Big Sky Astrology Podcast

177 | Mercury Turns Direct: Let’s Dance!

This week, the annual Sun-Uranus conjunction offers liberation; the Aquarius Last Quarter Moon helps us complete our Aries New Moon adventures; Venus and Saturn bring emotional commitment, aided by Mercury in Taurus' common-sense mediation; Mercury turns direct (to riotous applause); and April answers a listener question about the Tropical versus Sidereal zodiac systems. Plus: A new you, the wobbly Earth, and getting down to brass tacks!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Order your personal copy of April’s “Followed by a Moonshadow” Eclipse Report!
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
[1:10] The Sun makes its annual conjunction with Uranus (May 9th, 12:56 PM PDT) at 18°56’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol 19 Taurus, A newly formed continent. Here’s an opportunity to question who you are and who you can be.
[3:42] This conjunction begins a year-long cycle between the Sun and Uranus.  Sensitive points in this cycle are around the middle part of the Sun’s journey through the fixed signs Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
[4:32] Three’s Company, Astro Edition! On May 12th, Mercury the Messenger sextiles Saturn (1:42 AM PDT) and Venus (7:44 PM PDT). Then Venus trines Saturn at 06°11’ Cancer and Pisces (11:57 PM PDT).
[5:49] Consider Mercury’s sextiles to Venus and Saturn as an opportunity to consider the financial dimensions of the Venus/Saturn trine. Review, reorganize, and practice financial restraint.
[6:23] A little bit more on that Venus/Saturn trine May 12th, 11:57 PM PDT, 06°11’ Cancer and Pisces). When the planet of relationship comes together with the planet of maturity and responsibility, we have an opportunity to commit ourselves in a deeper way to someone or something for the long haul.
[7:43] Moon Report!  On May 12th (7:28 AM PDT), the Last Quarter Moon at 21°36’ Aquarius features the Sun-Uranus conjunction in a square aspect with the Moon. This is the final push to the finish line from that intense New Moon Solar Eclipse on April 20, 2023.
[8:38] Important dates in the current lunar cycle:  April 27th (First Quarter Moon) and May 5th (Full Moon Lunar Eclipse).
[9:30] This is also the Last Quarter Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began at the Feb. 11, 2021 New Moon in Aquarius. The First Quarter Moon in that cycle was November 11, 2021 and the Full Moon was August 11, 2022.
[10:21] Void-of-Course Moon (VOC) periods.  On May 8th, the Moon in Sagittarius trines Jupiter in Aries (1:28 PM PDT) and is VOC for just about three hours before it enters Capricorn (4:33 PM PDT).  "Are you asking enough of your life? Is it time for a grander adventure?"
[12:06] On May 10th, the Moon in Capricorn squares Jupiter in Aries (4:52 PM PDT), then is VOC for a little over two hours before it enters Aquarius (7:05 PM PDT). It's great to have a big plan and to have a big adventure in mind, but what do we actually need to do to make it happen?
[12:41] The Moon in Aquarius sextiles Jupiter in Aries on May 12th (8:15 PM PDT). It will be VOC for about 1 ½ hours before entering Pisces (9:39 PM PDT). Pay attention to messages that come across your path.  They could help you figure out the bigger picture.
[13:37] Hip! Hip! Hooray!!!! Mercury stations direct on May 14th (8:17 PM PDT). It turned retrograde on April 21st. Mercury will take some time to move forward until it reaches Gemini on June 11th.
[13:50] Mark August 23 - September 15, 2023 on your calendar. This is Mercury’s next retrograde period, in earthy Virgo.
[14:40] Listener Angela asks about Tropical versus Sidereal zodiac systems. The answer is simple, but the mechanics take some explaining.
[20:14] 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 her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[20:50] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Jennifer Logan and Maryanne Razzo!
[21:55] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, you can make your donation HERE!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!
 

176 | Scorpio Lunar Eclipse: Letting Go of a Grudge!

