Big Sky Astrology Podcast

031 | Mars in Aries and the Swivel Chair of Doom

April and Jen convene their Neptune-impaired noggins for a preview of the week’s planetary news: Neptune turns backwards in Pisces, Venus turns forward in Gemini, and Mars heads into Aries for a brisk handshake with Saturn in Aquarius. Also, a First Quarter Moon in Libra invites you to pull up a chair alongside a roaring fire, and enjoy an anthropomorphic bunny parade in fellowship with friends. Plus: Retrograde planets in birth charts, childhood spinning-chair snafus, and… Wouldn’t adding a feline to the family feel fine?
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To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
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Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:43 – We are between eclipses this week, rattling around like loose change between the sofa cushions. Is this in-between-land akin to purgatory? Or maybe we’ve fallen through the looking-glass?
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03:34 – Neptune joins the retrograde parade (June 22/23), lining up alongside Mercury, Venus (briefly), Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto). When Neptune is retrograde, look inward for a sense of how we’re all connected, and listen to your intuition. (April & Jen first discussed Neptune turning direct in Episode 1, Stars Over Thanksgiving. We’ve come a long way, baby!)
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10:00 – When the outer planets like Neptune and Pluto appear to stand still, does this “station period” last longer, since those planets move more slowly? Probably. But why quantify things when Neptune is involved?
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11:03 – Venus turns direct (June 24/25) on the Sabian symbol 6 Gemini, “Drilling for oil,” which speaks of accessing power. Careful, though, how you go about harnessing that oil… you don’t want to inadvertently harm anything along the way! (Venus’s retrograde period began 6 weeks ago, which was discussed on Episode 25, The Retrograde Parade!) And now that Venus is in forward motion, someone is excited to begin looking for a cat to join her family!
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15:24 – Jen’s tangential question of the week: When a personal planet is retrograde at the time of birth, how is that interpreted? April’s answer encompasses personal planets, outer planets, secondary progressions, being self-guided, and what we can offer others. Yay!
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18:41 – Everybody out of the way: Mars enters Aries, the sign of its rulership, on June 27 and stays until January 6, 2021! April discusses events that happened the last time Mars had an extended stay in Aries in 1988 (with links to daring feats, and the cousin of Olympia Dukakis). To get a preview of the squares that Mars will make to the Capricorn planets this coming fall, listen to Episode 30, Cancer Solar Eclipse: You're Buffering. And April: Please avoid swivel chairs for the next six months, just for safety’s sake.
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24:19 – If you have cardinal signs prominent in your birth chart, this Mars-in-Aries period might be strenuous at times. Take care in what to go after and what to leave alone.
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25:04 – ** Moonwatch**! The First Quarter Moon (June 28) is on the Sabian symbol for 8 Libra, “A blazing fireplace in a deserted home.” Even if no one is around, there is a hearth waiting for us to gather in fellowship. (To hear a previous discussion of this symbol, head over to Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants?) The Sun sits on the symbol for 8 Cancer, “Rabbits dressed in clothes and on parade.” Be aware of presenting yourself in an authentic way – but there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of whimsy! First Quarter Moons always urge us to take action in the pursuit of something important to us… and since it’s in Libra, we don’t have to do it alone. Nice, hey?
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27:38 – Also on June 28, there is a sextile of Mars in Aries to Saturn in Aquarius. Perhaps we’re entering a difficult time with Mars, but this aspect suggests that by the end of it, you can build something that makes things demonstrably better in some way. (For a review of sextiles, go to Episode 16, Let's Talk about Sextiles.)
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31:01 – Hi, friends! Do you like the BSA podcast? To support the show, would you kindly go ahead and give us a 5-star rating? Thank you! You can also leave us a lovely comment. And, if you have an extra dollar or fifty, consider making a contribution to keep the podcast going. Look at that – aren’t you delightful!

