Big Sky Astrology Podcast

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!

125 | Gemini New Moon: Not An Eclipse!

April invites you to take a breath and unwind from the intense emotions of the recent eclipse season, with a Gemini New Moon that's just a New Moon and not an eclipse! Mercury leaves its retrograde period and turns direct, but its shadow period extends some of the retrograde mischief through June 18th. Use this time to rest and to process your feelings from that heavy eclipse season. Meanwhile, do's and don'ts for Saturn's long retrograde period, which begins June 4. And April celebrates her own wedding anniversary with a mini-lesson on how to pick an astrologically auspicious wedding date!
You can learn more about astrology by visiting the Big Sky website and by making sure that you subscribe or follow The Big Sky Astrology Podcast - new episodes each Monday!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Download April's Wedding Date cheatsheet!
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
[0:28] April welcomes you to a lighter than usual week in the big sky, and a welcome relief from the recent eclipses!
[1:17] Mooooooon Report! It’s the end of eclipse season and there’s a Gemini New Moon setting the framework for a two-and-a-half-year lunar phase gestation cycle. It’s a great time to acquire new skills and to make connections with those close to you, like neighbors or siblings.
[5:41] How to understand and work with this week's void-of-course moon periods.
[12:16] On June 3, Mercury winds up its latest retrograde season as it turns direct. However, its shadow period extends until June 18th, which is when it reaches the same degree where it turned retrograde. This provides a window of time to process and understand the feelings that came up during eclipse season.
[14:17] On June 4, Saturn enters its long retrograde period (through Oct. 22). Look within for leadership and assert your boundaries. However, it’s not the best time for founding a company, renovating your house, or taking on new responsibilities in the Saturn-ruled houses of your chart.
[16:40] This week’s mini-lesson: Using astrological wisdom to choose a day to get married! April gives her 10 essentials principles for picking the perfect wedding date. Download her cheatsheet here! Need more help? If you know some astrology, order April's Wedding Date Workshop. Or consider hiring a professional, like Ascent Astrology or Elisabeth Grace astrology.
[28:20] Got a question or an idea for a mini-lesson? Leave a Speakpipe message or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and include "Podcast question" in the subject line.
[29:20] A Big Sky Astrology shoutout to beloved donors, including Rachel Fletcher, Martina Papinchack and Annette Eikerenkoetter!
 

124 | Venus and Mars are Sleepless in Seattle!

This week: Mars enters Aries, gaining home field advantage and galvanizing Jupiter. This is a feisty, energetic combination, but the Sabian symbol for this conjunction, "Two lovers strolling through a secluded park," could mean that our efforts aren’t visible to the outside world. Venus sextiles Saturn (we can get what we want if we make a plan) but also squares Pluto (we might not want it once we get it). Venus entering Taurus means that both Venus and Mars, the planets of romance, are in their strongest signs, but they're not necessarily connecting with each other. Plus: A listener question about how long the eclipse season hangover might last!
To stay up to date on all the latest astrology news, please subscribe or follow the show wherever you get your podcasts. You can also show April how much you love the show by leaving a rating and review!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
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
[0:30] Welcome, and a rundown of this week's planetary highlights.
[1:00] Moooooooooon Report! No major lunation this week (the Gemini New Moon is on May 30), but keep an eye on May 24, when the Moon makes a conjunction with Mars, enters Aries, and conjoins Jupiter.
[2:05] A void-of-course Moon that ends on a square to Pluto can bring you down a little bit. Sit with your Pluto mood, but try not to dwell on the negative!
[3:36] A trine aspect between the Moon in Taurus and Pluto: A glimpse into how we can break old bad habits or set new good ones.
[4:58] The Sun, Mars, and Jupiter: It’s a busy week for these three!
[7:28] Mars and Jupiter come together in a conjunction on the Sabian symbol of two lovers strolling through a secluded park. Although these planets in Aries are more extroverted, it might be time to hunker down and work on a project with just one other person. (And if you need help finding where the degree of this conjunction (4 Aries) falls in your birthchart, this blog post and video might help!)
[9:50] This week, Venus makes a sextile aspect to Saturn and a square to Pluto. Make a plan to get what you want, but don't be surprised if you end up not really wanting what what you get.
[12:08] Venus in Taurus, Mars in Aries: The rom com characters who keep missing each other! Will they get it together before the end of the film?
[14:30] Mercury’s still retrograde and makes a sextile aspect to Mars on May 23rd: Time to revisit old work opportunities. The trine from Mercury to Pluto is good for revisiting and focusing on ideas from late April.
[18:51] Listener question: How long do eclipses influence us? April explains how she interprets eclipses and how to find the start, mid-point, and end of the eclipse season's reach.
[23:32] Do you have a question you'd like April to answer on a future episode? Leave a voicemail or send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com!
[24:10] A Big Sky Astrology shout out to the listeners who donated during the September podathon, in particular Chris Hendrickson, Dena Moskowitz, and Phyllis Lamken!

