Big Sky Astrology Podcast

226 | Aries Equinox: Irrational Exuberance!

This week, the Aries equinox initiates the astrological new year, and the Sun's aspect to Pluto brings a trial by fire. Venus makes a conjunction with Saturn - are you ready to get serious? What do we make of Warrior Mars entering loving Pisces? And April answers a listener question about starting a new job when Mercury is retrograde. Plus, rising sap, defensive fish, and good boundaries make good relationships.
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
[1:16] On March 19 (8:06 pm PDT), the Sun enters Aries (Mar. 19, 8:06 pm PDT), marking the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere.
[4:06] The Sun sextiles Pluto (Mar. 21, 1:03 pm PDT) at 01°41’ Aries-Aquarius. Pluto is on the Sabian symbol 2 Aquarius, An unexpected thunderstorm. A powerful aspect for initiating new projects and entrepreneurship; what we embark upon at the equinox has the potential to bring us power and influence over the next few months.
[5:10] Venus conjoins Saturn (Mar. 21, 4:09 pm PDT), at 12º26’ Pisces. How can we show kindness without being taken advantage of? Relationships can be taken to the next level of commitment.
[9:06] Mars enters Pisces (Mar. 22, 4:47 pm PDT) through April 30, 2024. Protection via escape. Get enthusiastic and focused about art, music, film and musicals.
[11:52] Venus sextiles Jupiter (March 24, 9:37 am PDT), 15º48’ Pisces-Taurus. Jupiter is on the symbol, Old man attempting vainly to reveal the mysteries. Taking a bit of a risk in relationships and/or financial endeavors could prove rewarding. Buy a lotto ticket!
[13:58] Moon Report! No major lunations this week, but there’s a Lunar Eclipse on March 25 at 05°07’ Libra. April will cover the eclipse in more detail next week. Consider joining her upcoming online class, Lunar Phases and Eclipses, on March 23, 2024, at noon Pacific Time.
[15:37] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On March 29 (11:52 am PDT), the Moon in Cancer trines the Sun. It's VOC for about 41 minutes, then enters Leo (12:33 pm PDT). An excellent time to grab a coffee and pastry with a loved one.
[16:29] On March 21 (11:34 pm PDT), the Moon in Leo opposes Mars. It's VOC for about one hour, then enters Virgo on March 22 (12:42 am PDT). Focus on balancing your own interests with the interests of the collective.
[17:20] On March 24 (8:49 am PDT), the Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces. It's VOC for about 4 ¾ hours and enters Libra at 1:37 pm PDT. Cultivate new habits that support a better balance of the practical and the intuitive.
[18:17] Listener Elizabeth asks about starting things when Mercury is retrograde. Should you be terrifiiiiied?™
[23:30] 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.
[24:01] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by Stephanie Barnhard and Elizabeth Boone!
[25:07] 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 $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

225 | A Venus in Pisces to Remember!

Quieter skies this week as we tiptoe toward eclipse season (beginning at the upcoming Full Moon). Venus enters Pisces, elevating love and desire. The Sun makes its annual conjunction with Neptune; who are you really? The Gemini First Quarter Moon offers a fresh start. And April answers a listener question about prenatal eclipses and the Lunar Node cycle. Plus: Shrinking violets, chicken hawks, and indiscretions!
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
[1:13] Venus enters her sign of exaltation, Pisces, on March 11 (2:50 pm PDT). It'll be in this lovely sign through April 4, 2024. While Venus is moving through Pisces, love and desire have the potential to elevate us, get us more in touch with the kinder, sweeter, more poetic sides of ourselves, and to bring more kindness and sympathy and a certain spiritual something to our closest relationships.
[3:49] On March 17 (4:22 am PDT), the Sun makes its annual conjunction with Neptune at 27º21’ Pisces, on the Sabian symbol 28 Pisces, A fertile garden under the Full Moon. When the Sun comes together with Neptune, get beyond your name, your appearance, your upbringing, your everyday life and ask, who are you really?
[8:06] Moon Report! The Gemini First Quarter Moon (March 16, 9:11 pm PDT) is at 27º03’ Gemini-Pisces. The Moon's Sabian symbol is 28 Gemini, A man declared bankrupt. To capture the spirit of this lunation, just ask a question. Read a book. Talk to somebody. Gathering with groups should be invigorating.
[10:59] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the First Quarter in a LPFC that began on June 17, 2023, with a New Moon at 26º43’ Gemini. The Full Moon in this LPFC will occur on December 15, 2024, and the Last Quarter Moon on September 14, 2025.
[12:22] Void-of-Course Moon Periods. On March 12 (4:08 am PDT), the Moon in Aries sextiles Mars in Aquarius. It's VOC for just about 1 ½ hours and then enters Taurus (5:28 pm PDT). Get used to taking advantage of situations that offer spontaneity, and also to get in the habit of fighting for the things that really matter.
[13:11] On March 14 (3:29 pm PDT), the Moon in Taurus sextiles Neptune. It's VOC for about five hours and then enters Gemini (8:16 pm PDT). Let go of patterns where you find yourself floating along in negative behaviors. Initiate new habits that focus on working out the balance between practicality, imagination and empathy.
[14:06] On March 16 (9:43 pm PDT), the Moon in Gemini squares Neptune. It’s VOC for about 5 hours and then enters Cancer on March 17 (2:40 am PDT). Focus on stilling your mind and letting spirit rush in.
[15:38] Listener Taylor asks about prenatal eclipses and the Lunar Node cycle. Order April’s Followed by a Moonshadow report to learn about the prenatal eclipses that occurred before your birth.  You can also find your prenatal eclipses in an ephemeris.
[22:59] 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.
[23:38] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by Paula Jo Spur and Maria Rebelo, who has donated to the Podathon every single year!
[24:51] 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 $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.
 

