Big Sky Astrology Podcast

159 | Cancer Full Moon and a Sparkly Venus!

Happy 2023 everyone! This week: the Sun makes an energizing trine to Uranus; Venus enters exciting Aquarius and gets an added boost from Jupiter; a snuggly Cancer Full Moon highlights big dreams; and the retrograde Mercury connects with the Sun and Uranus. April answers a listener’s question about how to work with transits for yourself. Plus: Sparkling in public, finding your people, and the tale of the two-foot-tall zucchini!
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
[1:26] Venus enters Aquarius on Jan. 2 at 6:09 PM PST and stay in this sign until Jan. 26. Touch base with your friends, and make resolutions related to financial independence and growing your wealth through networking.
[3:47] Venus at 1°36’ Aquarius sextiles Jupiter in Aries on Jan. 4 at 1:08 AM PST. Take this opportunity to stand out and be noticed in a positive way.
[5:24] On Jan. 5 at 8:43 AM PST, the Sun at 15°04’ Capricorn trines Uranus in Taurus.  Celebrate what makes you unique and connect with people who appreciate your individuality.
[6:14] Moon Report! The Full Moon at 16°21’ Cancer is on Jan. 6 at 3:08 PM PST.  The Capricorn Sun and (retrograde) Mercury are conjoined, and the Sun, Moon, and Mercury aspect exciting Uranus. It’s time to act on the big Jupiterian dreams that were formulated at the December 23 New Moon at 1°32’ Capricorn. Family dynamics are emphasized, too.
[7:44] This Full Moon is part of a Lunar Phase Family that began with the July 9, 2021 New Moon at 18°1’ Cancer. The First Quarter Moon in this Lunar Phase Family was on April 8, 2022 at 19°24’ Cancer.  This week’s Full Moon in Cancer is the time when we can see the consequences of what was initiated in July 2021, and then make any changes necessary moving forward.
[9:36] Void-of-Course Moon periods (VOC).  On Jan. 2 (2:16 PM PST), the Moon at 27°43’ Taurus makes a trine to Pluto. It’s then VOC for about four and a half hours before entering Gemini at 6:44 PM PST. Dig deep and meditate on existential feelings.
[10:26] The Moon at 22°56’ Gemini squares Neptune on Jan. 4 (4:08 PM PST). The Moon is then VOC for about 14 hours (!!!) until it enters Cancer on Jan. 5 (6:15 AM PST).  Most of VOC period happens overnight which could indicate disrupted dream activity. In our waking hours, articulating feelings more effectively is an important theme.
[12:25] The Moon at 27°52’ Cancer opposes Pluto on Jan. 7 (2:23 pm PST), and is VOC for about four and one quarter hours before entering Leo (6:40 PM PST). Feelings of vulnerability could be at a peak at this time.
[13:28] On Jan. 7 at 4:57 AM PST, the Sun at 16°56’ Capricorn conjoins retrograde Mercury. Mercury the Messenger is reporting what they saw up the road so we can be better prepared to handle situations that may come our way.  Mercury will be at 8°08’ Capricorn when it turns direct on Jan. 18.
[15:29] Mercury at 15°01’ Capricorn trines Uranus on Jan. 8 (3:23 PM PST). Think back to the Sun’s trine to Uranus on Jan. 4 – did you appreciate what makes you special?  Now that Mercury is involved, it would be a fantastic time to let the world know about these unique and special traits. Jan. 7-9 is a terrific time for planning out the rest of the year.
[17:13] Listener Robin asks about how to work with transits for yourself. Notes: April book on Astrological Transits and The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology!
[25:46] If you have a burning question about astrology that you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[26:23] If you like what you’re hearing please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Sarah Wharton and Tammy Kendall!
[27:23] If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April’s Bonus Donors-only episodes for the Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!

Announcement - No episode for Dec. 26!

April is under the weather, so there will be no episode for the week of Dec. 26 - see you on Jan. 2 for the first episode of 2023!

