TRANSCRIPT Ep. 297 (6.30.25)
Venus Enters Gemini: Flirty!
Hello, Invisible Friend. April here, and the date today is June 30th, 2025. Welcome to episode 297 of the Big Sky Astrology Podcast.
This week, it’s Independence Day in the United States, and it is a day filled with planetary activity. Venus and Neptune are the stars of this week’s show. The Venus-ruled Libra First Quarter Moon is a good time to use charm and social connections to further our New Moon goals. Venus gets an electrifying embrace from Uranus in Taurus and then bounces into flirty Gemini. Opportunities arise when the goddess of love and money meets with Saturn and Neptune in Aries. And I answer a listener question about these long periods between planetary aspects at the moment.
Libra First Quarter Moon (July 2, 2025, 12:30 pm PDT)
The week begins with the Moon report and we begin, as always, with the week’s major lunation. This week, it is the Libra First Quarter Moon on July 2nd at 12:30 PM Pacific Time, at 11º09’ Libra and Cancer. The First Quarter Moon is the first action point in the lunar cycle, where it’s time to act on the dictates of the recent Cancer New Moon, a New Moon that was focused on home, house, family and tribe.
How does Libra initiate action? The Cancer New Moon is an initiator too, but in a protective, close-to-home kind of way. Libra is a bit more sociable, more collaborative, and moves things forward with dimples and social connections. Libra has a sweet way about it, but make no mistake, it is a cardinal sign and that means its job is to get things moving.
Astrologers used to like to say that Libra is just an Aries who’s been to charm school, and I think there’s a lot of truth to that. Libra has a way of persuading others to do its bidding while making them believe it was all their idea. It honestly feels good to do things for someone who is smiling, flattering you and making you feel smart and good-looking. As a Leo, I highly recommend marrying a Libra; best thing I ever did for my ego!
And it is nice to have that soft Libra energy in a chart with Jupiter square Saturn and Neptune in Aries. The Libra First Quarter Moon is definitely a symbol of soft power and the way working with people and including people in our decisions can be very effective in helping us move in the direction we’re trying to go.
Lunar Phase Family Cycle
This is the First Quarter in a lunar phase family cycle that began with a New Moon on October 2nd, 2024, at 10º03’ Libra – a time, possibly, of making intentions or goals or wishes, related especially to relationship, since that is Libra’s home turf. Now, at this First Quarter, we get a chance to take action towards one or more of those goals.
Let’s say that your goal at that New Moon was to get into a new relationship. Well, at this First Quarter, it’s been nine months. But maybe you are just now feeling as if you are ready to put yourself out there, to ask friends if they know anybody great that they could match you up with, even to create a profile for a dating app if you haven’t done that yet.
The Full Moon in this cycle comes nine months from now on April 1st, 2026. That’ll be at 12º21’ Libra and if you take steps now and continue to take steps over the next nine months, I would be very surprised if the Full Moon on April 1st, 2026, did not find you a lot closer to being in the kind of relationship that you’ve been hoping for.
Nine months after that, the Last Quarter Moon in this phase family cycle is on December 30th, 2026, at 9º05’ Libra. And that is the moment to look back and review the cycle up to now. What is it that has gone well? What is it, maybe, that hasn’t gone the way you had hoped? And is there anything that you can do to improve your chances over the remaining nine months to reach the goal that you set for yourself?
Void-of-Course Moon periods
Let’s look at the Void-of-Course Moon periods for this week.
On July 1st, the Moon in Virgo trines Uranus at 1:46 PM Pacific Time. It’s Void-of-Course for 30 minutes, and then enters Libra at 2:16 PM. This aspect happens on the very last degrees of the earth signs Virgo and Taurus, which usually like a methodical approach to things. The trine from the Moon to Uranus speaks of taking it easy. And mind you, this is not a very long Void-of-Course Moon period, it’s only a half an hour. But I think what we can take away from this is, hey, it’s the middle of the afternoon. Maybe put an extra teaspoon of sugar in your afternoon tea. Maybe play hooky and take a long walk around the block. It may not sound very wild and crazy, but again, we’re talking about the Moon in Virgo here, and it’s not going to completely abandon its healthful ways.
