Big Sky Astrology Podcast

142 | Podcast Day #4: Moon Mates! with Margaret Gray

It’s DAY FOUR of the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! This week of five daily episodes is your opportunity to support the podcast and be entered for a chance to win exciting prizes! In today’s astrology news: The Moon in Aquarius stumbles over tough aspects to both its ruling planets, disruptive Uranus and lonely Saturn. Its looooong void-of-course Moon period offers a chance to appreciate your emotional self-sufficiency. Then, the latest in this week’s Mooncentric episodes features an interview with Dublin-based, consulting and teaching astrologer and psychotherapist Margaret Gray, MSW! You'll enjoy Margaret's rich conversation with April about the Moon's role in compatibility and relationships.
This Labor Day week, September 5th through 9th, we bring you the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with daily episodes, amazing guest astrologers and prizes … so many prizes! Make a note to check your podcast feed every day that week for a brand new Mooncentric episode! Make your donation no later than Mon. Sep. 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm Pacific time  and be entered for a chance to win a reading, course, and other prizes!
Love the show? Click here to make a one-time or monthly donation!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Timestamps (see full shownotes at the website)
[0:35]  Welcome to DAY FOUR (September 8, 2022) of the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! This is the week each year when April brings you five daily episodes - complete with FIVE very special guests, prizes and a raffle - and not coincidentally, it's when she appeals for contributions to keep this show running.
[2:02] Everyone who donates $25 or more, as well as ongoing monthly contributors, will be entered into a drawing to win a 90- or 60-minute reading with April; free registration in one of April’s upcoming courses; or a beautiful astrology poster donated by Patrick Blasa of Tha Elegant Universe!
[3:06] To be entered in the drawing, you must make your donation of $25 or more no later than Monday, Sep. 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm Pacific time.
[3:21] Donors of only $10 or more will receive access to special episodes for the Equinoxes and Solstices, beginning with the September Equinox episode on September 22nd.
[3:52] Can’t contribute financially? Here are a few easy free ways that you can really help the podcast.
[5:43] Today, the Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus (in Taurus) at 3:25 am PDT and then conjuncts Saturn at 5:33 am PDT. The Moon is then Void-of-Course for the entire day before entering Pisces at 9:42 am PDT.
[10:18] Let's welcome Dublin-based, consulting and teaching astrologer and therapist Margaret Gray to the show!  
[11:28] What does the symbolism of the Moon say about areas of compatibility or conflict between two people, both from an astrological and a psychological point of view?
[18:35] What if there is a shortfall in that emotional understanding of the Moon? That's where Mercury comes in. Mercury is how we communicate and listen to the lunar realm, the pre-verbal feelings.
[20:19] What if a couple has two very different Moon signs? What sort of astrological and maybe psychological tools would Margaret offer for working out their differences?  What about Venus, Mars or Saturn?
[24:53] Emotional intelligence = Moon and Mercury. Emotional intelligence is that ability to regulate ourselves, to be comfortable, to be aware of our emotions, to have that ability to empathize with others and to be able to communicate effectively.
[27:31] Margaret has two live, online, recorded courses coming up in October: Psychological Astrology, a collaboration with Psychotherapist, Psychoanalyst, and Astrologer Yvonne Smith Tarnas; and The Astrology of Love and Relationships with Margaret, Yvonne, Kay Taylor, Rachel Lang and Armand Diaz.  All the information is at www.relationshipsandastrology.com
[28:37] Two diversity scholarships are being offered for each course, plus discounts for members of the main astrological organizations.  Don't miss the early bird deadline!
[30:41] Warm thanks to today's guest, Margaret Gray! That's a wrap for DAY FOUR of The Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podcast Podathon! This weekly podcast is audience-funded and your generous donations help April keep the podcast coming to you. To make your donation, please go to bigskyastropod.com. To enter the drawing, make your donation of $25 or more no later than Sep. 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm Pacific time!
[30:47] Tomorrow's guest will be the delightful astrologer and author Simone Butler, who will be chatting about the Moon and ritual!
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!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube

141| Podathon Day #3: Moon Memo! with Celeste Brooks

It’s DAY THREE of the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! This series of five daily episodes are your opportunity to support the podcast and be entered for a chance to win exciting prizes! In today’s astrology news: A sociable Moon in Aquarius connects with Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter; it’s a great day for networking without a lot of emotional drama! That said, Mercury is slowing down to turn retrograde on Friday, so don’t expect everything to move in a straight line. Plus, the latest in this week’s Mooncentric episodes features an interview with Celeste Brooks of Astrology by Celeste, who chats with April about the lunar phases and describes how watching the Moon helped her transition from a corporate gig to her own astrology business!
This Labor Day week, September 5th through 9th, we bring you the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with daily episodes, amazing guest astrologers and prizes … so many prizes! Make a note to check your podcast feed every day that week for a brand new Mooncentric episode! Make your donation no later than Mon. Sep. 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm Pacific time  and be entered for a chance to win a reading, course, and other prizes!
Love the show? Click here to make a one-time or monthly donation!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Timestamps (see the website for full show notes!)
[0:35]  Welcome to DAY THREE (September 7, 2022) of the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! This is the week each year when April brings you five daily episodes - complete with FIVE very special guests, prizes and a raffle - and not coincidentally, it's when she appeals for contributions to keep this show running.
[1:48] Everyone who donates $25 or more, as well as ongoing monthly contributors, will be entered into a drawing to win a 90- or 60-minute reading with April; free registration in one of April’s upcoming courses; or a beautiful astrology poster donated by Patrick Blasa of Tha Elegant Universe! You must make your donation no later than Sep. 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm Pacific time to be entered in the drawing!
[3:19] Donors of only $10 or more will receive access to special episodes for the Equinoxes and Solstices, beginning with the September Equinox episode on September 22nd.
[3:57] Can’t contribute financially! Here are a few easy free ways that you can really help the podcast.
[5:43] Today's Moon in Aquarius.
[6:34] Moon sextile Jupiter at 6:45 am PDT.
[6:51] The Moon trine Mercury at 10:48 am PDT.
[7:28] Moon trine Mars at 1:13 pm PDT.
[8:50] Mercury retrograde is coming!
[9:18] An introduction to today's guest, Celeste Brooks of Astrology by Celeste!
[10:46] The interview begins!  Celeste is the person who introduced April to the Lunar Phase Family Cycle!
[11:42] Celeste begins with a basic refresher of the 28-day cycle of the transiting Moon and its four major phases.
[13:49] A discussion of the 27-month Lunar Phase Family Cycle.
[15:27] Keep a journal! It's good to go back and look at these dates.
[16:57] Celeste talks about how she used this Lunar Phase Family Cycle (which began with an eclipse New Moon on her 11th house Venus!) in her transition from her corporate job to becoming a professional astrologer.
[18:02] Wait 18-months before you finalize that New Moon relationship!
[19:30] Celeste explains how she tracks the events of her life with lunar cycles. Check out Celeste's "Moon Memos" on Instagram and TikTok!  Tips for when the Moon is in Fire, Earth, Water, or Air signs.
[23:29] You can find Celeste at Astrology everywhere, including her website, astrologybyceleste.com.  She is very active on Instagram but can also be found on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.
[23:55] Celeste offers a Moon Mastery Program, with two six-week classes about all things lunar! Sample her teaching by taking one of her our Moon Mastery webinars.  Check them out on her website!
[26:49] Thanks again, Celeste, for coming on the show!
[27:08] That's a wrap for DAY THREE of The Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! This weekly podcast is audience-funded and your generous donations help April keep the podcast coming to you. To make your donation, please go to bigskyastropod.com! You must make your donation no later than Sep. 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm Pacific time to be entered in the drawing!
[28:57] Join April again, bright and early tomorrow morning for another episode in this gala Podation celebration! Tomorrow's guest will be the delightful Margaret Gray, who will be chatting about the Moon and relationships.

140 | Podathon Day #2: Hey Baby, What’s Your Sign? with Maressa Brown!

