Big Sky Astrology Podcast

171 | Cancer First Quarter Moon: Quieter Skies!

Thank your lucky stars for quieter skies after last week's epic planetary shifts! Join Mercury and Jupiter on a magic carpet ride of imagination and elevated ideas! Thrill to Venus’ rendezvous with exciting Uranus! Follow your hunches and get stuff done, as Mars makes a productive trine to Saturn! Reach out for new opportunities with help from a Marsy, playful First Quarter Moon in Cancer! And take a peek at transiting Pluto's aspects to planets in the birth chart! Plus: A shaggy deer, sharp and pointy bits, and a process, not an event.
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!
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Timestamps
[1:09] Mercury conjoins Jupiter on March 27 (11:50 PM PDT) at 18°13’ Aries. The Sabian symbol for 19 Aries is, “The magic carpet.” This is a day to brainstorm and use your imagination to solve problems and to elevate ideas.
[2:35] Moon Report! First up, a First Quarter Moon at 08°08’ Cancer on March 28th (7:32 PM PDT).  This is the First Quarter Phase of the March 21st New Moon at 00°49’ Aries. It's also the First Quarter in a Lunar Phase Family that began at the June 28th, 2022 New Moon. The Sabian symbol for this First Quarter Moon is 9 Cancer, “A small naked girl bends over a pond trying to catch a fish,” encourages a playful spirit to take some kind of action toward a goal.
[4:02] This First Quarter Moon is in a conjunction with Mars. Be mindful of the actions you take because you could get “bit” by something sharp and pointy!
[4:23] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On March 27th, the Moon in Gemini makes a square to Neptune (6:39 PM PDT), then it's VOC for about 6 3/4 hours before it enters Cancer on March 28th (3:22 AM PDT). Sleep may be difficult, but this is a juicy VOC period to journal about your dreams.
[5:20] On March 30th, the Moon in Cancer trines Neptune (6:45 AM PDT). It’s VOC for about 8 3/4 hours before it enters Leo (3:31 PM PDT).  Be gentle.  Bring imagination and feeling to everything you do.
[5:58] The Moon in Leeeeeeooooo trines Mercury (11:05 PM PDT) on April 1st and it will be VOC for about five hours before entering Virgo on April 2nd (3:57 AM PDT).  The imagination of the recent Moon in Cancer VOC period is now ready to be expressed through some creative project. Let your light shine like the star that you are.
[6:46] On March 30th (12:03 PM PDT), Mars trines Saturn at 02°36’ Cancer and Pisces. This is a prime aspect for accomplishing projects.  Follow your hunches when making decisions.
[7:42] Mars is on the Sabian symbol, 3 Cancer, “A man in fur leading a shaggy deer.”  Since Mars is in family-oriented Cancer, this could represent a positive turning point in family relationships.
[8:36] A few hours later on March 30th (3:25 PM PDT), Venus makes a conjunction with Uranus at 16°44’ Taurus. This Venus/Uranus conjunction, coupled with the Mars/Saturn trine, signals an important day for relationships and finances. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit.
[10:37] Pluto in Aspect to Natal Planets mini-lesson. Due to the slow speed of Pluto and retrogrades, you can expect Pluto to take about a year to complete an aspect to a planet in your birth chart.
[12:50] Pluto aspecting the Sun.  Become a truer version of yourself so that you can contribute more.
[13:38] Pluto aspecting the Moon. Develop a sense of self-sufficiency. Remodel your home. Prominence in the public eye is also possible.
[14:30] Pluto aspecting Mercury. Idle hands are the devil’s playground, so keep busy and learn useful things!
[15:28] Pluto aspecting Venus. Profound changes in relationships and finances.
[16:00] Pluto aspecting Mars. Learn to be in control of your passions and emotions.
[16:45] Pluto aspecting Jupiter. Be wise about handling wealth, power and good fortune.
[17:27] Pluto aspecting Saturn. You can't give your power away to anybody else and expect your life to look the way you want it to look.
[18:38] Pluto aspecting Uranus. Take your best talents and use them in the service of something bigger than yourself.
[20:11] Pluto aspecting Neptune. Is it really your dream or is it a dream that somebody gave to you?
[21:18] Pluto aspecting Pluto. Major milestones in a lifelong Pluto journey. Expect to develop greater authenticity and accept the limits of your control.
[22:23] Pluto aspecting the Lunar Nodes. Don't grasp for something out of fear or because the rest of the world tells you it's something that you should want.
[23:00] Pluto aspecting the Ascendant in your chart. Help in projecting a truer and more honest version of yourself through your personality. Relocation is possible.
[24:24] Pluto aspecting the MC. Destiny calls in the realm of career and reputation.
[24:57] Pluto aspecting Chiron. Clear out the muck and let the healing commence.
[26:19] Would you like to learn more about how Pluto transits can affect you on a more personal level?  Check out Stephen Forrest’s Sky Log Report, April’s Astrological Transits or better yet, book a session with April!
[26:51] Listener Questions will be back in next week’s episode! If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[27:31] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Betsy Passmore and Terry Ehlert.
[28:29] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

170 | Aries Equinox and Pluto enters Aquarius: What a Week!

