A memoir of collapse, perception, and return.

PRELUDE: The Mirror in the Memoir

“As above, so below,

as within, so without,

as the universe, so the soul.”

— Hermes Trismegistus, The Emerald Tablet

This book is not a fairytale, though there is magic in it; it is not a prescription, though you may find healing in its pages—it is a living document of my own becoming.

But I want this book to serve more than a memoir alone, so I’m offering my journey not as a map but as a mirror. An initiation.

I didn’t set out to become a healer, but I believe that when we expose our wounds to the light, they become windows. And when we share the truth of our inner world without shame or restraint, we give others permission to do the same.

So these are the mystical musings of my life’s story, told through transformative experiences, psychological insights, and mythic tales—a journey of shadow work and the uncovering of hidden truths.

Within these pages I will guide you through the spiritual and occult realms, showcasing the systems that helped me make sense of myself and awaken to my divine purpose.

My story is interwoven with threads of teachings, from personal experience to esoteric knowledge: Gnosticism to astrology, the gene keys to numerology, symbolism to mythology—a hermetic Logos where I found the process of alchemy spelled out in the sky.

These modalities became the sacred language I used to decode the chaos, transmute suffering, and remember who I truly am. I call it the Mythos Mind-scape Method: a symbolic self-study and application of archetypes—the way I gathered the fragments of my soul into something enlightened and whole—a holistic hermetic healing.

Hermeticism is a spiritual toolkit for awakening and mastering both the inner and outer worlds—a symbolic synthesis for contained coherence.

You’ll see me use these systems for myself; in my charts, in my choices, in the unraveling and rebuilding of my life—in my authentic expression.

As I uncover the archetypal expressions of who I am, each piece tethers back to a personal reference for what I saw mirrored back at me. A personality trait. A memory. An insecurity being provoked. A lesson being tested. Along with commentary on what I was thinking when I finally heard myself reflected in a language that gave words to something I had always felt but never had known how to describe.

This is the closest way I see possible to share gnosis—the inner knowing that dares to be explored.

Awakening to who you actually are is not a linear process—it’s cyclic. Gnosis transcends time. It is a process of remembrance—a deep knowing that, once realized, reveals what was always there to begin with. Nevertheless, each realization is just as awe-inspiring as the last.

It was in those intimate moments when I truly felt the awe of awakening. The awe of myself. My soul. The One.

It was through this exploration, when I began to notice a deeper self-trust take hold—the kind that cultivates agency, discernment, and sensitivity to what truly resonates. That is why I am so passionate about sharing this process with others!

So as I write to you now, I’m able to reconcile all of the findings I’ve collected throughout my self-discovery process and organize those insights in a coherent, digestible, logical sequence. However I will say, that is not at all the reality of this process… It is far more chaotic—jumping from one aspect to the next and circling back around—super ADHD! (Thankfully that’s how my brain naturally functions!)

But for your sake, that’s why I’m pleased I get to share my journey in a curated fashion—a structurally connected format—each aspect validating the other with a deeper understanding and an appreciation for the mystery of synchronicity.

With that said, this book is intentionally guided, however it is not narrated through a linear progression of my life, nor is it told through the chronological process of my awakening (my research and self-study). Instead, it’s aligned with my cosmology of self—each archetype slowly shifting from one aspect of my being to the next.

It's similar to a rainbow becoming more and more vibrant as each layer of hue unfolds into another. And just as the prism grows richer and deepens in color, each fractal of my Self becomes more materialized into my being.

Each of the twelve houses in astrology reveals a different dimension of the human experience. It describes different aspects of life, serves as a symbolic landscape of the psyche, and represents the process of unfolding the soul’s journey. So this will be the framework I use to structure my memoir—one house at a time.

So through this sacred art of self-inquiry and shadow work, together we’ll explore archetypal energies, psychoanalysis, and mystical systems as catalysts for soul integration—the process of individuation.

I will use these esoteric languages, not as dogma but as lenses, because this is how I’ll be able to offer you perspective into my mind, to see through my eyes, to see for yourself how I naturally exist.

...But honestly, this is really the only way I know how to express myself and the depth I hold within. So that is why I will be using these systems to share my story.

Now, I don’t expect that anyone reading this will already understand this complex language. So despite being worried about the pacing and density of this book, I still believe it is key to include these universal teachings alongside my own typology as we journey together through my story.

And then, maybe you too can learn this symbolic language for yourself?!

...But at the very least, for you to be able to witness where my life has landed.

But I do intend this to be an experiential memoir—an activation. Therefore, each chapter is both a memoir and a mirror—an invitation to reveal your own becoming alongside mine.

So as you step into my story, I invite you to generate your own natal chart using my Stella Sage interactive calculator. Think of it as a symbolic mirror—one that may deepen your own understanding as we explore the language of the psyche together.

My hope is that something in my story will awaken something in yours. Not to say this is the way, but to say there is a way...in fact, many ways!

So whatever belief rings true for you, trust that it belongs to your path. This one belongs to mine.

But if you choose to follow in my footsteps, who knows...you just may begin to witness your life in a whole new light…

Foundational Framework:

So, if I’m being transparent with you...