It’s DAY TWO of the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! It’s your chance to support the podcast and have a chance to win exciting prizes! In astrology news, April explores what happens as today’s Moon, still in businesslike Capricorn, connects with the big change-agent planets: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. There’s a long void-of-course Moon period late in the afternoon, then the Moon enters quixotic Aquarius… more about that tomorrow! Plus: Today's guest is journalist and astrologer Maressa Brown, author of the upcoming book Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parents’ Guide to Astrology!  Maressa joins April for a discussion of how the Moon can help parents understand their own parenting styles and the unique needs of their little ones!
This Labor Day week, September 5th through 9th, we bring you the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with daily episodes, amazing guest astrologers and prizes … so many prizes! Make a note to check your podcast feed every day that week for a brand new Mooncentric episode! Make your donation by Sep. 12, 2022 at 11:59 pm Pacific time and be entered for a chance to win a reading, course, and other prizes!
Love the show? MAKE YOUR DONATION DURING PODATHON! WEEK!
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!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:33] Welcome to DAY TWO (September 6, 2022) of the third annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! This is the week each year when April brings you five daily episodes - complete with FIVE very special guests, prizes, and special bonus episodes - and not coincidentally, it's when April sends out appeals for donations to keep this show running! Make your donation here!
[1:20] Big thanks to the merry Big Sky Astrology band who help make the show possible: Angela (April's editor), Joel (transcriptionist), and Sarah and Stephanie (help with the shownotes)!
[2:22] Everyone who donates $25 or more, as well as ongoing contributors, will be entered into a drawing to win a 90- or 60-minute reading with April, registration in one of her courses, or a beautiful astrology posted donated by Patrick Blasa of Tha Elegant Universe. It’s gorgeous! To be entered in the drawing, you must make your donation no later than Mon. Sep. 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm Pacific time!
[3:38] If you can't contribute $25, April is also inviting donors of only $10 or more to her special episodes for the Equinoxes and Solstices. The September Equinox episode will be released on September 22nd, and will give you a comprehensive look ahead at the coming three months.
[4:07] And if you can’t contribute financially, that’s okay! April shares some ways to help the show for free!
[5:04] Podathon week gives April time to give the Moon a little extra attention. The day's Moon sign describes the tempo and pace of the day and the way we cope with things emotionally.
[5:35] Today, the Moon finishes up its journey through Capricorn with a trine aspect to Uranus (in Taurus) at 2:23 am PDT; a sextile to Neptune (in Pisces) at 11:21 am PDT and a conjunction to Pluto (in Capricorn) at 2:43 pm PDT. The Moon will then be Void-of Course for six hours before entering Aquarius at 8:41 pm PDT. This morning could provide a helpful environment for adapting to change, especially in your work and career plans. Try giving in a little bit more to your intuition. The Void-of-Course Moon aspect to Pluto can be more challenging emotionally, but it could also be an excellent time to examine routines that may need to reworked. More about the Aquarius Moon tomorrow!
[7:02] Today's Big Sky Astrology's guest is Maressa Brown! Maressa is a journalist, author and astrologer with nearly two decades of professional experience with writing, reporting and editing lifestyle content.  If you've read an astrology-related article in Parents Magazine, In Style Magazine or Shape, it was almost certainly written by Maressa.  She is based in Los Angeles and her first book, Raising Baby by the Stars:  A New Parent's Guide to Astrology, will be published by Artisan Books in February 2023.
[8:04] What does your Moon sign say about your parenting style? Maressa is a proud Moon in Virgo cat mama!
[9:04] Maressa shares insights gleaned from her kitty parenting style and from observing friends and family members who have welcomed little ones in this world. Your Moon sign can indicate how you nurture and want to be nurtured. You can use your Moon and your child's Moon to understand the give-and-take of this nurturing relationship.
[9:58] With her Moon in early Virgo, Maressa feels like she's very cerebral but also thoughtful and sensitive to detail. Acts of service, such as helping and researching health topics (very sixth house!), are very much a part of her nurturing style.
[10:52] April's Moon in Virgo mom advised little April to clean out a drawer when she got upset. It was all about focusing on the here and now.
[11:34] How can a parent really think about the child's Moon sign to help them understand their moods or their needs?  Maressa explains how a child's Moon can be thought of as the emotional compass. Their Venus sign can show how a child relates to others. Maressa's book goes into much more details with these topics.
[12:40] For example: A Moon in Libra (ruled by Venus) child might feel very nurtured by beautiful surroundings and indulging in all things artistic. Caring, nurturing and security are some Moon keywords, and the Moon's sign in your chart describes how you will perform those functions.
[13:24] An Aries Moon baby may love connecting over high energy activities, including competition or even arguing! Aries thrives on being somewhat unsafe, doing new things and pioneering new trails. If that sounds like a weird mix with the security-loving Moon, well, people contain multitudes and can be contradictory, and this can be seen in the birth chart.
[14:47] In Maressa's book, parenting experts offer tips on how to hold space for and nurture Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable signs.
[15:48] What about the whole process of conception, pregnancy, bringing a new child in to the family?  What might the Moon tell us about that?
[18:24] Not only is Maressa coming out with a book and planning a wedding, she’s also writing the fall astrological guide and monthly horoscopes for InStyle Magazine! Look for it on Apple News. The upcoming Equinox, Mercury retrograde and eclipses will be covered. Get ready to hit the reset button this fall!
[21:39] Sign up for Maressa’s mailing list at her website to receive updates about her book and other projects. Her book Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parents’ Guide to Astrology  will be released in February 2023, but it’s available for pre-order now. So pre-order a copy for your favorite parents-to-be and make Maressa’s publisher very happy!
Pre-order from Amazon.com!
[22:54] That's a wrap for DAY TWO of the third annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! This weekly podcast is audience-funded and your generous donations help April bring this podcast to you each week!  Please make your donation at bigskyastropod.com. If you're a regular listener, you know that April likes to thank everyone on the air over the coming year. If you don't want your name mentioned, please drop her an email at April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  If you do want your name to be mentioned, phonetic spellings are welcome by email, or just leave your name at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast!
[24:22] Join April tomorrow for DAY THREE of the Podaton, when her guest will be Celeste Brooks of Astrology by Celeste!