The Void-of-Course Moon beginning on a trine suggests a little gift or reward that we give ourselves, and that’s why doing something that feels like a little bit of a splurge, but in basically a healthy way, would work well for this Void-of-Course Moon period, and it’s a good habit to get into – the habit of indulging yourself a little bit without making that too much of a habit.
On July 2nd, the Moon in Libra squares the Sun at 12:30 PM Pacific time. It is Void-of-Course for 1 day, 14 hours and 3 minutes – 38 hours and three minutes – before it enters Scorpio on July 4th at 2:33 AM Pacific time. I’m going to tell you in this week’s listener question about these long, long Void-of-Course Moon periods we’re having. For years, I have told my students that we can have these super-long Void-of-Course Moon periods, but it’s a long time since I’ve actually seen one.
Anyway, this Void-of-Course Moon basically begins with the Libra Last Quarter Moon, and Libra likes to bring balance to relationships and to financial matters. The Cancer Sun cares about bringing comfort, safety, and nourishment to itself and to its loved ones.
I think we can use this Void-of-Course Moon, which begins on a square, which describes this possible conflict between Cancer’s methods and Libra’s, to consider the ways that we might try to bring more balance into our home lives. This could be through the way we handle money, the foods we eat on a daily basis, and how we treat those who are closest to us.
Maybe use this Void-of-Course Moon to look into some feng shui for your home. My friend astrologer Simone Butler of Astroalchemy.com has this marvelous system that she devised that combines Feng Shui with the symbolism of each New Moon. I really recommend you take a look at it. She has an article about it on her website and an entire book that she’s published. Use this super-long Void-of-Course Moon period to bring more balance and harmony into your home life.
On July 6th, the Moon in Scorpio opposes Uranus at 3:04 PM Pacific Time. It’s Void-of-Course for just two minutes, and then enters Sagittarius at 3:06 PM. Void-of-Course Moon periods that begin with the Moon opposing another planet brings some kind of awareness, but right after that epic Void-of-Course Moon period, here is an exceptionally short one. So, take a moment to recognize what makes the people in your life special, blink, and then pledge to make it a habit to appreciate those people!
Venus conjoins Uranus (July 4, 2025, 5:45 am PDT)
On this busy July 4th, Venus makes a conjunction with Uranus at 5:45 AM Pacific time, at 29º52’ Taurus on the Sabian symbol 30 Taurus, A peacock parading on an ancient lawn. July 4th is full of transits, so if you are in the United States and plan to celebrate, don’t expect your 4th of July cookout to be all that tranquil – although it will probably be entertaining and almost certainly end in a terrific afternoon nap.
You may find that you have or are motivated to achieve more financial freedom, or you could be celebrating a financial win or moping about a setback in the value of your portfolio. Relationships that begin under this influence could be unconventional, surprising, even shocking. Close friendships might also be disrupted or, in rare cases, end altogether.
On the other hand, your popularity may reach a high point. You’re likely to get a little attention for your style or your artistic talent, like the fabulous dish that you bring to the barbecue and the more surprising or unconventional they are, the better. Be like the peacock in the Sabian symbol, and don’t be afraid to flaunt what makes you unusual and unusually fabulous.
Something that always comes to mind for me when I see Venus with Uranus is that something you desire could be making you want to run away from a current situation in your work life, say, or run away from your life altogether in order to have it. Now, for most of us, this will remain a fantasy that Venus and Uranus are concocting.
Venus enters Gemini (July 4, 2025, 8:31 am PDT)
Just a few hours later, on July 4th, at 8:31 AM Pacific Time, Venus enters the light, flirty, variety-loving sign of Gemini, where it will stay through July 30th. Venus symbolizes the things that we enjoy that will tend to bring us pleasure, and in the few weeks to come, Venus in Gemini will encourage us to lose ourselves in bookstores, craft stores, office supply stores, stationers. Go ahead and buy two of everything and stock up on the things that you use all year long. Venus is the planet of finance, and interestingly, it doesn’t necessarily do that badly in Gemini, because Gemini is a sign that is interested in money, as a mental exercise anyway. It’s not necessarily the best for in-depth bookkeeping – that’s more Virgo’s bag – but it’s a good sign for reading up about investments and preparing for the future financially.
