Big Sky Astrology Podcast

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

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

135 | Aquarius Full Moon: Friends and Dissociates!

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

134 | The Scorpio Quarter Moon Merry-Go-Round!

This week: Mars joins Uranus at the Moon’s North Node, and Venus arrives on the scene to offer some positive support. Mercury entering Virgo calls for caution in letting perfectionism overtake Leo's creativity. And how can you turn the frustrating August 7 Mars-Saturn square into a motivational powerhouse? Plus, April answers a listener question about how to prioritize transits - which ones do you need to mark on your calendar?
If you’re a loyal listener of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast and want to give the show a boost, you can subscribe, recommend it to a friend, make a donation, or leave a review wherever you listen to 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
[0:35] What's up in the Big Sky this week?
[1:08] The conjunction between Mars, Uranus, and the Moon’s North Node on August 1st: April explains why three isn’t always a crowd and sets the context for this unusual conjunction. What will we see in our own lives when negative Mars meets the positive North Node?
[4:28] Venus makes a Sextile aspect to Mars, Uranus and the North Node on August 2nd, which will bring a more positive energy, especially into your personal relationships. This takes place on the romantic Sabian symbol, Gondoliers in serenade, which is a delightful image that might inspire you out of your relationship rut.
[7:54] Mercury enters Virgo on August 3rd or August 4th, depending on where you live. Watch out for what happens when Mercury, the ruling planet of Virgo, invites you to translate your creative ideas into reality. Don’t forget to check back on your work using Virgo’s precision and perfectionism, but don’t get carried away; the Sun is still in Leo, so we need to indulge in creativity before we let perfectionism get in the way!
[11:12] Mooooooon Report! On August 5 (April’s birthday!), a Scorpio First Quarter Moon is all tangled up with Mars, Uranus, and Saturn in a formidable Grand Cross! April unpacks the Sabian symbols and explains how to grease the wheels of the fixed Grand Cross merry-go-round.
[16:52] When is the Moon Void-of-Course this week? April gives advice on how to make the most of several tricky Moon/Pluto periods!
[20:58] Venus makes a trine to Neptune on August 7th, a loving aspect that inspires you to cuddle and coddle your loved ones. But don’t hold on too tight.
[23:14] Mars’ square to Saturn on August 7 is potentially extremely frustrating, but if used positively can yield breakthroughs.
[25:09] A question from listener Jean - how should you handle difficult transits? Listen for April’s advice on which transits to pay attention to and what to look out for if you have an important day coming up. See April's book Astrological Transits for more insights - and if you’re interested in booking some individual tutoring sessions with April, here’s how.
[31:56] Got an astrology question you’d like April to answer on an upcoming episode? Here’s how to send it to her!
[33:10] A Big Sky Astrology shoutout to the podcast’s generous listeners. This episode is brought to you by Aneya Elbert, Susan Hubbard, and Cathy Sullivan-Thompson!

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!
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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!