This week’s big news is a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio – the last eclipse in this sign until 2031. Pluto stations retrograde, and Venus has her eyes opened by Neptune (and a Jupiter consolation prize) before entering Cancer. And in this week’s listener question segment, April explains how to find your in-laws (and everything else) in your birth chart. Plus: Window shopping, new recipes, and your brother’s best friend’s sister.
Order your personal copy of April’s “Followed by a Moonshadow” Eclipse Report!
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!
Read Full Show Notes at the Website
Timestamps
[1:09] Pluto stations retrograde on May 1st (10:08 AM PDT) at 00°21’ Aquarius and will be retrograde through October 10, 2023. This station should be felt most strongly between April 30 - May 2nd.  Look for struggles over control and power.
[2:38] While Pluto is retrograde, it re-enters Capricorn on June 10th and re-visit the last few degrees of that sign. Pluto re-enters Aquarius on January 20, 2024.
[3:23] If you have any planets or important points in your chart near 25° - 29° Capricorn or of the other Cardinal signs, Aries, Cancer and Libra, these Pluto transits could be an influential time for you.
[4:17] Also on May 1st (4:27 PM PDT), the Sun conjoins Mercury at 11°19’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol, 12 Taurus, Windows shoppers. This is the second of three Sun-Mercury conjunctions: one on March 27th, this one, and a third on June 30th.
[6:16] Venus squares Neptune on May 4th (10:40 AM PDT), at 26°50’ Gemini and Pisces, opening our eyes to realties about relationships and value.
[8:00] Venus sextiles Jupiter on May 4th (9:03 PM PDT) at 27°19’ Gemini and Aries.  Consider it a consolation prize after the Venus-Neptune square earlier in the day.  The Sabian symbols: Venus on 28 Gemini, A man declared bankrupt and Jupiter on 28 Aries, A large disappointed audience. Starting with a clean slate, we can reach out for something more rewarding.
[10:41] Moon Report!  The Full Moon on May 5th (10:34 AM PDT) is a Lunar Eclipse at 14°58’ Scorpio.  This is our last eclipse in Scorpio until 2031. This is a highly charted eclipse with the Moon and Sun both in aspect to Uranus.
[11:28] Past eclipses related to this Lunar Eclipse are:  the Solar Eclipse on November 3, 2013 also the Lunar Eclipses on May 4, 2004 and May 4, 1985.  Look at where 14°58’ Scorpio falls in your chart for clues as to how this transit could affect you personally.  Here’s a video about Finding Transits in Your Birth Chart.
[12:24] This eclipse falls closer to the South Node of the Moon in Scorpio.  Let go of bitterness, resentment, jealousy and grudges. Lean into the North Node in Taurus and trust in the world around us.
[13:13] This is the Full Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began with a New Moon on November 4th, 2021 at 12°40’ Scorpio. This Full Moon Lunar Eclipse will illuminate the progress made thus far on this lunar path.
[14:18] Void-of-Course Moon (VOC) periods. On May 1st, the Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune (4:53 PM PDT). It's VOC for a little over six hours, before it enters Libra (11:09 PM PDT). Balance time spent in the imaginal world versus the land of Google Sheets.
[15:32] On May 4th, the Moon in Libra opposes Jupiter in Aries (2:17 AM PDT).  It's VOC for little over five hours before it enters Scorpio (7:32 AM PDT). Consider options before you act.
[17:04] The Moon in Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces on May 6th (7:38 AM PDT).  It will be VOC for about 5 ½ hours before entering Sagittarius (1:04 PM PDT). Practice forgiveness and self-care, starting with a relaxing soak in the tub.
[18:10] Venus enters Cancer on May 7th (7:25 AM PDT). The lesser benefic will be in this sign until June 6th  Take advantage of Venus’ time in Cancer because she will have an extended stay in Leo due to a retrograde period.
[18:50] Venus in Cancer themes can include: spending money on decorating your home, graduation gifts, Mother’s Day gifts, cooking for loved ones, and beautifying the garden.
[20:14] Listener Elliott asks about finding in-laws in a birth chart. Recommended reading:  Rex E. Bills’ The Rulership Book  ;  J. Lee Lehman’s The Book of Rulerships:  Keywords from Classical Astrology ; Bill Herbst’s Houses of the Horoscope ; April’s The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology (specifically at the end of Chapter 8).
[28:23] 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 her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[28:57] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Rachel Fletcher and Ragini Gurnani!
[30:00] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, you can make your donation here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

175 | Leo First Quarter Moon: Breathing Between Eclipses!