Venus is, of course, a relationship sign and Venus in Gemini is never as happy as when it is at a party. So, what a lovely Venus influence for 4th of July barbecues.
For serious relationships, Venus in Gemini is not naturally a one person at a time kind of placement. However, a partner who is smart, witty, a fantastic conversationalist has a good chance at holding our attention while Venus is in Gemini.
Neptune stations retrograde (July 4, 2025, 2:33 pm PDT)
And in our last aspect of July 4th, Neptune stations retrograde at 2:33 PM Pacific Time, at 2º10’ Aries. So here we have arrived at our nap time.
Neptune will remain retrograde through December 10th. When planets are retrograde, it means that it’s time to look within about matters connected with the symbolism of that planet.
Neptune is a planet of spirituality and ideals and how we look for them in the world. Neptune stationing retrograde marks the beginning of a five-month period of increasingly looking within for spiritual guidance and for our ideals. There are many sources outside of ourself where we can look for spiritual inspiration or guidance, but when Neptune is retrograde, it really is particularly important to look within, ask ourselves at the deepest level what is it that we believe is our spiritual purpose? What do we believe is the most appropriate path to pursue enlightenment?
Neptune turns retrograde at 2º10’ Aries, and it’s on the Sabian symbol 3 Aries, A cameo profile of a man in the outline of his country. It is a perfect Sabian symbol for July 4th. Neptune, being in Aries, has given us a new kind of collective ideal, an ideal that might be a little more individualistic and aggressive than Neptune is normally associated with. I think during the coming months that Neptune is retrograde, it is a good idea for all of us to withdraw and to examine our ideals. And if we were to be a cameo created in the outline of our country, what shape would we want that cameo to take?
Venus sextile Saturn (July 6, 2025, 1:43 am PDT)
Venus sextile Neptune (July 6, 2025, 7:47 am PDT)
On July 6th, Venus makes two sextile aspects. The first two Saturn at 1:43 AM Pacific Time, at 01°53’, Gemini and Aries. And the second to Venus, at 7:47 AM Pacific time, at 2º10’ minutes Gemini and Aries.
When Venus connects with Saturn, it’s usually some kind of invitation to manage what we have in a sensible way. Venus in Gemini, as I say, isn’t necessarily terrible with money, but it’s not necessarily a sign for settling down and committing to a particular path or direction. When Venus makes a sextile to Saturn, that is more possible. We can get a lot more clarity about what it is that we need versus what we simply want.
Understanding what you need to the extent that you are able to articulate it is powerful magic, and I think the sextile is also a request or an invitation aspect. And I think that if things have been feeling a little tricky for you financially or in relationships, sometimes the best course of action is to ask for help.
And as I’ve often quoted astrologer Caroline Casey, “The universe wants to help us. But spiritual etiquette requires that we ask.” And the way that we ask is through ritual and magic. So, although we wouldn’t necessarily think of Saturn as being that kind of planet, certainly this is a good day for that.
And with Venus aspecting Neptune, infatuation is in the air. Something or somebody appealing or desirable may briefly capture your imagination, make you think you’re in love, or perhaps a piece of art or music really captures you.
But beware of falling for a mess of a person, place, or thing. Idealism is high when Neptune is involved, and reality can be a bit blurred. You may find that you have entered into a relationship, however long ago, with illusions about what is needed or what is going on. Sometimes a relationship that we have entered in good faith dissolves over time because one or both partners realize that they have just simply changed and the relationship isn’t right for them anymore.
This is an aspect that means relationships we have with money could come under review. The idea that you can’t afford to let go of a particular stream of income, for example, might turn out to have been an illusion. This transit is an opportunity to learn what you’re worth and to let go of what drains you and people who don’t appreciate you.
Listener Question: A “Void-of-Course” sky?
In this week’s listener question, we hear from Listener Elliott, who asks via SpeakPipe: “Hi, April, it’s listener Elliott with another dazzler of a question for you. So, I was just checking my ephemeris because I needed to find an ideal date for a Venus thing around, like, I don’t know, end of August, September, and the week of August the 25th.