244 | Pisces New Moon: Draining Our Brains!

This week, busy Mercury brings imaginative breakthroughs; Mars square and the Sun sextile Uranus on the same day warn against moving too fast and taking the wrong opportunities; Mercury begins a long journey through energetic Aries; the Pisces New Moon initiates a new cycle of spiritual exploration, healing, and forgiveness; and a listener question about becoming a professional astrologer. Plus: Self-cleaning brains, travel advisory for the big eclipse, and just rolling with it.
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
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Timestamps
[1:14] Mercury sextiles Uranus on March 4 (12:24 pm PST) at 19º41’ Pisces and Taurus. Imaginative breakthroughs for the artists, writers, and creators of the world!
[3:04] On March 8 (7:06 am PST), Mercury conjoins Neptune at 27º01’ Pisces, on  Sabian symbol 28 Pisces, A fertile garden under a New Moon. Make sure you take plenty of time to drain your brain.
[4:56] Mars squares Uranus on March 9 (2:55 pm PST), followed only six minutes later by the Sun sextile Uranus, all 19º51’ Aquarius, Pisces, and Taurus. The Sabian symbol for Uranus is 20 Taurus, Wind clouds and haste. When Mars squares Uranus, curb tendencies to move too quickly or speak impulsively. Accidents and arguments can happen easily from about March 7-10. As for the Sun sextile Uranus aspect, pass on any risky opportunities that come your way.
[6:45] On March 9 (8:03 pm PST), Mercury enters Aries. It'll be in this sign through May 15, a long visit because it will be retrograde between April 1 - April 25. If you are planning on traveling to see the Total Solar eclipse on April 8, have a backup plan or two.
[8:50] Mercury sextiles Pluto on March 10 (3:20 pm PST) at 01º27’ Aries and Aquarius. Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 2 Aries, A comedian entertaining a group, and Pluto is on 2 Aquarius, An unexpected thunderstorm. Look for opportunities to use your mind in a future-focused, constructive way.
[10:13] Moon Report! The Pisces New Moon (March 10, 1:00 am PST, 20º16’ Pisces) is on the Sabian symbol 21 Pisces, Little white lamb, child, and Chinese servant. In the New Moon chart, the Sun and the Moon conjoin Saturn on one side, Neptune on the other, and also sextile Uranus. Check out this video and blog post if you want to find out where this transit will show up in your chart. Be willing to go with the flow while working hard to define your dreams. Racial issues could be prevalent in the news around this time.
[13:18] This New Moon initiates a three-year Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). The First Quarter Moon of this LPFC is on Dec. 8, 2024, the Full Moon on Sep. 7, 2025, the Last Quarter on June 8, 2026. Embrace your spiritual path. Release grudges.
[16:16] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On March 4, the Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune (7:41 am PST). It's VOC for just about 5 ½ hours, and then enters Capricorn (1:15 pm PST). Let go of the need to be certain in your beliefs and be willing to just experience the journey.
[17:38] On March 6, the Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune (11:35 am PST), is VOC for just about 5 hours, then enters Aquarius (4:38 pm PST). Use ambition and perseverance in the service of others.
[18:43] On March 8th, the Moon in Aquarius conjuncts Venus (10:55 am PST). It's VOC for just a little over six hours before it enters Pisces (5:03 pm PST). How can you create new habits that allow for personal freedom and intimacy?
[19:26] On March 10, the Moon in Pisces conjuncts Neptune (12:45 pm PDT). It's VOC for a little over 4 ½ hours, and then enters Aries (5:19 pm PDT). Relax and think about how you can make joyful pleasures part of your daily routine.
[20:14] Listener Jean asks about how to become a professional astrologer.
[26:45] 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.
[27:16] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by one of April’s oldest friends, a very special Pisces who, in fact, is celebrating a milestone birthday this week, Tim Tormey! And thanks to Sarah Jane Williamson, who has donated to the Podathon every single year!
[28:39] 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 $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

