Big Sky Astrology Podcast

082 | Sun Enters Gemini: Phone Home!

April and Jen roll up their sleeves as the Sun enters busy Gemini, authoritative Saturn turns retrograde, and a Leo First Quarter Moon encourages heartfelt action. Also: Venus has a fated meeting with the Lunar North Node and then heeds Saturn’s advice to take fun seriously; the Sun is empowered by Pluto but overdoes it with Jupiter; and communicative Mercury forgets what to say with Neptune, so makes a collage instead! Plus: E.T., summer road trips, and our favorite songs from 1982!
To view the full episode show notes and the many website links, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com. (You can also leave a comment on our site, or make a contribution to support the show!)
Eclipse season is nigh: Sign up for April’s free eclipse webinar! (And order your personalized eclipse report!)
Peruse the Big Sky Astrology website to book a reading with April, enjoy her weekly essays, or sign up for her mailing list (free monthly lunar workbook and a tutorial on the Lunar Phases included)!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – April and Jen reminisce about 1982 and the sweet movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, as well as some great songs: Rio, Tainted Love,  Shadows of the Night, and Someday, Someway. (To enjoy all of our favorites from the 80s, check out our YouTube playlist! And if you’d like to tell us about your own favorite tunes from 1982, leave a comment at the website!)
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04:47 – Congrats, April! The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology is on Business Insider's list of top astrology books! (And a special thanks to Elisabeth Grace who nominated April’s book – do check out her fantastic weekly forecast that looks at astrology and news headlines!)
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06:25 – The Sun, at 26.43 Taurus, trines Pluto in Capricorn (May 17), which can be an aspect of personal empowerment! The Sun represents our will and confidence, so perhaps powerful forces will be on your side today.
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07:39 – Donuts, anyone? Venus joins the North Node at 10.46 Gemini (May 17). Venus represents important people in our lives, and the Nodes can feel fated – perhaps an important person will enter your orbit. It could also be realizing financial goals or getting on the right financial path. Or moving in a path that is true to your values and – dare we say? – fun! (To learn more about the Lunar Nodes, revisit Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses… which will also get you prepared for next week’s eclipse!).
11:30 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor: Victoria Pendragon! Check out her personal natal chart paintings!
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13:35 – **MOONWATCH ** This week we celebrate a Leo First Quarter Moon (FQM) on May 19! The Moon is at 29.01 Leo on the Sabian symbol, “An unsealed letter.” And the Sun is in Taurus on a symbol featuring April & Jen’s new favorite animal, “A peacock parading on an ancient lawn”! This FQM encourages us to get out there and show our hearts. Let yourself be seen, because perhaps what is holding you back is doing sharing on that level – by showing who you are! (This FQM is connected to a cycle and a lunar phase family that began 9 months ago. Episode 39, Leo New Moon: A Rainbow at Daybreak will help you remember what was happening then!)
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19:15 – Eclipse season is here: Sign up for April’s free eclipse webinar! (Eclipses often signal a change that you didn’t see coming. Want to learn about how the eclipses impact your personal birth chart? You can find April’s exclusive Followed by a Moonshadow Eclipse report on her website! It’s a goodie!)
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20:36 – Venus trines Saturn at 13.30 Aquarius (May 19/20). The planet of relationships is on the symbol, “A conversation by telepathy,” and the school principal of the zodiac is on the symbol, “A train entering a tunnel.” Take what you love seriously! Or this could be a cosmic suggestion to pursue more of the things that give you pleasure and make you happy.
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24:26 – The Sun enters Gemini (May 20 - June 20)! In Gemini season, we find joy through communication, getting a change of scenery, enjoying our neighborhoods, and talking to siblings, among other things.
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26:42 – The Sun barely enters Gemini when it squares Jupiter at 00.46 Pisces (May 21). Did they swap Sabian symbols? The Sun is on, “A glass bottomed boat in still water,” and Jupiter is on, “A public market.” This aspect encourages us to do more and expand our horizons, but think twice before taking on new obligations – Jupiter tends to overdo things. (This is the opening square from a cycle that began January 28, 2021. Lend your ears to Episode 66, Leo Full Moon: Dinner and Bingo! for more.)
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29:42 – How to say this? Mercury, at 22.53 Gemini, squares Neptune in Pisces (May 22/23). This can indicate a struggle to express what’s inexpressible… we’re at a loss for what else to say… 😉 But this is a great aspect for intuition and imagination! Do a visual, creative project if you’d like. Or check out the feelings wheel to help you name your emotions!
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32:37 – Be the author of your own story! Saturn stations retrograde at 13.31 Aquarius on May 23. Themes of boundaries, authority figures, and establishing routines and structures might arise. How are you setting up your life so that it supports the direction in which you’re going?
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35:35 – So many free ways to support the BSA podcast, friends: Kindly rate us 5 stars, subscribe or follow, and/or leave a warm review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by donors JAN GRIFFIN, FRANCINE PARLING, and ANGELA NIETUPSKI! Thank you, Jan, Francine, and Angela, for contributing to our Podathon! If other happy listeners would like to support the show, contribute $5 or more and we’ll send you an invite to our upcoming exclusive solstice episode – just a month away!

