Big Sky Astrology Podcast April Elliott Kent

This week, Mercury enters its home sign, Gemini, supervises an extremely Gemini-heavy New Moon, and makes aspects to “sky’s the limit” Jupiter and down-and-dirty Pluto. Fortunately, Mars’ entry into methodical Taurus, and the Sun and Venus’ conjunctions with Saturn, should apply the brakes and help with focus and concentration. And April answers a listener question about what to expect from a New Moon in the solar return chart. Plus: Sleuthing, confetti, and a backup in the print queue!
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!
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Timestamps
[1:09] Mercury enters Gemini (June 3, 12:36 am PDT) through June 17. Being in its own sign puts Mercury into overdrive! Expect to be busy.
[2:33] Mercury trines Pluto (June 3, 11:12 pm PDT), bringing depth and intensity to Mercury in Gemini. Look beneath the surface and determine motivations. Tackle projects requiring troubleshooting.
[4:26] Mercury bounces back from its trine to Pluto with a conjunction to “sky’s the limit” Jupiter (June 4, 3:23 am PDT). Enjoy the positivity and optimism!
[6:06] Sun conjoins Venus (June 4, 8:33 am PDT), on the Sabian symbol 15 Gemini, Two Dutch children talking. Spend time with the people who speak your language, and tell the people you care about just how much you care.
[8:23] Moon Report! The Gemini New Moon (June 6, 5:38 am PDT) is at 16º17’ Gemini, on the Sabian symbol 17 Gemini, The head of a robust youth changes into that of a mature thinker. This New Moon chart is heavy with Gemini planets, and several of them make exact square aspects to Saturn. This can be frustrating, but only because we’re being forced to slow down and think about things, becoming “a mature thinker.”
[10:25] This New Moon initiates a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that reaches its First Quarter action point on March 6, 2025, Full Moon awareness point on Dec. 4, 2025, and Last Quarter Moon action point on Sep. 4, 2026. We’ll all be thinking a little more “maturely” by then.
[11:53] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. Neptune at the very last degree of its sign means this week’s VOC periods all begin with aspects to Neptune. Confusion is possible, but so are imagination, healing, and releasing.
[12:28] On June 5 (1:09 am PDT), the Moon in Taurus sextiles Neptune and is VOC for 27 minutes before entering Gemini (1:36 am). Blend practicality with imagination.
[13:36] On June 7 (5:16 am PDT), the Moon in Gemini squares Neptune (5:16 am PDT). It’s VOC for 25 minutes, then enters Cancer (5:41 am). Choose sensitivity over wit in your communications.
[14:32] On June 9 (12:05 pm PDT), the Moon in Cancer trines Neptune, is VOC for 24 minutes, then enters Leo (12:29 pm). Show and share how much you care for the people in your life.
[15:54] Venus (June 8, 1:25 am PDT) and the Sun (June 9, 3:36 am PDT) square Saturn on the Sabian symbols 20 Gemini, A cafeteria, and 20 Pisces, A table set for an evening meal. Both squares show the tension between Gemini’s desire to keep moving and Pisces’ desire to spend quality time. Venus square Saturn may cause tension in relationships, and the Sun with Saturn can be physically draining.
[19:10] Mars enters Taurus (June 8, 9:35 pm PDT) through July 20, putting on the brakes after Mars’ fast-paced journey through Aries (since April 30). Mars in Taurus teaches patience and perseverance, and has a long fuse but is scary when it loses its temper.
[21:20] Listener “New Moona” has a question about Solar Returns, and specifically those that feature a New Moon. You can order your own Solar Return report, with text by Mary Shea, at the Big Sky Astrology website.
[26:26] 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)b

Episode 236 | Jupiter and Pluto: A Mellow Moment in their Long Cycle!
This week, Mercury in Taurus makes aspects to serious Saturn, unpredictable Uranus, and idealistic Neptune. The Pisces Last Quarter Moon on two airplane-related Sabian symbols encourages a leap into the air for a bird’s eye view of our circumstances. Jupiter reaches a mellow interlude in its long cycle with Pluto. And April answers a listener question about secondary progressions. Plus: A nosedive, plutocrats, and a peacock on parade!