I think Venus makes a lot of aspects really quick, but then she doesn’t aspect anything except Mars until like two or three weeks later. All of a sudden, it occurred to me that with all of these major planets, you know, Saturn, Jupiter… the outer planets, everything is in early degrees of signs. So, I wondered if that changes the energy of those more local inner planets because things just aren’t getting aspected.
So it’s like Void-of-Course season, and I know that that will change, especially as Jupiter keeps moving. But I thought it was interesting. What do you think? Thanks.”
Well, thank you, Listener Elliott, and I do think that that’s interesting. Yes, at the moment that I record this anyway, we have a cluster of planets in the very early degrees of their signs, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto. And as of the first day of next week, the 7th of July, we will also see Uranus changing signs and being at zero degrees.
So, we have seen in our Void-of-Course Moon periods for the last two weeks, instances of these incredibly long Void-of-Course Moon periods. And it’s because so many planets are very early in their signs that the minute the Moon moves into a new sign, it makes a lot of aspects really quickly and depending on whether or not the Moon is going to make a major aspect to the remaining planets that are very late in their sign, then it may immediately go Void-of-Course. And then we have to wait for it to move into the next sign, which can be almost two days.
Now, of course, this has implications for the planets as well, and we would not technically call them Void-of-Course, but there definitely are these instances where you get the faster moving planets like Venus that you mentioned, making its little cluster of aspects, boom, boom, boom, and then just sort of floating along. And it is frustrating if you’re doing electional astrology and you’re trying to choose a good moment to do something of a Venus nature, say, and say you want Venus to be approaching some nice aspects to something and it just isn’t there for days and days and days at a time.
What does mitigate this a little bit is we still have the Moon, which moves very quickly, and we have Mercury, which moves pretty fast as well. And if one of them is making an aspect to Venus or Mars, even Jupiter, then it activates that planet in a way. It’s not like the planet itself is applying to an aspect, but it is activated by being impacted by the Moon or Mercury.
The situation like you described, where you’ll get one of the faster moving planets floating along without incident for days at a time is probably part of the reason that traditional astrologers are quite stubborn about using the traditional planets as rulers of signs and not planets like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, for example. Many modern astrologers consider Pluto a ruler of Scorpio, when you can see why they have many characteristics in common, but traditional astrologers, even astrologers like myself, and I’m not really a traditional astrologer, we’ll use the traditional rulership of Mars for Scorpio because if you are working with a chart, especially a Horary chart or an Electional chart where the planetary rulers of the houses are critical, you don’t wanna be stuck in a situation where you are looking at the house that represents the matter, and it’s got Pisces on the cusp. You’re going to have to wait forever for Neptune to make an aspect to something and bring some kind of result in the matter that you’re looking at. So instead, you would use Jupiter, which is still kind of slow, but not nearly as slow as Neptune.
I would clarify, too, that in the example that you gave, you said Venus made a lot of aspects and then didn’t aspect anything until Mars two or three weeks later, because even if the Moon were the planet we’re talking about, that would not be Void-of-Course. Void-of-Course happens when the Moon, or in this case, the planet, if you want to call it Void-of-Course, has made the last major aspect it will make in its sign.
So Venus, in this case, in the entire time that she’s in her sign and has passed those early aspects, is already pulling in the energy of Mars. At least that would be the case in an electional chart, for example. So Mars is still out there on the horizon, just waiting for Venus to catch up. Then you only have to check, well, is Mars going to change signs before Venus gets there? And that would be a critical question.
So, I hope that answers your question. It may seem I’m being a little bit of a stickler, being unwilling to call these planets Void-of-Course when I take your meaning. It is true, though, that a planet that isn’t making any aspects for weeks at a time, it’s not really in a very energized position. But again, I would look for those days and those moments when the Moon and possibly Mercury are making aspects to that Venus.
Elliott, thank you so much, as always, for your thought-provoking question, and I hope that was a helpful answer.
If you have a question you would like me to answer on a future episode of the show, just leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/big skyastrologypodcast – or send me an email, april (at) bigskyastrology.com and be sure you include “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
Donor Thanks
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That’s it for this episode. Join me again, bright and early next Monday, and until then, keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the stars.
Writing and images © 2017-25 by April Elliott Kent
For more on this week’s planetary news, read my column!
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