Big Sky Astrology Podcast

183 | Cancer Solstice, Jupiter and Saturn: Better Driving Through Sextiles!

This week, the Sun enters Cancer and reaches its Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Jupiter and Saturn make their first major aspect since their Dec. 2020 conjunction. The Sun takes a magic carpet ride but is diverted by a North Node wakeup call. And April answers a Listener Question about how to integrate the astrology you hear in podcasts, like this one, into your daily life. Plus: Farmland quilts, the cobbler’s shoeless children, and feeling safe in an unsafe world.
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:12] Jupiter sextiles Saturn on June 19th (8:53 AM PDT) at 07°12’ Taurus and Pisces.  This is the first major aspect Jupiter and Saturn have made since they conjoined on the Winter Solstice, December 21st, 2020 at 00°29’ Aquarius.
[2:47] Jupiter-Saturn aspects in general are about how we calibrate the urge to expand with the need to be cautious and deliberate.  We are driving with one foot on the gas and then one foot on the brake, coordinating back and forth between the two. Episode 61 covered the 2020 Jupiter-Saturn conjunction.
[5:26] The Sun enters Cancer on June 21st (7:58 AM PDT). This transit marks the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.
[6:09] We planted seeds at the Aries Equinox, gathered resources under the Taurus Sun, and cross-pollinated during Gemini season. Now, as the Sun enters Cancer, we sit in the nest and wait for things to hatch.
[9:02] Mercury sextiles Mars on June 21st (8:23 AM PDT) at 18°39’ of Gemini and Leo.  Put ideas into dramatic and creative action!
[10:10] On June 23rd (8:55 AM PDT), the Sun makes a sextile to the North Node of the Moon at 01°56’ Cancer and Taurus. The Sabian symbol for the Sun at this sextile is 2 Cancer, A man on a magic carpet hovers over a large area of land.  The Sabian symbol for the North Node is 2 Taurus, An electrical storm.
[12:09] A sextile aspect represents an opportunity, invitation, or a thought. It brings benefits if you make an effort to take advantage of opportunities. Use the reflective quality of Cancer season to get more perspective on what is available.
[13:22] Moon Report!  There are no major lunations this week, so let’s focus on the Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods.  On June 20th (2:43 PM PDT), the Moon in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn.  It will be VOC for 21 minutes before entering Leo (3:04 PM PDT).  This is the first time the Moon in Cancer has made an opposition to Pluto since March 3, 2023.  This is a time to go back and visit some emotional patterns that we might have thought we had worked through and gotten past.
[15:14] On June 22nd (10:00 AM PDT), the Moon in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus.  This kicks off a VOC Moon period that lasts for 17 ½ hours (!!!). The Moon enters Virgo on June 23rd (3:35 AM PDT).  Ask yourself during this VOC Moon period, “Am I willing to risk feeling uncomfortable in order to pursue my passion?”
[17:00] The Moon in Virgo trines Pluto in Capricorn on June 25th (3:54 PM PDT).  It will be VOC for just a little over a half an hour before entering Libra (3:57 PM PDT).  Think less about being perfect and more about being helpful.
[19:09] Listener Edna asks about how to integrate the astrology you hear in podcasts into daily life.  You may want to consider an astrological journal such as the Honeycomb Collective Astrological Almanac. Check out April’s Working with the Moon workbook as well - free at each New Moon for subscribers!
[25:39] If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[26:10] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Charlotte Benzinger and Priscilla Orta-Wenner!
[27:07] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

182 | Gemini New Moon: The Sleepwalker Awakens!

