Big Sky Astrology Podcast

057 | Learning from Neptune, Giving Thanks, & Our One-Year Podiversary!

April and Jen take a trip down memory lane to celebrate our one-year podiversary as Neptune encourages us to go with the flow in the face of a potentially touchy U.S. Thanksgiving holiday week. (We’re looking at you, Venus opposed Uranus!) As for us, we’re serving up a mini-lesson on the Gibbous Moon with cranberry sauce and a slice of pie! Plus: Giving thanks to you, our listeners.
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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.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
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00:30 – Woot! It all began one year ago – the week of the Sagittarius New Moon! Our pie-talk and imaginary sponsorships go all the way back to Episode 1, Sagittarius New Moon: Stars Over Thanksgiving.
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06:58 – Mercury in Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces (Nov. 23). It might not be the best day for complex calculations! See if you can organize your life in such a way that there are optimal opportunities to be creative today. Neptune asks: Who would you be if you didn’t know who you were?
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10:29 – Neptune turned retrograde on June 22, and this week pauses in the sky to station direct at 18°09’ Pisces (Nov. 28) on the Sabian symbol, “A master instructing his pupil.” We are learning something from Neptune’s foggy, going-with-the-flow spirit. Climb back into the way-back time machine with us to Episode 1 to hear about Neptune stationing direct!
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16:09 – While Neptune is holding still, he comes close to squaring the Lunar Nodes on the Sagittarius/Gemini axis. Neptune makes it harder to nail down what we think is true. Anyone experiencing that these days?
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17:49 – Venus in Scorpio opposes Uranus in Taurus (Nov. 27). This is the midpoint of a cycle that began on March 8, 2020 (see Episode 15, Venus + Pie: 0-29 Degrees of Separation for that one). Remember that with oppositions, both planets are headed toward the same goal! This aspect is asking us to negotiate how much space we have in our relationships – what’s the perfect balance between autonomy and togetherness?
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23:23 – ** MOONWATCH! ** Jiggle your pumpkin pie as we welcome an opportunity to do a deep dive on the Gibbous Moon phase (Nov. 25)! The Moon is at 19°27’ Aries on the symbol “A young girl feeding birds in winter.” The Sun sits on 5 Sagittarius, “An old owl up a tree.” It’s a sweet impulse to give aid in hard times. But the owl reminds us not to want a helpful outcome more than the person being helped. The Gibbous Moon begins when the Moon is 135° ahead of the Sun, and is the phase between the First Quarter and the Full Moon. (And hey, won’t you join us in the way-back time machine to hear how the Moonwatch theme song began (Episode 17, Saturn in Aquarius: All in This Together)?
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34:48 – Many thanks, dear listeners! If you’d like to support us at no cost to you, please kindly give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a happy review! This episode is brought to you by Podathon donors LAURA LOONEY and NATORI MOORE! Thank you, Laura & Natori, for contributing to our Podathon! Remember that we have a big December Solstice coming up in less than a month - to receive our exclusive Solstice content, please please pitch in $5 or more and we’ll invite you to a year’s worth of solstice/equinox episodes! Thanks for a year of memories, podpals! ❤

056 | Sagittarius Season and TP on Your Shoe

A tired, post-election April & Jen discuss this week’s planetary hubbub: A final (at last!) Mercury/Uranus faceoff, Venus entering Scorpio on the same day that the Sun enters Sagittarius, and a nice Pisces First Quarter Moon. Sagittarius is a teaching sign, so in that spirit April and Jen offer a mini-lesson on out-of-sign aspects! What are they, why do they happen, and what’s an “orb”? Plus: the soul of a chart, skywriting, and the third base coach is waving you in!
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!
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00:30 – In real time, it’s the Monday after the US election, and April and Jen take a little time to discuss how current affairs line up with what’s happening in the skies. (To hear more about the US Pluto return, revisit Episode 29, Neptune Washing Over All, and the US Pluto Return.) And, can you see someone’s soul in the birth chart? Things get deep, which seems appropriate for Scorpio season!
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07:05 – Mercury opposes Uranus in Taurus (Nov. 17), which might indicate an unexpected change in perspective, innovative thinking, or problems with electronics. This is the third and final face-off; to hear about the previous ones, listen to Episode 50, The Grand Cross: Wheel! Of! Fortune! (from Oct. 17) and/or Episode 52, A Scorpio Season of Long Shadows & Fellowship (Oct. 19). This is the midway point of a cycle that began April 30 with the conjunction (Episode 23, Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon).
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09:06 – The Sun sextiles Saturn (Nov. 18/19) at 28 Scorpio, “The king of the fairies approaching his domain.” The planet of structure is on 28 Capricorn, “A large aviary.” Act with confidence, and perhaps you’ll receive offers that could increase your status. (Click here to see April’s collage based on this Sabian symbol!)
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12:52 – Venus is at third base (27°25’ Libra), squaring Saturn at home plate in Capricorn (Nov. 19). If you’ve been working hard to bring good stuff into your life, perhaps Saturn will reward you – he likes hard work! (We hope Coach Taylor is our third-base coach!) This aspect has been building ever since Venus entered Libra on Oct. 27, so if things have felt difficult for you since then, they just might get easier! This is the closing square in a conjunction that began back on Dec. 11 (Episode 3, Gemini Full Moon: Alexa, Play "Love the One You're With"). Venus is on the Sabian symbol “A man in the midst of brightening influences.” Sounds nice!
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15:55 – The Sun enters Sagittarius on Nov. 21 (to stay through Dec. 21) bringing a season of journeys, cultural exploration, higher education, gratitude, and generosity. And Venus enters Scorpio the same day, bringing the possibility of deepening relationships and finding out more about who is trustworthy.
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21:34 – ** MOONWATCH! ** This week’s intuitive First Quarter Moon (FQM) occurs at 00°20’ Pisces (Nov 21). It’s a time to take action related to the New Moon that began last week. The Moon makes a lovely trine to Venus and a sextile Uranus. (Refer to Episode 15, Venus + Pie: 0-29 Degrees of Separation to hear more about planets at 0 degrees of a sign.)
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24:27 – In this FQM chart, the Sun is in an out-of-sign sextile to Saturn. How do we interpret a planet connecting to another planet when it is “out-of-sign,” and how do orbs figure in? A mini-lesson for you! In this case, the Sun has moved past the point where the “exact” connection was made with Saturn, but they’re still being super friendly and waving… or maybe the Sun has a piece toilet paper lingering on his shoe? (To hear more about how elements go together, review Episode 36, A Mini-Class for the Dog Days: Elements & Modalities.)
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29:13 – Head’s up: Keep an eye on Mars, now direct and headed for a square with Pluto (exact Dec. 23) – this is a powerful upcoming aspect, and it will feature in the upcoming Solstice chart. (If you want access to our Dec. 21 Solstice episode, simply contribute $5 or more; you’ll get that episode plus 3 more, and we’ll be so grateful – win/win!)
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31:00 – A big thanks to you, our dear llisteners! 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 AEOLEA BURWELL! Thank you, Aeolea, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other kind listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please pitch in $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to a year’s worth of solstice/equinox episodes – this will include our upcoming solstice episode next month! Now, excuse us while we grab a slice of sourdough bread…

