071 | Mars in Gemini: Look Both Ways!

Join April and Jen in pastoral dances as Mars darts into free and easy Gemini! The Sun square the Lunar Nodes awakens the mid-point between eclipse seasons, and a Sagittarius Last Quarter Moon urges us to let go of the past and leap into forward motion. Also, Mercury encourages hopeful narratives, and Venus and Uranus invite us to toot our own horns! Plus: astrological ABC’s, a shout-out to Portugal and Latvia, and don’t get carried away with all those green signal lights!

We’re at the mid-point between eclipse seasons! Order a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report. (Available only from the BSA site!)

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Wondering what this year’s big transits mean for you? Book a reading with April!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

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Episode links:

00:30 – Spring approacheth! If you’d like to receive the upcoming exclusive equinox episode, become a podpal by supporting the show with a contribution of $5 or more. Woot! Thank you!

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02:09 - Mercury trines the North Node for the third and final time (March 2) on the Sabian symbol for 16 Aquarius, “A big businessman at his desk.” The North Node is on 16 Gemini, “A woman suffragist orating.” Remember to expose yourself to positive, healthy messaging! Perhaps the businessman is in support of the woman campaigning for more rights? The previous trines were Jan. 20 and Feb. 9 – do you see a connection between the three? (Listen back to Episode 65, Mars, Uranus, and Revisiting the US Pluto Return & Episode 68, A Pointy, Peaky, Aquarius New Moon for clues!)

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05:20 – Celebrate what makes you unique: Lovely Venus sextiles sparkly Uranus (March 3) on the Sabian symbol for 8 Pisces, “A girl blowing a bugle.” Uranus is on the symbol for 8 Taurus, “A sleigh without snow.” This aspect could bring unexpected opportunities that lead to romance or friendship, or possibly financial help.

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07:33 – Mars, the planet of how we move through the world, zips into Gemini on March 3! In Gemini, Mars tends not to spend a lot of time in any one place and can be very restless. Mars can be sharp-tongued when upset in this sign, so don’t say things that you can’t take back. #SlowYourRoll

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10:52 – Here’s a beginner tip for those wanting to get more serious about learning astrology: Learn the astro-ABCs! Memorize the order of the signs, and their rulers, starting with Aries in the first house. Here’s a handy cheatsheet to get you started!

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12:21 – “Hey, let’s do ALL of it!” Mercury meets up with Jupiter at 17.32 Aquarius for the third and final time (March 4), which can signify way too many big ideas for the future! The previous conjunctions happened on Jan. 11 and Feb. 14; think back and perhaps you’ll see a connection. This is on the Sabian symbol, “A man unmasked.” (Find Blain Bovee's site here. And review Episode 64, Capricorn New Moon: We’ve Got You Covered! and Episode 68, A Pointy, Peaky, Aquarius New Moon for more info!)

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16:26 – The Sun, at 15.21 Pisces, squares the Lunar Nodes on the Gemini/Sagittarius axis (March 5). We are at the mid-point between eclipse seasons! Think back to our last eclipses on Nov. 30 & Dec. 14 (Episode 58, Gemini Lunar Eclipse and the Amazing Eclipse Maven and Episode 60, Sagittarius Solar Eclipse and Coins in the Couch), because you may be able to make some connections between then and now. Head’s up: The next eclipses will arrive May 26 and June 10. (Happy birthday, Big Sky Astrology!) April’s eclipse report, “Followed by a Moonshadow,” will help you get ready!

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20:06 – Yay! This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor: Tenth House Creative! You can also find them on IG: @tenthhousecreative

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23:48 – **MOONWATCH ** This week brings a Last Quarter Moon (LQM) at 15.40 Sagittarius on March 5. This calls back to the New Moon in Aquarius a few weeks ago (Episode 68, A Pointy, Peaky, Aquarius New Moon) but it’s also connected to a lunar phase family that began in Dec. 2018, with footprints in Sep. 2019 and June 2020 (the latter was an eclipse that you can hear more about in Episode 28, Eclipses and Nodes: Why be Mean when you can be True?). There are many features of this LQM that speak to reviewing and letting go whatever is preventing forward motion; this is especially relevant to relationships – is there an entrenched pattern here that needs shifting?

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26:53 – Feel that movement? All planets are in direct motion, for about the next 6 weeks. Be cautious not to go too quickly, though!

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29:27 – Thanks for listening, friends! If you’d like to support the show at no cost to you, please kindly give us a 5-star rating, subscribe or follow wherever you listen, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors BARBARA TURCOTT, BARBARA WALLS, and MARTINA PAPINCHAK! Thank you, Barbara, Barbara, & Martina for contributing to our Podathon! Remember, to gain access to the upcoming exclusive equinox episode, please pitch in $5 or more! (You’ll get a year’s worth of bonus episodes!) Thanks, podpals!

070 | Virgo Full Moon: The Future is Now!

April and Jen sashay into a Virgo Full Moon week, which includes a powerful Mars trine to Pluto, Venus entering a-musing Pisces, a chance to be noticed for your unique qualities as Venus sextiles Uranus, and Jupiter propelling us toward North Node goals. And, a meditation on the ways that Virgo’s here-and-now habits help co-create the future. Also: 10^th house talk; a new non-imaginary sponsor; and, which of Jen’s dogs is the squirrel scourge of the Twin Cities?

