Big Sky Astrology Podcast

133 | New Moon in Leo: An Old-Fashioned Lady and a Flapper!

This Leo New Moon week features a very busy Mercury - which is just the way Mercury likes it; a glorious (but potentially overwhelming) Sun in Leo trine to Jupiter in Aries; Jupiter turning retrograde, introducing a four month period of introspection around life's persistent questions; and a rare and somewhat daunting conjunction of Mars, Uranus, and the Moon's North Node. April answers a question from listener Kellie about how to apply the planetary highlights to your own chart, including how to make general weekly updates relevant to your specific situation. Plus: Conflagrations, checking in with your insurance company, and how great was Alexander, anyway?
If you have a question for April, follow the links in the show notes to find out how to ask her. And if you’re just a fan and would like to show your support for The Big Sky Astrology Podcast, please subscribe or follow, leave a donation, share the podcast, or making a 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!
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:44] What on the celestial agenda this week.
[1:16] Mercury’s busy! It makes a square aspect with Mars (July 26), a square to Uranus (July 28), and an opposition to Saturn (July 30). What can you expect from these very different planetary aspects?
[7:54] Mooooooooon Report! April explores the old-vs-new new contradiction represented in the Sabian symbol for the Leo New Moon, "An old-fashioned lady and a flapper." Will you display your conventional or unconventional side this week?
[10:45] We’re in a new two and a half year Lunar Phase Family cycle! Read more about this fascinating cycle here.
[12:30] Mark this week's Void-of-Course periods on your calendar; these brief moments of rest and reflection can help reinforce new habits and patterns.
[17:55] Jupiter turns retrograde on July 28th on the Sabian symbol, "A crystal gazer." This marks a time of introspection about life's Big Questions, but as always with Jupiter, we must be careful not to overdo it. Be guided by your inner Jupiter, but don't forget to listen to helpful opinions from trusted loved ones or mentors.
[19:55] July 31 and August 1 brings a notable conjunction of Mars, Uranus, and the Moon's North Node, which last came together this closely, in this area of Taurus, in 324 BC, when Alexander the Great was rewriting the history of Europe and Asia. The world around us is changing, and look at 19 degrees on your birth chart to see if this conjunction is especially significant for you. (April overlooked this one at the beginning of the year, but her friend Linea Van Horn caught it! Linea is awesome; here's a link to become acquainted!) Here's the article at Well Being Magazine's website that April mentioned.
[24:18] A question from listener Kellie about how to interpret the weekly energies from the skies and how they relate to us. April shares three methods for making general astrology forecasts more relevant to your own birth chart!
[30:33] Want to ask April a question for inclusion in a future episode? Leave a voicemail message or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com!
[31:30] A Big Sky Astrology shout out to our generous donors! This episode is brought to you by Francine Parling, Liga Sirona, and Colleen Moffett!
 

132 | Leo Season: Everybody Makes Their Own Fun!

This week: Mercury and the Sun face off with Pluto before entering glorious LEO, where everybody makes their own fun (if you don't make it yourself, it's entertainment)!  The Aries Last Quarter Moon is feeling some Pluto pressure of its own: Aries doesn't love introspection, and the Last Quarter Phase (and Pluto) insist upon it. Mercury and Jupiter work together to articulate a big vision; a conflict between Venus and Jupiter asks us whether going after what feels good in the moment will benefit us in the long run; and listener Lilah asks about planetary rulerships!
This week's episode brought to you by podpals Marina Vasilic, Charmaine Lim, and Natori Moore! If you're enjoying the podcast, please be sure to follow or subscribe on your app of choice, make a donation, or the share the show with a friend! Thank you!
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? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[01:00] Mercury (on July 18) and the Sun (on July 19) wrap up their journeys through Cancer with oppositions to Pluto. Will we insist on keeping things as they are, or push through and change with the times? (For lovely insights on the Sabian symbols, visit the YouTube channel for James Burgess!)
[04:20] Leo season officially begins on July 22 as the Sun enters this fun-loving, creative sign! Mercury is his advance man, entering Leo on July 19 and making sure the Big Guy has what he needs when he enters his home sign. And remember, everybody makes their own fun. If you don't make it yourself, it's not fun, it's entertainment!
[09:02] It's time for the Moooooon report! The Aries Last Quarter Moon (July 20) challenges us to overcome our fear of disapproval and face and resolve old patterns.
[11:24] Void-of-Course Moon periods for the week: Use them to resolve tension with loved ones and reinforcing positive changes of habit.
[13:34] Mercury makes a trine to Jupiter (July 3), and we're in a great position to use Mercury's skills to articulate Jupiter's big ideas in a cogent way.
[15:48] ADVERTISEMENT: Book your personal reading with April!
[17:00] The two "benefic" planets, Venus and Jupiter, come together in a conflict-prone square (July 24). Is it enough to just go for what feels good in the present moment (Venus), or do we need to consider the long term view (Jupiter)? Will the object of Venus' delight still look good to us in a week, or a month?
[19:39] Listener Lilah asks about planetary rulerships: How are planets and houses affected/emphasized by rulerships? April to the rescue! And here is a handy cheat sheet to help you memorize rulerships and dignities! (And revisit these past episodes for more rulership/dignity discussions: Ep. 8, Saturn and Pluto Need a Party, and Ep. 14, Retrograde Minds, Cazimi Hearts, Can’t Lose.)
[29:41] Want to submit a question for a future episode? Go here to leave a voice message, or email April!
[31:05] A Big Sky Astrology Podcast shout out to our generous donors, particularly listeners Marina Vasilic, Charmaine Lim, and Natori Moore! If you enjoy the show, please consider making a donation of your own, subscribing to/following the show in your app of choice, leaving a rating or review, or telling a friend about the show!