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
[1:09] Mercury sextiles Saturn on May 27 (8:22 pm PDT) at 18º33’ Taurus-Pisces. Time to sit down and write that novel!
[2:27] Moon Report! The Pisces Last Quarter Moon is on May 30 (10:13 am PDT) at 09º46’ Pisces-Gemini. The Moon’s Sabian symbol is 10 Pisces, An aviator in the clouds and the Sun is on the symbol 10 Gemini, An airplane performing a nosedive. Time to pry your white knuckles away from the wheel of security.
[5:06] This is the Last Quarter phase in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that began on March 2, 2022 (New Moon 12º06’ Pisces). The First Quarter Moon in this LPFC was on Nov. 30, 2022, the Full Moon on Aug. 30, 2023. If you have your foundation in place, you can really take flight.
[7:14] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On May 27 (1:02 pm PDT), the Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune. It's VOC for 43 minutes, and then enters Aquarius (1:45 pm PDT). Consider how to be a better mentor to those who need love and support.
[8:22] On May 29 (7:20 am PDT), the Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus. It's VOC for 10 ¼ hours before entering Pisces (5:33 pm PDT). Don’t prioritize getting along at the expense of your true self.
[9:53] On May 31 (7:55 pm PDT), the Moon in Pisces conjoins Neptune, is VOC for a little over a half an hour, then enters Aries (8:28 pm PDT). Managing emotions, both your own and those you take on from others, might be helped by tackling a small, practical task.
[11:28] On June 2 (3:03 pm PDT), the Moon in Aries conjoins Mars. It's VOC for almost eight hours and then enters Taurus (10:55 pm PDT). Keep impulsiveness in check.
[12:39] On May 30 (10:54 pm PDT), Mercury conjoins Uranus at 24°07’ Taurus. Plans can change. Be on the lookout for sudden inspiration and breakthroughs.
[14:09] On June 2 (5:12 pm PDT), Jupiter trines Pluto at 01º53’ Gemini-Aquarius. The current 13-year cycle of Jupiter with Pluto began in April 2020. This cycle seems to coincide with COVID news. Jupiter is an amplifier, and Pluto can represent serious or even deadly circumstances such as disease. Financially, this combo can represent monetary gains.
[17:32] Mercury sextiles Neptune (June 2, 8:57 pm PDT) at 29º42’ Taurus-Pisces. Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 30 Taurus, A peacock parading on an ancient lawn. Neptune is on symbol 30 Pisces, The great stone face. Are we living up to our ideals of greatness?
[19:19] Listener Adrienne in Colorado asks about secondary progressions. April builds on a mini-lesson on the topic back in Episode 122. Order Steven Forrest’s Sky Bundle to see how secondary progressions are currently playing out in your chart.
[27:28] 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.
[28:01] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!
[28:18] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $5 or more to receive access to April’s Aries equinox and Cancer solstice epi

This week, the Sun and Venus enter lighthearted Gemini, but things get a little serious when they aspect Pluto. Venus swoons into a conjunction with Jupiter, which enters Gemini for a one-year stay. The Full Moon in Sagittarius encourages the use of strategy to gain power, and a nearly 31-hour void-of-course Moon period offers a chance to break the people-pleasing habit! And April answers a listener question about starting up an astrology group where you live. Plus: Station wagons, pollination, and making sure everyone knows where the restroom is!
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 
[1:20] The Sun enters Gemini on May 20 (5:59 am PDT). It'll be in this sign through June 20, 2024. An excellent time for short-distance travel and socializing.
[2:33] On May 22 (8:14 am PDT), the Sun trines Pluto at 02°00’ Gemini and Aquarius. Think about how to pull together your contacts to form something lasting.
[4:16] Venus conjuncts Jupiter on May 23 (1:29 am PDT), and both sextile Neptune (Venus at 3:50 am PDT, Jupiter at 2:44 pm PDT).  Appreciate the tangible and non-tangible blessings in your life.
