Big Sky Astrology Podcast

144 | Gemini Last Quarter: Half-Mast

This week, as the world acknowledges the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the Gemini Last Quarter Moon squares the Sun on a symbol of collective mourning. With Venus square Mars in Mercury-ruled signs, relationships benefit from clear but kind communications. Retrograde Mercury makes the second of three oppositions to Jupiter, whose grand schemes require that we fill the gaps in our knowledge. As the Sun in Virgo trines Pluto, excellence and merit might finally be rewarded. And April answers a listener's question about the effect of another person's planets on your birth chart. Plus: hanky-panky, pizza boxes, and tea with the dames!
You can still make your Podathon donation of $25 or more through Sep. 12 at 11:59 pm Pacific time to be entered in a drawing for a chance to win prizes - or $10 for four special equinox/solstice episodes! 
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
[0:29] A big "Thank you!!!" to everyone who donated to the podcast during last week's Third Annual Podathon!  You can still make your donation of $25 or more through Sep. 12 at 11:59 pm Pacific time to be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a reading, course, or special astrology poster! An email will be sent out on September 14th to announce the winners.
[2:02] We begin the week on September 11th by adjusting to Mercury retrograde in Libra. The Virgo Sun's trine aspect to Uranus in Taurus may still be felt by some.
[2:16] On September 16th at 11:40 am PDT, Venus (Virgo 14°23') makes a square to Mars (Gemini 14°23').  Venus is on Sabian symbol 15 Virgo, "An Ornamental Handkerchief."  Extremely talkative Mars in Gemini is on Sabian symbol 15 Gemini, "Two Dutch Children Talking."  Both Venus and Mars are currently ruled by Mercury which has just gone retrograde.  Try to find the common language but do not be unkind in our communications.
[5:38] At 3:21 pm PDT, the Sun (24°01' Virgo) makes its annual opposition to Neptune (24°01' Pisces). The Sun is on the Sabian symbol, 25 Virgo, "A Flag at Half Mast."  The Sabian symbol for Neptune is 25 Pisces, "The Purging of The Priesthood."  This opposition forms a T-Square with the Gemini Last Quarter Moon the next day.
[7:48] Moon Report!  It begins with a waning Gemini Last Quarter Moon on September 17 at 2:52 pm PDT, at 24°59' Gemini. This Moon's Sabian symbol, 25 Gemini, "A Man Trimming Palms," suggests curation of our stories and splitting the difference between unvarnished truth and flat-out fictions.
[9:04] This is the final critical lunation in the Lunar Phase Family that began with the Solar Eclipse on June 21, 2020 at 0°21' Cancer. Important dates for this Lunar Phase Family cycle:  First Quarter on March 21, 2021; Full Moon on December 18, 2021.  What do you have in your chart between 25° Gemini and 0° Cancer?  Check out April's conversation with Celeste Brooks on Lunar Phase Families in Episode 141!
[10:24] Void-of-Course Moon periods.  On September 12th, the Aries Moon will square Pluto in Capricorn at 9:53 pm PDT.  It will be Void-of-Course for about six and a half hours before it enters Taurus on September 13th at 4:39 am PDT.  Most of us will be sleeping but it could be a good time to think about how you want to change the way you react emotionally to things like frustration or anger.
[12:31] The Moon in Taurus makes a trine to Pluto (Capricorn) at 5:59 am PDT on September 15th.  It will be Void-of-Course for about seven hours before entering Gemini at 1:16 pm PDT.  The Moon is exalted in Taurus. Excellent time to initiate a new exercise routine, a change in diet and/or a change to a procrastination habit.
[13:25] Finally, on September 17th, the Moon in Gemini makes a square to the Virgo Sun at 2:52 pm PDT.  It enters a Void-of-Course period for about nine hours before entering Cancer on September 18th at 12:59 am PDT.
[14:32] Mercury retrograde (Libra 4°44') will oppose Jupiter (Aries 4°44') on September 18, 2022 at 3:34 pm PDT.  This is the second of three oppositions.  The first was on September 2, 2022 (Mercury direct at Libra 6°39' - April covers this in Episode 138).  The last in this series of Mercury / Jupiter oppositions will be on October 12, 2022 (Mercury direct at Libra 1°40').
[15:45] This second Mercury/Jupiter opposition falls on two Sabian symbols that relate to learning.  Mecury is on 5 Libra, "A Man Teaching the True Inner Knowledge," while Jupiter is on 5 Aries, "A Triangle with Wings." Backtrack to fill in gaps in information or knowledge.
[16:48] On September 18th at 8:58 pm PDT, the Sun (Virgo 26°12') makes a trine to Pluto (Capricorn 26°12').  The Sabian symbol for the Sun is 27 Virgo, "Grand Dames at Tea."  The Sabian symbol for Pluto is 27 Capricorn, "A Mountain Pilgrimage." Excellence can be rewarded at this aspect, but also, nothing succeeds like success.
[19:06] Listener Gerard asks, "What does another person's natal planets superimposed on your birth chart tell you about their influence in your life?"
[25:51] Let's give a Big Sky Astrology Podcast shout out to the first of our 2022 crop of donors - LeiAnne Koch, Stephanie Esman and Tracy Mills!!!  If you would like to receive April's special bonus episodes for the Equinoxes and Solstices, head on over to bigskyastropod.com and donate $10!

