352 | The Cancer New Moon and Tending the Cradle!

352 | The Cancer New Moon and Tending the Cradle!

We're publishing on a reduced schedule this month, and this episode needs to cover a lot of territory. Two weeks’ worth, in fact, including the Cancer New Moon, the much-ballyhooed cradle configuration, rare aspects like Neptune's exact sextile to Pluto, Uranus's sextile to Neptune and trine to Pluto, the Lunar Nodes entering Aquarius and Leo, and, believe it or not, much more! So, hold on for a super-sized episode and a lot of aspects. Plus: Awaiting a sailboat, the backbone of the cradle, and the great commonality! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-352] Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast]! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/subscribe] Love the show? Make a donation! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/support-the-podcast/] Timestamps [1:27] Moon Report! The Cancer New Moon (July 14, 2:43 am PDT) at 21°59’ Cancer. This New Moon is on the Sabian symbol 22 Cancer, A woman awaiting a sailboat. This New Moon brings hard work and nostalgia, as the Sun and Moon square Saturn while conjunct retrograde Mercury in Cancer. [3:56] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the New Moon in an LPFC that will unfold and extend this New Moon's messages over the coming three years. The First Quarter Moon (first action point) of this LPFC occurs on Apr. 13, 2027 (23°47’ Cancer), the Full Moon (awareness point) will be on Jan. 11, 2028 (21°27’ Cancer), and the Last Quarter Moon (final action point) is on Oct. 11, 2028 (18°41’ Cancer). [5:25] A rare cradle configuration (July 15-24) involves the outer planets at 4° of their signs: Jupiter at 4 Leo, Uranus at 4 Gemini, Neptune at 4 Aries, and Pluto at 4 Aquarius. Address weaknesses and move toward purpose. Look for peak events that signal major societal shifts, grassroots movements, technological advancements, and the questioning of the establishment. [8:21] Uranus sextiles Neptune (July 15, 1:36 pm PDT) at 4°23’ Gemini/Aries. It's the third of five that will form between Aug. 2025 and June 2027, and could bring new ways for us to share information, creativity and to connect. [10:55] Uranus trines Pluto (July 17, 9:43 pm PDT) at 4°29’ Gemini/Aquarius, seeking to disrupt the status quo (Uranus) and consolidate power (Pluto). This is the first of five Uranus-Pluto trines that will form between Nov. 2026 and May 2028. [14:01] On July 20, Jupiter trines Neptune (12:23 am PDT, at 4°22’ Leo/Aries) and opposes Pluto (7:44 am PDT, at 4°26’ Leo/Aquarius). This week, ensure your hopes for how things should be don't distort your perception of reality. Don't let optimism and a desire for fun or creativity carry you away. [18:18] Jupiter sextile Uranus (July 21, 4:10 am PDT) at 4°37’ Gemini and Leo. This aspect's disruptions can drive positive change, but its energy must be intentionally chosen and applied. [19:12] The Sun enters Leo (July 22, 12:13 pm PDT). This is the time of year to play, whatever that looks like to you. [20:51] The Sun opposes Pluto (July 26, 11:54 pm PDT) at 04°17’ Leo/Aquarius. People or situations may disrupt your joy, abruptly reminding you that life is short. Expect to feel the effects of this transit from July 22-July 29, 2026. [21:51] Mercury stations direct (July 23, 3:58 pm PDT) at 16°18’ Cancer. It turned retrograde on June 29, 2026. Mercury’s retrogrades are times to relax, regroup and reflect. [23:08] Neptune sextile Pluto (July 24, 10:26 pm PDT) at 4°20’ Aries/Aquarius. This is the first exact Neptune/Pluto sextile since May-June 1986. For nearly eight decades, the Neptune-Pluto sextile has appeared in most birth charts. It was exact multiple times between 1950–1956 and 1976–1986, and this week's exact alignment begins a final series running through February 2032. What is the commonality? [27:27] Saturn turns retrograde (July 26, 12:56 pm PDT) at 14°44’ Aries, and it will turn direct on Dec. 10, 2026. Initiating new endeavors may go more smoothly if you can make a big push toward that project after Dec. 10. [29:50] The Lunar Nodes enter Aquarius and Leo (July 26, 5:46 pm PDT). The Nodes have been in Pisces/Virgo since Jan. 11, 2025, and they will be in Aquarius/Leo through Mar. 26, 2028. Check out Ep. 342 [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/episode-342/] to learn about the difference between the Mean and True Nodes. The next 18 months are a prime time to channel your creative and managerial skills into helping an organization. [35:00] No Listener Question this week, but please keep them coming in for future episodes! [35:35] Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast] or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend! [36:14] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com [http://bigskyastropod.com/] and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor. We’re on a reduced schedule this July, so join us again on Monday, July 27!

351 | Capricorn Full Moon and Jupiter enters Leo!

