Big Sky Astrology Podcast

Latest Episodes:

046 | Podathon Day 5: Jupiter Enters the Home Stretch Sep 10, 2020

Show notes

It’s the FIFTH AND FINAL DAY of the first annual Big Sky Astrology PODATHON! We conclude this festive, five-day event on a contemplative note, remembering the attacks of September 11, 2001. We consider the Sun’s annual opposition to Neptune and how the world has been altered since their conjunction in March; a sensitive Moon in Cancer; and Jupiter turning direct after a long retrograde sleep. Also: crab shells and possums, a good night’s sleep, the witness protection program, and why you should never ask April to do basic math on the fly.

This episode concludes a series of five daily mini-episodes in our Podathon extravaganza! How better to celebrate our childhood memories of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon? JOIN US for up-close-and-personal looks at each day’s aspects! THRILL to our special Podathon theme! And best of all, HEAR ABOUT all the treats and opportunities coming your way as a donor to the podcast!

Everyone who pledges $5 or more during our fundraising week will receive invitations to four special episodes we’ll be producing at the equinoxes and solstices. And everyone who pledges $25 or more will be entered in our drawing to win great prizes that can be enjoyed by listeners around the world, including readings with April and reports from her store!

DEADLINE: To be entered in the drawing, we must receive your donation of $25 or more no later than SEPTEMBER 13, 2020, at 11:59 pm PACIFIC time. The Drawing will be held on SEPTEMBER 14, with winners paw-picked by Toby, the wonder tabby! Donate at bigskyastropod.com! (A portion of our proceeds will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.)

Missed any of our daily PODATHON episodes? Visit our website!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Show notes and links

4:35 - Sun in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces today, emphasizing the need to balance rational intellect with faith and intuition. For our extended discussion on the Virgo/Pisces polarity, dive into our archives and revisit Episode 10, Neptune and the Zen of Groundhog Day.

5:50 – Leo and Pisces folks may feel the influence of this opposition a little stronger. Leo may feel some uncharacteristic self-doubt and be reminded that they should be a little gentler with their big paws.

7:17 – We’ve reached the halfway point of a cycle that began on March 8, 2020, when the Sun conjoined Neptune in Pisces. The future is still not crystal clear, but an opposition provides a broader perspective of where we’ve been and, hopefully, what is the best path forward.

8:20 – The Moon enters Cancer today, so to get on people’s wavelengths, talk about family, pets, and the things closest to their hearts. Others may be a bit sensitive and defensive today as the Moon squares Mercury, so choose your words carefully and avoid difficult conversations if possible for the next couple of days.

9:40 – The Moon will conjoin Uranus at 8:57 pm PDT, which can interfere with sleep. Not a bad time to pay attention to all the good advice about how to get better sleep which we typically ignore.

10:33 – The Moon’s final aspect in Cancer will be a square to Mars, so the whole time the Moon’s in this sign it’s headed toward conflict that is unavoidable but necessary.

11:45 – Jupiter will turn direct on Sep. 12 at 5:42 pm after being retrograde since May 15. Next stop: sextile Neptune in October and conjoined Pluto in November.

12:58 - Jupiter is so big that all of the other planets would fit inside of it – see this NASA graphic! And it’s not that happy in Capricorn, which we discussed way back in Episode 2, Jupiter in Capricorn: Falstaff in a Business Suit.

13:50 – Jupiter is now gearing up to finish the last of his work in Capricorn before changing signs in December. As Jupiter approaches an Aquarian conjunction with Saturn in December, there’s a general dissatisfaction about government, rules, structures, authorities, and bureaucracy. While in Capricorn, Jupiter has amplified these matters so they’re more difficult to ignore.

And this concludes our gala 1st annual PODATHON! Thank you SO much to everyone who has donated, and to everyone who listens!

