Big Sky Astrology Podcast

155 | Pisces First Quarter Moon: One Step at a Time!

This week: The Pisces Quarter Moon is on a fast-moving Sabian symbol, but proceed with some caution. Mars revisits a recent trine to Saturn to a review an ongoing project; Mercury makes a choice; Venus and Mars get an unobstructed view of one another; Venus dons her rose-colored glasses just as Neptune stations direct; and April answers a listener's question about the best location to use in calculating your Solar Return chart. Plus: A gratitude bonanza, swallows returning to Capristrano, and let us be frank!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:20] Moon Report! First up: A First Quarter Moon at 8°21' Pisces and Sagittarius (Nov. 30, 6:36 am PST). The Sabian symbol for this Quarter Moon in Pisces is A jockey. The Sun is on 9 Sagittarius, A mother and her child on the stairs. This action-oriented First Quarter Moon urges us to move ahead, but you may want to err of the side of caution.
[3:33] This First Quarter Moon is the first action point in the Lunar Phase family that began with the March 2, 2022 New Moon in Pisces. It’s time to take some decisive steps towards that very Piscean dream that was conceived at that New Moon.
[4:16] Void-of-Course Moon periods (VOC) for the week. On Nov. 28 at 10:53 pm PST, the Moon conjoins Saturn at 19°44' Aquarius. It’s then VOC for 17 hours (!!!) before it enters Pisces on Nov. 29 at 4:15 pm PST. What are we building for the future? How can we learn more discipline or gain more strength to make that goal happen?
[5:35] During the hour and day of Jupiter, the Moon at 28°54' Pisces conjoins one of its rulers, Jupiter, on Dec. 1 at 6:44 pm PST. The Moon will then be VOC for a very pleasant two hours before entering Aires at 8:41 pm PST. Get ready for a Jupiterian gratitude bonanza!
[6:43] On Dec. 3 at 9:46 pm PST, the 26°51' Aries Moon squares Pluto (Capricorn 26°51'). The Moon is VOC for just under six hours before it enters Taurus (Dec. 4, 3:38 am PST). Be on the lookout for feelings of frustration, guilt and shame. What are the lessons to be learned from past transgressions?
[8:13] Retrograde Mars (Gemini 19°42') makes a trine aspect to Saturn (Aquarius 19°42') on Nov. 28 at 9:56 am PST. This is the second of three trines Mars in Gemini will make to Saturn. The first trine was on September 27 and the third trine in this series will occur on March 30, 2023, just after Mars has slipped into Cancer.
[8:45] The Sabian symbol for Mars is 20 Gemini, A cafeteria. Saturn is on the Sabian symbol 20 Aquarius, A big white dove, a message bearer. This is an excellent time to finish a project we may have started late September so that we can give our all to something new in March 2023.
[9:42] Mercury (19° 18' Sagittarius) will oppose Mars (19° 18' Gemini) on Nov. 29 at 12:30 pm PST. A few hours later at 8:18 pm PST, Mercury (19° 47' Sagittarius) sextiles Saturn (19°47' Aquarius). For both of these aspects, Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 20 Sagittarius, Men cutting through ice.
[10:13] When Mercury opposes Mars, Mars will still be on that "cafeteria" Sabian symbol (?). Mercury here is helping to cut through the ice, to cut to the chase and choose something.
[10:43] The choice that became evident to us as Mercury was opposed Mars is seen as a choice to take some constructive action when Mercury sextiles Saturn at 8:18 pm PST. We will fine tune all of this in March when Mars is direct and makes its final trine to Saturn.
[11:48] On Nov. 30, Venus (18°47' Sagittarius) opposes retrograde Mars (18°47' Gemini) at 9:28 pm PST. This is the midpoint in the Venus-Mars cycle that began back on March 5, 2022 with the conjunction at 0°1' Aquarius. How are past relationships impacting current ones? How can you take the skills you may have learned from previous work situations and apply them to your current work in order to make things more interesting and possibly more lucrative?
[13:54] Mercury at 22°38' Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces on Dec. 1 at 5:08 pm PST. Cut through confusion and speak your mind.
[14:55] A few hours later (Dec. 1, 7:09 pm PST), Venus at 19°55' Sagittarius sextiles Saturn in Aquarius. Key an eye out for an invitation to make something pleasurable into something that lasts.
[16:15] Neptune (Pisces 22°38') turns direct on Dec. 3 at 4:15 pm PST. Neptune has been retrograde since June 27, 2022. It is turning direct on the intriguing Sabian symbol, 23 Pisces, A materializing medium. It's time to put on those rose-colored glasses and see people and opportunities in the sweetest light possible.
[18:16] Also on Dec. 3, at 11:12 pm PST, Venus (22°38' Sagittarius) will square freshly-direct Neptune (22°38' Pisces). Be aware of disillusionment in relationships and financial matters. This is the final action point in the Venus-Neptune cycle that began with their conjunction on April 27, their opening square on July 13, an opposition on September 24. Mark this big Neptune day on your calendar. Can you see any disconnects from a hopeful perception versus reality?
[19:50] Listener Dena asks: What’s the best location to use to calculate the Solar Return chart?
[24:56] If you have a burning question about astrology that you'd like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute of less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com. Be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
[26:02] If you like what you're hearing, please subscrbe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Kerrin Gibbons and Christina DeRochemont!
[26:32] If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!

