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!

Links mentioned:

On Day 4 of the 7th Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, we cover a packed day of planetary news - with Venus entering Scorpio, Mercury entering Libra, Uranus turning retrograde, and the Virgo New Moon! And we welcome astrologer and author Donna Stellhorn for an in-depth conversation about money in the birth chart. Donna breaks down the four "money houses” and shares sign-by-sign patterns, as well as timing techniques for job searches and major purchases, how to tell whether someone is better suited as an employee or entrepreneur, practical strategies for leaning into your chart's strengths when finances are tight, and the often-overlooked Part of Fortune.

Also: How to donate to the Podathon and be entered in a drawing to win prizes; and a preview of Podathon Day 5 with Dorothy Oja on Relationships.

Timestamps

[0:00] Podathon week announcement

[0:36] April's welcome and Podathon fundraising appeal

[2:50] Donation prizes: eclipse reports, personal readings, and donor-only Zoom calls

[4:09] Free ways to support the show (subscribe, rate, review, recommend)

[6:24] Today's topic preview: money in the birth chart with Donna Stellhorn

[6:51] Venus enters Scorpio and upcoming retrograde preview

[7:18] Mercury enters Libra

[8:01] Uranus turns retrograde (through Feb 2027)

[10:09] Virgo New Moon] service, home repairs, and family

[12:13] April introduces guest Donna Stellhorn

[14:01] Interview begins: reading the 2nd house for money

[16:28] Why Donna prefers Placidus for money questions

[18:00] Signs on the 2nd house: Sagittarius, Capricorn, Scorpio/Pluto, Cancer/Moon

[21:24] The four money houses: 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th

[23:05] Employee vs. entrepreneur] reading the chart for career direction

[25:10] Timing money decisions with transits and the progressed Moon

[27:24] Outer planet transits over the Midheaven and industry shifts

[29:19] Practical advice by sign: leaning into your 2nd house ruler

[33:18] Venus in the 2nd house and the Part of Fortune

[35:18] Using downtime productively instead of worrying

[36:02] Where to find Donna (YouTube) and interview wrap-up

[38:51] Support the Podathon: Donate at bigskyastropod.com. Donations of $10+ get access to private Zoom calls and videos. Donations of $25+ are entered for a chance to win: A Followed by a Moonshadow Eclipse Report ($35 value), a 60-minute personal astrology reading with April ($195 value), a 90-minute grand prize reading with April ($245 value).

Deadline: Midnight Pacific Time, Monday, September 14th. Drawing held September 15th.

Coming Up Tomorrow: Dorothy Oja on relationships in your birth chart, and the 7th Annual Podathon wraps up!

On Day 3 of the 7th Annual Podathon, April sits down with naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist, and medical astrologer Kira Sutherland to explore how medical astrology can help us understand and support our physical health. They cover the key houses, planets, and transits that matter most when looking at health in the birth chart, and how to work with them practically rather than fearfully. Plus, today’s planetary news and Podathon fundraiser details! To be entered in a drawing for a chance to win an eclipse report or a reading, make your donation by midnight PDT on Sep. 14, at bigskyastropod.com. And tune in tomorrow for Day 4’s interview with Donna Stellhorn! (Find Kira Sutherland at astrologyofhealth.com and on Instagram @astrologyofhealth.)

Make your donation to the Podathon today!

Timestamps:

[0:00] Podathon intro & donation info

[6:58] Today's planetary news: Moon in Leo void-of-course, Moon enters Virgo

[10:15] Interview begins: Kira's background in naturopathy and medical astrology

[13:11] The Ascendant & First House as the foundation of physical health

[15:35] The 6th House (acute illness & preventative health) and 8th House (genetics, surgery)

[19:42] The 12th House: chronic illness, hospitals, and why ignoring the 6th lands you there

[22:00] Working with outer planet transits (Pluto, Neptune) over the Ascendant

[29:34] Menopause in the chart: Mars, Saturn, Chiron return & the Progressed Moon

[37:10] The art of convalescence: rest as medicine, especially during the Balsamic Moon phase

