Big Sky Astrology Podcast

320 | Sun Meets Jupiter: Appreciating Our Bounty!

This week, Jupiter turns retrograde and asks us to look within for guidance on home and family. At the Last Quarter Moon in Leo, enthusiasm is contagious. Mercury and Mars come together in Sagittarius, and conversation is strenuously opinionated. The Sun and Jupiter meet in a harmonious trine, shining a spotlight on the bounty we enjoy. And a listener question about what transiting planetary aspects mean for you if they aren't aspecting anything in your own birth chart. Plus: Drinking our own Kool-Aid, relative luxury, and adapting to the celestial weather! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-320] 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 [1:29] Jupiter stations retrograde (Tues., Nov. 11, 8:41 am PST, through March 10, 2026) at 25º09’ Cancer. Stay open-minded and open your mind and heart to those outside your own family. [3:57] Moon Report! At the Leo Last Quarter Moon (Tues., Nov. 11, 9:28 pm PST) at 20°04’ Leo-Scorpio, enthusiasm can be contagious. Sabian symbols: 21 Leo, Chickens intoxicated, and 21 Scorpio, A soldier derelict in his duty. [7:12] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). The New Moon of this LPFC was on August 16, 2023, at 23º17’ Leo. The First Quarter Moon (first action point) was on May 15, 2024, at 25°08, the Full Moon (awareness point) on Feb. 12, 2025, at 24º06’ Leo. [9:51] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Cancer sextiles Uranus in Taurus (Mon., Nov. 10, 9:22 am PST). It’s VOC for 11 minutes, then enters Leo (9:33 am PST). Use this VOC Moon to make a habit of spicing up your workday routine. [11:19] The Moon in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus (Wed., Nov. 12, 3:29 pm PST). It's VOC for 23 minutes, then enters Virgo (3:52 pm PST). Practice patience and acceptance when other people's priorities differ from yours. [12:10] The Moon in Virgo trines Uranus in Taurus (Sat., Nov. 15, 1:08 am PST). It's VOC for 36 minutes, then enters Libra (1:44 am PST). Use practical and useful coping mechanisms, such as writing, to deal with stress or instability. [13:41] Mercury conjuncts Mars (Wed., Nov. 12, 3:15 pm PST) at 06°04’ Sagittarius. Mars is the warrior planet, and Mercury and Mars are in Sagittarius, which symbolizes fighting for what we believe in. Your mind could be working overtime. Question and learn from your anger and impatience. [15:41] The Sun trines Jupiter (Sun., Nov. 16, 9:08 pm PST) at 25°06’ Scorpio-Cancer. Confidence grows, doors open, and the world seems to be more receptive to what we have to say. Sabian symbols: 26 Scorpio (Sun), Indians making camp, 26 Cancer (Jupiter), Contentment and happiness in luxury, people reading on davenports. [18:24] Listener James asks about what transiting planets in aspect to each other mean for you if they aren't aspecting anything in your own birth chart. [22:52] To have a question answered on a future episode, 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! [23:23] 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.

319 | Taurus Full Moon: Necessary Things!

