Big Sky Astrology Podcast

208 | Scorpio New Moon: Conscience and Conviction!

This week, the Scorpio New Moon calls us to stand up for our convictions and to disobey the rules, if necessary, as the Sun comes together with fierce Mars and makes a rebellious opposition to Uranus. The Sun and Mars connect with Neptune for a spiritual call to action, Mercury makes a comforting aspect with Venus, and a listener question about whether it's okay to use more than one house system when you're interpreting your birth chart. Plus, rocks in the head, fire in the hearth, and Clan Elliott!
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Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!
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Timestamps (full show notes here)
[1:22] Moon Report! The New Moon (Nov. 13, 1:27 am PST, at 20º43’ Scorpio) is on the Sabian symbol 21 Scorpio, A soldier derelict in duty. The New Moon point conjoins Mars and opposes Uranus.
[3:37] This New Moon initiates a Lunar Phase Family Cycle. The First Quarter in this cycle is on Aug. 12, 2024, the Full Moon on May 12, 2025, and the Last Quarter on Feb. 9, 2026.
[5:00] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Nov. 13, the Moon in Scorpio sextiles Pluto (3:03 pm PST). It's VOC for about 3 ¼ hours, then enters Sagittarius (6:22 pm PDT).
[7:02] On Nov. 15, the Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune (2:56 pm PST). It's VOC for about 8 ¾ hours before it enters Capricorn (11:41 pm PST). Consider the difference between what we know and what we have faith in.
[8:40] The Moon in Capricorn conjoins Pluto (12:27 am PST) on Nov. 18. It's VOC for three hours before entering Aquarius (3:27 am PST). Remember to bring empathy and intuition to your work.
[10:38] The Sun opposes Uranus on Nov. 13 (9:20 am PST), at 21º03’ Scorpio-Taurus. The Sun’s Sabian symbol is Hunters starting out for ducks, and Uranus’ is 22 Taurus, White dove over troubled waters. Start out with purpose, but keep an open mind.
[12:30] On Nov. 15 (4:48 am PST), Mercury sextiles Venus at 07º52’ Sagittarius-Libra. Mercury’s Sabian symbol is 8 Sagittarius, Rocks and things forming therein. Venus is on 8 Libra, A blazing fireplace in a deserted home. Talk things out with people that you like.
[14:46] Mars trines Neptune at 24º59’ Scorpio-Pisces on Nov. 17 (12:36 am PST). Later that morning (6:52 am PST), the Sun trines Neptune at precisely the same degrees of the same signs. Mars and the Sun are on the Sabian symbol 25 Scorpio, An x-ray, and Neptune is on 25 Pisces, The purging of the priesthood.
[16:27] The Sun conjuncts Mars on Nov. 17 (9:42 pm PST) at 25º36’ Scorpio. They conjoin on the Sabian symbol, 26 Scorpio, Indians making camp.
[17:52] Listener Sandra asks about using more than one house system when you're interpreting a chart.
[25:05] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:39] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by Debra Nesbitt and Elizabeth Deschenes!
[26:47] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

207 | Mars Meets Uranus: Unpredictable Opponents!