158 | Capricorn New Moon and Solstice: Rising Toward the Light!

Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa! - and a good old Happy Holidays to one and all this joyous season! In the skies this week: Jupiter re-enters Aries and brings an uncharacteristically jovian spirit to the Capricorn Solstice and the Capricorn New Moon. The Capricorn Venus trines Uranus shakes us up and freshens our outlook, and Mercury sextile Neptune melds imagination and reality. And April answers a listener’s question about the out-of-bounds Moon.
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
[1:23] Jupiter re-enters Aries (Dec. 20 at 6:32 AM PST). Jupiter was in Aries from May 10 - October 27, 2022 before slipping back into Pisces by retrograde.  It will be in Aries until May 16th which is when it will enter Taurus for the first time in about twelve years. Jupiter in Aries asks us to take impulsive, pioneering risks of all kinds.
[4:05] The Sun enters Capricorn (Dec. 21, 1:48 pm PST), marking the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.
[5:22] This particular Capricorn Solstice is energized quite a bit by the Sun’s square to Jupiter in Aries (Dec. 21, 4:51 PM PST at 00°07’ of both signs). None of us is getting any younger, but it’s never too late for a fresh start.
[6:45] On Dec. 22 (1:48 PM PST), Venus trines Uranus at 15°21’ Capricorn and Taurus.  Welcome an unexpected adventure in flavoring your oatmeal!
[9:56] Moon Report!  The New Moon at 1°32’ Capricorn will occur on Dec. 23 (2:17 AM PST.) The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is 2 Capricorn, Three stained glass windows, one broken. This lunation also squares Jupiter in Aries. Don’t be afraid to break things open and move in a new direction.
[11:09] This New Moon initiates a new Lunar Phase Family. The First Quarter Moon of this Lunar Phase Family occurs on September 22, 2023 (29°32’ Sagittarius). The Full Moon of this series is on June 21, 2024 (1°7’ Capricorn), and the Last Quarter Moon occurs on March 22, 2025 (2°5’ Capricorn). Check out this video to see where in your life you are planting seeds that will grow throughout this Lunar Phase cycle.
[15:54] Void-of-Course Moon (VOC) periods for this week. On Dec. 20, the Moon 27°19’ Scorpio sextiles Pluto (Capricorn 27°19’) at 6:45 PM PST.  It’s VOC for about four and a half hours before it enters Sagittarius on 11:13 PM PST. Be like Elsa and “Let it Go.”
[17:54] The Moon at 22°44’ Sagittarius squares Neptune at the same degree in Pisces on Dec. 22nd at 12:16 PM PST. It will be VOC for just about eleven and a half hours (!!!) before the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:49 PM PST. Nostalgia is in the air.
[19:43] On Dec. 24 (7:11 PM PST) the Moon conjoins Pluto at 27°26’ Capricorn.  The Moon will be VOC for about four hours before it goes into Aquarius at 11:14 PM PST.  Get cuddly with a hot chocolate, a fireplace ambience video and feel all the feels.
[21:52] Mercury makes a sextile to Neptune on Dec. 24 (5:17 PM PST), at 22°46’ of Capricorn and Pisces. This is an excellent opportunity to blend the pragmatism of Mercury in Capricorn with our imaginative selves.
[23:26] Listener Robin asks about an Out-of-Bounds Moon.  Here is the link to Steven Forrest’s article on the topic.
[29:02] If you have a burning question about astrology that you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[29:08] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Sandy Ochin and Elliott Mayer!
[30:06] If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April’s Bonus Donors-only episodes for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!
 

157 | Jupiter in Pisces: A Final Hurrah!