This week: Mars finishes its journey through Scorpio with an aspect to Neptune, then charges into Sagittarius and connects with Uranus and Pluto. The Taurus Full Moon gives an opportunity to evaluate the world on a practical level, while Venus goes deep, immersing itself in Scorpio and aspecting Pluto. Uranus circles back to the sign of Taurus for a short stay, and Mercury embarks on its latest retrograde period. And a listener question about how to combine various forecasting techniques in a reading. Plus: the Scorpio-Pluto Venn Diagram overlap, paying with cash, and the astrologer as a woodworker! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-319] 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 [1:32] Mars trines Neptune (Mon. Nov. 3, 7:59 pm PST) at 29º43’ Scorpio-Pisces. Neptune is on Sabian symbol, 30 Pisces, The great stone face, which Dane Rudhyar describes as, A rock formation like a face is idealized by a boy who as he grows up begins to look like it. We become what we idealize, so it’s worth taking a look at what that is. [4:00] Mars enters Sagittarius (Tues. Nov. 4, 5:01 am PST) – it’s adventure time through Dec. 14. Sabian symbol 1 Sagittarius, A Grand Army of the Republic campfire. Mars in Sagittarius will fight for what it believes in. [5:58] Mars opposes Uranus (Tues. Nov. 4, 9:30 am PST) at 0°08’ Sagittarius-Gemini. Mars in Sagittarius loves an adventure, and as it comes into an opposition with Uranus, things can end up going in a very different way than we had planned. [7:16] Mars sextiles Pluto (Thu. Nov. 6, 7:11 am PST) at 1°29’ Sagittarius and Aquarius. Work with powerful forces instead of fighting them. Sabian symbols: 2 Sagittarius, The ocean covered with white caps (Mars), 2 Aquarius, An unexpected thunderstorm (Pluto). [9:23] Moon Report! The Taurus Full Moon (Wed. Nov. 5, 5:19 am PST 13°22’ Taurus and Scorpio) is time to take stock of progress on New Moon plans. What are the essential supplies and relationships that we need to make them come true? Sabian symbols: 14 Taurus, Shellfish groping and children playing at the edge of the beach (Moon), 14 Scorpio, Telephone linemen at work (Sun). [11:37] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). The New Moon of this LPFC was on May 7, 2024 at 18º02’ Taurus. The First Quarter Moon (first action point) was on Feb. 5, 2025, at 16º46’ Taurus. We’re at the Full Moon (awareness point), and the Last Quarter Moon (last action point) is on Aug. 5, 2026, at 13º40’ Taurus. [13:34] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon opposes Venus (Tue. Nov. 4, 3:21 am PST). It’s VOC for 4 hours, 55 minutes, then enters Taurus (8:16 am PST). What do you need versus what do the important people in your life want? Develop new skills around relationship give-and-take. [15:00] The Moon sextiles Neptune (Thu. Nov. 6, 6:51 am PST). It’s VOC for 29 minutes, then enters Gemini (7:20 am PST). Get in the habit of noticing and appreciating the little things in life. [15:53] The Moon squares Neptune (Sat. Nov. 8, 6:32 am PST). It’s VOC for 34 minutes, then enters Cancer (7:06 am PST).  Find alternative ways to express your feelings. [16:47] Venus enters Scorpio (Thu. Nov. 6, 2:39 pm PST, through Nov. 30. Venus squares Pluto (Fri. Nov. 7, 7:44 pm PST) at 1°31’ Scorpio-Aquarius. Both encourage us to get clear about what it is that we love, value, and desire in our lives. [19:38] Uranus enters Taurus (Fri. Nov. 7, 6:19 pm PST). Uranus entered Gemini on July 7, 2025. It will station direct on Feb. 3, 2026, and will re-enter Gemini on April 25. While Uranus is completing its time in Taurus, ask, “What are things worth? Are we too disengaged from the sense of worth of money and of time?” [22:05] Mercury stations retrograde (Sun. Nov. 9, 11:02 am PST, through Nov. 29) at 6°51’ Sagittarius. It's a good time to review past decisions, past work, and what you think that you know. [24:50] Listener Ashley asks about how to combine various forecasting techniques in a reading. [30:56] To have a question answered on a future episode, 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! [31:30] 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.

318 | Mercury enters Sagittarius: Lift Up Your Gaze!

