This week, Mercury turns direct and enjoys not one, but two sextile opportunities with Mars. Saturn makes the second of three liberating sextiles to Uranus, and Venus and Jupiter make a delicious conjunction in Cancer. The Taurus Last Quarter Moon is a time to make some final decisions on those Leo New Moon wishes, and April answers a listener's question about the Midheaven in the Whole Sign House system. Plus: On the precipice, breaking chains, and overeating at dinner!

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Timestamps

[1:22] Mercury stations direct on Mon. Aug. 11 (12:30 AM PDT) at 4º14’ Leo. Mercury began its retrograde period on July 17, 2025, at 15°34’ Leo. While communication and travel may start to smooth out now, it's probably a good idea not to let your guard completely down just yet. Mercury also rules merchants and trade, so this can be a day when something shifts in your business or financial matters. Mercury turns direct on the Sabian symbol 5 Leo, Rock formations at the edge of a precipice.

[3:51] Saturn sextiles Uranus on Mon. Aug. 11 (8:33 PM PDT) at 1º12’ Aries-Gemini. This is the second of three sextiles that Saturn will make to Uranus. The first was back on April 4, 2025, and the final one in the series comes on Jan. 19, 2026. Saturn is a rule maker, Uranus a rule breaker. Uranus presents an opportunity for liberation.

[5:52] Venus conjuncts Jupiter on Mon. Aug. 11 (10:30 PM PDT) at 14º03’ Cancer. Jupiter is exalted (especially strong) in Cancer, and the Sabian symbol for this degree couldn't be more perfect: 15 Cancer, A group of people who have over eaten and enjoyed it.

[7:55] This week, Mercury will make two separate sextile aspects to Mars. The first is on Thu. Aug. 14 (7:05 PM PDT) at 5º05’ Leo-Libra. Energetic Mars has your mind working overtime. Watch out for arguments.

[10:53] The second Mercury-Mars sextile Mars is on Sunday, Aug. 17 (10:33 PM PDT) at 7º04’ Leo-Libra. Mind your words, channel any anger or frustration constructively. These Mercury-Mars sextiles bring sharp, energized, focused communication.

[11:58] Moon Report! The Taurus Last Quarter Moon is on Fri. Aug. 15 (10:12 PM PDT) at 23º36’ Taurus-Leo. It's the last action point following the Leo New Moon on July 24, 2025. This is a terrific Last Quarter Moon to take concrete steps toward your goals. Take stock, focus on what matters, and use this time to bring something meaningful into reality.

[14:10] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the Last Quarter (final action point) in an LPFC that began on May 19, 2023, at 28º25’ Taurus. The First Quarter (first action point) in this LPFC came on February 16, 2024, at 27º25’ Taurus. The Full Moon (awareness point) in this LPFC was on Nov. 15, 2024, at 24º00’ Taurus. This is the time to bring this LPFC to completion and place it into context.

[16:22] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The first VOC Moon period began last week on Sun. Aug. 10 (11:55 PM PDT), when the Moon made a trine to Jupiter and was VOC for 1 day, 3 hours and 38 minutes. It enters Aries this week on Tue. Aug. 12 (3:33 AM PDT). This is an emotionally healing time. Initiate a habit of expressing kindness and nourishment to all, and that includes yourself.

[17:33] On Wed. Aug. 13 (3:54 PM PDT), the Moon in Aries trines the Sun. It's VOC for 14 hours, 28 minutes, and enters Taurus on Aug. 14 (6:22 AM PDT). Initiate a habit of practicing gratitude just for being alive on the planet.

[18:37] On Fri. Aug. 15 (10:12 PM PDT), the Moon in Taurus squares the Sun. It's VOC for 10 hours and 49 minutes, then enters Gemini on Aug. 16 (9:01 AM PDT). The Moon in Taurus and the Sun in Leo share an appreciation for the finer things in life, but not everyone has millions of dollars to spend on fancy trinkets. Embrace the concept of “quiet luxury”, meaningful but inexpensive indulgences.

[20:40] Listener Catherine asks about the Midheaven in the Whole Sign House system.

[28:37] 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!

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303 | Venus Joins Jupiter: Indulge!

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