[40:13] Jupiter in medical astrology: the benefits and the risks of excess

[44:23] Using your natal Mars to find the right movement and exercise

[46:22] The mutable signs (Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius, Pisces) and nervous/immune system connections

[48:21] Where to find Kira, upcoming projects & wrap-up

Mentioned in This Episode:

Support the Podathon! Donate at bigskyastropod.com. Donations of $10+ get access to private Zoom calls and videos. Donations of $25+ are entered for a chance to win a Followed by a Moonshadow Eclipse Report ($35 value), a 60-minute personal astrology reading with April ($195 value), or a 90-minute grand prize reading with April ($245 value)! Deadline to enter: Midnight Pacific Time, Monday, September 14th. Drawing held September 15th.

Day 2 of the 7th Annual Podathon! April welcomes astrologer Samuel Reynolds to discuss how astrology guides career decisions one of the most common client questions. Sam shares his approach to vocation vs. job, key chart factors, and timing tools for career transitions. Plus, planetary news and Podathon fundraiser details! To be entered in a drawing for a chance to win an eclipse report or a reading, make your donation by midnight PDT on Sep. 14, at https://www.bigskyastropod.com ! And tune in tomorrow for Day 3’s interview with Kira Sutherland!

Show Notes

[0:00] Podathon week intro & fundraiser announcement

[2:47] How to donate & prize giveaways (eclipse reports, readings)

[4:04] $10 donor bonus videos & free ways to support the show

[6:33] Planetary news: Moon in Leo, trine Saturn (8:04 AM PT), conjunct Jupiter (11:36 AM PT)

[7:44] Guest intro: Samuel Reynolds

[10:34] Where to start in a career reading: purpose before job title

[12:15] Vocation vs. job: vocare = calling; the Big Mama analogy

[14:51] Start with the Sun what lights up your life

[15:36] Whole sign houses & the floating Midheaven (vocation vs. 10th house career)

[18:27] Part of Spirit (intention) vs. Lot of Fortune (things in your orbit)

[19:15] Chart example: Jeffrey Dahmer missed medical career potential

[24:53] Idealism vs. career fit; "follow your talent, not just your bliss"

[26:37] Chart example: Bill Clinton eastern hemisphere, self-directed, character

[29:52] Western hemisphere emphasis & why AI can't replace workplace relationships

[32:42] Character development over karma; Sam's book Consider Your Movement

[34:44] Sam's top 3 timing tools: Profections, Solar Returns, Progressions

[37:34] Client example: tech to insurance shift during a balsamic phase

[40:27] Advice for young people: experiment and be reflective

[41:10] Where to find Sam; UAC conference in Chicago

[43:08] Donation reminder & prize recap

[44:07] Tomorrow: Kira Sutherland on health & the birth chart

Welcome to Episode 358 of the Big Sky Astrology Podcast, and the first day of our Seventh Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! In this week's special daily episodes, April will cover the day's major astrological news and an interview with an astrologer about topics dear to the hearts of clients! Today: Labor Day in the United States brings a brief Void-of-Course Moon in Cancer. And an interview with Linea Van Horn about what to look for in your chart if you’re hoping to change address! And all the Podathon news, including how to make your donation, receive special gifts, and be enrolled in a drawing for one of six fabulous prizes! Plus: An itinerant world, a prisoner of rent control, and things you never knew about the man you married!

Make your donation at BigSkyAstropod.com, and tune in tomorrow for Day Two of the Podathon! 

Timestamps

[0:47] It’s the 7th Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon, with five daily episodes, all the week’s planetary news, some special podathon segments, and a chance to win prizes!

[3:00] Donate $25 or more to be entered into the drawing for a 90-minute or 60-minute reading with April, or a copy of April’s Followed by a Moonshadow Eclipse Report, to help you look at last month’s eclipses and prepare for upcoming ones.

[4:00] To be entered in the drawing for a chance to win, make your $25 donation at BigSkyAstropod.com no later than midnight (11:59 pm PDT) on Monday, September 14th. The drawing will be held on September 15th, and winners will be notified by email.