030 | Cancer Solar Eclipse: You’re Buffering

April and Jen offer a summary of something summer-y: Let’s welcome the dog days in the northern hemisphere with the Cancer Solstice, followed a few hours later by a Cancer New Moon/Solar Eclipse. Mercury also feels the crab’s pinch as it turns retrograde. And Mars hears opportunity calling from Jupiter and Pluto’s general direction. Plus: Seinfeld, fairy tales, an 80s earworm, and a little Nat King Cole, just for good measure.
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To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website, and sign up for April's mailing list!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:26 – You know by now that there’s usually a reason for Jen’s goofy introductions, right? Happy 20th to April’s fabulous Big Sky Astrology website! And, is April old? Older than Jen, yes. But O-L-D? Nah…
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04:23 – Welcome, Cancer solstice (June 20)! Solstices and equinoxes mark the Sun's ingress into a cardinal sign. To hear more about cardinal signs, listen to Episode 21, Cardinal, Fixed, & Mutable: Signs a la Mod-alities. And the solstice occurs just before…
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07:01 – …Moonwatch! Here comes the second of three eclipses this season, the New Moon – also a solar eclipse – at 0°21’ Cancer on June 20/21! (Let it be noted that Jen will never again leave April with a big matzo ball hanging out.) The Sabian symbol for 1 Cancer is, “A furled and unfurled flag displayed from a vessel.” Are you being asked to raise a flag in some area of your life? To learn more about eclipses, here are resources on the BSA website; or listen to Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses; or check out the eclipse path map. (And to hear the bit with Jen’s parents, go back to Episode 22, Taurus New Moon and Venus Gone Wild. And was April right on with her guess of 1983 for Total Eclipse of the Heart? You bet she was! And hey April, thanks for taking us back to 1943 as well!)
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18:37 – Mercury stations to go retrograde in Cancer (June 17/18). To hear more about Mercury in Cancer, RE-visit Episode 27, The Amazing Disappearing Venus, & Cancer’s “Flavor of the Day”. And for a Mercury retrograde RE-fresher, RE-turn to Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants?
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25:52 – Collectively, the North Node path forward currently leads in the direction of Gemini. How does Mercury retrograde affect that journey? Turn around, bright eyes: There’s something back there, along the way, that you left behind. So gather your breadcrumbs.
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27:47 – Mars in Pisces aspects both Pluto (June 18) and Jupiter (June 20) in Capricorn. You might have an opportunity this week to add to your story – one that began in March 2020 – in a positive way. For a review of sextiles, check out Episode 16, Let's Talk about Sextiles.
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31:50 – Hey, you! Yes, you!  Would you kindly take one second to give April & Jen a 5-star rating? We’d appreciate it muchly! You could also leave us a lovely comment, which would warm our little hearts. And, if you have an extra dollar or twenty, would you be willing to make a contribution to keep the podcast going? Thanks, friends! We appreciate you.