This week: A Gemini New Moon with a heavy dash of Neptune awakens us from sleepwalking. Mercury aspects Saturn, which adds perseverance to mental agility. Saturn turns retrograde, sending us inward for authority and guidance. And April answers a Listener Question about what to do when someone judges you based on your Sun sign (how rude!). Plus: Toe-nibbling crabs, walking it like we talk it, and seriously: signs are not people.
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
[1:03] Mercury squares Saturn (June 15, 9:09 AM PDT) at 07°12’ Gemini and Pisces. The Sabian symbol for Mercury is 8 Gemini, An industrial strike, and Saturn is on 8 Pisces, A girl blowing a bugle.  Wake up, and apply Saturn’s stick-to-itiveness to intellectual projects.
[3:15] Mercury sextiles Venus (June 17, 8:29 AM PDT) at 10°49’ Gemini and Leo. The Sabian symbol for Venus is 11 Leo, Children on a swing in a huge oak tree, and Mercury is on 11 Gemini, A new path of realism in experience. This is a wonderful aspect to take advantage of opportunities for expressing yourself through writing or maybe through your very own podcast!
[4:56] Saturn stations to turn retrograde (June 17, 10:27 AM PDT) at 07°12’ Pisces, on the Sabian symbol, 8 Pisces, A girl blowing a bugle. Look inward for a sense of authority, and revisit themes from March 7 - June 17, 2023. Saturn will turn direct on November 4th at 00°30’ Pisces.
[7:19] Moon Report!  The Gemini New Moon (June 17, 9:37 PM PDT) is at 26°43’ Gemini. The chart of this New Moon features the Sun and Moon square Neptune in Pisces while Venus and Mars in Leo approach squares to Uranus in Taurus.
[8:27] The Sun squares Neptune at 27°39’ of Gemini and Pisces on June 18 (8:54 PM PDT). The Sabian symbol for the Sun is A man declared bankrupt. When we've lost everything, we have many more options available to us and a greater sense of freedom.
[9:32] Need a few ideas of what to put behind your New Moon intentions? Reboot and come up with a fresh way of communicating. Tell a new story about who you are.  Learn a new language, such as astrology. Play outside more!
[10:56] This New Moon begins a new Lunar Phase Family Cycle. The First Quarter Moon in the cycle is on March 16, 2024 at 27°03’ Gemini, the Full Moon is on December 15, 2024 at 20°52’ Gemini, and the Last Quarter Moon comes on September 14, 2025 at 21°52’.
[12:33] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On June 13 (11:27 AM PDT), the Moon in Aries squares Pluto at 29°57’ Aries and Capricorn. It's VOC for only four minutes before it enters Taurus (11:31 AM PDT). This aspect triggers themes from the April 20, 2023 Solar Eclipse at 29°50’ Aries.  Ask, “How can I change my emotional habits so that I'm less impulsive, but also less hidebound by tradition and the way things ‘have to be’ done?"
[14:18] On June 15th (6:36 PM PDT), the Moon in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn.  It's VOC for just nine minutes before it enters Gemini (6:45 PM PDT). Consider this affirmation:  "Because of the things that I've done, I'm in a better, stronger position. I know my own mind a little bit better. I'm in control of my emotions."
[15:02] On June 17th, the Moon in Gemini squares Neptune (11:24 PM PDT). It's VOC for four and a half hours before it enters Cancer on June 18 (3:58 AM PDT). Before you hit the hay, make an intention to capture your dreams for later translation.
[17:06] Listener Lady Vuvuzela asks about what to do when someone judges you based on your Sun sign.
[24:13] If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[24:50] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors David Ianni and Christine Flanagan!
[25:49] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

181 | Pluto Backs into Capricorn, Venus Enters Leo: Look on the Bright Side!