154 | Sagittarius New Moon: The Grateful Season!

There’s a lot to be grateful for this week, starting with the Big Sky Astrology Podcast’s third anniversary! Warm thanks to all of you who’ve been here from the beginning, as well as those who found the show along the way. In other news: the Sun enters Sagittarius, and there's a New Moon in this grateful sign the day before Thanksgiving – count your blessings, if not your calories! Sagittarius' ruling planet, Jupiter, turns direct. And Mercury comes together with Venus for declarations of gratitude and love. Also, a listener question about prenatal eclipse points. Plus: The secret life of your pet rock; Thanksgiving hangovers; and it’s all in how you look at things!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
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Timestamps
[1:00] Welcome, and join us in celebrating three years of the Big Sky Astrology Podcast! Much gratitude to those who’ve been here from the beginning, as well as those of you who’ve found the show along the way!
[1:45] Mercury conjoins Venus on Nov. 21st (2:55 pm PST, 07°09' Sagittarius), a time of declarations and redefinition of relationships. This is also an excellent aspect for brainstorming about ways to make money or how to further your financial knowledge.
[3:03] The Sabian symbol for this conjunction is 8 Sagittarius, Rocks and things forming therein. All may seem stable and still, but there could be a lot going on underneath the surface.
[3:42] The Sun enters Sagittarius on Nov. 22, 2022 (12:20 am PST) and is in this sign until the Capricorn Solstice (Dec. 21). Capricorn season is when we reflect on the resolutions we may have made at the beginning of the year. Sagittarius season highlights the desire to be free of burdens in favor of being a happy wanderer.
[5:02] The day after the Sun's ingress into Sagittarius (Nov. 23, 3:02 pm PST at 28°47' Pisces) Jupiter, its ruling planet, stations direct. The Sabian symbol for 29 Pisces is A Prism. Give yourself a chance to see things from a different perspective.
[6:40] Jupiter turned retrograde on July 28, 2022 and will return to the sign of Aries on December 20. When Jupiter is retrograde, it's up to us to find a sense of positivity and optimism. It is also an excellent time to calculate your next big adventure. Now that Jupiter is direct, it is time to act on those plans.
[8:03] Moon Report! We welcome the Sagittarius New Moon on Nov. 23 (2:57 pm PST, 1°37' Sagittarius). The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is 2 Sagittarius, The ocean covered with white caps.  Mutable Fire sign Sagittarius is known for its enthusiasm and optimism.  Mutable energy tends to be prone to change and restlessness, like the roiling sea.
[9:39] The Sun and Moon at this New Moon are in an out-of-sign trine to Jupiter in Pisces as well as a wide conjunction to Venus. A positive-looking New Moon overall and the best New Moon of the year for setting intentions related to personal growth.
[10:20] This lunation also begins a Lunar Phase Family, so set these intentions with the next 27 months in mind!  The First Quarter Moon in this series is on August 24, 2023 at 1° Sagittarius; the Full Moon is on May 23, 2024 at 2°55' Sagittarius; and the Third Quarter Moon is on February 20, 2025 at 2°19' Sagittarius. Think big, think long-term, and choose your next great adventure you want to embark on.
[11:52] Void-of-Course Moon periods (VOC).  On Nov. 21 (3:14 am PST), the Moon at 26°34' Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn. It’s VOC for about six hours and then enters Scorpio at 9:16 am PST. Greet the week with a determination to be as fair and kind as Libra desires but also as truthful as Pluto demands.
[12:44] Five hours before the Sagittarius New Moon, the Moon at 28°47' Scorpio makes a trine to Jupiter in Pisces (Nov. 23, 10:16 am PST). It’s VOC for just over two hours before entering Sagittarius at 12:16 pm PST. Time to let go of negative feelings and move on.
[13:33] On Nov. 25 at 11:22 am PST, the Moon at 28°48' Sagittarius squares Jupiter in Pisces, is VOC for a little over two hours, then enters Capricorn at 1:18 pm PST.  We may ruminate over our Thanksgiving overindulgences (both verbal and gastronomical) from the day before. Unfortunately, what's done is done, so take this time to think about how you can handle these temptations better in the future.
[14:25] The Moon at 28°49' Capricorn is sextile Jupiter in Pisces on Nov. 27 at 12:11 pm PST, is VOC for about two hours, and then enters Aquarius at 2:07 pm PST. Schedule some structured fun and relaxation!
[15:29] Listener Mariana asks about Prenatal Eclipse points, and April introduces us to these sensitive points and their cycle.
[21:26] If you have a burning question about astrology that you'd like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
[21:59] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like, and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Andrea Ingham and Monica Grossbaum! Woohoo!
[22:52] If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the Libra Equinox as well as bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!
 