029 | Neptune Washing Over All, and the US Pluto Return

April & Jen dogpaddle through the waters of a deeply Neptunian week: the Last Quarter Moon is in watery Pisces, and Neptune aspects the Sun and Mars. How many ways does the Universe have to ask us to open our hearts and our ears to one another? Plus: does the widespread unrest in recent weeks signal the dawning of the US’s Pluto return?
Order a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report!
To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website, and sign up for April's mailing list!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:40 – April & Jen talk about recent events in Minneapolis, the killing of George Floyd, and racial inequality. Your co-hosts want you to know that we support racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement.
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04:42 – Are we seeing the beginnings of the US’s Pluto return? And BTW, what is a Pluto return, anyway? For more on returns, listen to Episode 11 (Saturn Returns We've Known & "Loved"), and Episode 20 (Libra Full Moon: A Magic Carpet Ride), which has info on lunar returns.
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12:09 – ** Moonwatch**! It’s a Last Quarter Moon this week (June 12/13), so let’s take inventory and assess our progress. The Moon, Neptune and Mars are all in Pisces, squaring off against the Sun in Gemini. The Sabian symbol for the Moon at 23 Pisces is, “Spiritist phenomena.” The Sun is on 23 Gemini, “Three fledglings in a nest high in a tree.” This speaks to a magical element, safety, the company of others, listening, and learning. Be sensitive, be tender, be kind to one another.
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16:41 – As the Sun squares Neptune (June 11), watery Neptune can overwhelm the Sun’s fire, so energy may be low. Alternately, the Sun can evaporate water and create a fog. Slow down and listen, because we’re navigating in the fog right now. And the Sabian symbols – “a labor demonstration” and “a little white lamb, a child, and a Chinese servant” were prominent in Episode 23 (Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon), so revisit that one to hear more.
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20:27 – Does Neptune in Pisces have an advantage over the Sun in Gemini? Don’t underestimate Neptune; water eventually wears down anything. Just ask the Rock of Gibraltar. Or the Grand Canyon.
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21:34 – The fog of war: Mars joins up with Neptune in Pisces (June 13). Information may become confusing and distorted as a new 2-year cycle of conflict and idealism commences. It’s a Neptunian week… rest if you need to.
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23:46 – We are in eclipse season, friends! Last week’s and next week’s eclipses have challenging, conflict-heavy signatures. So take breaks as needed, and be kind to yourself and others.
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24:32 – If you haven’t yet, please help the BSA podcast at no cost by subscribing, rating and reviewing. And there are a lot of Minneapolis nonprofits that need support – if you’d like to help one out, consider Tubman… they do amazing work. Or, here are 115 ways to donate in support of black lives and communities of color.

028 | Eclipses and Nodes: Why be Mean when you can be True?

April and Jen bring you the scoop on this week’s Venus/Mars showdown, its Sun/Mars showdown, and the first of three eclipses over what promises to be one heck of a 6-week eclipse season. Also: A mini-lesson on Mean vs. True Lunar Nodes. Plus: a celebration of two dazzling, Gemini-kissed individuals who help us bring you the BSA Podcast each week!
Order a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report!
To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website, and sign up for April's mailing list!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
01:45 – April & Jen give a shout-out to their transcriptionist, Joel at Poised Consult, and to Emily at Gemini Moon Social Media (email: Geminimoonsocial (at) gmail (dot) com), who helps out with social media promotion. Both of our helpers have space in their schedules for more work!
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04:22 – Venus is moving backwards in Gemini, and squares Mars in Pisces on June 2. There is tension between what we want and how we are going to get it. Venus is on the Sabian symbol “Two Dutch children talking;” are the people around you speaking your language? And Mars’s symbol, “An officer preparing to drill his men,” gives April an opportunity to mention Bob Ross. Again.
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08:26 – The next day, Venus joins up with the Sun in Gemini in an inferior conjunction. Here's a beautiful video of what Venus dancing across the face of the Sun looks like. Wow! Look where 13 degrees Gemini is in your chart. How are you relating to others, and to yourself? A theme is likely playing out in your life related to this. The Sabian symbol is “A conversation by telepathy,” which speaks to conversations of the heart.
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12:04 – ** Moonwatch**! It’s eclipse week! A Full Moon lunar eclipse happens at 15°34’ Sagittarius (June 5). This eclipse begins an 18.5-month journey of eclipses in Sagittarius and Gemini. This eclipse is the first of three that we have over the next six weeks. (Here is an eclipse path map.) The most recent eclipse in this series was June 4, 2012… what can you remember from that time, especially with regards to relationships? And hey, curious about what area of your life the eclipse is happening in? Here's how to find where the eclipse falls in your chart. Or, order your Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report, which is based on your personal birth chart! Or, schedule a reading with April. And, you might like to review Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses. So many options!
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18:19 – The Sabian symbol for the eclipsed Moon is 16 Sagittarius, “Seagulls watching a ship.” The Sun is on 16 Gemini, “A woman suffragist orating.” Speaks to issues around getting what you need, and balancing that with speaking out, conversing, communicating.
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22:08 – The Sun at 16°31’ Gemini makes its opening square to Mars in Pisces (June 6). This brings us back to September 2, 2019, as this chapter began. The Sun’s Sabian symbol points to thinking things through, and Mars is on a more impulsive symbol; together, they symbolize how we use our minds to deal with conflict and anger.
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27:00 – The Lunar Nodes: Mean vs. True? April gives a mini-lesson. Because, learning.
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30:39 – If you’d be so kind, please help the BSA podcast at no cost by subscribing, rating and reviewing. And if you find value in the podcast, please consider making a donation. We’re a small, independent podcast that depends on listener support. Thanks so much!