The equinox is coming up – become a podpal and support the show! There are 4 good reasons to add your support: 1) You’ll receive special access to our exclusive episodes for the equinoxes and solstices for one year; 2) You can play hilarious bingo as you listen; 3) You’ll help keep the lights on and the weekly episodes streaming; and 4) You’ll have our warm gratitude!

Wondering what this year’s big transits mean for you? Book a reading with April!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:30 – We love to “link it in the show notes,” and hooray, you found them, because you’re reading them right now! To share show notes with a friend, here’s where they can find them at our website! You can also see them in your Apple Podcasts show description!

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2:13 – Mars trines powerful Pluto (Feb. 24), in a cycle that began on March 22, 2020 and made three critical squares on Aug. 13, Oct. 9, and Dec. 23, 2020. If you have earth sign planets near 26 degrees, this trine can bring your work to the attention of powerful or influential people. But Mars and Pluto can also unite for nefarious purposes, and if you have planets near 26 degrees of fixed or cardinal signs, you may need to keep an eye out for comic book villains. (Here’s April’s book on Oprah Magazine’s list of the best astrology books!)

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​05:57 – Venus sashays (fancy!) into Pisces on Feb. 25 (through March 21), and it’s time to give ourselves over to the muses: music, dance, poetry, and literature. We think of Pisces time as the time to just let our minds go, but we must remember the past lest we be doomed to repeat it. While Venus is in Pisces, use aesthetics - the enjoyment of the senses - to fight Neptune’s tendency toward anesthetic and lethargy! Seek new pleasure in a spiritual practice.

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11:11 – Faster-moving planets entering Pisces are activating a new house of your chart in advance of Jupiter’s ingress into this sign in May. Here’s a blog post to help you find the Pisces house of your chart.

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13:13 – Sun sextiles Uranus (Feb. 25, 1:13 pm PST) at 7.29 Pisces/Taurus. We discussed the 60-degree opportunity aspect in Episode 16, Let’s Talk About Sextiles. Letting ourselves be noticed will bring unexpected opportunities, which is fun, although we may not be ready for all of them (Sabian symbol for Taurus: a sleigh without snow).

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15:01 – Jupiter trines the North Node on Feb. 26, 2:57 pm PST. Jupiter, one of the societal planets, in revolutionary Aquarius shakes us free of our conventions so that we can pursue new ideas and experiences with a truly open mind. Jupiter’s Sabian symbol, “A watchdog standing guard,” suggests that we need a true and just sense of what’s valuable or we can get overwhelmed with a multitude of details and pieces of information. Jupiter’s assistance fulfills the North Node’s Sabian symbol, “The head of a robust youth changes into that of a mature thinker.”

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18:21 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our new non-imaginary sponsor: Tenth House Creative! Note that starting Feb. 23, 2020, they are offering a special course, “Practical Magic for Heart-Centered Entrepreneurs,” a 4-week DIY to create the foundation for a soulful business and brand! (IG: @tenthhousecreative)

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18:52 – A quick review of what the Tenth House is about – it’s what people perceive about you before they really know you, a house of reputation and career. April & Jen can’t hide a mutual 10^th house Virgo Mars placement (we’re all about the details)!

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24:08 – **MOONWATCH ** This week brings a Full Moon on Feb. 27, 0:17 am PST at 8.57 Virgo. With so many planets in Aquarius, there’s a lot of emphasis on the future. The Full Moon emphasizes that Virgo habits we cultivate in the here and now have far-reaching consequences for the future. If you want your future to look different, start now! The Sabian symbol for the Sun at 9 Pisces is, “A jockey,” which speaks to speed, competition, and being a bit rash or sometimes premature.

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26:55 – Virgo moves toward the physical, practical expression of Mercury – build, create, troubleshoot things. More deliberate, a little slower. Mercury in Aquarius brought flashes of inspiration; Mercury-ruled Gemini is very communicative. Mercury-ruled Virgo is quieter and excels at putting together; something tangible from lots of skills and information.

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29:06 – Thanks for listening, friends! If you’d like to support the show at no cost to you, please kindly give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors BECK PAFFRATH, COURTNEY NEIDETCHER, and KATHY JOSEPH! Thank you, Beck, Courtney, & Kathy, for contributing to our Podathon! Remember, to gain access to the upcoming exclusive Equinox episode, please pitch in $5 or more! (You’ll get a year’s worth of bonus episodes!) Thanks, podpals!

069 | Saturn and Uranus: That Escalated Quickly!

April and Jen fasten their seatbelts for the first of three squares between rule-making Saturn and rule-breaking Uranus! Yes, there is a tense, unpredictable atmosphere this week, especially with Venus and Mars clashing and a tip-toeing Gemini First Quarter Moon urging caution. But all is not lost: The Sun enters take-it-easy Pisces, and Mercury turns direct, leaving his retrograde hijinks (mostly) behind - hooray! Also, firmly secure the bow on your head and pull up a chair as we chat about solar houses (what’s the deal with that, anyway?). Plus: Leo pussycats, Ron Burgundy, and major appliances!

Wondering what Saturn square Uranus means for you? Book a reading with April!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

0:30 – April and Jen take a bite out of an Apple Podcasts review from artgoddessmama. Want to leave a warm review of your own? Here’s how!