Thanks for joining us for our first annual Podathon week! If you’d like to support the podcast, we have several suggestions. The easiest and totally free ways are to SUBSCRIBE to the show wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a 5-star rating or a review, and spread the word by telling a friend! But it’s not too late to make a one-time or recurring donation right here!

Donate by SUNDAY SEP. 13 at 11:59:00 pm PACIFIC time

and you’ll be invited to our special equinox and solstice episodes ($5 or more) and entered in a drawing to win a reading or report ($25 or more)!

Here’s where to donate!

045 | Podathon Day 4: A Thor's Day Last Quarter Moon Sep 09, 2020

Show notes

It’s Day FOUR of the first annual Big Sky Astrology PODATHON! In this episode, we talk about Jupiter, the Boss of all Thursdays; the Gemini Last Quarter Moon; and whether air sign Moons are unjustly maligned! Plus: How you can join the kitten mosh-pit!

This week, April & Jen bring you five daily mini-episodes in a Podathon extravaganza! How better to celebrate our childhood memories of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon? JOIN US for up-close-and-personal looks at each day’s aspects! THRILL to our special Podathon theme! And best of all, HEAR ABOUT all the treats and opportunities coming your way as a donor to the podcast!

Join us for daily PODATHON episodes through Friday, Sep. 11!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links for Thursday 9/10:

00:50 – A reminder that Thursday (“Thor’s Day”) is associated with Jupiter. Learn, teach, take a chance – and, maybe, donate to a podcast you like (hint hint)! (To hear more about how the days of the week were named, listen to Episode 3, Alexa, Play "Love the One You're With")

4:13 and 5:05 – Most delightful phrase in the English language: “Kitten mosh-pit.”

5:50 - ** MOONWATCH ** A somewhat haunting intro, followed by a discussion of today’s Gemini Last Quarter Moon featuring an archaic tome, ancient knowledge, a Sun/Neptune sneak preview, and a missing table leg. This is the time to reflect upon and finish up the matters initiated at the Aug. 18 Leo New Moon.

8:20 - We briefly discussed lunar phase families on Episode 41, “Pisces Full Moon and the Yin to Your Yang!” This Last Quarter Moon also concludes the lunar phase family that began with the June 13, 2018 New Moon at 22.44 Gemini. More about the Gemini Moon on Ep. 43 – Podathon Day 2: Into the Void (-of-Course Moon)!

For more on lunar phase families, here’s a link (sent to us by alert listener River) to Dietrech Pessin’s article on this subject at Frank Clifford’s website.

10:00 - Here’s April’s blog post about how to find this Last Quarter Moon and other transits in your birth chart.

11:00 – April’s beat: The Moon in Gemini! Allegations that people with the Moon in air signs are unfeeling…hurts our air sign Moon feelings! (We also discussed the Gemini Moon on Episode 44 – Podathon Day 3: A Mars Retrograde Hump Day!)

12:24 – What your Moon sign says about how you process your day and comfort yourself.

14:35 – The Moon shadowboxes with Neptune first thing in the morning (5:17 am PDT), so it’s not the best morning for tackling matters that require very clear thinking (or operating heavy machinery!).

15:30 – The Moon ends on a sextile aspect to Mars, and lends encouragement to its newly retrograde pal. (We look at Mars retrograde on Episode 44 – Podathon Day 3: A Mars Retrograde Hump Day!)

Thanks for joining us for our first annual Podathon week! If you’d like to support the podcast, we have several suggestions. The easiest and totally free ways are to SUBSCRIBE to the show wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a 5-star rating or a review, and spread the word by telling a friend! If you have a little cash to spare and would like to avail yourself of the lovely incentives mentioned above, you can make a one-time or recurring donation right here!

044 | Podathon Day 3: A Mars Retrograde Hump Day! Sep 08, 2020

Show notes

It’s Day Three of the first annual Big Sky Astrology PODATHON! In today’s breaking planetary news: the Sun cashes in as it trines Jupiter, Mars in Aries stations retrograde (through Nov. 13) – and what’s behind door number three?