This week, Venus gets the inside scoop from Pluto and enters its home sign of Libra for some refined pleasures; Mercury gains discipline from Saturn, inspiration from Neptune, and powers of persuasion from Pluto, then enters the gregarious sign of Sagittarius. Mars opposes Uranus and asks the musical question: How we can we balance our desires with the needs of others? And April answers a listener question about the time of birth. Plus: Frustrating funnels, ducks in trouble, and oblique strategies!
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Timestamps (full show notes here)
[1:18] Moon Report! No major lunation this week, but some juicy Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. Subscribe to April’s mailing list to get free access to her monthly New Moon Workbook!
[2:24] On Nov. 5, the Moon in Leo squares Mercury (11:25 pm PST). It's VOC for a little over 12 hours (!!!) before it enters Virgo on Nov. 6th (11:39 am PST). Express your need to be noticed and appreciated.
[4:31] On Nov. 8, the Moon in Virgo sextiles Mercury (8:55 pm PST). It's VOC for a little over three hours, then enters Libra on Nov. 9 (12:08 am PST). Release those toxic thoughts!
[6:11] The Moon in Libra squares Pluto on Nov. 11 (7:05 am PST). It's VOC for about 3 ½ hours before it enters Scorpio (10:39 am PST). Time to examine whether you're prioritizing others' needs over your own too much of the time.
[7:28] On Nov. 6 (6:38 am PST), Venus trines Pluto at 28°03’ Virgo-Capricorn. Venus is on the Sabian symbol 29 Virgo, A man gaining secret knowledge, and Pluto is on 29 Capricorn, A woman reading tea leaves. Renovations, repairs and power cleaning are encouraged. Channel Marie Kondo and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?”
[10:08] Mercury trines Neptune on Nov. 6 (5:37 pm PDT) at 28°04’ Scorpio-Pisces. Conducive to sensitive conversations, creating art, and making music.
[12:21] Venus enters one of her home signs, Libra, on Nov. 8 (1:30 am PST). Venus will be in Libra until Dec. 4, 2023. Put on your fancy pants and enjoy some highfalutin artsy stuff.
[14:37] On Nov. 8 (4:17 pm PST) Mercury sextiles Pluto at 28°05’ Scorpio and Capricorn. The Sabian symbol for Mercury is, An Indian woman pleads to the chief for the lives of her children. Pluto is on 29 Capricorn, A woman reading tea leaves. Here is the opportunity to ask for something through ritual and manifestation.
[16:40] Mercury enters Sagittarius on Nov. 9 (10:25 pm PST) until Dec. 1, 2023. If this combo were a funnel, Sagittarius represents the wide end and Mercury is that tiny little aperture. All Sagittarius’ big ideas have to be filtered down into mere words.
[18:48] Busy Mercury squares Saturn in Pisces on Nov. 10 (7:07 am PST) at 00°32’ Sagittarius-Pisces. Saturn is on Sabian symbol 1 Pisces, A public market. An excellent aspect for tackling communication-related projects that have been difficult to get started or to bring to completion.
[20:39] Mars opposes Uranus on Nov. 11 (1:11 pm PST) at 21°08’ Scorpio and Taurus. The Sabian symbol for Mars is 22 Scorpio, Hunters starting out for ducks, and Uranus is on 22 Taurus, A white dove over troubled waters. We may have reached a point when we feel justified in fighting or using aggressive methods to get what we want or to defend ourselves. There might be a way to achieve a peaceful outcome, but it requires thinking outside the box.
[22:30] Listener Teina asks about how the time of birth is determined. April offers input from a nurse friend and resources for researching a birth time, including ancestry.com. For rectification services, email April for a referral!
[28:28] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[29:06] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by Jolae Brocato and Ivana Scekic!
[30:10] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

206 | Venus Meets Uranus on Halloween: Tricks AND Treats!