2:10 – Are Leos really brimming with confidence, or holding their tails? Consider the astrological Sun as aspirational, a symbol of what we’re learning to be.

3:06 – We “welcome” the first of three closing squares between Saturn, at 7.13 Aquarius, and Uranus in Taurus (Feb. 17)! Jen uses a helpful astronomical model to explain the astrological symbolism of these two titans, one a rulemaker and the other a rulebreaker. (Remember, the nature of a square is such that both planets have to be honored and learn to coexist!)

7:05 – Pressure is building: This Saturn/Uranus cycle began with a conjunction in late Sagittarius in 1988. Accidents, demonstrations, and difficult world news occurred at critical points in this cycle, which peaked in 1999/2000 and 2009/2010.

10:11 – How do we deal with this challenging transit between two planets that are so unlike each other? Work consciously with both personal responsibility/boundaries and the need to step outside our comfort zone to try new things. Where are you able to respond within your boundaries? How can you feel more in control of your life? And what do you actually have control over? (As Viktor Frankl said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”)

13:11 – From new imaginary sponsor Anchorman: “Boy, that escalated quickly!”

14:43 – Do the planets cause things to happen? April answers that astrology reflects the things that are happening, it doesn’t cause them.

15:55 – Is all of this confusing? Feel free to book a personal reading with April to go deep about this aspect, and to learn what’s happening in your chart!

1​6:05 – Indulge your imagination: The Sun enters Pisces (Feb. 18 - March 21). The Sun tells how we shine, and in Pisces we shine by putting aside schedules and to-do lists. Spend a little time dreaming!

17:27 – Don’t know your birth time? A quick explanation of Solar Houses (translation: placing the degree and sign of your Sun on the Ascendant, or front door, of your chart).

18:48 – The house the Sun is going through in your chart will come under examination; it tells you what to pursue for energy and joy. (Need help finding Pisces in your chart? This blog post and video might help.)

19:43 – April posits that Pisces is the finishing-up season leading up to the energetic New Year at the Aries equinox. This is the season for looking in the unexamined places, filtering through everything you’ve collected over the past eleven months, and letting some things go.

21:45 – **MOONWATCH ** This week brings a Gemini First Quarter Moon (Feb. 19), in happy aspect to the Aquarius crew. The Sabian symbol for 2 Gemini is, “Santa Claus furtively filling stockings.” The Sun sits at 2 Pisces, “A squirrel hiding from hunters.” Is there tension between hiding out and socializing? Gemini encourages us to maintain contact with others – don’t hide out like that furtive squirrel! (Here’s the link to a helpful planetary aspects cheatsheet!)

27:08 – The urge for freedom versus maintaining the status quo: Venus, at 23 Aquarius, makes a square to Mars in Taurus (Feb. 19). The relationship planet is on the symbol, “A big bear sitting down, waving all its paws.” The planet of action is on, “A jewelry shop.” Is our desire for pleasure and harmony in conflict with our desire to get what we want for ourselves? This is the closing square in a cycle that began in late August 2019.

30:23 – Forward march! Mercury stations direct at 11.01 Aquarius (Feb. 20), after moving backwards through the sky since Jan. 30. It will leave its shadow on March 13 at 26° Aquarius. How has this retrograde been for you, dear listener? Any voices from the past saying hello? Any appliance issues? (We commiserate!)

33:11 – Thanks, podpals! If you’re so moved, would you please take one sec to give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a friendly review? This episode is made possible by Podathon donors BETH WILUSZ, LAURIE SCHAEFFER, and ROXANNE KENNEDY! Thank you, Beth, Laurie, and Roxanne, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other lovely listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please contribute $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes – and you’ll also receive our fun bingo card! See you next week, friends!

068 | A Pointy, Peaky, Aquarius New Moon

April and Jen ring in a VERY Aquarius New Moon – six planets in the sign of the water bearer! – with a lot of impromptu singing and a peek at the week ahead. Mercury *re*trograde is a busy bee, *re*visiting *re*cent territory and *re*visiting old business with the Sun, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. Venus in good aspect to Jupiter and the North Node bodes well for a romantic Valentine’s week, and Mars offers motivation to make our Neptunian dreams a reality. And, what is synastry, anyway? Plus: David Bowie, pointy bits, and Valentine’s Day!

Wondering what 2021 has in store for you? Book a reading with April!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:30 – Are you interested in becoming a non-imaginary sponsor of the BSA podcast? Let us help you get the word out about your product, service, or event! Drop us a line at: April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com

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02:23 – Mercury retrograde (Rx) joins up with the Sun in a (totally not-mean) inferior conjunction at 20.01 Aquarius (Feb. 8) on the Sabian symbol, “A woman disappointed and disillusioned.” If you’re feeling like the woman in the symbol, *re*member the times you were successful!

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06:16 – An opportunity to *re*invent our story: Mercury Rx, at 17.59 Aquarius, trines the North Node in Gemini (Feb. 9) on the symbol, “A man unmasked.” This might speak to language that uplifts us, like Amanda Gorman with her beautiful poem, “The Hill We Climb.” This is the second of three trines (the other two are Jan. 20 and March 2).

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08:28 – Mercury Rx squares Mars for the second time (Feb. 10). Sometimes this can show up as words that provoke anger; remember, though, that it can also appear as words that motivate! The planet of communication is on 18 Aquarius, “A man unmasked.” The planet of action is on 18 Taurus, “A woman holding a bag out the window.” Shake out some of those old, unhelpful thoughts, friends! (The other two squares: Jan. 8 and March 23.)