139 | Podathon Day #1: Chain of Command, with Mel LaFara!

It’s the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! And today is a day of "firsts." It's the first day of the Podathon, and the very first Big Sky Astrology Podcast guest: an interview with a Cardinal sign-dominant (and therefore prone to "being first") astrologer Ms. Mel LaFara! Plus: Today’s Moon is in serious Capricorn, but its aspects to Jupiter and Mercury should make things a little bit chattier. And exactly what does it mean for the Moon to be "debilitated"? April goes straight to the source and asks someone who owns such a Moon!
This Labor Day week, September 5th through 9th, we bring you the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with daily episodes, amazing guest astrologers and prizes … so many prizes! Make a note to check your podcast feed every day that week for a brand new Mooncentric episode! Make your donation NO LATER THAN MONDAY SEP. 12, 2022, AT 11:59 PM PDT and be entered for a chance to win a reading, course, and other prizes!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Love the show? Make a donation!
 
Timestamps (full show notes at the website)
[0:35] Hear ye, hear ye: The 3rd Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon is here! With five episodes, interviews with five fabulous astrologers, and prizes!
[1:48] Donate $25 or more to be entered into the drawing!  One grand prize winner will win a 90-minute reading with April (a $269 value).  One lucky listener will win a 60-minute reading with April (a $210 value).  Another lucky donor will win a free enrollment into one of April's upcoming classes ($249 value).  Last but not least, one more lucky winner will receive a beautifully informative astrology poster from Patrick Blasa's, Tha Elegant Universe.  Ongoing monthly Pod Pals will be included! To be entered in the drawing, you must make your donation no later than Mon. Sep. 12, 2022, at 11:59 pm Pacific time!
[3:12] Can't contribute $25 or more?  That's ok!  Donate $10 or more to gain access to April's special episodes for the Equinoxes and Solstices. :)
[3:40] If you can't contribute financially, we totally understand! If you like the show, please subscribe or follow Big Sky Astrology Podcast on your app of choice. Five star ratings, positive reviews and sharing the show with your astrology loving friends are also welcome. All of these contributions are free and help the show out immensely!
[4:52] We are moving toward our next Mercury retrograde period, between September 9th and October 2nd.  Try to lighten your calendar a bit.
[5:56] During the Podathon, April is giving the Moon a little bit more attention.
[6:13] Today's Moon is in Capricorn. Capricorn Moon days are excellent for initiating projects, especially ones that you expect to take a while to complete. This Capricorn Moon will square Jupiter in Aries at 5:44 am PDT, which could brighten things up a bit, and square Mercury in Libra at 8:21 am PDT, which could make this Saturn-ruled Moon a little chattier than usual.
[7:45] "And now for something completely different" - the Big Sky Astrology Podcast's very first, very special guest, the lovely and talented Mel LaFara of the Energetic Principles Podcast! 
[10:16] What's up with debilitated Moons? The Moon in Capricorn is considered to be in its detriment. The Capricorn Moon is actually the farthest in its position from where the Moon is at home, Cancer.
[12:22] Another troublesome Moon: the Scorpio Moon. A Moon in Mars-ruled Scorpio is in a position of fall, sometimes called "depression." This is due to the Moon in Scorpio being in an opposing position from Taurus, where it's exalted.
[14:01] How does Mel use her own natal Capricorn (Saturn-ruled) Moon in opposition to her (Moon-ruled) Sun in Cancer?
[16:58]  Are planets in their detriment or fall more accentuated in our personalities because we have to work so hard to express them? Are these possibly superpowers?!?!
[19:05]  Notorious Saturn, lord of maturation, boundaries, and bummers.
[20:22] Goats will eat anything! Some practical advice for making the most of a Moon in Capricorn or Scorpio.
[24:40] Check out Mel's podcast and website, both called Energetic Principles.  You can also find her on Instagram @energeticprinciples. 
[26:24] Join Mel's mailing list for her newsletter, "The Heavenly Wind," and news of her upcoming courses.
[27:49]  And that's a wrap for the first day of The Third Annual Podcast!  Please make your donation by following the link below - and join April again tomorrow morning for another 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!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube

138 | Sagittarius First Quarter: Well, Well (A Deep Subject!)

This week in the Big Sky: Mars dips into Gemini’s well to find inspiration for Jupiter’s big adventure, while Mercury provides logistical savvy and accounting skills; Venus enters Virgo to celebrate the beauty of everyday life; and the Sagittarius First Quarter Moon launches the great adventure that Jupiter has been preparing us for! Plus: a trip to the Container Store, cheerful pets, and putting it all on red.
But first, a big announcement! Coming this Labor Day week, September 5th through 9th, we bring you the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with daily episodes, amazing guest astrologers and prizes … so many prizes! Make a note to check your podcast feed every day that week for a brand new Mooncentric episode!
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!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:24] Hear ye, hear ye: The 3rd Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon is coming your way beginning Sep. 5, with five episodes, interviews with five fabulous astrologers, and a chance to win exciting prizes!
[1:24] Mars (Gemini 6°49') sextiles Jupiter in Aries on September 1st at 4:52 am PDT.  There could be an opportunity that requires you to up your game a little bit, and that will mean dipping into your reserves.
[4:25] On September 2nd at 6:49 pm PDT, Mercury (Libra 6°39') opposes Jupiter in Aries. Logistical Mercury works with Jupiter in laying down plans for our next great adventure.
[7:02] The Moon Report for the week of August 29th! A Sagittarius (11°13') First Quarter Moon on September 3rd at 11:08 am PDT is an excellent time for taking a leap of faith towards an action-packed adventure!  But if you find yourself in an exhausted state, take some time to rest or meditate. This First Quarter Moon is the first action point in the Lunar Gestation Cycle that began at the December 3, 2021 New Moon in Sagittarius. Read more about this cycle here!
[12:00] Void-of-Course Moon periods for this week.  August 28th, the Moon in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn at 8:08 pm PDT and is void for almost seven hours.  Put out a request for some kind of inspiration in your dream life about how you can more effectively change your daily routines, goals, and health.
[13:14] On August 31st, the Moon in Libra squares Pluto at 3:43 am PDT and is void-of-course for about six and a half hours before entering Scorpio at 10:11 am. PDT.  Watch out for rocky interactions with others this morning!
[14:22] On September 2nd, the Moon in Scorpio squares Venus (in Leo) at 10:22 am and goes void-of-course for about five and half hours before entering Sagittarius at 3:39 pm PDT.  You may come up against some interactions that don't go that smoothly or leave you feeling not-so- great about yourself.  n the flipside, you could find yourself getting annoyed with someone who is demanding more than their share of attention.
[16:18] The Moon in Sagittarius trines Venus on September 4th at 6:51 pm PDT. The Moon will be void-of-course for 15 minutes before it enters Capricorn at 7:03 pm. Use this whopping 15-minute interlude for a relaxing Labor Day weekend gathering!
[18:35] Venus enters Virgo on September 4th at 9:05 pm PDT and will be in this sign through September 29th. Venus in Virgo wants us to take a look at what we already have on hand and see what we can do with it to beautify our life, our surroundings, our environment. Appreciate the little things that bring you joy. Devote some quality time to your pets. Spend time in your garden or take a walk outdoors.
[22:44] Listener Carmine asks about how to use astrologically fortunate days to best advantage. (Here's the blog post mentioned, from Nightlight Astrology, about a gambling success.) What April wouldn't give for a luckier Jupiter! (If you have a burning question about astrology that you'd like for April to answer, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or send an email to april@bigskyastrology.com with "Podcast Question" in the subject line.)
[28:35] A Big Sky Astrology shout-out to one of this year’s generous donors. Want to make a donation of your own? Got to https://www.bigskyastropod.com, or wait until the Podathon so you can join in on the drawing for several great prizes!

