Big Sky Astrology Podcast April Elliott Kent

This week, busy Mercury aspects Neptune, Venus, and Mars, and sneaks into quiet Cancer. The Sun seeks rest and clarity as it squares Neptune, then enters Cancer, marking the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. In lunar news, it’s the first of two Capricorn Full Moons. And April answers a listener question about Pluto's strongest signs. Plus: Love letters from the Moon, diamonds in the rough, and what’s on your flag?
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!
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Timestamps
[1:19] June 17 is a full day for Mercury, as it squares Neptune (12:41 am PDT, 29º52’ Gemini-Pisces), enters Cancer (2:07 am PDT), conjoins Venus (5:42 am PDT, 00º19’ Cancer).
[1:50] As Mercury squares Neptune, it may not be the best time to make permanent decisions, sign contracts or make travel plans - you may not have all the information.
[3:13] Mercury enters Cancer (June 17, 2:07 am PDT) and is in this quiet sign until July 2, 2024. It favors keeping our thoughts to ourselves and considering our words carefully before we speak.
[4:24] Mercury conjuncts Venus (June 17, 5:42 am PDT) on the Sabian symbol 1 Cancer, On a ship, the sailors lower an old flag and raise a new one. Consider beautiful ways to describe personal loyalties.
[5:28] The Sun squares Neptune on June 20 (11:12 am PDT, 29º53’ Gemini- Pisces). Which is more important: that others idealize you, or that you become a truer version of yourself? Rest up and have some alone time.
[7:27] The Sun enters Cancer (June 20, 1:51 pm PDT), marking the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Celebrate your origin story but don't let yourself believe in fairy tales about the old days. A quincunx from Pluto in Aquarius reminds us that we can’t move forward if we’re stuck in the past.
[9:42] Moon Report! We get two Capricorn Full Moons in the next month. The first is on June 21 (6:08 pm PDT, 01°07’ Capricorn-Cancer). The second is on July 21 (3:17 am PDT, 29°08’ Capricorn-Cancer). These Full Moons encourage us to balance professional and personal life with kindness, empathy and understanding.
[11:52] This is the Full Moon in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that began with the New Moon on Dec. 23, 2022 at 01°32’ Capricorn. The First Quarter Moon in this LPFC was on Sept. 22, 2023, at 29º32’ Sagittarius, and the Last Quarter is on March 22, 2025.
[14:07] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On June 19 (9:19 am PDT), the Moon in Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces and is VOC for almost 13 minutes, before entering Sagittarius (9:32 am PDT). The gift here is that your true, fierce, honest self is beautiful and will bring you the love that you wish to have.
[15:35] On June 21 (3:58 pm PDT), the Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces. It's VOC for only 10 minutes and then enters Capricorn (4:08 pm PDT). There could be a certain tension between wanting to be out in the world and making a big, joyful noise, versus, being a little more introspective and maybe spending a little more time with yourself.
[16:38] The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces on June 23 (8:05 pm PDT). It's VOC for just 9 minutes and then enters Aquarius (8:14 pm PDT). Let your open-heartedness influence the way you do business and pursue earthly goals.
[17:25] On June 21 (9:22 am PDT), Mercury sextiles Mars at 09º12’ Cancer- Taurus. Mercury’s Sabian symbol is 10 Cancer, A large diamond not completely cut and the symbol for Mars is 10 Taurus, A Red Cross nurse. Your ideas could be diamonds in the rough. Look for helpers who know how to make those ideas sparkle and shine!
[19:00] Listener Elliott gives April a lovely “Thank you!” Listener Franie asks about Pluto’s strongest signs.
[26:12] If yo

This week, determination meets resistance as Mars squares Pluto; Mercury's square to Saturn rewards focus and discipline; the Virgo First Quarter Moon motivates with more than the usual amount of tension; Venus' square to Neptune dispels illusions; Venus enters home-and-family-loving Cancer; and April answers a listener question about profections, an ancient technique for evaluating your birthday year. Plus: Storms, bathing beauties, and trimming the palms!
Resources: Intro video on the Astrology Podcast, Profections Wheel from Kelly's Astrology, Profections Worksheet from Chris Brennan.
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 Pluto this week (June 11, 6:21 am PDT) at 01º45’ Taurus-Aquarius, on Sabian symbols 2 Taurus, An electrical storm and 2 Aquarius, An unexpected thunderstorm. Now is not the time to push your own agenda.
[3:33] Mercury squares Saturn (June 12, 3:47 am PDT) at 19º10’ Gemini-Pisces. Challenging conversations and/or learning can be handled with a little bit of determination.
[5:02] Moon Report! The Virgo First Quarter Moon (June 13, 10:18 pm PDT, 23º39’ Virgo) is opposed Saturn and Neptune, all square the Sun, Mercury, and Venus, forming a nerve-frazzling T-square configuration. Self-soothe by spending time outdoors, travelling, reading a book, communing with animals.
[8:58] This is the First Quarter in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that began with a Virgo New Moon on Sep. 14, 2023. Act on those New Moon goals. More turning points in this LPFC at the March 13, 2025 Full Moon and the Last Quarter on Dec. 11, 2025.
[10:50] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods for this week. On June 11 (12:16 pm PDT), the Moon in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus. It's VOC for almost 10 ½ hours before entering Virgo (10:39 pm PDT). Is your desire for attention and accolades keeping you from being free?
[12:22] On June 14 (10:53 am PDT), the Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune. It's VOC for 19 minutes, then enters Libra (11:12 am PDT). Try not to be so focused on a particular end goal that you miss other possibilities.
[13:19] On June 16 (11:05 pm PDT), the Moon in Libra trines Mercury in Gemini. It's VOC for 33 minutes, then enters Scorpio (11:38 pm PDT). Make a list of three to five people in your life that you would like to see more or get to know better.
[14:27] The Sun conjuncts Mercury at 24º06’ Gemini (June 14, 9:32 am PDT) on the Sabian symbol, 25 Gemini, A man trimming palms. Keep your messages short and to the point. Be on the lookout for inspiration.
[15:51] Venus squares Neptune on June 16 (8:46 pm PDT) at 29º52’ Gemini-Pisces. The Sabian symbol for Venus is 30 Gemini, Bathing beauties, Neptune is on 30 Pisces The great stone face. As illusions fade, appreciate reality.
[18:12] Venus enters Cancer (June 16, 11:20 pm PDT), through July 11, 2024. Enjoy beautifying and entertaining in your home, enjoy family, gardening, cooking, and pets.
[19:23] Listener Elliott asks about profection years.
[28:10] 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.
[28:42] Free ways to support the podcast! Subscribe, like, review, and share with a friend!
[29:14] 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 episodes.

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!
Love the show? Make a donation!
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