[5:47] Venus enters Gemini on May 23 (1:30 pm PDT, through June 16, 2024). Pollinate your local businesses and watch them grow, but be careful of overspending. Date, but hold off on getting serious.
[7:01] Moon Report! The Sagittarius Full Moon occurs on May 23 (6:53 am PDT) at 02°55’ Sagittarius and Gemini. In the chart for the Full Moon, Venus and Jupiter are still in their conjunction. The Moon's sextile and the Sun’s trine to Pluto offer insight into wealth and privilege.
[8:41] This is the Full Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that began with the New Moon on Nov. 23, 2022, at 01°37’ Sagittarius. The First Quarter in this LPFC was on Aug. 24, 2023, the Last Quarter is on Feb. 20, 2025.
[10:14] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On May 19 (8:48 am PDT), the Moon in Libra opposes Mars in Aries, is VOC for 30 hours and 46 minutes (!!!) and enters Scorpio on May 20 (3:34 pm PDT). Create new habits that strike a balance between getting along with others and going after what we want.
[11:20] The Moon in Scorpio trines Neptune (May 23, 12:28 am PDT). It's VOC for almost an hour and then enters Sagittarius (1:24 am PDT). Being true to your convictions and loyal to those who have earned it, will be rewarded with affection and appreciation.
[12:27] On May 25, the Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune (7:47 am PDT). It's VOC for 49 minutes, then enters Capricorn (8:36 am PDT). Conflict around brash enthusiasm vs. faith that things will work out as they should.
[13:56] Venus trines Pluto at 01°59’ Gemini-Aquarius on May 25 (4:16 am PDT). This could be a powerful time to consider the intellectual side of dealing with money. Entertain the idea of becoming part of a group that shares your interests.
[16:26] Jupiter enters Gemini (May 25, 4:15 pm PDT, through June 9, 2025). Jupiter was last in Gemini between June 11, 2012-June 25, 2013. In Gemini, it craves more variety, more socializing, more conversation, and more networking. 
[18:38] Listener Stephanie asks for tips on starting an astrology group. Check out the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR). Meetup.com can be a great resource for groups.
[24:12] 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.
[24:45] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!
[25:20] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly co

This week, the Sun and Venus make exciting conjunctions with Uranus and practical plans with Saturn; as the Sun conjoins Jupiter and sextiles Neptune, expand your kingdom by joining resources with another, and find inspiration on a wandering path; Mercury enters patient Taurus, but as it squares Pluto, take a closer look at an existing plan; at the creative Leo First Quarter Moon, show the world what you’ve got; Mars pushes toward the North Node’s path to growth; and a listener question about your first responder planet! Plus: cobblers and kings, a Spanish serenade, and how to get past April’s first responder (it rhymes with Mee-toes).
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] The Sun conjuncts Uranus on May 13 (2:13 am PDT) at 23°06’ Taurus. Makeovers are encouraged. Take a mini-vacation from being your usual self.
[3:11] On May 13 (12:45 pm PDT), Venus sextiles Saturn at 17º39’ Taurus-Pisces. Venus is on the Sabian symbol 18 Taurus, A woman holding a bag out of a window. Saturn's on the Sabian symbol, 18 Pisces, A gigantic tent. Letting go can open up opportunities to move in a new direction, with the help of others.
[5:16] Moon Report! The Leeeeeooooo First Quarter Moon (May 15, 4:48 am PDT) is at 25º08’ Leo. Leo's ruler, the Sun, is on the Sabian symbol, A Spaniard serenading his Senorita. Now is the time to share your song.
[6:54] This is the First Quarter in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that began at the New Moon on Aug. 16, 2023, at 23º17’ Leo. Further critical points in this LPFC come at the Full Moon on Feb. 12, 2025 and the Last Quarter on Nov. 11, 2025.