223 | A Packed Pisces Party!

This week, a dynamic Mars-Jupiter square is like a multi-headed Hydra; the Sun, Mercury, and Saturn converge for a cazimi party in Pisces; expect the unexpected in money and love, as Venus aspects unpredictable Uranus; the Sagittarius Last Quarter Moon encourages us to share our stories; and April answers a listener question about the difference between planets, signs, and houses. Plus: A bucking bronco, the 9-to-5, and Venn diagrams!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!
Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
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Timestamps (full show notes here)
[1:13] Mars squares Jupiter (Feb. 27, 12:30 am PST) at 10°52’ Aquarius-Taurus. Beware of overexertion in physical exercise or at work, especially if your birth chart has planets or points within a couple of degrees of 11 Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, or Scorpio.
[3:08] On Feb. 28 (12:43 am PST), the Sun conjoins Mercury (cazimi) at 09°14’ Pisces, bringing mental clarity and insights.
[3:16] Also on Feb. 28, Mercury (7:07 am PST) and the Sun (1:25 pm PST) make conjunctions with Saturn. This three-planet connection takes place on the Sabian symbol 10 Pisces, An aviator in the clouds. We may feel as if there's no way to break through and get ahead but don't give up: success truly is just around the corner.
[5:47] Mercury sextiles Jupiter on Feb. 29 (1:53 am PST) at 11°12’ Pisces-Taurus. Take advantage of new insights and share them with a new audience.
[6:18] The Sun sextiles Jupiter on March 1 (4:15 am PST) at 11°17’ Pisces-Taurus. It’s an opportunity to give solid form and structure to our Pisces talents and intuitive abilities.
[7:11] On March 3 (5:17 am PST), Venus squares Uranus at 19º39’ Aquarius-Taurus. This aspect encourages desire for more freedom, independence, and change within finances and/or relationships. Its influence is strongest if you have planets or points in your birth chart within a couple of degrees of 19º Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, or Scorpio.
[9:16] Moon Report! The Last Quarter Moon (March 3, 7:23 am PST) is at 13°32’ Sagittarius. This lunation brings final action toward completing a cycle; take a trip, learn or teach something new, and tell others about your journey.
[10:38] This is the Last Quarter in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that began on Dec. 3, 2021 with a New Moon at 12º22’ Sagittarius. The First Quarter in this LPFC was on Sep. 3, 2022, the Full Moon on June 3, 2023. If there is something important in your birth chart within a couple of degrees of 12° Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, or Virgo, this has been a particularly important lunar phase family cycle for you.
[12:58] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On Feb. 27, the Moon trines Venus (10:22 am PST) and is VOC for almost 33 hours (!!!). The Moon enters Scorpio on Feb. 28 (7:09 PM PST). The efforts that we've made to compromise and negotiate with others are now paying off. Favorable for initiating new social habits.
[15:09] On March 1 (11:47 pm PST), the Moon in Scorpio trines Neptune. It's VOC for a little over six hours and then enters Sagittarius on March 2 (5:56 am PST). Love yourself a little more and accept yourself as you are.
[17:08] Listener Question: Kellie with an “ie” asks about the difference between planets, signs and houses. Here’s a link to April’s The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology. Check out this article about the Astrological Alphabet and Zipporah Dobyns.
[26:39] 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.
[27:09] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by the talented Gwen Yi, a first-time donor to the podcast, and the marvelously named Martina Papinchak, who has donated to the Podathon every single year!
[28:24] 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 $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

222 | The Virgo Full Moon Merry-Go-Round!