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​11:43 – Venus joins up with Jupiter at 12.34 Aquarius (Feb. 11) on the symbol, “A barometer.” This begins a cycle of daring, adventure, and optimism in relationships, values, and financial matters. Does it feel like anything is possible? Or, maybe everything feels under pressure? (Note: David Bowie had Aquarius rising!)

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14:05 – Saturn rules Aquarius; do things feel heavy right now? Remember that the school principal of the zodiac wants the best, most dedicated “you” possible. #workhard

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16:45 – What is synastry?

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17:48 – ** MOONWATCH! ** This week we have an epic Aquarius New Moon (Feb. 11) with a whopping 6 planets in the sign of the water bearer! The Sabian symbol for this lunation is 24 Aquarius, “A man turning his back on his passions and teaching from his experience.” This encourages us to step back from extreme emotions and share what we’ve experienced and what we know with a cool, level head. This is a good lunation for drafting long-range plans; just know that because of all the pointy bits, you’re encouraged to look within yourself for the ways that you might be holding yourself back. How will you get from here to there?

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22:43 – This is the New Moon cycle that will be unfolding as we experience the first of three squares between Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus, THE signature aspect of 2021. What do we need to know?

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24:49 – Mercury Rx joins up with Venus at 14.42 Aquarius (Feb. 12) on the symbol, “Two birds singing on a fence.” Perhaps this represents a happy resolution of quarrels or relationship tensions after the difficult Mercury/Mars aspect! (Here’s some info on how to see Mercury and Venus – as well as Jupiter – together in the sky.)

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26:12 – Mars, at 19.42 Taurus, sextiles Neptune in Pisces (Feb. 13) on the symbol, “Wind clouds and haste.” Neptune sits on, “A table set for an evening meal.” Is this an opportunity to enjoy fellowship and recharge? What’s your dream, and how can you take action on it?

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27:57 – Will you meet someone from your past? Mercury continues moving backwards as he meets Jupiter for the second of three times – at 13.20 Aquarius (Feb. 14) – on the symbol, “A train entering a tunnel.” Jupiter symbolizes big ideas, and Mercury describes how we break them down – will they collide in the tunnel? (The first conjunction was Jan. 11, and the last pass of this unfolding story is March 4.)

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30:12 – Venus, at 17.04 Aquarius, trines the North Node in Gemini (Feb. 14). This could be lovely for Valentine’s Day: Relationships moving in a direction of evolution and better communication. Also, Valentine’s Day, the Moon will be moving into Aries, which can be a surprisingly romantic sign!

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33:20 – Thanks, podpals! If you’re so moved, would you please take one sec to give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a friendly review? This episode is made possible by Podathon donors HEATHER LISTON and MICHELE MATSUDA! Thank you, Heather & Michele, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other lovely listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please contribute $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes – and you’ll also receive our fun bingo card! See you next week, friends!

067 | Venus Joins a Crowded Aquarius Party

April and Jen welcome lovely Venus to an already-crowded Aquarius party, where she gets serious with Saturn and receives a surprise from earth-rattling Uranus (are baked goods involved?). Meanwhile, the Sun faces off with energizing (yet conflict-prone) Mars, and participates in a Scorpio Last Quarter Moon that reminds us: “You can’t hide from yourself.” Plus: Groundhog Day always brings a shout-out to one of our patron saints, Bill Murray!

Wondering what 2021 has in store for you? Book a reading with April!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:30 – April and Jen’s love for Groundhog Day (the movie, that is!) has been well-documented. Our love of bingo cards is new, however (Episode 66, Leo Full Moon: Dinner and Bingo!).

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04:00 – Thanks to Mary Plumb over at The Mountain Astrologer for mentioning the BSA pod!

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05:04 – The Sun (at 12.47 Aquarius) applies pressure as it squares Mars in Taurus on the Sabian symbol, “A barometer” (Feb. 1). The Aquarius and Taurus areas of your chart are seeing a lot of action, centered around the struggle between moving forward and resisting change. This is the closing square from a cycle that began Sept. 2, 2019; it ends Oct. 7, 2021. What do you want to clean up from that time?

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07:29 – Venus joins a crowded Aquarian house (Feb. 1 - Feb. 26) as she asks: What gives you a sense of being satisfied and complete, especially related to friends, gadgets, gizmos, and the future? This is a good time to re-work plans; remember that Mercury is retrograde, so we are encouraged to do things that begin with “re,” such as reviewing, redoing, revisioning, reminding, etc. (To find the Aquarius house of your chart, see April’s helpful blog post and video!)

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12:01 – ** MOONWATCH! ** We’re keeping an eye on this feisty Scorpio Last Quarter Moon (Feb. 4), highlighting the intriguing Sabian symbol for 17 Scorpio, “A woman the father of her own child.” Perhaps we are being reminded of the idea of self-sufficiency and – where necessary – owning our part in unfolding circumstances. This point in the lunar cycle is always about completion and finishing up; this is the final square from a cycle that began Jan. 12, 2021 and Nov. 7, 2018.

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15:40 – At this Last Quarter Moon, the fixed signs are in a t-square, with the release point in Leo. What does your heart want to sing, and how can you express yourself in a generous, playful way?

