Big Sky Astrology Podcast

054 | Mercury Gets Our Vote – Hopefully!

April & Jen approach the astrology of this U.S. election week with beginner’s mind: We welcome our new listeners and take a step back to bring everyone up to speed on terms like “stationing,” “retrograde,” “transit,” “square,” and “aspect”! This week, Mercury comes to a halt, faces forward, and confronts Saturn; there’s a Last Quarter Moon in Leo; and we get a head start on next week’s opposition between Venus and Mars. And hey, what are the Sabian symbols, anyway?
Check out April’s upcoming presentation on Neptune in Relationship!
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 – If you’re living in the US, remember to vote! (Like you could forget, right?) With Mercury’s antics this week, also make sure to double-check everything! If you are in need of any voting information, check out the handy When We All Vote Voter Resources Hub, which includes info about your voting rights as well as the election protection hotline.
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04:01 – Here are 8 questions that can help you with election stress. And here’s the NPR podcast Life Kit to help with anxiety. (Check out their whole catalogue if you’d like – lots of different interesting topics, served up in short and digestible tidbits.)
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06:43 – Listen to April’s guest appearance on the Energetic Principles podcast, where her friend, host Mel LaFara, arrives at her milestone 100th episode!
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07:45 – A couple of astrological colleagues have helpful new books out: We’re talking about The Cosmic Calendar by Christopher Renstrom and 10-Minute Moon Rituals by Simone Butler! Woot!
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8:36 – Mercury stations direct at 25.53 Libra on Election Day (Nov. 3)! What is “stationing”? What is “retrograde”? Bottom line: double-check everything (have we said that already?!) because this brings an unstable energy to all things related to the election process. *sigh* Mercury will leave its shadow – which is where it all began – on Nov. 19.
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10:59 – Is the planetary energy that we talk about each week relevant for everyone on the planet? (Quick answer: Yes! But it impacts your personalized birth chart in a particular way.)
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14:08 – Take your Neptune insights to a dreamy new level and sign up for April’s Nov. 7presentation on Saints & Suckers: Neptune in Relationship if you’d like!
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14:29 – What are these “transits” that we refer to every week?
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16:12 – Mercury, at 26.31 of Libra, squares Saturn in Capricorn for the third and final time (Nov. 6). The planet of communication comes up against the planet of boundaries, restrictions, and hard work. The opportunity? Gaining better clarity about something, or getting your message heard. (To review the previous two squares, listen to Episode 48, The Libra Equinox & Mercury Goes Sleuthing and Episode 53, Our Taurus Full Moon Halloween Spooktacular!)
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19:07 – ** MOONWATCH! ** This week we welcome a Leo Last Quarter Moon (Nov. 8)! This winding down, wrapping up phase has the Moon sitting on the Sabian symbol for 17 Leo, “A non-vested church choir.” Join your voice with others; you’ll have a better chance of being heard! The Sun is on the symbol “A woman the father of her own child.” The tension is around keeping to ourselves vs. making the effort to collaborate with others. (To learn more about the lunar cycles, visit Episode 34, The 8 Lunar Phases: Have Them with a Salad! And you can always see specific episode artwork at our website!)
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23:16 – Venus in Libra opposes Mars in Aries in this lunar chart (exact Nov. 9). This pits the concepts of relating and being in a partnership against doing things on your own, in your own way. (And for the record, Sister Act is from 1992, not the 80s. Oops! But there’s a Mercury retrograde lesson for you: We double-checked the year while we were putting together these show notes! 😉)
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25:18 – What are the Sabian symbols? A brief description. You can also learn more through books by Lynda Hill, Blain Bovee, and Marc Edmund Jones.
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27:55 – Slam dunk! Thanks for listening, friends! If you’re so moved, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a kind review. This episode is brought to you by Podathon donor KERRIN GIBBONS! Thank you, Kerrin, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other dear listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please kick in $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our solstice/equinox episodes! Thanks, podpals!

053 | Our Taurus Full Moon Halloween Spooktacular!

