344 | Taurus New Moon: Embracing the Physical World!

344 | Taurus New Moon: Embracing the Physical World!

Mercury in Taurus slows down, sextiles Jupiter, and decides that maybe we don't have to take every opportunity that comes our way. The latest Sun-Mercury cazimi prompts a look at a Sabian symbol technique. The Taurus New Moon is a time to enjoy being in our bodies. Communication and travel get a bit of a jangled boost as Mercury enters its home sign of Gemini and almost immediately merges with Uranus. And April answers a listener question about how to get started in learning astrology. Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-344] 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 [1:30] Mercury sextiles Jupiter (May 12, 9:44 pm PDT) at 20°45’ Taurus-Cancer. Explore your options, but avoid making any binding commitments you might later regret. [3:13] Mercury conjoins the Sun (May 14, 7:24 am PDT) at 23°48’ Taurus. The conjunction between these two is exact at 7:24 am PDT, but Mercury is within 17 minutes of orb of the Sun, a powerful condition called cazimi [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/episode-259/], between 1:48 am and 1 pm PDT. [6:37] Moon Report! Taurus New Moon (May 16, 1:01 pm PDT) at 25°57’ Taurus. Love being in the world, being in a body. The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is 26 Taurus, A Spaniard serenading his señorita. [8:56] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). The First Quarter (first action phase) of this LPFC is on Feb. 13, 2027 (25°23’ Taurus). The Full Moon (awareness point) is on Nov. 13, 2027 (21°31’ Taurus). The Last Quarter (last action point) is on Aug. 13, 2028 (21°14’ Taurus). [11:20] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Pisces squares Venus in Gemini (May 12, 3:04 am PDT). It's VOC for 14 hours, 0 minutes, then enters Aries (5:04 pm PDT). Develop the habit of approaching uncomfortable topics obliquely and creatively. [12:29] The Moon in Aries conjuncts Mars (May 14, 2:33 pm PDT). It's VOC for 4 hours 58 minutes, then enters Taurus (7:31 pm PDT). Practice cooling off during heated exchanges. [13:37] The Moon in Taurus conjuncts Mercury (May 16, 6:02 pm PDT). It's VOC for 1 hour and 21 minutes, then enters Gemini (7:23 pm PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to tap into the calm, methodical spirit of Taurus. [14:42] Void-of-Course Moon Webinar (Sat., May 23, 10 am, PDT). For more information about that, just go to, BigSkyAstrology.com and click on Learn [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/learning/] in the Main Menu. [15:10] Mercury enters Gemini (May 17, 3:26 am PDT, until June 1). The Sabian symbol for 1 Gemini is, A glass bottom boat in still water. Mercury is strong in Gemini, and the mind moves quickly, shifting focus constantly to absorb the world’s endless variety. [16:36] Mercury conjoins Uranus (May 17, 5:10 pm PDT), at 1°14’ Gemini on Sabian symbol, 2 Gemini, Santa Claus filling stockings furtively. What makes you different suddenly makes you fascinating. Embrace your quirkiness and your weird brilliance. [18:38] Listener Hannah asks about how to get started in learning astrology. [25:01] 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! [25:37] 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.

343 | The Sun and Mars Meet Jupiter: Have It Your Way!