Umm…Brie — that’s literally the only criteria necessary to write a memoir!

...then I have to admit, I fear my story could end up sounding more like a textbook than a personal recollection. And I'm sure there are some of you who would like to jump right into my personal life... but patience, my dear — we have a whole book for that!

Before we can dive into my story, we need to cover some basics. First, I need to tell you what type of astrology I'll be using throughout my memoir, (because if you didn't know, there are a lot more than one) and then I'll need to share at least a few essential tidbits about an astrology chart—so we can at least begin this journey together on the same page. Kinda important! (You know — given this is the framework I've chosen to structure my storytelling and all...)

GLOSSARY AT A GLANCE:

Throughout my memoir I will be explaining my birth chart through the interpretive lens of all the major schools of astrology, but with a primary focus on ancient Hellenistic and modern Evolutionary Astrology—both perceived through the western tropical zodiac. But occasionally, I will also overlay my placements through the perspective of Vedic philosophy and the sidereal sky—though far less.

Now although I find it fascinating to understand the history, philosophy, and framework behind all of the major schools of astrology, and the teachings that shape each one, however, I won't be taking the time to capture those details within my story itself. (Some, yes — but not a lot in regard to their foundational principles and historical influence.)

But if you wish to learn more about their differences before we get started, or as we journey together through my memoir, I've included a "Glossary at a Glance" downloadable guide covering information about their background along with some fundamental concepts—that way you'll have an easy to access reference tool if you'd like.

Anchoring Astrology:

Now these were questions I was extremely confused about when I began my exploration into astrology, which is why I want to make sure I don't leave you in the dark right off the bat. So we all know the zodiac signs, the planets, and the aspects get a lot of hype in the astrology world, but none of that really matters when you don't understand the basics of a chart.

So as we enter the world of the occult, let's first uncover: the Angles, Nodes, & House Systems.

THE CROSS AND THE CURRENT:

Every birth chart is built on two fundamental axes:

● The Angular Cross (ASC–DSC / MC–IC)

● The Nodal Axis (North Node–South Node)

The angles form a cross in the chart and ground a life in space; the nodal axis forms a line that pulls a life through time. Together, they create the structural tension that animates a life.

If the angles are the architecture of incarnation, the nodes are the storyline moving through it.

But let's dive a bit deeper…

AXIS OF ANGLES (Incarnation of Individuality):

In astrology, the angles are the four most powerful points. They are the spatial anchors created by the Earth’s rotation at the moment of birth.

These four points divide the chart into quadrants and form the cross that stabilizes the entire structure.

The angles answer: Where does life become visible and embodied?

Therefore, if the zodiac describes what something is, the angles describe where it becomes real—the arenas where your life force becomes concrete.

They include:

● Ascendant (ASC) — The eastern horizon (the point rising)

● Shows how consciousness enters the body and meets the world.

● Descendant (DSC) — The western horizon (the point setting)

● Shows what you encounter through relationship and projection.

● Midheaven (MC) — The highest point in the sky (public visibility)

● Shows what you are seen building, offering, or becoming publicly.

● Imum Coeli (IC) — The lowest point (private foundation)

● Shows the psychological and ancestral foundation from which everything rises.

So in terms of "life purpose", the angles describe where your purpose must take form—they demand manifestation. And because the angles are tied directly to the horizon and meridian at a specific time and place, planets placed near them tend to manifest strongly and visibly in life.

(You'll come to see — but given the fact that nearly my entire chart hugs my angles...well shit, no wonder why my life feels so intense!)

HUE OF HOUSES:

When I first began studying astrology and encountered the concept of "house systems", which divide the sky into areas of life, I quickly learned that there seemed to be a real divide amongst astrologers for which house system they focused their work through.

While the zodiac divides the sky into twelve signs, house systems divide the sky into twelve areas of lived experience (career, relationships, health, home, etc.). The difference between house systems is not about what the planets mean, but where their influence is concentrated in life.

Initially I was very confused how something so fundamental to interpreting a chart could even have more than one house system in the first place, but with time I'd come to learn just why the astrological debate, and also why varying house systems exist.

In this memoir I will be presenting my story through the perspective of the two most popular house systems: Whole Sign and Placidus—then you'll be able to judge for yourself!

WHOLE SIGN HOUSES (Sign-Based):

Whole Sign is the oldest known house system in Western astrology and was widely used in the ancient Hellenistic tradition.

In this system, houses are assigned by zodiac sign rather than by dividing houses through degree-based cusps. The Ascendant (rising) sign becomes the entire 1st house, with each subsequent sign following in an exact 30° sequence.

This creates a chart structure that is clean, symbolic, and easy to read, emphasizing distinct life topics with clarity. Because of this coherence, it often performs well in timing techniques and the tracking of concrete events.

Its strength lies in its simplicity, consistency, and historical foundation, while its limitation is that it does not capture the same level of fine-grained angular nuance as quadrant-based house systems.

PLACIDUS HOUSES (Time-Based):

Placidus is a quadrant-based house system that divides the chart according to the Earth’s rotation, calculating house cusps through time-based arcs rather than assigning entire signs to houses.

