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A summer check-in episode: revisiting the basics of parts work, astrology as a doorway into the psyche, and the difference between a part talking and a psychic download.
In This Episode
KP and Chelsea catch up on a rainy Midwest “summer” (guest-starring Otto the dog), then dig into a genuine refresher episode — going back to the fundamentals of parts for anyone new to the model, and for longtime listeners who want a deeper pass. Topics range from a forthcoming astrotherapy summit, to a slow read of Stephen Arroyo, to how psychic perception and parts work can get tangled for intuitive people, to KP’s ongoing practice of meeting the planets in her chart as inner figures.
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Key Takeaways
* The Virgo phase of learning gets skipped. Drawing on Stephen Arroyo, KP points out that Western education (and most astrology training) rushes from “building blocks” (Gemini) straight to “expert” (Sagittarius), skipping the long apprenticeship phase (Virgo) — the unglamorous stretch of practicing on real people before you’re any good. Arroyo argues astrology especially needs more of this middle phase, since it isn’t taught with the same rigor as empirical sciences.
* A fall astrotherapy summit is in the works. KP and Chelsea are planning a free, accessible virtual gathering for people working at the intersection of astrology and therapy — modeled less on funnel-driven summits and more on a shared, decentralized structure where each presenter brings their own angle.
* Parts, explained simply: Chelsea’s go-to entry point for beginners is polarization — noticing two opposing feelings about the same decision or situation. If you’ve ever felt torn, you’ve already met two parts. This isn’t pathology; it’s normal internal multiplicity.
* Parts want to be heard — and that’s harder than it sounds. When one part dominates the airtime (out of fear something bad will happen if another part speaks), that suppressed part tends to get louder, not quieter. Chelsea’s family-therapy analogy: it’s like a parent answering for a child in session — the guide has to gently ask that part to “give us some space” so the quieter one can be heard directly.
* Psychic perception and parts perception can blur for intuitive people. Chelsea raises a sharp question: for people who already work with clairs (psychic senses), is a vivid image a part communicating, or an unrelated psychic download? Her practical fix — just ask the part directly what it’s showing you and why.
* Everyone perceives parts differently, and there’s no “correct” channel. KP experiences parts primarily as visual, character-based figures (often animals — a glamorous snake, warring dragons) plus somatic sensing of a part’s state. Chelsea experiences parts as human figures, shapes, or cloaked presences, and notes that people can also perceive parts auditorily, energetically, or as a felt sense outside the body. Neither is more “real” than the other.
* Even trained guides need a guide. Chelsea, despite her training, says she still can’t lead herself through internal work — holding the analytical/tracking role and staying fully present with a part at the same time asks too much of one system. This normalizes needing outside support regardless of expertise level.
* Astrology as a parts practice. KP has been “meeting” the planets in her own chart as individual inner figures (Moon, Sun, Venus, Vesta) with striking results — including a session with a judge-like “go-between” part that helped her make a major life decision (her move). Saturn, her chart ruler, is next — and she’s a little afraid of what she’ll learn.
Key Quotes
“We are multiples. We contain multitudes. And it’s not pathology.” — Chelsea, on what parts are
“Parts just want to be heard... and it sounds really simple, but it can be really, really hard in practice.” — Chelsea
“I don’t think it matters how experienced I am — even though I know it all, it doesn’t matter, because I still need somebody else to guide me.” — Chelsea, on why even trained therapists need a guide for their own work
“It’s not overwhelming, it’s just — there’s so much movement, and you’re noticing a lot.” — KP, describing what it’s like to be guided through a session
Fact-Check Note
KP references “two gates” from Greek myth distinguishing true messages from ordinary dreams, describing them (uncertainly) as pearl and milk. The actual reference is likely the Gates of Horn and Ivory from Homer’s Odyssey (and later Virgil’s Aeneid) — true dreams pass through the gate of horn, false or misleading ones through the gate of ivory. Though KP stands by her pearl and milk gates ;)
Resources & References Mentioned
* Book: Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements: An Energy Approach to Astrology and Its Use in the Counseling Arts by Stephen Arroyo
* Film reference: Inside Out (and Inside Out 2) — Chelsea’s go-to for explaining IFS-style internal multiplicity to beginners or younger listeners
* KP’s newsletter: Astro-Archetypes — weekly newsletter connecting current astrological transits to an archetype, paired with quotes and images, published as a short centering message for the week
* KP’s Book Doula practice — ongoing companionship for people working inside long book projects; reach out to inquire about fit
* Chelsea’s newsletter — monthly updates on her Oracle deck and channeled messages
For those applying to grad programs in counseling:
* Chelsea Owens pulled together a deeeeeep dive into all the practical elements of this decision, for the price of a cute cafe lunch ($25) — follow this link: https://chelseawow.gumroad.com/l/bfbiau
Chelsea’s Oracle deck, Outer Realms for Inner Archives :
a collage deck shaped by exactly this work, made the way she makes images of her own parts. Pre-orders coming; this email sign-up form gets you deck news only, nothing else. → subscribe here
Meet your Moon.
If the Moon is the tender spot for everyone, this is the guided audio course for meeting yours as an inner figure — KP’s active-imagination approach, on your own time. ($42) → https://kpkaszu.gumroad.com/l/meetyourmoon
About This Podcast
Parts & Charts is co-hosted by astrologer KP Kaszubowski and licensed therapist Chelsea Owens, exploring the intersection of astrology and Internal Family Systems.
Work with Chelsea.
If you’re in California and you’ve been looking for a therapist who will actually go there with you — the deep stuff, the weird stuff, the stuff you’ve never quite found the words for — Chelsea Owens is your person. Licensed therapist, Leo moon, first house everything, art supplies on every surface. She brings clinical rigor and genuine delight to the work in equal measure, which turns out to be exactly what the hard stuff needs.
* 👉 www.chelseaowenstherapy.com
Work with KP.
Astrology readings (written, voice note, or live; in person if you’re in Wisconsin),astrology readings “mommy and me”, Astro Parts sessions.
Book Doula — a monthly retainer for people serious about making the book real, three clients at a time, waitlist when full.
* → Book Doula Waitlist: forms.gle/3LwpmAinnBN2Q4aY8
Schedule a 1:1 session → https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22372975
Thanks for reading Parts & Charts! This post is public so feel free to share it.
🌟 Credits
Music “Vape Juice Dave’s Bistro” composed by Scott Cary (Wild Western Avenue) for the feature film RINGOLEVIO (2020) directed by KP Kaszubowski — performed by Scott Cary, Max Wikoff, Else Albeck Gasparka, and Sarah Luther.
Collage cover art by Chelsea Owens.
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