This week, Mars in Aries squares Jupiter in Cancer, encouraging us to push our way through and demand to have things our way. Mercury squares Pluto, encouraging deep thought, just as the planet of transformation stations retrograde. The Aquarius Last Quarter Moon calls us to gather our friends to help us reach our New Moon goals. The Sun and Jupiter provide warm astrological weather for your Mother's Day brunch, and April answers a listener question about the Void-of-Course Moon. Plus: Swinging a hammer, a lavish brunch, and not everything is hard. Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-343] 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] Mars squares Jupiter (May 4, 7:08 pm PDT) at 19º30’ Aries-Cancer. It is fine to go after what we want, but it's equally important to practice good sportsmanship and to be generous toward others. [3:18] Mercury squares Pluto (May 5, 3:08 pm PDT), at 5º30’ Taurus-Aquarius. Look at anything that you haven't been facing up to, and make a resolution to deal with it. [4:49] Pluto stations retrograde (May 6, 8:34 am PDT, until Oct. 15) at 5°30’ Aquarius. Pluto's on the Sabian symbol 6 Aquarius, A performer of a mystery play. This could be a powerful time for ritual work and connecting with those who have passed on. Dramas within groups and with technology are more possible. [7:02] Moon Report! Aquarius Last Quarter Moon (May 9, 2:10 pm PDT) at 19º14’ Aquarius-Taurus. This is the final action point for the goals that you set at the Aries New Moon on Apr. 17. The Moon’s Sabian symbol is 20 Aquarius: A big white dove, a message bearer. Gather your true friends and allies close to you for reassurance and solidarity. [9:00] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the Last Quarter (last action point) in an LPFC that began with the New Moon on Feb. 9, 2024, at 20º40’ Aquarius. The First Quarter (first action point) was on Nov. 8, 2024, and the Full Moon (awareness point) was on Aug. 9, 2025. [10:52] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Sagittarius trines Mars in Aries (May 4, 2:33 pm PDT). It's VOC for 21 hours, 33 minutes, then enters Capricorn (May 5, 12:06 pm PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of making physical activity a fun and sociable outlet. [12:20] The Moon in Capricorn squares Mars in Aries (May 7, 7:19 am PDT). The Moon is VOC for 17 hours, 9 minutes, then enters Aquarius (May 8, 12:27 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get into a habit of monitoring your energy levels and using them effectively. [13:33] The Moon in Aquarius sextiles Mars in Aries (May 9, 10:09 pm PDT). It's VOC for 12 hours and 30 minutes, then enters Pisces (May 10, 10:39 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period for finding different ways to find leads in your professional network. [14:33] The Sun sextiles Jupiter (May 10, 7:14 pm PDT) at 20º25’ Taurus-Cancer. Happy Mother’s Day! Nice opportunities can present themselves, especially in the realm of real estate. Excellent time to get recognized, but beware of overdoing things. [17:05] Listener Maria asks, “We signed our house contract during a Void-of-Course Moon in Gemini. Are we doomed?” [24:03] 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! [24:11] 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.

342 | Scorpio Full Moon: The True You!

Venus turns a little serious with aspects to Pluto and Saturn, but it's all moving us toward a treasured North Node goal. May Day shines bright under the light of the Scorpio Full Moon. Mercury enters laconic, earthy Taurus, and April answers a listener question about the Lunar Nodes: why be mean when you can be true? Plus: Bird vs nest, carrot vs spreadsheet, and wobble or no wobble? Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-342] 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 [1:15] Venus trines Pluto (Apr. 28, 9:40 am PDT) at 5°29’ Gemini-Aquarius. Entertain the idea of belonging to a productive group of people. Think deeply about your financial future. [4:02] Venus squares the Lunar Nodes (Apr. 29, 6:31 pm PDT) at 7°09’ Gemini, Pisces/Virgo. This could be an invitation to change course, especially in relationships, finances, and basic values. [5:58] Moon Report! Scorpio Full Moon (May 1, 10:23 am PDT) at 11°20’ Scorpio-Taurus. Happy Beltane/May Day/International Workers Day! Identify whether your Aries New Moon intentions were true to who you are. Let go of whatever is toxic or not working in your life. [9:17] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the Full Moon (awareness point) in the LPFC that began at the New Moon on Nov. 1, 2024, at 9°35’ Scorpio. The First Quarter (first action point) was on Aug. 1, 2025 (9°31’ Scorpio). The Last Quarter phase (last action phase) in this cycle comes on Jan. 29, 2027 (9°17’ Scorpio). [11:19] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Virgo sextiles Jupiter in Cancer (Apr. 27, 4:12 am PDT). It's VOC for 21 hours, 51 minutes, then enters Libra (Apr. 28, 2:03 am PDT). Do the little things around your house to make it more of a home, not just a place to live. [12:30] The Moon in Libra opposes Mercury in Aries (Apr. 30, 1:52 am PDT). It's VOC for 10 hours, 10 minutes, then enters Scorpio (12:02 pm PDT). Think before you speak. Deliver messages with more diplomacy, care, and consideration. [13:32] The Moon in Scorpio trines Jupiter in Cancer (May 2, 1:47 am PDT). It's VOC for 21 hours and 46 minutes, then enters Sagittarius (11:33 pm PDT). Listen to your gut with the intention of serving or healing others who could use an emotional boost. [14:38] Venus sextiles Saturn (May 1, 11:45 am PDT) at 9°14’ Gemini-Aries. Work hard to improve your relationships and manage your resources wisely. Positive interactions with older people or those in authority. [17:08] Mercury enters Taurus (May 2, 7:57 pm PDT, until May 17). Concentrate on one task at a time. Relax and listen to the people you have conversations with. Enjoy new music, recipes and creature comforts. [19:22] Listener Ben asks, “What is the difference between the Mean Lunar Node and the True Node? Which one do you use and why?” [23:29] 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! [24:03] 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.