123 | Gemini Season: Birds, Bees, and Twins!

It’s Gemini Season! The birds are birding, the bees are buzzing, and the rest of us just want to get together and socialize! Mercury's retrograde during Gemini Season, so be prepared to see old friends and lost acquaintances pop back up in your life in unexpected ways. Plus: the beginning of a new Mars/Neptune cycle – fight for your beliefs! The Sun and Mars unite with Pluto in empowering trine and sextile aspects. The Last Quarter Moon in Pisces is a time of reflection, leading up to next week’s ingress of Mars into Aries. Plus: April answers a question from listener Emily about why twins, born with nearly identical birth charts, can seem so different!
This episode of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast was kindly supported by listeners during the September podathon. To show your support for April and the show, you can follow or subscribe to The Big Sky Astrology Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or you can leave a review or recommend the show 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!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
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
[0:36] April welcomes listeners to the podcast and introduces the big news from the week: Gemini season, a Mars-Neptune conjunction, and more.
[1:12] On Mars 17th/18th, there’s a Mars-Neptune conjunction in Pisces on the Sabian symbol, The purging of the priesthood, spelling a period of fighting on behalf of others and tackling hypocrisy.
[4:35] A trine aspect between the Sun and Pluto, highlighting the contrast between the sovereignty of the individual and putting aside your ego for the good of a larger cause. This aspect encourages a balance between these two opposite principles.
[7:02] May 19th brings the second of three sextile aspects between Mercury and Jupiter. This is a wonderful week to be creative, write down your ideas, and look for the process that will bring your big, ambitious project to fruition.
[9:38] The Sun enters Gemini on May 20th, ushering in a season of socializing, networking, and sharing ideas. As Mercury is still retrograde, this might mean reconnecting with old friends from the past. April tells you how to make the most of Gemini season to prepare yourself for the Cancer solstice
[12:12] May 21st brings an inferior conjunction between the Sun and Mercury, which is a time to look inward and review your thoughts. You can expect clarity and accuracy in your insights as the Sun ignites Mercury and illuminates new ideas.
[15:25] The Moooooooooooooon Report! This week’s major lunar event is the Pisces Last Quarter Moon. (For thoughts about the Scorpio Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse, listen to Episode 122!)  April recommends you act on your reflections, based on your past experience.
[19:22] This week's Void-of-Course Moon periods.
[22:26] Mercury retrogrades into Taurus on May 22nd and has a busy week, with a sextile aspect to Jupiter followed by a trine aspect to Pluto. After turning direct in late Taurus in early June, it will return to Gemini on June 13.
[23:44] A Mars-Pluto sextile on May 22nd: a civil, businessman-like handshake between the two planets. It's like Mars' exit interview before entering Aries next week!
[24:51] This week’s listener question from Emily about the natal charts of twins: If their charts are so similar, why are twins so different?
[29:21] How to get in touch with April to ask her your astrology questions!
[30:20] April thanks the generous listeners who supported the show during the September podathon, in particular Teina Lichtwardt, Henrietta Winston, and Anna Carlucci!

122 | Scorpio Lunar Eclipse: Go Where the Song Takes You!