It's a low-energy, take-it-easy week as the Sun fields a questionable offer from Saturn and a wake-up call from Neptune; Mercury connects with Uranus for some outside-the-box thinking; the  Virgo Last Quarter Moon encourages us to clean up some loose ends as we prepare to say farewell to Jupiter in Pisces next week and welcome the Capricorn solstice; and April answers a listener’s question about Morning and Evening stars. Plus: Borrowed eyeglasses, low batteries, and prime time in the Antipodes!
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
[1:08] The week begins with the Sun's sextile aspect to Saturn (Dec. 12, 10:12 AM PST, 20°41’ Sagittarius and Aquarius). The Sabian symbols: Sun on 21 Sagittarius, A child and a dog with borrowed eyeglasses, Saturn on 21 Aquarius, A woman disappointed and disillusioned. Consider holding off on making major commitments at this time because we may not be seeing the whole story.
[3:20] On Dec. 14 at 9:10 AM PST, the Sun makes a square aspect to Neptune at 22°40’ Sagittarius and Pisces.  The Sabian symbols: Sun on 23 Sagittarius, Immigrants entering,  Neptune on 23 Pisces, A materializing medium. Your batteries may feel a little low, so take a break from all of the holiday hustle in favor of warm, fireside chats with dear friends and loved ones.
[6:36] Moon Report! The Last Quarter Moon at 24°21’ Virgo (Dec. 16, 12:56 AM PST) forms a stressful T-square configuration with the Sun in Sagittarius and Jupiter-Neptune in Pisces.
[7:39] A Last Quarter Moon indicates a need to take corrective action based on past experience or prior knowledge. This Moon opposes Jupiter, finishing up its stay in Pisces. Reflect on how your horizons may have expanded since May of 2021, when Jupiter first Pisces.  Jupiter enters Aries on Dec. 20 and will not return to Pisces for another 12 years (approximately).
[10:25] Void-of-Course Moon periods (VOC). The Moon at 21°36’ Leeeeoooo trines the Sun in Sagittarius on Dec. 13 at 7:52 AM PST. Then the Moon is VOC for almost 17 hours (!!!) before entering Virgo on Dec. 14 at 12:45 AM PST. A perfect time for a holiday party!
[11:26] On Dec. 16 at 11:13 AM PST, the Moon at 29°41’ Virgo opposes Jupiter in Pisces. It's then VOC for a little over half an hour before it enters Libra at 11:49 AM PST.  Put on your analytical Virgo hat and jot down some notes on what is needed for the very last part of Jupiter’s journey through Pisces.
[12:17] The Moon at 27°15’ Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn on Dec. 18 at 2:35 PM PST.  It's VOC for about five hours before it enters Scorpio at 7:30 PM PST.  This could be a time to take a very honest review of how balanced our relationships are.
[13:59] On Dec. 17 at 1:36 PM PST, Mercury at 15°28’ Capricorn trines Uranus in Taurus.  Uranus is on the Sabian symbol 16 Taurus, An old man attempting vainly to reveal the mysteries.  The Sabian symbol for Mercury is 16 Capricorn, Boys and girls in gymnasium suits.  Inspiration strikes!  The “new” informs and improves the “old.”
[16:40] Listener Denver asks about planets as evening or morning stars.  Here are the links to Michael R. Meyer’s articles about Venus as a Morning and Evening Star and The Four Faces of Mercury on astro.com.
[22:22] If you have a burning question about astrology that you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[22:55] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Kristine Lankenau and Phyllis Lamken!
[24:08] If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April’s Bonus Donors-only episodes for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!

156 | Gemini Full Moon and a Sunday Drive with Maude!