143 | Podathon Day #5: Moon Power! with Simone Butler

It’s PODATHON week on the Big Sky Astrology Podcast, with daily episodes, guest interviews, and your chance to win big prizes! On this FINAL DAY of the Podathon: Oh hello, Mercury – retrograde again? Plus: Today’s Moon in Pisces just wants us to relax, but tell that to Venus and Mars! And April welcomes astrologer and author Simone Butler to talk about lunar rituals and her unique system of combining astrology and feng shui.
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 of $25 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 the website for full show notes)
[0:45] Welcome to DAY FIVE (September 9, 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!
[1:30] Thank you to everyone who’s supported the show in the past twelve months, with donations, downloads, and kind feedback! Shout-out to Jen Braun, who brought so much spirit and hard work to our episodes in the first months of this Podcast year (September-January).
[2:30] Everyone who donates $25 or more, as well as ongoing monthly contributors, will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a 90- or 60-minute reading with April, free registration in one of her upcoming courses, or a lovely astrology poster donated by Patrick Blasa of Tha Elegant Universe!
[3:50] 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.
[4:02] Donors of only $10 or more will have access to April’s 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.
[4:38] Here are a few easy free ways that you can really help the podcast. 
[6:00] Mercury turns retrograde today at 8:38 pm and is retrograde through October 1.
[8:55] This retrograde Mercury rules Mars in Gemini, which will also turn retrograde at the end of October – so both of these planets are probably feeling quite unstable.
[10:05] Today the Moon is in Pisces, opposes Venus at 6:39 am and square Mars at 4:08 pm Pacific time.
[10:26] The Moon opposes Venus in Virgo at 6:39 am and squares Mars at 4:08 pm. Gather your thoughts. Slow down and rest.
[11:20] When you get too busy, clear your head with Pisces-ruled things, like music, meditation, or relaxing with a pet.
[12:05] April welcomes Simone Butler, a San Diego-based expert astrologer with more than 30 years of experience helping people find their purpose and passion. She has written for The Mountain Astrologer, Starscroll and Tarot.com, and has been interviewed on many podcasts. Her books include Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life, Moon Power: Lunar Rituals for Connecting with your Inner Goddess, and Ten-Minute Moon Rituals: Easy Tips for Working with Each Astrological Sign to Develop Your True Lunar Nature. You can read Simone’s bi-monthly blogs and/or book a reading at www.astroalchemy.com.
[13:20] Lunar ritual for a New Moon vs. a Full Moon?
[19:30] Full Moons are connected to relationships because the Sun and Moon in opposite signs have the potential to bring balance.
[20:00] Acknowledge the upcoming Pisces Full Moon, “The Wine Moon” or Harvest Moon, with a glass of wine and a gathering of friends. But watch out for the Moon conjunct Neptune!
[22:50] The Full Moon connects with the last New Moon in that sign, about six months earlier.
[23:20] April loves Simone’s Astro Feng Shui system, which combines western astrology with the bagua map. Simone describes how you can use it to enhance your New Moon rituals.
[25:50] Working with the recent Virgo New Moon and the Pisces Full Moon using this system.
[28:20] Where to find Simone’s books or book a reading. Join her mailing list at her website, AstroAlchemy.com!
[30:20] That's a wrap for 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. Donate $10 or more and get access to April’s special episodes for the equinoxes and solstices. Donate $25 or more and you get these episodes PLUS will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a reading, a course, or an astrology poster! Make your donation no later than Sep. 12, 2022 at 11:59 pm Pacific time to be entered in the drawing.
[32:10] THANK YOU for celebrating Podathon with us. See you again bright and early next Monday!
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

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!