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17:13 – Venus joins up with Saturn at 5.54 Aquarius (Feb. 5). Are you ready to come up with a financial plan, or commit to something you love? (Maybe you’re ready to remember that there are 60 minutes in each degree of the zodiac!)

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18:59 – Venus, at 7 Aquarius and having just committed to a new plan, meets Uranus by square (Feb. 6) – hey, where did that curveball come from? (And, will you alter your course?)

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20:32 – Is Venus waking up the Saturn/Uranus square that is approaching (Feb. 17)? Perhaps this week Venus is asking you: What really makes you happy, and how can you be part of the collective while maintaining your individuality?

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24:14 – Venus, at this square, is on the Sabian symbol for 7 Aquarius, “A child born of an eggshell.” Is something in your life changing, mutating, shifting forms? Or, are there unhealthy patterns in your life that you want to break with? The planet of love, values, and self-worth says to change-agent Uranus, “I’d like to bring this into tomorrow.” (If you’d like to ponder your values, The Minimalists are here to help.)

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26:26 – Do you look forward to Mondays because of the BSA pod? If so, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a friendly review! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors SARAH POPE and RUTHANN FISCHER! Thank you, Sarah & Ruthann, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other lovely listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please contribute $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes! And, you’ll also receive our donor-only bingo card! And there was much rejoicing!

066 | Leo Full Moon: Dinner and Bingo!

April and Jen welcome you to their table, as a(nother!) busy week kicks off in the heavens. The Leo Full Moon is a reminder to be yourself, even as the sky becomes crowded with planets in its opposite sign, communal Aquarius. Venus snuggles up with Pluto as it prepares to leave Capricorn, and the Sun and Jupiter begin a new cycle in Aquarius. Also: the Sun spars with Uranus, Neptune calls us to supper, and Mercury turns retrograde in a sign that prefers to look ahead. Plus: B-I-N-G-O, fellowship always, and a bowlful of kittens!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:30 – April and Jen apologize in advance for the earworm! And if you’d like the whimsical bingo card, please kick in $5 or more, and you’ll also receive a year’s worth of Solstice/Equinox episodes!

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02:40 – The Sun, at 7 Aquarius, squares Uranus in Taurus (Jan. 26) on the Sabian symbols at Bovee Astrology, “A child born of an eggshell.” What external forces define your sense of personal identity? To the extent we accept ourselves, we can reach out to others who are not like us. This is the concluding action point in a cycle that began April 26, 2020 (Episode 22, Taurus New Moon and Venus Gone Wild).

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05:41 – Supper time! Neptune squares the Lunar Nodes (Jan. 26) on the Sabian symbol for 20 Pisces, “A table set for an evening meal.” The North Node is in Gemini, “A cafeteria.” And the South Node is in Sagittarius, “Men cutting through ice.” This is a cycle that began in May 2008; other touchpoints along the way include Aug. 2012 and Nov. 2016. Are we achieving clarity and empathy, or lost in disillusionment?

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​13:06 – ** MOONWATCH! ** Let yourself be seen! This week brings a Full Moon at 9.05 Leo (Jan. 28) on the symbol, “Early morning dew,” with the Sun on, “A popularity that proves ephemeral”; both speak to something short-lived. There is also friction in this chart, which will be the case for a while, since the Aquarius/Taurus planets are in square aspect to each other. How are you handling conflict in your interactions with those around you?

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19:05 – Venus begins a new cycle with Pluto as they conjoin at 25.06 Capricorn (Jan. 28) on a curious symbol for the seagoat, “A water sprite.” Take heed: This can sometimes show up as power struggles in relationship or finances, or a preoccupation with money or a relationship.

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23:05 – Can you be more than you currently are? The princely Sun joins kingly Jupiter at 9.21 Aquarius (Jan. 28). This begins a new cycle about the self in relation to society. Wherever the Sun is in your chart, you may want to do more, be more, get noticed, or have more fun! (Interested in learning more about your astrology chart? Book a reading with April!)

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27:13 – Mercury turns retrograde (Rx) at 26.29 Aquarius (Jan. 30, through Feb. 21) on the symbol, “An ancient pottery bowl filled with violets.” Rx times are not always the best for beginning new projects, so slow down and review what’s already in progress. It’s always wise to double-check communications (and get caught up on correspondence), as well, during Mercury Rx times.

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32:05 – What is the difference between Mercury Rx in water signs (like in 2020) versus in air signs (a theme of 2021)?

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35:49 – Thanks, podpals! Are you feelin’ the love? If so, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a kindly review. This episode is made possible by Podathon donors SALLY DUCHARME and JUANITA BENEDICTO (co-creator of FAUNABELLE TAROT)! Thank you, Sally & Juanita, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other dear listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please contribute $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes! And, you’ll also receive our donor-only bingo card!

065 | Mars, Uranus, and Revisiting the US Pluto Return

April and Jen take an astrological look at the events of January 6 here in the U.S., including Pluto inching ever closer to its 2022 return in the U.S. chart. And as Inauguration Day approaches, we give some side-eye to the unpredictable combination of Mars and Uranus, and a Taurus First Quarter Moon overflowing with tension. In other news, Sun enters Aquarius and joins up with Saturn; plus Mars and Jupiter face off (again). Plus: honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

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Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

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00:30 – April and Jen, recording on Jan. 11 for this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day episode, break down the astrology of the siege on the US Capitol - with Mars at the very end of Aries - and another big week on tap. And while we’re at it…

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03:26 – …Are recent events here in the US uncovering more of the US Pluto Return, peeking out from under the blanket fort? (See Episode 29, Neptune Washing Over All, and the US Pluto Return for our first discussion on this topic.)