081 | Taurus New Moon & Jupiter in Pisces: A Whale of a Show!

April and Jen don their leg warmers as the biggest planet of all – Jupiter – splashes into Pisces this week! Also: a grounding Taurus New Moon beckons us to consider our values; curious Mercury joins up with the North Node, then brainstorms with Saturn; watery workhorse Mars receives an opportunity from Uranus; and the Sun continues to dream with Neptune. Plus: Our favorite songs from 1981!
Eclipse season is nigh: Sign up for one of April’s free eclipse webinars! (And order your personalized eclipse report!)
Love the BSA pod? To make a thank-you donation or leave a comment for us, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Peruse the Big Sky Astrology website to book a reading with April, enjoy her weekly essays, or sign up for her mailing list (free monthly lunar workbook AND a tutorial on the Lunar Phases included)!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – One of us wore high-tops of different colors in 1981 – who can it be now? Surely it was a lovely day as we wore our shoulder pads, feeling like geniuses of love, and singing at the top of our lungs, “Don’t stand so close to me!” (To enjoy all of our favorites from the 80s, check out our YouTube playlist! And if you’d like to tell us about your own favorite tunes from 1981, leave a comment at the website!)
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04:44 – Be curious! Mercury conjuncts the Lunar North Node (May 10) at 10.45 Gemini, on the Sabian symbol, “A new path of realism in experience.” It’s a good time for reading, writing, journaling, being open-minded, and letting go of thinking we know everything. (Review the Gemini/Sagittarius nodal polarity in Episode 24, Scorpio Full Moon & Lunar Nodes for Grasshoppers. And learn more about the nodes in Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses!)
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07:57 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor: Victoria Pendragon! Check out her personal natal chart paintings!
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09:52 – **MOONWATCH ** There’s a New Moon at 21.17 Taurus this week (May 11)! This NM is on the symbol, “A white dove over troubled waters,” which references peace, overcoming troubles, and offering resolutions! As always, this kicks off a 2.5-year lunar phase family and in 9 months, we will see the opening act of a story that is beginning now around Taurus themes of security, confidence, well-being, finances, and self-worth. What story is starting for you? What do you value?
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12:27 – The compacted soil gets some air: This New Moon is ruled by Venus in Gemini. It’s a great time for intention-setting – write it down!
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15:08 – Eclipse season will soon be here: Sign up for April’s free eclipse webinar! (Eclipses often signal a change that you didn’t see coming. Want to learn about how the eclipses impact your personal birth chart? You can find April’s exclusive Followed by a Moonshadow Eclipse report on her website! It’s a goodie!)
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16:29 – Mars in Cancer sextiles Uranus at 11.19 Taurus (May 11). If you experienced sudden changes back in January (when the planet of action joined up with the planet of surprises), especially related to work, this week may bring a lead or opportunity to move in a new work direction. (Revisit Episode 65, Mars, Uranus, and Revisiting the US Pluto Return for more on that conjunction.)
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19:05 – Buckle down! Mercury, at 13.25 Gemini, trines Saturn in Aquarius (May 12). The planet of communication is on the symbol, “A conversation by telepathy.” The school principal of the zodiac is on, “A train entering a tunnel.” This is a great time for mental focus!
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20:28 – Time to float: The Sun, at 22.41 Taurus, sextiles Neptune in Pisces (May 12). This continues a cycle that began March 10th (listen to Episode 72, Pisces New Moon: Kitchen Cats and Angular Houses for more). Neptune is on the Sabian symbol, “A Spiritist Phenomena.” This planetary combo offers us a branch, as the unseen parts of life are grounded in reality. We’re getting our sea legs!
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22:31 – It’s story time: Why mention when the planets first met up? A narrative unfolds, and it always starts when two planets meet. We revisit this narrative over and over throughout a period of weeks, months, or years, depending on the two planets involved!
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23:20 – Is it a whale or a fish? Jupiter enters Pisces (May 13 - July 28)! This is an 11-week sneak preview of coming attractions (when Jupiter enters Pisces “for real” on Dec. 28, 2021). The planet of abundance makes it to 2.11 Pisces and then turns retrograde on June 20; it continues backwards and re-enters Aquarius July 28. It will go all the way back to 22.19 Aquarius and then turns direct on October 17.
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24:08 – Jupiter has a 12-year cycle and spends roughly a year in each sign. It was previously in Pisces from Jan. 17, 2010 – June 5, 2010 and also from Sep. 8, 2010 – Jan. 22, 2011. What was happening in your life then?
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24:41 – Jupiter represents optimism and broadening our horizons. It is where we want to grow and experience new things and take chances! In Pisces, we want to feel life has meaning, and that we are growing spirituality. Pay attention to what themes come up for you over this 11-week period! What inspires you? What’s your dream? Are you feeling this whale of a planet? (Wondering what Jupiter in Pisces means for you? Book a reading with April!)
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28:17 – Hi, friends! Lots of free ways to support the BSA podcast: Please rate us 5 stars, subscribe or follow, and/or leave a warm review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by donors MARIA ESCUDERO, REBECCA GILHULA, and LORI RODEFER! Thank you, Maria, Rebecca, and Lori, for contributing to our Podathon! If other happy listeners would like to support the show and help cover overhead costs, please donate $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special episodes – plus, you’ll receive our super cute bingo card! Now, excuse us while we go find our leg warmers… have a good week!