An energetic Full Moon in Gemini is influenced by scrappy Mars; Mercury and Venus leave “sky is the limit” Sagittarius for “buckle down and focus” Capricorn; and this week’s Void-of-Course Moon periods are short and happy. And April deploys an automotive metaphor to answer a listener question about transits affecting several planets close together in your chart. Plus: Helpful conflict, the pleasures of productivity, and the Pope.
Already looking ahead to 2023? Join April’s webinar on “Making the Most of 2023” on Sat. Dec. 10 at noon Pacific time! Details and registration information 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!
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Timestamps
[1:08] Mercury (29°3’ Sagittarius) squares Jupiter in Pisces on December 5th at 11:05 pm PST. Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 30 Sagittarius, The Pope and Jupiter is on 30 Pisces, The Great Stone Face. See if you can find a way to integrate the image you present and what you may be growing into internally. 
[2:38]  Mercury enters Capricorn on December 6th at 2:08 pm PST and will be in this sign until February 11, 2023. Mercury’s extended stay in Capricorn is due to its retrograde period (Dec. 29, 2022-Jan. 18, 2023). Use Capricorn’s steadfast focus on a project that you’ve been wanting to complete, but leave room for variations to occur. 
[3:43] Moon Report! The Gemini Full Moon is on December 7th at 8:08 pm PST, at 16°01’ Gemini. This Full Moon illuminates the intentions we may have set during the New Moon at 9° Gemini on May 30, 2022. This is also the Full Moon of the Lunar Phase Family that began on June 10, 2021 at 19°47’ Gemini. (If you need help finding the Gemini area of your natal chart, April’s instructional blog post and video might help.)
[7:12] This Gemini Full Moon will closely conjoin Mars (Gemini 16°07’). Look out for relational conflicts that may ultimately prove helpful. The Sun, Moon and Mars also apply  to a square to Neptune at 22°39’ Pisces. It’s time to take off those Neptunian rose-colored glasses and face the music.  
[10:02]  Void-of-Course Moon periods (VOC). On December 6th, the Moon (Taurus 29°04’) sextiles Jupiter at 11:02 am PST. It will be VOC for almost two hours before entering Gemini at 12:49 pm PST.  Albeit brief, this lovely aspect would be an excellent time to give form to your big ideas.
[11:05]  The Moon (Gemini 29°11) squares Jupiter in Pisces on December 8th at 10:13 pm PST.  The Moon will be VOC for just about an hour and a half before it enters Cancer at 11:49 pm PST. This combination might behave like Mercury is retrograde, so back up your devices!
[11:50] On December 11th at 10:49 am PST, the Moon at 29°20’ Cancer trines Jupiter in Pisces.  This short but sweet VOC period will last just a little under an hour and a half before the Moon enters Leeeeeooooo at 12:09 pm PST. Bring on those snuggly, domestic bliss vibes.  
[12:42]  The Sun makes its exact opposition to Mars on December 7th at 9:42 pm PST at 16°5’ of Sagittarius and Gemini. This is an important point in the Sun-Mars cycle that began with their conjunction in October of 2021. Take note of the changes you’ve seen and lessons you have learned.
[14:16]  On December 9th, Venus (Sagittarius 29°12’) squares Jupiter in Pisces at 4:55 am PST.  Later that day, Venus enters Capricorn at 7:54 pm PST, echoing Mercury’s transits from earlier in the week. What can you create during this last month of 2022 to leave this year feeling happier and better prepared for 2023?
[16:38]  Listener Kelly asks about stelliums and orbs (April also covered orbs on Ep. 116).  Road-tripping Cousin Maude likes to rock out!  Here are links to free copies of Donna Cunningham’s The Stellium Handbook Part One and Part Two.
[26:29]  If you have a burning question about astrology that you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.  
[27:02] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Deborah Holiday and Debra Donnally!
[28:05]  If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April’s Bonus Donors-only episodes for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here! 

155 | Pisces First Quarter Moon: One Step at a Time!