[4:44] Can't contribute $25 or more? That's ok! Donate $10 or more to gain access to April's special series of YouTube videos on New Moons, going in depth on big planetary transits and the New Moon symbolism.

[5:10] If you can’t contribute financially, here are some free ways to help the show! Please subscribe or follow the BigSkyAstrology Podcast on your app of choice. Enthusiastic 5-star ratings and reviews are welcome and please share the show with your astrology-loving friends.

[6:57] Labor Day Monday in the U.S. brings the Moon in Cancer square Venus in Libra at 6:39 am, then void-of-course until 9:49 am, when it enters Leo. A quiet, homebody energy tempered by sociable Venus in Libra.

[8:48] Interview with Linea Van Horn: Professional astrologer since 1998, founder of the San Francisco Astrological Society, member of ISAR and OPA.

[9:23] Moving House in the Horoscope. The 4th house cusp (IC) as the primary indicator for moves, with the 10th house (MC) and its square points as secondary sensitive areas.

[13:23] Transits to the IC – Outer Planet Meanings

[20:06] Progressed angles as additional functional points. The progressed Moon (one degree per month) as a precise timer. Reference to Bernadette Brady's Predictions in Astrology.

[24:03] Ruler of the 4th House The planet ruling the IC sign as another indicator. Linea prefers traditional rulers (Jupiter over Neptune, Mars over Pluto) for their movement and action.

[25:27] Example – The Moving Couple. Husband: Uranus exactly on IC — shocking job loss led to a better job with reduced rent. Wife: four simultaneous indicators including Jupiter over IC, solar arc Moon over IC, and progressed Moon square natal Moon.

[31:42] When someone doesn’t move, look for stability indicators. Redirecting restless energy through remodeling, gardening, or career shifts.

[35:01] When transits don't support a move, look ahead 2–5 years for a more promising window. Clients often already sense the timing.

[37:38] Make sure to check out Linea’s website, no matter what she says about it! Find her at UAC, where she’s organizing the Marion D. March Regulus Awards at UAC.

[39:36] And that's a wrap for the first day of The Seventh Annual Big Sky Astrology Podathon! And be sure to make your donation at BigSkyAstropod.com. Join April tomorrow morning for another Podathon episode, including an interview with Samuel Reynolds on career in the birth chart!

This week, Mars is in conflict with, and Jupiter makes a soothing aspect to, serious Saturn. Mental faculties and manual skills get a supercharged boost with the sextile between Mercury and Mars, and the Gemini Last Quarter Moon manages to express the ideas that the Virgo Sun has given a lot of detailed thought. We have a pretty busy week at the Big Sky HQ as April gets ready for a conference and the Podathon, which starts next week, so we will keep things relatively brief and put off a listener question until after the Podathon! Plus: Raising the bar, an invisible super power, and default crankiness!

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

[1:34] Jupiter trines Saturn (Aug. 31, 3:17 pm PDT) at 13°41’ Leo and Aries. This is the first of three trines that they will make. The other two will come on Apr. 3 and Jul. 11, 2027. Jupiter's Sabian symbol is 14 Leo: The human soul awaiting opportunity for expression.  Saturn is on 14 Aries: A serpent coiling near a man and a woman.  This aspect balances Jupiter’s expansive optimism with Saturn’s realistic restraint. Ideal for goals requiring both ambition and discipline.

[4:28] Mars squares Saturn (Sep. 1, 2:59 am PDT) at 13°39’ Cancer and Aries.  Mars' Sabian symbol is 14 Cancer: A very old man facing a vast dark space to the northeast.  Treat this transit as a lesson in how to impose more control and discipline over your temper, impulsiveness, and physical drives.

[7:51]  Mercury sextiles Mars (Sep. 1, 6:21 am PDT) at 13°44’ Virgo and Cancer.  Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 14 Virgo, A family tree.  Be mindful of your words.  Great transit for projects that require being good with your hands and having attention to detail.

[9:43] Moon Report!  The Gemini Last Quarter Moon (Sep. 4, 12:51 am PDT) at 11°48’ Gemini and Virgo. This Last Quarter wraps up that New Moon solar eclipse in Leo (Aug. 12, 2026).  Consider letting go of the sadness and regret that this eclipse season may have brought.