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05:18 – The Sun enters Aquarius (Jan. 19), so grab your favorite group of people and work together toward a long-range goal! Plus, between Feb. 9-11, six planets will be in Aquarius! (To hear all about why Charlie Brown is on Team Aquarius, revisit Episode 9, It's Aquarius Season, Charlie Brown! To learn more about the stellium, visit the late, great Donna Cunningham’s website… and to find her two-part eBook on the subject, visit here and here. And to get a copy of our exclusive Solstice episode, where we cover this, just contribute $5 for a year of Solstice/Equinox episodes!)

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09:46 – Mars conjoins Uranus at 6.44 Taurus on Inauguration Day in the US (Jan. 20)! (BTW, Inauguration Day changed from March to January in 1937.) This meet-up happens on the Sabian symbol, “A woman of Samaria,” a biblical story that speaks of reaching out to someone with different beliefs than you.

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11:58 – ** MOONWATCH! ** ​ Also on Inauguration Day, we have a powerful First Quarter Moon at 1.02 Taurus (Jan. 20) on the symbol, “An electrical storm.” The Sun sits in Aquarius, “An unexpected thunderstorm” – two evocative symbols with a lot of tense energy in the chart.

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14:15 – Mars, at 7.59 Taurus, squares Jupiter in Aquarius (Jan. 22). Are we pushing the limits too much? This is the last of 3 opening squares in a cycle that began March 20 (Episode 17, Saturn in Aquarius: All in This Together). The other 2 squares were Aug. 4 (Episode 37, Full Moon in Aquarius & Many Happy (Solar) Returns) and Oct. 18 (Episode 52, A Scorpio Season of Long Shadows & Fellowship).

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17:09 – The Sun gets squished into a container as it meets Saturn at 4.20 Aquarius (Jan. 23) on the Sabian symbol, “A council of ancestors.” Who are people in your life that have some wisdom to offer you?

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20:34 – Helpful info to cope with stress, incoming: a free 8-week Science of Happiness course from UC-Berkeley that offers practical tips on living a meaningful life, articles on 7 Ways to Stop Negative Thoughts & 10 Coping Strategies for Anxiety, and some useful podcast episodes from Brene Brown & the Science of Happiness. (FYI, we don’t get any $$ from sharing this; just take them if they feel right to you!)

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20:53 – April’s quote of the week, “We don’t grow wise just because we grow old.” Perhaps the Sun/Saturn aspect is urging us to try to gain wisdom this week, even in difficult times. Who is your “council of ancestors” that you feel a connection to, and who can you learn from, regardless of age?

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23:28 – Thanks, podpals! If you’re so moved, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a kind review. This episode is made possible by Podathon donors KAREN CAROTHERS and SARA MCNEIL! Thank you, Karen & Sara, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other dear listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please kick in $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes! Hugs to you this week!

064 | Capricorn New Moon: We’ve Got You Covered!

*Regular listeners know that April & Jen record a week in advance. This episode was recorded two days before the siege on the US Capitol, so there is no reference to the unfolding events.*

April and Jen cover the week’s astronews, including a Capricorn New Moon with a strongly Plutonian flavor. Mars makes the last of three frustrating squares to Saturn, and Jupiter squares Uranus, setting up what is arguably the most important planetary signature of 2021: Saturn squaring Uranus. Also, Venus sends a hug to Uranus, and Mercury joins Jupiter for the big square to Uranus. Plus: two words, friends: blanket fort!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

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00:30 – From beneath a blanket fort, there was much rejoicing: The BSA Podcast has reached 50,000 downloads! THANK YOU, dear listeners!

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03:07 – Getting a big idea or an innovative insight? Mercury joins up with Jupiter at 5.15 Aquarius (Jan. 11), grabbing small bits of information and little scraps of data along the way. Jupiter takes all of this and makes it into one ginormous quilt! (Blankets are our theme this episode!)

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05:15 – ** MOONWATCH! ** ​ We have a powerful, transformative New Moon at 23.13 Capricorn (Jan. 12) on the Sabian symbol, “A woman entering a convent.” This is a contemplative symbol that might be helpful as you initiate new plans and project into the future: What do you really want? (Picture yourself at the end of 2021; what would need to happen for you to look back and say, “My life was transformed this year”?) This New Moon is conjunct Pluto; it’s a dark time of the cycle but bright with the promise of deep change and potentiality.

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11:25 – Mercury, at 6.43 Aquarius, squares Uranus in Taurus (Jan. 12), and acts a bit like a retrograde; know that things might go awry with communications, electronics, and scheduling. And head’s up: Mercury enters the shadow period this week (Jan. 15) and has an upcoming retrograde beginning Jan. 30. This is the end of a cycle that began in April 2020 – what was happening for you then?