This week, communication and travel get an infusion of optimism and innovation when Mercury meets with Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto, and gallops into the sign of Sagittarius. Enthusiasm emerges as Mars trines Jupiter, and its trine to Saturn reins in excesses. The Aquarius First Quarter Moon propels the goals of the recent New Moon, with long-term goals and helpful friends. Venus and Jupiter examine true desires and necessities. And since we have such a busy sky this week, there wasn't time for a listener question – but submit your question for an upcoming episode! Plus: Spongy Neptune, a Halloween jester, and buyer’s remorse! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-318] 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 [1:40] Mars trines Jupiter (Mon., Oct. 27, 11:19 pm PDT) at 24º48’ Scorpio and Cancer. Great time for making progress toward your goals. Sabian symbols: 25 Scorpio, An X-ray (Mars), 25 Cancer, A dark shadow or mantle thrown suddenly over the right shoulder (Jupiter). [4:33] Mercury trines Neptune (Wed. Oct. 29, 12:26 am PDT, 29º50’ Scorpio-Pisces) highlights intuition and imagination Sabian symbols: 30 Scorpio, The Halloween jester (Mercury), 30 Pisces, The great stone face (Neptune).  [7:32] Mercury enters Sagittarius (Wed. Oct. 29, 4:02 am PDT), one of the signs of its detriment when in Sagittarius. Look up from the minutiae of life and toward the big picture. Mercury will be move through Sagittarius and late Scorpio until January 1, 2026, which is when it enters Capricorn. This includes a retrograde period between Nov. 9 and 29. [10:01] Moon Report! The Aquarius First Quarter Moon (Wed Oct. 29, 9:21 am PDT at 6º30’ Aquarius-Scorpio) is an action point in the Lunar Phase Cycle that began on Oct. 21. Sabian symbols: 7 Aquarius, A child born of an eggshell (Moon), 7 Scorpio, Deep-sea divers (Sun). Gather with like-minded people to share your ideals, to find a way to walk together toward the future. [12:39] This is the First Quarter (first action point) in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that began with the New Moon on Jan. 29, 2025, at 9º51’ Aquarius. The Full Moon (awareness point) of this cycle is on July 29, 2026 at 6º30’ Aquarius. The Last Quarter (final action point) is on April 28, 2027 at 8º19’ Aquarius. [14:22] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune (Tue. Oct. 28, 8:38 pm PDT). It's VOC for 17 minutes, then enters Aquarius (8:55 pm PDT). Think about how you're combining practicality and intuition. [15:27] The Moon in Aquarius squares Mars in Scorpio (Thu. Oct. 30, 11:15 pm PDT), is VOC for 5 hours 31 minutes, then enters Pisces (Fri. Oct. 31, 4:46 am PDT). Happy Halloween! [16:33] The Moon conjuncts Neptune in Pisces (Sun. Nov. 2, 7:15 am PDT), is VOC for 24 minutes, then enters Aries (7:39 am PDT). Acknowledge your emotions instead of indulging in escapism. [18:06] Mars trines Saturn (Wed. Oct. 29, 12:05 pm PDT) at 25º53’ Scorpio- Pisces. Discipline and adaptability combine to support confidence and emotional maturity. [19:28] Mercury opposes Uranus (Wed. Oct. 29th at 12:36 pm PDT) at 0º21’ Sagittarius-Gemini. Stay open to the unexpected, and trust flashes of insight that come your way on how you connect with the world. [21:03] Mercury sextiles Pluto (Thu. Oct. 30, 3:06 pm PDT) at 1º26’ Sagittarius-Aquarius, opening a channel for insight and honest self-examination. Sabian symbols: 2 Sagittarius, The ocean covered with white caps (Mercury) and 2 Aquarius, An unexpected thunderstorm (Pluto). [22:41] Venus squares Jupiter (Sun. Nov. 2, 3:16 pm PST) at 25º01’ Libra- Cancer. Strike a balance between pleasure and practicality. [24:01] Listener Question: Be on the lookout for a listener question or mini-lesson next week! [24:21] To have a question answered on a future episode, 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! [24:54] 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.

317 | Libra New Moon: Not So Pink and Frothy!