027 | The Amazing Disappearing Venus, & Cancer’s “Flavor of the Day”

April and Jen track Mercury as he judges a beauty pageant, then enters absorbent, flavor-of-the-day Cancer. There’s a dynamic First Quarter Moon in Virgo on some provocative Sabian symbols. And Venus disappears into the underworld, prompting a discussion of Venus’s hide-and-seek cycle and her role in the June 5 lunar eclipse. Relationships much? Plus: Milwaukee frozen custard, milk in the fridge, birthdays, weddings, and somebody impersonates Tom Jones!
Prepare for the eclipses by ordering a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report!
To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website, and sign up for April's mailing list!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
01:18 – April and Jen discuss why Memorial Day week is significant to them. Hint: Birthday cake and Jordan almonds are involved.
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04:24 – Let’s start with Mercury diving into private, intuitive, warm, self-protective Cancer (May 28), since Cancer is a patriotic sign. If you’re interested, here is the Sibley chart for the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the USA. What’s New Pussycat?: Mercury will turn retrograde in Cancer on June 17!
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09:41 – Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The Moon changes signs every 2.5 days. So when planets pass through Cancer, do they take on whatever “flavor of the day” the Moon is passing through? Find out about today’s Moon on the BSA home page. Or sign up for April's newsletter (free!) and you’ll get a complimentary “Working with the Moon” e-book every month, which tells you where the Moon is every day.
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12:05 – Before Mercury leaves Gemini, though, he visits with the North Node of the Moon. The Sabian symbol for 30 Gemini is, “Bathing beauties.” What is society’s view of beauty? What is your view of beauty? Try looking below the surface, to see what is beautiful for you. And since Mercury is oftentimes a messenger, keep an eye out around May 27 to see if something comes into your life and gives you this message.
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14:19 – Venus, currently an evening star, becomes invisible and goes into the underworld on May 28. Then she emerges on June 9/10 as a morning star. In the middle of this journey, on June 3, Venus joins up with the Sun. April gives a little lesson on the Venus star point in your birth chart. Watch the gorgeous dance of the Earth and Venus around the Sun. And do check out Dana Gerhardt’s Venus report and Arielle Guttman’s book. Plus, here’s an interesting article on Venus from Mary Plumb at The Mountain Astrologer.
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20:40 – ** Moonwatch**! The First Quarter Moon (May 29) is at 9°11’ Virgo, so it’s time to get moving with the things you were thinking about at the New Moon last week… though with so many planets in mutable signs it’s hard to know what direction to go! The Moon sits on the Sabian symbol, “Two heads looking out and beyond the shadows” and into the future. And the Sun is on the symbol, “An airplane falling.” Or is it just landing? Hmmm…
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26:02 – The summer eclipses arrive next week, with a South Node lunar eclipse! First, review Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses. Then, order your one-of-a-kind Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report, which is based on your personal birth chart! Finally, April is offering a FREE WEBINAR on eclipses on May 30 at 10 am Pacific time. Make sure that you’re on April's mailing list, because subscribers will get details about the webinar and the chance to get a copy of the recording, if you’re unable to attend the event live.
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29:09 – And speaking of eclipses… Venus passes over 15 degrees Gemini on May 31, which is opposite the eclipse degree of 15 Sagittarius. This is part of an unfolding story around relationships. Look back to June of 2012 to see a previous chapter in this story. Do you have unfinished business around this theme?
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31:06 – If you’d be so kind, please help the BSA podcast at no cost by subscribing, rating and reviewing. And if you find value in the podcast, please consider making a donation. We’re a small, independent podcast that depends on listener support. Thanks so much!