 

153 | Leo Last Quarter Moon: X-Ray Vision!

A volatile Last Quarter Moon in Leeeoooooo encourages camel-like self-reliance. The Sun, Mercury, and Venus make happy aspects to happier Jupiter. The Sun trines Neptune on a magical, bunny-related Sabian symbol, and Mars makes the second of three squares to Neptune – defend whatever you have faith in! The Sun and Mercury fall into formation with Pluto. Mercury and Venus prepare the way for the Sun’s Sagittarius season, which begins next week. And April answers a listener's question about planetary hours, lunar days and lunar mansions Plus: x-rays, Thai takeout, and a spa day for the Sun!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:10] Moon Report!  The Last Quarter Moon at 24°9' Leeeeooooo (Nov. 16, 2022, 5:27 am PST) squares the Sun and Mercury in Scorpio, opposes Saturn in Aquarius, and squares Uranus in Taurus as well. The result is a Grand Cross configuration, and since the fixed signs are involved, you may notice that people are a little more entrenched in their position than usual.
[2:39] This Last Quarter Moon also sextiles retrograde Mars in Gemini. Look for a helpful person from the past to appear just when you need them!
[3:12] The Sabian symbols for this Last Quarter Moon are 25 Leo, A large camel crossing the desert and the Sun on 25 Scorpio, An X-ray.  We are seeing things the way they are instead of the way we would like them to be. This is tough but could lead to greater emotional self-reliance.
[5:30] This is the last critical moment in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began at the August 2020 New Moon in Leo. Here’s an opportunity to make one final push towards a passion project that was initiated at that New Moon.
[6:09] Void-of-Course Moon (VOC) periods. On Nov. 14 (2:41 am PST), the Moon trines Jupiter (28°57' Cancer and Pisces).  It’s VOC for about five hours before entering Leo at 7:43 am PST. A lovely time for setting a bedtime intention about family adventures, drafting plans to expand or improve your home, or even move someplace new.
[7:15] The Moon in Leo squares Mercury (29°25' Leo and Scorpio) at 3:55 pm PST on Nov. 16 and is VOC for just over one hour before entering Virgo (5:03 pm PST). That x-ray vision, Scorpionic Mercury might bring up some negative feedback about a creative project. Leave it to the Moon in Virgo to make things right.
[8:12] On Nov. 19 (12:47 am PST), the Moon in 28°50' Virgo opposes Jupiter in Pisces. It’s VOC for a little over two hours and enters Libra at 2:57 am PST. If you're a night owl or are across the Atlantic from North America, ponder this call to adventure.
[9:50] As the Sun and Mars aspect Neptune, Neptune will be on the Sabian symbol 23 Pisces, A materializing medium aka Spiritist Phenomena - an ethereal degree for an ethereal planet.
[10:18] The Sun trines Neptune (Pisces 22°44' Scorpio and Pisces) on Nov. 14th at 7:43 pm PST, on the Sabian symbol 23 Scorpio, A bunny metamorphosed into a fairy.  It’s the time of year for magical transformations. 
[11:33] Mars squares Neptune (22°42' Gemini and Pisces) on Nov. 19 at 7:43 am PST. This is the second of three squares (the others on Oct. 11, 2022 and March 14, 2023) while Mars is in its extended transit through Gemini. It's time to defend what you have faith in.
[12:37] Mercury sextiles Pluto (Nov. 14, 6:27 pm PST) at 26°27' Scorpio and Capricorn. Mercury's Sabian symbol is 27 Scorpio, A military band on the march and Pluto, as usual, is on 27 Capricorn, A mountain pilgrimage. So, as the Sun enjoys its Neptunian spa day, Mercury will be practicing power handshakes with Pluto.
[13:50] On Nov. 18 at 1:43 pm PST, the Sun sextiles Pluto (26°31' Scorpio and Capricorn). It’s time to get real and empower yourself.
[14:43] The Sun, Mercury and Venus all trine Jupiter in Pisces this week. Venus (28°55' Scorpio) is the first in line on Nov. 15 at 1:36 am PST.
[15:28] Mercury (28°53' Scorpio) follows suit on Nov. 16 at 7:43 am PST. Look for a financial advisor to help you manage your Jupiter windfall!
[16:02] The Sun (28°48' Scorpio) seals this Jupiterian deal on Nov. 20 at 8:07 pm PST.
[16:45] Last but not least, Mercury and Venus enter Sagittarius this week. Venus enters the sign of the Archer first on Nov. 15 at 10:08 pm PST, followed by Mercury on Nov. 17 at 12:42 am PST. Order some Thai takeout and cue up those foreign language comedies on Netflix.
[18:02] Mercury can run into some problems in Sagittarius, the sign of its detriment - which means it’s opposite Mercury's home sign of Gemini. Check out April’s interview with Mel LaFara's in Episode 139 about planets in their detriment or fall. Spoiler alert: they could be super powers in disguise!
[19:34] Listener Milton asks about planetary hours, lunar days and lunar mansions.
[19:52] An explanation of planetary hours and how they are used.  Here's a link to Kelly Surtee's article about a Saturn ritual and Dana Gerhart's article about a Santeria ritual.
[23:27] An explanation about lunar mansions. Here's the link to Ryan Butler's article on the subject on his Medieval Astrology guide website.
[24:28] An explanation about lunar days. Here's a link to the interesting article April mentioned.
[25:33] An insider's tip: Use the Big Sky Astrology's show notes to keep track of astrological events in your daily planner!  You can find the show notes in your app of choice or at bigskyastropod.com (transcripts are there too!). Comments are always welcome.
[25:57] If you have a question about astrology that you would like April to answer, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or send an email to April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com. Be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
[26:36] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Jennifer Lukehart and Sarah Eaves! Woohooo!
[27:44] If you enjoy the show and would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the Libra Equinox, as well as bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just make a donation of $10 or more right here!