This week, partnerships and values are highlighted in the Libra New Moon. Neptune backstrokes into Pisces. The Sun enters Scorpio and squares Pluto and gets to work uncovering what we've been hiding underneath the surface. Mercury identifies our biggest dreams as it meets with Jupiter and lays out a practical path to success with Saturn. And a listener question about finding community, especially in the realms of astrology and spirituality. Plus: Passing it down, the universal dream, and empowering by strengthening! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-317] 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 [1:23] Moon Report! The Libra New Moon on Tue. Oct. 21 (5:25 am PDT), at 28º21 minutes Libra on the Sabian symbol, 29 Libra, Humanity seeking to bridge the span of knowledge. A Pluto influence says this particular New Moon is not the pink, frothy, romantic Libra New Moon we might imagine. [4:29] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). The First Quarter Moon (first action point) in this LPFC comes on July 21, 2026 at 28º43’ Libra. The Full Moon (awareness point) of this LPFC occurs on Apr. 20, 2027, at 0º36’ Scorpio. The Last Quarter Moon (final action point) will be on Jan. 18, 2028, at 28º13’ Libra. [6:52] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods for this week. On Tue. Oct. 21, the Moon conjuncts the Sun (5:25 am PDT). It's VOC for 3 hours 17 minutes and then enters Scorpio (8:42 am PDT). Institute a habit of small kindnesses. [8:34] On Thu. Oct. 23, the Moon in Scorpio trines Neptune (9:14 pm PDT). It's VOC for only five minutes and then enters Sagittarius (9:19 pm PDT). Create a coffee/tea and divination ritual that asks, “What is my intuition telling me about the best possible use for this day?” [9:57] On Sun., Oct. 26 (9:42 am PDT), the Moon squares Neptune. It's VOC for 11 minutes, then enters Capricorn (9:53 am PDT). During this VOC, make a habit of considering opposing viewpoints to ensure consistent learning and growth. [11:07] On Wed., Oct. 22 (2:51 am PDT), Neptune retrogrades back into the sign of Pisces for its final passage through this sign in our lifetimes. Neptune first entered Pisces back in 2011 and 2012. It briefly went into Aries March 30, 2025. It will leave Pisces for good on January 26, 2026 and will stay in Aries until 2038. The Sabian symbol for 30 Pisces, A majestic rock formation resembling a face is idealized by a boy who takes it as his ideal of greatness and as he grows up begins to look like it. How are your ideals informing your view of the world? [14:12] The Sun enters Scorpio on Wed. Oct. 22 (8:51 pm PDT, until Nov. 21) on the Sabian symbol 1 Scorpio, A sightseeing bus. This highly intuitive and emotionally charged ingress invites healing and catharsis. The Major Arcana card associated with Scorpio is the Death card. Many holidays that honor the bridge between life and death take place while the Sun is in Scorpio. This is the season to look beneath the surface and find wisdom in the cycles of loss and renewal that connect all of us. [16:50] On Fri., Oct. 24 (6:24 am PDT), the Sun squares Pluto at 1º23’ Scorpio-Aquarius. Sabian symbols: 2 Scorpio, A broken bottle and spilled perfume, 2 Aquarius, Unexpected thunderstorm. Letting go of the past can be painful, but it's the only way forward. [19:19] On Fri., Oct. 24 (8:08 am PDT), Mercury trines Jupiter at 24º37’ Scorpio-Cancer, and the formulation of a great vision. [19:41] Mercury trines Saturn on Sat., Oct. 25 (2:17 pm PDT) at 26º06’ Scorpio-Pisces. Make a plan for pursuing Jupiter’s vision. [20:35] Listener Alyssa asks about finding community, especially in the realms of astrology and spirituality. Check out groups such as NCGR [https://ncgrastrology.org/], the San Diego Astrological Society [https://www.sandiegoastrology.com/], United Astrological Conference [https://uacastrology.com/] and OPA [https://opaastrology.org/]. [28:50] To have a question answered on a future episode, 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! [29:21] 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.

316 | Venus enters Libra, and a Prima Donna Moon!