This week: The Pisces Quarter Moon is on a fast-moving Sabian symbol, but proceed with some caution. Mars revisits a recent trine to Saturn to a review an ongoing project; Mercury makes a choice; Venus and Mars get an unobstructed view of one another; Venus dons her rose-colored glasses just as Neptune stations direct; and April answers a listener's question about the best location to use in calculating your Solar Return chart. Plus: A gratitude bonanza, swallows returning to Capristrano, and let us be frank!
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
[1:20] Moon Report! First up: A First Quarter Moon at 8°21' Pisces and Sagittarius (Nov. 30, 6:36 am PST). The Sabian symbol for this Quarter Moon in Pisces is A jockey. The Sun is on 9 Sagittarius, A mother and her child on the stairs. This action-oriented First Quarter Moon urges us to move ahead, but you may want to err of the side of caution.
[3:33] This First Quarter Moon is the first action point in the Lunar Phase family that began with the March 2, 2022 New Moon in Pisces. It’s time to take some decisive steps towards that very Piscean dream that was conceived at that New Moon.
[4:16] Void-of-Course Moon periods (VOC) for the week. On Nov. 28 at 10:53 pm PST, the Moon conjoins Saturn at 19°44' Aquarius. It’s then VOC for 17 hours (!!!) before it enters Pisces on Nov. 29 at 4:15 pm PST. What are we building for the future? How can we learn more discipline or gain more strength to make that goal happen?
[5:35] During the hour and day of Jupiter, the Moon at 28°54' Pisces conjoins one of its rulers, Jupiter, on Dec. 1 at 6:44 pm PST. The Moon will then be VOC for a very pleasant two hours before entering Aires at 8:41 pm PST. Get ready for a Jupiterian gratitude bonanza!
[6:43] On Dec. 3 at 9:46 pm PST, the 26°51' Aries Moon squares Pluto (Capricorn 26°51'). The Moon is VOC for just under six hours before it enters Taurus (Dec. 4, 3:38 am PST). Be on the lookout for feelings of frustration, guilt and shame. What are the lessons to be learned from past transgressions?
[8:13] Retrograde Mars (Gemini 19°42') makes a trine aspect to Saturn (Aquarius 19°42') on Nov. 28 at 9:56 am PST. This is the second of three trines Mars in Gemini will make to Saturn. The first trine was on September 27 and the third trine in this series will occur on March 30, 2023, just after Mars has slipped into Cancer.
[8:45] The Sabian symbol for Mars is 20 Gemini, A cafeteria. Saturn is on the Sabian symbol 20 Aquarius, A big white dove, a message bearer. This is an excellent time to finish a project we may have started late September so that we can give our all to something new in March 2023.
[9:42] Mercury (19° 18' Sagittarius) will oppose Mars (19° 18' Gemini) on Nov. 29 at 12:30 pm PST. A few hours later at 8:18 pm PST, Mercury (19° 47' Sagittarius) sextiles Saturn (19°47' Aquarius). For both of these aspects, Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 20 Sagittarius, Men cutting through ice.
[10:13] When Mercury opposes Mars, Mars will still be on that "cafeteria" Sabian symbol (?). Mercury here is helping to cut through the ice, to cut to the chase and choose something.
[10:43] The choice that became evident to us as Mercury was opposed Mars is seen as a choice to take some constructive action when Mercury sextiles Saturn at 8:18 pm PST. We will fine tune all of this in March when Mars is direct and makes its final trine to Saturn.
[11:48] On Nov. 30, Venus (18°47' Sagittarius) opposes retrograde Mars (18°47' Gemini) at 9:28 pm PST. This is the midpoint in the Venus-Mars cycle that began back on March 5, 2022 with the conjunction at 0°1' Aquarius. How are past relationships impacting current ones? How can you take the skills you may have learned from previous work situations and apply them to your current work in order to make things more interesting and possibly more lucrative?
[13:54] Mercury at 22°38' Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces on Dec. 1 at 5:08 pm PST. Cut through confusion and speak your mind.
[14:55] A few hours later (Dec. 1, 7:09 pm PST), Venus at 19°55' Sagittarius sextiles Saturn in Aquarius. Key an eye out for an invitation to make something pleasurable into something that lasts.
[16:15] Neptune (Pisces 22°38') turns direct on Dec. 3 at 4:15 pm PST. Neptune has been retrograde since June 27, 2022. It is turning direct on the intriguing Sabian symbol, 23 Pisces, A materializing medium. It's time to put on those rose-colored glasses and see people and opportunities in the sweetest light possible.
[18:16] Also on Dec. 3, at 11:12 pm PST, Venus (22°38' Sagittarius) will square freshly-direct Neptune (22°38' Pisces). Be aware of disillusionment in relationships and financial matters. This is the final action point in the Venus-Neptune cycle that began with their conjunction on April 27, their opening square on July 13, an opposition on September 24. Mark this big Neptune day on your calendar. Can you see any disconnects from a hopeful perception versus reality?
[19:50] Listener Dena asks: What’s the best location to use to calculate the Solar Return chart?
[24:56] If you have a burning question about astrology that you'd like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute of less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com. Be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
[26:02] If you like what you're hearing, please subscrbe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Kerrin Gibbons and Christina DeRochemont!
[26:32] If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!