Join us for daily PODATHON episodes through Friday, Sep. 11!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

To join the podcast conversation, leave a comment at our website!

Episode links for Wednesday 9/9:

Guess what day it is? And… one hump or two? Today’s Moon in Gemini always favors two of anything, but in fact a dromedary has one hump and a Bactrian camel has two! You’ll find our previous scintillating discussion of this distinction, and a camel-related Sabian symbol, in Episode 38, Taurus Last Quarter Moon – but wait, there’s S’more!

4:25 - Kids watched lots of game shows in the 1970s because there were maybe three TV channels, no cable or VCRs, and Let’s Make a Deal filled the gap between cartoons! One of the more intriguing questions for the gameshow viewer: What is behind that curtain where Carol Merrill is standing?

5:55 – Been missing the Moonwatch theme?

6:24 – Today’s Moon in Gemini is (unofficially named by April and Jen) the camel Moon!

7:27 – Feeling particularly lucky? Got an insatiable urge to shop for back-to-school supplies? Feeling the wind at your back? Could be the Sun’s trine to Jupiter today! Be yourself, and make your own luck.

10:26 – The Mars retrograde we’re about to tell you about is true. Retrograde Mars revisits recent squares to Saturn (Sep. 29), Pluto (Oct. 9), and Jupiter (Oct. 18). These big planets are training our Mars selves to be patient, sheath our claws, and be better kittens.

14:40 – On a hopeful note, Jen reminds us that Mars retrogrades only every two years, vs. practically half the year for Saturn-Pluto.

Thanks for joining us for our first annual Podathon week! If you’d like to support the podcast, we have several suggestions. The easiest and totally free ways are to SUBSCRIBE to the show wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a 5-star rating or a review, and spread the word by telling a friend! If you have a little cash to spare and would like to avail yourself of the lovely incentives mentioned above, you can make a one-time or recurring donation right here!

Donate here!

043 | Podathon Day 2: Into the Void (-of-course Moon) Sep 07, 2020

Show notes

It’s Day Two of the first annual Big Sky Astrology PODATHON! More Moontalk in this episode, with a look at our dialogue with the world while the Moon is in Gemini, plus a recap of void-of-course periods!

Join us for daily PODATHON episodes through Friday, Sep. 11!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links for Tuesday 9/8:

2:25 – Our discussions of our love for pie goes all the way back to Episode 1, Stars Over Thanksgiving! The Repair Shop has been mentioned a few times, most notably on Episode 7, Saturn & Pluto Go to The Repair Shop! The original Bob Ross mention was in Episode 8, Saturn and Pluto Need a Party.

5:55 - The Moon in Taurus ends on a modestly high note as it makes its final aspect, a trine to Saturn. What’s the significance of the Moon’s last aspect in its sign?

8:02 – There’s a long void-of-course Moon period today. For an extensive discussion of the void-of-course Moon: Episode 23, Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon. You can find out if the Moon is void-of-course on a given day by going to BigSkyAstrology.com and looking for Today’s Moon in the right-hand sidebar!

9:15 - The Moon enters Gemini (2:28 pm PDT) and approaches a final sextile aspect to Mars on the 10th. “When the Moon is in Gemini, the world is speaking to us… and our job is to listen.” – April

10:25 – The Moon in air signs can be misunderstood! It’s not unfeeling, just sensitive to communication in these signs.

11:30 – How to appeal to the world when the Moon is in Gemini!

12:30 – The Moon sextiles Venus in Leo (8:41 pm PDT), great for socializing and enjoying entertainment and conversations with good friends.

14:25 – Will Jen sneak in the Moonwatch theme? *Spoiler alert* She sneaks it in!

Donate to the podcast!

042 | Podathon Day 1: It's Our Moonday Show! Sep 06, 2020

Show notes

It’s Day One of the first annual Big Sky Astrology PODATHON! This episode is one big Moonwatch, with a discussion of the daily Moon and how its sign, aspects, and void-of-course periods color the day’s developments!