This week, the Virgo Full Moon has its ups and downs and reveals the hard work required to reach our New Moon goals. Venus makes a sexy conjunction with Mars (look for unusual romantic possibilities) and gets a little carried away as it squares Jupiter. Lean into your intuition as Mercury enters “blurry around the edges” Pisces. And a listener question about planets in the signs of their fall – should you be terrifiiiied™? Plus: Eggshells, seeing spirits, and going tête-à-tête with your inspiration.
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
[1:12] Venus conjoins Mars (Feb. 21, 11:14 pm PST) at 06º57’ Aquarius, on Sabian symbol 7 Aquarius, Child born of an eggshell. This begins a new Venus-Mars cycle through Jan. 7, 2026. Effective for pursuing money and amorous escapades!
[3:02] Mercury enters Pisces, the sign of its fall (Feb. 22, 11:29 pm PST, through March 9, 2024). Effective for perceiving things not evident to our other senses. Organize tools or categorize ideas for future artistic projects.
[5:29] Moon Report! The Virgo Full Moon (Feb. 24, 4:30 am PST) is at 05°23’ Virgo, opposed the Sun and Saturn and trine Jupiter. The Sabian symbol for this Full Moon is 6 Virgo, A merry-go-round. The Sabian symbol for the Sun is 6 Pisces, Officers on dress parade. Be of service to others but implement appropriate boundaries.
[7:40] This is the Full Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that began at a New Moon at 4º Virgo on Aug. 27, 2022 on the Sabian symbol, A man dreaming of fairies. The First Quarter in this LPFC was on May 27, 2023, and the Last Quarter is coming on Nov. 22, 2024.
[8:44] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Feb. 20, the Moon in Cancer trines Neptune (10:38 pm PST). It's VOC for just about seven hours before it enters Leo on Feb. 21 (5:40 am PST). Create new habits around food or family time.
[9:42] On Feb. 22nd, the Moon in Leo squares Uranus (8:18 pm PST). This is an extraordinarily long VOC period, lasting about 21 ½ hours (!!!) before it enters Virgo (Feb. 23, 5:37 pm PST). Break habits around inflexibility and pride while cultivating new habits of being more accepting of change.
[10:46] On Feb. 25 (11:35 pm PST) the Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune in Pisces and is VOC for almost 7 hours before entering Libra on Feb. 26 (6:29 am PST). Seek balance between logic and intuition, order and disorder, physical health and spiritual well-being.
[12:11] Venus squares Jupiter (Feb. 24, 8:01 pm PST) at 10º30’ Aquarius-Taurus. Venus’s Sabian symbol is 11 Aquarius, A man tête-à-tête with his inspiration, and Jupiter’s is 11 Taurus, A woman sprinkling flowers. Wonderful things can come out of this aspect as long as some restraint is used, and we remember to nurture what we take on.
[14:15] Listener Emme asks: Should you be terrified™ of planets in the sign of their fall? Check out Mel LaFara and April’s treatment of the essential dignities of planets in Ep. 139. Here’s a link to April’s Planetary Dignities Cheatsheet.
[22:41] 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.
[23:14] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by the fabulous Tiffany Josephs and Bobbie Galion, who has donated to every single Podathon!
[24:21] 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 $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

221 | Peak Aquarius: Venus and Mars Join the Glitterati!