341 | Uranus Enters Gemini: Open Your Mind!

This week, Venus conjoins with Uranus just before they both enter Gemini; Uranus gets there on April 25th and stays until 2033. The Sun makes one of two annual transformative squares to Pluto. Mercury's conjunction with Mars and Saturn brings understanding about their conjunction last week. The Leo First Quarter Moon encourages confidence to tell your story. Mercury aspects Jupiter, and Venus makes a sextile to Neptune that has romantic promise, as long as we keep the rose-colored glasses off. And this is another super busy week, so there is no listener question again, but that segment will return next week for sure. Plus: Mistletoe, folded horns, and a different restaurant! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-341] 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 [1:39] Mercury conjoins Saturn (Apr. 20, 4:22 am PDT) at 7º55’ Aries on Sabian symbol 8 Aries, A large hat with streamers flying facing east. Words that are spoken now may not be flashy, but they are meant to last. [4:26] Mercury conjoins Mars (Apr. 20, 2:44 pm PDT) at 8°36 Aries on Sabian symbol 9 Aries, A crystal gazer. Mercury with Saturn says, “Choose your words carefully.” Mercury with Mars says, “But don't be afraid to use them.” [6:30] Venus conjoins Uranus (Apr. 23, 6:58 pm PDT) at 29°53’ Taurus. Sometimes, when we get too comfortable, we can get a little bit complacent. Uranus will provide the jolt that can get us unstuck and shake loose what has grown too rigid, nudging us towards something new. [7:38] Venus enters Gemini (Apr. 23, 9:03 pm PDT, until May 18), a light and conversational sign for Venus. Connection comes through words, ideas, and shared interests. [8:38] Moon Report! The Leo First Quarter Moon (Apr. 23, 7:32 pm PDT) at 3º56’ Leo-Taurus is the first action point towards your Aries New Moon (April 17) goals. Sabian symbols: 4 Leo, Man formally dressed and a deer with its horns folded (the Moon), and 4 Taurus, The rainbow's pot of gold (the Sun). Stand up and sell your story, even if you don't know yet exactly how it will all turn out. [12:25] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the First Quarter Moon (first action point) in an LPFC that began with the New Moon on July 24, 2025, at 2º08’ Leo. The Full Moon (awareness point) of this LPFC occurs on Jan. 22, 2027, at 2°14’ Leo. The Last Quarter (final action point) of this LPFC is on Oct. 22, 2027, at 29°5’ Cancer. [14:29] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Cancer sextiles Uranus in Taurus (Apr. 23, 12:28 pm PDT). It's VOC for only 13 minutes, then enters Leo (12:41 pm PDT). Go ahead and try something new. You might find it really energizing. [15:46] The Moon in Leo trines Mercury in Aries (Apr. 24, 3:21 pm PDT). It's VOC for 1 day, 2 hours and 43 minutes before it enters Virgo (April 25, 6:04 pm PDT). Give yourself the gift of an afternoon at the ballpark, an evening concert, or just a fun dinner with friends. [17:01] The Sun squares Pluto (Apr.25, 9:33 am PDT) at 5º28’ Taurus-Aquarius. If you're willing to release the need to dominate, or the fear of being dominated, this aspect can leave you standing more firmly in your power. [19:35] Uranus enters Gemini (Apr. 25, 5:51 pm PDT). Uranus was briefly in this sign last year (July 7-Nov 7, 2025) and now will stay until it enters Cancer in 2033. With Uranus in Gemini, disruptions and innovations in communication, media networks, schooling, transportation, and supply chains are likely. The U.S. has experienced a repeated cycle of war with Uranus in Gemini. [24:00] Venus sextiles Neptune (Apr. 26, 10:43 am PDT) at 3º07’ Gemini- Aries. Neptune is on 4 Aries, Two lovers strolling through a secluded walk. Venus is on 4 Gemini, Holly and mistletoe. Create beauty, share music and stories in quiet times, but keep one foot on solid ground. [26:15] Mercury squares Jupiter (Apr. 26, 11:33 am PDT) at 18º20’ Aries-Cancer. Mercury is on 19 Aries, The magic carpet. Jupiter is on 19 Cancer, A priest performing a marriage ceremony. Are we ready to commit? [28:06] No listener question this week, but please keep questions coming in for future episodes. Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast [https://www.speakpiple.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! [28:53] 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 [https://www.bigskyastropod.com] and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

340 | Aries New Moon: An Extra Dose of Trailblazing!