[12:39] This is the Last Quarter phase (last action phase) in a lunar phase family cycle that began with a New Moon on Jun. 6, 2024 (16°17’ Gemini). The First Quarter (first action phase) was on Mar. 6, 2025 (16°21’ Gemini). The Full Moon (awareness point) occurred on Dec. 4, 2025 (13°3’ Gemini).

[14:29]  Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods.  The Moon in Aries opposes Venus in Libra (Aug. 31, 12:47 pm PDT). It's VOC then for 12 hours, 14 minutes before it enters Taurus (Sep. 1, 1:01 am PDT).  Use this VOC Moon to get in the habit of balancing your desires with somebody else's needs, so that a happy compromise can be reached.

[15:57] The Moon in Taurus trines Mercury in Virgo (Sep. 2, 3:47 am PDT). It's VOC for 1 day, 1 hour before it enters Gemini (Sep. 3, 4:47 am PDT).  This is a great VOC Moon period to get to the root of an unhealthy habit or issue, so that healing and recovery can take place.

[16:57] The Moon in Gemini trines Venus in Libra (Sep. 5, 1:40 am PDT). It's VOC for 5 hours, 50 minutes, and then enters Cancer (7:30 am PDT).  Use this VOC Moon to get in the habit of connecting with your neighbors during communal events.

[18:54] No Listener Questions this week, but keep those questions coming in for future episodes!  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!

[20:16]  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.

[21:24] The Big Sky Astrology Seventh Annual Podathon is coming up on Labor Day week – mark your calendar!

Episode 356 | A Pisces Lunar Eclipse with Uranus: Shaken, Not Stirred!

This week: Mercury enters its home sign of Virgo, where it comes together in a scintillating cazimi conjunction with the Sun. A Pisces lunar eclipse is flavored by disruptive Uranus, and vitality, ego, communication, travel and commerce are shaken up as Mercury and the Sun square off with Uranus. Plus, April answers a listener question about haircuts. Plus: Psychopomps, drilling for oil, and haircutting tips from the Old Farmer’s Almanac!

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

[1:22] Mercury enters Virgo (Aug. 25, 4:04 am PDT) and stays in this sign until Sep. 10. Mercury is at its strongest in Virgo, in both its rulership and its exaltation. Here’s a link to Vanessa Couto’s article on Mercury as a psychopomp.

[3:45] Mercury makes a conjunction with the Sun (Aug. 27, 10:04 am PDT) at 4°26’ Virgo. When a planet is in a conjunction with the Sun within 17’ of arc, it's called cazimi, or “in the heart of the Sun.” This cazimi period is exact at 10:03 am PDT, but is within orb of 17’ arc  between 3:15 am-4:54 pm PDT. The Sun-Mercury conjunction is on the Sabian symbol 5 Virgo, A man dreaming of fairies.

[6:15] Moon Report! The Pisces Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse (Aug. 27, 9:18 pm PDT) is 4°54’ Pisces-Virgo. This is the Full Moon in the Aug. 12 Leo New Moon cycle. The Feb. 20, 2027 Virgo lunar eclipse in Virgo is the last eclipse on this axis for a while, and the last eclipse in Pisces until 2034. Embrace your feelings while grounding yourself to the material world.

[9:38] This is the Full Moon (awareness point) in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that began with the New Moon on Feb. 27, 2025 (9°40’ Pisces). The First Quarter Moon (first action point) was on Nov. 27, 2025 (6°17’ Pisces), and the Last Quarter Moon (last action point) is on May 28, 2027, 7°1’ Pisces.

[12:07] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. The Moon squares Venus (Aug. 23, 11:30 pm PDT). It’s VOC for 1 day, 2 hours, 32 minutes, then enters Aquarius (Aug. 25, 2:02 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon to set feelings aside and take constructive advice to better manage your relationships and finances.

[13:40] The Moon trines Venus (Aug. 26, 2:59 pm PDT). It’s VOC for 21 hours, 5 minutes then enters Pisces (Aug. 27, 12:04 pm PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to participate in groups with a focus on topics that you would like to learn more about.

