Big Sky Astrology Podcast

195 | Podathon Day Two: Pumping Iron with Mars!

It’s the Fourth Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with new episodes every Labor Day Weekday! In today’s look at the planetary rulerships of the days of the week, April runs down the best activities and wardrobe for Tuesday, Mars' Day. Today’s Moon segues from languid Taurus to busy Gemini, with a void-of-course Moon and a sober aspect to Saturn along the way. April digs into the meaning of the Void-of-Course Moon, including what to look out for and how to use these periods. Plus, greetings from Listener Stephanie and all the news of Podathon, including how to make your donation, receive special gifts, and be enrolled in a drawing for one of five fabulous prizes! And don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for Day Three!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[0:37] It’s the 4th Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with five daily episodes, all the week’s planetary news, some special podathon segments, and a chance to win prizes!
[2:36] Donate $25 or more to be entered into the drawing!  One grand prize winner will win a 90-minute reading with April (a $269 value). One lucky listener will win a 60-minute reading with April (a $210 value). Another lucky donor will win a free enrollment into one of April's upcoming classes ($249 value). Last but not least, two lucky winners will win a personalized copy of April’s “Followed by a Moonshadow” eclipse report. Ongoing monthly donors are also entered!
[3:48] Can't contribute $25 or more? That's ok!  Donate $10 or more to gain access to April's special episodes for the Equinoxes and Solstices. :)
[4:14] And if you can’t contribute financially, here are some free ways to help the show! Please subscribe or follow Big Sky Astrology Podcast on your app of choice. Enthusiastic ratings and reviews are welcome. And please share the show with your astrology loving friends.
[5:28] Today is Tuesday, and that is Mars' Day. Mars-ruled Tuesday was set aside for ironing in the traditional home because Mars has an affinity for heat and metal.  Assertiveness, confrontation, using sharp tools, exercise and wearing red and/or diamonds are all ways to celebrate the red, warrior planet, Mars.
[7:37] Greetings from Listener Stephanie!
[8:26] Moon Report!  The Moon is in Taurus on Tuesday morning and makes a trine aspect to Pluto at 28°10’ Capricorn (9:45 AM PDT) before going Void-of-Course for 3 ¼  hours before it enters Gemini (1:06 PM PDT). Appreciate the power and privilege that come with having the necessities of life covered.
[9:45] The Moon squares Saturn at 03°06’ of Gemini-Pisces (6:49 PM PDT), another reminder of how truly fortunate you are.
[10:23] A look at the Void-of-Course Moon. It's a period of varying length between the Moon's last major aspect (conjunction, sextile, square, trine, opposition) to other planets and until it changes signs. The Nodes, Chiron, asteroids and angles are not included.
[12:28] Some say that if you initiate something on a VOC Moon, nothing would come of the matter. Don’t believe it! April met her hubby on a VOC Moon and their marriage is 30 years strong.
[14:01] Darrell Martinie, the Cosmic Muffin, favored a VOC Moon for breaking habits and letting things go.
[15:24] And that's a wrap for the second day of the Fourth Annual Podcast! Make your donation at BigSkyAstropod.com, and join April again tomorrow morning for another episode!

194 | Podathon Day One: An Easy-Going Labor Day Moonday!