This week, Venus’ trine to Uranus makes Halloween more exciting, offering both tricks AND treats; planetary face-offs between the Sun and Jupiter, Venus and Neptune, and Mercury and Uranus; both Saturn and career matters move forward; the Last Quarter Moon in Leeeeoooooo brings creative projects to the finish line; and April answers a listener question about how two people's charts describe their business rapport. Plus: contradictory birds, co-mingled reputations, and Scorpio loves a makeover!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
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Timestamps (finish reading show notes at the website)
[1:20] Venus trines Uranus on Oct. 31 (5:51 AM PDT) at 21°36’ Virgo and Taurus. Venus's symbol is 22 Virgo, A royal coat of arms, while Uranus's symbol is 22 Taurus, A white dove over troubled waters. Smooth over recent issues with close ones.
[3:09] On Nov. 2 (10:02 PM PDT), the Sun opposes Jupiter at 10º30’ Scorpio-Taurus. The Sabian symbol for the Sun is 11 Scorpio, A drowning man rescued, and Jupiter’s is 11 Taurus, A woman sprinkling flowers. Maintenance prevents the need for rescue.
[4:39] Venus opposes Neptune on Nov. 3 (3:06 PM PDT) at 25º10’ Virgo-Pisces. This opposition seeks balance between high standards (Venus in Virgo) and acceptance (Neptune in Pisces).
[6:58] Saturn stations direct on Nov. 4 (12:03 AM PDT) at 00º30’ Pisces on the Sabian symbol 1 Pisces, A public market. Saturn turned retrograde at 07º12’ Pisces on June 17, 2023.  Saturn's retrograde times are good for introspection about what you want to achieve and why you want to achieve it. Now that Saturn is turning direct, it's time to begin to move forward again with career efforts.
[9:09] Mercury opposes Uranus at 21º26’ Scorpio-Taurus on Nov. 4 (9:07 AM PDT). Mercury is on the Sabian symbol, 22 Scorpio, Hunters starting out for ducks. Uranus is on 22 Taurus, White dove over troubled waters.
[11:37] Moon Report! The Last Quarter Moon at 12º39’ Leeeeeooooo, on Nov. 5 (1:37 AM PDT) is on Sabian symbol, 13 Leo, An old sea captain rocking. The Sun is on 13 Scorpio, An inventor experimenting.
[12:35] The Last Quarter Moon features a T-square configuration, with the Moon and Mars opposed Jupiter and square the Sun. This can be a motivator for finishing creative projects that began at the Libra Solar Eclipse.
[14:30] This is the Last Quarter Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that began with the New Moon on Aug. 8, 2021 at 16º14’ Leo. The First Quarter Moon of this LPFC occurred on May 8, 2022, the Full Moon was on Feb. 5, 2023, and this Last Quarter is time to make that final push to conclude this cycle.
[15:53] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On Oct. 30, the Moon in Taurus trines Pluto (4:35 AM PDT). It's VOC for about 3 ½ hours, then enters Gemini (8:08 AM PDT). The slow and steady approach is what will lead to more control and a sense of power over our own destiny.
[17:03] On Nov. 1, the Moon in Gemini squares Neptune (5:36 AM PDT). It's VOC for about nine hours before entering Cancer (2:30 PM PDT). This VOC period is about getting out of our heads and into our hearts.
[17:49] On Nov. 3, the Moon in Cancer opposes Pluto (8:28 PM PDT). It's VOC for almost four hours, and then enters Leo on Nov. 4 (12:21 AM PDT). Be kind to tough characters who oppose us or accuse us of being too sensitive.
[19:04] Listener Kerrie asks about how two people’s charts indicate their helpfulness to each other in business. Check out Episode 127 for a listener question about synastry in romantic relationships.
[25:30] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:47] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by Kristin Jennings and Philip Spignor!
[26:55] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

205 | Taurus Lunar Eclipse: Building a Bridge!