This week, the Aries Equinox and the first of two Aries New Moons announce the arrival of the astrological new year; Pluto changes signs and picks out a new pot to cook us in; and Mars finally leaves Gemini after nearly seven nerve-frazzling months. And in this week’s mini-lesson, April gives an overview of Pluto transiting through the houses of the birth chart. Plus: Power tools, paparazzi, and…is it a Saturn thing or a Pluto thing?
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
[1:06] The Sun sextiles Pluto on March 20th (1:12 PM PDT) at 29°57’ Pisces and Capricorn. This sextile favors picking up old threads instead of starting something from scratch. Look back to January 18, 2023 for clues as to what these threads could be.  Pluto will revisit this degree June - July 2023 and then again in December 2023.
[3:34] On the same day, March 20th, about one hour later (2:24 PM PDT), the Sun enters the sign of Aries and that marks the Aries Equinox, one of the two days of the year when day and night are equal in length.
[4:17] Mars is the ruler of Aries, so look to Mars for the mood and flavor of this Spring (or Fall in the Southern Hemisphere). At the time of the Aries Equinox, Mars will be finishing up an extended stay in communicative Gemini. Five days after the Equinox, Mars will enter Cancer which carries associations of home, family, and feasting.
[5:42] Moon Report! The New Moon at 0°49’ Aries will occur on March 21st (10:23 AM PDT). It's a very powerful New Moon on what is called the Aries Point, 0° Aries. The Sun and the Moon are also square Aries’ ruler, Mars… feisty!
[6:39] This New Moon begins a Lunar Phase Family which reaches critical points at the First Quarter Moon on December 19, 2023; the Full Moon on September 17, 2024; and the Last Quarter Phase on June 18, 2025. Take your cue from Nike and “Just Do It!”  Also, sign up for April’s free monthly lunar workbooks here!
[8:39] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On March 21st, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto (8:58 AM PDT). It's VOC for just about an hour, and then enters Aries (9:01 am).  Meditate on how to advocate for caring and healing while dodging the dark side of escapism and/or martyrdom.
[10:05] The Moon in Aries sextiles Mars on March 23rd (10:13 AM PDT). It will be VOC for about an hour and a half, then enters Taurus (11:42 AM PDT). This would be an excellent time to launch something that you have been working on.
[11:02] On March 25th, the Moon in Taurus sextiles Neptune (9:19 am PDT). The Moon is VOC for about eight and a half hours before entering Gemini (5:41 PM PDT).  Think about tackling a weekend home project that involves water, such as establishing an irrigation system, building a water feature, or dealing with mold remediation.
[12:15] Cue the dramatic spooky music because Pluto is entering Aquarius on March 23rd (5:23 AM PDT). For the most part, it will be in this sign through January 2044.  Pluto will retrograde back into Capricorn and sit at that 29th degree between June 11th and January 20th, 2024, then again between September 1 - November 19, 2024.
[13:15] Pluto wants to get rid of whatever is extraneous and bring us down to what we truly are. Pluto has a long cycle, 248 years, and it has a bit of an odd orbit, so it spends different amounts of time transiting through different signs of the zodiac.  It spent around 18 years in Capricorn and will spend 20 years in Aquarius.
[14:07] For a recap on Pluto in Aquarius themes, check out Episode 169.
[14:33] On a personal level, look for the House or Houses that Pluto in Aquarius will travel through in your birth chart. Take note that Saturn just moved into Pisces last week.  Saturn tends to make us feel blocked, and Pluto sometimes make us feel demoralized or like there isn't a lot of point trying to move forward.
[16:19] Pluto represents a collective energy. When it is changing signs, we tend to see it show up in the world around us. Last week’s bank failures and the 2008 financial crisis are examples of Pluto (collective finances) in action.
[17:27] Stop the presses!!! On March 25th (4:45 AM PDT), Mars enters Cancer, finally leaving Gemini, which it entered on August 20th, 2022. Mars was also retrograde while in Gemini, between October 30, 2022 - January 12, 2023.
[18:59] Mars will be in Cancer, the sign of its fall, until May 20, 2023. It will trine Saturn on March 30th, sextile Uranus on April 29th, trine Neptune on May 15th. This side-stepping Mars will have some allies along its way through Cancer.
[21:28] Mini-lesson: Transiting Pluto in the Houses of the Chart
[23:36] Pluto in the 1st House.  "It's like an actress caught by the paparazzi without her makeup."
[25:09] Pluto in the 2nd House. Experience the hills and valleys of personal finances.
[25:43] Pluto in the 3rd House. Stand for nothing less than the truth. Shifts in the lives of siblings and your neighborhood are also possible.
[26:28] Pluto in the 4th House. A transit of figuring out what your true home is, who your true family is. You might possibly see yourself moving to a new place as well.
[27:05] Pluto in the 5th House. Lean into genuine love affairs and creative projects. Learn to let go of the need to control your children.
[28:02] Pluto in the 6th House. Live a life that makes you feel proud of your ability to give to others.
[28:52] Pluto in the 7th House. Figure out who really deserves to be in your life on the most intimate of levels.
[29:31] Pluto in the 8th House. Learn how to use what is sent to you for the greatest good.
[30:16] Pluto in the 9th House. Being at odds with institutions is possible.
[30:53] Pluto in the 10th House. Find a way to be in more control of your life path or toxic workplaces could be the result. Secrets can be revealed.
[32:08] Pluto in the 11th House. Find your true friends. Be strong enough to stand apart from the pack.
[32:36] Pluto in the 12th House. You know that juicy stuff in life that you try to ignore?  Yeah, that’s going to become more apparent. Get a therapist or other help to guide you through the process.
[33:49] Check out April’s book Astrological Transits for a deeper dive of Pluto through the houses of a chart.
[33:53] Listener questions will return in the month of April.  If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[34:35] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Ellen Seminara and Colleen Wahl!
[35:34] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go here! A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the upcoming Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