This week, Mercury begins its latest retrograde period, followed by a hard-working Full Moon in Capricorn. A few hours later, Jupiter enters sensational Leo. And over a few busy days, Mars in Gemini makes a conjunction with unpredictable Uranus, a friendly sextile to Neptune, and a trine to powerful Pluto. Plus: A family story; where you're stale; and there's Leo, and then there's Leo. Heads up: We're publishing on a lighter schedule in July with two episodes, on July 13 and 27. So enjoy a little July break and join us on the 13th! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-251/] Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast]! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/subscribe] Love the show? Make a donation! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/support-the-podcast/] Timestamps [1:59] Mercury stations retrograde (Jun. 29, 10:36 am PDT, until July 23) at 26°15’ Cancer, on Sabian symbol 27 Cancer, A storm in a canyon. It's a time for reflection, especially about family, heritage, and community matters. Keep your schedule light and flexible. [5:44] Moon Report! The Capricorn Full Moon (Jun. 29, 4:56 pm PDT) at 8°14’ Capricorn, on Sabian symbol 9 Capricorn, An angel carrying a harp. This Full Moon is also square Saturn, for a double dose of responsibility, maturity, and seriousness. [8:21] This is the Full Moon (awareness point) in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that began with a New Moon on Dec. 30, 2024, at 9°43’ Capricorn. The First Quarter (first action point) in this LPFC was on Sep. 29, 2025, at 7°05’ Capricorn. The Last Quarter (final action point) comes on Mar. 29, 2027, at 9°06’ Capricorn. [12:21] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Capricorn opposes Mercury in Cancer (July 1, 4:51 am PDT). It’s VOC for 7 hours, 42 minutes, then enters Aquarius (12:33 pm PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to establish a routine or a habit of talking about what you're feeling without being overwhelmed by your emotions. [14:23] The Moon in Aquarius opposes Venus in Leo (July 3, 10:27 am PDT). It’s VOC for 13 hours, 3 minutes, then enters Pisces (11:30 pm PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to build stronger, mutual connections with others by practicing the art of give-and-take. [15:22] The Moon in Pisces trines Mercury in Cancer (July 5, 10:21 pm PDT). It’s VOC for 9 hours, 46 minutes, then enters Aries (July 6, 8:07 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of releasing strong emotions through artistic means and bringing joy and inspiration to others. [16:38] Jupiter enters Leo (Jun. 29, 10:52 pm PDT), and it will be in this joyous sign until July 25, 2027. Jupiter was last in Leo between July 16, 2014- August. 11, 2015. When Jupiter is in Leo, there is a strong desire for more attention, self-expression, and fun. The Moon's South Node will also enter Leo on July 26, 2026, for about an 18-month stay. So, shine, but without making the spotlight the entire point. [19:53] Mars conjoins Uranus (Jul. 3, 11:08 pm PDT) at 3°52’ Gemini. Look to the Gemini house of your natal chart to see where you are stale and where you need to shake things up. [22:43] Mars sextile Neptune (Jul. 4, 5:44 pm PDT) at 4°24’ Gemini and Aries. Mars is on the Sabian symbol 5 Gemini, A radical magazine. Embrace artistic projects. Take a small action to improve somebody's life. Happy Fourth of July! [25:37] Mars trines Pluto (Jul. 5, 6:06 am PDT) at 4°46’ Gemini and Aquarius. Pluto's on the Sabian symbol 5 Aquarius, A council of ancestors. Let challenges inspire empowerment. [28:09] No Listener Question this week, but please keep them coming in for future episodes! [28:18] Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast] or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend! [28:50] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com [http://bigskyastropod.com/] and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

350 | Mars Enters Gemini: Slow Your Roll!