This week, Venus enters warm-hearted Leo for an extended stay and immediately stubs its toe on Pluto - but it also makes the first of three motivating aspects with Jupiter! The Pisces Last Quarter Moon weighs speed and variety against a more leisurely, heartfelt pace. Mercury enters Gemini, Pluto enters Capricorn, and April answers a Listener Question about how to read an aspect between two very different planets in the chart. Plus: A nursery full of crying babies, prisoners on a chain gang, and the shortest Void-of-Course Moon period on record!
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
[1:18] Venus enters Leo on June 5th (6:46 AM PDT).  Venus will get almost to the end of the sign, 28°36’ Leo, before it turns retrograde on July 22, 2023. It stations direct on September 3, 2023 and enters Virgo on October 8, 2023.
[2:16] While Venus is in Leo, love like a warm-hearted lion!  It’s time to socialize, party and entertain loved ones!
[3:38] Venus will oppose Pluto on June 5th (9:04 AM PDT) at 00°05’ Leo and Aquarius.  Maybe keep yourself to yourself a little bit and with the people who know and love you best.
[4:56] Venus will square the Lunar Nodes on June 8th (1:37 PM PDT) at 03°04’ of Leo and Taurus.  The Sabian symbol for the North Node at this square is 4 Taurus, The rainbow's pot of gold.  Find that “pot of gold” by sharing more of yourself, your talents and Leonine social impulses.
[7:42] Moon Report!  The Pisces Last Quarter Moon (June 10th, 12:31 PM PDT) at 19°40’ Pisces is on the Sabian symbol, A table set for an evening meal. It squares the Sun at 19°40’ Gemini, on the Sabian symbol, A cafeteria. This Last Quarter Moon is also in a conjunction with Neptune, the modern ruler of Pisces. What's more important, having convenience and variety or taking the time to settle in with people that we care about?
[9:46] This is the Last Quarter Phase in a Lunar Phase Family that began with the New Moon on March 13th, 2021 at 23° Pisces. The First Quarter in the Lunar Phase Cycle was on December 10th, 2021, and the Full Moon was on September 10th, 2022.  What needs to happen to complete the intentions set at that March 2021 New Moon?
[10:53] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces on June 6th (9:40 PM PDT) and will be VOC for about four hours before entering Aquarius on June 7th (1:41 AM PDT). You may have a dream, but how do you make it real?"
[12:14] The Moon in Aquarius, in its Disseminating phase, squares Mercury in Taurus on June 8th (9:24 PM PDT).  It's VOC for a little under six hours and then enters Pisces on June 9th (3:14 AM PDT). The Disseminating Lunar Phase is a time to tell your story.  During this VOC period, tell your story, even if it's a little bit emotionally charged to do so.
[13:07] On June 11th, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto and will be VOC for a whopping 16 seconds, between 6:20:08 AM PDT and 6:20:24 AM PDT! The Moon says, “Welcome back to Capricorn, lil’ Pluto!”
[13:56] Pluto retrograde enters Capricorn on June 11th (2:35 AM PDT). Pluto entered Aquarius on March 23rd, 2023. It stations direct on October 10th, 2023 at 27°53’ Capricorn.  Pluto was at these degrees the first week of January 2023. How well are we doing with the practical considerations of Pluto in Capricorn?
[16:05] Mercury trines Pluto on June 11th (3:26:04 AM PDT) at 29°59’ of Taurus and Capricorn and enters Gemini 32 seconds later (3:26:36 AM PDT). The Sabian symbol for Pluto is 30 Capricorn, A secret business conference. Use the power of information in the most impactful way possible.
[17:58] Mercury will enter Gemini, one of its domiciles, on June 11th (3:26 AM PDT). It will be in Gemini until June 26, 2023  Use this time to catch up on all things Gemini, such as short-distance travel, taking tests, socializing and conquering a pile of paperwork.
[18:38] On June 11th (8:39 AM PDT), Venus squares Jupiter at 05°37’ Leo and Taurus.  This is the first of three squares that Venus will make with Jupiter; the second is on August 22nd while Venus is retrograde, and then again on September 16th, 2023.  This combo can equal a tremendous appetite for whatever it is we like. Venus is on the Sabian symbol, 6 Leo, Old-fashioned woman and up to date girl.  Jupiter is on 6 Taurus, A bridge being built across a gorge.
[20:42] Listener Stephanie asks via SpeakPipe about interpreting an aspect between two planets in a chart.
[27:20]  If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[27:51] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Alison Heacock and PJ Spur!
[28:51] Love the podcast? You can offer much-appreciated financial support here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

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

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

179 | Sun Meets Saturn: Inhospitable Soil!

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

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

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

177 | Mercury Turns Direct: Let’s Dance!

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

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

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