This week, we celebrate the beginning of the soulful Scorpio season; the Sun trine Saturn rewards us for overcoming obstacles; Mercury and Mars connect with Jupiter – act on your dreams, but be honest with yourself, kind to others, and avoid unnecessary risks; a Taurus Lunar Eclipse highlights worth, values, and bridging differences; and April answers a listener question about planets above and below the horizon of the chart. Plus: Letting go and stocking up; eclipse flashbacks; and extroverts and introverts!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!
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Timestamps (Read full show notes here)
[1:10] The Sun enters Scorpio on Oct. 23 (9:21 AM PDT) and will stay in this sign through Nov. 22, 2023.
[3:03] On Oct. 24 (12:13 AM PDT), the Sun trines Saturn at 00º37’ Scorpio-Pisces. This is a time when achievements, leadership, and maturity are acknowledged.
[4:53] Mars opposes Jupiter on Oct. 28th (9:03 AM PDT) at 11°15’ Scorpio-Taurus.
[7:11] Mercury opposes Jupiter on Oct. 28 (8:44 PM PDT) at 11º11’ Scorpio-Taurus.
[8:38] Moon Report! The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is on Oct. 28 (1:24 PM PDT) at 05º09’ Taurus.
[10:46] The Sabian symbol for the Sun at this Lunar Eclipse is 6 Scorpio, A gold rush. The Sabian symbol for the Moon is 6 Taurus, A bridge being built across a gorge.
[11:14] Look back at previous eclipses near this degree for clues as to what this eclipse may bring. Those were on Oct. 28, 2004, and Oct. 28, 1995.
[11:43] This Full Moon is the midpoint in the lunar cycle that began with the Solar Eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023 which was square Pluto in Capricorn. This is also the midpoint in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began at the April 30, 2022 Solar Eclipse at 10°28’ Taurus. If there’s anything in your birth chart that's between about 6°-14° of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, this is an important cycle for you.
[14:17] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Oct. 23, the Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus (12:04 PM PDT). It's VOC for almost 13 ½ hours (!!!) before it enters Pisces on Oct. 24th (1:33 AM PDT).
[16:48] On Oct. 25, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto (11:39 PM PDT). It's VOC for about 3 ½ hours before it enters Aries on Oct. 26 (3:01 AM PDT).
[18:10] The Moon in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn on Oct. 28 (1:20 AM PDT). It's VOC for almost 3 ½ hours before it enters Taurus (4:44 AM PDT).
[20:05] On Oct. 29 (7:22 AM PDT), Mercury conjoins Mars at 11º53' Scorpio. This is a good transit for speaking our minds but be careful of using harsh words that can’t be taken back.
[22:01] Listener Jeanette from the UK asks about how to interpret the Sun and other planets above and below the horizon of a chart. Check out Rex Bills’ Rulership Book for astrological correspondences.
[28:50] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[29:31] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by Ann Flynt and Kristin Hamzik!
[30:40] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.
 

204 | Capricorn First Quarter Moon: Now with Puppies!

This week, the Sun meets Mercury, and together they take on the Lunar Nodes and Pluto from both sides now. Venus trines Jupiter, the most fortunate planets in a delicious aspect – enjoy it! Mercury enters insightful, decisive Scorpio and teams up with Saturn to conquer daunting tasks; the Capricorn First Quarter Moon peers into the tea leaves for a glimpse of the future; and April answers a listener question about transits through the 12th house. Plus: Autumn leaves, letting the VOC Moon file your taxes, and the healing power of puppies!
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 – Read the full show notes at bigskyastropod.com
[1:12] The Sun and Mercury oppose the North Node on Oct. 18 (5:45 AM PDT and 10:34 pm PDT, respectively). Both transits are at 24º52’ Libra-Aries.
[1:39] The Sun and Mercury are on Sabian symbol 25 Libra, Information in the symbol of an autumn leaf. The North Node is on symbol 25 Aries, A double promise. Trust what comes your way as being right for you,
[2:25] On Oct. 19, (10:38 PM PDT), the Sun and Mercury conjunct at 26º34’ Libra, on the Sabian symbol, 27 Libra, An aeroplane hovering overhead. Take an aerial view!
[4:09] Mercury squares Pluto on Oct. 20 (5:50 PM PDT) at 27º54’ Libra-Capricorn. The Sun squares Pluto on Oct. 21 (8:09 AM PDT) 27º55’ Libra-Capricorn.
[5:20] Mercury and the Sun are on the Sabian symbol 28 Libra, Man in the midst of brightening influences. If you are surrounded by negativity, try your best to be the positive influence.
[6:54] Venus trines Jupiter at 12º06’ Virgo-Taurus (Oct. 21, 9:32 PM PDT), one of the nicest combinations of planets in a very harmonious aspects.
[9:12] Moon Report! The Capricorn First Quarter Moon is on Oct. 21 (8:29 PM PDT) at 28º28’ Capricorn-Libra. The First Quarter Moon is the action point of the lunar cycle that began at the Oct. 14, 2023 Solar Eclipse.  
[9:42] The Moon is on the Sabian symbol 29 Capricorn, Woman reading tea leaves. The Sun is on 29 Libra, Humanity seeking to bridge knowledge. This is also the First Quarter in the Lunar Phase Family that began at the Jan. 21, 2023 New Moon at 01º32’ Aquarius. The Full Moon in this Lunar Phase Family cycle is on July 21, 2024, the Last Quarter on April 20, 2025.
[12:26] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On Oct. 17, the Moon in Scorpio sextiles Pluto in Capricorn (8:43 AM PDT). It will be VOC for almost four hours, and then enters Sagittarius (12:36 PM PDT). There is an opportunity to learn about holding our feelings in check in order to achieve more power over ourselves.
 