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14:24 – Mars, grazing in the pasture of 3.04 Taurus, squares Saturn in Aquarius (Jan. 13), on the symbol, “The rainbow’s pot of gold.” This is a lovely symbol for a transit that is typically characterized by people being entrenched in their own positions and not yielding to each other; extreme stubbornness is oftentimes the message of this one. (Mars echoes the April 2020 New Moon, which is when we first discussed this symbol, in Episode 22, Taurus New Moon and Venus Gone Wild. Also, this is the last of 3 Mars/Saturn squares; for more, revisit late August’s Episode 40, Mars vs. Saturn, Virgo vs. Sagittarius, April vs. Gravity and late September’s Episode 49, Saturn & Pluto Leave the Station.)

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19:30 – Venus, at 6.43 Capricorn, makes a trine to Uranus (Jan. 13) the day before Uranus stations direct (Jan. 14). Stations of outer planets can be disruptive and, particularly in the case of Uranus, unpredictable. Venus is on the intriguing symbol, “A veiled prophet of power.”  Where does our power lie in relationships and in financial matters? If we’re feeling empowered, then generally a trine to Uranus is a nice influence and a good time to make needed changes.

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24:36 – The Sun conjuncts Pluto at 24.38 Cap (Jan. 14), signaling a consolidation of personal and professional power; we shine by achieving, and by standing in our power. Interestingly, the Sabian symbol is about a “rug dealer” and the art of negotiation. If someone is working on behalf of the collective, do the ends justify the means?

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29:17 – Be awkward, brave, and kind, and let your quirkiness out! Jupiter, at 6.43 Aquarius, squares Uranus (Jan. 17). Are you willing to stand apart from the crowd to fulfill your dreams? This square is bringing to a close a cycle that began in June 2010!

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35:20 – Will you still listen to our podcast when we’re 64? If you’re so moved, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a kind review. This episode is made possible by Podathon donors GINNY EVANS and OCTOBER CRIFASI! Thank you, Ginny & October, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other dear listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please chuck $5 or more our way and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes! Off we go… or should we say, that’s a wrap! 😉

063 | Mars Enters Taurus (And There Was Much Rejoicing!)

April and Jen welcome the first full week of 2021 and pin this episode to their vision boards! Several planets enter new signs and fresh territory this week, including the long-awaited transition of Mars from Aries to Taurus. Mercury gets focused with Pluto, enters Aquarius, and gets energized by Mars and organized with Saturn. And while we may be full of plans for the new year, a Libra Last Quarter Moon encourages us to first look to the past. Plus: personal planets, eagles, bathroom books, and icicles!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:30 – April and Jen invite you to create a vision board – or maybe destroy one? Whatever suits your fancy! What’s your vision for 2021? Does it include eagles? (And yes, there is a Philadelphia Eagles football team! Also, now you know why we don’t host a sports show!)

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04:16 – Let’s get down to brass tacks: Mercury joins Pluto (Jan. 4) at 24.19 Capricorn, inviting us to focus, do research, or perhaps investigate something. The ruler is Saturn in Aquarius, giving us long-range planning abilities. (And the Faunabelle Tarot card for the magician is the coyote!)

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07:32 – ** MOONWATCH! ** ​ The Last Quarter Moon (LQM) at 17 Libra is on the Sabian symbol, “A retired sea captain” (Jan. 6). LQMs always allow for finishing things up and a period of evaluation. This point connects us to the lunar phase family that began in October 2018 on the symbol, “A boat landing washed away,” which speaks to beginning anew when something is taken away. But this sea captain has overcome some obstacles, and asks us: How can we improve upon what was started not only 3 weeks ago, but also back in fall of 2018?

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11:24 – Venus in Sagittarius is the ruler of this LQM, which is an energetic chart, rife with tense aspects - including with Mars, who is ending his sojourn through Aries. Perhaps this is a good place to start the New Year, suggesting we take action as we wrap up and consider not just the past 30 days, but also this long go-get-‘em Mars cycle that began at the end of June!

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14:07 – And there was much rejoicing: Mars saunters into Taurus (Jan. 6 – Mar. 3)! As Mars slows down and stabilizes, it’s a good time to get traction on new projects. And don’t be fooled: Although this is the sign of Mars’s detriment, it’s a hefty placement, having a long fuse and measured pace.

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18:16 – Venus enters Capricorn (Jan. 8), embracing the elegance of functional forms and the simplicity of well-made, useful items with clean lines, and high cost-per-wear value! It’s a great time to balance your checkbook, create a blueprint, and savor the bare-bones elegance of things.

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22:30 – Venus, at 1.15 Capricorn, trines Mars in Taurus (Jan. 9), a fertile time for romance, as there is a physical component to this transit. It’s also a good time to enjoy natural, simple beauty – build a little rock wall in your garden or a snow fort in your yard!

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24:57 – Mercury enters Aquarius (Jan 8), looking to the future, and bringing a third personal planet into a new sign! Tangent of the week: What are personal planets? (Revisit one of our most popular episodes - Episode 8, Saturn and Pluto Need a Party - to hear more about this transit, and as a bonus you’ll get to hear our first Bob Ross reference!)

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29:33 – Mercury, at 1 Aquarius, squares Mars in Taurus (Jan. 8) on the symbol, “An old adobe mission.” Mars sits on, “A clear mountain stream,” perhaps instructing us to pause for a moment at the “mountain stream” before moving on to the next “mission.” Is your well-intentioned “mission” as good for others as you think it is? And take heed: This transit can be connected to losing one’s temper and being easily triggered. (Oops! The “old adobe mission” symbol was in Episode 19, Jupiter Meets Pluto: Two Thumbs…Up? back on March 31 – not the Saturn-in-Aquarius one.)