It’s the Fourth Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! Today’s Moon is in easy-going Taurus, and Mercury makes a helpful aspect to Jupiter just before it turns retrograde. In this week’s Days of the Week segment, April outlines best practices for Monday, the Moon’s Day. Plus, greetings from Listener Ann, and all the news of Podathon, including how to make your donation, receive special gifts, and be enrolled in a drawing for one of five fabulous prizes!
Tune in tomorrow for Day Two of the Podathon!And make your donation here!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Timestamps
[0:40] It’s the 4th Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with five daily episodes, all the week’s planetary news, some special podathon segments, and a chance to win prizes!
[3:18] Donate $25 or more to be entered into the drawing! One grand prize winner will win a 90-minute reading with April (a $269 value). One lucky listener will win a 60-minute reading with April (a $210 value). Another lucky donor will win a free enrollment into one of April's upcoming classes ($249 value). Last but not least, two lucky winners will win a personalized copy of April’s “Followed by a Moonshadow” eclipse report. Ongoing monthly donors are also entered!
[4:37] Can't contribute $25 or more? That's ok! Donate $10 or more to gain access to April's special episodes for the Equinoxes and Solstices. :)
[4:57] And if you can’t contribute financially, here are some free ways to help the show! Please subscribe or follow Big Sky Astrology Podcast on your app of choice. Enthusiastic ratings and reviews are welcome. And please share the show with your astrology loving friends.
[6:12] Mercury trines Jupiter on Sep. 4 (3:29 AM PDT) at 15º34’ Virgo and Taurus. Mercury’s Sabian symbol is 16 Virgo, An Orangutan, and Jupiter is on 16 Taurus, An old man tries in vain to share the mysteries.
[6:50] This is the second of three trines forming between Mercury and Jupiter, beginning with the first on August 9, and the last coming on Sep. 25. Bring your honest, unadorned self to everything that you have to say, write and communicate.
[7:47] A few hours later (7:10 AM PDT), Jupiter stations retrograde at 15º34’ Taurus. It’s retrograde through Dec. 30, when it turns direct at 05º34’ Taurus. This is the degree of the lunar eclipse on October 28, 2023 as well. Look to your own inner guidance on subjects like beliefs, religion, education, travel and adventure.
[9:01] Greetings from Listener Ann!
[9:36] Moon Report! Today’s Moon is in relaxed, indulgent Taurus, one of her favorite signs.
[10:51] The Moon trines the Sun (4:12 AM PDT), squares Venus (5:08 AM PDT), and then aspects today’s Mercury-Jupiter configuration: trine Mercury (10:35 AM PDT) and conjoined Jupiter (11:05 AM PDT).
[11:46] When the Moon is in hard aspect with the planet that rules its sign, such as today’s Taurus Moon square Venus in Leo, it gives a little bit of a mixed message. Complications could interrupt the day’s flow of events.
[12:39] The Moon’s aspects to today’s Mercury/Jupiter trine suggests an excellent time for receiving cooperation, collaboration and sharing information.
[14:05] Monday is the Moon’s Day. Did you know that, traditionally, Monday was the day for laundry? The Moon is also connected to food and nurturing others.
[15:45] And that's a wrap for Day One of The Fourth Annual Podcast! Make your donation at BigSkyAstropod.com, and join April again tomorrow morning for another episode!

193 | Pisces Full Moon: The Ecstasy of the Everyday!

This week: The Pisces Full Moon and the ecstasy of the everyday; Uranus turns retrograde just as Venus finally turns direct; and looking back at Venus's retrograde period. And April answers a listener question about what it means when something you’re seeing in your chart doesn't seem to be showing up in your life. Plus: carpeting, quirkiness blowback, and making a ruckus!
The fourth annual Big Sky Pod-A-Thon begins Sep. 4, with special episodes Monday through Friday! We’d love to hear from you on our upcoming celebratory shows! Leave a voicemail telling us how you found us and why you listen!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[3:30] Moon Report! The Pisces Full Moon is on Aug. 30 (6:36 PM PDT) at 07°25’ Pisces-Virgo. The Sabian symbol for the Moon is 8 Pisces, Girl blowing a bugle, and the Sun is on 8 Virgo, First dancing instruction. 
[5:20] The Full Moon is in a conjunction with Saturn (on 4 Pisces, Heavy traffic on a narrow isthmus), with both opposed the Sun. Check out Episode 192 for a recap of the Sun/Saturn opposition. Call attention to something that makes it hard to share a crowded space with others, then learn prescribed steps to move in harmony together.
[7:29] This Full Moon is part of a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began with the Pisces New Moon on March 2, 2022. The First Quarter Moon in this cycle was on Nov. 30, 2022, and the Last Quarter Phase is on May 30, 2024. Are there some changes that we would like to make to finish up this particular cycle with a sense of spiritual purpose?
[8:53] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods for this week. On Aug. 28th (4:49 AM PDT), the Moon in Capricorn conjoins Pluto. It’s VOC for about 2 ¾ hours before entering Aquarius (7:32 AM PDT). Constrain emotions in order to get what you want, but don’t lose touch with them altogether!
[10:33] The Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus on Aug. 29 (8:04 PM PDT). It’s VOC for about 11 hours (!!!) before entering Pisces on Aug. 30 (6:56 AM PDT). Think about how to change emotional patterns around connection with others vs the need for independence.
[11:53] On September 1, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto in Capricorn (3:36 AM PDT). It's VOC for a little under two hours, then enters Aries (6:25 AM PDT). This is an opportunity to align with powerful forces that move us in the direction of meaningful accomplishment.
[13:37] Uranus stations retrograde on Aug. 28 (7:39 PM PDT, through Jan. 26, 2024) at 23°04’ Taurus. Focus on breaking out of patterns that keep you from being who you want to be, doing what you want to do, and feeling free.
[16:29] Venus, retrograde since July 22, stations direct on September 3 (6:20 PM PDT) at 12°12’ Leo on the Sabian symbol 13 Leo, An old sea captain rocking. Now we’ll be able to move ahead in matters of love and money.
[19:34] Listener Josh asks about why some career developments suggested in his chart are not showing up in his life.
[25:24] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:57] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Sandy Miller and Claudia V!
[27:12] If you’d like to support the show and you just can’t wait for the Podathon, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