169 | The Sun and Mars in Neptuneland, and Venus Weathers a Crisis!

While we catch our breath between Saturn’s ingress into Pisces last week and Pluto entering Aquarius next week, there’s still plenty going on. The Sun, Mercury, and Mars ask Neptune the musical question, “Who am I, and where am I headed?,” but the Sagittarius Last Quarter Moon chooses the direction it deems best. Venus confronts Pluto from the last, fiery degree of Aries and then slips gratefully into Taurus. And in this week’s mini-lesson, April introduces the epic ingress of Pluto into Aquarius! Plus: Satchel Paige, setting your cap, and tearing out drywall!
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!
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Timestamps
[1:12] Mars squares Neptune on March 14th (4:39 PM PDT) at 25°04’ of Gemini and Pisces. This is the last in a series of three squares that Mars in Gemini has made to Neptune in Pisces. The other two squares were on October 11, 2022 (Episode 148) and November 19, 2022 (Episode 153). Reflect upon what you want to do, the best way to do it, and why you want to do it.
[3:56] Moon Report!  The Last Quarter Moon at 24°13’ Sagittarius is on March 14th (7:08 PM PDT). The chart for the Last Quarter Moon show the Sun and Neptune square the Moon, which is opposed Mars.
[4:46] This Last Quarter is a chance to complete the work we began at the Feb. 20 Pisces New Moon. It also represents the final critical moment in the Lunar Gestation Cycle that began with the Sagittarius New Moon on December 14th, 2020. If there is anything in your chart near 23° of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces, this is an important cycle that could be related to adventure and/or higher education.
[6:03] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On March 15th, the Moon in Sagittarius trines Venus in Aries at 1:50 AM PDT. It’s VOC for about three and one quarter hours, and enters Capricorn at 5:06 AM PDT. If somebody offer you something pleasant during this VOC Moon period, know that there could be strings attached.
[7:30] The Moon in Capricorn conjoins Pluto on March 17th at 7:13 AM PDT, then begins a laughably short VOC period – only 12 minutes! – before it enters Aquarius at 7:25 AM PDT. Consider this graduation for the lessons of emotional intelligence we’ve learned in recent Moon/Pluto VOC periods.
[8:27] On March 19th, the Moon in Aquarius trines Mars in Gemini at 3:33 AM PDT and is VOC for about four and a half hours before it enters Pisces at 8:12 AM PDT.  Appreciate those encouraging friends who have helped you through life’s rough patches.
[10:30] The personality-driven Sun makes its annual conjunction to nebulous Neptune on March 15th (4:39 PM PDT) at 25°06’ Pisces.  The very next day, on March 16th (10:13 AM PDT), storyteller Mercury conjoins Neptune at 25°08’ Pisces as well.  “What other ways can I refer to myself, name myself, and label myself?”
[12:52] On March 16th (11:09 AM PDT), the Sun squares Mars at 25°53’ of Pisces and Gemini. Later that evening (9:48 PM PDT), Mercury squares Mars later that evening at 26°05’ Pisces and Gemini.
[13:32] The Sabian symbol for the Sun at this square is “A new moon that divides its influences.” This could indicate that our attention is a little bit too divided to get something done. The Sun and Mercury are in a closing square to Mars and finishing up this long Mars in Gemini cycle with a chance to let go and to find peace and healing.
[14:40] Venus squares Pluto on March 16th (12:58 PM PDT) at 29° 52’ Aries and Capricorn. Venus is on the Sabian symbol, 30 Aries, “A duck pond and its brood,” which suggests there’s enough for everybody. But, the Sabian symbol for Pluto’s degree at this square, which is 30 Capricorn, “A secret business conference,” suggests that powerful forces might influence who gets what.
[15:32] Aspects between Venus and Pluto are usually felt in our relationships and financial dealings. If something you desire isn’t coming through for us, we might discover later on that it was for the best.
[16:52] On March 16th (3:34 PM PDT), Venus gets some relief as she moves away from her square to Pluto and into Taurus, one of her home signs (through April 10). Take care of and appreciate all the things that are yours, and enjoy the beautiful and simple pleasures of living in a body and on this planet.
[19:30] Mercury and the Sun conjoin at 26°34’ Pisces on March 17th (3:44 AM PDT).  Be conscious about the ideas and impressions you collect leading up to Mercury’s next retrograde on April 22, 2023.
[21:13] Dates for Pluto’s transits between Aquarius and Capricorn.
[23:24] A recap on past Pluto transits.
[26:16] Some Pluto in Aquarius possibilities.
[28:27] In next week’s episode, Pluto in Aquarius moving through the houses of a chart.
[28:40] Listener questions will return in the month of April.  If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at apil(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[29:29] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Henrietta Winston and Vanessa Angulo!
[30:23] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go here! A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the upcoming Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!