This week, we enter peak Aquarius as Venus and Mars join the Sun, Mercury and Pluto in that sign and immediately run into trouble with Pluto. A feisty Taurus First Quarter Moon encourages connection over comfort, Mercury and Uranus invite us to tell a new story about ourselves, we sink gratefully into the rest and repose of the Sun's Pisces season, and a listener asks how to figure out which house of the chart her Moon is really in. Plus: Hamsters, charisma, and the zeitgeist.
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 (full shownotes at website)
[1:23] Mars enters Aquarius on Feb. 12 (10:05 pm PST, through March 22).
[3:44] Mars conjoins Pluto at 00º46’ Aquarius (Feb. 13, 10:06 pm PST) on the Sabian symbol, An old adobe mission. 
[0:0] Moon Report! The First Quarter Moon in Taurus is on Feb. 16 (7:01 am PST) at 27º25’ Taurus and Aquarius, on the Sabian symbol A woman pursued by mature romance.
[6:12] This is the First Quarter Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that began at the May 19, 2023 New Moon at 28º25’ Taurus, on the Sabian symbol Two cobblers working at a table. Reach out, collaborate, or just connect with others who do the same things you do. 
[9:31] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Feb. 12 (4:31 am PST), the Moon in Pisces sextiles Mars in Capricorn, is VOC for just about one hour, then enters Aries (5:26 am PST). There’s an opportunity to put your imagination to work and to make dreams a reality.
[10:41] On Feb. 14 (2:20 am PST), Valentine's Day, the Moon in Aries squares Venus in Capricorn. It's then VOC for just under 5 hours before entering Taurus (7:02 am PST). Examine relationship patterns where a tendency to be rash, impulsive, and maybe quarrelsome, conflict with having a serious and stable relationship.
[11:11] On Feb. 16 (7:01 am PST), the Moon in Taurus squares the Sun in Aquarius. It's VOC for about 4 ½ hours and then enters Gemini (11:39 am PST). Review how your need for security and stability may be holding you back from creating a future that you would like to see for yourself.
[11:48] The Moon in Gemini trines the Sun in Aquarius on Feb. 18 (7:21 pm PST), VOC for only four minutes before it enters Cancer (7:25 pm PST). Make an intention to stay flexible and open-minded.
[12:44] Venus enters Aquarius (Feb. 16, 8:05 am PST, through March 11, 2024). This begins a kind of super Aquarius period (through Feb. 18) when five planets (!!!) are in Aquarius. 
[14:58] Mercury squares Uranus at 19º16’ Aquarius-Taurus (Feb. 16, 7:52 pm PST). 
[16:45] Venus conjoins Pluto (Feb. 17, 12:48 am PST) at 00º51’ Aquarius. This brings tremendous pressure in relationships and finances. Declutter but make absolutely sure that you do not need the things that you are getting rid of.
[18:58] The Sun enters Pisces (Feb. 18, 8:13 pm PST, through March 19). Rest and heal physically, emotionally and spiritually to prepare for an Aries equinox burst of energy.
[21:37] Listener Amanda O asks about how to reconcile conflicting information about which house of the chart a planet is in. Check out Episodes 129, Episode 208 and this video for more information about how house systems affect your chart.
[28:43] 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.
[29:15] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Alexander Anderson and new donor Kelly Rock!
[30:21] 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 $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

220 | Aquarius New Moon: A Shock to the System!

This week, a high-powered Aquarius New Moon brings change, whether or not it’s convenient; Mercury teams up with Pluto to solve the unsolvable; Venus and Uranus make the unexpected look quite appealing; Mars floats toward its goals on Neptune's waters; Mercury and Jupiter squabble about what one knows and the other believes; and April answers a listener question about whether Pluto in Aquarius is to blame for a rash of recent Mercury retrograde-ish symptoms. Plus: Typewriter ribbons, a hammock, and oh look: Pluto is being a bummer.
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
[1:17] Mercury conjoins Pluto on Feb. 5 (4:57 am PST, 00º29’ Aquarius). This combination brings strong concentration and laser focus.
[3:03] On Feb. 6 (8:15 am PST), Venus in Capricorn at 17°38 squares the Lunar Nodes in Aries and Libra. The Sabian symbol for the North Node is 18 Aries, An empty hammock. What we like doing is not always what's going to make us happiest in the long run.
[4:32] Venus trines Uranus on Feb. 7 (1:25 pm PST) at 19°08’ Capricorn-Taurus, signaling unexpected but pleasurable developments in relationships and/or finances.
[5:34] Mars sextiles Neptune on Feb. 7 (4:20 pm PST) at 25°58’ Capricorn-Pisces. Work toward your goals, but to be willing to take the occasional detour with the changing tides.
[7:47] The Sun squares Uranus on Feb. 8 (2:46 am PST), at 19º09’ Aquarius-Taurus. The Sun’s Sabian symbol is A big white dove, a message bearer, Uranus is on 20 Taurus, Wind, clouds, and haste. Don’t hold on to future plans too tightly; they’re prone to rapid change.
[9:33] Moon Report! The Aquarius New Moon (Feb. 9, 2:59 pm PST, 20º40’ Aquarius) is on the Sabian symbol 21 Aquarius, A woman disappointed and disillusioned. Push back against Pluto’s gloominess about the future! The New Moon point is in a very close square to the planet Uranus. Change is inevitable but often inconvenient, which is why we tend to put it off until something makes us change.
[13:30] This New Moon initiates a three-year Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that hits important points at the First Quarter Moon on Nov. 8, 2024 (17°19’ Aquarius), the Full Moon of Aug. 9, 2025 (16º59’ Aquarius), and the Last Quarter Moon on May 9, 2026 (19º14’ Aquarius). Track your New Moon intentions through these dates to see the developments unfold.
[14:37] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. On Feb. 5, the Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune (9:06 pm PST). It's VOC for about seven hours before it enters Capricorn (Feb. 6, 4:08 am). Urgency to get things done conflicts with the desire to meander a bit longer toward a dream.
[16:35] On Feb. 7, the Moon in Capricorn conjoins Mars at 11:52 pm PST. It’s VOC for just about seven hours before it enters Aquarius on Feb. 8 (5:59 am PST). Get your Mars “dog” on a strong leash and train it well, so it keeps you safe without scaring everyone away.
[18:08] On Feb. 9 (2:59 pm PST), the Moon in Aquarius conjoins the Sun a.k.a. the New Moon. The Moon will be VOC for 14 3/4 hours (!!!) before entering Pisces on Feb. 10 (5:42 am PST). Spend this time focusing on how you want your life to change and how to rebirth yourself.
[19:29] Mercury squares Jupiter on Feb. 10 (5:25 am PST) at 08º23’ Aquarius-Taurus. Mercury is on Sabian symbol 9 Aquarius, A flag turned into an eagle and Jupiter is on 9 Taurus, A Christmas tree decorated. Pay attention to conflicts that involve knowledge versus beliefs.
[21:55] Listener Ronald asks: Is Pluto in Aquarius just Mercury Rx on acid?
[28:25] 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.
[29:03] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Mimi Thach, a first-time donor to the podathon last September, and Sandy Ochin!
[30:07] 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 $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.
 