This week, Venus' trine to Saturn offers structure and longevity to our romance and creativity. The Sun's square to Neptune brings perspective about mentors, leaders, and sense of self. Competition and moving toward goals are highlighted by Mars and Jupiter in a sextile aspect. Communication and transportation can take an assertive or possibly aggressive tone as Mars enters Gemini. And a listener question about transits that are highly touted but end up being a disappointment. Plus: Running on empty, awaiting opportunity for expression, and annoyance is not a crisis!  Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-350] Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast]! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/subscribe] Love the show? Make a donation! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/support-the-podcast/] Timestamps [1:35] Moon Report! No major lunation this week. Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods: The Moon in Libra squares Jupiter in Cancer (June 23, 9:11 pm PDT). It's VOC for 2 hours, 32 minutes, and then enters Scorpio (11:43 pm PDT). During this VOC Moon, remind yourself that annoyance is not a crisis! [3:14] The Moon in Scorpio trines Jupiter (June 26, 10:10 am PDT). It's VOC for 1 hour, 31 minutes, and then enters Sagittarius (11:41 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to establish a routine of cleansing intense feelings through movement and enjoying beautiful scenery. [4:46] The Moon in Sagittarius trines Venus in Leo (June 27, 10:04 pm PDT), then it's VOC for 26 hours, 14 minutes, before it enters Capricorn (June 29, 12:18 am PDT). Use this exciting VOC Moon period to socialize, date, and attend live entertainment. [5:59] Venus trines Saturn (June 25, 5:02 am PDT) at 13°55’ Leo and Aries. Venus is on the Sabian symbol 14 Leo, The human soul awaiting opportunity for expression. If you have had a creative project on the back burner and you're ready to bring it to life, this is a good transit for that. [8:07] The Sun squares Neptune (June 25, 3:38 pm PDT) at 4°22’ Cancer and Aries. Make time for relaxation. Indulge in the arts. Safeguard your health. [10:33] Mars sextiles Jupiter (June 27, 9:50 pm PDT) at 29°33’ Taurus and Cancer. When planets are on the anaretic degrees of a sign, things can feel volatile, erratic, or unpredictable. Assert yourself, but don’t lose sight of good sportsmanship and generosity. Get some physical activity, just be mindful of your limits. [13:04] Mars enters Gemini (June 28, 12:29 pm PDT until Aug. 11), and it will immediately begin to make its conjunction to Uranus. Beware of arguments and road rage. Excellent transit for wordsmiths. To see how Mars in Gemini has affected you in the past, look back at July 20-Sep. 4, 2024, focusing on the house Gemini occupies in your chart. [17:04] Listener Vicki asks about disappointing transits. [24:30] Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast] or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend! [25:05] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com [http://bigskyastropod.com/] and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

349 | Venus: Equality, Rose-Colored Glasses, and a Trip to the Underworld!

Venus, the goddess of love and money, is having a busy week. Her sextile aspect to Uranus offers an opportunity for radical change, and her trine to idealistic Neptune lends a pair of rose-colored glasses, at least until she opposes Pluto for a short but potent trip to the underworld. Embrace the Cancer Solstice, a moment to stop and contemplate where you're at and what lies ahead. A Libra First Quarter Moon initiates action in relationships, money, and getting life in balance. And a listener question about a jangly natal Sun and its impact on the annual Solar Return. Plus: A haircut, charm school, and feng shui! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-349] Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast]! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/subscribe] Love the show? Make a donation! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/support-the-podcast/] Timestamps [1:41] Venus sextiles Uranus (Jun. 15, 3:53 pm PDT) at 2°54’ Leo and Gemini. Venus' Sabian symbol is 3 Leo, A woman having her hair bobbed. New ideas may suddenly appear that are related to money, values, or relationships. The more equal two people are, the more united they can ultimately be. [4:13] Venus trines Neptune (Jun. 16, 8:41 pm PDT) at 4°18’ Leo and Aries. This aspect reminds us that love, beauty, and creativity are at their richest when they open doors to both inspiration and connection. [5:48] Venus opposes Pluto (Jun. 17, 1:38 pm PDT) at 5°7’ Leo and Aquarius. Love what and who we love, even when knowing that nothing lasts forever. Financial stress is possible, especially with the financial markets. [7:58] The Sun enters Cancer (Jun. 21, 1:24 am PDT) and it will remain in the sign until July 22, 2026. Happy Summer/Winter Solstice! This is a lovely season of the year to spend more time close to home with your family, with your loved ones, pets, and to let yourself be for a while. [10:23] Moon Report! The Libra First Quarter Moon (June 21, 2:55 pm PDT) at 0°32’ Libra and Cancer. This is the first action point for the June 14 Gemini New Moon. This lunation could bring awareness about what's really going on with the people in our lives and the things that we value. This is a nice time to focus on beautifying your home and bringing it into balance. Check out Simone Butler’s Astro Feng Shui [https://astroalchemy.com/astro-feng-shui-book/] book! [14:06] This is the First Quarter (first action point) in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that began with the New Moon Solar Eclipse on Sep. 21, 2025, at 29°5’ Virgo. The Full Moon (awareness point) in this LPFC is on Mar. 22, 2027, at 1°35’ Libra. The Last Quarter (last action point) in this LPFC is on Dec. 20, 2027, at 28°14’ Virgo. [15:42] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon conjoins the Sun (Jun. 14, 7:54 pm PDT), is VOC for 9 hours, 20 minutes, then enters Cancer (Jun. 15, 5:14 am PDT). Check out Ep. 348 [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/episode-348/]’s VOC Moon segment for more details. [16:32] The Moon in Cancer conjoins Jupiter (Jun. 17, 12:41 am PDT). It's VOC for 4 hours, 24 minutes, then enters Leo (5:05 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to research how to reasonably make your home safe and secure. [17:48] The Moon in Leo sextiles the Sun (Jun. 19, 4:30 am PDT). It's VOC for 3 hours, 7 minutes, then enters Virgo (7:37 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to appreciate the gift of today and the simple joy of your beating heart. [18:40] The Moon in Virgo sextiles Jupiter (Jun. 21, 10:33 am PDT). It's VOC for 3 hours, 22 minutes, then enters Libra (1:55 pm PDT). Use this VOC Moon to catch up on household chores and repairs to make your home more comfortable and efficient. [19:36] Listener June asks about preparing for a Solar Return when the Sun has difficult placements in the Birth Chart. Check out Andrea Gehrz's book, Remediation: A Guide for the Modern Astrologer [https://www.amazon.com/Astrological-Remediation-Guide-Modern-Practitioner/dp/0982789327]. [26:12] Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast] or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend! [26:47] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com [http://bigskyastropod.com/] and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