Join us for daily PODATHON episodes through Friday, Sep. 11! Make your donation at https://www.bigskyastropod.com.

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links for Monday 9/7:

For April and Jen, Labor Day in the 1970’s and 1980’s meant one thing: hours of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day MDA telethon! Here’s just a taste.

6:00 – The Moon’s rules the populace, and its daily sign, aspects, and phase describe the general mood of the day. Whenever you’re looking for the day’s sign and aspects, you’ll find it in the right-hand margin of April’s website!

8:10 – No void-of-course Moon today, but you can revisit our discussion about the VOC Moon in Episode 23, Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon.

10:00 – What stories do you have to share at today’s Disseminating lunar phase? Taurus Moon isn’t the chattiest (though April wouldn’t call it introverted), but it does favor cracking out some stationery and sending someone an actual letter. And for a leisurely review of lunar phases: Episode 34, The 8 Lunar Phases: Have Them with a Salad!

This is the perfect week to donate to the podcast! Donors of $5 or more will receive invitations to our special equinox/solstice episodes, and donors of $25 or more are entered to win great prizes! You must donate by Sep. 13, 2020, at 11:59 pm PACIFIC time, right here: https://www.bigskyastrology.com/support-the-podcast/

041 | Pisces Full Moon and the Yin to Your Yang Aug 30, 2020

Show notes

April and Jen wade into the waters of a rather Uranian Pisces Full Moon, in a week that emphasizes independence as the road to better relationships. Venus opposes Saturn and squares Mars, so we must find a way to work through relationship issues constructively (and preferably not publicly). Mercury enters diplomatic Libra while Venus finds us singing the praises of Leeeeoooo! Also, coming soon to a podcatcher near you (drumroll): we’ll tell you about the our first annual BSA Podathon, which kicks off next week! Plus: inevitably, Bob Ross.

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:28 – Thanks to listener Celeste for her info on the 2.5-year Moon cycle! Check out her comment for Episode 38, Taurus Last Quarter Moon – but wait, there’s S’more! for a relevant link.

03:12 – We are pleased to announce the first annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon – 5 days of daily, 10-15 minute episodes, beginning Labor Day Monday, Sep. 7! The Podathon is also your opportunity to help us cover our podcasting expenses for the coming year. Kick in $5 or more for exclusive content and opportunities!

06:31 - ** Moonwatch! ** This week’s illuminating Pisces Full Moon (Sep. 1/2) falls on the Sabian symbol for 11 Pisces: “Men seeking illumination.” The Sabian symbol for the Sun in Virgo is “A boy moulded in his mother's aspirations for him.” Perhaps we can see the ways in which the expectations of others – or the ones we have of ourselves – have formed us and keep us from seeing the full picture. This Moon is also connected to the lunar phase family that began in March of 2019. What stories began for you then?

09:31 – Later that day, the Moon sextiles Uranus in Taurus, and the Sun trines Uranus (Sep. 2)! This is an important Full Moon week for relationships. It begins with honoring your individuality and independence.

11:50 – Venus opposes Saturn (Sep. 2) on the Sabian symbol for 26 Cancer “Contentment and happiness in luxury, people reading on davenports.” A lovely symbol, but remember to work through problems in relationships when needed. Look at the structures you’ve built for your relationships. How can you fine-tune them?

15:42 – Is Venus easier in an opposition than in a square? Venus at 27.55 Cancer squares Mars in Aries this week (Sep. 4). Seeing this aspect evokes two lovers experiencing friction - and the Sabian symbols relate to many people being disappointed by and weighing in on your relationship choices. (We said it was relationship week, right, friends?)

18:09 – Segue of the week: Are planets assigned a gender? Hint: It’s all about yin-yang. It’s important to say: Our non-binary and gender fluid friends are always welcome here!