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32:22 – Mercury conjuncts Saturn (Jan. 9) on the symbol for 3 Aquarius, “A deserter from the navy.” This speaks to wanting to cut bait, yet this meeting usually speaks of tenacity, brainpower, getting organized, and sticking with things that are tedious. Connecting it to last week’s lessons around letting go, perhaps this is about pondering: What is worth putting your energy behind? We can’t do everything, after all.

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36:47 – Thanks for listening, dear listeners! If you enjoy the show and listen on Apple, would you please do us a favor and write us a happy review for BSA on Apple Podcasts? This episode is made possible by Podathon donors ELIZABETH SCHULTZ and BOBBIE GALION! Thank you, Elizabeth & Bobbie, for contributing to our Podathon! And remember, to gain access to that exclusive Solstice episode that we recently released, please pitch in $5 or more. (You’ll get a year’s worth of bonus episodes!) Now excuse us, while we go grab our (eco-friendly!) air freshener. Happy spritzing!

062 | Cancer Full Moon & Buh-Bye 2020!

April and Jen release 2020 back into the wild with a discussion of the Cancer Full Moon, roots and family, and 5-year plans. Also, Venus meets with the South Node and Neptune, inviting us to let go of whatever limits our dreams. And Mercury totes its giant shopping bag of ideas into a bright new 2021 and the wise tutelage of Neptune, who has been teaching us (forever) about going with the flow. Plus: trading cards, brand new planners, and we wave buh-bye to 2020!

It’s not too late! Contribute $5 or more and you’ll gain access to a year’s worth of Equinox & Solstice episodes, which includes our recent Solstice episode and a sneak peek at the upcoming 3 months!

Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!

To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.

Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!

Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:30 – April and Jen ponder their New Year’s resolutions as they project 5 years into the future. What are your hopes and dreams? Plus, does anybody really know what time it is? (Perhaps it’s time to catch April’s guest appearance on the Dr. Pat Show!)

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03:55 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our lovely non-imaginary sponsor, Faunabelle Tarot!! We’re pleased to promote these gorgeous cards – do check out their Kickstarter Preview which launched on Dec. 19^th! Let’s help make this wonderful dream a reality!

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07:37 – ** MOONWATCH! ** The last Full Moon of 2020 occurs Dec. 29 at 8.53 Cancer, bringing to mind what was started 2 weeks ago (at the monthly New Moon), 6 months ago (at the Cancer New Moon), and July 2019 (at the Cancer Solar Eclipse that began this lunar phase family). Is there a thread connecting all of these points in time? This Full Moon asks us to remember: What are your roots? Who do you call family? What are the things that really matter to you? And, how can you balance all of that with Capricorn’s worldly ambition?

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11:59 – This Full Moon’s last aspect in its sign is a contentious square to Mars. So the energy of this Full Moon chart is already headed toward eventual fisticuffs, as we struggle to determine: How strongly secured are we to our emotional foundations?

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14:39 – Venus joins up with the South Node in Sagittarius (Dec. 31), offering us an opportunity to let go of the things that don’t matter, so that we can travel more lightly and more freely.

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16:01 – Venus, at 18.26 Sagittarius, squares Neptune in Pisces (Dec. 30) on the Sabian symbol, “Pelicans changing their habitat.” Neptune is on, “A master instructing his pupil.” Are you looking at your relationships, money, and values realistically? Or are you wanting to “change habitat” because you’re with someone who thinks it’s their job to “instruct you”? (Review Episode 59, A Volcanic Virgo Last Quarter Moon & Mercury Runs Amok, when the Sun and Mercury both squared Neptune.)

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19:53 – We checked the ephemeris and noticed that Neptune has been (and continues to be) on the Sabian symbol, “A master instructing his pupil” for over 3 months (Oct. 3, 2020 – Jan. 23, 2021)! Is there somebody in your life teaching you something important about compassion, or reality, or giving you a new sense of spiritual purpose? And, what can you believe in when things seem difficult? (We first talked about this symbol in Episode 51, Libra New Moon: Symmetry Schmemmetry! Or give Episode 57, Learning from Neptune, Giving Thanks, & Our One-Year Podiversary! a try.)

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23:58 – Mercury rings in the New Year at 18.28 Capricorn and sextiles Neptune (Jan 1) on the symbol, “A child of about five with a huge shopping bag.” And Neptune continues to instruct us. Sure, we have our plans and tasks and resolutions… but aren’t we also learning how to go with the flow? (Jupiter was also on this point in Episode 51, Libra New Moon: Symmetry Schmemmetry! if you’d like to hear more about that.)

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28:06 – Many thanks for a great podcasting year, dear listeners! We so appreciate you! If you enjoy the show and listen on Apple, would you please do us a favor and write us a happy review for BSA on Apple Podcasts? This episode is made possible by Podathon donors BANA HAQ and STEPHANIE WILSON! Thank you, Bana & Stephanie, for contributing to our Podathon! And remember, to gain access to that exclusive Solstice episode that we recently released, please pitch in $5 or more. (You’ll get a year’s worth of bonus episodes!) Buh-bye, 2020!