[15:17] The Moon trines Mars (Aug. 28, 9:14 am PDT). It’s VOC for 1 day, 10 hours, 24 minutes then enters Aries (Aug. 29, 7:38 pm PDT). Use excess energy constructively and make your home a sanctuary.

[16:35] On Aug. 28, Mercury (12:24 am PDT) and the Sun (3:19 pm PDT) square Uranus at 5°37’ Virgo-Gemini. The Sabian symbol for Mercury and the Sun is 6 Virgo, A merry-go-round. Uranus is on 6 Gemini, Drilling for oil. Break the cycle of circular patterns. Drill deeper for that precious fuel that runs your engine.

[19:05] Listener Alyssa asks about astrology and haircuts.

[23:03] 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!

[23:36] 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 and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.

[25:17] The Big Sky Astrology Seventh Annual Podathon is coming up on Labor Day week – mark your calendar!

This week begins with a busy Monday, as angry Mars faces off with compassionate Neptune; Mercury trine Saturn offers mental discipline and seriousness; and Venus sextiles Jupiter, bringing opportunities for collaboration. The emotionally charged Scorpio First Quarter Moon deals with the aftermath of the Leo eclipse, and relationships and finances get a realistic review as Venus opposes Saturn. The Sun enters its practical and analytical Virgo season. And in this week’s mini-lesson, April revisits a listener question about how to use eclipses from the past to instruct, rather than terrify us! Plus: Balancing Leo’s razzle dazzle; sweating out your grievances; and the zoomies!

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

[1:28] Mars squares Neptune (Aug. 17, 2:52 AM PDT) at 3°59’ Cancer-Aries. Mars is on Sabian symbol 4 Cancer: A cat arguing with a mouse.  Neptune is on 4 Aries: Two lovers strolling through a secluded walk. It's not a great day for constructive arguments, with both sides trying to make points the other completely misses.

[3:18] Mercury trines Saturn (Aug. 17, 8:27 AM PDT) at 14°20’ Leo-Aries. Cut through the noise, stay organized, and get the most critical tasks across the finish line

[4:48] Venus sextile Jupiter (Aug. 17, 9:15 AM PDT) at 10°37’ Libra-Leo. Dress to impress and lead with charm—a little polish and sweet persuasion will go a long way with the people who hold the keys.

[6:14] Moon Report! Scorpio First Quarter Moon (Aug. 19, 7:46 PM PDT), at 27°07’ Scorpio-Leo is an action point for the New Moon Solar eclipse (Aug. 12, 20°01’ Leo. Look deep within and acknowledge frailties.

[8:26] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the First Quarter Moon (first action phase) in an LPFC that began on Nov. 19, 2025 at 28°11’ Scorpio. The Full Moon (awareness point) is on May 20, 2027, at 29°13’ Scorpio. The Last Quarter Moon (last action phase) occurs on Feb. 17, 2028, at 28°10’ Scorpio.

[10:08] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Libra sextiles the Sun in Leo (Aug. 17, 4:30 AM PDT). It's VOC for 10 hours, 16 minutes, then enters Scorpio (2:46 PM PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to tackle creative and romantic endeavors that will brighten someone's day and give you a sense of well-deserved pride.

[11:09] The Moon in Scorpio squares the Leo Sun (Aug. 19, 7:46 PM PDT). It’s VOC for 5 hours, 44 minutes, then enters Sagittarius (Aug. 20, 1:30 AM PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of sweating out your grievances.

[12:09] The Moon in Sagittarius trines the Leo Sun (Aug. 22, 1:31 PM PDT). It's VOC for 28 minutes, then enters Capricorn (1:59 PM PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to institute a habit of taking a pause in your day to soak up some rays and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors.

[13:32] Venus opposes Saturn (Aug. 21, 5:43 AM PDT) at 14°11’ Libra-Aries. Venus is on Sabian symbol 15 Libra, Circular paths. Relationships and finances get a reality check.