131 | Capricorn Full Moon: No Place Like Home

Episode 131 | Capricorn Full Moon: No Place Like Home
This week, Venus makes important aspects to Saturn and Neptune before moving into Cancer; important matters are revealed at a powerful Capricorn Full Moon that’s in a conjunction with Pluto; the Sun makes a sweet, sleepy trine to Neptune and reaches an important moment in its cycle with Mercury. Plus: New sheets, reading on the davenport, and catching up with dad. And April answers a listener question about how to make the best use of the Sun’s transits.
Want to learn more about Solar Return charts? Join April for a two-hour webinar on July 16, 2022, beginning at 11 am Pacific time! Details and registration info 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? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
 
Timestamps
[00:41] Join April for a two-hour webinar about Solar Returns on July 16, 2022, beginning at 11 am Pacific time. Find out more and grab your seat here!
[01:54] The second of three Pluto returns in the chart for the United States is exact this week on July 11. The first was on Feb. 22, 2022, and the last will be on Dec. 28, 2022. To revisit earlier discussions of this important event, listen to Ep. 111, The Return of Pluto and a Sect-sy Question; Episode 65, Mars, Uranus, and Revisiting the U.S. Pluto Return; and Ep. 29, Neptune Washing Over All and the U.S. Pluto Return.
[03:59] Venus makes two final aspects before leaving the sign of Gemini: A trine to Saturn on July 12 and a square to Neptune on July 13. Together, these aspects bring us down to earth, help us trim away the excess and plan for the future, and open our eyes to what’s really going on in a situation.
[08:14] Moooooooon report! The Capricorn Full Moon on July 13 answers the call of the Jan. 2, 2022 New Moon in Capricorn. It also gives us a clearer view of what was getting underway at the Jan. 12, 2021 Capricorn New Moon, at the beginning of the current Lunar Phase Family cycle. The hearings about Jan. 6, 2021 are part of this Full Moon review of that day’s events.
[13:00] The Void-of-Course Moon periods for this week offer opportunities to confront reality, change important habits, and enjoy some sweet, Venusian dreams.
[17:03] Mercury makes its superior conjunction with the Sun on July 16. This is the moment in Mercury’s cycle when it’s caught up with the Sun after its recent retrograde period, and before it goes moving off ahead of the Sun. Catch up with yourself during this moment when your thoughts are better aligned with who you are and what you want to show the world!
[19:12] On July 17, Mercury and the Sun both make trine aspects to Neptune, one of the sweetest, sleepiest times of the year for the Sun. The Sabian Symbol for the conjunction is 26 Cancer: “Content and happiness in luxury, people reading on davenports.” Sneak away for some rest, relaxation, and restoration between July 16-18. Neptune’s Sabian symbol is “A new moon reveals that it’s time for people to go ahead with their different projects.” So nail down a little alone time for yourself this weekend, too.
[21:21] Venus enters Cancer on July 17 (through Aug. 11). Venus symbolizes what we love, what makes us feel good, and what we feel like spending money on. With summer travel causing a lot of headaches and expense, consider spending some money closer to home on feathering your nest, supporting local restaurants, and springing for some new toys for your pet!
[23:14] A question from listener Asher: The Solar Return chart is important, yes, but how about the times of the year that the transiting Sun makes other aspects to one’s natal Sun? Here’s April’s advice.
[29:15] Want to submit a question for a future episode? Go here to leave a voice message, or email April!
[29:48] A Big Sky Astrology Podcast shout out to our generous donors, particularly listeners Alice Kinsey, Jacinta Armstrong, and Lori Rodefer! If you enjoy the show, please consider making a donation of your own, subscribing to/following the show in your app of choice, leaving a rating or review, or telling a friend about the show!