Quieter skies prevail this week, so let’s catch our collective breath after last week's big eclipse! The Sun’s aspects to Saturn and the North Node bring opportunities for growth and commitment; Mars sextile Uranus suggests rewriting some rules; the First Quarter Moon in Leeeeooooo says it’s time to double-down on an old promise to yourself; and April answers an appropriate listener question about the two-week period between eclipses. Plus: little walks, life on an earthquake fault, and a donor's beautiful name is hopelessly mispronounced!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Order your personal copy of April’s “Followed by a Moonshadow” Eclipse Report!
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
[1:16] The Sun will conjoin the Moon’s North Node at 4°01’ Taurus on April 24th (4:00 AM PDT). Lean into growth, even if it is not easy.
[4:53] On April 25th (3:48 AM PDT), the Sun will sextile Saturn at 4°58’ Taurus and Pisces. Opportunities for a new direction may arise but is it really worth the effort?
[7:57] Moon Report!  A First Quarter Moon at 7°21’ Leeeeeoooo (April 27, 2:20 PM PDT) is opposed Pluto in Aquarius, with both square the Sun in Taurus, forming a T-square configuration. Retreat, dig deep, and create.
[10:50] This First Quarter Moon is the first critical point in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began on July 28th, 2022 at 5°38’ Leo, trine Jupiter in Aries. This is the moment to show commitment to the big adventure that you may have envisioned then.
[11:46] Void-of-Course Moon (VOC) Periods.  On April 24th, the Moon in Gemini squares Neptune (5:15 AM PDT).  It's VOC for about 6 ¾ hours before it enters Cancer (11:58 AM PDT). Try to institute a little Monday habit of getting up early and write about what you hope the week holds in store for you.
[13:13] On April 26th, the Moon in Cancer trines Neptune (4:41 PM PDT). It’s VOC for almost seven hours before entering Leo (11:30 PM PDT). Take whatever it was that you gained in clarity during that Moon and Neptune square VOC period and lean into it emotionally.
[14:35] On April 29th the Moon in Leeeeooo trines Jupiter in Aries (3:53 AM PDT); it’s VOC for just over eight hours before entering Virgo (11:59 AM PDT).  Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we reconcile the checkbook with the Moon in Virgo!
[15:50] Mars sextiles Uranus at 18°21’ Cancer and Taurus on April 29th (1:04 PM PDT).  The Sabian symbol for Mars is 19 Cancer, A priest performing a marriage ceremony. And the symbol for 19 Taurus for Uranus is A newly formed continent.  Do something in your own way but try not to go completely rogue.
[18:06] Listener Scout asks about the two-week period between eclipses. Does it have a name? What are best practices for using this period to best effect? And what if you were born during this two-week period?
[24:44] If you want to know more about eclipses and specifically eclipses in your own birth chart, order April’s Moonshadow Eclipse Report!
[25:00] 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 her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:41] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Hollywindsong Greenwood and Maria da Conceição Nobre!
[26:43] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, you can make your donation here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

174 | Aries Solar Eclipse and Mercury Retrograde: Need I Say More?