026 | Gemini New Moon and Six Months In!

Stroll down memory lane with April and Jen as we celebrate the BSA Podcast’s 6-month half-birthday! It’s a busy week: the Sun joins the ongoing Gemini party and teams up with the Moon for a stabilizing, yet energizing new lunar cycle; Mercury translates for Venus as she makes her second of three aspects to nebulous Neptune; and Mars and Uranus team to up to offer new opportunities and unexpected gifts. Also, eclipse season will be upon us soon enough (June 5), and a little prep never hurt anyone! Plus: Christmas in springtime, deliciously dangerous potstickers, and composting gophers.
Prepare for the eclipses by ordering a personalizedFollowed by a Moonshadow eclipse report!
To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website, and sign up for April's mailing list!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Friends: April and Jen are officially half a year into our podcasting adventure! Celebrate with us! Who can forget April’s love for Bob Ross, The Repair Shop being name-dropped approximately 100 times, or Jen’s charming parents? Your intrepid co-hosts’ favorite episodes include frequent laughter, teachable moments, and delightful titles – and they are:
Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses (Winner, First Uncontrollable Laughing Fit)
Episode 7, Saturn & Pluto Go to The Repair Shop (Winner, April’s Favorite Netflix Show Finally Makes It into a Title)
Episode 8, Saturn and Pluto Need a Party (Winner, Jen’s Biggest Belly-Laugh)
Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants? (Winner, Best Title Ever)
Episode 14, Retrograde Minds, Cazimi Hearts, Can’t Lose (Winner, Most Love for “Friday Night Lights”)
Episode 21, Cardinal, Fixed, & Mutable: Signs a la Mod-alities (Winner, Loveliest Teachable Moment)
Episode 22, Taurus New Moon and Venus Gone Wild (Winner, Sweetest Moment with Parental Cameo)
And here’s the link to read Jen's essay, "Scorpio Full Moon: Life Lessons on Letting Go" – her personal journey with her injury.
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07:18 – If you enjoy the podcast, April & Jen have a request: Please take one second and give the podcast a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen). Bonus points if you leave a positive review! It helps others find the show. Thanks!
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08:28 – Welcome airy, adaptable, communicative Gemini season! The Sun strolls into the sign of the Twins on May 20 and joins Mercury, Venus, the North Node – and soon, the Moon as well.
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10:47 – The Sun connects with Saturn in Aquarius on the May 22. The Sabian symbol for 2 Gemini is “Santa Claus Filling Stockings Furtively.” Good things coming our way? Learn how April views this symbol – it’s her descendant degree!
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12:35 – Venus squares Neptune for the second time on May 20: an opportunity to take a fresh approach to how we relate to our closest peeps. (To revisit Venus’s first square, go to Episode 23, Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon. To hear even more about Venus, listen to episodes 21 & 22 – see above for the link.)
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15:11 – ** Moonwatch**! The New Moon (May 22) is at 2°04’ Gemini. It’s on one of Sabian symbol expert Lynda Hill’s favorites, “The Garden of the Tuileries,” referencing the fascinating Parisian garden and park. This is about beauty and leisure, or maybe literally getting a garden going. (Should the Kents persist with their home composting project, or simply move to Minneapolis, where their compost would be picked up at home?) The New Moon offers a nice combo of flow and conflict, with squares for character and grit, and trines to help us build something dear to our hearts.
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23:30 – Mercury and Venus are united, and together they square Neptune in the New Moon chart. Mercury brings a realization or awareness of something related to the ongoing Venus/Neptune square. And remember: the birth chart shows everything possible, so don’t pigeonhole someone because of any one aspect. Lecture over. As you were.
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26:33 – Hey, where’s the fire? There’s none in the sky, but keep a close eye on the stove… and keep your fire extinguishers close! And freebie: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Big Sky mailing list – your free monthly workbook shows you where the Moon is every day!
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31:10 – We are two weeks away from the June 5 eclipse at 15 Sagittarius! If you have any planets or points between 11-19 of mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces), this is an important eclipse for you. This eclipse will mark the beginning of a series of eclipses falling in Gemini/Sag over the next year and a half, with a focus on what you know and what you need to learn. Revisit Episode 24, Scorpio Full Moon & Lunar Nodes for Grasshoppers to brush up. And make sure to grab your personalized copy of Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report, which will outline what is going on for you. Yes, you!
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35:17 – Action-oriented Mars in gentle, kind Pisces makes an opportunity aspect to unpredictable Uranus in earthy Taurus (May 24). Uranus is on the Sabian symbol “A Christmas tree.” It’s a good time to help people or causes that are important to you, and perhaps an unexpected gift will land at your feet. (For a review on this aspect, head on over to Episode 16, Let's Talk About Sextiles.)
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38:36 – And… it’s official! April and Jen are 26 episodes in! We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into when we started… podcast archaeology, that’s all it is, friends, and we’re digging it! 😉
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40:04 – April and Jen’s podcast semi-birthday request: If you can afford it – donate to a good cause this week! Can’t you just see the ripple of love and groovy vibes flowing from the podcast out into the world? To help the podcast at no cost to you, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW! (That’s not yelling; it’s just excitement! 😊) And… thanks for listening! For real. We wouldn’t be here if you weren’t tuning in. We appreciate you! We embrace you!  