130 | Mars enters Taurus: Slow and Steady!

This week, zippy Mars enters Taurus, which moves at a much more... deliberate pace than Mars prefers. Although your progress might be slower and frustration a little higher, this is a good transit for tackling projects that require patience and consistency. Mercury enters Cancer on July 4; hold your cards close to your chest, and trust your instincts. The Libra Last Quarter Moon leads us along circular paths on a full stomach. The Sun's sextile to Uranus suggests changing direction if you're on a road that doesn't suit you. And listener Marya asks, how do astrologers keep track of all those looooong planetary cycles? Plus: Staying power, no guarantees, and April - a Leo - struggling with decisions?!
If you liked this episode and want to show your support for The Big Sky Astrology Podcast, the quickest and best way to do so is to subscribe or follow it wherever you get your podcasts.
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? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:53] On July 4th or 5th (depending on where you are in the world), Mars enters Taurus, where it will transit through August 20th. These two are not the most comfortable fit, as Taurus slows Mars down and Mars aggravates the bull; but the natural consistency of Taurus offers sticking power for new good habits or positive changes.
[3:54] Mercury enters Cancer on July 4th. While the communication planet is in this sign (through through July 19), listen to your gut instincts. You might be more protective of your thoughts and cautious with your words than usual and find your thoughts turning to matters of family, home, food, and security.
[6:14] Mooooooooooon report! April unpacks the Sabian symbols of the Sun and Moon at the Libra Quarter Moon (July 6, 7:14 pm PDT). The Moon is on the Sabian symbol 15 Libra: Circular paths, and the Sun is on 15 Cancer, A group of people who have overeaten and enjoyed it. Ate too much at your July 4 picnic? Take a lap!
[10:25] The Void-of-Course Moon periods for this week all begin on lunar aspects to Pluto. Use them to change habits, review behaviors, and employ the power of suggestion with one simple phrase.
[14:23] Mercury’s square aspect to Jupiter on July 6th: It’s time to make a decision on whatever you were thinking about during the recent series of sextile aspects between these two planets (April 26, May 19, and June 20). Follow your gut and take action, even though the outcome is uncertain!
[16:57] A sextile aspect between the Sun and Uranus, with the Sun on the Sabian symbol 19 Cancer, A Priest Performing a Marriage Ceremony and Uranus on 19 Taurus, A Newly Formed Continent. Is it time to free yourself from a situation that isn't true to who you are and try something new?
[18:45] A question from listener Marya: How do you determine the opening and closing squares, and oppositions, of long planetary periods? Here's my previous mini-lesson on planetary cycles. You'll find a 9,000-year ephemeris on Astro.com. And here is Kepler College’s article on the Synodic cycle!
[25:29] Want to submit a question for a future episode? Go here to leave a voice message, or email April!
[26:33] A Big Sky Astrology Podcast shout out to thank three generous listeners who've donated to the show in the past year: Leah Shaver, Katie Cokinos, and Celeste Brookes!
 

129 | New Moon in Cancer: Bunnies in Tutus!

This week in the big sky: A sextile between Mars and Saturn favors bold, direct action, because tiptoeing around won’t always get you where you need to go! The Cancer New Moon is on the Sabian symbol, Rabbits dressed in clothes and on parade.  Indulge your imagination! But with the New Moon square Jupiter, be careful not to take on more than you can handle. Mars squares Pluto on the Sabian Symbol A large, disappointed audience, and nothing good ever came of that. And listener Angela wonders why the Sun in her birth chart keeps winding up in different houses. Plus: pink tutus, hypnosis, and birds of a feather!
Want to show some love for The Big Sky Astrology Podcast?  You can follow or subscribe in your app of choice, and recommend it to your best astrology-loving friend!
 