137 | Virgo New Moon and Mars: All the Things, All at Once!

This week in the Big Sky: The Sun enters its Virgo season, and this one comes with a spicy dash of Mars. Mercury picks up a little staying power from Pluto as it leaves Virgo for an extended stay in deliberative Libra. Venus takes a glamorous stroll through a rough neighborhood, Uranus turns retrograde, and the week ends with a Virgo New Moon that explores the balance between the realms of logic and imagination. Plus, a listener question about house cusps in progressed charts - why so inconsistent?
But first, a big announcement! Coming this Labor Day week, September 5th through 9th, we bring you the Third Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with daily episodes, amazing guest astrologers and prizes … so many prizes! Make a note to check your podcast feed every day that week for a brand new Mooncentric episode!
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!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:30] Hear ye, hear ye: The 3rd Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon is coming your way beginning Sep. 5, with five episodes, interviews with five fabulous astrologers, and prizes! 
[1:26] Mercury’s trine to Pluto rules the Sun entering Virgo, all on August 22. ‘Tis the season to set your house in order, both literally and figuratively!
[4:53] Uranus stations retrograde (Aug. 24), an invitation to internalize real change.
[7:25] So what’s up with Mercury? Plenty – not least of which is its ingress into Libra.
[9:46] Venus squares Uranus (Aug. 26) on the Sabian symbols “A houseboat party” (Venus) and “A newly formed continent” (Uranus). How do these two organize a joyous party on the water without running aground on the newly formed continent?
[11:23] Sun squares Mars (Aug. 26 or 27th, depending on your time zone), which is highly motivating but can lead to mental fatigue in the Mercury-ruled signs of Virgo and Gemini.
[14:52] Make way for the Moooooooooon report! What’s the message of the Virgo New Moon? And what can you learn from the week’s void-of-course Moon periods?
[20:28] What love lesson will you learn from the opposition between Venus and Saturn on August 28th?
[22:11] A question from listener Maria about why the Ascendant and Midheaven in her secondary progressed chart bounce around depending on the software she uses to calculate them. April runs down several major ways that programs derive these house cusps and which one she prefers.
[29:30] Got an astrology question for April? Here’s how to ask!
[30:08] A Big Sky Astrology shout-out to one of this year’s generous donors. Want to make a donation of your own? Got to https://www.bigskyastropod.com, or wait until the Podathon so you can join in on the drawing for several great prizes!
 
 

136 | Mars Enters Gemini: Many Months of Multitasking Mastery!