This week, Mercury turns retrograde and revisits a recent aspect to Mars. But the week really belongs to the Sun: A Solar Eclipse in a new sign, and the Sun entering Taurus and making a square to Pluto, all on the same day! April answers a timely Listener Question about the personal impact of this Eclipse. Plus: Revealing the mysteries, a Royal Eclipse, and an 18-minute earthquake!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Order your personal copy of April’s “Followed by a Moonshadow” Eclipse Report!
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!
Show Notes and Timestamps
[1:13] Moon Report!  First up: A New Moon Solar Eclipse, at 29°50’ Aries (April 19, 2023, 9:12 PM PDT). This represents the beginning of a shift from eclipses in the Taurus / Scorpio axis into the Aries/Libra axis.
[3:19] This is the first eclipse in Aries since a Lunar Eclipse at 4°40’ Aries, on September 28th, 2015. The last time we had a Solar Eclipse in Aries was March 29, 2006 at 8°35’ Aries. This particular Solar Eclipse is near the same degree as the eclipses on April 19th, 2004 and April 17th, 1996.
[4:48] Curious about how this eclipse could affect you on a personal level? Look at the houses and planets in your chart that contain 25° Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn through 4° Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.
[5:38] The chart of this super-duper charged New Moon Solar Eclipse shows a Sun-Jupiter conjunction, with the Sun and Moon in an out-of-sign square to Pluto at 0° Aquarius.
[6:22] This New Moon Solar Eclipse initiates a new a Lunar Phase Family cycle. The First Quarter Moon in this Lunar Phase Family is on January 17th, 2024 (27°31’ Aries). The Full Moon in this sequence is on October 17th, 2024 (24°35’ Aries), and the Last Quarter Phase is exact on July 17th, 2025 (25°40’ Aries). Think carefully about the intentions you choose to make at this time while acknowledging the limits of your personal power.
[8:20] Void-of-Course Moon Periods (VOC). On April 17th, the Moon in Pisces conjoins Neptune (11:57 AM PDT). It's VOC for about 6 ¼ hours before entering Aries (6:09 PM PDT). Use imagination to discover new ways of doing things, and “go with the flow” during this time.
[9:35] On April 19th, the Moon in Aries conjoins the Sun for that Solar Eclipse. The Moon will be VOC for only 18 minutes before it enters Taurus (9:30 PM PDT). Embrace this energetic, pioneering jolt and observe clues as to the next steps to take.
[11:02] The Moon in Taurus sextiles Neptune on April 21st (8:41 PM PDT). It's VOC for about 6 ½ hours before entering Gemini on April 22nd (3:11 am PDT). Use the imaginative energy from the earlier Moon-Neptune conjunction in Pisces to create something tangible.
[11:56] The Sun enters Taurus on April 20th (1:14 AM PDT). Spend time in nature, pay attention to your senses, buy lovely yet practical goodies for your home. Spa days are encouraged!
[14:34] Just a handful of hours after the Sun enters Taurus on April 20th (9:27 AM PDT), it squares Pluto in Aquarius.  “...as lovely as we are, as wonderful as we are, we will not last forever.”
[17:09] On April 21st (1:35 AM PDT), Mercury turns retrograde at 15°37’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol, 16 Taurus, Old man attempting vainly to reveal the mysteries.  It’s retrograde until May 14th when it turns direct at 5°50’ Taurus. Look at the houses of your chart with 5°50’ - 15°37’ Taurus to get an idea of how this Mercury retrograde could affect you personally.
[20:17] Listener Jackie via SpeakPipe (we love that!) asks about the impact of the upcoming New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Aries.  Check out Episode 151 for insights into eclipses aspecting different points in a chart. April’s Moonshadow Eclipse Report makes interpreting how eclipses relate to your natal chart super simple!
[25:34] 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 her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[26:09] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Suzanne Harper and Dana Conner!
[27:11] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, you can make your donation here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

173 | Sun Meets Jupiter: The Big Adventure!