19:46 – Mercury sextiles Venus (Sep. 4) and the next day, the planet of communication enters Libra. Seeing both sides, examining the idea of balance, and give-and-take are on board here. Remember that communication is not just about what you say and express; it’s also important to listen!
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21:38 – Mercury in Virgo trines Pluto (Sep. 1) and then trines Saturn (Sep. 3). A productive week for deep discussions about difficult topics. Maybe it’s time to form some new communication habits?

23:15 – Mercury enters Libra like a refreshing breeze, airing out an earth-heavy planetary lineup! Listen to Episode 36, A Mini-Class for the Dog Days: Elements & Modalities for more on the elements. And the breathing exercise Jen mentions can be found in Episode 13, Pisces Season: Gopher it!

24:11 – Venus enters Leo Sep. 6 and will be there through Oct. 3. The planet of love, relationships, and value will take on a romantic, passionate, and creative vibe. Careful not to overspend. And hey, maybe paint along with Bob Ross, or grow a chia pet!

27:40 – 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! And if you like the podcast, get a head start on next week’s podathon and toss a few dollars our way to help keep the show going. Thanks, podpals!

040 | Mars vs. Saturn, Virgo vs. Sagittarius, April vs. Gravity Aug 23, 2020

Show notes

It’s a busy week in the big sky, and in true Sun-in-Virgo form, April and Jen run down a checklist of planetary highlights: Mars runs into Saturn’s upturned palm, but learns something that will lead to a positive, North Node outcome. The First Quarter Moon in Sagittarius tells the Sun in Virgo to stop waiting for things to be perfect before taking a chance. Mercury and Venus cross-pollinate most of the Solar System, including shared aspects to think-big Jupiter and drowsy Neptune. Also: ladders, boots, and (inevitably) kittens.

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:28 – Life goes up, and life goes down… through it all, it’s nice to have a pal to chat with. Do check out the BSA podcast page, where we now bring you essays, along with the usual weekly podcast and transcripts of each episode.

05:15 – The first of three squares between Mars and Saturn arrives (Aug. 24)! The planet of action is stymied, and we might find we have to push ourselves a bit to make progress. The Sabian symbol for Mars at 27 Aries is “A lost opportunity regained in the imagination.” Saturn is on 27 Capricorn “A mountain pilgrimage.” Jen shares how her life-changing injury reminds her of these two symbols. In other words, these boots are made for walking.

10:07 – Mercury in Virgo trines Uranus (Aug. 25), which is on the Sabian Symbol for 11 Taurus, “a woman sprinkling flowers.” This is an opportunity to take something that you do regularly and see it in a new way. The trine is a quiet voice of innovation, whereas the recent square between these two planets might have felt more like a wake-up call.

12:04 – Mercury trines Jupiter in Capricorn (Aug. 29) on the Sabian symbol for 18 Virgo “An Ouija board,” which can give everyday happenings a spiritual flavor. It’s a good day to get the word out! (Listen to Episode 10, Neptune and the Zen of Groundhog Day for more on the Pisces/Virgo polarity.)

13:58 - Mercury in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces (Aug. 30). This might feel a bit like a Mercury retrograde, so it’s not the best day to think clearly. A great day for visualization, meditation, and tapping into spirituality, though!

15:15 – There is a pragmatic Grand Earth Trine for a couple of weeks, starting Aug. 25. This forms a triangle between Jupiter in Capricorn, Uranus in Taurus, and Mercury/Sun in Virgo. What are you envisioning? Write it down; give it form.

15:47 – ** Moonwatch! ** A First Quarter Moon (FQM) at 2.59 Sagittarius (Aug. 25) is on the Sabian symbol, “Two men playing chess,” which speaks to a battle of intellects. During this season of Virgo self-improvement, it’s a good time to take action to organize in a useful way… but don’t take things too seriously. Sag reminds us: Just make a beginning. (To hear more about the juggling story, go to Episode 39, Leo New Moon: A Rainbow at Daybreak.) Quote of the week goes to April: “Sagittarius rising, everything else falling down!”