[8:07] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On May 13 (2:13 am PDT), the Moon in Cancer trines Neptune, is VOC for just under 1 ½ hours, then enters Leo (3:36 am PDT). Connect with others through nurturing, giving gifts of love or through artistic creations.
[9:10] On May 15 (9:41 am PDT), the Moon in Leo squares Jupiter in Taurus. It's VOC for almost 5 hours, then enters Virgo (2:33 pm PDT). Show your heart and your passion in a big way.
[9:58] On May 18 (2:09 am PDT), the Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces. It's VOC for about 1 ¼ hours, then enters Libra (3:22 am PDT). Find the balance between sensitivity and sensibility.
[10:42] Mercury enters Taurus on May 15 (10:05 am PDT). The Messenger planet will stay in the sign of the Bull through June 3, 2024. Develop practical skills and methodical communication during this time.
[11:20] Mercury squares Pluto on May 17 (12:44 am PDT) at 02°03’ Taurus- Aquarius. The established plan may go against your conscience. Dig deep into a research project.
[12:33] On May 18 (4:40 am PDT), Venus conjuncts Uranus at 23º23’ Taurus. You might find that you need to leave an existing situation, but still might not be clear about what would be better for you.
[14:03] The Sun makes its annual conjunction with Jupiter (May 18, 11:45 am PDT) at 28º18’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol, 29 Taurus, Two cobblers working at a table. Is there someone in your life that you can join forces with who can help you expand your reach?
[15:45] The Sun sextiles Neptune (May 19, 3:45 pm PDT) at 29º25’ Taurus-Pisces. The Sun is on the Sabian symbol 30 Taurus, A peacock parading on an ancient lawn. Take a wandering path and let the world surprise you into new ways of thinking and being.
[17:10] Mars conjuncts the Moon's North Node (May 19, 8:59 pm PDT) at 14°56’ Aries, on the Sabian symbol, 15 Aries, An Indian weaving a blanket. Push toward that brave new land with no hesitation.
[18:59] Listener Penelope asks about First Responder Planets. What is your first responder planet, and how does it operate in your life? Comments and reactions are welcome!
[28:46] If you’d like to have a question answered on a fut

This week, the Taurus New Moon and the Sun's elegant sextile to Saturn are the only major astrological news. Focus on security and stability in the Taurus sector of your chart! And a listener question about lacking the anticipated energy and optimism at her progressed New Moon leads to a mini-lesson on the progressed Lunar cycle. Plus: Pushing up a continent, a gigantic tent, and emptying out your life!
Timestamps
[1:02] Moon Report! The Taurus New Moon will occur on May 7 (8:22 pm PDT). It's at 18°02’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol, 19 Taurus, A newly formed continent. The Taurus New Moon is effective for formulating intentions or rituals around money, earning power, possessions, values, and security. This New Moon point is very close to Uranus and Jupiter, and carries some of the energy of their April 20 conjunction.
[3:44] This New Moon initiates a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that will continue over the next 36 months. Make a random list of what is important right now, and watch those kernels grow. The First Quarter phase in this LPFC comes on Feb. 5, 2025; the Full Moon is on Nov. 5, 2025; the Last Quarter is on Aug. 5, 2026.
[6:33] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On May 8 (2:55 pm PDT), the Moon in Taurus sextiles Neptune; it’s VOC for about 1 ½ hours, then enters Gemini (4:20 pm PDT). Handle your responsibilities first so you can really relax and pamper yourself.
[8:45] On May 10 (6:49 pm PDT), the Moon in Gemini squares Neptune. It's VOC for about 9 ½ hours, then enters Cancer (8:13 pm PDT). Try journaling to get to the heart of things.
[10:14] The week's only major aspect is on May 6 (10:42 pm PDT), when the Sun sextiles Saturn at 17°09 Taurus-Pisces. Flowing aspects like the sextile offer opportunities to enjoy greater self-respect and authority. This is the opening sextile in the cycle that began on Feb. 28, 2024, when the Sun conjoined Saturn in Pisces. Pursue dreams that may seem impractical; they can succeed with careful planning.