This week: That big boom you're hearing is the annual conjunction of the Sun and Jupiter, sending us off on a big adventure! Venus enters Gemini and tangles with Saturn and Pluto. The Last Quarter Moon in Capricorn urges contemplation to prepare us for the upcoming Solar Eclipse. And April chats with astrologer Gaye Nelson to answer a Listener Question about the Almuten: What is it? What does it represent in the chart? And, how is it used? Plus: Multiple sweaters, actual bookstores, and Captain Kirk!
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
[1:19] Venus enters Gemini on April 10th (9:47 PM PDT) and will be in this sign until May 6th. Call up your sibling and set up a playdate at your favorite bookstore to buy multiple books!
[3:12] Venus trines Pluto on April 11th (3:14 AM PDT) at 0°15’ of Gemini and Aquarius. The Sabian symbol for Venus at this trine is 1 Gemini, A glass bottomed boat in still water. Examine personal and monetary matters at a deeper level.
[5:46] A few hours later on April 11th (3:07 PM PDT), the Sun conjoins Jupiter at 21°45’ Aries. The Sabian symbol for this conjunction is 22 Aries, The gate to the garden of desire. Channel Star Trek’s Captain Kirk - knock down that gate and get what you desire!
[8:02] Moon Report! The Last Quarter Moon at 23°11’ Capricorn (April 13th, 2:11 AM PDT) squares the Sun/Jupiter conjunction in Aries. The Sabian symbol for the Moon is 24° Capricorn, A woman entering a convent  Focus and structure could help make progress on a recent passion project.
[9:43] The Sabian symbol for the Sun during this Last Quarter Moon is 24 Aries, An open window and a net curtain blowing into a cornucopia. Be on the lookout for new information coming in, especially since there will be a second Aries New Moon, a Solar Eclipse on April 19th.
[10:20] This is the Last Quarter Moon in a Lunar Phase Family that began on January 12th, 2021, when the Sun and Moon at 24° Capricorn were in a conjunction with Pluto.  In the U.S., the events of January 6th occurred just a week earlier, so expect developments in that story at this time.
[11:03] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. Want to learn more about Void-of-Course Moon Periods?!?  Sign up for April’s upcoming online presentation to the San Francisco Astrological Society (April 27, 2023) here!
[12:02] On April 11th (3:48 AM PDT), the Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune and will be VOC for about 6 ¾ hours before it enters Capricorn (10:33 AM PDT). It’s hard to hit a target in the fog.
[13:10] The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces on April 13th (7:14 AM PDT) and is VOC for 6 ½ hours before entering Aquarius (1:42 PM PDT). Take off those blinders and be open to nonconformist possibilities.
[14:22] On April 15th (8:16 AM PDT), the Moon in Aquarius sextiles the Sun, is VOC for about 7 ¾ hours and will then enter Pisces (3:57 PM PDT). Explore innovative ways to reach those goals from the April 11th Aries Sun/Jupiter conjunction.
[15:35] On April 14th (9:38 AM PDT), Venus squares Saturn at 04°03’ Gemini and Pisces on Sabian symbols 5 Gemini, A radical magazine and 5 Pisces, A church bazaar. Considerations about relational crossroads can be expected.
[17:40] Listener Mariana asks "Almuten, what is it?”  Astrologer, Gaye Nelson, describes what it is and how she uses it.
[27:37] For more on the Almuten - A couple of sample articles: Almuten as a Guardian Angel or Daimon (Christopher Warnock); Influential Planets  (Ryhan Butler). 
There are countless variations on how to calculate the Almuten. To find the Almuten in your chart using Solar Fire software, open a chart, select Reports in the right-hand menu, then select Tabulations > Almuten Scores. Or, calculate it using the Online Almuten calculator from Astrofox. (You'll need to input your latitude and longitude manually; be sure to enter birthdate in DD/MM/YYYY format, and use military clock for birthtime.) I cannot get these two systems to agree on my own Almuten despite doing my best to match up their settings! But between them, they give the two planets that I consider my strongest influences. This is a much more complicated subject than I'd realized, so this will call for more study and perhaps a followup in a later episode!
