Big Sky Astrology Podcast

This week: A powerful Scorpio New Moon encourages authenticity, determination, and the strength to do what needs doing. Venus sextiles Mars, inviting us to revisit old desires before pursuing new ones, while Mercury and Venus both station direct and begin turning our attention toward the road ahead. A fiery Mars–Jupiter conjunction launches a new two-year cycle of action and opportunity. And a listener question about how to prioritize astrological transits without becoming overwhelmed. Plus: Standing firm and letting go, fairs and festivities, moving parts and background noise! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation! Timestamps: [01:23] The Moon Report begins with the Scorpio New Moon on Nov. 8 at 11:02 PM PST PST, at 16°53′ Scorpio; in most other time zones, it falls on Nov. 9. Its Sabian symbol, 17 Scorpio, A woman the father of her own child, speaks to self-reliance and discovering strength through necessity. [03:54] Set Scorpio New Moon intentions around authenticity and releasing possessions, relationships, or routines that no longer resonate. Scorpio is also associated with prosperity, making this a fitting New Moon for wealth rituals and candle work. [04:46] This is the New Moon in a Lunar Phase Family cycle, with critical points at the First Quarter Moon on Aug. 8, 2027, 16º24’ Scorpio (action), the Full Moon on May 8, 2028, at 18°44′ Scorpio (awareness), and the Last Quarter Moon on Feb. 5, 2029, at 17°23′ Scorpio (final action). [06:06] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods: On Nov. 9, the Scorpio Moon squares Jupiter in Leo at 3:25 PM PST, is VOC for 9 hours and 11 minutes, then enters Sagittarius on Nov. 10 at 12:36 AM. Practice setting limits when other people’s enthusiasm or demands disrupt your peace, and be honest about your need for privacy. [07:17] On Nov. 12, the Sagittarius Moon trines Jupiter in Leo at 3:29 AM PST, is VOC for 8 hours and 58 minutes, then enters Capricorn at 12:27 PM. Enjoy an autumn adventure with friends and cultivate the habit of appreciating good company and nature’s transitions. [08:23] On Nov. 14, the Capricorn Moon squares Venus in Libra at 10:55 AM PST, beginning a 14-hour, 29-minute void period before entering Aquarius on Nov. 15 at 1:24 AM. A solo project may be more appealing than a social engagement; enjoy productive solitude without feeling obliged to apologize for it. [09:29] Venus retrograde sextiles Mars on Nov. 9 at 10:47 PM PST, at 23°08′ Libra-Leo. Venus revisits past desires, while Mars supplies the motivation to pursue what excites us. Before charging ahead, make sure you are pursuing something you genuinely want today, not simply something you have always wanted. [12:30] Mercury and Venus both station direct on Nov. 13: Mercury at 7:54 AM PST, at 5°02′ Scorpio, and Venus at 4:27 PM PST, at 22°51′ Libra. Mercury’s retrograde began October 24 at 20°58′ Scorpio, while Venus’s began October 3 at 8°29′ Scorpio. Reflections on the communication, travel, financial, and relationship themes associated with their overlapping retrogrades. [14:59] Venus stations direct on the Sabian symbol 23 Libra, A chanticleer, a rooster greeting the dawn. Venus has also entered its morning-star, or Lucifer “light bringer” phase, reinforcing the image of light returning after a dark retrograde period. [15:51] Mars conjoins Jupiter on Nov. 15 at 10:24 PM PST, at 25°53′ Leo, their first conjunction since August 14, 2024. This begins a new two-year cycle that can fuel creative projects, bold initiatives, and substantial progress, though impatience and tempers may also flare. Look to the house containing late Leo in your birth chart for clues about where this new cycle is unfolding. [18:29] Listener Georgiana asks which transits are most useful to follow in everyday life without becoming overwhelmed. [24:53] Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. [25:28] Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend!  A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to our special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

