Big Sky Astrology Podcast

180 | Sagittarius Full Moon & the Rainbow’s Pot of Gold!

This week, Jupiter in Taurus pays off on our North Node dreams. Venus and Neptune provide a beautiful moment for showing affection and opening our hearts, though we should be a little careful about opening our wallets. The Sagittarius Full Moon takes us to Egypt (if only telepathically!), and Mercury and Uranus offer sudden realizations, revelations, and perceptions. And April answers a Listener Question about empty houses in the horoscope (spoiler alert: it might be a good thing!). Plus: A bugle, an open book, and a barren wasteland!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
You can download a Planetary Dignities cheatsheet here!
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
[1:19] Jupiter conjoins the Moon's North Node on June 1st (5:43 PM PDT) at 03°37’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol, 4 Taurus, The rainbow's pot of gold.  Ask yourself what you've learned, over the last 18 months, about trust, security and building true prosperity? Stay tuned for the upcoming nodal shift to the Aries/Libra axis on July 17, 2023!
[4:27] On June 2nd (3:42 PM PDT), Venus trines Neptune at 27°28’ of Cancer and Pisces.  The Sabian symbol for Venus is 28 Cancer, A modern Pocahontas.  Neptune is on the Sabian symbol, 28 Pisces, A Fertile Garden under a full Moon.  Hold off on making major purchases, but shower your loved ones and creative projects with affection.
[7:07] Moon Report!  The Sagittarius Full Moon (June 3, 8:42 PM PDT, 13°18’ Sagittarius) is on the Sabian symbol, 14 Sagittarius, The pyramids and the sphinx. The Sun is on the Sabian symbol 14 Gemini, A conversation by telepathy.  Expand your ideas of what is possible for you!
[8:14] The Sun and Full Moon are both square Saturn at 07°03’ Pisces, on the Sabian symbol, A girl blowing a bugle. Are we fully awake to the people around us and where we are right now?
[10:59] Full Moons are often important times for relationships, and this Full Moon chart features Venus preparing for an opposition to Pluto and a conjunction to Mars. Pay attention to relationship tensions during this lunation.
[11:47] This Full Moon is part of a Lunar Phase Family that began with the New Moon on December 3, 2021 at 12° Sagittarius.  The First Quarter Moon in this cycle occurred on September 3, 2022 at 11° Sagittarius, and the Last Quarter Moon is on March 3, 2024 at 13° Sagittarius. We're midway through a Sagittarius story that began in late 2021 and can see the results of what we "planted" then.
[13:20] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On May 29th (2:45 AM PDT), the Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces.  It’ll be VOC for about five hours before entering Libra (7:50 AM PDT). Consider the balance between Virgo discernment and Pisces' compassionate forgiveness.
[14:44] The Moon in Libra squares Venus in Cancer on May 31st (7:53 AM PDT) and is VOC for a little under nine hours before entering Scorpio (4:45 PM PDT). Should you stay in or go out? Yes and yes!
[16:21] On June 2nd (5:51 PM PDT), the Moon in Scorpio trines Venus in Cancer. It's VOC for about four hours, then enters Sagittarius at 10:03 PM PDT. Examine the role of harmony and affection with those closest to you.
[17:25] Mercury will conjunct Uranus on June 4th (12:49 PM PDT) at 20°24’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol 21 Taurus, A finger pointing in an open book.  Celebrate the unexpected and try to go with it - it could be part of some type of divine order.
[20:05] Listener Arlene asks about empty houses in a chart. (It can actually be a good thing!) You can download a Planetary Dignities cheatsheet here! Download Donna Cunninham’s book, The Stellium Handbook Part 1 and Part 2.
[25:56] 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.
[26:31] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Jessica Lynn and Eve Gaeta!
[27:34] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!
 

179 | Sun Meets Saturn: Inhospitable Soil!