[28:28] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Kathleen Poole and Sarah Smith!
[29:24] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, you can make your donation here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

172 | Libra Full Moon, and Mercury Does All The Things!

This week, almost the only planet doing anything is Mercury - and Mercury is doing all the things, including entering Taurus! Venus and Neptune make the heart grow fonder, the Libra Full Moon is pushed out of balance by Jupiter’s thumb on the scale, and April answers a listener question about working with the waxing and waning cycles of the Moon. Plus: A sea captain, a señorita, and an untidy friend!
Learn astrology with April – her “Forecasting Fundamentals” class begins April 15!
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
[1:12] Mercury enters Taurus on April 3rd (9:22 AM PDT) and stays there through June 10th, a very long time, thanks to a retrograde period from April 21-May 14. This transit emphasizes the need to slow down, focus, and smell the roses.
[2:52] On April 3rd (11:55 AM PDT), Mercury squares Pluto at 00°10’ Taurus and Aquarius. This transit could bring up repressed thoughts, forcing a confrontation with the shadow side of our nature. Try to find an absorbing project and take frequent breaks to release the tension.
[4:28] Mercury sextiles Saturn on April 5th (9:21 AM PDT) at 03°12’ of Taurus and Pisces, making this an exceptionally good time for activities such as finishing your taxes.
[5:31] Moon Report!  The Full Moon in Libra occurs on April 5th (9:34 PM PDT) at 16°07’ Libra and Aries. The Sabian symbol for this Full Moon is 17 Libra, A retired sea captain. The Sabian symbol for the Sun at 17 Aries, Two prim spinsters.
[6:11] The Full Moon in Libra is opposed the Sun conjoined Jupiter in Aries. This lunation shows us the consequences from the recent Aries New Moon, which was square Mars, urging us to reconsider the effects of our actions on those around us as well as any imbalances in our own lives.
[7:35] This Full Moon continues a Lunar Phase Family that began with a New Moon 13°24’ Libra on October 6, 2021, which also involved Jupiter’s influence. Consider this a reminder to balance impulsive energy against the consequences of your actions.
[8:50] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. The Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune on April 4th (6:50 AM PDT). It is VOC for about eight hours (!!!) before it enters Libra (2:51 PM PDT). Use this VOC period to balance practicality and imagination.
[10:48] On April 6th (5:43 AM PDT), the Moon in Libra opposes Jupiter and will be VOC for 17 ¾ hours (!!! x 2) before the Moon enters Scorpio (11:29 PM PDT). A time to meditate about the ways we compare ourselves too much to other people.
[12:00] The Moon in Scorpio opposes Venus in Taurus on April 9th (2:09 AM PDT) and is VOC for four hours before entering Sagittarius (5:56 AM PDT). Don't look for the fly in the ointment!  Focus on finding pleasure and beauty in the present moment instead.
[13:34] Mercury conjoins the Moon’s North Node on April 5th (10:19 PM PDT) at 04°00’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol The rainbow’s pot of gold. Be on the lookout for inspiring messages that move you toward your own personal brass ring.
[15:15] Venus sextiles Neptune at 25°57’ Taurus and Pisces on April 7th (10:58 AM PDT). The Sabian symbol for Venus is 26 Taurus, A Spaniard serenading his señorita.  The Sabian symbol for Neptune is 26 Pisces, A New Moon that divides its influences.  Find out if absence really does make the heart grow fonder!
[16:59] On April 7th (11:29 PM PDT), Mercury sextiles Mars at 06°53’ Taurus and Cancer. Take an idea and put it into that Mars in Cancer oven until it’s fully baked.
[18:09] Listener Questions are back!  Listener Nicole asks about how to work with the waxing and waning cycles of the Moon.
[24:37] 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 her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:15] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Melissa Nuti and Chris Williams! Woohoo!
[26:17] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, you can make your donation here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