April & Jen don their podcasting costumes for a surprising Halloween Taurus Full Moon, Mercury and Saturn fight about what’s fair, and a luxurious trip to Libra for Venus and Mercury - from opposite ends of the sign. Plus: unaspected planets, birth certificate questions, and Jen’s best intro ever! And if you’re in the US, don’t forget to turn back your clocks on November 1!
Check out April’s upcoming workshop on Neptune in Relationship!
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 and Jen’s Halloween traditions include Chinese food and Spooky Ghost Casserole (which is a from-scratch version of this cute recipe).
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03:29 – On Episode 49, Saturn & Pluto Leave the Station, listener Jodie left a comment inquiring about an exactly-on-the-hour time of birth. April’s suspicious Neptune in Scorpio raises an eyebrow. Here are some suggestions for finding a “real” birth time - for humans and pets (thanks, Steven Forrest!).
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09:39 – Mercury retrograde (Rx) and Venus head into Libra minutes apart and from opposite ends of the sign (Oct. 27, 6:34 and 6:41 pm PDT)! The planet of communication focuses on diplomacy and fair play here, while Venus is in the sign of her rulership and enjoys the company of others. Mercury exits Libra on Nov. 10, and the planet of relating packs her bags Nov. 22. (Listen to Episode 41, Pisces Full Moon and the Yin to Your Yang to hear more about Mercury’s entry into Libra.)
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15:22 – ** MOONWATCH! ** Happy Halloween (Oct. 31)! The Full Moon at 8.38 Taurus brings us a surprise this year: It conjoins Uranus and opposes the Sun today! Full Moons are always a time of illumination and awareness – what will come to light? The Moon is on the incongruous Sabian symbol “A Christmas Tree,” while the Sun’s symbol is “Dental Work” – together, these speak of the unexpected and going deep to get rid of whatever is hidden and unhealthy. Funny that “dental work” falls on a day celebrated by candy companies… and let’s welcome new imaginary sponsor Peeps!
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20:58 – Venus needs a buddy in this Full Moon chart! What does it mean when a planet is unaspected, i.e. not connecting to any other planet? Our cell phones are searching for an answer!
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23:24 – This Full Moon is not only connected to the Libra New Moon from two weeks ago (Episode 51, Libra New Moon: Symmetry Schmemmetry!), but also to a lunar cycle that began in May 2019. (Bonus! If you listen to the previously mentioned Episode 41, you’ll also get to learn about the fascinating lunar phase families!)
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24:51 – Mercury Rx makes the second of three squares to Saturn (Nov. 1) on the Sabian symbol for 27 Libra “An airplane hovering overhead.” Saturn is on 27 Capricorn “A mountain pilgrimage.” This illustrates two different ways of getting to the top: One involves hard work, and the other involves an easy step onto a plane. Ask yourself: Are you being fair, kind, equitable, and listening as much as you are speaking? (To hear about their conjunction, review Episode 7, Saturn & Pluto Go to The Repair Shop. And go to Episode 48, The Libra Equinox & Mercury Goes Sleuthing for info on their first square.)
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29:18 – Go back and binge us, new listeners! We include useful, evergreen tidbits in every episode. Perhaps give our most popular Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses a try?
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32:30 – Thanks to everyone for listening! If you’re so moved, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a kind review. This episode is brought to you by Podathon donor MICHELLE BRITT! Thank you, Michelle, 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 top secret solstice/equinox episodes! Thanks, friends!