025 | The Retrograde Parade!

This week in the Big Sky: Mercury dashes unsupervised into Gemini, and Mars winds up in Pisces quicksand; April and Jen examine a perfectly formed Aquarius Last Quarter Moon; and Venus and Jupiter square dance their way onto Team Retrograde! Also: learn who’s Best in Show…and, has it really been a dozen episodes since April last considered moving to Minneapolis?!
 
 
Can you spare a dollar or ten to support the BSA podcast? April & Jen thank you!
To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website, and sign up for April's mailing list!
Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
 
 
Episode links:
01:15 – Mercury dons his sparkly jester costume as he enters Gemini (May 11-28), the sign of his rulership. (And for more on rulerships, visit the episode with one of our favorite titles - Episode 14, Retrograde Minds, Cazimi Hearts, Can’t Lose.)
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4:20 – Mercury joins Venus in the out-of-bounds club (May 16)! (Review Episode 22, Taurus New Moon & Venus Gone Wild to hear about out-of-bounds planets.)
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06:35 – Mercury squares Mars on his way out of Taurus (May 11), gasses up his fast car, and speeds into the house of the Twins.
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07:14 – Mars, the warrior planet, jumps in a meandering Pisces canoe (May 12 – June 27). With Pisces’s connection to infectious disease and viruses, Mars is definitely wearing his face mask while on deck!
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12:01 – First Pluto, then Saturn… and now Venus turns retrograde at 22 degrees Gemini! REevaluate RElationships, REegotiate, REvisit, REdo... words that begin with the letters “RE” are favored during REtrograde times! And, it’s a perfect time for Jen to RE-lobby April to move to Minneapolis… the home of the Twins, no less! How perfect is that for Gemini season?
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14:56 – The Sabian symbol where Venus turns retrograde is, “A barn dance.” This speaks of retracing your steps and an awareness of what it’s like to be in another person’s shoes. And hey, while Venus is moving backwards, standard astro-wisdom holds that you might want to avoid major decisions related to money, relationships, and your appearance. Just sayin’.
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20:11 – ** Moonwatch**! The Last Quarter Moon is at 24°13’ Aquarius (May 14) on the Sabian symbol, “A butterfly with the right wing more perfectly formed.” This speaks of minor imperfections and imbalance… but that right wing is really exquisite. The Sun is on, “A large well-kept public park.” (This Sabian symbol was last seen when Pluto stationed to go retrograde – REvisit Episode 22, Taurus New Moon & Venus Gone Wild.) And put on your leisure suit while you’re at it – these are lovely, pretty, slow symbols, with open space for R&R.
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24:57 – The retrograde parade marches on! Jupiter reverses direction this week as well (May 14 – Sept 12). When the outer planets turn around, we usually notice it a couple of days before and after. This is a good retrograde for self-awareness, inner growth, and self-guided studies.
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29:10 – FYI: April’s book, Astrological Transits, is listed as unavailable on Amazon.com through July … but it’s not being revised! So if you can find a used copy, go for it! And if you can’t find one anywhere, contact April [April (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com] – she might have a few copies for sale. (It’s also available in Kindle format.)
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31:02 – Podpals: Could you help April & Jen out – at no cost to you – by subscribing, rating & reviewing, and telling a friend about the podcast? Or, if you’d like to celebrate April & Jen’s silver podcasting episode-iversary, donate a little funding to help cover costs. Thanks! 😃