152 | Taurus Lunar Eclipse: Swords and Torches!

This very full week features a tense Taurus Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse, which promises to make U.S. Election Day more... exciting than usual. Within hours of the eclipse, Mercury connects with the Sun - then both oppose Uranus and square Saturn; ready to break through constrictions and reinvent yourself? And Venus' aspects to Saturn and Neptune promise a happy outcome if we make an effort, tighten our belts, and commit.  Plus: A listener question about whether transiting planets' retrograde periods feel different to someone with lots of retrograde planets in their birth chart!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Prepare for this eclipse season with April's Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report - details here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Timestamps
[1:26]  Venus (Scorpio 18°47') squares Saturn (Aquarius 18°47') on Nov. 6, 2022 at 11:33 pm PST.  Expect to work a little harder to get what you want.
[3:52] Election Day in the U.S. coincides with a Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse (Nov. 8, 2022, 3:02 am PST, at 16°01' Taurus) on the Sabian symbol 17 Taurus: A symbolic battle between swords and torches.  The Moon is in an exact conjunction with Uranus, opposed the Sun, Venus, and Mercury in Scorpio, and all of them square Saturn in Aquarius. This is the molecular opposite of "chill."
[7:10] The release point for this fixed T-Square is in Leo. Creativity, play, and focusing on your own pursuits are great coping mechanisms for any intensity you may experience.
[8:09] Check out Episode 151 for insights into eclipses in the Houses of the Horoscope and aspects to natal planets (use conjunction, square, or opposition within  4° orb). How is your chart affected? Then, look to previous eclipses near 16º Taurus - most recently: May 10, 2013 (Solar eclipse, 19°Taurus), Nov. 9, 2003 (Lunar Eclipse, 16°Taurus), May 10, 1994 (Solar Eclipse, 19°48' Taurus), and Nov. 8, 1984 (Lunar Eclipse, 16°30' Taurus). How do important themes and events in these years relate to the present day?
[10:02] Check out April's essays about eclipses, and order one of her Followed by a Moonshadow reports - it'll do all of the astrological work for you. Journaling prompts are included!
[10:20] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods for this week. Upbeat Jupiter has the final say right now!
[10:54] On Nov. 9th (4:00 am PST), the Moon (Taurus 29°09') sextiles Jupiter (Pisces 29°09') and then is VOC for a little over an hour before entering Gemini (5:37 am PST).  Stability and resources are available to support a big vision.
[11:49] The Moon at 29°02' Gemini squares Jupiter on Nov. 11th (2:28 pm PST).  It's VOC for just under two hours before entering Cancer at 4:22 pm PST. A terrific time to capture your big ideas in writing.
[12:50] The Sun and Mercury (Scorpio 16°15') make their superior conjunction on Nov. 8 (8:43 am PST).  Mercury opposes Uranus at 16°55' Taurus later that day (6:40 pm PST).  Since this is Election Day in the U.S., we could experience some unexpected voting or vote counting issues (though is that really unexpected at this point?).
[14:10] The Sun (Scorpio 16°54') opposes Uranus (Taurus 16°54'0) on Nov. 9 (12:26 am PST). This is an opportunity to free ourselves not just from the expectations of other people but also from our own ideas of who we are and who we have to be.  See if you can connect the dots to the conjunction (May 2022) and square (August 2022) in this Sun-Uranus cycle.
[15:19] Mercury (Scorpio 18°52') squares Saturn (Aquarius 18°52') on Nov. 10 (11:51 pm PST). All things Mercury are going to take more determination and effort.  Just keep working hard and success will be yours!
[16:42] The Sun (Scorpio 18°54') squares Saturn (Aquarius 18°54') on Nov. 11 (12:04 am PST).  This aspect is like trying to grow something, (aka you!) in very hard, compacted soil.  You could feel exhausted and pessimistic, but don't give up!
[18:30] Venus (22°47' Scorpio) trines Neptune (22°47' Pisces) on Nov. 10 (4:22 am PST).  Mercury (22°46' Scorpio) trines Neptune (22°46' Pisces) on Nov. 12 at 10:36 am PST. The Sabian symbol for Mercury and Venus at 23 Scorpio is A bunny metamorphosed into a fairy, and Neptune is on 23 Pisces, Spiritist Phenomena which we sometimes see written as A materializing medium. Both symbols speak about transformation on a spiritual level.
[21:06] Finally, on Nov. 13 at 1:41 am PST, Venus (Scorpio 26°25') sextiles Pluto (Capricorn 26°25').  Venus squared Pluto on October 19, 2022, and they will meet in a conjunction on December 31, 2022. Venus is on the Sabian symbol 27 Scorpio, A military band on the march, and Pluto is on 27 Capricorn, A mountain pilgrimage.  Time to put assemble a team, put on a snappy outfit, and start marching towards a lofty goal.
[22:22] A Big Sky Astrology favorite, listener Elliott, asks about how planetary retrograde periods might feel to someone who has a lot of retrograde planets in their birth chart.
[28:53] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Julie Perdue and Maressa Brown!  Maressa was actually a special guest during Podathon week. - check out her interview with April on Episode 140!
[30:04] If you enjoy the show and would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the Libra Equinox, as well as bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more right here!

151 | Aquarius First Quarter Moon: Cobblestones and Roadblocks!

Happy Halloween! In this very light astrological week: The Aquarius First Quarter Moon tests resolve about projects that began back in January. Void-of-Course Moon periods this week are shorter and happier, thanks to Jupiter. Venus opposed Uranus celebrates the beauty of taking out the trash, both literally and figuratively. And in this week between the October 25th Solar and November 8th Lunar Eclipses, April climbs into the wayback machine to revisit mini-lessons about eclipses in the houses of the horoscope and in aspect to natal planets.
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Order April's "Followed by a Moonshadow" Eclipse report!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
 