192 | Sun Enters Virgo: A Helpful Friend!

It's a busy week in the big sky, as Venus and Jupiter review money vs happiness; the Sun enters Virgo and asks for a raise, but Saturn doesn’t give an immediate “yes”; Mars opposed Neptune pits social graces against wild magic; Mars, planet of conflict, enters Libra, sign of relating; Mercury enters its latest retrograde period; and a Sagittarius First Quarter Moon urges a leap of faith. And a tale of two Kelly/ies, as April answers a two-for-one listener question about Saturn transits!
The fourth annual Big Sky Pod-A-Thon begins Sep. 4, with special episodes Monday through Friday! We'd love to feature your beautiful voices in the upcoming celebratory shows! Tell us how you found us and why you listen!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
Full Show notes at the website
[1:57] Venus makes the second of three squares to Jupiter (Aug. 22, 5:16 AM PDT). The first was on June 11, the last on Sep. 16.
[4:43] Later on Aug. 22 (1:34 PM PDT), Mars opposes Neptune at 26º59’ Virgo-Pisces. Mars' Sabian symbol is 27 Virgo, Grand dames at tea, and the Sabian symbol for Neptune is 27 Pisces, A Harvest Moon.
[6:43] The Sun enters Virgo on Aug. 23 (2:01 AM PDT, through Sep. 22).
[8:37] Also on Aug. 23 (12:59 PM PDT), Mercury stations retrograde at 21º51’ Virgo. Mercury will be retrograde through Sep. 15. Both Mercury and Venus are retrograde until Sep. 3, 2023.
[12:12] Moon Report! The Sagittarius First Quarter Moon will occur on Aug. 24 (2:57 AM PDT). The Moon and Sun are at 01°00’ Sagittarius and Virgo. The Sun in Virgo opposes Saturn in Pisces, and they are both squared by the Moon in Sagittarius.
[14:20] This is the First Quarter phase in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began at the New Moon on Nov. 23, 2022 at 01º37’ Sagittarius. Now is the time to act upon those New Moon intentions. The Full Moon in the cycle is on May 23, 2024, the Last Quarter on February 20, 2025.
[15:44] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Aug. 21st, the Moon and Libra sextiles the Sun in Leo (1:31 PM PDT). It will be VOC for almost three hours before entering Scorpio (4:22 PM PDT).
[16:30] On Aug. 23, the Moon in Scorpio sextiles Pluto (10:10 PM PDT). It's VOC for about an hour and a half, and then enters Sagittarius on Aug. 24 (1:07 AM PDT).
 
[17:24] The Moon in Sagittarius squares Mars in Virgo on Aug. 26 (4:56 AM PDT). It’s VOC for a little over one hour before entering Capricorn (6:05 AM PDT).
[18:41] Mars trines Pluto on Aug. 24 (5:23 PM PDT) at 28º22’ Virgo-Capricorn.
[19:43] The Sun opposes Saturn on Aug. 27 (1:28 AM PDT) at 03º50’ Virgo-Pisces. The Sabian symbol for the Sun is A black child playing with white children, and Saturn’s is Heavy traffic on a narrow isthmus.
[21:17] Mars enters Libra on Aug. 27 (6:20 AM PDT, through Oct. 11, 2023).
[23:42] Listeners Kelly and Kellie ask about Saturn transits.
[33:44] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[34:19] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Kristin Hamzik and Asta Mačiulytė!
[35:26] If you would like to support the show and you just can't wait for the Podathon, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

191 | Leo New Moon: Sparkle More Brightly!