080 | Mercury and Venus Enter Gemini: They’re Pie-adjacent!

Forgetting for a minute that this is an astrology podcast, April and Jen kick off their series of 80s episodes with their favorite songs from 1980! Hum along to your favorite 80s tunes as we chat about Mercury and Venus entering the communicative sign of Gemini, and a motivational Last Quarter Moon in the forward-thinking sign of Aquarius! Also: Mercury and Venus finish their Taurus vacation with some motivation from Jupiter, Saturn demands that we buckle down and work harder on our creative projects, and Venus cleans house and lightens our load with a little help from Pluto. Plus: cobbler, pie’s single-crust cousin; peacock feathers; and reminiscing about MTV!
Sign up for one of April’s free eclipse webinars!
Wondering how to find meaning in the patterns of your life? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Are we excited to kick off the first of the next ten episodes featuring our favorite songs from 1980?! Is the sky blue? Do dogs bark? Is the mullet business in the front and a party in the back? Why, yes! Yes indeed! Jen favors I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross and Take the Long Way Home by Supertramp. April votes for Is She Really Going Out with Him by Joe Jackson and Whip It by Devo. These and other favorites from 1980 on our (imaginary sponsor) YouTube playlist! And if you’d like to tell us about your own favorite tunes from 1980, leave a comment at the website!
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07:43 – Mercury, at 28.41 Taurus, squares Jupiter in Aquarius (May 3). Mercury is on the Sabian symbol “Two cobblers working at a table,” and Jupiter is on “A butterfly emerging from a chrysalis.” This speaks to working together with someone on something that’s about to reveal its finished form. And blueberry cobbler, natch!
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11:58 – The Sun, at 13.11 Taurus, squares Saturn in Aquarius (May 3). The cosmic taskmaster is on, “A train entering a tunnel.” Focus, friends. Focus. (To hear more about this aspect, listen to Episode 79, Scorpio Full Moon: Bust Out Your Cape!)
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15:22 – Eclipse season is arriving soon! Sign up for April’s free eclipse webinar!
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16:43 – **MOONWATCH ** This week brings a Last Quarter Moon (LQM) at 13.35 Aquarius (May 3) on the Sabian symbol “A train entering a tunnel.” The Sun sits on “Shellfish groping and children playing.” This is a great LQM for getting motivated, focused, and disciplined! And if you’ve been feeling the celestial friction over the past weeks, check out Pema Chödrön’s book When Things Fall Apart.
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20:48 – Eclipses often signal a change that you didn’t see coming. Want to learn about how the eclipses impact your personal birth chart? You can find April’s exclusive Followed by a Moonshadow Eclipse report on her website! It’s a goodie!
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21:56 – Mercury enters Gemini (May 3 – July 11). The planet of communication is in its rulership, and very strong here. Mercury will be in Gemini an extra-long time due to its upcoming retrograde period (May 29 – June 22). (Get yourself prepared by listening to Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants?)
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25:14 – Mercury will be out of bounds from May 7-30, which means it exceeds 23°26’ by declination. Communication may become more unpredictable, and we might see more scandals in news headlines – people in hot water related to things they have said.
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27:13 – Venus, at 26.47 Taurus, trines Pluto in Cap (May 6). Venus is cleaning house, preparing to move into a new sign. This is a great time to let go of possessions that have outlived their usefulness. Lighten your load for the journey ahead!
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30:09 – How luxurious: Venus, now at 29.21 Taurus, squares Jupiter in Aquarius (May 8) on the symbol “A peacock parading on an ancient lawn.” Jupiter is on “The field of Ardath in bloom.” Try to find where you are blessed by bounty, friends.
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32:17 – Let your people know you care! Venus enters Gemini (May 8 - June 2), and is under rulership of an out-of-bounds Mercury. Perhaps unusual relationships will form, or come to an end; this leans in the direction of feeling the freedom to do what you want to do. In the sign of the twins, Venus enjoys spending time with siblings and neighbors and is inspired to trade words of love. Woot!
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35:44 – Do you love the BSA podcast? Please support the show (it’s free!) by giving us lots of stars, subscribing or following, and/or leaving a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by donors MARIJA SRETENOVIC, IZABELLA PEREGRINO, and LIGA SIRONA! Thank you Marija, Izabella, and Liga, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other dear listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please toss $5 or more our way and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes – plus, you’ll receive our super cute bingo card! Rock on!