Timestamps
[1:22] The week begins with a First Quarter Moon at 08°49' Aquarius on Halloween evening (Oct. 31, 11:37 pm PDT), The Moon in Aquarius makes it easier to disconnect from the emotional intensity of last week's Scorpio Solar Eclipse and move through some Saturn roadblocks. This is the First Quarter Moon in a Lunar Phase Family that began with the Aquarius New Moon on January 31, 2022.
[3:36] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. Oct. 31: The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Jupiter in Pisces at 8:14 am PDT and is VOC for about a half hour before entering Aquarius (8:43am PDT). Use this brief interlude to write down one big project you would like to accomplish.
[4:50] November 2: The Moon in Aquarius trines retrograde Mars, then goes VOC for about seven and a half hours before entering Pisces (11:46 am PDT). Use this time to brainstorm - then add your ideas to the very practical outline that developed during that Halloween morning, Moon in Capricorn coffee klatch!
[5:48] November 4: The Moon in Pisces conjoins Jupiter (3:05 pm PDT) and is VOC for about one hour before entering Aries (4:07 pm PDT). This is just a little mid-afternoon, VOC nap to dream big Jupiterian dreams.
[6:26] Venus (Scorpio 17°03') opposes Uranus (Taurus 17°03') on November 5th at 3:22 pm PDT.  The Sabian symbol for Venus, 18 Scorpio, is, Wood rich in autumn coloring. The Sabian symbol for Uranus is 18 Taurus, A woman holding a bag out the window. Autumn is a season of releasing and letting go, and this aspect makes the process easier.
[8:08] Mini-lesson: Eclipses in the houses of the horoscope (from Ep. 120) and in aspect to natal planets (from Ep. 121).
[8:48] Eclipses in astrology signify change and crisis – but don’t be afraid, crisis just means you need to move in a new direction!
[9:58] Solar Eclipses tend to be experienced through overwhelming emotions. Lunar Eclipses are often times when we react to emotional challenges by trying to hold onto something more material and real.
[11:49] Eclipses move backward through pairs of houses in the chart.
[16:51] Eclipses in aspect to your natal planets. April looks only at squares, conjunctions, and oppositions within a 4°orb.
[26:20] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Laura Lind-Blum and Naiya Mairnemohr – thanks, Laura and Naiya!
[27:23] If you enjoy the show and would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the Libra Equinox, as well as bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more right here!

150 | Solar Eclipse in Scorpio: Sweet and Sacred

This week, eclipse season begins in earnest with a relationship-shifting Scorpio Solar Eclipse. Mercury in Libra’s aspects to Mars and Pluto sharpen its decisiveness and resolve as it prepares to enter tell-it-like-it-is Scorpio. Mars in Gemini begins a chilly retrograde period, and outward frustration sends us inward to find solutions. Jupiter backtracks for an encore in Pisces. And April answers a listener's question about setting intentions; do we really create our own reality? Plus: A broken bottle, Leo DiCaprio, and being dishonest without saying a word.
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Want to know more about this week's eclipse and your birthchart? Order April's eclipse report!
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
 
Timestamps
[1:11] Moon Report! New Moon / Solar Eclipse at 2°00' Scorpio (October 25, 2022, 3:49 am PDT) on the Sabian symbol, A broken bottle and spilled perfume.
[2:23] Check out Episode 120 for an expanded look at eclipses in the houses of your horoscope, and Episode 121 for eclipses in aspect to planets in your chart. This week's eclipse triggers planets or points in your chart that fall between 28° cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) to 6° of fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius.) Here are some of April's articles and essays about eclipses!