This week, Mars pushes a Jupiterian door that's stuck; relationship change is in the air with Venus and Uranus; feeling truly rich with Mars and the North Node; a Virgo First Quarter Moon asks us to serve, and the Sun's square to Saturn points to rocky terrain. And April answers a colorful and imaginative listener question about how essential dignities influence the houses of the chart. Plus: Milanese werewolves, noms de podcast, and pushing past the big guy!
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
[1:14] Mars will square Jupiter on May 22nd (10:13 PM PDT) at 01°28’ of Leo and Taurus. A chance to inspire others to join us in whatever it is that we are trying to accomplish, even if it's just pushing open a door that's stuck.
[4:22] On May 26th (12:37 AM PDT), Venus sextiles Uranus at 19°53’ Cancer and Taurus.  Venus is on the Sabian symbol, 20 Cancer, Gondoliers in a serenade, and Uranus is on the symbol, 20 Taurus, Wind, clouds and haste. Change could be in the air in our relationships.  Be on the lookout for unforeseen monetary windfalls and/or expenditures.
[6:37] On May 26th (1:05 PM PDT), Mars makes a square to the Lunar Nodes at 03°32’ Leo, and with the Nodes at 03°32’ minutes of Taurus and Scorpio. The Sabian symbol for 4 Leo is, A man formally dressed and a deer with its horns folded. What makes you feel truly rich versus playing the role of being rich and successful?
[8:29] Moon Report!  The Virgo First Quarter Moon will occur on May 27th (8:22 AM PDT) at 06°05’ Virgo. This First Quarter Moon naturally features a tight T-square with the Sun squaring the Moon which is opposed Saturn at 06°50’ of Pisces.
[9:16] The Virgo First Quarter is the point of activating a very specific goal. The Sabian symbol for the Moon, 7 Virgo is, A harem.  The symbol for the Sun is 7 Gemini, An old fashioned well.  The Sabian symbol for Saturn at 7 Pisces, A cross lying on the rocks.  These particular symbols suggest a message of sacrifice, of rocky terrain on our path ahead, but also, that the energy that we expend will be naturally replenished by the process of taking action on our New Moon in Taurus goals.
[10:42] This is the First Quarter Moon in the Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began with the August 27th, 2022 New Moon at 04°03’ Virgo. The Full Moon in this Lunar Phase Cycle is on February 24th, 2024, and the Last Quarter Moon comes on November 22nd, 2024.
[11:10] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods.  On May 24th (2:12 AM PDT), the Moon in Cancer trines Neptune.  It's VOC for just about 5 ¼ hours, before it enters Leo (7:35 AM PDT).  Break the emotional habit of carrying little hurts and insults. Wash the slate clean and move on.
[12:31] The Moon in Leeeeoooooo squares Uranus in Taurus on May 25th (11:38 PM PDT). It is VOC for about 20 ¾ hours (!!!) before entering Virgo on May 26th (8:05 PM PDT). This is a call for change, and to examine whether you're demanding more than your share of attention, or being too rigid in our leadership style?
[13:55] The Sun will make its bi-annual square to Saturn on May 28th (3:46 AM PDT) at 06°52’ of Gemini and Pisces.  It may feel incredibly difficult to make any kind of forward progress with anything.
[15:54] Listener Travilla asks (in highly colorful fashion) about how essential dignities influence the houses of a chart.
[21:22] 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.
[21:55] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Lisa Moore and Paula Hepner!
[22:48] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

178 | New Moon and Jupiter in Taurus: Out to Pasture!