[16:06] Sun enters Virgo (Aug. 22, 7:19 pm PDT). The Sun will be in Virgo until Sep. 22, 2026. Virgo season is when we gear up for new challenges and figure out step by step how to manage them.

[18:19] Mini-lesson: April revisits a previous listener question about scary eclipse repeats!

[24:01] 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!

[24:35] 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.

[26:09] The Big Sky Astrology Seventh Annual Podathon is coming up on Labor Day week – mark your calendar!

The eclipses are here, the eclipses are here! The week leading up to this total Leo Solar Eclipse has been very telling. But first: Venus, the goddess of love and money, aspects Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus. Mars enters Cancer, where it will stay through September 27th. Mercury gets a change of perception as it connects with Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, and Jupiter. And April answers a listener question about money in the horoscope. Plus: Information overload, moms in SUVs, and where does the money go? We have a lot of transits to unpack, so let's get this show on the road!

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 trine Pluto (Aug. 10, 11:08 am PDT) at 3°57’ Libra and Aquarius; Venus opposed Neptune (Aug. 10, 3:02 pm PDT) at 4°6’ Libra and Aries; Venus trine Uranus (Aug. 11, 8:46 pm PDT) at 5°19’ Libra and Gemini. Neptune opposes symbol 5 Libra, A man teaching the true inner knowledge. Look closely at what the people we love, and the way we make or spend our money, says about us. Having seen the truth of a situation, it's time to decide what to do about it.

[3:34] Mars enters Cancer (Aug. 11, 1:30 am PDT, until Sep. 27). Mars will square Neptune (Aug. 17) and Saturn (Sep. 1), both in Aries. Act on behalf of the things and people closest to your heart, and tackle projects that you’ve been avoiding.

[6:11] Mercury opposes Pluto (Aug. 11, 6:20 pm PDT) at 3°55’ Leo-Aquarius. Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 4 Leo, A man formally dressed and a deer with its horns folded. Check out Judith De Haan’s essay on this symbol. Mercury trines Neptune (Aug. 11, 8:39 pm PDT) at 4°5’ Leo-Aries, on 5 Leo, Rock formations at the edge of a precipice. Mercury sextiles Uranus (Aug. 12, 1:48 pm PDT) at 5°20’ Leo-Gemini on 6 Leo, An old-fashioned woman and an up-to-date girl. These are powerful aspects for telling your truth, using the healing power of your words, and channeling brilliant insights.

[8:02] Moon Report! The Leo New Moon Solar Eclipse (Aug. 12, 10:37 am PDT) at 20°1' Leo on the Sabian symbol 21 Leo, Chickens intoxicated. Previous eclipses near this degree were on Aug. 11, 2018, with a solar eclipse at 18°42' Leo; on Feb. 11, 2017, a lunar eclipse at 22°28' Leo; and on Feb. 9, 2009, a lunar eclipse at 21 Leo. This is the first eclipse in Leo since Jan. 21, 2019, and the first since Feb. 9, 2009 when the South Node was also in Leo. The downfall of leaders seems relevant to this eclipse.

[11:24] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). The First Quarter phase (first action point) of this LPFC is on May 12, 2027 at 22°13’ Leo. The Full Moon phase (awareness point) is on Feb. 10, 2028 at 21°23’ Leo. The Last Quarter phase (last action point) is on Nov. 9, 2028 at 18° Leo.

[12:41] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Cancer squares Saturn in Aries (Aug. 10, 12:30 am PDT). It’s VOC for 1 day, 1 hour, 8 minutes, then enters Leo (Aug. 11, 1:38 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to develop a new habit of establishing stronger boundaries without bringing emotional meltdowns to the table.

[13:45] The Moon conjoins the Sun (Aug. 12, 10:37 am PDT). It will be VOC for 16 hours, 41 minutes, then enters Virgo (Aug. 13, 3:18 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to give credit where credit is due.

[14:42] The Moon in Virgo squares Uranus in Gemini (Aug. 13, 12:24 pm PDT). It’s VOC for 1 day, 18 hours, 56 minutes, then enters Libra (Aug. 15, 7:20 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to free yourself from mental stressors by developing inner security that's independent of external circumstances.

