All Episodes

September 3, 2025 25 mins

Robert Johnson is more than just a blues legend—he’s a myth, a mystery, and the man whose music shaped generations. In this episode of Rhythms & Retrogrades, host Schyler takes you to the crossroads of music, astrology, and folklore to uncover the cosmic truth behind Johnson’s haunting legacy.


Born May 8, 1911 in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, Robert Johnson lived a short but unforgettable life. Known as the King of the Delta Blues, his guitar style and lyrics inspired rock’s greatest legends—Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and countless others. Without Robert Johnson, modern music would not sound the same.


But Johnson’s story has always carried a shadow. Tales of selling his soul to the devil at the crossroads made him larger than life, and his mysterious death at age 27 marked him as the first true member of the 27 Club. In this episode, Schyler explores not just the myth, but the astrology written in his birth chart, revealing how Pluto in Gemini and Venus shaped Johnson’s fate.


We’ll look at:


  • Robert Johnson’s astrology chart (Sun in Taurus, Pluto in Gemini)
  • The Pluto in Cancer generation and the birth of Delta Blues
  • The mystery behind his death and theories of poisoning, illness, or fate
  • The role of Papa Legba in African and diasporic traditions versus the “devil at the crossroads” myth
  • How Robert Johnson’s posthumous fame exploded in the 1960s during Pluto in Virgo, shaping the counterculture and British Invasion
  • His lasting influence on blues, rock, folk, and even hip-hop



From the recording sessions in San Antonio and Dallas to the cosmic timing of Pluto’s transits, this episode connects music history with astrology, showing how Johnson’s legacy was fated to outlive him. His haunting songs like Crossroad Blues, Sweet Home Chicago, and Love in Vain became scripture for generations of musicians—and his astrological story explains why his ghost still lingers in every riff, lyric, and legend.


Whether you’re a music lover, astrology nerd, or history buff, this episode takes you deep into the myth and magic of Robert Johnson. The crossroads weren’t just about the devil—they were about destiny, transformation, and a cosmic deal written in the stars.


If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with a fellow traveler. And if you’re ready to explore the stars behind your own story, DM Schyler the words Cosmic Clarity.


Sources: www.Louisianavoodoo.com

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Johnson


Cosmic Clarity ad 

Some sound effects used in this episode are licensed under Creative Commons from Freesound.org. Thanks to creators Funky_Audio, JimPurbrick, Kinoton, and cabled_mess.

Support the show

Follow on Instagram

YouTube

Buy Me a Coffee


Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage

Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage

Rewarded for bravery that goes above and beyond the call of duty, the Medal of Honor is the United States’ top military decoration. The stories we tell are about the heroes who have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism and courage that have saved lives. From Judith Resnik, the second woman in space, to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice, these are stories about those who have done the improbable and unexpected, who have sacrificed something in the name of something much bigger than themselves. Every Wednesday on Medal of Honor, uncover what their experiences tell us about the nature of sacrifice, why people put their lives in danger for others, and what happens after you’ve become a hero. Special thanks to series creator Dan McGinn, to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Adam Plumpton. Medal of Honor begins on May 28. Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear ad-free episodes one week early. Find Pushkin+ on the Medal of Honor show page in Apple or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.