154 | Sagittarius New Moon: The Grateful Season!

There’s a lot to be grateful for this week, starting with the Big Sky Astrology Podcast’s third anniversary! Warm thanks to all of you who’ve been here from the beginning, as well as those who found the show along the way. In other news: the Sun enters Sagittarius, and there's a New Moon in this grateful sign the day before Thanksgiving – count your blessings, if not your calories! Sagittarius' ruling planet, Jupiter, turns direct. And Mercury comes together with Venus for declarations of gratitude and love. Also, a listener question about prenatal eclipse points. Plus: The secret life of your pet rock; Thanksgiving hangovers; and it’s all in how you look at things!
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 of $10 or more and get April's bonus episodes!
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Timestamps
[1:00] Welcome, and join us in celebrating three years of the Big Sky Astrology Podcast! Much gratitude to those who’ve been here from the beginning, as well as those of you who’ve found the show along the way!
[1:45] Mercury conjoins Venus on Nov. 21st (2:55 pm PST, 07°09' Sagittarius), a time of declarations and redefinition of relationships. This is also an excellent aspect for brainstorming about ways to make money or how to further your financial knowledge.
[3:03] The Sabian symbol for this conjunction is 8 Sagittarius, Rocks and things forming therein. All may seem stable and still, but there could be a lot going on underneath the surface.
[3:42] The Sun enters Sagittarius on Nov. 22, 2022 (12:20 am PST) and is in this sign until the Capricorn Solstice (Dec. 21). Capricorn season is when we reflect on the resolutions we may have made at the beginning of the year. Sagittarius season highlights the desire to be free of burdens in favor of being a happy wanderer.
[5:02] The day after the Sun's ingress into Sagittarius (Nov. 23, 3:02 pm PST at 28°47' Pisces) Jupiter, its ruling planet, stations direct. The Sabian symbol for 29 Pisces is A Prism. Give yourself a chance to see things from a different perspective.
[6:40] Jupiter turned retrograde on July 28, 2022 and will return to the sign of Aries on December 20. When Jupiter is retrograde, it's up to us to find a sense of positivity and optimism. It is also an excellent time to calculate your next big adventure. Now that Jupiter is direct, it is time to act on those plans.
[8:03] Moon Report! We welcome the Sagittarius New Moon on Nov. 23 (2:57 pm PST, 1°37' Sagittarius). The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is 2 Sagittarius, The ocean covered with white caps.  Mutable Fire sign Sagittarius is known for its enthusiasm and optimism.  Mutable energy tends to be prone to change and restlessness, like the roiling sea.
[9:39] The Sun and Moon at this New Moon are in an out-of-sign trine to Jupiter in Pisces as well as a wide conjunction to Venus. A positive-looking New Moon overall and the best New Moon of the year for setting intentions related to personal growth.
[10:20] This lunation also begins a Lunar Phase Family, so set these intentions with the next 27 months in mind!  The First Quarter Moon in this series is on August 24, 2023 at 1° Sagittarius; the Full Moon is on May 23, 2024 at 2°55' Sagittarius; and the Third Quarter Moon is on February 20, 2025 at 2°19' Sagittarius. Think big, think long-term, and choose your next great adventure you want to embark on.
[11:52] Void-of-Course Moon periods (VOC).  On Nov. 21 (3:14 am PST), the Moon at 26°34' Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn. It’s VOC for about six hours and then enters Scorpio at 9:16 am PST. Greet the week with a determination to be as fair and kind as Libra desires but also as truthful as Pluto demands.
[12:44] Five hours before the Sagittarius New Moon, the Moon at 28°47' Scorpio makes a trine to Jupiter in Pisces (Nov. 23, 10:16 am PST). It’s VOC for just over two hours before entering Sagittarius at 12:16 pm PST. Time to let go of negative feelings and move on.
[13:33] On Nov. 25 at 11:22 am PST, the Moon at 28°48' Sagittarius squares Jupiter in Pisces, is VOC for a little over two hours, then enters Capricorn at 1:18 pm PST.  We may ruminate over our Thanksgiving overindulgences (both verbal and gastronomical) from the day before. Unfortunately, what's done is done, so take this time to think about how you can handle these temptations better in the future.
[14:25] The Moon at 28°49' Capricorn is sextile Jupiter in Pisces on Nov. 27 at 12:11 pm PST, is VOC for about two hours, and then enters Aquarius at 2:07 pm PST. Schedule some structured fun and relaxation!
[15:29] Listener Mariana asks about Prenatal Eclipse points, and April introduces us to these sensitive points and their cycle.
[21:26] If you have a burning question about astrology that you'd like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
[21:59] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like, and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Andrea Ingham and Monica Grossbaum! Woohoo!
[22:52] If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the Libra Equinox as well as bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!
 