[11:59] The Sabian symbol for the Sun at the sextile is A woman holding a bag out of a window. The symbol for Saturn is A gigantic tent. This sextile invites us to look back to late Feb. 2024 at that Sun-Saturn conjunction and think about what we may have been dreaming of; this is the opportunity to begin to make them real.
[13:30] Listener Bethany asks about her progressed New Moon cycle. An explanation of the progressed lunar cycle, followed by mini-lessons on the:
[17:37] progressed New Moon; [20:05] pr. Crescent Moon; [20:40] pr. First Quarter Moon; [21:18] pr. Waxing Gibbous Moon; [22:03] pr; Full Moon; [22:47] pr. waning Gibbous Moon (Disseminating) Moon; [23:16] pr. Last Quarter Moon; [24:28] pr. Waning Crescent (Balsamic) Moon.
[25:26] 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.
[25:56] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!
[26:25] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you’d like to support the show, please go to the website where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $5 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

This week, Venus and Mars enter their home signs and immediately encounter Pluto; the Aquarius Last Quarter Moon, conjoined Pluto, is an emphatic exclamation point at the end of two lunar cycles; Pluto stations retrograde – are you in control of your life? And in keeping with this week’s Plutonian theme, April answers a listener question about personal planets in aspect to Pluto. Plus: Exterminators and plumbers, tempering Taurus, and putting a little air into it.
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
[1:11] Venus enters one of her home signs, Taurus, on April 29 (4:31 am PDT, through May 23, 2024). Enjoy the physical world!
[3:14] Venus squares Pluto on April 30 (9:30 pm PDT) at 02º06’ Taurus and Aquarius, on the Sabian symbol Steps up to a lawn blooming with clover. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to give and to share at least part of the bounty that you enjoy.
[6:06] Mars enters one of its home signs, Aries, on April 30 (8:33 am PDT) and will be in this sign until June 8, 2024. During Mars’ stay in Aries, it sextiles Pluto and conjoins the North Node. Full speed ahead! – but pay heed to trusted people who warn you to slow down.
[8:40] Moon Report! The Aquarius Last Quarter Moon (May 1, 4:27 am PDT) emphatically concludes the Aries New Moon/Solar Eclipse cycle that began on April 8. Share your energy and talents with a group, and set a long-term goal.
[10:14] This is the Last Quarter phase in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that began on Jan. 31, 2022, with a New Moon at 12º19’ Aquarius. The First Quarter Moon in this LPFC was on Oct., 2022, and the Full Moon on Aug. 1, 2023.
[12:29] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On April 30, the Moon in Capricorn sextiles Mars in Pisces (8:18:45 am PDT). It's VOC for less than one minute, then the Moon enters Aquarius (8:19:32 am PDT). If you are awake and aware at this time, simply pause, take a deep breath, exhale, and list three people in your life who need your help and love.
[14:45] On May 2 (2:28 am PDT), the Moon in Aquarius squares Jupiter in Taurus. It's VOC for about 9 ½ hours, then enters Pisces (11:52 am PDT). Review how you're sharing your time and assets with others.
[15:36] On May 4 (12:06 pm PDT), the Moon in Pisces conjoins Neptune. It's VOC for about 1 ½ hours, then enters Aries (1:41 pm PDT). Are you reserving enough time for rest, relaxation, and communing with spirit?
[16:37] Pluto stations retrograde on May 2 (10:47 am PDT) at 02º06’ Aquarius. Pluto has been direct since Oct. 10, 2023 and will turn direct again on Oct. 11, 2024. Pluto reenters Capricorn during this retrograde (Sep. 1, 2024), remains there through Nov. 2024, then returns to Aquarius for good. How are you taking power and control over your life?
[18:19] On May 3 (2:06 AM PDT), Mars sextiles Pluto, at 02°06’, Aries and Aquarius. Take action toward future goals.
[20:16] Listener Jennifer asks about personal planets in aspect to Pluto.
[27:50] 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.
[28:22] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!
[29:30] A tribute to this week's donors! If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $5 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.