[13:39] On Oct. 19, the Moon in Sagittarius sextiles the Sun in Libra (12:02 PM PDT). It's VOC for almost seven hours before entering Capricorn (6:55 PM PDT). Propose a new adventure!
[14:33] On Oct. 21, the Capricorn Moon squares Mercury in Libra (11:00 PM PDT). It's VOC for only six minutes before entering Aquarius (11:06 PM PDT). Take a deep breath and let go of something.
[16:17] Mercury enters Scorpio (Oct. 21, 11:49 PM PDT) and will be in this sign through Nov. 9, 2023. We move ahead intuitively, but with a great sense of certainty. Research and artistic projects are favored.
[18:11] Mercury trines Saturn at 00º38’ Scorpio-Pisces on Oct. 22 (9:12 AM PDT). This is an excellent time to sign agreements that you want to last.
[18:55] Listener Elliott asks about transits through the 12th house (and a puppy!).
[24:53] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:29] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by new donor Lynn Workman and Sara McNeil, who has donated to every podathon!
[26:42] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

203 | Libra New Moon/Solar Eclipse: Going to the Party Alone!

This week, Venus opposed Saturn prompts an examination of values; Pluto stations direct and applies intense pressure; Mars goes underground in powerful Scorpio and gains some focus and discipline from Saturn; an important Libra New Moon brings the disruptive influence of a Solar eclipse; and April answers a listener question about interceptions. Plus: capable birds, silent partners, and going to the party alone!
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
[1:14] Venus opposes Saturn on Oct. 9 (11:11 PM PDT) at 01°02’ Virgo-Pisces. The Sabian symbol for Venus is 2 Virgo, Large white cross upraised; Saturn’s symbol is 2 Pisces, A squirrel hiding from hunters. All oppositions ask us to acknowledge that the truth between two extremes usually lies right smack in the middle.
[4:41] On Oct. 10 (6:09 PM PDT), Pluto stations direct at 27°53’ minutes Capricorn on the Sabian symbol, 28 Capricorn, A large aviary. Pluto has been retrograde since May 1, when it stationed at 0º Aquarius.
[5:40] In the days around this station, avoid all-or-nothing thinking and doing things that you can’t undo.
[6:46] Mars enters Scorpio on Oct. 11 (9:04 pm PDT, through Nov. 24, 2023). Do some research while Mars is in Scorpio. Get to the truth of every situation, every relationship.
[9:11] Mars trines Saturn on Oct. 13 (5:29 AM PDT) at 00°54’ Scorpio-Pisces. Saturn is on the Sabian symbol 1 Pisces, A public market. Focus Daniel-San!
[10:22] Moon Report! A Libra New Moon Solar Eclipse on Oct. 14 (10:55 AM PDT) is at 21°07’ Libra on the Sabian symbol 22 Libra, A child giving birds a drink at a fountain.
[11:05] Eclipses bring change. In this case, change in important relationships is likely. And since the eclipse point is square Pluto, these can be permanent changes. Look to past eclipses in this area of your chart for similar themes: A lunar eclipse on April 15, 2014, 25° Libra; a solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2004, 21°06’ Libra; on Oct. 12, 1996, a solar eclipse at 19° Libra; and on April 15, 1995, a lunar eclipse at 25° Libra.
[14:01] This New Moon initiates a Lunar Phase Family Cycle. When these cycles begin at an eclipse, they are especially unpredictable and often dramatic. The First Quarter in the cycle is on July 13, 2024, the Full Moon is on April 12, 2025, and the Last Quarter is on January 10, 2026.
[14:52] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Oct. 10, the Moon in Leo sextiles Mars in Libra (2:36 AM PDT). It's VOC for about 2 ½ hours before it enters Virgo (5:02 AM PDT). Show up, be fabulous, and collaborate!
[16:15] The Moon in Virgo trines Pluto (1:10 PM PDT) on Oct. 12. It's VOC for about 4 1/4 hours, then enters Libra (5:22 PM PDT). It’s time for organization and clarity.
[16:47] On Oct. 15, the Moon in Libra squares Pluto (12:01 am PDT). It's VOC for four hours before it enters Scorpio (4:04 AM PDT). This is the Moon's final aspect in the sign of Libra after that solar eclipse. Cooperate without giving away your power.
[17:35] Listener Susan asks about interceptions.
[25:17] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:50] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Connie Cameron and new donor Grace Looney!
[27:00] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