[15:57] Mercury conjunct Jupiter (Aug. 15, 2026, 4:23 am PDT) at 10°09’ Leo on Sabian symbol, 11 Leo, Children on a swing in a huge oak tree. Articulate your beliefs and dreams for the future.

[17:36] Listener Tommy asks about money houses in the chart. If anyone is planning on attending the upcoming UAC conference in Chicago next month, April will be speaking on Derivative Houses (Sep. 8, at 9 am).

[24:18] 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!

[24:33] 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: Another episode that covers a two-week period while April is on vacation, so we’re covering a lot of ground. The Sun converges with the recent basket configuration and trines Neptune, sextiles Uranus, conjuncts Jupiter (and trines Saturn); Venus swing-dances with Mars; the Aquarius Full Moon pits the Moon and Pluto against the Sun and Jupiter; Venus enters Libra, a sign that loves how things work; and Mercury enters creative Leo! And a listener question about types of astrology. Plus: the Sun’s exclamation mark, a frosty peak, a daunting descent, and fame that is fleeting. It is a lot, so buckle up for the ride!

The annual Podathon is coming Labor Day week, with guests and prizes! Mark Sep. 7 on your calendar!

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

[1:23] The Sun trines Neptune (July 27, 12:36 am PDT) at 4°18' Leo-Aries and sextiles Uranus on the same day (2:36 pm PDT) at 4°52' Leo-Gemini. The Sun is on the Sabian symbol 5 Leo, Rock formations at the edge of a precipice. Neptune is at 5 Aries, A triangle with wings, and Uranus is at 5 Gemini, A radical magazine. Embrace Leo’s confident energy; break routine and lift off.

[4:15] Venus squares Mars (July 29, 12:10 am PDT) at 21°14’ Virgo-Gemini. Venus is on the Sabian symbol 22 Virgo, A royal coat of arms, and Mars is at 22 Gemini, A barn dance.

[6:06] Moon Report! The Sun conjuncts Jupiter (July 29, 5:18 am PDT) at 06°24’ Leo, then a couple of hours later the Aquarius Full Moon (7:36 am PDT) is at 06°30’ Aquarius-Leo. This Full Moon looks back not only at the recent Cancer New Moon (July 14, 2026, at 21°59’ Cancer), but back to the New Moon in Aquarius (Feb. 17, 2026), which was a solar eclipse. Reflect on what looks different now than it did in February.

[9:42] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the Full Moon (awareness point) in an LPFC that started on Jan. 29, 2025 at 9°51’ Aquarius on Sabian symbol 10 Aquarius, A popularity that proves ephemeral. The First Quarter (first action point) of this LPFC was on Oct. 29, 2025 at 6°30’ Aquarius. The Last Quarter phase (final action point) is on Apr. 28, 2027.

[11:07] Venus enters Libra (Aug. 6, 12:13 pm PDT, through Sep. 10). Take a closer look at the people that you've chosen to teach you within the realm of important relationships.

[13:42] Moon Report #2! The Taurus Last Quarter Moon (Aug. 5, 7:21 pm PDT) at 13°40’ Taurus-Leo. This is the final action point for the New Moon in Cancer from July 14, 2026. Show support in tangible, practical ways.

[16:10] The Sun trine Saturn (Aug. 6, 7:44 pm PDT) at 14°38’ Leo and Aries. The Sabian symbol for the Sun is 15 Leo, A pageant; Saturn is on 15 Aries, An Indian weaving a basket. Put your skills and talents to work and make something.

[18:17] Mercury enters Leo (Aug. 9, 9:28 am PDT, until Aug. 25). Mercury in Leo invites us to lead by example: share your story gracefully, and create space for others to do the same.

[21:31] Listener Sousa asks about the different types of astrology. Check out April’s book, The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology. The upcoming Big Sky Astrology Podathon (Labor Day week) will feature interviews with specialized astrologers as well!

[26:57] 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!

[27:26] 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. We’re publishing on a reduced schedule this month, so join us again on Monday, Aug. 10 for a new episode!