Episode 369 | Mercury Cazimi: The Spirit of Experimentation! This week: Venus retrograde sextiles Jupiter for the second of three meetings, echoing events from August and offering a chance to resolve ongoing financial or relationship matters. Mercury makes a brilliant cazimi conjunction with the Sun in Scorpio on a Sabian symbol about invention — look for breakthroughs. A walk through the week's Void-of-Course Moon periods, and a listener question about the astrology of death. Plus: Getting off the camel, going backward to move forward, and no spoilers, please! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation! Timestamps [01:24] Venus retrograde sextiles Jupiter, the second of three sextiles, connecting back to August's eclipse aftermath. [03:10] Sabian symbols: 25 Libra, An autumn leaf (cycles completing) and 25 Leo, A large camel crossing the desert (endurance through difficulty). [05:11] Reflection: what has ended in your life since August? And the final sextile in this series is at the end of November. [05:59] Mercury cazimi conjunction with the Sun on November 4th at 12°10’ Scorpio, on the Sabian symbol 13 Scorpio, An inventor experimenting. The spirit of experimentation: trying without knowing the outcome, and how the best ideas often arrive through unexpected connections.  Look for an aha moment during this cazimi period, which is when Mercury is within 17’ of orb of its exact conjunction with the Sun (between 3:27 am-9:24 am PST) [08:34] Mercury retrograde is a time when going backward is exactly what's needed to ultimately move forward, as we revisit old ideas with new information. Breakthroughs may come from looking beneath the surface, and the question you've been asking might be the wrong one [12:04] Moon Report! There is no major lunation this week; the Scorpio New Moon arrives next Monday. So this week, just the Void-of-Course Moon periods. [12:35] Void-of-Course Moon (Mon. Nov. 2): the Moon in Leo sextiles Venus in Libra at 4:10 pm PST, is Void-of-Course for eight hours and 18 minutes, then enters Virgo on Tues. Nov 3 at 12:28 am. An excellent time to get creative in the kitchen and share something sweet with loved ones [13:47] Void-of-Course Moon (Tue. Nov. 3): the Moon in Virgo sextiles Mercury in Scorpio at 10:57 pm PST, is Void-of-Course for one day, seven hours and 41 minutes, then enters Libra on Thurs. Nov 5 at 6:38 am. Clear your mind while organizing your physical space [14:50] Void-of-Course Moon (Sat. Nov. 7): the Moon in Libra sextiles Jupiter in Leo at 5:20 am PST, is Void-of-Course for nine hours and 20 minutes, then enters Scorpio at 2:40 pm. Rejuvenate with old friends, creative projects, or simple self-care. [16:30] Question from Listener Chandler: thoughts prompted by Richard Houck’s The Astrology of Death (currently out of print). How clients approach the topic in readings, and April's preference for speaking from deep research rather than convention. Discussion of this topic and the book on the Astrology Podcast. [21:42] Personal philosophy on not knowing the date of one's death, and how sudden loss has redirected her life plans. [23:08] Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. [24:05] Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend!  A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to our special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

This week, the Sun squares Pluto to reveal where it's time to clear out parts of your personality that no longer fit, Mercury squares Mars and asks us to review where we may have been overly blunt, and the Leo Last Quarter Moon invites us to soften our approach in relationships. And a listener question about which house system to trust when interpreting transits. Plus: Tactical errors, chemical processes, and Leo’s quiet side! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation! [1:32] Sun squares Pluto on Oct. 26 at 5:11 AM at 3°05′ Scorpio-Aquarius, with the Sun on Sabian symbol 4 Scorpio, A youth holding a lighted candle. This transit reveals which parts of you are authentic and which are merely habits adopted to make life easier. It's an opportunity to clean out the closets of your personality. [4:41] Mercury squares Mars on Oct. 30 at 10:20 AM Pacific at 17°58′ Scorpio-Leo. This revisits a square from Oct. 2 and returns once more on Dec. 9. With Mercury retrograde, it's a chance to review where we might have been too blunt and consider choosing our words more carefully. Sabian symbols: Mercury at 18 Scorpio, A woods rich in autumn coloring, and Mars at 18 Scorpio, A teacher of chemistry.  [8:51] Moon Report: The Leo Last Quarter Moon arrives November 1 at 12:28 PM Pacific at 9°26′ Leo and Scorpio. It's a checkpoint for the October 10 Libra New Moon, inviting warmth and naturalness in relationships—less performance, more genuine connection. Lunar Phase Family Cycle:  New Moon:  Aug. 4, 2024; First Quarter (first action point):  May 4, 2025; Last Quarter (final action point):  Nov. 1, 2026. [14:24] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon: Oct. 27, Moon in Taurus squares Jupiter at 7:51 AM Pacific, is VOC for 10 hours and 11 minutes, then enters Gemini at 6:02 PM. Keep a low, warm profile rather than calling attention to yourself. [15:39] Oct. 29, Moon in Gemini trines Venus at 2:43 PM Pacific, is VOC for 4 hours and 22 minutes, then enters Cancer at 7:05 PM. Enjoy listening to others and asking natural follow-up questions. [17:18] Oct. 31, Moon in Cancer squares Venus at 2:59 PM Pacific, is VOC for 6 hours 19 minutes, then enters Leo at 9:18 PM. Halloween brings tension between sociability (Venus in Libra) and staying home (Moon in Cancer); balance both with a small at-home gathering. [18:39] Listener question from Quinn: Which house system to trust for transits—Placidus or Whole Sign? [24:16] Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. [25:09] Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend! [25:45] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to our special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

This week, relationships, desires, and money are put to the test as Venus squares Pluto and then meets the Sun in a cazimi at the dawn of Scorpio season. Venus retrograde retreats back into Libra just ahead of a Venus-ruled Taurus Full Moon, while Mercury stations for its final retrograde of the year. And a listener question about the progressed Sun versus the progressed Moon. Plus: Guitars and takeout, the last 10%, and old friends make a cameo. Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation! Timestamps: [1:31] Venus squares Pluto (Oct. 19, 11:56 PM Pacific) at 3°04′ Scorpio–Aquarius, revisiting themes from their previous square on September 15: digging deep into relationship and financial challenges. The last square in the series comes December 9. [4:43] Sun enters Scorpio (Oct. 23, 2:38 AM Pacific). In Scorpio’s season, themes of mortality and transformation contrast with life's joys. [6:57] Venus-Sun cazimi (Oct. 23, 8:44 PM Pacific) at 0°45′ Scorpio, is Venus "in the heart of the Sun." It’s a moment of incandescent pleasure and celebration amid the intensity of Scorpio season. [9:35] Mercury stations retrograde (Oct. 24, 12:13 AM Pacific) at 20°58′ Scorpio, and here is permission to neglect the fussy stuff. Use the retrograde for "re-" activities (review, research, redo). Mercury stations direct November 13 at 5°02′ Scorpio; shadow period began Oct. 4 and ends November 29. [12:42] Venus retrograde reenters Libra (Oct. 25, 2:10 AM Pacific) at 29°59′ Libra. People from the past may resurface; a time for reflection on old relationships and patterns. Venus stations direct November 13 at 22°51′ Libra and returns to Scorpio December 4. [15:07] Moon Report: Taurus Full Moon (Oct. 25, 9:12 PM Pacific) at 2°45′ Taurus. Sun and Moon both square Pluto, highlighting the beauty and the shadow of being in a body. The Sabian symbol for the Full Moon is 3 Taurus, "Steps up to a lawn blooming with clover." [17:17] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (began with the New Moon at 7°46′ Taurus on April 27, 2025. First Quarter in the cycle: January 25, 2026, Full Moon: Oct. 25, 2026, Last Quarter Moon: July 26, 2027. [19:25] Void-of-Course Moon periods for the week: Oct 21 (Wed): Moon in Aquarius trine Sun, 1:42 AM Pacific, VOC 3 hrs 53 min, enters Pisces at 5:35 AM. Good for group activities and networking. Oct 22 (Thu): Moon in Pisces trine Mercury, 8:31 PM, VOC 16 hrs 23 min, enters Aries Oct 23 at 12:54 PM. Ideal for intuitive work, readings, and tarot. Oct 25 (Sun): Moon in Aries opposes Venus, 3:59 PM, VOC 36 min, enters Taurus at 4:35 PM. Passions may run high on the anaretic degrees; choose your battles wisely. [16:50] A Question from Listener Wade: Progressed Sun vs. Progressed Moon — which is more useful for understanding what's happening now? [28:17] Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at 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! [29:31] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to our special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