079 | Scorpio Full Moon: Bust Out Your Cape!

April and Jen embrace the month of May and an unpredictable Full SuperMoon in Scorpio! It’s a dramatic week in the skies, as Pluto scans for connections while turning retrograde, Mercury and Venus heed Neptune’s siren call, and the Sun pairs up with Uranus in a surprising spring bouquet. Plus: April’s first time on stage, magic beans, and… whoever thought the beginning of summer was May 1 surely didn’t live in Minneapolis!
Wondering how to find meaning in the patterns of your life? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Lady April and her pal Jen wish you all a Happy Beltane season!
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03:15 – **MOONWATCH ** This week’s dramatic Full Moon is at 7°06’ Scorpio (April 26/27) on the Sabian symbol “The Moon shining across a lake.” The Sun is in Taurus on “A sleigh without snow.” There is a gimungous T-square in this chart (Sun/Uranus/Venus/Mercury opposed Full Moon) which could be exciting, stressful, or both; all four will square Saturn. This Full Moon is connected to a New Moon from Oct 27, 2019; what story was happening for you then? This is the point in the cycle where more is revealed. (Of course, this is also connected to the New Moon in Aries from two weeks ago: Episode 76, Aries New Moon: An 8-Track Mind.)
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08:36 – The T-square from this Full Moon finds its release point in Leo. If you feel “off” or uncentered during this tense and unpredictable time, look for healthy ways to express yourself: paint, listen to music, write, have fun with friends, spend time with pets, or do something creative! Plus, look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Supermoon!
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12:31 – Pluto is unaspected and therefore prominent in the Full Moon chart, and turns retrograde at 26°48’ Capricorn (April 27) on the much-talked about symbol, “A mountain pilgrimage.” (Review Episode 76, Aries New Moon: An 8-Track Mind for more on that one!) How do you deal with downturns and reversals, after you’ve worked very hard to build something up? (We previously discussed Pluto retrograde on Episode 22, Taurus New Moon and Venus Gone Wild. And to review unaspected planets, listen to one of our most popular episodes, Episode 53, Our Taurus Full Moon Halloween Spooktacular!)
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16:16 – Mercury, at 22°21 Taurus, sextiles Neptune in Pisces (April 29/30). Venus, at 22°26 Taurus, then follows suit (May 2). The planets in the sign of the bull are on the symbol “A jewelry shop” while Neptune, in the sign of interconnectedness, is on “Spiritist phenomena.” These aspects speak to opportunities for our strongest talents and skills (Mercury) and our most valuable and attractive resources (Venus/Taurus) to be used in the service of others (Neptune).
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18:21 – The Sun conjuncts Uranus 10°40’ Taurus (April 30) on the Sabian symbol, “A woman sprinkling flowers.” This can be a good time for creative and unusual breakthroughs! Do take care though, dear listeners, as the symbol indicates use of water, and Uranus can be electric – wear your rubber gloves and avoid shocks, if at all possible!
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20:06 – Mercury trines Pluto (May 2) on the Sabian symbol for 27 Taurus, “An Indian woman selling beads.” Pluto sits on 27 Capricorn, “A mountain pilgrimage” (of course!!). Perhaps, if you’re doing your work with diligence and integrity, you will be connected to helpful and powerful people.
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23:52 – Do you love the BSA podcast? Please support the show (it’s free!) by giving us lots of stars, subscribing or following, and/or leaving a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by donors CHRISTINE MARSDEN, HENRIETTA WINSTON, and JAMES BROPHY! Thank you, Christine, Henrietta, and James, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other lovely listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please toss $5 or more our way and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes! Huzzah!

