This week, Mars enters hardworking but perfectionistic Virgo and then gets an energizing boost from Jupiter. Jupiter and Neptune debate the differences between knowledge and faith. The Sun welcomes its Cancer Solstice, then gets a bit of a reality check from Saturn in Aries. The Pisces Last Quarter Moon helps us “Marie Kondo” our Gemini New Moon plans. And April answers a listener question about whether astrology's recent popularity is a trend or a belief system. Plus: Reviewing the story, Marie Kondo-ing, and a shaggy deer!

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Timestamps

[1:27] Mars enters Virgo this week on June 17 (1:35 AM PDT), through Aug. 6. Mars in Virgo is perfectionistic, try not to second-guess yourself and obsess about details. Take Mars in Leo’s creative projects and send them to the editor for refinement.

[3:38] Moon Report! The Pisces Last Quarter Moon (June 18, 12:19 PM PDT) is at 27°47’ Pisces and Gemini. The Sabian symbol for the Moon is 28 Pisces, A fertile garden under the Full Moon, and the symbol for the Sun is 28 Gemini, A man declared bankrupt. Consider which Gemini New Moon ideas you can let go, a la Marie Kondo.

[6:05] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the Last Quarter in an LPFC that began on March 21, 2023, with a New Moon at 00°49’ Aries. The First Quarter Moon (first action point) was on Dec. 19, 2023, at 27°35’ Pisces.  The Full Moon (awareness point) was on Sep. 17, 2024, at 25°40’ Pisces.

[8:13] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On June 16 (10:31 AM PDT), the Moon in Aquarius opposes Mars in Leo. It's VOC for 38 minutes, and then enters Pisces (11:09 AM PDT). Tempers could flare and arguments could ensue. This is a great day to start a new exercise regimen.

[9:33] On June 18 (2:34 PM PDT), the Moon in Pisces sextiles Uranus. It's VOC for 1 hour 34 minutes, and then enters Aries (4:08 PM PDT). Play a little hooky, change up your routine or maybe even just disregard routines altogether!

[10:34] On June 20 (6:49 PM PDT), the Moon in Aries sextiles the Sun. This is a fast VOC, only 4 minutes, and then the Moon enters Taurus (6:53 PM PDT). Feeling overwhelmed?  Set a timer, and for four minutes, do a breathing exercise.

[11:43] On June 22 (6:50 PM PST), the Moon in Taurus conjoins Uranus. It's VOC for 1 hour, 7 minutes, then enters Gemini (7:57 PM PDT). This conjunction takes place on the anaretic (final) degree of 29°18’ Taurus. What are the physical, aesthetic, and financial themes that have changed for you since Uranus entered Taurus in 2018? Practice some gratitude for what you've learned during this time.

[13:27] On June 18 (8:16 PM PDT), Jupiter squares Neptune at 2°06’ Cancer-Aries. This transit happens about every six to seven years. Jupiter and Neptune are both associated with beliefs, but there are fundamental differences between them that can make Jupiter emphasizes knowing and Neptune emphasizes faith.

[16:02] The Sun enters Cancer on June 20 (7:42 PM PDT), through July 22. Cancer is a cardinal sign, one of the four signs that initiates a new season of the year. The Cancer solstice marks the official start of summer in the northern hemisphere and the start of winter in the southern hemisphere. Cancer symbolizes extreme protectiveness of those that we feel are part of our clan, family, community, and country.

[18:21] Mars sextiles Jupiter on June 22 (3:32 AM PDT) at 2°51’ Virgo-Cancer. We can make great strides towards specific goals. This is another excellent time this week to initiate a serious exercise program.  The Sabian symbol for Jupiter is 3 Cancer, A man all bundled up in fur, leading a shaggy deer.

[20:06] The Sun squares Saturn on June 22 (11:36 am PDT) at 1°35’ Aries- Cancer. This can be a productive and character-building transit, but it usually is not a very cheerful one. It's one of the best transits for building strength and endurance.

[21:40] Listener Angeline asks about whether astrology's recent popularity is a trend or a belief system.

[26:09] If you’d like to have a question answered on a future episode, 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!

[26:42] A tribute to this week’s donors! One of today's donors was a guest on Episode 253! 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.