[4:26] This Solar Eclipse is closely conjoined Venus (2°39' Scorpio); relationships that are floundering will change one way or the other. Look to eclipses near this degree in 2013-2014, 2055, 1995, 1986 and 1976 for commonalities and patterns. And of course, you can get a more in-depth look at eclipses in your chart with April’s “Followed by a Moonshadow” eclipse report!
[6:56] During Scorpio season, we celebrate Halloween and transitions of all kinds. The awareness of mortality makes the physical world seem that much more sweet and sacred.
[8:44] Void-of-Course Moon periods: On October 24th at 5:36 pm PDT, the Moon at 26°10' Libra squares Pluto (Capricorn 26°10'). It will be VOC for about seven hours before entering Scorpio on October 25th at 12:19 am PDT. Meditating on transformation in relationships is encouraged before emerging into the upcoming eclipse.
[10:21] The Moon at 26°16' Scorpio sextiles Pluto in Capricorn (October 26th at 9:27 pm PDT). It's then VOC for about six and a half hours before entering Sagittarius at 3:55 am (October 27th).  Pay attention to your dreams.
[11:54] On October 29, 6:10 am PDT, the Sagittarius Moon (29°53') squares Jupiter (Pisces 29°53') and will be VOC for a whole 11 minutes before entering Capricorn – a brief invitation to fly in a new and exciting direction.
[12:52] This week, Mercury makes aspects to Mars and Pluto before entering Scorpio. Mercury at 25°31' Libra trines Mars in Gemini (October 26, 2022 at 8:37 pm PDT).  Mercury's square to Pluto occurs on October 27th at 6:08 am PDT at 26°12' Libra and Capricorn.
[13:34] Both Sabian symbols for Mercury reference flying. Mercury trines Mars from 26 Libra, An eagle and a large white dove turning one into the other. And it squares Pluto from 27 Libra, An airplane hovering overhead. Look for a feeling of liberation as we release what came up during the recent Mercury retrograde period.
[15:04] As Mercury makes its trine to Mars, it becomes much easier to act on what we've been thinking about. Mercury square Pluto warns that though we have a clearer picture of what we want to do and more determination, there are still forces that could make it difficult.
[16:20] Mercury enters Scorpio (October 29th at 12:22 pm PDT), an excellent transit for research and tough conversations. Honesty is the best policy.
[17:46] Jupiter re-enters Pisces (October 27th at 10:10 pm PDT), to finish the transit that began between December 28, 2021 and May 10, 2022. Before Jupiter leaves Pisces for good on December 19, take advantage of a chance in the Pisces area of your chart that you might have missed earlier in the year.
[19:02] Mars stations retrograde at 25°36' Gemini (October 30, 2022 at 6:26 am PDT, through Jan. 12, 2023) on the Sabian symbol 26 Gemini, Winter frost in the woods. Mars won’t enjoy his chilly, retrograde holding cell! If you thought Mercury retrograde was a pain this time around, Mars retrograde in Mercury-ruled Gemini promises the same, but more so. Traveling, finding gifts and getting along with people could be extra challenging this holiday season.
[22:53] Listener Bailey asks April about setting intentions. How does the idea of creating our own reality align with other aspects of astrology? And what does Leonardo DiCaprio have to do with any of it?
[28:18] Have a burning question about astrology that you'd like April to answer on a future episode? Leave a voicemail of one minute or less or just send April an email (and be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line).
[28:52] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Annette Eikerenkoetter and Debra Nehring!
[29:53] If you enjoy the show and would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the Libra Equinox, as well as bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more right here!
 