This week, a nostalgic Cancer Last Quarter Moon is a time to reflect on what we've accomplished in our recent New Moon goals. Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, glides into her elegant home sign of Libra, and promptly meets up with idealistic Neptune, unpredictable Uranus, and probing Pluto. Power issues rise to the surface as Pluto stations direct. The Sun and Jupiter bring a fresh start, but might bring up conflicts in all types of relationships. Words can get a little hurtful as Mercury and Mars come together in Scorpio. And a listener question about houses in the horoscope that are ruled by the same planet - how are they connected? Plus: Calming tea, an autumn leaf, and a trip to Disneyland. Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-316] It’s eclipse season! Order your copy of my “Followed by a Moonshadow” eclipse report! [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/product/eclipse-astrology-report] 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] Timestamps: [01:44] Moon Report: Cancer Last Quarter Moon (Mon., Oct. 13, 11:13 am PDT, 20º39’ Cancer-Libra). Reflect on what you’ve built since September’s Virgo Solar Eclipse. Balance your personal spotlight (“A prima donna singing”) with collective harmony (“A crowd upon the beach”). [04:05] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) Connects back to the July 17, 2023, New Moon in Cancer — a long-term story about power, control, and emotional authenticity, with peaks at the First Quarter Moon on April 15, 2024, and Full Moon on Jan. 13, 2025. [06:02] Void-of-Course Moons. Mon., Oct. 13, Moon in Cancer trines Saturn at 10:05 pm PDT. It’s VOC for 5 hours 42 minutes, then enters Leo on Tues. Oct. 14 at 3:47 am. Perfect for bedtime reflection and initiating soothing routines. [07:18] Wed., Oct. 15, Moon in Leo sextiles Sun in Libra, 10:06 pm PDT. It’s VOC for 12 hours 59 minutes, then enters Virgo on Thu. Oct. 16, 11:05 am. Express yourself creatively. [08:13] Sat., Oct. 18, Moon in Virgo opposes Saturn at 2:10 pm PDT. It's VOC for 6 hours 51 minutes, then enters Libra at 9:01 pm. A reality check — do what you can, then let go. [09:31] Venus enters Libra (Mon., Oct. 13, 2:19 pm PDT, until Nov. 6). Venus in Libra delights in beauty, grace, and harmony — but expects manners and mutual respect. It’s a time for refinement, art, music, and creating peaceful surroundings. [10:56] Venus opposes Neptune (Mon., Oct. 13, 6:16 pm PDT, 0º12’ Libra-Aries). Beautiful illusions or confusing emotions? This transit heightens creativity and longing. Lean into art and inspiration, but beware of wishful thinking in love or finances. [12:52] Pluto stations Direct (Mon., Oct. 13, 7:52 pm PDT) at 1° Aquarius on the Sabian symbol “An unexpected thunderstorm,” an awakening to change and empowerment. With Venus and Uranus in the mix, expect surprising revelations and renewal. Pluto has been retrograde since May 4. [14:33] Venus trines Uranus (Tue., Oct. 14, 7:09 am PDT, 0º52’ Libra-Gemini). Fresh energy in relationships, art, and finances — and maybe a glimpse beneath the surface. Sabian symbols: 1 Libra, A butterfly made perfect by a dart through it, and 1 Gemini, A glass-bottomed boat in still water. [16:55] Venus trines Pluto (Tue., Oct. 14, 4:45 pm PDT, 1º22’ Libra-Aquarius). Depth of feeling, and a reminder to love deeply, feel our losses, remain open to life’s beauty. Sabian symbol: 2 Aquarius, An unexpected thunderstorm. [18:31] Sun Square Jupiter (Thu., Oct. 16, 10:43 pm PDT, 24º06’ Libra-Cancer) Confidence meets challenge — a time to stretch beyond your comfort zone while keeping your balance. Excellent for self-promotion, creative pursuits, and reconnecting with loved ones. Sun’s Sabian symbol: 25 Libra, All information in the symbol of one leaf. [21:12] Mercury conjunct Mars (Sun., Oct. 19, 11:51 pm PDT, 19º11’ Scorpio). Sharp minds and sharper tongues. Productive for research and problem-solving, but watch out for heated words. Speak with care and precision. Sabian symbol: 20 Scorpio, A woman drawing two dark curtains aside. [23:02] Listener Question: Houses with the same ruler. Listener Michelle asks how life areas ruled by the same planet connect in the birth chart. April explains how a shared planetary ruler weaves together different houses — with an example from John Coltrane’s chart [https://www.astro-seek.com/birth-chart/john-coltrane-horoscope] (b. Sep. 23, 1926, 5 pm EST, Hamlet, NC, Placidus houses) that ties together creativity, study, and financial opportunity. [27:51] To have a question answered on a future episode, 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! [28:30] 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.