219 | Mercury Enters Aquarius: Eureka!

This week, Mars in Capricorn unites perspiration with Uranus’ inspiration. Mercury and Neptune carry our minds downstream, leading the way for Mercury in Aquarius’ mental breakthroughs. The Scorpio Last Quarter Moon plays bouncer for the growing Aquarius party. And April answers a listener question about the Part of Fortune and relationships. Plus: Frolicsome Capricorn, worthy allies, and high lonesome work. 
Join April for a webinar on the upcoming Aquarius New Moon and stellium - Sat. Feb. 4, noon PST. Details and registration here!
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Timestamps (full show notes here)
[1:07] Mars trines Uranus (Jan. 29, 3:41 pm PST, 19°05’ Cap.-Taurus). The Sabian symbol for Mars is 20 Capricorn, Hidden choir singing; for Uranus, 20 Taurus, Wind, clouds, and haste. If you've been working diligently but have lacked inspiration, that could change this week.
[3:51] On Feb. 2 (2:55 am PST), Mercury sextiles Neptune at 21°48’ Cap.-Pisces. Mercury is on the Sabian symbol 26 Capricorn, A water sprite, Neptune on 26 Pisces, A New Moon that divides its influences. A good aspect for independent creative work.
[6:19] Moon Report! The Scorpio Last Quarter Moon is on Feb. 2 (3:17 pm PST) at 13°35’ Scorpio-Aquarius. The Sun and Moon in this chart form a T-square with Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus. The Moon’s Sabian symbol is 14 Scorpio, Telephone linemen at work, the Sun on 14 Aquarius, A train entering a tunnel.
[8:32] This is the Last Quarter Moon in a Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC) that began with then Nov. 4, 2021 New Moon, 12º40’ Scorpio. The First Quarter in the cycle was on Aug. 5, 2022, the Full Moon on May 5, 2023.
[10:35] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On Jan. 29, the Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune (3:20 pm PST). It's VOC for 8 3/4 hours (!!!), before it enters Libra on Jan. 30 (12:04 am PST). Strike a balance between logic and intuition, practicality and leaps of faith.
[12:00] On Feb. 1, the Moon in Libra squares Mercury in Capricorn (1:03 am PST). It's VOC for about 11 ½ hours (!!!) before it enters Scorpio (12:37 pm PST). Conflict between consideration for others and being true to yourself. 
[13:43] The Moon in Scorpio sextiles Mercury in Capricorn on Feb. 3 (7:24 pm PST). It's VOC for a little over three hours and then enters Sagittarius (10:28 pm PST). Look for opportunities to use deep intuition and insights to communicate with others.
[15:08] Mercury enters Aquarius on Feb. 4 (9:10 pm PST, through Feb. 22). Mercury is strong in Aquarius, a sign associated with eureka connections and out-of-the-box inventive ideas. 
[17:29] Listener Lynn asks about the Part of Fortune in Synastry. Check out Chapter 15 in April’s book The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology for her treatment of the Arabic parts, including details about how to calculate them. And for an extensive list of Arabic parts, click here.
[25:01] If you’d like to have a question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[25:33] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Adele Coyle and Melissa Nelson, both of whom donated to the Podathon for the very first time last September!
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