149 | Scorpio Season: Nothing Lasts Forever

This week: a very busy Sun and Venus refuel at the Mars filling station, confront the impersonality of Pluto, merge together in a conjunction, and walk hand-in-hand into Scorpio season. Saturn turns direct, and a high-tension Last Quarter Moon in Cancer shows us what we're made of. And April answers a listener's question about what Pluto entering Aquarius next year could mean for us individually, not just collectively. Plus: escape routes, meal plans, and hidden romance.
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Eclipse season begins October 25! Prepare with your personalized "Followed by a Moonshadow" eclipse report.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
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Timestamps
[1:13] The week begins with a Last Quarter Moon at 24°18' Cancer on October 17th at 10:15 am PDT.  This Last Quarter Moon features a T-Square of the Moon in Cance, opposed Pluto in Capricorn and both square the Sun at 24°Libra. Look to Aries for an escape route.
[3:33] This is the final critical moment in a Lunar Phase Gestation Cycle that began on the Cancer (28°26') New Moon on July 20, 2022. The First Quarter Moon of this cycle was in April 2021, and the Full Moon in January 2022.
[4:50] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods for this week:  October 17th, between 1:56 pm and 9:46 pm PDT. The Moon's opposition to Pluto is a time to reflect on how to make ourselves stronger and truly protected without closing off completely.
[6:15] The Moon in Leo (27°00') sextiles the Sun (Libra 27°00') on October 20th at 3:35 am PDT and is VOC for six hours before entering Virgo at 9:25 am PDT.  Look for opportunities to collaborate with another which could lead to being recognized for the star that you are!
[7:15] On October 22nd the Moon in Virgo (26°09') trines Pluto in Capricorn (26°09') at 11:17am PDT and is VOC for almost seven hours before entering Libra (6:24 pm PDT).  Cleaning or organizing could be a soothing outlet at this time.
[8:51] The Sun in Libra (24°30') trines Mars in Gemini (Oct. 17, 3:05 pm PDT), getting a welcome jolt of Mars' energy and decisiveness!
[9:56] Venus (Libra 24°42') trines Mars in Gemini (Oct. 18, 7:20 pm PDT).  Since Venus is so close to the Sun, we may have a hard time seeing an interesting prospect that is right in front of our face. Mars is on the Sabian symbol, "A Man Trimming Palms," which suggests narrowing down your possibilities.
[12:33] The Sun (Libra 26°08') squares Pluto in Capricorn (Oct. 19, 6:33 am PDT), followed by Venus later that evening (11:02 pm PDT). Channel Stuart Smalley and repeat this mantra: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and doggone it, people like me!"
[15:42] The Sun and Venus come together in a conjunction at Libra 29°26' (Oct. 22, 2:17 pm PDT), sparking a burst of creativity between October 21-23rd.
[17:46] Mercury trines Saturn just as Saturn turns direct (Oct. 22, 6:00 pm PDT, Aquarius 18°35'), an excellent time to focus on what's important.
[20:07]  Scorpio season begins! Venus enters Scorpio (Oct. 23, 12:52 am PDT), followed by the Sun (3:36 am PDT). It's time to celebrate the miracle of compost! We're also getting close to the Oct. 25 Solar Eclipse at 2° Scorpio. (What will the eclipse mean for you? Order April's Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report!)
[22:12] Listener Rachel asks about how we can cope, as individuals, with the upcoming Pluto in Aquarius era.
[29:06]  If you have a burning question about astrology that you'd like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
[29:39] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Betsy Boone and Catherine Boyer!
[30:30] If you enjoy the show and if you would like to receive April's Bonus Donors-only episode for the Libra Equinox as well as bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!