202 | Mars square Pluto: Relationship Report Card!

This week, Mercury does a balancing act with Neptune, joins up with powerful Pluto, and enters Libra; feisty Mars opposes the North Node and squares Pluto; the Cancer Last Quarter Moon asks, where do you belong? Venus enters the soothing, organized realm of Virgo; and April answers a listener question about what moving does to your birth chart. Plus: A siesta, Blue Zones, and tightening your belt!
Eclipse season is coming - order your copy of April’s Followed by a Moonshadow Eclipse Report!
Read the full show notes 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!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:15] On Oct. 2 (8:34 AM PDT), Mercury opposes Neptune at 25º54’ Virgo-Pisces, strong in their home signs. Balance logic with imagination, busyness with rest, organization with spontaneity.
[2:06] Mercury trines Pluto (Oct. 3, 12:19 PM PDT) at 27º54’ Virgo-Capricorn. Mercury's Sabian symbol is 28 Virgo, A bald headed man who has seized power. Amplify the power and influence of your work.
[3:01] Mercury enters Libra on Oct. 4 (5:08 PM PDT) and will be in this sign until Oct. 21. We have two ears and only one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak.
[4:06] Mars opposes the North Node on Oct. 4 (9:06 AM PDT) at 24º57’ Libra-Aries. Pay attention to how you deal with conflict and how your relationships may be impacting progress.
[5:26] Moon Report! The Cancer Last Quarter Moon will occur on Oct. 6 (6:48 AM PDT) at 13º02’ Cancer and Libra. The Moon is on the Sabian symbol 14 Cancer, A very old man facing a vast, dark space to the northeast, and the Sabian symbol for the Sun is 14 Libra, A noon siesta. It's time to examine what role family plays in the vision of a healthier, simpler, and more useful life.
[8:16] This is the Last Quarter in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began with the New Moon on July 9, 2021 at 18º01’ Cancer. The First Quarter in that cycle was on April 8, 2022 and the Full Moon was on January 6, 2023.
[10:09] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Oct. 2, the Moon in Taurus trines Pluto (6:19 PM PDT), is VOC for about 3 ¾ hours, then enters Gemini (10:03 PM PDT). Taking a more relaxed approach can open us up to receiving more from the universe.
[11:53] On Oct. 4, the Moon in Gemini squares Neptune (9:37 PM PDT). It’s VOC for about 8 hours, then enters Cancer (Oct. 5, 5:31 AM PDT). A message to multitaskers: be prepared to drop some balls.
[12:50] The Moon in Cancer opposes Pluto (12:11 PM PDT) on Oct. 7. It’s VOC for just a little over four hours, then enters Leo (4:24 PM PDT). Another reminder that our connections with others can be a source of power.
[14:25] Mars squares Pluto on Oct. 8 (6:04 PM PDT) at 27º53’ Libra-Capricorn. This is the final square in a synodic cycle between these two planets, which began on March 3rd, 2022, at 27º50’ Capricorn. This is not a week to try to push your own agenda, but there’s an opportunity to achieve goals through connections with others.
[18:50] Just seven minutes after the Mars/Pluto square, Venus enters Virgo on Oct. 8 (6:11 PM PDT). Venus will be in the sign of her fall until Nov. 7, 2023. Make a game of doing more with less. Declutter and reorganize your home. Show your affection in practical ways to the people in your life that really matter to you.
[21:18] Listener Kerrie asks about astrolocality. For more: Get your astrolocality map at Astro.com; introductory article from Maressa Brown; Jim Lewis’ Psychology of Astro-Carto-Graphy; Interview with Gemini Brett (Astrology Hub).
[28:20] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[28:53] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Paula J. Hepner and Stephanie Esman!
[30:03] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