078 | Mars in Cancer: Crawling with Pinchers

April and Jen translate the skies for you, as Mercury and the Sun get physical in Taurus, Mars crawls into his Cancer shell, and we welcome a hot-blooded, heart-centered Leo First Quarter Moon! Also, Venus teams up with Uranus for unexpected pleasures, but argues with Saturn over baggage – and Mercury jumps in to play mediator. Plus: free lunches, an expressive garden hose, and grabby pets!
Wondering how to find meaning in the patterns of your life? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – The Sun, Mercury, and Mars all change signs, so moods and style of behavior are all shifting, too! But remember that this translation is our interpretation – take what feels right and leave the rest (as always)!
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02:22 – Mercury and the Sun both enter Taurus (April 19). Our style of communicating becomes slower and more thoughtful, and energy and inspiration come from communing with the physical world. (To hear about Venus’s entry into Taurus, review Episode 77, The Crescent Moon & Getting our Ducks in a Row.)
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08:11 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor: Victoria Pendragon! Check out her personal natal chart paintings!
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10:26 – **MOONWATCH ** We have a Leo First Quarter Moon (FQM) this week (April 19)! The Moon is on the Sabian symbol for 1 Leo, “A case of apoplexy.” The Sun is on 1 Taurus, “A clear mountain stream.” Perhaps this is a warning about getting upset and going over the top? But we’re also reminded to relax and pause for refreshment! Leo symbolizes creative expression, and this FQM is connected to the New Moon at 29 Cancer from July 20, 2020 (Episode 35, A Second Cancer New Moon, and Savoring the Sun in Leo). What were you wishing you had more time to do last summer? What is your path with heart?
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13:00 – This FQM opposes/squares the point where Jupiter and Saturn conjoined, which was a big deal! (Episode 61, The Great Conjunction of Jupiter & Saturn: We Feel Bloated!) Do you have anything around 0° of fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius)? This might be a moment of awareness regarding what that conjunction meant for you – as time passes, these themes are revealed. And because that meet-up was at 0°, it can take time for the unfolding story to exhibit itself in your life.
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14:55 – Venus joins up with Uranus at 10.13 Taurus (April 22/23) on the symbol, “A woman sprinkling flowers.” This combination can bring unexpected pleasures, unexpected income or expenditures, or there may be new developments in relationships.
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16:36 – Mercury copies Venus and also meets with Uranus at 10.18 Taurus (April 23/24). The planet of communication – together with the planet of break-ups/breakdowns/break-throughs – can bring flashes of inspiration, ideas for improving practical challenges, and radical or shocking speech.
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17:32 – Mars leaves his scissors behind, and swims into Cancer (April 23)! In the sign of the crab, the planet of action tends to defend loved ones, or there may be themes of family battles. Folks may seem a little more prickly, defensive, and a slightly more frustrated. Helpful hint: When problems arise, it might be worthwhile to take a step back, and see if there is a more strategic way to work through issues.
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20:40 – Venus makes a square to Saturn at 12.52 Aquarius (April 24/25) on the Sabian symbol for 13 Taurus, “A man handling baggage.” There’s no such thing as a free lunch! And perhaps this symbol is saying: If we want to have good relationships, we’ll need to “handle our baggage.” (This opening square is linked to the conjunction from Feb. 5, 2021. Listen to Episode 67, Venus Joins a Crowded Aquarius Party for more on that.)
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22:09 – Mercury, at nearly the same degree (12.53 Taurus), squares Saturn as well and finishes the Saturn work that Venus started (April 25). Communicating is key, and this could be a good time to deal with difficult conversations, complete a written project, study for an exam, or prepare for an important meeting.
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22:41 – Later that day, Mercury catches up to Venus at 13.47 Taurus (April 25) on the odd symbol, “Shellfish groping and children playing,” which of course makes us think of a certain kitty named Toby! Mercury coming together with Venus is a good moment to improve communication.
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24:34 – Mercury first joined up with Saturn on Jan. 9, 2021, so go back to Episode 63, Mars Enters Taurus (And There Was Much Rejoicing!) and think about what was happening for you then. (And hey, while you’re at it, it would probably be wise to review  Episode 69, Saturn and Uranus: That Escalated Quickly!, since the ginormous Saturn/Uranus square is getting triggered this week.)
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26:50 – If you’d like to support the show (at no cost to you!) please give us lots of stars, subscribe or follow, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by donors MARTISA REGISTER, NICKY BONNER, and CELESTE BROOKS! Thank you, Martisa, Nicky, and Celeste for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other dear podpals haven’t had the chance to donate, please toss $5 or more our way and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes! Thanks!