148 | Mars Meets Neptune: Pencils Down!

This week, Mercury re-enters Libra – put your pencils down and face the world! – and makes the last of three oppositions to Jupiter; the Sun and Venus unite with Saturn to make last week’s Jovian dreams a reality; and Mars initiates a sequence of three squares to Neptune – take care when operating heavy machinery! And April answers a listener question about what to do when the sign on your Ascendant clashes with planets that are very different in style. Plus: A bag of tricks, the tyranny of time, and feeding the lion!
Read a full transcript of this episode
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave a voicemail here!
It's almost eclipse time! Order your personalized "Followed by a Moonshadow" eclipse report!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Make a donation!
Timestamps
[1:07] Mercury, planet of ideas and communication, enters Libra on October 10, 2022 at 4:51 pm PDT. Time to share the thoughts and ideas that emerged while Mercury was retrograde. Leave room for adjustments.
[3:11] The Sun (Libra 18°41') trines Saturn (Aquarius 18°41') on October 11, 2022 at 6:06 pm PDT, and on October 13th at 11:21 pm PDT, Venus (Libra 18°39') trines Saturn (Aquarius 18°39'). Inspirations from last week's Sun-Venus opposition to Jupiter can become a reality, if you’re ready to do the work.
[7:18] Also on October 11, 2022 at 10:47 pm PDT, Mars (Gemini 23°21') makes the first of three, square aspects to Neptune (Pisces 23°21'). The second square is on November 19, when Mars is retrograde, and the third on March 14, 2023. Try to step outside your rigorous ideas of time, but be a little bit more cautious when driving this week!
[12:58] On October 12, 2022 at 12:24 am PDT, Mercury (Libra 1°40') makes the last of three oppositions (the first was on Sep. 2, the second on Sep. 18) to Jupiter (Aries 1°40'). What was the one thing you felt excited about at the beginning of September, when Mercury first opposed Jupiter? Now is the time to come up with a game plan to figure out where to begin, where it will end up, and the steps in between.
[15:43] Moon report!  No major lunation this week because the Last Quarter Moon will fall next week, on October 17th. And so, on to...
[16:00] Void-of-Course Moon periods: On October 10th at 7:02 am PDT, the Moon (Aries 26°07') squares Pluto (Capricorn 26°07') and is then void-of-course for about seven hours before entering Taurus (2:04 pm PDT). Practice patience with yourself and others.
[17:56] The Moon (Taurus 26°07') trines Pluto (Capricorn 26°07') on October 12th at 2:42 pm PDT. It’s then void-of-course for about seven and a half hours before entering Gemini at 10:08 pm PDT. Learning how to be grownups requires self-discipline and accepting the realities of getting things done in the world, and the Moon in Taurus harmonizes with that objective.
[19:04] On October 14th at 9:09 pm PDT, the Moon (Gemini 23°59') conjoins Mars (Gemini 23°59'), then is void-of-course for exactly 12 hours before entering Cancer on October 15th (9:11 am).
[20:52] Listener Lara asks about how to reconcile the sign on the ascendant of the chart with planets that are very different in style.
[28:20] If you have a burning question about astrology that you'd like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
[28:53] If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Sarah Jane Williamson and Tony Nader!
[29:44] If you enjoy the show and would like to make a donation, and if you would like to receive April's Bonus Donors only episode for the Libra Equinox as well bonuses for the upcoming Solstices and Aries Equinox, please go to bigskyastropod.com and donate $10 or more.