201 | Aries Full Moon: Assertive, Yet Civilized!

This week, the Aries Full Moon reveals relationship imbalances; Venus and Uranus examine togetherness and independence, windfalls and expenses; busy Mercury aspects Uranus on a couple of familiar degrees and finishes up a series of aspects with Jupiter; and April takes on a listener question about the location for your solar return. Plus: Spreadsheets, gobsmacked, and a little bit of flair!
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Timestamps
[1:00] Thank you to Chef Laurie Gauguin and [1:57] Sandy from Sarasota for the spectacular reviews!
[2:49] Mercury trines Jupiter on Sep. 25 (5:10 AM PDT) at 14º51’ Virgo-Taurus. The first two in this series of trines were on August 9 and Sep. 4. Mercury is on 15 Virgo, An ornamental handkerchief, and Jupiter is on 15 Taurus, A man muffled up with a rakish silk hat. Nail down the practicalities, then add some flair.
[5:06] Moon Report! The Aries Full Moon is on Sep. 29 (2:57 AM PDT) at 06°00’ Aries. This Full Moon highlights the balance between Libra, which tends to take others into account before acting, and Aries, which symbolizes putting ourselves first.
[6:08] Mars, the planet that rules Aries, is currently in Libra, so we can assert ourselves as needed while still being reasonably civilized and polite.
[6:38] This is the Full Moon in a lunar phase family cycle that began at the March 31, 2022 Aries New Moon. The First Quarter in this cycle was on Dec. 29, 2022, the Last Quarter is on June 28, 2024.
[7:54] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Sep. 26, the Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus (5:38 AM PDT). It's VOC for a little under 12 hours before entering Pisces (5:18 PM PDT). Which do you need more of in your life - Saturn, with its rules and boundaries, or Uranus, which needs more freedom and independence?
[9:10] On Sep. 28, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto (1:57 PM PDT). It's VOC for about 3 ¼ hours before it enters Aries (5:17 PM PDT). The sextile to Pluto from the Moon in Pisces signals a VOC period when we break habits of procrastination and practice exerting focus on a particular objective.
[10:18] On Sep. 30, the Moon in Aries squares Pluto (2:49 PM PDT). It's VOC for about 3 ½ hours before it enters Taurus (6:18 PM PDT). This VOC Moon period is a time to retrace our steps, finish up what we missed, and hopefully bear all of this in mind the next time we let ourselves race ahead without taking a close look at what we're doing.
[11:15] Venus makes the last in a series of squares Uranus on Sep. 29 (10:52 AM PDT) at 22º40’ Leo-Taurus. The first aspect in the series was on July 2, and the second one was on Aug. 9. This aspect highlights themes of togetherness and independence. It can also signify sudden financial windfalls or unexpected expenses.
[12:57] Mercury trines Uranus on Sep. 30 (9:55 AM PDT) at 22º38’ Virgo-Taurus. Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 23 Virgo, An animal trainer, and Uranus is on 23 Taurus, A jewelry shop. It's time to train our minds in order to achieve inspiration and breakthroughs.
[15:33] Listener L.H. asks about the most accurate location to set one’s solar return chart.
[23:02] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[23:43] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Catherine Boyer and Annette Eikerenkoetter!
[24:50] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.