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? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[1:05] A sextile aspect between Mars and Saturn (June 27) encourages taking a direct approach to overcoming obstacles.
[2:46] Neptune enters a long retrograde cycle on June 28th, which may bring to light some issues from last spring that need clarification.
[4:56] It’s time for the Moooon Report!! The Cancer New Moon on June 28 is on the Sabian symbol, Rabbits wearing clothes and on parade. Let your imagination run wild! But with the Sun and Moon square Jupiter, beware of biting off more than you can chew. It may be a better time to finish existing projects than to start new ones.
[9:50] This New Moon initiates a new Lunar Phase Family cycle! (See this article for more on this fascinating, 2.5 year cycle.) Watch the full symbolism of this New Moon unfold over the next two and a half years, with critical points on March 28, 2023 (First Quarter Moon at 8° Cancer); Dec. 26, 2023 (Full Moon at 5° Cancer); and Sep. 24, 2024 (Last Quarter Moon at 2° of Cancer).
[12:02] The Void-of-Course Moon periods for the week of June 27th.
[17:56] A tricky square aspect between Mars and Pluto on July 1st: Can you turn it around to use Mars’ strength for good?
[19:40] In this week's listener question, Angela wonders why the Sun in her birth chart keeps winding up in different houses?  You might find April's answer a little easier to follow in video form!
[28:35] If you'd like your astrology question considered for a future episode of the podcast, contact April with an audio message or email!
[29:50] A Big Sky Astrology Podcast shoutout to the lovely listeners who have donated to the show over the past year, particularly Nicole Ervin, Jane Cullen-Smith and Sarah Jane Williamson!
 
 

128 | The Cancer Solstice: Vacation, Gestation, Incubation

This week: Mercury in Gemini is the GPS that will help you reach your Jupiter in Aries goals more efficiently. The Pisces Last Quarter Moon is a looking-back time, and Venus trine Pluto offers a lesson in doing what we can with what we’ve got. Bewitching Venus enters Gemini, lending enchantment to clever words and appealing stories. The Cancer Solstice welcomes summer, the season of gestation, in the Northern Hemisphere, and winter below the equator; this leads to some thoughts about the use of a season-based zodiac system for those born in the Southern Hemisphere. Plus: Violin strings, mellifluous voices, and again with the U.S. Pluto return!
If you’d like to have more Big Sky Astrology in your life, you can read all of April’s blogs on her website and sign up for her mailing list. You can also show your support for the podcast by making a donation, recommending the show to a friend, and leaving a review wherever you get your podcasts!
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? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[1:06] Mercury’s sextile aspect to Jupiter on June 20 is like a GPS, helping you more efficiently find your way to your goals. Time to call upon your braintrust!
[2:02] Time for the Moooooooooooon report!! April explains why this week’s Pisces Last Quarter Moon is a good moment to look back and see what we’ve learned about ourselves since the start of the pandemic - and how prepared we’ll be for our next challenge.
[5:28] A review of the week’s Void-of-Course Moon periods, and how to harness their power for lasting change in your daily habits.
[9:41] June 21st brings a trine aspect between Venus and Pluto. To illustrate the best of this combination, April tells a beautiful story about the violinist Itzhak Perlman and making the most of what we have. You can also read it in this blog post, which includes the source attribution.
[12:46] Venus enters Gemini on June 22nd, highlighting the beauty and magic of words and storytelling.
[13:54] A special message from April about how to get a personal birth chart reading
[14:57] It’s the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere! This is a period of incubation, vacation, and family. A brief overview at some of the major planetary movements between now and the Libra Equinox and how to prepare for them.
[18:18] The U.S. Pluto return has been discussed in previous episodes of the podcast, including Episode 111 | The Return of Pluto, and a Sect-sy Question and Episode 65 | Mars, Uranus, and Revisiting the US Pluto Return
[19:00] If modern astrology is based on the seasons, should charts for people in the Southern Hemisphere be switched to reflect their opposite seasons? April gives a shout-out to the work of South African astrologer Nathan Theo Naicker, who has researched this topic in-depth. Watch his video on the subject here. If you have Solar Fire software, here’s Nathan's video on how to generate a chart using this Southern Hemisphere zodiac! And if you want to provide your own Southern Hemisphere birth chart for his research, contact him at his website.
[24:48] Do you have an astrology question that you want April to answer? Here’s how you can get in touch with her
[26:30] A Big Sky Astrology Podcast shoutout to our generous donors, specifically Sarah Smith, Julia Weeman, and Roxanne Kennedy!
 

127 | Sagittarius Full Moon: Bluebird of Happiness, or Skating on Thin Ice?

