Within Orb is our premiere podcast dedicated to exploring the books and texts that have changed our lives, as we grow our astrological practice. Tune in every week to hear our host and founder, Jenn Zahrt, interview a new voice in the field about the books (not always astrological!) that changed how they work with celestial arts.
We hope you enjoy these deep dives into the texts that shape how we think and work with the starry firmament here on Earth
Within Orb is our premiere podcast dedicated to exploring the books and texts that have changed our lives, as we grow our astrological practice. Tune in every other week to hear our host and founder, Jenn Zahrt, interview a new voice in the field about the books (not always astrological!) that changed how they work with celestial arts. You can subscribe via your favorite podcatcher, or head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full conversations via video. We hope you enjoy these deep dives into the texts that shape how we think and work with the starry firmament here on Earth.
Research astrologer Chris Knutson joins host Jenn Zahrt from Vietnam! Join the two for a lively and deep discussion of astrology books, time, identity, and more, including: directing a Lunar Return; looking at first trade charts; and digging into the TNPs (trans-Neptunian planets). All that, plus: Saturn on the Midheaven, interfacing with your progressions, and primary directions!
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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 April 2025):
00:12 – Chris Knutson is a research astrologer with an interest in the history and evolution of astrological technique from the Babylonian period up to the modern day, with a particular focus on the Uranian or symmetrical school stemming from the work of Alfred Witte and collaborators. His specific area of study at this time is the history and use of primary directions and other time fractals in concrete, event-oriented astrology for predictive work and rectification. He maintains a limited list of clientele for consultations on a referral basis.
00:38 – Chris’s first astrology book was The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk.
04:40 – If Chris could bring only three books to a deserted island, his first pick would be Astrologia Gallica (volumes 21–24) by Jean-Baptiste Morin and translated by James Holden.
10:56 – Chris’s second choice would be Planetary Stock Trading by Bill Meridian. (And Jenn references The Progressed Horoscope by Alan Leo.)
16:58 – Interlude: Join the CAELi Support Drive and for only $35, you can enjoy your morning beverage out of a gorgeous CAELi mug!
17:44 – The third title Chris would bring is Alfred Witte’s Rules for Planetary Pictures: The Astrology of Tomorrow, with the revisions by Friedrich Sieggrün, Ludwig Rudolph, and Hermann Lefeldt. (And CAELi has a rare third edition of the earliest version of the Rules from 1935!)
24:55 – For beginners, Chris recommends enrolling in the Foundation and Diploma Course in Medieval Astrology by Robert Zoller! He also suggests reading Primary Directions: Astrology’s Old Master Technique by Martin Gansten and Woolfolk’s previously mentioned The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need. (And an honorable mention goes to author Rumen Kolev’s three books on primary directions.)
27:31 – Reach out to Chris via his email: chrisjknutson2000(at)yahoo(dot)com. On Facebook, he’s @Chris KG.
27:20 – 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.
Within Orb Episode 94 with Chris Knutson
Within Orb Episode 93 with Michelle Craft
Within Orb Episode 92 with Catherine Urban
Within Orb Episode 91 with Frank Clifford
Within Orb Episode 90 with Jessica Irene
