creative expression. Originally from Portugal and based in France, Sofia is also a visual artist (since 2007). Her interests extend to art, poetry, Jungian psychology, philosophy, alchemy, mythology, eco-psychology and the ongoing exploration of these subjects through diverse media, all of which serve to consistently enrich her astrological practice. She also has a deep affection for languages, speaking four fluently. In her desire to draw a connection between art and astrology, Sofia developed a decan-based astral color palette, which was published in the re-edition of Miroir d’Astrologie by Max Jacob and Claude Valence, illustrated by the renowned designer Christian Lacroix for Gallimard (2024). She is a member of ISAR, OPA and AA and the OPA Satellite leader for France and French-speaking countries.

01:08 – Sofia’s early astrology books included titles by Dane Rudhyar, Stephen Arroyo, and Alexander Ruperti. She also mentions Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil by Liz Greene as pivotal.

05:10 – If Sofia could bring only three books to a deserted island, her first pick would be the French title Rythmes et destinée: Comprendre sa destinée par les cycles de sept ans (or Understand Your Destiny by the Seven-year Cycles) by Pierre Lassalle and Brigitte Maffray.

08:18 – Sofia’s second choice would be Astrological Time: Transits, Progressions and Returns by Brian Clark.

10:12 – Interlude: Join the CAELi Support Drive and for only $35, you can enjoy your morning beverage out of a gorgeous CAELi mug!

10:58 – The third title Sofia would bring is Astrology, Magic, and Alchemy in Art by Matilde Battistini.

14:22 – For beginners, Sofia recommends On the Heavenly Spheres and Traditional Astrology Course: Essential Concepts & Interpretation Basics, both by Helena Avelar and Luis Campos Ribeiro. She also likes Brian Clark’s Soul, Symbol and Imagination: The Artistry of Astrology.

19:53 – Find Sofia at www.astrologieETcreativite-holistique.com or on her Substack at https://artastrologyarchetype.substack.com/. She’s also on Instagram @art.astrology.archetype and YouTube @art.astrology.archetype.

41:37 – Thanks for listening to Within Orb! If you love the show, please help support it at no cost to you: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen, rate it five stars, or write a happy review! And if you’d like to become a CAELi member or support our work with a contribution of any amount, we’d be delighted – thanks!

Show notes and production by Jen Braun of JJ Boots Productions LLC.