077 | The Crescent Moon & Getting our Ducks in a Row

April and Jen plunge themselves into a full week, with creative activities getting a boost from the Sun, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter – as long as Pluto decides our efforts are sincere. Venus enters Taurus, a reminder to stop and smell the roses (but keep an eye out for a few Saturn/Uranus thorns). This week’s lack of a major lunar phase to sing about makes room for a mini-lesson on the Crescent Moon! And finally, Jupiter rewards at least some of our Mars-in-Gemini projects. Plus: Are we counting the weeks until we can start talking about specific 80s songs? Why yes, yes we are! Three to go!
Wondering how to find meaning in the patterns of your life? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Want to learn some more astrology? Do check out April’s fantastic book The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology! (Psst! Oprah likes it, too!) And don’t forget to forage through our podcast archives – plenty of learning opportunities in each and every episode!
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03:15 – The Sun, at 24.14 Aries, sextiles Mars in Gemini (April 13). The Sun represents selfhood and heart, and Mars is how we get things done. In this case, the heart is made visible through our work. (Review Episode 16, Let's Talk about Sextiles for more on this aspect.)
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​05:00 – Then the Sun sextiles Jupiter at 25.56 Aquarius (April 15). The Sun is on the Sabian symbol, “A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold.” Jupiter sits on, “A hydrometer.” Are you doing too much? Just because you can do everything doesn’t mean you have to!
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06:03 – The Sun continues on and squares Pluto at 26.46 Capricorn (April 16). While the Sun is about self, Pluto is about the communal experience and what serves the greater good. We might find ourselves pushing to believe in ourselves this week. (Hint: Often, the best way to regain confidence is to confront a difficult challenge.) Pluto is on the symbol, “A mountain pilgrimage” (which we discuss in last week’s Episode 76, Aries New Moon: An 8-Track Mind).
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08:39 – Remember, squares and oppositions (hard aspects) often force us to take action (whether we want to or not). We may or may not notice trines and sextiles (soft aspects), and we often have a choice about responding (or not).
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10:40 – Venus enters Taurus (April 14 - May 8)! Venus represents what we want, our values, and our relationships. In Taurus, we may feel more patient for what we want, and we may find ourselves enjoying the pleasures of the good life.
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12:27 – Head’s up! Venus will make a conjunction with Uranus and square to Saturn next week, so this Venus in Taurus may bring unexpected financial/relationship developments. (And let’s not forget that Saturn and Uranus are in a square all year! Here’s a great one to listen to: Episode 69, Saturn and Uranus: That Escalated Quickly!) And, if you have planets between 9°-12° of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius… you’re probably feeling the squeeze, podpals.
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16:28 – Mars, at 26.12 Gemini, trines Jupiter in Aquarius (April 16). While Mars has been in the sign of the twins, the drive to learn more and explore different options has been at the forefront. It’s possible that now we will see some rewards! Yay!
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19:13 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our newest non-imaginary sponsor: Victoria Pendragon! Check out her personal natal chart paintings! (Note: V's new site is all set up!)
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22:37 – **MOONWATCH ** This week we welcome the Crescent Moon at 11.28 Gemini (Apr. 15, 10:57 pm – Apr. 19, 11:59 pm PDT)! The Crescent Moon begins when the Moon makes a semisquare aspect (45°) to the Sun; in this case, the Sun is at 26.28 Aries. This is the moment in the lunar cycle when something often captures our interest. The Moon sits on the Sabian symbol, “A slave girl demands her rights of her mistress,” which speaks to standing up for yourself, or appreciating someone who does. (Check out Episode 74, Libra Full Moon: Go Fly a Kite! for more on that symbol, or learn more about the lunar phases in Episode 34, The 8 Lunar Phases: Have Them with a Salad!) Don’t forget to sign up for April's mailing list to get her free Moon tutorial!
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27:13 – Mercury is busy on the 17th!! The planet of communication is at 27° Aries, and first sextiles Jupiter in Aquarius (9:00 am PDT), then sextiles Mars in Gemini (12:09 pm PDT), and finally squares Pluto in Capricorn (2:49 pm PDT). The sextiles represent opportunities being presented to us, but we are likely to feel the square the most because we may be presented with a problem we are forced to untangle.
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29:56 – Cazimi! Mercury joins up with the Sun at 29.14 Aries (April 18) on the symbol, “A duck pond and its brood.” Time to get your ducks in a row! (And here are some NASA skywatching tips.)
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31:04 – Here’s your refresher on what it means when a planet is at the last degree (29°) of a sign! We also covered planets at 0 and 29 degrees in Episode 15, Venus + Pie: 0-29 Degrees of Separation.
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34:37 – Hi, friends! If you’d like to support the show (at no cost to you!) please give us lots of stars, subscribe or follow, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by donors ANNIE YAKUTIS, JACINTA ARMSTRONG, and MARINA VASILIC! Thank you, Annie, Jacinta, and Marina for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other dear listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please chuck $5 or more our way and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes! Have a good week, podpals!