348 | Gemini and the Double Moon Week!

This week: The Moon doubles up with two lunations - a Pisces Last Quarter AND a Gemini New Moon! Gemini loves to do things in pairs, so it would not have it any other way. One of the nicest transits of the year, as Venus makes a conjunction with Jupiter in Cancer, just before Venus enters glamorous Leo. Communication takes on a serious tone when Mercury squares Saturn, and a listener question about the complex quincunx aspect. Plus: Letting the dough rest, trimming palms, and looking for glamor in the back of your closet! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-348/] Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast]! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/subscribe] Love the show? Make a donation! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/support-the-podcast/] Timestamps [1:37] Moon Report! Lunation #1 - Pisces Last Quarter Moon (June 8, 3 am PDT) at 17°38’ Pisces and Gemini. Take final action on Taurus New Moon (May 16) goals. Spend some time near water for reflection. Use imagination and intuition for ideas on how to bring those New Moon intentions to fruition. [3:41] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the Last Quarter (last action point) in an LPFC that began with a New Moon on Mar. 10, 2024, at 20°16’ Pisces. The First Quarter Moon (first action point) was on Dec. 8, 2024, and the Full Moon (awareness point) on Sep. 7, 2025. [5:26] Lunation #2 - Gemini New Moon (June 14, 7:54 pm PDT) at 24°03’ Gemini on Sabian symbol, 25 Gemini, A man trimming palms. With Mercury in aspect to Saturn, it’s a good New Moon period for tidying up and getting things in order. [7:00] This is the New Moon in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that will unfold over the next three years. The First Quarter (first action point) of this LPFC comes on Mar. 15, 2027 (24°51’ Gemini), the Full Moon (awareness point) on Dec. 13, 2027 (21°24’ Gemini), and the Last Quarter (last action point) on Sept. 11, 2028 (19°47’ Gemini). [9:38] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Pisces trines Jupiter in Cancer (June 8, 5:38 pm PDT). It's VOC for 7 hours, 55 minutes, then enters Aries (June 9, 1:33 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon to develop a habit of practicing kindness, generosity and appreciation for all of the beauty that you enjoy in the world. [10:39] The Moon in Aries squares Venus in Cancer (June 11, 1:22 am PDT). It's VOC for 4 hours, 6 minutes, then enters Taurus (5:28 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of checking in with your inner circle before you make major moves. [11:52] The Moon in Taurus sextiles Jupiter in Cancer (June 13, 12:30 am PDT). It's VOC for 5 hours, 36 minutes, then enters Gemini (6:06 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of slowing down and appreciating all of the people, places and things in your life that feel like home to you. [12:57] The Moon in Gemini conjoins the Sun (June 14, 7:54 pm PDT). It's VOC for 9 hours, 20 minutes, then enters Cancer (June 15, 5:14 am PDT).  Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of taking short breaks to breathe and focus on what you feel in your body, heart and gut. [15:01] Venus conjoins Jupiter (June 9, 12:59 pm PDT) at 25°46’ Cancer, on the Sabian symbol 26 Cancer, Contentment and happiness in luxury, people reading on davenports. Find a balance between having some of what you want without sacrificing too much to get it. [17:03] Mercury squares Saturn (June 9, 10:39 pm PDT) at 12°58’ Cancer-Aries. A reality check is in order. Take responsibility for your actions and your feelings. [18:57] Venus enters Leo (June 13, 3:47 am PDT, until July 9). Make those thrilling purchases that you may have been putting off for a long time. [21:04] Listener Glenda asks about the quincunx aspect. Check out this class with Rick Levine/Astrology Hub [https://portal.astrologyhub.com/shop/working-with-quincunxes-w-rick-levine/] and also this video with Stormie Grace [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHoV2w5xnn8]. Here is a link to Stormie Grace’s new book, The Big Book of Planetary Aspects: A Comprehensive Guide to Natal and Transit Astrology [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F91XTD7D/]. [28:37] Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast [https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast] or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend! [29:07] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com [http://bigskyastropod.com/] and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.