This week, Pluto stations direct to reveal what you've discovered about yourself over the past five months, and the Sun’s sextile to Jupiter offers an invitation to show the world what you’re made of. A Mars-Saturn trine helps you guide your passion to get things done, a driven Capricorn First Quarter Moon demands ambition, and a listener asks about ordering a special piece of jewelry while Venus is retrograde. Plus: Generation, regeneration, and degeneration; a brouhaha; and dogged determination (and possibly blood). Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation! Timestamps [1:19] — The Sun sextiles Jupiter on Thu. Oct. 15 at 1:22 AM Pacific Time (22°00′ Libra–Leo); the Sun in Libra gets a bold push from Jupiter in Leo to ask for what it wants and show the world what it has. [3:04] — Pluto stations direct on Thu. Oct. 15 at 7:40 PM Pacific Time (3°04′ Aquarius), ending a retrograde that began May 6; what you've been working on internally about power, control, and personal agency now surfaces for all to see. [4:56] — Mars trines Saturn on Fri. Oct. 16 at 1:32 AM Pacific Time (10°22′ Leo–Aries); the two malefics cooperate in fiery signs, channeling enthusiasm and discipline into getting something done with focused, constructive energy. [8:03] — Moon Report: Capricorn First Quarter Moon on Sun. Oct. 18 at 9:13 AM Pacific Time (25°18′ Capricorn–Libra), the first action point in Oct. 10 Libra New Moon Cycle.  Expect to feel completely absorbed in something you love to do with a keen ambition to do it the very best you can. [10:00] Lunar phase family cycle (LPFC). This is the First Quarter in the LPFC that began with the New Moon on Jan. 18, 2026 (28°43′ Capricorn), with a Full Moon revelation point on July 18, 2027 (25°48′ Capricorn) and a final action point, Last Quarter Moon, on April 16, 2028 (27°12′ Capricorn). [12:50] — Void-of-Course Moon (VOC) periods: Tue. Oct. 13, Moon in Scorpio squares Jupiter in Leo at 1:46 AM Pacific Time. It’s VOC for 16h 13m and enters Sagittarius at 5:59 PM. Practice being authentic and honest with yourself when new opportunities come knocking. [14:19] —Thu. Oct. 15, Moon in Sagittarius sextiles the Sun at 2:55 PM Pacific Time. It’s VOC for 15h 2m and enters Capricorn Fri. Oct. 16 at 5:57 AM. Cut loose, enjoy life, and spend time with people who make you laugh. [15:36] — Sun. Oct. 18, Moon in Capricorn squares the Sun at 9:12 AM Pacific Time. It’s VOC for 9h 28m and enters Aquarius at 6:40 PM. Balance pursuing your goals with consideration for how your actions affect others. [16:50] — Listener Beverly asks about ordering a new medical ID bracelet during Venus retrograde. [22:39] Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at 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! [23:57] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to our special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

This week: Mercury and Venus come together in Scorpio for honest, healing conversations, while Mars and Uranus form a supportive sextile for creative action. The Libra New Moon offers a fresh start for relationships, with a Jupiter sextile for opportunities and a Saturn opposition adding a note of caution. Venus retrograde squares Mars, stirring up old grudges and passionate disputes. And a listener question about how to work with transits you’d really rather avoid. Plus: Under arrest, the nitty-gritty, and a wrecking ball! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation! Timestamps [1:27] — Mercury conjuncts Venus in Scorpio (Oct 6, 5:10 PM PDT, 8°13'). A time for straight talk and healing conversations, especially around taboo topics in relationships. Sabian symbol: "Dental work." [3:26] — Mars sextiles Uranus (Oct 7, 3:41 AM PDT, 5°24' Leo/Gemini). Great for creative projects needing originality—but guard against saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. [5:38] — Libra New Moon (Oct 10, 8:50 AM PDT, 17°21' Libra). Set intentions for all relationships. Saturn opposition calls for boundaries; Jupiter sextile brings opportunity. Sabian symbol: "Two men placed under arrest." [8:24] — Lunar Phase Family Cycle: First Quarter — July 10, 2027, 18°17' Libra. Full Moon — April 9, 2028, 20°5' Libra. Last Quarter — January 7, 2029, 17°32' Libra. [10:15] — Tue. Oct 6th — Moon conjunct Jupiter - VOC begins at 3:22 AM, ends at 7:53 PM when the Moon enters Virgo (16 hours, 31 minutes). Host a gathering. Wed. Oct 7th — Moon sextile Mercury - VOC begins at 11:57 AM, ends at 1:10 AM on Friday, Oct 9, when the Moon enters Libra (1 day, 13 hours, 13 minutes). Dig deep, heal and transform. Sat. Oct 10th — Moon sextiles Jupiter - VOC begins at 4:07 PM, ends at 8:21 AM on Sunday, Oct 11, when the Moon enters Scorpio (16 hours, 14 minutes). Practice kindness. [14:11] — Venus squares Mars (Oct 10, 2:31 PM PDT, 7°21' Scorpio/Leo). Old grudges and familiar fights resurface with Venus retrograde in Scorpio. Previous square July 29, last square Jan 16, 2027. [16:00] — Listener question about how to work with transits you’re really not looking forward to. [21:04] Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at 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! [21:04] Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at 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! [21:41] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to our special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

This week brings an action-packed sky: a Sun-Uranus trine sparks clarity, Mercury enters Scorpio and squares both Mars and Pluto, Venus stations retrograde for deep relationship and financial repair work, and a Mars-Pluto opposition ignites power struggles between the individual and the collective. A Cancer Last Quarter Moon pushes toward July 2024's New Moon intentions, while a Sun-Saturn opposition demands decisiveness to close out the week. Plus: Pointiness, breaking a bone, and which indulgences to choose? Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation! Timestamps: [1:42] Sun trines Uranus (Mon. Sept. 28, 9:22 am PDT, 5°33' Libra-Gemini). This trine opens a window for Libra to be its authentic self without constantly checking what others are doing. Uranus in Gemini offers a clarifying idea that cuts through Libra's people-pleasing tendencies. [3:32] Mercury enters Scorpio (Wed. Sept. 30, 4:44 am PDT). The planet of communication steps into a tense T-square with Mars in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius. This is a ruthless, penetrating Mercury with no patience for small talk or diplomacy. [4:11] Mercury squares Mars (Fri. Oct. 2, 2:14 am PDT). An aspect that speaks its mind and doesn't suffer fools gladly. April explores the Sabian symbols for both planets, including "a woman having her hair bobbed" at Mars's degree — a radical act of independence that echoes Amelia Earhart, who was born with the Sun at this degree. [6:41] Mercury squares Pluto (Fri. Oct. 2, 1:43 pm PDT). Pluto ups the ante beyond impulsive anger into particularly ugly territory: jealousy, contempt, trolls, and cold collective judgment. On the upside, this aspect sharpens Mercury's ability to see beneath the surface and discover what we've believed about ourselves that is flat-out wrong. [7:52] Mars trines Neptune (Fri. Oct. 2, 3:18 pm PDT, 2°48' Leo-Aries). After the Mercury squares and before the Pluto opposition, this trine offers a softening moment. Neptune says "I care" and Mars says "I'm going to do something about it" — a helpful day for volunteering, donating, or resetting Mars's strident Leo energy. [9:07] Venus stations retrograde in Scorpio (Sat. Oct. 3, 12:16 am PDT, 8°29' Scorpio, "dental work"). Venus urges deep repair in relationships, money, and self-worth — even if it hurts. April walks through the full retrograde timeline (back into Libra Oct. 25, stationing direct Nov. 13 at 22°51' Libra, reentering Scorpio Dec. 4) and suggests looking back to October–November 2018 for echoes of this cycle. [12:55] Mars opposes Pluto (Sat. Oct. 3, 3:39 am PDT, 3°06' Leo-Aquarius). The week's pointiest aspect: the irresistible force meets the immovable object. April traces the Mars-Pluto story from their January 27 conjunction, through the May 25 square, to this opposition — and asks what proud Mars in Leo is trying to accomplish that Pluto in Aquarius doesn't appreciate. Expect power struggles for a few days either side. [16:07] Moon Report: Cancer Last Quarter Moon (Sat. Oct. 3, 6:25 am PDT, 10°21' Libra-Cancer). This Last Quarter carries the Mars-Pluto opposition, making it a powerful but not gentle push toward Virgo New Moon plans from September 10. April unpacks the Sabian symbols ("a clown making grimaces" vs. "a professor peering over his glasses") and traces the full lunar phase family cycle back to the July 5, 2024 Cancer New Moon; First Quarter (first action point) Apr. 4, 2025; Full Moon (awareness point) Jan. 3, 2026. [21:50] Void-of-Course Moon periods. Four VOC periods this week: Mon. Sept. 28, 2:50 am PDT (Aries Moon opposing Mercury — indecision vs. impulsiveness); Tue. Sept. 29, 4:36 pm PDT (Taurus Moon squaring Jupiter — overindulgence warnings); Thu. Oct. 1, 7:42 pm PDT (Gemini Moon sextile Jupiter — social fun and happy hours); Sat. Oct. 3, 8:08 am PDT (Cancer Moon squaring Saturn — feelings, boundaries, and emotional security). [26:56] Sun opposes Saturn (Sun. Oct. 4, 5:29 am PDT, 11°18' Libra-Aries). The Sun's yearly opposition to Saturn demands decisive action from a sign that prefers to deliberate. April explains how Saturn in Aries can serve as a necessary shove for Libra's chronic indecisiveness. [28:51] Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at 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! [29:32] 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 and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

This week: A creative boost from a Mercury-Jupiter sextile, the Sun's entry into Libra at the equinox, and a reflective Sun–Neptune opposition paired with an empowering Sun–Pluto trine. The Aries Full Moon carries forward eclipse themes from spring 2025, and Mars begins a long transit through Leo. And a listener question about what it means when a progressed planet turns retrograde for decades. Plus: Chemistry teachers in jail, lonely in a group, and invisibility as a superpower! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation!   Timestamps [1:35] Mercury sextiles Jupiter (Sep. 21, 3:51 pm PDT, 17º55’ Libra/Leo). Creative endeavors get a boost as Mercury and Jupiter meet in Libra and Leo. The Sabian symbols are explored through the lens of Breaking Bad's Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, a story of missed and created opportunities. [3:40] Sun enters Libra (Sep. 22, 5:05 pm PDT). The Sun enters Libra, marking the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern. Libra begins on the Sabian symbol "a butterfly made perfect by a dart through it," and consider the tension between enjoying something beautiful and wanting to possess it. [6:21] Sun opposes Neptune (Sep. 25, 6:36 pm PDT, 2º59’ Libra/Aries). The Sun–Neptune opposition on the symbol "the dawn of a new day" explores change, loss, and finding comfort through collective meaning. [9:02] Sun trines Pluto (Sep. 25, 10:34 pm PDT, 3º09’ Libra/Aquarius). This short-lived but potent trine promises personal empowerment through getting clear about who you are and what you want as the foundation for authentic relationships. [10:47] Aries Full Moon (Sep. 26, 9:49 am PDT, 3º37’ Aries/Libra). The Aries Full Moon on the Sabian symbols "Two lovers strolling through a secluded walk" and “A group around a campfire” carries energy from the March 29, 2025 Aries Solar Eclipse. What were you determined to accomplish then, what has slowed you down, and what have you learned since? [15:02] Void-of-Course Moon periods. Three VOC periods this week: Monday, a VOC Moon in Capricorn from 7:31 am to 10:14 am (get to work), Wednesday in Aquarius from 1:18 am to 8:23 pm (collaborate on solutions), and Saturday in Pisces from 1:32 am to 3:23 am PDT (channel volatile energy into home projects). [19:30] Mars enters Leo (Sep. 27, 7:49 pm PDT) through May 14, 2027. Mars begins an extended transit through Leo (with a retrograde loop into Virgo early next year). Excellent for creative projects, but watch for impulsiveness and self-absorption as Mars approaches its opposition to Pluto. [23:20] Listener Question: Listener Maria asks about her progressed Mercury turning retrograde in Scorpio for the next 21 years. Thoughts about how this can deepen a writer's work, reframe feeling "unseen" as a superpower, and invite revisiting unfinished stories. Got a question? Leave a message of one minute or less at 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! [28:41] Donor Thanks.  A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to  special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