This week: A glorious New Moon in Leeeeooooo finds us engrossed in being more truly ourselves. The Sun and Mars make brilliant, energizing aspects to Uranus. And April answers a listener question about solar houses; what are they, how do you use them for your chart, and why would you want to?
The fourth annual Big Sky Pod-A-Thon begins September 4th, with special episodes Monday through Friday! We’d would love to feature your beautiful voices in the upcoming celebratory shows! Leave a message and tell us how you found us and why you listen!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:46] The Sun squares Uranus on Aug. 15 (7:34 PM PDT) at 23º00’ degrees Leo-Taurus – look for connections to last week's Venus-Uranus square at the same degrees.
[3:27] Uranus’ Sabian symbol is 23 Taurus, A jewelry shop. You’ll sparkle more brightly as you get closer to your true identity, rather than playing a role.
[4:36] Moon Report! The New Moon in Leeeeeeoooooo (Aug. 16, 2:38 AM PDT) is at 23º17’ Leo on the Sabian symbol 24 Leo, An untidy, unkempt man. The Sun and Moon conjunct Venus and square Uranus in Taurus; time to examine your worth and demand better treatment.
[7:38] The New Moon in creative Leo is the season to ask, “What do you want to create in the year ahead?”
[10:00] Mars at 22º53’ Virgo in a grand trine with Uranus and Pluto is an opportunity to tackle a project, possibly for the masses, in a precise, inspired way.
[10:43] This New Moon begins a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that plays out over the next three years. The First Quarter Phase of this cycle is on May 15, 2024, the Full Moon is on Feb. 2025, and the Last Quarter is on Nov. 11, 2025.
[13:11] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Aug. 14th (12:46 AM PDT) the Moon in Cancer opposes Pluto. It's Void-of-Course for about three hours and then enters Leo (3:36 AM PDT). Make changes to emotional habits, particularly related to power, control and safety.
[14:14] The Moon in Leo conjuncts the Sun on Aug. 16th (2:38 AM PDT). The Moon will be VOC for about 1 ½ hours before entering Virgo (4:14 PM PDT). How can we be a more authentic version of ourselves?
[15:17] On Aug. 19 (1:51 AM PDT), the Moon in Virgo trines Pluto. It’s VOC for about three hours before it enters Libra (4:53 AM PDT). Think about exalting your day-to-day work and using it toward large and important work. Humble worker bees could get a gold star for the day!
[16:36] Mars trines Uranus at 23º00’ Virgo-Taurus (Aug. 16, 6:53 am PDT). Mars is on the Sabian symbol 23 Virgo, An animal trainer, and Uranus is on 23 Taurus, A jewelry shop. If you have worked hard, shown self-discipline, and most importantly, have shown up for work, this is the time that the Muse should visit.
[19:36] April answers listener Elodie’s question about solar houses.
[25:01] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:32] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Suzanne O’Claire, Connie Cameron, and Anne Walder!
[26:26] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Cancer Solstice bonus episode for donors only!

190 | The Sun Meets Venus: Intoxicated with Love!