168 | Virgo Full Moon and Saturn enters Pisces: A New Job!

This week: The Sun and Mercury get a wake-up call from Uranus; the Virgo Full Moon erupts on the same day tough-daddy Saturn enters Pisces for a two-and-a-half-year stay; Venus and Mars meet in a sweet aspect of prosperity and happiness. And April's final mini-lesson in the Saturn in Pisces series looks at Saturn in aspect to planets in your birth chart. Plus: A grouchy volcano, a new job, and an open window!
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
[1:16] The week begins with the Sun sextile Uranus on March 6th (5:42 AM PST), at 15°42’ Pisces and Taurus. The Sun in aspect with Uranus is an invitation to change the way we think about ourselves.
[1:53] The Sabian symbol for the Sun, 16 Pisces: The flow of inspiration, speaks to the ways we glide along in our sense of who we are. Uranus in Taurus challenges this unconscious flow with changes that can be tangible and long-lasting.
[3:39] Moon Report!  The Full Moon is on March 7th (4:40 AM PST) at 16°40’ Virgo.  The Full Moon is a revelation point for the Pisces New Moon on February 19th or 20th, depending on where you live. It's also a revelation point in the Lunar Gestation cycle that began with the Virgo New Moon on September 6th, 2021.
[5:19] The Sabian symbol for this Full Moon is 17 Virgo, A volcano interruption. A perfect description of this Full Moon which is trine Uranus and square Mars, both of which are very volatile and combustible planets. Try rigorous exercise or spring cleaning to release any excess energy.
[6:38] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On March 8th, the Moon in Virgo trines Pluto at (6:07 AM PST) and is VOC just a little over a half an hour before it enters Libra (6:44 AM PST). What progress have you made in rewiring your mindset around healthy habits and having a productive, service-orientated mindset?
[7:54] The Moon in Libra squares Pluto (3:36 pm PST) on March 10th. It is VOC for just about a half an hour, before it enters Scorpio (4:06 PM PST). Have you broken habits of being overaccommodating in your relationships?
[8:30] On March 12th, the Moon in Scorpio is sextile Pluto (11:58 PM PDT). It is VOC for only 23 minutes, before it enters Sagittarius on March 13th (12:21 AM PDT). Have you transcended petty grudges and negative emotions?
[9:28] Saturn will enter Pisces on March 7th (5:35 AM PST) and will stay in this sign until May 24, 2025, and then between September 1, 2025 and February 13, 2026.  Saturn moving into a new sign, which it does about every two-and-a-half years, is a little bit like starting a new job.
[10:35] Saturn’s goal is always to make us stronger and better versions of ourselves. Saturn in Pisces requires that we combine practical boundaries with helpful impulses.
[12:28] On March 11th (7:05 AM PST), Venus makes a sextile aspect to Mars at 23°34’ Aries and Gemini.  The Sabian symbol for Venus, 24 Aries, is An open window and a net curtain blowing into a cornucopia. Combine last week’s optimistic Venus/Jupiter conjunction with this Venus/Mars aspect and you could find an opportunity to take some relationship to a new level.
[13:31] A few hours later on March 11th (1:04 PM PST), Mercury sextiles Uranus at 15°54’ Pisces and Taurus. The Sabian symbol for Uranus is 16 Taurus Old man attempting vainly to reveal the mysteries; allow input from people you trust, but in the end, you have to do things your own way.
[15:23] Mini-Lesson: Saturn in aspect to planets in the birth chart.
[16:15] Saturn aspecting the Sun. The hard work of being your best self.
[17:53] Saturn aspecting the Moon. Struggles bring emotional growth.
[18:39] Saturn aspecting Mercury. Reconstruct past stories. Study an intimidating topic.
[19:39] Saturn aspecting Venus. What makes you happy versus what you think you want.
[20:29] Saturn aspecting Mars. The challenges of controlling your temper, impulsiveness, physical drives and ambitions.
[21:24] Saturn aspecting Jupiter. Optimism could get squashed, but Saturn can help you make your big dreams come true.
[22:14] Saturn aspecting Saturn. An evolution in personal ambitions, responsibilities and authority.
[23:06] Saturn aspecting Uranus. Find a compromise between conformity and rebellious authenticity.
[23:48] Saturn aspecting Neptune. How to face reality without despair! This aspect could be beneficial for creatives.
[24:45] Saturn aspecting Pluto. Just keep on truckin’ - there’s empowerment to be found at the end of the road.
[25:27] Saturn aspecting the Lunar Nodes. Life-changing success is possible when you stop taking the easy way out and move toward what more challenging path to satisfaction.
[26:20] Saturn aspecting the Ascendant. Relocation is possible. Self-improvement routines could be established. Remember to not take on other people’s burdens.
[27:16] Saturn aspecting the Midheaven. Respect yourself; that will increase the likelihood of attracting respect from others.
[28:03] Saturn aspecting Chiron. Use the healer part of this “wounded healer” symbolism to help others who have suffered similarly.
[28:42] Check out April’s books, Astrological Transits and The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology for a deeper dive into the subject of Saturn.
[32:22] Listener questions return in the month of April. If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[29:49] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Mina Habibi and Heather Hull.
[30:51] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go here!  A donation of $5 or more will get you access to the upcoming Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes for donors only!
 