 

153 | Leo Last Quarter Moon: X-Ray Vision!

A volatile Last Quarter Moon in Leeeoooooo encourages camel-like self-reliance. The Sun, Mercury, and Venus make happy aspects to happier Jupiter. The Sun trines Neptune on a magical, bunny-related Sabian symbol, and Mars makes the second of three squares to Neptune – defend whatever you have faith in! The Sun and Mercury fall into formation with Pluto. Mercury and Venus prepare the way for the Sun’s Sagittarius season, which begins next week. And April answers a listener's question about planetary hours, lunar days and lunar mansions Plus: x-rays, Thai takeout, and a spa day for the Sun!
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Timestamps
[1:10] Moon Report!  The Last Quarter Moon at 24°9' Leeeeooooo (Nov. 16, 2022, 5:27 am PST) squares the Sun and Mercury in Scorpio, opposes Saturn in Aquarius, and squares Uranus in Taurus as well. The result is a Grand Cross configuration, and since the fixed signs are involved, you may notice that people are a little more entrenched in their position than usual.
[2:39] This Last Quarter Moon also sextiles retrograde Mars in Gemini. Look for a helpful person from the past to appear just when you need them!
[3:12] The Sabian symbols for this Last Quarter Moon are 25 Leo, A large camel crossing the desert and the Sun on 25 Scorpio, An X-ray.  We are seeing things the way they are instead of the way we would like them to be. This is tough but could lead to greater emotional self-reliance.
[5:30] This is the last critical moment in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began at the August 2020 New Moon in Leo. Here’s an opportunity to make one final push towards a passion project that was initiated at that New Moon.
[6:09] Void-of-Course Moon (VOC) periods. On Nov. 14 (2:41 am PST), the Moon trines Jupiter (28°57' Cancer and Pisces).  It’s VOC for about five hours before entering Leo at 7:43 am PST. A lovely time for setting a bedtime intention about family adventures, drafting plans to expand or improve your home, or even move someplace new.
[7:15] The Moon in Leo squares Mercury (29°25' Leo and Scorpio) at 3:55 pm PST on Nov. 16 and is VOC for just over one hour before entering Virgo (5:03 pm PST). That x-ray vision, Scorpionic Mercury might bring up some negative feedback about a creative project. Leave it to the Moon in Virgo to make things right.
[8:12] On Nov. 19 (12:47 am PST), the Moon in 28°50' Virgo opposes Jupiter in Pisces. It’s VOC for a little over two hours and enters Libra at 2:57 am PST. If you're a night owl or are across the Atlantic from North America, ponder this call to adventure.
[9:50] As the Sun and Mars aspect Neptune, Neptune will be on the Sabian symbol 23 Pisces, A materializing medium aka Spiritist Phenomena - an ethereal degree for an ethereal planet.
[10:18] The Sun trines Neptune (Pisces 22°44' Scorpio and Pisces) on Nov. 14th at 7:43 pm PST, on the Sabian symbol 23 Scorpio, A bunny metamorphosed into a fairy.  It’s the time of year for magical transformations. 