This week: Listener love letters; Mercury struggles to stay on the bucking bronco that is Uranus and wades into Neptune's waters; and let's go ahead and enjoy that Venus/Jupiter trine, although our stomachs might not thank us for it. The Taurus Last Quarter Moon exhorts us to take action and gives us a lovely grand trine to help us get things done. And Mars enters an extended stay in Gemini for many months of multitasking mastery! Plus: April answers a listener question about how astrology can be helpful and whether it can help us understand our purpose.
Hey friendos! We're just three weeks away from the third annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! We're planning five very special episodes beginning Sep. 5. Watch this space for details!
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!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:35] This week's headlines, and some delightful reviews from loyal listeners!
[3:37] Mercury makes a trine aspect to Uranus (Aug. 16), an aspect that offers inspiration and flashes of mental clarity.
[5:19] Get ready to go to the fair when Venus makes a trine aspect to Jupiter on August 18th! Enjoy all the fun these two have to offer when they get together - but don't overdo it with the cotton candy and hotdogs!
[8:02] It’s time for the Mooooooooon Report! How can the very practical Taurus Last Quarter Moon help move us past recent turbulence and toward sunnier skies?
[9:43] This week's Void-of-Course Moon periods this week, and how to use them to change daily habits and emotional patterns.
[14:10] Mars enters Gemini on August 20th for an unusually long stay, through March 25th 2023. Its retrograde period here (Oct. 30, 2022 - Jan 12, 2023) might slow things down, but it's a good transit overall for gathering information about potential future projects.
[19:07] On August 21st, Mercury makes an opposition to Neptune. Get the rational mind into balance with your intuition through music, imaginative pursuits, and nonverbal communication.
[21:26] Listener Kellie asks about whether one's purpose can be found in the birth chart, and in what ways astrology can be useful?
[25:28] Got a question you'd like answered on a future episode? Here's how to send it to April!
[26:30] Love the podcast? Ways to support the show ... and a shout-out to special financial donors!

135 | Aquarius Full Moon: Friends and Dissociates!

This week: Venus and Pluto prompt a review of last winter's difficult relationship transitions. A very crowded August 11 features an identity-refining Sun/Uranus square, an Aquarius Full Moon with hard aspects but a peaceful message, and Venus entering Leeeooo. The Sun's face-off with Saturn, and Mars trine Pluto, offer business breakthroughs and personal progress. Plus: listener Pat asks if a Mercury-Jupiter opposition in her chart is really an opposition? April, who has that opposition herself, replies in terms both Mercurial/succinct ("yes") and Jupiterian/verbose (in that way she has).
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Timestamps
[0:35] Astrological bullet points for the week of August 8th.
[1:08] Venus opposes Pluto on August 8th, marking the halfway point in this yearlong Venus/Pluto cycle. This opposition might shed light on some of the decisions you’ve made regarding your relationships, with Venus offering a gentler perspective of last winter's Venus/Pluto conjunctions.
[3:27] The Sun squares the North Node on August 10, reaching the midpoint between eclipse seasons and urging the release of emotional baggage. It  then squares Uranus on August 11th, on the now-familiar Sabian symbol A newly formed continent. Liberate yourself from old ideas about who you are or have to be.
[6:40] August 11th is a busy day! Venus enters *Leeeeeeoooooo*, where it celebrates playful pursuits and colorful costumes through September 4th.
[7:42] Also on August 11th, Mars makes a sextile to Neptune, with Mars on the Sabian symbol 25 Taurus, A Large Well Kept Public Park - which likes things orderly, at least in public -  and Neptune on the Sabian symbol 25 degrees Pisces, The purging of the priesthood. Sincerity triumphs over all; use this conjunction to work towards something that’s really meaningful to you.
[9:40] It’s the Mooooooooon report! The Aquarius Full Moon on (what else?) August 11th brings revelations related to three different lunar cycles - including that Feb. 2021 Aquarius New Moon with six planets in the sign of the waterbearer! The Full Moon's Sabian symbol speaks of peace, but it won't come without an effort: both the Sun and Moon are in aspect to Saturn.
[13:08] This week's Void-of-Course Moon periods: What to contemplate when the Moon pauses between signs.
[19:03] The Sun opposes Saturn on August 14th, marking the halfway point in this year’s Sun/Saturn cycle. From here, you can see how far you’ve come in taking responsibility for your life, and how far there is yet to go.
[20:50] Also on August 14th, there’s a nice easy trine between Mars and Pluto, which can bring your ventures to the attention of powerful people.
[22:48] This week’s listener question is about dissociate/out-of-sign aspects. Can two planets be in opposition aspect if they're not also in opposite signs?
[29:38] Want your question to be considered for a future episode? Here's how to get in touch with April!
[30:32] A big thank you to the generous Big Sky Astrology Podcast listeners who’ve donated to the show! This episode is brought to you by loyal listeners Bernice Harmyk, Anne Walder, and Kayla Grant!