052 | A Scorpio Season of Long Shadows & Fellowship

After the week begins with Mars coming to the (possibly misguided) rescue, April & Jen breathe a small sigh of relief as Venus in Virgo gets us grounded! Her aspects to Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto suggest supportive alliances, organization, and the courage to go deep, and this sensible goddess also provides invaluable fact-checking for the Moon’s Nodes. The Sun ushers in the complex Scorpio season, and retrograde Mercury’s latest face-off with the Sun and Uranus prompt a discussion of misbehaving appliances. And finally, the Aquarius First Quarter Moon offers a sneak peek at December’s coming attractions. Plus: do your intrepid co-hosts need a cazimi theme song??
Check out April’s upcoming workshop on Neptune in Relationship!
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’s presentation on Saints & Suckers: Neptune in Relationship (Nov. 7, 3:30-5:00 pm PDT) will attempt to bring clarity to your partnerships!
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03:10 – Mars retrograde (Rx) at 19°26’ Aries squares Jupiter in Capricorn (Oct. 18/19) on the Sabian symbol “A young girl feeding birds in winter” and “A hidden choir singing.” Dudley Do-Right to the rescue as we attempt to build something that lasts! This is the continuation of a story that began when Mars and Jupiter came together back in March (Episode 17), and is the second of three squares (the first was covered in Episode 37).
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09:21 – Are our appliances revolting? Mercury opposes Uranus (Oct. 19) on Jen’s new favorite Sabian symbol, 10 Scorpio, “A fellowship supper.” Fellowship, yay!! (To hear the origins of our love for fellowship, listen to Episode 13.) The planet of disruption is on 10 Taurus, “A Red Cross nurse.” This is the second of three face-offs between the two, first discussed in Episode 50.
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12:38 – Attention, Librans and Taureans! Your ruling planet, Venus, favors cleaning, organizing, and emotional deep-dives this week! First up, Venus trines Jupiter (Oct. 19) on the symbol for 20 Virgo, “An automobile caravan.” The Big Guy is on 20 Capricorn, “A hidden choir singing.” These two benefics working together offers a picture of forward motion, as folks with a shared goal work together.
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15:57 – Venus, at 21°18 Virgo puts pressure on the Lunar Nodes (Oct. 20). You may recall that these lunar points moved to the Gemini/Sagittarius axis back in May (listen to Episode 24 to review that shift), and curious, flexible Gemini leads us along the path to growth. Consider this: In our ongoing nodal search for truth, we need to avoid being pulled off-course by the delicious details of Venus in Virgo.
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19:02 – Venus trines Pluto (Oct. 21) on the symbol “An animal tamer,” with Pluto on, “A Soldier receiving two awards for bravery in combat.” Does the latter one sound familiar? It’s where Saturn and Pluto first met up back in January! Let’s be brave enough to go deep in our dealings with others. (To review the Saturn/Pluto conjunction, go to Episode 8, Episode 7, and/or Episode 6.)
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22:55 – Venus trines Saturn (Oct. 24) on the symbol for 26 Virgo, “A boy with a censer.” Saturn is on 26 Capricorn, “A water sprite.” This speaks to cleansing, making a substantial change in your environment, and/or building a new structure going forward for your relationships, your work life, or the places in your life where it’s important to feel valued.
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24:23 – The Sun enters Scorpio (Oct. 22)! Welcome to the season of long shadows, mysteries, letting go, and release.
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28:09 – ** MOONWATCH! ** This week we have a preview of coming attractions! The First Quarter Moon (Oct. 23) is at 1 Aquarius – a sign of community and fellowship! – on the symbol “An old adobe mission,” which is the same degree as the upcoming Jupiter/Saturn meet-up in December! (Review this symbol in Episode 19.) The Sun’s symbol extends an earlier vehicular metaphor with, “A sightseeing bus.” This is always the point in the lunar cycle to take action, and with the FQM closely aspecting Uranus – the planet of change – there is some indication here of new things coming our way… or do we keep things status quo? The cosmic call is to find a middle point between our desire to hold onto things as they are, versus needing to change the structures in our lives. The Moon forms the middle of a T-square, and the release point in Leo is saying, “Be creative; express yourself.” (This is also part of an unfolding 2.5-year cycle that began at the Aquarius New Moon nine months ago; lend your ears to Episode 9!)
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34:14 – Cazimi! Mercury is halfway through its Rx cycle and forms an inferior conjunction with the Sun at 2°47’ Scorpio (Oct. 25) on the symbol “A house-raising.” This gives an image of fellowship (!!), of working together to create the necessary structures moving forward. This is the last of Mercury Rx in water signs for a few years, so… enjoy it?!
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37:11 – Adieu, to you and you and you! And thanks to everyone for listening! If you’re so moved, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a kind review. This episode is brought to you by Podathon donor JACK COTĖ! Thank you, Jack, 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! So long, farewell…

051 | Libra New Moon: Symmetry Schmemmetry!