076 | Aries New Moon: An 8-Track Mind

April and Jen load up their favorite eight-track tapes and rock out under a driven (vaguely obsessed?) Aries New Moon! It’s a sextile-heavy week, so opportunities abound: Venus charms Mars, Jupiter, and even Pluto; Mercury, Saturn, and the Moon’s North Node offer our hard work and chops a chance to shine. Sure, there are a few discordant notes between Venus and Pluto, and Mars and Neptune… but really, when you’re kicking back with good tunes, what could go wrong? Plus: cat toes, Johnny Cash, and Pluto in Aquarius in 2023 (yes, really).
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To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
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Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Click! Does anyone out there have eight-track tapes? (Bueller, Bueller?) Listen to them with your pets on April 11!
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03:41 – Opportunities abound: Venus, at 19.43 Aries, sextiles Mars in Gemini (April 6). The planet of relationships is on the Sabian symbol, “A young girl feeding birds in winter” while the planet of action is on, “A cafeteria.” These represent the idea of being fed vs. feeding oneself. Sometimes it’s okay to accept help from others! And sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.
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​07:28 – Mars squares Neptune at 21.43 Pisces (Apr. 9). This is the opening square of a cycle that began in June 2020. Do you feel called to take action to promote your sense of spiritual truth? (Review Episode 29, Neptune Washing Over All, and the US Pluto Return, which is when this cycle started.)
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​11:04 – Saturn, at 12.01 Aquarius, trines the North Node in Gemini (Apr. 9/10). This is a moment when your intense hard work and self-discipline puts you in a position to demonstrate your skills and shine while doing something you love! Saturn is on the symbol, “A barometer” while the North Node is on, “A great musician at his piano.” Time to improvise with something you’ve been practicing. You’ve got this!
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14:35 – Mercury in Aries sextiles Saturn and then the North Node, about an hour apart (April 10). Head’s up for an opportunity to build new skills and make something lasting out of what you know! (Lots of sextiles this week – lend your ears to Episode 16, Let's Talk about Sextiles for more on this aspect!)
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15:33 – Venus sextiles Jupiter (April 10) on the Sabian symbol for 26 Aries, “A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold.” The planet of abundance sits on 26 Aquarius, “A hydrometer.” This week might bring a great opportunity that you can’t say no to, even though you know you can’t easily handle what it requires. Ask yourself: Is it substantial enough to say yes? The benefit seems to come later on, so decide whether it’s worth it in the present.
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18:12 – **MOONWATCH ** The New Moon is at 22.24 Aries (Apr 11/12). About an hour later, Venus in Aries squares Pluto at 26.44 Capricorn; this creates a driven quality to the New Moon – are you feeling a little obsessive about something you want? Is it for the good of all?
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20:42 – The Sabian symbol for the New Moon is, “A woman in pastel colors carrying a heavy and valuable but veiled load.” This lends a sense of quiet determination and knowing your value but not letting it be widely seen. What is worth measuring to you?
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22:53 – The symbols for Venus and Pluto at this New Moon are 27 Aries, “A lost opportunity regained in the imagination,” and 27 Capricorn, “A mountain pilgrimage.” Have you been visualizing and/or training for something? It’s possible this could be a time when faced with obstacles to achieving it. But if you’ve been preparing for this, and it’s for the good of all, you can push through if you want to!
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24:12 – Look for the house of your birth chart with 22.24 and 26.44 Aries in it. This is where you’re hatching something new that will unfold over the next 2.5 years. The house where 26.44 Capricorn lies is where you have to ignore the self-doubts that could hold you back. And 13 Aquarius (Saturn) is where you’ve been preparing! (Not sure how to find these degrees in your chart? Check out April’s handy video: Where does the transit fall in my chart?)
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24:53 – PSA: Pluto will be on “A mountain pilgrimage” for a while, since he turns retrograde on this point later this month! (You’re welcome!)
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25:22 – All New Moons begin a 28-day cycle, but they also initiate a 2.5-year cycle. This New Moon initiates a new Lunar Phase Family. (First Quarter: Jan. 9, 2022, 19.27 Aries – the call to action; Full Moon: Oct. 9, 2022, 16.32 Aries – the revelation point; Last Quarter: July 9, 2023, 17.35 Aries – the crisis of confidence.)
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27:26 – Why is Pluto so important in this New Moon chart, and why are we talking about 2023? (Head’s up: Pluto will enter Aquarius March 23-June 11, 2023, and then re-enters Aquarius Jan. 20-Sep. 1, 2024, and again on Nov. 19, 2024).
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24:28 – Hi, friends! If you’d like to support the show (at no cost to you!) please give us lots of stars, subscribe or follow, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by donors MARIA REBELO, ANITA PRICE, and non-imaginary sponsor SHELLIE CROW! Thank you, Maria, Anita, and Shellie for contributing to our Podathon! Also, it’s not too late to listen to our exclusive equinox episode - just donate $5 or more, and we’ll send it to you, along with our amusing bingo card! Thanks for listening!