167 | A Venus-Jupiter Boost and Saturn’s Housework

This week, the First Quarter Moon in Gemini spurs us on to action; Venus and Jupiter meet in a fortunate and energizing (if combustible!) conjunction; Mercury receives Saturn’s commendation for its work in Aquarius, then enters Pisces for a little dreamtime. And the second of April’s three mini-lessons on Saturn in Pisces takes a look at Saturn through the houses of the birth chart. Plus: A podcast milestone, a failed detonation, and a tricky time to do your taxes!
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!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[1:10] Thanks to my listeners, the podcast recently reached a new milestone: 200K downloads since the first episode! 
[1:53] Moon Report!  A First Quarter Moon at 8°27’ Gemini will occur on February 27th (12:05 AM PST). The Sabian symbol for the First Quarter Moon is 9 Gemini, A Quiver Filled With Arrows. This tells us that we have all the skills we need to at least make some start toward a new project. The Sun is on the Sabian symbol 9 Pisces, A jockey, so we're spurring ourselves onto greater heights and speed.
[3:26] This First Quarter Moon is the first action point in the Lunar Gestation cycle that began at the New Moon on May 30, 2022. This is the opening action point in that cycle that will continue to unfold over the next two and a half years or so.
[3:58] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On February 28, the Moon in Gemini trines Saturn in Aquarius (5:07 PM PST). It's VOC for only an hour and a half before it enters Cancer (6:40 PM PST). Take some time to talk things over with a knowledgeable mentor.
[5:07] The Moon in Cancer opposes Pluto on March 5th (6:22 AM PST). It is VOC for just about one hour before it enters Leo (7:16 AM PST). Embrace your feelings in an unabashed manner!
[6:09] On March 5th, the Moon in Leeeeeooooo opposes Saturn at (7:18 PM PST). You barely have time for a snack during this 20-minute VOC period before the Moon before it enters Virgo (7:38 PM PST).
[7:16] Venus conjoins Jupiter at 12°08’ Aries on March 1st (9:36 PM PST), on the Sabian symbol 13 Aries, An Unsuccessful Bomb Explosion. As we lead up to the exact aspect, expect a little frustration (Aries can be impatient)! But the house of your chart that contains 12°8’ Aries describes the area of your life that is about to get an energetic, possibly lucky, boost from this conjunction.
[9:55] Mercury makes a conjunction with Saturn on the anaretic degree of Aquarius (29°24’) on March 2nd (6:34 AM PST).  This is on Sabian symbol 30 Aquarius, The field of Ardath in bloom. This is a beautiful Sabian symbol that suggests that what we have done while Mercury has been in Aquarius has been fruitful and pleasing.
[11:09] Mercury enters Pisces on March 2nd (2:52 PM PST) and will be in this sensitive sign until March 18th (9:24 PM PST). While in Pisces, Mercury works best with less structure and with communication that is considerate.
[13:19] Mini-Lesson: Saturn in Pisces through the Houses.  The House or Houses of your birth chart where this transit will take place indicates the areas of life that will offer the opportunity to set boundaries, show compassion, and take responsibility by literally doing something to make this world a better place.
[14:58] Transiting Saturn in the 1st House. Be kind to yourself and do not take on burdens that belong to someone else.
[16:23] Transiting Saturn in the 2nd House.  This transit can be about finding a career that's meaningful and making solid, long- range plans to improve your financial circumstances.
[17:49] Transiting Saturn in the 3rd House.  Learn by doing.  Also, focus on handling communications in a kind, ethical, responsible way.
[18:48] Transiting Saturn in the 4th House.  Define what home means to you.  Family members could need your help at this time but don’t forget to establish some healthy boundaries.
[19:55] Transiting Saturn in the 5th House. Create something that will last.
[21:39] Transiting Saturn in the 6th House. Buckle down and work that 9 to 5.
[22:26] Transiting Saturn in the 7th House. Do you want the relationship badly enough to overcome whatever obstacles come your way?
[23:14] Transiting Saturn in the 8th House. Prove your independence.
[23:55] Transiting Saturn in the 9th House. Be the authority.
[24:36] Transiting Saturn in the 10th House. Career crossroads can be expected.  Find the wherewithal to get up each day and put one foot in front of the other.
[25:26] Transiting Saturn in the 11th House.  Find your reward, your status and respect.
[26:07] Transiting Saturn in the 12th House. We’re reminded of our mortality and limits, that things end, and that we need to take care of ourselves with appropriate boundaries.
[6:43] Up next episode - transiting Saturn in aspect with the planets of the chart. Listener questions return in the month of April. If you have a question you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[27:29] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors LeiAnne Koch and Sharmeen Khan.
[28:21] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go here!  A donation of $7 or more will get you access to the Capricorn Solstice bonus episode and the upcoming Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes.