April & Jen gird themselves for a rocky Libra New Moon week, as the Sun's strained relations with Mars, Saturn, and Pluto bring longstanding grievances to a tipping point; Mercury turns retrograde; relationships get a Venus/Neptune reality check; and the last of three Jupiter/Neptune aspects offers a time-out and a bubble bath. Plus: is “Ted Lasso” April and Jen’s new “Repair Shop”??
Check out April’s upcoming workshops on Neptune in Relationship and Secondary Progressions!
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 – Jupiter has placed the welcome mat at your co-hosts’ front doors! April & Jen kick off the episode with some Jupiter/Neptune ideas to get you through the week: Meditate, read a good book, practice yoga, take a healthy (online) class… and listen to an astrology podcast! 
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03:44 – A third and final Jupiter/Neptune aspect on October 12 is a rare bright spot in a week full of conflict. The Sabian symbol for Jupiter 19 at Capricorn is, “A child of about five with a huge shopping bag.” Neptune is on 19 Pisces, “A master instructing his pupil.” With a 60° difference, the sextile aspect grabs our attention with something shiny and new. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Raise your hand if you’re ready! (To hear more about the Jupiter/Neptune sextile, listen to Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants?)
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08:22 – Behold, brave and beautiful Mars in the evening sky! On October 13, the Sun at 22 Libra on the Sabian symbol “A child giving birds a drink at a fountain” peers across the cosmos at Mars retrograde (Rx) in Aries at “The gate to the garden of desire.” Mars’s Rx journey has brought us a lesson in delayed gratification; now we pause at the gate as the Sun asks, “How about helping out others who don’t have what they need?” This cycle began in September 2019, and the first chapter of the story was June 2020 (found in Episode 29, Neptune Washing Over All, and the US Pluto Return).
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12:17 – Mercury turns Rx at 11°40 Scorpio on October 13 on the symbol, “An embassy ball.” The planet that rules communication and the US Postal Service will be Rx until it stations… wait for it!... on the US Election Day (Nov. 3)! How’s that for timing?! The last time Mercury stood still in the sky on Election Day was in the year 2000, in an election decided by the Supreme Court. (Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants? is always a good review, or try Episode 14, Retrograde Minds, Cazimi Hearts, Can’t Lose.)
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15:39 – The Sun squares Pluto on October 15 on 23 Libra, “Chanticleer”; speak clearly, using your voice to get word out. Pluto is on 23 Capricorn - where he met with Saturn back in January - “A soldier receiving two awards for bravery in combat.” It’s important now to recognize the bravery and the struggle in ourselves and others. How do we affirm life and joy while also acknowledging darkness? Know the limits of your personal strength and power, yet keep fighting for the things that you believe in that make the world a better place. (To review the Saturn/Pluto meet-up, go to Episode 8, Saturn and Pluto Need a Party, Episode 7, Saturn & Pluto Go to The Repair Shop, Episode 6, Saturn & Pluto Eat More Crunchy Things.)
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18:55 – ** MOONWATCH! ** This week’s Libra New Moon (Oct. 16) lands on the Sabian symbol 24 Libra, “A third wing on the left side of a butterfly.” Ooo… do Librans dislike that asymmetry? This lunation is charged up by a challenging T-square configuration; to relax, turn to homey Cancerian activities: Time at home with family (as if we can do otherwise!), baking, playing with your pets.
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22:11 – Venus opposes Neptune during this New Moon (keep reading for deets!) and asks: Do we really know the people we’re in relationship with? Do we know what’s valuable? Do we know our worth? The veil lifts for a moment… what do you see? (And learn more by signing up for April’s lecture for the upcoming Breaking Down the Borders online conference.)
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25:20 – The Sun in Libra squares Saturn in Capricorn (Oct. 18) at 26 Libra, “An eagle and a large white dove turning one into the other.” Interesting to have a bird of prey and bird of peace trying to be more like each other; this is one way of creating balance! This is a cycle that began in January. (For more on that conjunction, review Episode 8, Saturn and Pluto Need a Party.)
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28:01 – Venus opposes Neptune (Oct. 18) on 19 Virgo, “A swimming race.” Neptune is on 19 Pisces, “A master instructing his pupil.” Someone is coaching us from the sidelines as we pursue something we value. We hope this coach is a lot like Ted Lasso! Ponder this: How can you play a more supportive and encouraging role for others? This is a story that began January 27. (To learn more, check out Episode 10, Neptune and the Zen of Groundhog Day.)
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30:25 – Are we in the home stretch over the next couple months? Something… different… is coming. The good news is that Saturn in Aquarius describes a time of rebuilding community. How can you connect with those who share your interests and reconnect with people you love?
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32:09 – We’re saving Mars square Jupiter for next week! Hang tight!
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33:04 – Thanks to everyone for listening! If you’re so moved, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a kind review. This episode is brought to you by Podathon donor SUSAN BRAUN! Thank you, Suze, for contributing to our Podathon! And if you 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 give you access to our recent Libra Equinox episode that came out Sept. 22! Thanks!

050 | The Grand Cross: Wheel! Of! Fortune!