Hello, Invisible Friend, April here – and the date today is September 14, 2026. And I’m sorry to say there will not be a new podcast this week! Between the conference I went to, and getting the Podathon episodes finished, I just plain ran out of time. Rest assured, though, that I’ll be back next Monday with a new episode! Now, today is officially the last day of Podathon, meaning that if you’d like to be entered in my drawing to win an eclipse report or a reading, you need to make your donation of $25 or more by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, Pacific time! I’ll be doing the drawing tomorrow, and winners will be notified by email. Best of luck! Let me just say how much I enjoyed bringing those Podathon interviews to you, and thanks to all of you who have sent kind words about them! If you haven’t had a chance to listen to all of them yet, you can catch up with them at bigskyastropod.com – just click on the orange “View All” button at the end of the page to see the full list. I’m putting up a column so you can catch up with the major aspects of the week. And as I said, I’ll return with a new podcast episode next Monday, Sep. 21. I hope you have a wonderful week. And keep your feet on the ground, and your eyes on the stars!

It’s the final day of the 7th Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, and we’re wrapping up five days of special fundraising episodes with an in-depth conversation with relationship astrology expert Dorothy Oja! Dorothy shares her approach to understanding relationships through the birth chart — covering the three stages of relationship astrology (natal capacity, synastry, and combined charts), the importance of Saturn as the "glue" that holds relationships together, why Venus and Jupiter are the "liking" planets, and how Mars provides the spark. Plus, April covers the week's planetary news (Mercury trine Pluto, opposite Neptune, and trine Uranus) and makes her annual fundraising appeal - with a chance to win prizes including eclipse reports and personal readings! 0:00 — Podathon week intro & welcome 0:28 — Host introduction — April Elliott Kent 0:56 — What is Podathon? Five daily episodes & fundraising 1:22 — Thank you to listeners and supporters 2:16 — Why April keeps the show ad-free 2:42 — How to donate & prize drawings ($25+) 4:15 — $10 donor bonus: private Zoom calls & videos 5:13 — Free ways to support the show 6:08 — Today's episode overview 6:40 — Planetary news: Mercury trine Pluto, opposite Neptune, trine Uranus 8:22 — Interview intro: Dorothy Oja on relationships in the birth chart 9:25 — Dorothy's background & credentials 10:35 — Interview begins 11:48 — Starting with the natal chart: your capacity for relationship 13:18 — The Moon: emotional responsiveness in relationships 14:30 — Three stages of relationship astrology 15:12 — Synastry: comparing two charts planet by planet 16:05 — Composite & Davison charts explained 18:13 — The Davison chart's power and midpoint resonance 18:41 — Why challenging aspects aren't always bad 20:31 — Saturn's role: the glue, trust, and commitment 23:08 — Venus & Jupiter: the "liking" aspects that bring harmony 23:58 — When to use composite vs. Davison charts 25:00 — Oppositions in relationship charts & finding balance 27:13 — Difficult natal aspects and how partners trigger them 29:37 — Readiness, inner work, and the "marriage myth" (Sun & Moon) 31:58 — Mars: the unsung relationship planet 33:14 — The Moon's daily emotional rhythm & compatibility 34:37 — Teamwork, choosing well, and when to walk away 36:27 — Dorothy's upcoming Kepler College course & where to find her 38:33 — Podathon wrap-up, donor thanks, and final fundraising appeal Links mentioned: Donate: bigskyastropod.com Dorothy Oja on Substack: dorothyoja.substack.com Dorothy's Kepler College course: Illuminating Relationships: Natal Promise and Synastry (begins Sept 24)