[11:33] Mars squares Neptune (22°42' Gemini and Pisces) on Nov. 19 at 7:43 am PST. This is the second of three squares (the others on Oct. 11, 2022 and March 14, 2023) while Mars is in its extended transit through Gemini. It's time to defend what you have faith in.
[12:37] Mercury sextiles Pluto (Nov. 14, 6:27 pm PST) at 26°27' Scorpio and Capricorn. Mercury's Sabian symbol is 27 Scorpio, A military band on the march and Pluto, as usual, is on 27 Capricorn, A mountain pilgrimage. So, as the Sun enjoys its Neptunian spa day, Mercury will be practicing power handshakes with Pluto.
[13:50] On Nov. 18 at 1:43 pm PST, the Sun sextiles Pluto (26°31' Scorpio and Capricorn). It’s time to get real and empower yourself.
[14:43] The Sun, Mercury and Venus all trine Jupiter in Pisces this week. Venus (28°55' Scorpio) is the first in line on Nov. 15 at 1:36 am PST.
[15:28] Mercury (28°53' Scorpio) follows suit on Nov. 16 at 7:43 am PST. Look for a financial advisor to help you manage your Jupiter windfall!
[16:02] The Sun (28°48' Scorpio) seals this Jupiterian deal on Nov. 20 at 8:07 pm PST.
[16:45] Last but not least, Mercury and Venus enter Sagittarius this week. Venus enters the sign of the Archer first on Nov. 15 at 10:08 pm PST, followed by Mercury on Nov. 17 at 12:42 am PST. Order some Thai takeout and cue up those foreign language comedies on Netflix.
[18:02] Mercury can run into some problems in Sagittarius, the sign of its detriment - which means it’s opposite Mercury's home sign of Gemini. Check out April’s interview with Mel LaFara's in Episode 139 about planets in their detriment or fall. Spoiler alert: they could be super powers in disguise!
[19:34] Listener Milton asks about planetary hours, lunar days and lunar mansions.
[19:52] An explanation of planetary hours and how they are used.  Here's a link to Kelly Surtee's article about a Saturn ritual and Dana Gerhart's article about a Santeria ritual.
[23:27] An explanation about lunar mansions. Here's the link to Ryan Butler's article on the subject on his Medieval Astrology guide website.
[24:28] An explanation about lunar days. Here's a link to the interesting article April mentioned.
[25:33] An insider's tip: Use the Big Sky Astrology's show notes to keep track of astrological events in your daily planner!  You can find the show notes in your app of choice or at bigskyastropod.com (transcripts are there too!). Comments are always welcome.
[25:57] If you have a question about astrology that you would like April to answer, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or send an email to April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com. Be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
[26:36] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Jennifer Lukehart and Sarah Eaves! Woohooo!
[27:44] If you enjoy the show and would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the Libra Equinox, as well as bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just make a donation of $10 or more right here!