April & Jen celebrate 50 episodes together under a loud and ornery sky: A Last Quarter Moon in Cancer features a Cardinal Grand Cross, Mars takes a second swing at Pluto, Mercury faces off with Uranus, and the Sun squares Jupiter. (Venus, at least, makes a friendly trine to Uranus.) It’s a lot. But as Ted Lasso would say, “Hey, takin' on a challenge is a lot like ridin' a horse. If you're comfortable while you're doin' it, you're probably doin' it wrong.” Challenge accepted!
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 and Jen are celebrating gold this week as they welcome imaginary sponsor Apple TV+ and their new favorite show Ted Lasso!
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04:01 – Mercury opposes Uranus (Oct. 7) on the Sabian symbol for 8 degrees Scorpio, “The Moon shining across a lake.” The planet of disruption is on 8 Taurus, “A sleigh without snow.” This aspect encourages you to see things in a new way, and perhaps have a change in perspective. It could also indicate unexpected information that comes your way or innovative thinking! This is a continuation of a cycle that began on April 30. (To hear more about Mercury in Scorpio, listen to Episode 48, The Libra Equinox & Mercury Goes Sleuthing.)
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06:55 – Do you happen to have planets in Aries or Scorpio? Then you might feel issues of fighting for power and control when Mars, travelling backwards through Aries, fights Pluto in Capricorn (Oct. 9) in the second of three opening squares. (To hear about the first square, listen to Episode 38, Taurus Last Quarter Moon – but wait, there’s S’more!) But first…
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08:07 – …Mars will have just squared the point where Saturn and Pluto joined up in January. We’re at a pivotal moment in that cycle: There is frustration involved, and that sensitive point (22.47 Capricorn) has been asking us all year, “How are we going to break down and build up old forms, old structures?” Hint: Making progress means accepting the limits of our personal power and control. (Mars and Pluto met up on March 22/23. Listen to Episode 17, Saturn in Aquarius: All in This Together to learn more.)
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11:41 – ** MOONWATCH! ** This week brings a Last Quarter Moon (LQM) at 17.10 Cancer (Oct. 9). And welcome to the circus wheel: A Cardinal Grand Cross involving half the planets in the solar system! Take heed: Be careful how hard you push. Once that wheel starts spinning, it can be hard to stop it.
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15:20 – How do we resolve Grand Cross tension? Find planets in supportive roles. Translation: Channel the higher side of Neptune by making art, meditating, or playing music. Or, follow April’s mom’s advice (and focus on Venus in Virgo) by cleaning one drawer!
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17:38 – This LQM is a closing quarter in a phase family that began in July 2018, at 21 Cancer. That New Moon was also a solar eclipse. If you have anything in your chart between 16 – 25 of Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn… well, heck. It’s getting a lot of energy right now! (Curious how to find where this falls in your chart? You know we got you, podpals!)
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19:04 – Venus in Virgo makes a lovely aspect to Uranus in Taurus (Oct. 10). Could this transit bring unexpected windfalls or exciting developments in money or relationships? It’s possible. It’s also possible that your cat will drag a neon green blanket into your general vicinity!
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22:38 – Which tends to be easiest: an opposition, a square, or a conjunction?
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23:10 – The Sun makes a closing square to Jupiter in Capricorn (Oct. 11) on the Sabian symbol for 19 Libra, “A gang of robbers in hiding.” It’s interesting to note that for the LQM, the Sun was on the symbol “Two men placed under arrest.” Hmmm… if you’ve been living out of integrity with yourself – especially related to your ethics and beliefs – this could indicate a time of reckoning and a time to account for yourself. And with Mercury swimming through Scorpio, perhaps it’s time for secrets to be revealed. What are your highest aspirations for yourself? (To hear more about the Sun/Jupiter meet-up, listen to our most popular episode ever Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses.)
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25:23 – A few weeks back, Mercury made some promises while doing recon for the Sun. Now the Sun is following in the communication planet’s footsteps. Will the Sun fulfill those promises? He might be tired of signing autographs. (And head’s up: Mercury will be turning retrograde next week! Yes, again.)
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29:00 – Thanks to everyone for listening! Venus in Virgo is giving you a small to-do list: Please go ahead and give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a kind review. This episode is brought to you by Podathon donor KATIE SERDA! Thank you, Katie, for contributing to our Podathon! And if you 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 give you access to our recent Libra Equinox episode that came out Sept 22! Thanks and thanks!

