Join Wendy Pleydell and host Lisa Aston Michael for a warm, insightful, and wide-ranging conversation that weaves together astrology, life experience, and our deep connection with animals.

The episode opens on a personal note, touching on shared health experiences, the quirks of technology, and even a nod to Mercury retrograde—setting the tone for an honest and relatable discussion.

With over 50 years of experience, Wendy shares her remarkable journey through astrology—from the days of hand-calculated charts and rigorous FAA accreditation, to today’s digital tools like Solar Fire. She reflects on how astrology has evolved over the decades, and why its wisdom is more relevant now than ever.

Together, Lisa and Wendy explore powerful current astrological influences, including Pluto’s return and the Neptune–Saturn alignment, and how these major transits may be shaping both global events and personal life paths. They discuss how astrology was once embraced by leaders, and how it is now re-emerging as a tool for guidance during uncertain times.

A unique highlight of this episode is Wendy’s fascinating work with animal astrology. Drawing on her experience as a dog breeder and registered judge, she shares how birth charts can reveal personality traits in dogs—from the bold presence of Leo types to the sensitive, home-loving nature of Cancer dogs. This opens up a meaningful conversation about working with an animal’s natural tendencies rather than trying to change them.

The discussion also explores how astrology can support life direction and transformation, particularly during key phases such as Saturn returns and midlife transitions. Wendy shares real client stories, illustrating how these cycles can lead to profound personal growth and new beginnings.

For those curious about learning astrology, Wendy offers practical guidance; from understanding sun, moon, and rising signs to the value of community learning, group work, and ceremony. The conversation gently bridges astrology with intuition, animal connection, and spiritual development.

This episode is a beautiful blend of grounded wisdom, lived experience, and intuitive insight, inviting you to stay open-hearted, trust your path, and explore the deeper connections between the cosmos, yourself, and the animals in your life.

SOCIALS:

www.writteninstardust.com.au

http://www.facebook.com/writtenistardust

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In this fascinating episode of Enlightened Connections, Lisa Aston Michael is joined by animal hypnotherapist Victoria Sambleson to explore the powerful and often surprising connection between animals and their human companions.

Victoria has spent more than two decades working with animals through massage therapy, energy healing, and animal communication. Her work eventually evolved into the specialised field of animal hypnosis, where she now focuses on a unique method known as animal surrogate hypnosis.

In this conversation, Victoria explains how surrogate hypnosis works by connecting a person’s unconscious mind with their animal’s unconscious mind. Through this process, humans can experience their pet’s emotional perspective and uncover the deeper energetic and psychological patterns influencing behaviour.

Together, Lisa and Victoria explore how animal behaviour often mirrors the emotional patterns, trauma, and boundaries of their human guardians. Through compelling case studies and real-life examples, Victoria demonstrates how addressing the root emotional causes behind behavioural issues can lead to rapid and lasting transformation for both animals and their people.

Topics explored in this episode include:

• What animal hypnosis is and how it works
• The concept of animal surrogate hypnosis and unconscious mind connection
• Why pets often mirror their owner’s emotions, trauma, and life patterns
• Real case studies involving separation anxiety, aggression, and behavioural challenges
• How past experiences and unresolved trauma can affect animals and humans alike
• The powerful mind–body and energetic bond between animals and their guardians
• How animals can act as profound teachers in our emotional and spiritual lives

Victoria also shares stories from her practice, including unusual behavioural cases, animal trauma discoveries, and examples of how animals can guide their humans toward deeper personal healing.

If you’re interested in animal communication, pet behaviour, animal energy healing, the human–animal bond, or the psychology behind pet behaviour, this episode offers a fascinating look at how animals and humans can heal together.

Victoria also discusses her training programs in animal surrogate therapy, designed to help animal communicators, trainers, and animal professionals learn this transformative approach.

About the Guest

Victoria Sambleson is an animal hypnotherapist specialising in animal surrogate hypnosis, a method that helps animals and their humans release emotional patterns and behavioural issues by working with the unconscious mind. With more than 20 years of experience in animal massage therapy, energy healing, and animal communication, Victoria helps animals overcome anxiety, trauma, and behavioural challenges by addressing the deeper emotional connection they share with their humans.

SOCIALS:

www.animalhypnoshift.com

@animalhypnoshift

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What does it take to survive 13 brain surgeries, face stage 4 breast cancer, and live your truth as a transgender man after 30 years of hiding?

Anton Cavalli joins Lisa Aston Michael on Enlightened Connections to share his extraordinary story of resilience, authenticity, and personal transformation.

In this deeply moving episode, Anton opens up about his journey transitioning in his 30s, navigating gender dysphoria, leaving a strict Jehovah’s Witness upbringing, and facing the isolation and challenges that come with embracing his true identity. He also candidly discusses surviving life-threatening health battles, including inoperable brain tumours and his recent cancer diagnosis, and how humour, positivity, and self-belief have guided him through the darkest moments.

Anton shares insights from his coffee business Cosa Nostra Coffee and his upcoming memoir Coming Home to Me, offering wisdom on self-love, resilience, spiritual growth, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, guidance on personal transformation, or a story of incredible courage, this conversation will leave you moved, motivated, and reminded of the extraordinary strength of the human spirit.

SOCIALS:

www.antoncavalli.com

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