21:11 – A good book on Neptune is Steven Forrest’s The Book of Neptune. (FYI: We get no $$ from this mention – just the satisfaction of turning you on to something marvelous!)

21:43 – Adventure versus caution: Venus opposes Jupiter in Capricorn (Aug. 25) on 18 Cancer, “A hen scratching for her chicks.” But even in Venus in Cancer’s lovely, protective home, its opposition to Pluto (Aug. 30) is a reminder of the daunting outside world.

24:22 – Thankfully, Venus also trines Neptune (Aug. 27) on 20 Cancer, “Gondoliers in serenade.” Neptune is on 20 Pisces “A table set for an evening meal.” Find ways to harmonize with the world around you.

25:46 – Finally, Mars in Aries makes an opportunity aspect to the North Node of the Moon in Gemini (Aug. 25). Even though it may seem that things are not flowing smoothly, you’re building muscles and moving forward on a path of curiosity and new learning environments. Difficult situations can sometimes take us in directions that we couldn’t have otherwise imagined for ourselves.

28:22 – 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! And if you like the podcast, please toss a few dollars our way to help keep the show going. Thanks, podpals!

039 | Leo New Moon: A Rainbow at Daybreak Aug 16, 2020

Show notes

April & Jen have a purrfect cattitude this week! Meet our latest podpet, “mews” upon the Leo New Moon, and learn about yods. And later in the week, we welcome Virgo season as the Sun and Mercury enter the sign of soulful self-improvement. And the latest in our planetary return series, as April has a Venus return! Plus: Skittles, juggling, and hey – where’d you get your name?

To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:30 – Everything’s coming up kitties! April’s fondest feline dreams came true last week with two new podpets, one of whom seems to harbor podcasting ambitions. Sorry, kid, you’re too small for headphones.

05:23 – Cazimi! Mercury conjoins the Sun (Aug. 17) at 25°09’ Leo on the Sabian symbol “a rainbow.” Anticipate brilliant, beautiful insights, and enjoy a handful of Skittles.

07:55 – Mercury and the Sun are the apex of a yod with Neptune in Pisces and the Capricorn crew (Jupiter, Pluto, Saturn). What is a yod, anyway? And which finger is doing the pointing?!

12:16 – Here is the NASA link, which also features monthly skywatching tips.

12:45 – Grab your checklist and get organized: Mercury enters Virgo (Aug. 19) for a short stay (until Sept. 5). Learn the difference between Gemini and Virgo, Mercury’s two natural places of residence. This would also be a good time to learn to juggle!

17:13 – Venus in Cancer sextiles Uranus in Taurus (Aug. 18): Be on the lookout for Your People and for social opportunities, even if only online.

18:56 – Collect the whole set of personal planetary returns! April talks about Venus Returns, even as she experiences her own! To hear April and Jen’s most recent episode on planetary returns, go to Episode 37, Full Moon in Aquarius & Many Happy (Solar) Returns.

21:25 – ** Moonwatch! ** Take heart: A beautiful, warm, hopeful New Moon arrives at 26°35’ Leo (Aug. 18) on the Sabian symbol “Daybreak.” Will a new day dawn when April and Jen don’t sing on an episode? (Spoiler alert: Probably not!) This ties in nicely to the earlier symbol of “a rainbow” – both have that sense of possibility. With its ties to other points – Mars and the North Node – our actions and activities are guided in a lovely, helpful way.

26:33 – Check out the brand-new newsfeed feature on the BSA podcast page! Read all the latest goings-on, including Jen’s Leo New Moon essay and April’s weekly articles. Yay!

27:31 – It’s time for the harvest: The Sun enters Virgo (Aug. 22)! Separate the wheat from the chaff, and think about what adjustments you can make to improve yourself and your world. (Return to Episode 10, Neptune and the Zen of Groundhog Day if you’d like to hear more about the Virgo/Pisces polarity.)