049 | Saturn & Pluto Leave the Station

April & Jen ring in October and their favorite season of the year! The Aries Harvest Full Moon is sandwiched between Saturn and Pluto, both leaving their retrograde hibernations. No sooner does Venus give Mars a big kiss than the warrior planet revisits one of his least favorite recent aspects, a square to Saturn. Venus cleans out her closets and visits (imaginary sponsor) The Container Store, and Pluto moves direct on the degree of his January rendezvous with Saturn. Also: April has a close call with a second Saturn Return, Jen celebrates a Solar Return, and… what is a profection, anyway?
Order your own Solar Return report at April’s website!
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 and Jen love October! Why not celebrate, and ring in the season? Happy harvest!
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02:18 – Venus kicks off the week (Sept. 28) by connecting well with a retrograde (Rx) Mars on the Sabian symbol for 26 Leo, “A rainbow”; Mars is on 26 Aries, “A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold.” The Venus/Mars cycle gives us information about what we want and how we take action to get it. What do you really want? What would you fight for? It’s possible to make something good of this trine with just a little effort. (Listen to Episode 39 and Episode 21 for our first discussion of these symbols. And to hear our Libra-centric episodes, review Episode 48; you can also can donate $5 or more to hear our Libra Equinox episode from last week and to receive an invitation for our upcoming solstice/equinox episodes.)
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06:26 – Saturn turns direct at 25.20 Capricorn (Sep. 28)! April came thisclose to having a second pass of her second Saturn return! How has April’s near collision with Saturn been this time around? (And do check out April’s fantastic book The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology. Did we mention Oprah Magazine?)
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09:25 – Lend your ears to April’s interview on The Sixty Project! (And look! We “linked it in the show notes!” 😂)
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11:25 – Where were we? Saturn’s facing forward – after moving backwards since May 20 – on the Sabian symbol, “A water sprite.” Get out in nature. Be authentic. Maybe frolic a little?... you know, in a Saturn-in-Capricorn working kind of way? It’s a good time to revisit Saturn themes around the boundaries that we set for our life and the ambitions we have. Hopefully that little water sprite will enjoy himself on the 28th because the very next day…
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13:24 – …Mars Rx squares Saturn (Sep. 29) for the second of three times at 25.20 Aries/Cap (the first was on Aug. 24). This combination can be frustrating, but luckily, the Sabian symbols are nice: Once again, Mars is on “A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold.” And Saturn is on “A water sprite.” Do we have too many irons in the fire? How will you spend your finite resources, like time and physical energy? (We can bid adieu and Godspeed to the third square on Jan. 13, 2021.)
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17:36 – ** MOONWATCH! ** We welcome a Harvest Full Moon at 9.08 Aries (Oct. 1) on the Sabian symbol for 10 Aries, “A man teaching new forms for old symbols.” The Libran Sun is on, “A canoe approaching safety through dangerous rapids.” This lunation harkens back to March 2020; since then we’ve been learning to blaze new trails, living in strange times. The symbols speak to learning how to do things differently; luckily, safety is approaching. This lunar phase is part of a family that also began in April 2019.
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22:20 – To hear more about the Aries/Libra polarity, donate $5 or more and you will gain access to our Sept. 22 special Libra Equinox episode! As a bonus, you’ll receive our upcoming solstice/equinox episodes, as well as help us cover operating expenses! Win-win.
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23:16 – Jen is having a solar return! April shows us how to look at a solar return chart, using Jen as a volunteer. (To hear more info on solar returns, go to Episode 37. To hear the first time the hilarious phrase “Sagittarius rising, everything else falling down” was used, go to Episode 40. Of course, don’t forget to pick up your copy of the informative solar return birthday report. And please note: An exact, precise birth time IS needed! No guessing allowed for this one!)
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30:50 – What are profections? Here’s a friendly introductory article from our friend Kelly Surtees!
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31:40 – Venus enters Virgo (Oct. 2), the sign of her fall, where she begins paring down and organizing. She will be there through Oct. 27. Curate your life, just like The Minimalists.
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34:40 – Last – but certainly NOT least! – we have Pluto turning direct at 22.29 Capricorn (Oct. 4). When Pluto stands still in the sky, we feel his energy for a few days before and after the station: What is most important, and how can you empower yourself? Pluto has been Rx since April 25, and stations on the same degree where he met up with Saturn in January 2020. (To hear more about that meet-up, listen to Episode 8, Episode 7, and/or Episode 6. And to hear more about Pluto in general, listen to Episode 29.)
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37:23 – Please note: April & Jen decided to revise the names of some of their earlier episodes to include astrological things. #SorryNotSorry. Perhaps you’d like to feast your ears on our early podpal adventures:
Episode 1, Sagittarius New Moon: Stars Over Thanksgiving
Episode 2, Jupiter in Capricorn: Falstaff in a Business Suit
Episode 3, Gemini Full Moon: Alexa, Play "Love the One You're With"
Episode 4, The Capricorn Solstice Is Frequently Sunny in Minneapolis, or
Episode 6, Saturn & Pluto Eat More Crunchy Things. (Let’s not leave out our most popular episode ever, appropriately and forever titled Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses.)
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38:09 – April and Jen send out ginormous thanks to you, our listeners! If you enjoy the show, consider giving us a 5-star rating, subscribing wherever you listen, or giving us a kind review. This episode is brought to you by Podathon donor TIM TORMEY! Thank you, Tim, for contributing to our Podathon! If you didn’t get a chance to donate then, please toss $5 or more our way and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes – plus give you access to our recent Libra Equinox episode that just came out last week! Woot-woot to y’all!!