In this system, the Ascendant and Midheaven anchor the chart, and the remaining houses are derived by dividing the space between these angles, resulting in houses of unequal size that vary depending on location and latitude. This creates a more fluid and individualized structure that reflects the lived experience of time, emphasizing psychological development and the intensity of angular placements.

Its strength lies in its sensitivity to precise angular nuance and its ability to capture subtle shifts in emphasis within a chart, while its limitation is that it can appear mathematically complex and less symbolically clean than Whole Sign, sometimes producing distortions or interceptions that are harder to interpret.

So basically you could distill their differences to: Whole Sign divides the sky by zodiac signs; Placidus divides the sky by the Earth’s rotation in time.

MY PREFERENTIAL PERSPECTIVE:

I think both are crucial to understand for self-development and individuation, but personally I feel like the Placidus house system describes my life experiences most accurately—my psychology, inner world, and outer life. So that's why I tend to focus more on my Placidus chart.

I see my Placidus chart as my shadow-self; and my Whole Sign chart as my refined authentic expression. And well, you can’t really be “whole” without integrating your shadow first…

NEEDY NODES (A Person’s Purpose):

The lunar nodes are not physical bodies; they are the two points where the Moon’s orbit intersects the Sun’s apparent path (the ecliptic). Astronomically, eclipses occur near the nodes.

The nodes are like the vector of direction across time. Symbolically, they mark areas of heightened significance representing direction and development. They describe tension between comfort and growth, repetition and expansion, memory and movement.

They form an axis:

● South Node: What feels familiar (often overdeveloped or automatic) — inherited patterns, established tendencies, or past-oriented familiarity

● North Node: Developmental tension (unfamiliar terrain that requires conscious engagement) — the direction of growth and development, or future-oriented evolution

The nodes answer: In what direction does life seem to pull?

● In evolutionary language, the nodes describe a developmental arc.

● In psychological language, they describe habit versus expansion.

● In practical terms, they describe what must be integrated for balance.

Moody Musical Moments:

As you journey through these pages, you may find portions of this book both intellectually dense and emotionally heavy, so some chapters may feel overwhelming. And at times, it asks a great deal of its reader. For that reason, I invite you to pause from time to time, allowing space for reflection, integration, and emotional connection.

So as my way to create a sanctuary for embodied emotions, I have paired this memoir with a curated collection of songs.

Through carefully selected music and meaningful lyrics, you will be offered moments to engage not only with my story and the archetypal energies woven throughout it, but also with your own inner experience as it unfolds. Each “MUSICAL MOOD” has been intentionally placed throughout the book, and I highly recommend following along as orchestrated.

This is my way of expressing what my words alone cannot fully carry. I will certainly try my best, but as I’ve always said, "Words are not my forte."

And yet here’s me now...just writing my own book!

Yeah I know — ironic, huh?

But when destiny calls…

These musical moments resonate deeply with both my life and the themes explored throughout this memoir. To me, their lyrics feel like kismet—each one in sequence to tell my tale.

Therefore, each song is linked directly to its lyric video on YouTube, so that you can listen while following along. These songs are included not only to enrich the experience, but also as a way to honor the brilliant artists whose work touched my soul and helped me make sense of my own journey.

For convenience, I have also created a playlist on my YouTube channel, @Stella-Sage, containing the complete collection. I invite you to experience it however you wish…

LOCATED IN THE PLAYLIST SECTION UNDER: The Scapegoat’s Stellium of Secrets: MUSICAL MOODS

Soul Signature:

So this is an experiential memoir—a holistic hermetic healing. An invitation to reveal your own becoming along side mine. Each chapter is both a memoir and a mirror—an activation.

Through sharing my own process of self-discovery—chapter by chapter, house by house, sign by sign—I hope to illuminate a way for you too to expand your consciousness to your own patterns, gifts, and sacred purpose, not to tell you what to be, but to help you remember that you already are.

So I share my story not as superiority, but as specificity. Not “special”. Not “chosen”. My life is simply one expression of the same source we all arise from.

Awakening is truly a magical process, so it will be my pleasure to share mine with you!

Well, on second thought… Maybe “pleasure” isn’t actually the best word here. Because quite frankly, some of this will just be magically miserable!

But it's here, within these pages, where I will lay bare my process of alchemy: turning darkness into light, grief into gold.

So may this be a safe space for your own soul to explore—become inspired, curious, and courageous—and to trust the process.

May these words be the spark that helps you reclaim your light—your golden key.

Now, together, let’s turn lead into gold, shall we?

Welcome to the fire.

Welcome to the mirror.

Welcome to the self that has always been waiting…

With love, light, and reverence for the mystery,

Briana Michelle Klaus — Stella Sage

Before she had language for the pattern, she had already learned the role. The room would arrange itself around expectation, and she would become fluent in what was not being said.

Sensitivity became a kind of private instrument. It taught her to track tone, silence, interruption, and the small atmospheric changes that told her who she was allowed to be.

The wound was not only what happened. It was the long education in misrecognition: being interpreted before being met, named before being known.

Years later, the chart did not excuse the story or predict an ending. It gave her a spiritual grammar for seeing the architecture beneath it.