166 | Pisces New Moon….Squirrel!

A Pisces New Moon asks: where have you been hiding out, and how can you find the courage to come out into the open? Mercury’s aspect to Uranus makes waves with innovative and radical ideas, but when Mercury trines Mars the next day, stand by them and make them a reality! And April offers the first of a three-part mini-lesson on the upcoming transit of Saturn in Pisces. Plus: Bearish bodyguards, “as I wrote in my book,” and two of the most spectacular donor names ever!
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
[1:05]  Moon Report! The New Moon in Pisces will occur on February 19, 2023 (11:06 PM PST).  New Moons in Pisces begin a 28-day cycle of new spiritual growth. This also begins a Lunar Gestation cycle that will unfold over the next 27 months.
[1:57] The Lunar Gestation cycle was introduced by astrologer Dietrich Pessin – see this article from The Mountain Astrologer.  Also, much gratitude to Celeste Brooks of Astrology by Celeste for introducing the concept to April and Jen!  Check out Episode 141 for a recap. 
[2:34] The Sabian symbol for this New Moon degree, 1°22’ Pisces, is 2 Pisces, A squirrel hiding from hunters. Since this New Moon is just past a conjunction from Saturn, this lunation could be a story about hiding out from squirrely situations. 
[3:42] The First Quarter Moon of this Lunar Gestation cycle will be on November 20, 2023.  The Full Moon will be on August 19, 2024 and the Last Quarter Moon on May 20, 2025.  Note that these lunation degrees in the gestation cycle actually come at the end of freedom-loving Aquarius and are therefore close enough to this 1°22’ Pisces New Moon to be considered within this family.
[5:20] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods.  On February 21, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto (8:05 pm PST). It's VOC for about one and one quarter hours before it enters Aries (9:14 PM). Sometimes your best squirrel strength comes from uniting with the big, bad bear of the forest.
[6:13] The Moon in Aries squares Pluto on February 23rd at (11:22 PM PST) and is VOC for just a little over one hour. It then enters Taurus on February 24th (12:29 AM PST). Has your inner squirrel succeeded in cultivating strength or is it still relying on that bear for protection?
[7:19] And finally, on February 26th, the Moon in Taurus trines Pluto (6:42 AM PST) and is VOC for just about one hour before entering Gemini (7:47 AM PST).  Our little squirrel friend is thankful for its powerful alliances but realizes that it can handle situations on their own! 
[9:31] Mercury squares Uranus on February 21st (2:22 PM PST) at 15°19’ of Aquarius and Taurus. Will your innovative ideas be rejected as a bit too radical?
[10:55] On February 22nd (12:14 PM PST), Mercury trines Mars at 16°45’ of Aquarius and Gemini. The Sabian symbol for Mercury is 17 Aquarius, A watchdog standing guard. And the Sabian symbol for Mars at 17 Gemini is A head of a robust youth changes into that of a mature thinker.  Defend those radical ideas and get to work on making those thoughts a reality.
[12:15] Mini-lesson:  Saturn in Pisces.  Saturn will enter Pisces on March 7, 2023.   That big, bad bear of a planet, Pluto, will be dipping into Aquarius in March as well. 
 