048 | The Libra Equinox and Mercury Goes Sleuthing

April & Jen welcome Libra season and the equinox! Diplomatic Mercury in Libra finds trouble on its way to intense, investigative Scorpio, the First Quarter Moon connects us to last December’s Solar Eclipse, and April & Jen hear from a listener in Latvia who might hold the key to the podcast’s popularity there. Plus: Podathon winners, hanging chads, and Dark Shadows!
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 – A big thank you to everyone who supported our first annual Podathon and the voodoo that we do so well! Winners, chosen by Toby and a surprisingly enthusiastic Violet, were announced to donors by email, so if you donated and didn’t receive that message let us know.
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04:09 – Mystery solved: listener Liga weighs in on one explanation for our popularity in Latvia! Liga’s dog might or might not be involved!
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06:09 – Our first special, exclusive, donors-only episode will debut tomorrow! Emails are going out on Sep. 21, 2020, to donors of $5 or more with instructions on accessing our episode about the Libra Equinox. If you donated and didn’t receive the message, please check your spam folder and, if it’s not there, email April(at)bigskyastrology.com.
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07:40 – It’s Libra season! Sun enters Libra on Sep. 22, 6:31 am PDT, marking autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
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08:56 – Much love to listeners dealing with fires on the West Coast of the United States! (And since we recorded this, our friends on the East Coast are up against some scary hurricanes, so all be well!)
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09:51 – The Libra season highlights relating. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, it heralds the season when we celebrate the harvest, our ancestors, and thanksgiving. Farmer’s Almanac reminds us that the word equinox comes from the Latin for “equal” and “night.” At the equinoxes we have roughly equal day and night hours. It’s the season that emphasizes balance – equilibrium - in relationships and all matters.
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12:25 – Next episode: Jen’s solar return!!
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12:37 – Mercury enters the rocky part of its journey through Libra this week with a square to Saturn Sep. 23 at 3:38 am PDT, and tension between collaboration and top-down authority. This aspect continues a Mercury/Saturn cycle that began on Jan. 12, 2020, and is NOT, in fact, an opening square from Mercury to Saturn…
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15:31 - … as pointed out by Encyclopedia Braun, it is a closing square! Oops! But there is much worthwhile food for thought in here, anyway, so we left it all in. Look at April, growing as a person!
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15:55 – This is the first of 3 closing squares from Mercury to Saturn. The others are on November 1 (Mercury Rx) and November 6.
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16:08 – What is the difference between an opening and closing square? One urges us to simply action, the other prescribes reflection and action that’s based on experience. Look to the discussion of First Quarter and Last Quarter lunar phases in Episode 34, The 8 Lunar Phases: Have Them With a Salad, for helpful insights.
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17:43 – Mercury is now in the shadow period (September 23) of its next retrograde period (Oct. 14-Nov. 3), and Saturn is slowing to turn direct (Sep. 29) - an intractable-sounding scenario. As always, review Ep. 12: Mercury Retrograde: Where are my Pants?
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18:21 – The current cozy relationship between the Sun and Venus prompts an accidental discussion of mutual reception. Look back to Episode 4 | The Capricorn Solstice is Frequently Sunny in Minneapolis, for a protracted discussion of this condition in which two planets are in the sign ruled by the other.
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19:37 – Mercury opposes Mars (Sep 24 3:54 pm PDT), the halfway point of a cycle that began with Mercury conjoined Mars in Virgo on June 18, July 8, and Sep. 3, 2019. How are you expressing ambition, anger, assertiveness in communication? Do you find there’s a pattern in how you’re giving voice to Mars?
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22:27 - Mercury and Mars are in a t-square with Jupiter/Saturn/Pluto in Capricorn. The missing cardinal sign? Cancer, which prefers to hold its cards close to its chest. It’s always okay to pause and process your feelings before speaking.
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24:29 – Mercury enters Scorpio (Sep. 27 12:41 am PDT) marks a shift away from diplomacy and toward deeper conversations. Mercury will retrograde in this sign (Oct. 14-Nov. 3), stationing direct on the date of the U.S. presidential election, summoning memories of election day 2000 when Mercury was also stationing direct. Hanging chads, anyone?
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25:31 – In Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where are My Pants?, we discussed Mercury being retrograde in water signs this year. Mercury in Scorpio has little patience for small talk – it wants real talk. While Mercury is in the sleuthing sign (through Dec. 1), dig deep.
 
28:21 – ** MOONWATCH ** Mercury in Scorpio brings a Dark Shadows feel to our introduction of the First Quarter Moon at 1.29 Capricorn (Sep. 23 at 6:55 pm PDT). Time to take action on something conceived at the Dec 25/26, 2019 Solar Eclipse. (See Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses.) The Sabian symbols, “Three stained-glass windows, one damaged by bombardment”, and “The light of the 6th race transmuted to the 7th”, talk about “seeing the light,” brightening situations, and changing forms. (Shout-out to Sabian symbols specialist Blain Bovee.) We previously discussed Lunar Phase Families in Episode 41: Pisces Full Moon and the Yin to Your Yang, and Episode 45: Podathon Day 4 - A Thor’s Day Last Quarter Moon.
33:00 – As always, April and Jen appreciate you! If you enjoy the show, take a moment to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating and/or write us a happy review! We want to offer our warm thoughts once again for everyone who donated to the podcast in our recent Podathon. This episode is brought to you by Podathon donor SANDRA MOSLEY! Thank you, Sandra, for helping us meet our Podathon goals! If you didn’t get a chance to donate during, you can donate $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special episodes for the equinoxes and solstices. Thanks, podpals!