024 | Scorpio Full Moon & Lunar Nodes for Grasshoppers

April and Jen approach the Full Moon week with beginner’s mind, as the Lunar Nodes shift into Gemini and Sagittarius for the next 18 months. Also: Saturn in Aquarius turning retrograde signals that it’s time to reassess commitments and do some foundational retrofitting; Mercury dons a rakish silk hat; the Sun points a finger; and a Scorpio Full Moon just made for deep-cleaning. Plus, googly eyes and gold stars!
Schedule an astrology reading with April!
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Can you spare a dollar or ten to support the BSA podcast? April & Jen thank you!
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To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
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Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website, and sign up for April's mailing list!
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Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
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Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
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Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
01:59 – April and Jen would like to give our listeners a golden 5-star rating! (And listen to Episode 22, Taurus New Moon & Venus Gone Wild to hear Jen’s parents reminisce about 80s music and Jen’s tween years.) If you’d like to “see” some of Jen’s googly-eyed food art, visit the episode page at our website!
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06:35 – Mercury is quietly superior as he joins up with the Sun at 15 Taurus in his muffler and rakish silk hat (May 4). (And to learn about April’s Murphy bed and new pathway fanciness, revisit Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses.)
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09:30 – Drumroll, please! The Lunar Nodes change signs (May 4): The North Node moves into Gemini, and the South Node moves into Sagittarius. Embrace the questioning path, the uncertainty; be curious and open-minded, and cultivate beginner’s mind. (Another reason to listen to Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses: You can learn all about the Nodes of the Moon! Yay! And to review how mindfulness can help overcome stress, go to Episode 18, Aries New Moon and a Kerflooey World.) And order April's eclipse report here.
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18:54 – ** Moonwatch**! The Full Moon is at 17°20’ Scorpio on May 7 on the Sabian symbol, “A woods rich in autumn coloring.” This speaks of a glow before the leaves drop their leaves. The Sun at 18° Taurus is, “A woman holding a bag out a window.” Time to clean house, literally and metaphorically.
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24:35 – The Sun and Moon are square Mars in Aquarius at this Full Moon. Mars is the minion on the right.
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25:56 – Saturn turns retrograde on May 10 on the Sabian symbol 2 Aquarius, “An unexpected thunderstorm.” Reassess commitments made and renegotiate if necessary. On July 1, Saturn re-enters Capricorn for a last hurrah. It’s like a house appraisal! Look to the Capricorn area of your chart to find out what needs shoring up. Or, schedule a reading with April, and she’ll tell you all about your chart!
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31:32 – The Sun sextiles Neptune on May 10. The Sabian symbol for 21 Taurus is, “A finger pointing in an open book.” This is an opportunity to elevate ourselves. The answers may present themselves clearly… Will you take advantage of the opportunity that is presented? Or, maybe the answer is already close at hand … that book is open, after all, grasshopper. But remember: Much to learn, you still have.
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35:12 – Friends of the BSA podcast: Do us a favor and take a moment to subscribe, rate & review, or toss April & Jen a buck or two to help cover costs. Thanks! ❤️