This week, Venus makes a sweet sextile to Jupiter. Mercury makes a final exciting aspect with Uranus to end its time in Pisces, then it enters fiery Aries but gets off to a little bit of a confusing start thanks to Neptune and gets messages from Pluto that we may not want to hear. However, Mars makes a sextile to Pluto and hits a brick wall as it conjoins Saturn. A lively New Moon brings the Aries season to a close, as the Sun eases into the calmer pastures of Taurus. Plus: Flair with roots, the collective nervous system, and speak up anyway! As you might have guessed, with so much to cover, there’s no listener question this week. But keep sending your questions for future episodes! Read a full transcript of this episode. [https://www.bigskyastrology.com/transcript-ep-340] 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] Venus sextiles Jupiter (Apr. 13, 1:21 am PDT) at 16º47’ Taurus-Cancer. Cultivate more of what brings you comfort and satisfaction. [3:33] Mercury sextile Uranus (Apr. 14, 10:10 am PDT) at 29º24’ Pisces/Taurus. Mercury is on 30 Pisces, The great stone face. Uranus is on 30 Taurus, A peacock parading on an ancient lawn. Your personal flair, didn't just come out of thin air. It has roots. [5:58] Mercury enters Aries (Apr. 14, 8:21 pm PDT, until May 2). Words are sharper, faster and can be combative. Keep communication short and direct. [8:10] Mars sextiles Pluto (Apr. 16, 11:56 am PDT) at 5°25’ Aries-Aquarius.  What matters now is how we handle weakness, anger, frustration and let them push you toward deep empowerment. [10:52] Mercury conjunct Neptune (Apr. 16, 7:01 pm PDT) at 2º47’ Aries. The Sabian symbol for this conjunction is 3 Aries, A cameo profile of a man in the outline of his country. “What if” is a valid question right now. [13:05] Moon Report! The Aries New Moon (Apr. 17, 4:52 am PDT) at 27º28’ Aries. With six planets in Aries, this New Moon has an extra dose of pioneering, of trailblazing energy. The emphasis is on taking action and developing your courage. [15:20] This is the New Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle that unfolds over the coming three years, with major lunations near the same degree every nine months. Look for themes related to this New Moon. The First Quarter Moon (first action point) of this LPFC is on Jan. 15, 2027 (25º27’ Aries), the Full Moon (awareness point) is on Oct. 15, 2027 (21º58’ Aries), the Last Quarter Moon is on July 14, 2028, at 22º55’ Aries. [18:17] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus (Apr. 13, 12:42 am PDT). It's VOC for 1 hour 13 minutes, then enters Pisces (1:55 am PDT). Ruminating over the day’s events could prevent sleep. Read a print book to lull yourself to sleep. [20:18] The Moon in Pisces sextiles Uranus in Taurus (Apr. 15, 6:07 am PDT). It's VOC for 57 minutes and then enters Aries (7:04 am PDT). Get in the habit of leaning into the spiritual for centering and grounding. [21:28] The Moon in Aries conjoins the Sun for the Aries New Moon (Apr. 17, 4:52 am PDT). It's VOC for 4 hours and 6 minutes, then enters Taurus (8:58 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of doing some kind of exercise first thing in the morning. [22:36] The Moon in Taurus conjuncts Uranus (Apr. 19, 8:45 am PDT). It's VOC for 32 minutes and then enters Gemini (9:17 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of connecting with and appreciating the sensuous pleasures of life. [24:24] Mercury sextiles Pluto (Apr. 18, 1:34 pm PDT) at 5°26’ Aries and Aquarius. Mercury acts as the messenger, delivering news or insights that directly link back to the Mars-Pluto sextile (Apr. 16). Replace destructive mental loops with healthier ones. [26:17] Mars conjuncts Saturn (Apr. 19, 3:44 pm PDT) at 7º51’ Aries. If negative self-talk starts knocking, don't answer the door. Instead, channel that energy into getting your life organized. [27:58] The Sun enters Taurus (Apr. 19, 6:39 pm PDT). Taurus season is a time to enjoy the gifts of the physical world, to celebrate being alive and with the potential to evolve in the ways that we can only do when we're living in a physical body. The Sun stays in Taurus until May 20, 2026. [29:36] 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.