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! Visit CAELi’s Within Orb on our new Patreon page! Learn more about the CAELi Institute and check out their latest lab offerings. Visit our bookshop.org page to support CAELi and purchase books mentioned on the show! Become a CAELi member or renew your membership! Love the show? Support our work with a financial contribution or book donation. Follow CAELi on FB, IG, YouTube, and Bluesky. Transcripts available upon request. Song “Wake Up” used with permission by The E-Block Band. ***** 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.