171 | Cancer First Quarter Moon: Quieter Skies!

Thank your lucky stars for quieter skies after last week's epic planetary shifts! Join Mercury and Jupiter on a magic carpet ride of imagination and elevated ideas! Thrill to Venus’ rendezvous with exciting Uranus! Follow your hunches and get stuff done, as Mars makes a productive trine to Saturn! Reach out for new opportunities with help from a Marsy, playful First Quarter Moon in Cancer! And take a peek at transiting Pluto's aspects to planets in the birth chart! Plus: A shaggy deer, sharp and pointy bits, and a process, not an event.
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!
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Timestamps
[1:09] Mercury conjoins Jupiter on March 27 (11:50 PM PDT) at 18°13’ Aries. The Sabian symbol for 19 Aries is, “The magic carpet.” This is a day to brainstorm and use your imagination to solve problems and to elevate ideas.
[2:35] Moon Report! First up, a First Quarter Moon at 08°08’ Cancer on March 28th (7:32 PM PDT).  This is the First Quarter Phase of the March 21st New Moon at 00°49’ Aries. It's also the First Quarter in a Lunar Phase Family that began at the June 28th, 2022 New Moon. The Sabian symbol for this First Quarter Moon is 9 Cancer, “A small naked girl bends over a pond trying to catch a fish,” encourages a playful spirit to take some kind of action toward a goal.
[4:02] This First Quarter Moon is in a conjunction with Mars. Be mindful of the actions you take because you could get “bit” by something sharp and pointy!
[4:23] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On March 27th, the Moon in Gemini makes a square to Neptune (6:39 PM PDT), then it's VOC for about 6 3/4 hours before it enters Cancer on March 28th (3:22 AM PDT). Sleep may be difficult, but this is a juicy VOC period to journal about your dreams.
[5:20] On March 30th, the Moon in Cancer trines Neptune (6:45 AM PDT). It’s VOC for about 8 3/4 hours before it enters Leo (3:31 PM PDT).  Be gentle.  Bring imagination and feeling to everything you do.
[5:58] The Moon in Leeeeeeooooo trines Mercury (11:05 PM PDT) on April 1st and it will be VOC for about five hours before entering Virgo on April 2nd (3:57 AM PDT).  The imagination of the recent Moon in Cancer VOC period is now ready to be expressed through some creative project. Let your light shine like the star that you are.
[6:46] On March 30th (12:03 PM PDT), Mars trines Saturn at 02°36’ Cancer and Pisces. This is a prime aspect for accomplishing projects.  Follow your hunches when making decisions.
[7:42] Mars is on the Sabian symbol, 3 Cancer, “A man in fur leading a shaggy deer.”  Since Mars is in family-oriented Cancer, this could represent a positive turning point in family relationships.
[8:36] A few hours later on March 30th (3:25 PM PDT), Venus makes a conjunction with Uranus at 16°44’ Taurus. This Venus/Uranus conjunction, coupled with the Mars/Saturn trine, signals an important day for relationships and finances. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit.
[10:37] Pluto in Aspect to Natal Planets mini-lesson. Due to the slow speed of Pluto and retrogrades, you can expect Pluto to take about a year to complete an aspect to a planet in your birth chart.
[12:50] Pluto aspecting the Sun.  Become a truer version of yourself so that you can contribute more.
[13:38] Pluto aspecting the Moon. Develop a sense of self-sufficiency. Remodel your home. Prominence in the public eye is also possible.
[14:30] Pluto aspecting Mercury. Idle hands are the devil’s playground, so keep busy and learn useful things!
[15:28] Pluto aspecting Venus. Profound changes in relationships and finances.
[16:00] Pluto aspecting Mars. Learn to be in control of your passions and emotions.
[16:45] Pluto aspecting Jupiter. Be wise about handling wealth, power and good fortune.
[17:27] Pluto aspecting Saturn. You can't give your power away to anybody else and expect your life to look the way you want it to look.
[18:38] Pluto aspecting Uranus. Take your best talents and use them in the service of something bigger than yourself.
[20:11] Pluto aspecting Neptune. Is it really your dream or is it a dream that somebody gave to you?
[21:18] Pluto aspecting Pluto. Major milestones in a lifelong Pluto journey. Expect to develop greater authenticity and accept the limits of your control.
[22:23] Pluto aspecting the Lunar Nodes. Don't grasp for something out of fear or because the rest of the world tells you it's something that you should want.
[23:00] Pluto aspecting the Ascendant in your chart. Help in projecting a truer and more honest version of yourself through your personality. Relocation is possible.
[24:24] Pluto aspecting the MC. Destiny calls in the realm of career and reputation.
[24:57] Pluto aspecting Chiron. Clear out the muck and let the healing commence.
[26:19] Would you like to learn more about how Pluto transits can affect you on a more personal level?  Check out Stephen Forrest’s Sky Log Report, April’s Astrological Transits or better yet, book a session with April!
[26:51] Listener Questions will be back in next week’s episode! 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 her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[27:31] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Betsy Passmore and Terry Ehlert.
[28:29] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

170 | Aries Equinox and Pluto enters Aquarius: What a Week!