This week: The Taurus Last Quarter Moon finishes up the lunar cycle that began at the July 17th Cancer New Moon. Venus is in the spotlight with a brilliant Solar conjunction and an exciting aspect to Uranus. And April answers a listener question about what she calls a Venus retrograde loophole: Can we happily buy used or sale items while the planet of money is retrograde? Plus: Making our own mistakes, feeding the ducks, and a debonair chapeau! 
The fourth annual Big Sky Pod-A-Thon begins September 4th, with special episodes Monday through Friday! We’d would love to feature your beautiful voices in the upcoming celebratory shows! Tell us how you found us and why you listen!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have your question answered on the show - Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:52] Moon Report! The Last Quarter Moon (Aug. 8, 3:28 AM PDT) at 15º38’ Taurus conjoins Jupiter and Uranus, with all square Sun-Venus, trine Mars.
[3:24] Consider this Last Quarter Moon a sneak peek into next year’s Jupiter/Uranus conjunction (April 20, 2024, 21º49’ Taurus). This Last Quarter’s Sabian symbol is 16 Taurus, Old man attempting vainly to reveal the mysteries.
[5:25] This is the last critical point in a Lunar Phase Family cycle that began at the May 11, 2021 New Moon. The First Quarter in the cycle was on Feb. 8, 2022 and the Full Moon (a lunar eclipse) was Nov. 8, 2022.
[7:46] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. Aug. 9 (3:38 AM PDT), Moon in Taurus trines Pluto. It's VOC for about 1 ½ hours, then enters Gemini (6:05 AM PDT). Do you feel secure enough to expand your reach into other and more powerful connections?
[9:29] On Aug. 11 (10:27 AM PDT), the Moon in Gemini squares Neptune. It’s VOC for about 5 ½ hours before entering Cancer (3:52 PM PDT). Spend some quality time with a book and a water feature.
[10:41] Retrograde Venus meets Uranus (Aug. 9, 4:08 AM PDT) at 22°54’ Leo-Taurus, in the second of three squares (the others on July 2 and Sep. 29).
[12:19] Uranus’ Sabian symbol at this square is A jewelry shop. All that glitters is not gold. Look to the inner qualities that really shine, if given a chance.
[12:55] Also on Aug. 9 (5:47 PM PDT), Mercury trines Jupiter at 14º31’ Virgo-Taurus.  Mercury’s Sabian symbol is 15 Virgo, An ornamental handkerchief, and Jupiter’s is 15 Taurus, A man muffled up with a rakish silk hat. Make the very basic things useful, and then elegant and lovely.
[15:04] On Aug. 13 (4:15 AM PDT), the Sun and Venus come together in a conjunction at 20º28’ Leo. When a planet is exactly conjoined the Sun, it’s said to be cazimi.
[15:34] The Venus/Sun conjunction is also called the Venus Star Point. Follow these links for more about this powerful point: this article and a video interview. The Sabian symbol for this conjunction is 21 Leo, Chickens intoxicated. Let go of the negative internal chatter and get drunk on love.
[16:20] Arielle Guttman, a specialist on the Venus Star Point, says the first 20 days after Venus turns retrograde is for emptying out what has been collected since the last retrograde. The last Venus-Sun conjunction near this degree was Aug. 15, 2015 at 22º39’ Leo.
[18:27] Listener Dora asks about purchasing used and sale items while Venus is retrograde.
[24:03] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[24:34] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Anastasia Molnar, Carrie LaRoche Sinay, and Kayla Grant!
[25:43] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Cancer Solstice bonus episode for donors only!

189 | Aquarius Full Moon: Let’s Play Hooky!

This week: The Aquarius Full Moon brings the hope of a new day; both the Sun and Mars connect with big-thinking, optimistic Jupiter; Saturn helps Mercury get down to business; and April answers a very helpful listener question about using astrology to make healthier choices and stick to them! Plus: Silver linings, playing hooky, and looking the part!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Want your question answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:08] Moon Report!  Beginning with an Aquarius Full Moon (Aug. 1, 11:32 am PDT) at 9º15’ Aquarius-Leo, featuring a T-square of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter (Sun opposed Moon, both square Jupiter).
[1:40] The Moon’s Sabian symbol is 10 Aquarius, A popularity that proves ephemeral; the Sun is on 10 Leo, Early morning dew. Popularity comes and goes, but as long as we have breath in our bodies, there’s reason to hope.
[3:29] After the intense Cancer New Moon opposed Pluto (July 17), this milder Full Moon is welcome. Symbolically and literally, everything is visible at the Full Moon – in contrast with the dark nights around the New Moon.
[5:13] This is also the Full Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began with the Jan. 31, 2022 New Moon at 12º18’ Aquarius. The First Quarter in that cycle was on Oct. 31, 2022, and the Last Quarter phase comes on May 1, 2024.
[7:52] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On July 31, the Moon in Capricorn conjoins Pluto (7:13 PM PDT). It’s VOC for one hour and 45 minutes before it enters Aquarius (8:58 PM PDT). This is a chance to rebuild habits related to our ambitions.
[9:06] The Moon in Aquarius opposes retrograde Venus in Leo on Aug, 2nd (2:15 PM PDT). It’s VOC for just under six hours before entering Pisces (8:05 PM PDT). Don’t judge your insides by other people’s outsides.
[10:11] The Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto in Capricorn on Aug. 4th (6:21 PM PDT). It’s VOC for just under two hours before entering Aries (8:19 PM PDT) for a chance to do something with all our Moon in Pisces imaginings.
[11:27] On Aug. 6th, the Moon in Aries squares Pluto (9:13 PM PDT). It's VOC for just over two hours, then enters Taurus (11:24 PM PDT). Time to slow down and look more deeply into what we've been rushing to get done.
[12:19] On Aug. 1st (1:44 PM PDT), Mars trines Jupiter at 13º46’ Virgo-Taurus. The Sabian symbol for Jupiter is 14 Taurus, Shellfish groping and children playing.  Go ahead…throw your cares to the wind and play hooky!
[14:17] Also on Aug. 1 (7:18 PM PDT), Mercury opposes Saturn at 5º38’ Virgo-Pisces. Mercury’s Sabian symbol is 6 Virgo, A merry-go-round, and Saturn’s is 6 Pisces, Officers on dress parade. When it comes to getting noticed and receiving better opportunities, there’s a fine line between doing our best and being willing to play the game a little bit.
[16:55] The Sun squares Jupiter on Aug. 6 (5:03 PM PDT) at 14º16’ Leo-Taurus. The Sabian symbol for the Sun is 15 Leo, A pageant, and Jupiter is on 15 Taurus, A man muffled up with a rakish silk hat. Ease up on the obstinance and lean into leadership flavored with heaping doses of generosity, inspiration and entertainment.
[19:10] Listener Joshua asks about how to use astrology to make healthier choices and stick to them.
[27:31] If you have a question you’d like answered on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[27:57] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Bernice Harmyk, Katie Serda, and Leslie Wade!
[29:01] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Cancer Solstice bonus episode for donors only!