This week: Mercury leaves the last, exhausting degrees of Taurus and throws itself back into its home sign of Gemini. Time to touch base with old friends and to have constructive conversations, even if the topic is difficult. A Sagittarius Full Moon on the uplifting “bluebird of happiness” Sabian symbol is also square Neptune; are we happy, or just numb? The Sun and Venus both make aspects to Saturn and Neptune this week, with plenty of opportunities to maximize creative projects and work for whatever is worth hold onto. Plus: April replies to a question from listeners Suzanne and John, who want to know how to use their birth charts to support each other’s career ambitions and life-work balance!
If you’re a regular listener of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast, you can help the podcast to grow by leaving a rating or review and by recommending it to a friend.
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? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:29] Welcome to this week’s episode!
[1:02] June 13th: After wandering back into Taurus while retrograde, Mercury enters Gemini again, spelling a great time to reboot your technology and to get in touch with friends. Let’s hope that our conversations can be more constructive this time!
[3:03] Moooon report! A happier lunation than we’ve seen in awhile, with the Sagittarius Full Moon on the Sabian symbol, A bluebird at the door of a house. But the Sun’s symbol is Children skating on ice. If you should begin to feel you’re skating on thin ice, April explains how to release Full Moon anxiety with some grounding Virgo activities.
[8:01] Working with this week’s void-of-course Moon periods.
[11:07] June 16th heralds a busy day for the Sun, which makes a trine to Saturn and a square to Neptune. April gives advice on maximizing your creativity and pursuing your own path.
[14:40] On the 18th, Venus squares Saturn and sextiles Neptune: It’s time to put in the work if you want to keep a hold of the things you value, particularly your close relationships.
[17:59] A special message from April about how to get a personal birth chart reading!
[19:08] A listener question: How can couples use their birth charts to support each other through their transitions and transformations? April explains the concept of synastry in astrology: how each partner’s planets can support the other's. 
[27:02] Two ways to combine your birth charts to create a separate chart for the relationship itself! (Here's Skymates, the book by Steven and Jodie Forrest that April mentions - much good stuff about Composite charts! And here is Dorothy Oja's article on the Davison relationship chart.)
[29:57] How to ask April your question for a future episode!
[30:54] A Big Sky shoutout to April’s listeners and generous donors – if you like the show, here’s how to donate!

126 | Virgo First Quarter Moon: Buckle Down!

April leads off with the Virgo First Quarter Moon, the perfect opportunity for you to buckle down and make one of your Gemini New Moon ideas a reality. Mercury wraps up a series of aspects to no-nonsense, truth-telling Pluto. And a Venus-Uranus conjunction shakes up relationships, routines, and finances. This week’s listener question invites April to address an imaginary writers' group about the ways astrologers are portrayed in films, tv shows, and books. Rather than the usual spooky mystic, April proposes a turban-optional, world-weary astrologer (NOT "astrologist"!) avatar. Plus: April's first job, Stevie Nicks' wardrobe, and could this imaginary writers' group hook April up with a discount at the local antiques store?/*
If you’re a fan of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast, you can show your support by subscribing/following wherever you listen to podcasts, leaving a rating or review, or recommending it to a friend!
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? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[1:09] Moooooooooooooooooon report! The First Quarter Moon at 16º51' Virgo is on the Sabian symbol, A volcanic eruption. It’s time to take action on one compelling idea from the May 30 Gemini New Moon.
[6:28] This week's Void-of-Course Moon periods are quite Plutonian. Use these times to initiate important changes of habit - Pluto gives those changes staying power .
[10:16] On June 10th, Mercury makes the last of three trine aspects to Pluto on the Sabian symbol, Two cobblers working at a table. Working closely with others requires honesty but also kindness. Use this Mercury-Pluto series to put a positive frame on the last couple of months.
[14:19] A client spoke warmly of astrologer Pam Gregory and her positive authenticity. Visit her YouTube channel here!
[15:10] A Venus-Uranus conjunction on June 11th could ramp up anxiety about whatever makes life comfortable and stable. The Moon in Scorpio opposite this conjunction might make it harder to let go of old habits, but you could receive new insights, particularly into your financial situation and relationship dynamics.
[18:27] A question from listener Ursula: How would you advise creators to incorporate astrological themes into their work in ways that aren’t just gimmicky?
[19:25] Here's that episode of Midsomer Murders that I was talking about.
[24:52] Here's a helpful conversation between The Astrology Podcast's Chris Brennan and Leisa Schaim on the usage of the title "astrologer" vs "astrologist."
[26:45] Got a question about astrology that you'd like April to answer in a future episode? Here's how to get it to her!
[27:37] A Big Sky shoutout to our generous donors, especially Marni Lynn Ager, Marilyn Kienzle, and Laura Lind-Blum!