075 | Mercury in Aries: Gluten Tag, Y’all!

April and Jen loaf around while covering a week full of Mercury goodness! The god of communication first joins up with Neptune, then makes a friendly move on Pluto before running headfirst into Aries! A Capricorn Last Quarter Moon urges resolution of 2019 and 2020 eclipse challenges, and the Sun, Venus, and Saturn flock together. Plus: mutual reception, our new favorite April 1 celebration, and wishing you a week that is not crummy!
It’s not too late to receive our extra special Aries Equinox episode! Become a podpal for $5 or more and receive bonus material for a year!
Wondering how to find meaning in the patterns of your life? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – April 1 is National Sourdough Bread Day! Whatever occasion you’re celebrating –  whether Passover or Easter or Holi or something else – treat yourself to something delicious! (Maybe you’ll bake a loaf yourself, or share one with a friend? Let us know what you do in the comments over at www.bigskyastropod.com!)
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05:24 – Mercury joins up with Neptune at 21.20 Pisces (March 29), beginning a new synodic cycle of learning, truth, and understanding. It’s a good day to take naps and listen to 80s music! What would the world be like if you were reimagining it from scratch? (The Sun and Venus joined up with Neptune in Episode 72, Pisces New Moon: Kitchen Cats and Angular Houses; might be helpful to review that episode!)
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09:39 – First Venus, at 11.16 Aries, then the Sun at 11.21 Aries, make friendly sextiles to Saturn (March 30 and 31). Sextiles offer opportunities; Saturn refers to discipline, maturity, structures, hard work, and authority; Venus symbolizes pleasure, values, and relationships. Venus/Sun are on the Sabian symbol, “A flock of white geese.” Saturn is on, “People on stairs graduated upwards.” Cooperation, anyone? (Always helpful to hear Episode 16, Let's Talk about Sextiles for more on this aspect!)
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12:55 – Deep insights approaching: Mercury sextiles Pluto (April 1) on the Sabian symbol for 27 Pisces, “A harvest Moon.” Pluto is on 27 Capricorn, “A mountain pilgrimage.” The Sun and Venus connected to Pluto a couple of weeks ago; lend your ears to Episode 73, 073 | The Aries Equinox: De-Funkify Yourself for more on these symbols.
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14:50 – Get to the point! Mercury zips into Aries (April 3 - 19), where it thinks fast, talks fast, and moves fast. Mercury and Mars are in mutual reception, meaning each is in the sign the other rules (to hear our original mutual reception discussion, go waaaaay back to Episode 4, The Capricorn Solstice Is Frequently Sunny in Minneapolis). Do drive carefully, friends, won’t you please?
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17:55 – **MOONWATCH ** The Last Quarter Moon (LQM) occurs at 14.51 Capricorn (April 4) and enjoys some good aspects! This LQM brings a conclusion to the March 13 Pisces New Moon, and is also connected to the Lunar Phase Family that began with a solar eclipse on Jan. 5, 2019. Do you have planets or points in your chart between 12-15° of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Cap)? You’re being asked to take action in response to the July 2020 Full Moon/eclipse; it’s time to correct course. (Does your birth chart look like gibberish to you? Book a reading with April! She’ll help you out!)
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22:01 – This LQM is ruled by Saturn in Aquarius. The school principal of the zodiac is asking you to step up and get your work done!
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24:28 – Hi, friends! If you’d like to support the show (at no cost to you!) please give us lots of stars, subscribe or follow, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by donors STEPHANIE FROGGE, MICHELLE CAVALLARO, and ALINA WALSER! Thank you, Stephanie, Michelle, and Alina for contributing to our Podathon! Also, it’s not too late to grab up our exclusive equinox episode - just donate $5 or more, and we’ll send it to you, along with our ridiculously fun bingo card! Thanks for listening!