In this episode of Relationships with the Soul, we sit down with Joanna Pitt — Kundalini teacher, meditator, and professional evolutionary astrologer — to talk about how spiritual awakening often happens slowly, organically, and in ways we never expect. Joanna shares how her path began not in an ashram, but through singing, creativity, and community, and how one powerful gong + breathwork experience cracked open an entirely new relationship to consciousness. We explore skepticism, validation-seeking, spiritual “upgrades,” astrology as both a science and a symbolic language, and how to navigate collective intensity without losing your center. In This Episode, We Cover * Joanna’s background + how you know her (including officiating Nick & Lily’s wedding) (00:00) * “I was a good girl”: the linear life path + why it started feeling empty (02:00) * Why creativity opens the heart and becomes a gateway to spirituality (04:10) * How one community leads to another: guru talk → breathwork → bodywork → Kundalini (06:20) * The gong breathwork moment: out-of-body experience, visions, and shock (08:30) * Why it can take years to “chisel open” skepticism and fear (11:10) * Unexpected teachers: how a positive vocal coach cracked Joanna’s heart open (13:40) * Sound as a spiritual technology: singing, vibration, resonance, and embodiment (16:10) * The validation trap after spiritual experiences: “Is this real? Am I crazy?” (18:30) * “Spirituality is caught, not taught”: why experiences can’t be forced (21:10) * What an “upgrade” feels like — and how to stay grounded through it (24:10) * How astrology entered Joanna’s life: “when the student is ready…” (27:10) * Life cycles across traditions: Saturn return, Uranus opposition, and spiritual markers (30:10) * If you’re skeptical: start with the moon — and remember you live on a spinning planet (33:10) * The practical case for astrology: tides, farming cycles, ancient science, history patterns (36:10) * Astrology as archetypes + depth psychology: why symbols help us understand ourselves (39:40) * “You can’t convince anyone”: lived experience is what makes it real (42:30) * Using astrology as guidance (not obsession): macro seasons > rigid prediction (45:10) * Fighting your life’s “energy” creates anxiety — learning to flow changes everything (48:50) * Navigating collective intensity: authenticity, boundaries, nervous system support (52:10) * Why negative energy is harder to tolerate now — and how Joanna handles it (55:40) * The collective reckoning: cycles, power structures, destruction + creation (58:40) * Victim vs. transformation mindset: using darkness as a pivot point (01:03:10) * Joanna’s daily practice: 31-minute bowing practice + mantra + yoga (01:06:30) * Accountability and group practice: how to choose what works for your personality (01:09:40) * Gatekeeping, “initiations,” and approaching traditions with respect + humility (01:12:40) * The value of staying open: your body becomes the compass (01:16:20) * Where to find Joanna + her astrology beginner class (starts Feb 7) (01:19:10) Key Lessons From This Episode 1) Your spiritual path might start through creativity, not crisis Joanna’s awakening began through singing and performance, which opened her heart, expanded her community, and made her receptive to deeper experiences. 2) Skepticism isn’t a flaw — it’s a stage Many people need years of “little chisels” before spirituality feels safe enough to explore. Fear and disbelief are part of the culture we’re raised in. 3) Sound and embodiment can open doors the mind can’t Singing, mantra, and gong work aren’t just “woo” — they’re somatic technologies that change your state by changing your nervous system and vibration. 4) Spiritual experiences can trigger validation-seeking After a breakthrough moment, the mind often asks: “Is this real? Am I broken? Did I imagine it?”The lesson: learn to trust your experience without needing external confirmation. 5) “Spirituality is caught, not taught” A teacher can’t give you their experience — they can only create the conditions. Everyone receives teachings differently because everyone’s “blueprint” is different. 6) Astrology works best as macro guidance, not micromanagement Joanna prefers astrology as a seasonal lens: the larger arc you’re moving through — not rigid prediction or outsourcing decisions. 7) Cycles are real — and fighting them creates suffering When you resist what’s trying to evolve in your life, it often shows up as anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck. The goal isn’t control — it’s alignment. 8) Collective chaos demands nervous system support Joanna’s advice for intense times:Know your values, regulate your nervous system, stay embodied, and choose your environment carefully. 9) Destruction can be the doorway to creation Things breaking down isn’t always failure. Sometimes it’s the necessary clearing that makes a new era possible — personally and collectively. 10) Your body is the compass Instead of forcing “the right path,” try, notice, and let your body tell you what’s true. If something doesn’t resonate now, it may later — and that’s normal. Follow Joanna Pitt * Website * Instagram: @joanna__pitt Upcoming Class: Astrology Beginner’s Class — starts February 7 (6 sessions over 3 weeks) Enjoyed This Episode? You May Also Enjoy 🪷 Explore The Relationships With A Soul Brand Help Grow The Podcast: Since this is a new podcast, I’d really appreciate your support. Here are three ways you can help grow the podcast: * Follow the Relationships With A Soul podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform * Share this episode with a friend who you think will find it valuable Get full access to Relationships With A Soul at nickneve.substack.com/subscribe