[13:02] Stay-tuned for mini-lessons on these two major transitions.  Episode 167 will cover Saturn in Pisces moving through the houses of the horoscope.  Episode 168 will take a quick look at Saturn in aspect to the other planets in a birth chart.
[13:36] Important notes about Saturn: (1.) It takes about 29 years to make a complete circuit around the zodiac. (2.) Saturn changes signs about every two and a half years. (3.) It has been domiciled in Aquarius from March 21, 2020 to March 7, 2023 (4.) Saturn is going to be in Pisces through May 24th, 2025, spend a few months in Aries, and then retrograde back into Pisces one more time before leaving for good on February 13th, 2026.
[14:18] Saturn transits are typically times of maturity, wisdom, discipline and boundaries.  Suggested reading:  April’s book Astrological Transits. 
[17:30] A Saturn in Aquarius recap.
[18:59] Saturn in Pisces themes, previous dates and Saturn returns. 
[23:06] Listener questions will resume in the month of April. If you have a question you'd like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email her at April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com and be sure to put "Podcast Question" in the subject line.  
[23:45] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Cyprus Hippolyte and Martina Papinchak!
[24:51] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go here!  A donation of $7 or more will get you access to the Capricorn Solstice bonus episode and the upcoming Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes. 

165 | Sun in Pisces, Venus with Neptune, and the Beautiful Cloud!

This week: Valentine's Day is flavored by Venus' rapturous conjunction to romantic Neptune, by the Sun's conjunction with realistic Saturn, and by the aftermath of an emotionally intense, pattern-breaking Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio. The Sun enters Pisces – what lights us up during this imaginative season? Venus enters fast-moving (impulsive?) Aries. And April answers a listener’s question about the best time to move into a new home. Plus: Impulse spending, the antithesis of romance, and the boom, boom, boom!
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!
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Timestamps
[1:18] Moon Report! On February 13 (8:01 AM PST), a Last Quarter Moon at 24°40’ Scorpio opposed Uranus, squares the Sun and Saturn. The Last Quarter Moon Phase is the moment in the lunar cycle for looking back and assessing our progress since the previous New Moon (January 21st at 1°32’ Aquarius).
[2:39] This is also the Last Quarter in a Lunar Phase Family that began with the Scorpio New Moon on November 14, 2020. That New Moon was sextile a triple conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in Capricorn. What old patterns have you been working hard to break free from?
[4:14] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. The Moon in Scorpio sextiles Pluto in Capricorn on February 13 (3:52 PM PST). The Moon is VOC for about an hour and a half before entering Sagittarius (5:31 PM PST).  Here is an opportunity to clear the emotional air and to release some grudges, negativity, and lack of trust.
[5:20] On February 15 (5:06 PM PST), the Moon in Sagittarius sextiles Saturn in Aquarius. It’s VOC for about four hours and enters Capricorn at 9:00 PM PST. Time to bring a bit of structure and form to those enthusiastically expansive dreams.
[6:09] The Moon in Capricorn conjoins Pluto on February 17 (8:18 PM PST). It’s VOC for about an hour and fifteen minutes before entering Aquarius (9:35 PM PST). This VOC period could be a more intense follow up to the Moon’s sextile to Pluto on February 13th, when there was an opportunity to release emotional negativity.
[7:25] The Moon in Aquarius conjoins Saturn on February 19 (6:00 PM PST) and is VOC for about three hours before it enters Pisces (8:56 PM PST). Preoccupied by thoughts about future goals, it may be difficult to be emotionally present.
[9:00] On February 15 (4:25 AM PST), exalted Venus makes a conjunction with domiciled Neptune at 24°04’ Pisces, on the Sabian symbol, 25 Pisces, The purging of the priesthood. This romantic aspect influences Valentine’s Day even though it’s exact on the following day.
[10:28] Rose-colored glasses are part of Venus-Neptune’s wardrobe, but check false, unhealthy ideals at the door of this party. Solo or partnered, this could be an opportunity to fall in love with the reality of the life you are building.
[11:41] The Sun makes its annual conjunction to Saturn on February 16 (8:48 AM PST) at 27°44’ Aquarius. This sobering aspect will be present alongside the Venus-Neptune conjunction on Valentine’s Day as well. The Sabian symbol for 28 Aquarius is A tree felled and sawed. This symbol and aspect, speak of the kind of pragmatism it takes for the times when a dreaded action needs to be taken for practical reasons.
[13:52] On February 18 (2:34 PM PST), the Sun enters Pisces (through March 20th). The nature of Pisces is mutable, flexible, and goes with the flow. Pisces is also a water sign and water represents the inner life.  The double-edged sword of idealism is the spark that initiates creative juices during Pisces season. Be sure to tune into the upcoming episodes of the podcast, when April will discuss Saturn in Pisces through the houses of a the chart and in aspect to natal planets!
[16:43] Venus enters Aries on February 19 (11:56 PM PST, through March 16).  Venus in the sign of Aries enjoys moving fast and challenging itself.  So, let’s get physical!
[18:40] Listener David asks about using astrology to determine the best time to move to a new home!
[25:47] If you have a burning question about astrology that you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com. Be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[26:17] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by donors Debra Alexander and Kristen Jennings.
[27:19] If you missed the Podathon and would like to support the show, please go to here!  A donation of $7 or more will get you access to the Capricorn Solstice bonus episode and the upcoming Aries Equinox and Cancer Solstice bonus episodes.