188 | Pluto Meets the Lunar Nodes: Defending Your Life!

The Scorpio First Quarter Moon encourages taking action on something that began at last October's Solar Eclipse. Mercury joins Venus to summon voices from the past, connects with the North Node to set an agenda for the coming 18 months, and enters Virgo for a longer-than-normal stay. Pluto squares the Lunar Nodes for the first time since 2015, on the degree of last spring's Aries Solar Eclipse. And April answers a listener question about Lunar Node returns, throwing in the oppositions for good measure. Plus: A haircut, pocket-dialing, and defending your life!
Full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:12] Moon Report! The Scorpio First Quarter Moon (July 25, 3:07 PM PDT, 02º43’ Scorpio-Leo) is on the Sabian symbol 3 Scorpio, A house raising, with the Sun on 3 Leo, Woman having her hair bobbed.
[2:03] The Scorpio First Quarter Moon is ruled by Mars, currently in Virgo. So that symbol of the “house raising” is a good example of taking practical action, especially toward things that will last.
[3:11] This is the First Quarter in a Lunar Phase Family cycle that began with a New Moon/Solar Eclipse on October 25, 2022 at 2º Scorpio. Other important dates in this cycle are April 23, 2024 (Full Moon) and Jan. 21, 2025 (Last Quarter).
[5:52] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On July 25, the Moon in Libra squares Pluto (8:05 AM PDT). It's VOC for an hour and 50 minutes before it enters Scorpio (9:55 AM PDT). A perfect time for changing emotional habits around relationships.
[6:29] The Moon in Scorpio sextiles Pluto on July 27th (3:36 PM PDT). It is VOC for one hour and 48 minutes before it enters Sagittarius (5:24 PM PDT). Look for an opportunity to clear the air emotionally.
[7:42] On July 29, the Moon in Sagittarius trines Venus in Leo (4:51 PM PDT). It’s VOC for just under four hours, and then enters Capricorn (8:44 PM PDT). Notice and appreciate the little things that bring you pleasure!
[9:05] Mercury conjoins Venus at 28º11’ Leo on July 27 (8:16 AM PDT). Get in touch with someone from your past.
[11:10] Mercury trines the Moon’s North Node on July 27 (9:47 PM PDT) at 29°00’ Aries-Leo. Consider how to use your talents, charisma, and leadership skills to achieve long-term goals.
[12:32] Pluto squares the Lunar Nodes at 28°58’ Capricorn-Aries on July 28 (11:34 AM PDT). This is the last of three Pluto squares to the Nodes (July 22 and 25 were the others).  Pluto squares the North Node at the degree of April 30's Solar Eclipse, 29º50’ Aries. Challenges from an important relationship could bring pressure to move forward on our own and in our own direction.
[15:38] On July 28 (2:31 PM PDT) Mercury enters one of its domiciles, Virgo. It'll spend more time than usual here (through Oct. 4) because Mercury is retrograde in Virgo from Aug. 23-Sep. 15.
[16:59] Virgo speaks to that dimension of Mercury related to how we master the physical world with skills and tools. And Mercury in this sign excels at analyzing information.
[18:38] Arrange your schedule in such a way that you have a little bit more time for the slow, methodical work of Virgo. And make sure to back up your computer and phone!
[19:41] April replies to Listener Hallie’s question about Lunar Node returns. (Movie: Defending Your Life)
[27:01] If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
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