A week of big transitions as supersized Jupiter enters pleasure-loving Taurus for a yearlong stay. Hooray for a New Moon that is (finally) not in Aries and (finally) not an eclipse! Mars enters Leo in search of a splendid cause and runs directly into Pluto; are creatives being supplanted by robots? The Sun enters Gemini, trines powerful Pluto, and sextiles energetic Mars, all in a single day – this normally light and breezy season is getting off to a more-intense- than-usual start. And in this week’s mini-lesson, April offers a few insights on how Jupiter in Taurus might influence planets in other signs. Plus: Cobblers cobbling, kings kinging, and writers striking!
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] Mars trines Neptune at 27°07’ Cancer and Pisces on May 15th (6:44 AM PDT).  Mars in Gemini made a square aspect to Neptune in Pisces on October 11, 2022, November 19, 2022  and March 14, 2023.
[1:40] This Mars-Neptune trine brings a nice conclusion to the work we did during that series of squares. Energy is now flowing in the direction of what's truly important to you. The Sabian symbol for Neptune at this trine is 28 Pisces, A fertile garden under a full moon.
[3:19] Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16th (10:20 AM PDT)! It will be in the sign of the bull until May 25, 2024.
[4:07] Jupiter is the planet of MORE, and in Taurus it calls for more creature comforts, value, money, property, safety and security.
[5:39] Most recently, Jupiter has been in Taurus between 2011-12, 1999, 1988, and 1976.  All of these years have shown higher rates of inflation in the U.S. economy.
[6:10] Transits to look for during Jupiter’s stay in Taurus: Jupiter square Pluto at 00°18’ of Taurus-Aquarius on May 17, 2023 (6:10 PM PDT); Jupiter conjunct Uranus at 21°49’ Taurus on April 20, 2024.
[6:44] Jupiter’s influence will be especially strong for people with the Sun, Moon, Ascendant or a stellium in the signs of Pisces or Sagittarius. The same will apply if you have Jupiter on an angle of your chart or a conjunction that involves Jupiter with the Sun and/or Moon.
[7:33] Moon Report!  The Taurus New Moon is on May 19th (8:53 AM PDT) at 28°25’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol, 29 Taurus, Two cobblers working at a table. 
[9:33] This New Moon chart shows ease and harmony that has been missing in the previous couple of New Moons.  Subscribe to April’s mailing list to download her New Moon Workbook!
[9:45] This New Moon initiates a new Lunar Phase Family cycle. Its First Quarter Moon is on Feb. 16th, 2024; Full Moon on Nov. 15th, 2024; Last Quarter Moon on August 15th, 2025.
[10:51] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On May 17th, the Moon in Aries makes a square to its own ruling planet, Mars (2:10 AM PDT). It is VOC for about 3 ¼ hours before entering Taurus (5:27 AM PDT), bringing a mix of aggravation and impulsiveness. Meditate on cooling your jets.
[11:54] On May 19th (10:51 AM PDT), at the moment of the Taurus New Moon, the Moon goes VOC for about one hour before entering Gemini (11:48 AM PDT).  Contemplate those Taurus New Moon intentions and how to bring more prosperity and security into your life.
[12:38] The Moon in Gemini squares Neptune in Pisces on May 21st (3:11 PM PDT). It is VOC for about 5 ¼ hours before entering Cancer (8:28 PM PDT).  Avoid escapism and take this stretch of time to consider options that are worth pursuing.
[13:40] Mars enters Leo on July 10th (8:31 AM PDT) and is in this sign through July 10. Use this time to work on creative projects and to allow yourself to be seen for who and what you truly are.
[15:28] Mars opposes Pluto on May 20 (8:11 PM PDT) at 00°16’ Leo-Aquarius. Creatives versus AI…let the battles begin!
[17:43] The Sun enters Gemini on May 21 (12:09 AM PDT), trines Pluto in Aquarius (6:58 AM PDT) and sextiles Mars in Leo (10:57 PM PDT). A powerful day for setting ideas in motion. The Sun is in Gemini until the Cancer Solstice (June 21).
[20:06] Mini-lesson:  Jupiter in Taurus for each sign.  Consider the sign of your Sun and/or your Rising sign when applying the following interpretations to your chart.
[20:31] Jupiter in Taurus for Aries. Try to slow down a little bit and enjoy the fruits of your labors.
[21:28] Jupiter in Taurus for Taurus. You might find it a little easier to be a bit more outgoing and you might be luckier, but in this case, it's usually because you're making your own luck.
[22:13] Jupiter in Taurus for Gemini. This is a terrific transit for meditation, self-improvement, and personal growth.
[22:53] Jupiter in Taurus for Cancer.  Broaden the scope of your friendships and your associations and find new friends in unfamiliar places, but beware of overcommitting.
[23:35] Jupiter in Taurus for Leo. This is going to be one of the best transits you will have in 12 years to really expand your career horizons and to achieve something big!
[24:12] Jupiter in Taurus for Virgo. This is the time to make your world bigger through academics and travel.
[24:38] Jupiter in Taurus for Libra.  New sources of support aka other people's resources can open up to you to fund something new and important.
[25:08] Jupiter in Taurus for Scorpio. This can either bring the strong desire to form a partnership or to get out of a partnership that is keeping you from growing. Your significant other could be entering a growth cycle as well.
[25:37] Jupiter in Taurus for Sagittarius. This brings a desire for a daily life that is more encompassing. Try not to overextend yourself.
[26:19] Jupiter in Taurus for Capricorn.  It's time to play a little more, indulge your creative side and enjoy the process of self-expression.
[26:54] Jupiter in Taurus for Aquarius.  This is a good year to retreat a little bit and enjoy more time in the places that really feel like home.
[27:26] Jupiter in Taurus for Pisces.  This is a wonderful year for exploring your immediate environment, getting to know your neighbors, reconnecting with friends or with siblings, learning a new skill.
[28:04] Want to learn more about the impact of Jupiter in Taurus on a personal level?  Book a session with April!
[28:30] Listener Questions will be back!  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.
[28:55] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Karen Carothers and Mandy Miller!
[29:52] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

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!
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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!
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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!