164 | Mercury Enters Aquarius: Your Five-Year Plan!

This week, Mercury teams up with Neptune to get creativity on the schedule and reads tea leaves with probing Pluto, before entering Aquarius for some long-range planning. Venus and Uranus remind us to embrace the flow of our inspiration while also inviting wisdom from those who’ve been around the block a time or two. And April answers a listener’s question about the fascinating technique of Horary Astrology. Plus: The age of irrelevance, the eternal search for car keys, and everyone’s least-loved job interview question.
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
[1:05] Mercury sextiles Neptune on February 6 (10:26 AM PST) at 23°46’ Capricorn and Pisces. Mercury is on the Sabian symbol, 24 Capricorn, A woman entering a convent.  Make some time to be by yourself so you can focus on accessing your imagination and producing something of what you find there.
[3:29] On February 7 (9:29 PM PST), Venus sextiles Uranus at 15°03’ minutes of Pisces and Taurus. Venus is on the Sabian symbol 16 Pisces, The flow of inspiration, with Uranus on Sabian symbol Taurus 16, Old man attempting vainly to reveal the mysteries. Give yourself over to your inspiration, but consider wise input from others as well.
[7:28] The Void-of-Course Moon Report (VOC)!  On February 6th, the Moon in Leo opposes Saturn at 6:15 AM PST. It's VOC for about seven hours before it enters Virgo at 1:14 PM PST. Don't let yourself be stopped from doing what matters because others might disapprove.
[8:53] On February 8, the Moon in Virgo trines Pluto at 10:40 PM PST. It's VOC for about two hours before it enters Libra on February 9 at 12:47 AM.  Stop that insomnia-inducing, runaway mind in its tracks by jotting down a detailed to-do list.
[10:16] The Moon in Libra squares Pluto on February 11 at 8:41 AM PST. It's VOC for about two hours and enters Scorpio at 10:34 AM.  If someone pushes your buttons, this is a time to push back.
[11:55] Mercury conjoins Pluto at 28°58’ Capricorn on February 10 (9:16 AM PST).  The Sabian symbol is 29 Capricorn, Woman reading tea leaves.  Much like the VOC Moon in Virgo period from February 8th, this could be an excellent time to tackle a long-overdue, difficult issue.
[14:07] Mercury enters Aquarius on February 11 (3:22 AM PST). It will be in the sign until March 2nd. Aquarius is a sign that loves long-range planning. Where do you see yourself in five, ten or even twenty years? Write those intentions down and make a consistent effort towards achieving those goals. You may be pleasantly surprised by how those seeds grow.
[16:48] Listener Joanna asks about the incredibly interesting technique of Horary Astrology.
[19:45] April answered a listener question about planetary dignities on Episode 111.
[20:21] The Astrology Podcast has covered Horary Astrology in-depth on a number of episodes, including this great interview with Lee Lehman, a master of the craft. Courses in Horary Astrology with Dr. Lehman and other top-notch instructors are available through the School of Traditional Astrology.
[21:57] If you have a burning question about astrology that you’d like April to answer on a future episode, please leave a voicemail of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or just send an email to april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com.  Be sure to put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.
[22:30] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share!  This episode is brought to you by donors Tammy Van Ulzen and Luisa Rebelo!
[23:29] If you’d like to support the show and would like to receive April’s Bonus Donors-only episode for the Solstices and Aries Equinox, just donate $10 or more here!