33:24 – Thanks for listening, podpals! We’d love it if you could please take a moment to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating and/or write us a happy review! And if you like the podcast, please toss a few dollars our way to help keep the show going. Thanks so much!

038 | Taurus Last Quarter Moon – but wait, there’s S’more! Aug 09, 2020

Show notes

April & Jen bring you the biggest news of the week: Mars squaring off with Pluto, which seems ominous… yet the symbolism might support deeper, positive work. A Last Quarter Moon in Taurus prompts a discussion of the larger picture surrounding this lunar phase, which includes Uranus turning retrograde for a five-month nap and the Sun kissing Mars. Also: marshmallows, grandparents, and 25,000 ways to say thank you. Although, really… it always comes back to pie, doesn’t it?

To join the podcast conversation and leave a comment for April & Jen, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:35 – Yep, we’re extending the birthday celebration, because why not? To hear the solar return mini-lesson and infamous birthday song and spousal cameo, go to Episode 37, Full Moon in Aquarius & Many Happy (Solar) Returns. Give a listen while you’re eating s’mores and lemon meringue pie!

05:18 – Leonine Mercury squares bullish Uranus at 10°40’ (Aug. 10). The planet of communication is on the Sabian symbol “Children in a swing in a huge oak tree.” The planet of disruption is on “A woman sprinkling long rows of flowers.” (Review Episode 23, Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon for more on these symbols.) Look for flashes of inspiration, an awakening of ideas, bolts out of the blue, or surprising news – and cultivate some beauty, like some lavender fields or a tulip farm. And take note: This aspect may feel somewhat like a Mercury retrograde! This is the continuation of a story that began around April 30. (And to hear Jen’s parents’ cameo, go to Episode 23, Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon.)

09:16 – ** Moonwatch! ** This week there is a Last Quarter Moon (LQM) at 19°28’ Taurus (Aug. 11). This reflective point in the lunar cycle always supports contemplation and thinking about “How am I doing to achieve my long-term goals?” So it’s linked to this particular 3-week period, of course, as is the case every month... but also to life in general.

10:49 – Jen pitches a question: Why do some astrologers associate the lunar cycle with a 28-day cycle, a 6-month-cycle, and 2.5-year cycle? April hits it out of the ballpark.

12:14 – This LQM is on the Sabian symbol “Wind, clouds, and haste,” but the sign of the bull doesn’t usually move too quickly… perhaps conditions exist in which things are moving rapidly. The Sun is on the symbol “Zuni sun worshippers” which indicates the importance of ritual, being intentional, and revering nature and the natural rhythms and cycles of life.

14:59 – Mars in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn at 23°05’ (Aug. 13) for the first of three times between now and the end of the year, continuing a story that began on March 22. Mars wants to move forward at warp speed, but Pluto points out the limits of our personal efficacy and power. The Sabian symbols are lovely, though: Mars is on “An open window and a net curtain blowing into a cornucopia.” And Pluto: “A woman entering a convent.” There might be an opportunity here for you, if you will pause and let yourself retreat and reflect: If change is coming, in what positive direction can you help move it?

21:07 – Uranus sits down to reverse course (Aug. 15) at 10°41’ Taurus on the symbol “A woman sprinkling long rows of flowers.” Sound familiar? As the planet of the unexpected pauses in the sky, it becomes more internalized and can sometimes act the opposite of what we associate it with. The sideways planet will turn direct in January 2021 at 6° Taurus. (Learn how to find this point in your birth chart here.)

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23:43 – The Sun and Mercury in Leo both trine Mars in Aries (Aug. 16). This is a warm, encouraging aspect, so act with heart on your loving, creative impulses. Sun/Mercury are on the symbols for 25 Leo “A large camel crossing the desert.” Mars is on “A double promise.” Both speak of duality and seem future-focused. These might be messages of: What direction are you headed? And, do you have a plan? With the focus on two, it might be wise to have a backup plan too!

