marianne: astrology gives us tools to understand our needs
Marianne Gellert, half of the creative force behind the podcast Astropods, has long been fascinated by the cosmos and its influence on our lives. In this conversation, Marianne invites us to explore the intersection of the stars and intimacy, shedding light on how celestial alignments can deepen our connections with ourselves and others. Marianne shares her insights on how astrology can empower self-discovery, enhance relationships, and even transform the way we approach pleasure and closeness. For far too long, intimacy and desires have been something to hide away and we truly hope that by getting tools like astrology, we can start having more open and honest conversations about what we need to feel connected to ourselves, or a partner. Make sure to listen and follow Astropod right here, and follow Marianne here.
Dear Marianne, thank you for agreeing to chat. Could you start by giving our readers a bit of insight into who you are and what is driving you at the moment?
My name is Marianne Gellert, and I am one half of Astropod, a podcast about astrology and spirituality that I co-host with Amalie Bendixen.
Right now, I am particularly focused on deepening my understanding of astrology by offering 1:1 astrology sessions with clients. It’s a big step toward taking my spiritual work seriously, and it feels incredibly meaningful.
You have a big passion for astrology, which - lucky for us - you share with the world through your work as a podcaster, author and with astrological sessions. Could you tell us how astrology helps you to care for both your physical and mental self?
Astrology provides us with loving and practical tools to view ourselves and each other with greater kindness. The understanding that planetary movements influence our lives here on Earth also gives many people a sense of being part of something bigger—a feeling of being held and supported in a world where loneliness and individualism often dominate.
How do you think you can use astrology to understand your intimate desires better?
A birth chart can provide insight into your emotional needs, love language, sense of humor, communication style, as well as your desires and longings (among many other things). For example, the sign and house placement of your Moon can reveal how you feel safe, Venus can show what brings you joy and how you experience pleasure and value, and Mars can indicate your passion, energy, and drive.
It’s difficult to say much based solely on a Sun sign (commonly referred to as a star sign) because we are so much more than that. However, Mars and Venus, in particular, are useful to examine when talking about love and sensuality.
For instance, someone with Venus in Aries might enjoy a quickie in the shower after a run, while someone with Venus in Scorpio may need long, intense eye contact and deep conversations to warm up.
For Libra, the right lighting and a beautiful, harmonious atmosphere are often important, whereas Gemini enjoys playful flirtation and maybe even a bit of kink(?).
Of course, I’m painting in broad strokes here, and again, it’s important to remember that we are more than just our Sun signs. But I hope my point is clear: astrology can help us all understand ourselves and each other a little better.
From the perspective of your star sign, how do you think intimacy affects your relationship with yourself, and your partner?
Personally, I have both my Sun and Moon in Taurus, which means I’m a big fan of physical touch—like massage, for example. Honestly, I love it so much! Taurus also tends to be a bit traditional and fond of routines—"this is how we’ve always done it," haha.
That being said, with my Venus in Aries and Mars in Gemini, I also love flirtation and excitement when it comes to intimacy.
Of course, it’s a bit challenging to maintain in everyday life when you’ve been in a relationship for six years and have two small children.
Our youngest is about to turn two, and I feel like I’m starting to reconnect with parts of myself that had been put on hold while I adjusted to being a new mom. It’s an exciting and wonderful place to be, both in my relationship with myself and with my partner. I truly believe that bringing more sensuality and intimacy into daily life can have so many positive effects. I often find that everyday conflicts, which might otherwise seem stuck, soften when I remember to be intimate—both with myself and with my partner.
Keeping astrology in mind helps me not only to understand myself better but also to understand my partner and see him with more compassion. Knowing that we are different allows us to meet each other where we are.
Has your relationship to intimacy changed with age?
My relationship with intimacy has definitely changed with age—or rather, since becoming a mother.
I’ve always felt quite attuned to my body’s needs, enjoying sensations and playfulness. But after having kids, all my own needs and desires were put on the back burner, and my focus shifted entirely to my children. Not intentionally—it just happened.
That’s why I’m honestly excited to feel a reawakening of my sensuality, as it had been in hibernation for a while.
Do you have any challenges in regards to intimacy that you would like to work on?
Now, the biggest challenge is simply finding (and prioritizing) time for intimacy when other needs—like sleep—are in short supply in our home. But I trust that it will come.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who would like to explore their desires but had a hard time truly understanding what they want and need?
My best advice for becoming comfortable with yourself—and potentially with a partner—in intimacy is to figure out when you feel most calm, relaxed, and safe. Do more of that. Find out what you specifically need in order to surrender and open up, which, from an astrological perspective, can vary greatly from person to person.
The first step is to feel it; the next step is to express what you need—if you’re with a partner, that is. I believe that security, curiosity, and communication are the keys to creating an intimate relationship with yourself and others.
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