047 | Virgo New Moon: A Fresh Start

April & Jen enter the cleansing and decluttering heart of the Virgo New Moon, in opposition to healing and spiritual Neptune. The Sun engages in smooth aspects with Saturn and Pluto, calling forth our power and authenticity. And a protracted discussion of midpoints – what are they and why are they important? Also: animal trainers, feng shui, and our very own Encyclopedia Braun!
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 – A big thank you to everyone who supported our first annual Podathon with donations and by downloading our five daily episodes! Winners of our big drawing will be announced by email on the 15th.
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01:55 – Are you listening from Latvia, Norway, India, Portugal, or New Zealand? Tell us what makes our podcast one of the top Society and Culture podcasts in your country! Is it the Bob Ross references?
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03:17 – The Sun trines Pluto (Sep. 14, 4:05 pm PDT) on the Sabian symbols 23 Virgo (Sun), “An animal trainer,” and 23 Capricorn (Pluto), “Two awards for bravery in war,” at the degree of January’s Saturn/Pluto conjunction. Both symbols speak of bravery in confronting dangerous things, and imply that our power derives from handling small things, and serving something larger than ourselves.  
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06:30 – For more on the Jan. 2020 Saturn/Pluto conjunction, revisit Episode 6: Saturn & Pluto Eat More Crunchy Things, Episode 7: Saturn and Pluto Go to the Repair Shop, and Episode 8: Saturn and Pluto Need a Party.
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07:19 – Venus squares Uranus (Sep. 15, 8:28 am PDT). This combination can bring unexpected expenses or income, and sometimes both. Unexpected developments in relationships, especially around the subject of independence vs. togetherness.
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10:22 – Jen Braun is a regular Encyclopedia Brown! To hear more about the Sabian symbols (Venus) “Children on a swing in a huge oak tree,” and (Uranus) “A woman sprinkling flowers” go to Episode 23, Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon.
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10:26 – What are midpoints and why do they matter?
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15:53 – We enter the midpoint between eclipse seasons with this week’s square from the Sun to the Lunar Nodes (Sep. 16, 5:53 pm PDT). Sun in Virgo arbitrating between Gemini/Sagittarius nodes to find points of commonality in their search for truth. (Shout out to wonderful astrologer Caroline Casey!)
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17:40 – Learn more about Lunar Nodes on Episode 24: Scorpio Full Moon & Lunar Nodes for Grasshoppers. And take a deep dive on eclipses with us in Episode 5 Unboxing Eclipses.
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18:33 – ** MOONWATCH ** 25 deg. Virgo “A boy with a censer.” With the New Moon point opposed Neptune and trine Saturn, the rituals of cleansing, organizing your home, and healing your thought patterns can help you sow new seeds, particularly in the area of work.
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22:19 – A couple of books we like about decluttering with feng shui: Karen Kingston’s Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui and Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life by Karen Rauch Carter.
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22:52 – Sign up for April's mailing list and you’ll get a new, monthly Working with the Moon e-book for each lunar cycle!
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23:22 – The Sun trine Saturn (Sep. 17, 2:36 pm PDT) rewards a good work ethic and possibly indicates a new job or kind of work. Make sure what you do now is aligned with your authentic self.
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24:43 – April is a water sprite!
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24:54 – As Mercury finishes up in Libra this week, it squares Jupiter on Sep. 17 at 3:35 am (conversation out of balance, philosophical disagreements) and Pluto on Sep. 20 at 10:18 pm PDT (deep conversation, language that prompts power struggles, but great time to continue New Moon ritual because words and ideas have tremendous power). Listen to your inner voice, and look very deep within before you engage others in important conversation.
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28:05 – Here comes the Sun, following in Mercury’s footsteps through the treacherous terrain of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto. More about the Sun’s ingress into Libra in next week’s episode (and even more in the subscriber-only special episode we’ll release next Tuesday!).
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29:25 – As always, April and Jen appreciate you! If you enjoy the show, take a moment to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating and/or write us a happy review! We want to offer our warm thoughts once again for everyone who donated to the podcast in our recent Podathon! If you didn’t get a chance to donate then and would like to support the podcast, toss a few dollars our way to help keep the show going. If you donate $5 or more, we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special episodes for the equinoxes and solstices. Thanks, podpals!