This week, the Aries Equinox and the first of two Aries New Moons announce the arrival of the astrological new year; Pluto changes signs and picks out a new pot to cook us in; and Mars finally leaves Gemini after nearly seven nerve-frazzling months. And in this week’s mini-lesson, April gives an overview of Pluto transiting through the houses of the birth chart. Plus: Power tools, paparazzi, and…is it a Saturn thing or a Pluto thing?
Read a full transcript of this episode.
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Timestamps
[1:06] The Sun sextiles Pluto on March 20th (1:12 PM PDT) at 29°57’ Pisces and Capricorn. This sextile favors picking up old threads instead of starting something from scratch. Look back to January 18, 2023 for clues as to what these threads could be.  Pluto will revisit this degree June - July 2023 and then again in December 2023.
[3:34] On the same day, March 20th, about one hour later (2:24 PM PDT), the Sun enters the sign of Aries and that marks the Aries Equinox, one of the two days of the year when day and night are equal in length.
[4:17] Mars is the ruler of Aries, so look to Mars for the mood and flavor of this Spring (or Fall in the Southern Hemisphere). At the time of the Aries Equinox, Mars will be finishing up an extended stay in communicative Gemini. Five days after the Equinox, Mars will enter Cancer which carries associations of home, family, and feasting.
[5:42] Moon Report! The New Moon at 0°49’ Aries will occur on March 21st (10:23 AM PDT). It's a very powerful New Moon on what is called the Aries Point, 0° Aries. The Sun and the Moon are also square Aries’ ruler, Mars… feisty!
[6:39] This New Moon begins a Lunar Phase Family which reaches critical points at the First Quarter Moon on December 19, 2023; the Full Moon on September 17, 2024; and the Last Quarter Phase on June 18, 2025. Take your cue from Nike and “Just Do It!”  Also, sign up for April’s free monthly lunar workbooks here!
[8:39] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On March 21st, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto (8:58 AM PDT). It's VOC for just about an hour, and then enters Aries (9:01 am).  Meditate on how to advocate for caring and healing while dodging the dark side of escapism and/or martyrdom.
[10:05] The Moon in Aries sextiles Mars on March 23rd (10:13 AM PDT). It will be VOC for about an hour and a half, then enters Taurus (11:42 AM PDT). This would be an excellent time to launch something that you have been working on.
[11:02] On March 25th, the Moon in Taurus sextiles Neptune (9:19 am PDT). The Moon is VOC for about eight and a half hours before entering Gemini (5:41 PM PDT).  Think about tackling a weekend home project that involves water, such as establishing an irrigation system, building a water feature, or dealing with mold remediation.
[12:15] Cue the dramatic spooky music because Pluto is entering Aquarius on March 23rd (5:23 AM PDT). For the most part, it will be in this sign through January 2044.  Pluto will retrograde back into Capricorn and sit at that 29th degree between June 11th and January 20th, 2024, then again between September 1 - November 19, 2024.
[13:15] Pluto wants to get rid of whatever is extraneous and bring us down to what we truly are. Pluto has a long cycle, 248 years, and it has a bit of an odd orbit, so it spends different amounts of time transiting through different signs of the zodiac.  It spent around 18 years in Capricorn and will spend 20 years in Aquarius.
[14:07] For a recap on Pluto in Aquarius themes, check out Episode 169.
[14:33] On a personal level, look for the House or Houses that Pluto in Aquarius will travel through in your birth chart. Take note that Saturn just moved into Pisces last week.  Saturn tends to make us feel blocked, and Pluto sometimes make us feel demoralized or like there isn't a lot of point trying to move forward.
[16:19] Pluto represents a collective energy. When it is changing signs, we tend to see it show up in the world around us. Last week’s bank failures and the 2008 financial crisis are examples of Pluto (collective finances) in action.
[17:27] Stop the presses!!! On March 25th (4:45 AM PDT), Mars enters Cancer, finally leaving Gemini, which it entered on August 20th, 2022. Mars was also retrograde while in Gemini, between October 30, 2022 - January 12, 2023.
[18:59] Mars will be in Cancer, the sign of its fall, until May 20, 2023. It will trine Saturn on March 30th, sextile Uranus on April 29th, trine Neptune on May 15th. This side-stepping Mars will have some allies along its way through Cancer.
[21:28] Mini-lesson: Transiting Pluto in the Houses of the Chart
[23:36] Pluto in the 1st House.  "It's like an actress caught by the paparazzi without her makeup."
[25:09] Pluto in the 2nd House. Experience the hills and valleys of personal finances.
[25:43] Pluto in the 3rd House. Stand for nothing less than the truth. Shifts in the lives of siblings and your neighborhood are also possible.
[26:28] Pluto in the 4th House. A transit of figuring out what your true home is, who your true family is. You might possibly see yourself moving to a new place as well.
[27:05] Pluto in the 5th House. Lean into genuine love affairs and creative projects. Learn to let go of the need to control your children.
[28:02] Pluto in the 6th House. Live a life that makes you feel proud of your ability to give to others.
[28:52] Pluto in the 7th House. Figure out who really deserves to be in your life on the most intimate of levels.
[29:31] Pluto in the 8th House. Learn how to use what is sent to you for the greatest good.
[30:16] Pluto in the 9th House. Being at odds with institutions is possible.
[30:53] Pluto in the 10th House. Find a way to be in more control of your life path or toxic workplaces could be the result. Secrets can be revealed.
[32:08] Pluto in the 11th House. Find your true friends. Be strong enough to stand apart from the pack.
[32:36] Pluto in the 12th House. You know that juicy stuff in life that you try to ignore?  Yeah, that’s going to become more apparent. Get a therapist or other help to guide you through the process.
[33:49] Check out April’s book Astrological Transits for a deeper dive of Pluto through the houses of a chart.
[33:53] Listener questions will return in the month of April.  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 her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[34:35] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Ellen Seminara and Colleen Wahl!
[35:34] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go here! A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the upcoming Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!