055 | Scorpio New Moon: Rolling in It!

April & Jen try to settle their nerves as they record on Election Day and muse over the upcoming week, which includes a lovely New Moon in Scorpio and a mellow Sun trine to Neptune. The much anticipated (final!) meet-up of Jupiter and Pluto occurs in Capricorn and is squared by Venus in Libra. And, Mercury re-enters Scorpio and Mars in Aries FINALLY turns direct. (That sound you just heard was a collective sigh of relief from our Aries and Scorpio friends!) Plus: teachers, brownies, and why the third time’s the charm!
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 former astrology teacher, Diane Ronngren, passed away over the weekend. Sending out love into the world in her memory – a shout-out to all the teachers!
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​04:29 – Meditate on the message! The Sun trines Neptune in Pisces (Nov. 9/10) on the Sabian symbol for 19 Scorpio, "A parrot listening then speaking.” Neptune is on the symbol, “A master instructing his pupil.” Taken together, these represent the fine line between receiving instruction and simply parroting what we’ve been told. This connection is often about ego and letting go of the individual sense of self and relinquishing our own identity to some degree. (Refer to Episode 15, Venus + Pie: 0-29 Degrees of Separation to hear about the conjunction from March 8.)
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07:37 – Mercury enters Scorpio once again (Nov. 10)! This is the perfect time to search for the truth, look deep, have meaningful conversations, do some editing, go to therapy, or get an astrology reading! (Review Episode 48, The Libra Equinox & Mercury Goes Sleuthing for more details on the communication planet in the sign of the scorpion.)
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10:44 – What’s a conjunction? Jupiter meets up with Pluto for the third and final time (Nov. 12). The action is at 22°52’ Capricorn, and this is one of the big themes that has been playing out all year; it takes place at the same point where Saturn and Pluto met up in January. What structures are being torn down in your life? What are you building and expanding? Dana Gerhardt’s article on the history of pandemics and their connection to Jupiter and Pluto is fascinating.
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13:51 – Third time’s the charm! Jen pitches a question about how and why we have three of the same planetary meet-ups in one year. April hits it out of the park. The first two conjunctions were April 4 (Episode 19, Jupiter Meets Pluto: Two Thumbs…Up?) and June 29/30 (Episode 32, Capricorn Lunar Eclipse: A Minnesota Goodbye).
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17:10 – Get your motor running: Mars turns direct at 15°14 Aries on Friday the 13th! (Hear all about how that day came to be infamous in Episode 3, Gemini Full Moon: Alexa, Play "Love the One You're With".) The planet of action prefers forward momentum, so this will be helpful! The joyful Sabian symbol is, “Brownies dancing in the setting sun.” We’ll take it! (Hear more about this topic in Episode 31, Mars in Aries and the Swivel Chair of Doom.)
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21:52 – ** MOONWATCH! ** This week we have a New Moon at 23°18’ Scorpio (Nov. 14/15). This is a Supermoon  (it’s at its closest orbit to Earth). Does “Scorpio New Moon” seem contradictory? A New Moon, in general, is about fresh starts; Scorpio tends to be about endings. This Moon speaks to fresh resolve we find when death or other difficulty has touched our lives. The intriguing symbol is, “Crowds coming down the mountain to listen to one man.” As we write these show notes, Joe Biden has just become the president-elect of the US. Might this indicate the official conclusion of the vote-counting?
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25:00 – This New Moon makes lovely sextile aspects to Jupiter and Pluto, which can often be about wealth. And in this chart, Venus squares Jupiter and Pluto (exact on Nov. 15). Venus is related to relationships, money, wealth, ethics, and personal self-worth. This can indicate a turning point in close relationships.
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29:10 – And there was much rejoicing, for you, our listeners! 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 CHRIS WILLIAMS! Thank you, Chris, 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 a year’s worth of solstice/equinox episodes – this will include our hotly anticipated upcoming solstice episode next month! Yaaaay… and thanks, friends!

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!
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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!