This week: April sets you up for Mercury's retrograde period (May 10-June 3), including myths and misconceptions about this potentially fruitful time! Jupiter, the god of the gods, enters Aries on May 10; time to take on big challenges. And gird your loins for May 15, an unusually busy day in the skies, with the Sun square Saturn and sextile Neptune, and a Scorpio Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse (see the links below for a discount on April's eclipse report). Also, a listener question about the secondary progressed Sun changing signs leads to a mini-lesson on progressions. They're much simpler and more useful than you might think!
Enjoying the show? Be sure to subscribe or follow, leave a rating or review, and please recommend the show to an astrology-loving friend!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Podcast discount for Followed by a Moonshadow report: use code podcasteclipse121 to get $5 off through May 15!
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
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
Resources mentioned:
Blog post and video: How to find transits in your birth chart
Sky Log Astrology report, with text by Steven Forrest
Submit your Big Sky Astrology question using Speakpipe
Support the podcast
Timestamps
[0:39] April introduces the week’s hot celestial topics!
[1:07] Mercury turns retrograde on May 10th in Gemini on the Sabian symbol, A radical magazine. April breaks down misconceptions about Mercury retrograde and shares how to turn this retrograde season to your advantage.
[4:00] Also on May 10th, Jupiter enters Aries for a roughly one-year stay. It's the big guy's first trip through rough-and-ready Aries since 2011/12 - what kind of adventure is he offering you?
[7:20] While ultimately fortunate, Jupiter transits are not without their challenges!
[8:24] Mark May 15th on your calendar! It's the day the Sun squares Saturn (don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good) and sextiles Neptune (let yourself wander), and the Scorpio Full Moon brings a total Lunar Eclipse - the first eclipse in Scorpio since 2014. A reminder to curb perfectionist tendencies and accept ourselves as works in progress.
[13:17] Mooooooooooon report! Time to dig deeper into this Scorpio Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse on May 15th (Pacific time) or 16th (practically everywhere else). What’s the message of this eclipse? Look to the eclipse degree's Sabian symbol, A Spaniard serenading his señorita. (Podcast discount for Followed by a Moonshadow report: use code podcasteclipse121 to get $5 off through May 15!)
[18:05] This week’s Void-of-Course Moon periods: the pauses that refresh.
[23:11] The week’s question from listener Astrid: When a natal Sun progresses into a new sign, what changes about the person? This mini-lesson covers secondary progressions and how your character evolves as the Sun in your natal chart progresses into new signs.
[32:43] Got a question you'd like answered on a future episode? Here's how to send it in!
[33:50] A Big Sky Astrology shoutout to the September podathon donors, especially Kristine Lankenau, Anastasia Bednarski, and Chris Williams!

121 | Venus Enters Aries: Coloring Outside the Lines!

In this interim week between eclipses: Languid, pleasure-loving Venus rushes headlong into tempestuous Aries, and April offers advice on how to make the most of this contradictory pairing! Jupiter opens a significant dialogue with Pluto - which wins, optimism or powerlessness? April shares some tips for grounding yourself during the Sun's annual conjunction with destabilizing Uranus and passionate sextile with Mars. This week's Moon Report features a challenging Leo First Quarter Moon. And finally, in part two of April's eclipse mini-lesson, we take a look at how aspects from eclipses impact the planets in your birth chart. (Spoiler alert: expect the unexpected!)
If you liked this episode of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast, please make sure to subscribe to the podcast and to recommend it to your favorite astrology-loving friends!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
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] This week’s Big Sky news: A quick pause in between eclipse weeks, a conjunction between the Sun and Uranus, and more!
[1:35] Venus enters Aries: An easygoing planet in a fast-moving sign. April’s advice: Try to enjoy the feeling of being in motion!
[3:53] On May 3rd, Jupiter’s sextile aspect to Pluto is a time of discovery and of seeing things in a new light
[6:10] The underlying tension between Jupiter and Pluto that makes this an interesting aspect
[6:43] Mars sextile Uranus in Pisces, wrapping up a cycle that began in January 2021. Things will get done, but not necessarily in the way that you expect!
[10:35] May 5th brings the annual conjunction between the Sun and Uranus, resetting their cycle and giving us time to think about who we really are and how we display that to the world.
[12:40] What you might feel during this Sun/Uranus conjunction and how to ground yourself during this period of Uranian energy.
[14:17] A sextile aspect between the Sun and Mars, with Sabian symbols of a battle of swords and torches for the Sun, and an Easter parade for Mars. Luckily, the sextile encourages these two planets to play nicely together!
[16:55] Time for this week’s Moon Report! A First Quarter Moon in Leeeeoooo gives the urge to express ourselves, but aspects to Saturn and Uranus are not going to make it easy. That's okay - we like our quarter moons feisty!
[20:02] The week’s Void-of-Course Moon periods! Listen out for the best times to rest, and when to count your blessings.
[23:45] Today’s mini-lesson on eclipses making aspects to your natal planets: How to read your birth chart to find out what the current solar and lunar eclipses mean for you and what planetary aspects will set the tone for your personal eclipse season!
[33:40] Learn more about these eclipses in your birthchart with your very own, discounted Moonshadow Eclipse Report
[34:40] Got a question you'd like April to answer in a future episode? Leave a voicemail on Speakpipe or send an email to april with "Podcast Question" in the subject line!
[35:45] A Big Sky Astrology Podcast shout out to donors Andrea Pintia, Carolyn Kavanagh, and Barbara Walls!
 
Additional Resources
Dana Gerhardt’s article on Jupiter/Pluto conjunctions
How to get your Moonshadow Eclipse report
Use the discount code “Podcast Eclipse 121” before May 14th to get a $5 discount!
Where to go to submit your Big Sky Astrology question