27:40 – Thanks for listening 25,000 times, podpals! We’d love it if you could please take a sec and make sure to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating, or write us a happy review! And, do you like the show? Yay! Would you be willing to toss a few dollars in the contributions bucket? That would really help us out! Double thanks, and a double promise to keep bringing the show to you each week!

037 | Full Moon in Aquarius & Many Happy (Solar) Returns Aug 02, 2020

Show notes

April & Jen: The Musical! – is brought to you by a disruptive Full Moon in Aquarius, tight-lipped Mercury falling on Saturn’s deaf ears, Mars square Jupiter, Mercury in Leo (hence this episode’s festive tone) and Venus joining the North Node before entering cozy, home-loving Cancer. Also, for your learning pleasure, a mini-class on solar returns! And, someone is having a birthday! Can you say carrot cake?

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Read a full transcript of this episode.

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00:33 – April launches another trip around the Sun on Aug. 5, and all of us at the BSA Podcast would like to wish her a happy birthday! (Note: “All of us” includes one person and two furry co-workers. 😊)

01:36 – Previous episodes about planetary returns include Episode 11, Saturn Returns We’ve Known and "Loved" and lunar returns on Episode 20, Libra Full Moon: A Magic Carpet Ride.

02:02 – Let’s talk Solar Returns! What are they? What do they tell us? How are they calculated? And can you really get a better year by spending your birthday somewhere else? You can order your Solar Return birthday report here, even if it’s not your birthday! And, in other news this week, April’s birthday is also National Work Like a Dog Day and National Underwear Day! *giggling*

09:37 – ** Moonwatch! ** This week there is a Full Moon at 11.46 Aquarius (Aug. 3) on the Sabian symbol “People on stairs graduated upward.” Perhaps this speaks of vision – can the people on the top can see farther? And the Sun is on “An evening lawn party.” A charming symbol, and both are about groups of people, so it must be nice, right…?

11:01 – But wait! At this Full Moon, unpredictable Uranus in the sign of the bull provokes both the Sun and Moon. Maybe it’s not too comfortable after all… but maybe comfortable is not all it’s cracked up to be.

12:54 – Also on Aug. 3, Mercury in Cancer opposes Saturn in Capricorn. There might be some difficulty in communicating, because this can feel like a cork in your mouth. On the bright side, not blurting out every thought can have its advantages!

14:49 – It’s the end of Act 1: there’s tension as Mars in Aries squares Jupiter in Cap (Aug. 4). These planets came together on March 20 (for a review of that, see Episode 17, Saturn in Aquarius: All in This Together), and Mars will square the Capricorn clown car (Jupiter, Pluto, Saturn) throughout the fall. Think back to March – what were the personal stories for you? Use some of that energy in a positive way this week. Why? Because it's hip to be square!

18:24 – Mercury enters Leo (Aug. 4), a creative, persistent, and expressive placement. However, beware subjectivity. This is a good time to do anything fun – express yourself with a project just for you! (For more info, listen to Episode 8, Saturn and Pluto Need a Party.)

22:42 – You are here: In a galaxy with 200 billion stars, and at the center of it – out there – is the galactic center. Venus joins the North Node (Aug. 5) and therefore opposes the South Node, currently aligned with the galactic center. You might get messages of what to release related to Venus-themed things. It can also bring important people into your life.

27:02 – Venus enters cozy Cancer (Aug. 7) and immediately heads over to Bed Bath & Beyond. This is a time to take pleasure in home and family.

30:25 – Thanks for reading the show notes! We’d love it if you could please take a sec and make sure to subscribe and give us a 5-star rating, or write us a happy review! And if you like the show, please consider kicking in five or ten coffee bucks! [“I STILL can’t believe coffee costs that much!” – April ] Thanks, y’all.

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