Big Sky Astrology Podcast

115 | Capricorn Last Quarter Moon: Shakeups and Headbutts

A square aspect between Mars and Uranus gets the week off to an invigorating start! But take caution, especially when driving or in situations that could lead to conflict. This week's void-of-course Moon periods, and a Capricorn Last Quarter Moon that's connected to the Christmas 2019 Solar Eclipse. Mercury and Neptune unite, with artistic yet muddled results, before Mercury leaps into straightforward Aries. And April answers listener Patel's question about the difference between sun sign and rising sign birth charts and the kind of reading that can be done without a precise birth time, which may or may not include Mars and headbutts at incendiary office parties.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Want to share your own rendition of the Moonwatch theme! Leave it on Speakpipe or just record it on your phone and send me the file!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Subscribe to April's mailing list
Love the show? Donate here!
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Timestamps
[0:43] This week's big sky happenings
[1:12] Mars square Uranus: a wild combination
[3:26] April's advice on how to work with difficult planetary aspects
[4:39] Mercury's conjunction with Neptune, on the degree of next month's Jupiter/Neptune conjunction.
[6:05] An interpretation of the Sabian symbol, "An inhabited isle."
[7:14] Moon report time! It’s the Capricorn Last Quarter Moon!
[8:18] A Capricorn Moon keeps us on task, and an Aries Sun keeps us moving.
[9:33] This Last Quarter is part of the lunar phase family that began at the Christmas 2019 eclipse. Are you on track to complete something you started then?
[10:29] Mars is the surprising connection between the Sun and Moon at this Last Quarter.
[11:50] This week's void-of-course moon periods
[15:39] Contact April for an online private reading
[16:24] Mercury enters Aries: Cutting through the fog!
[18:03] A listener question about sun sign and rising sign charts
[25:09] Where to go for more of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast
[25:28] A shout out to the show’s generous donors, especially Maressa Brown, Andrea Ingham and Leslie Wade!

114 | Virgo Full Moon: Handling Our Baggage, Clearing the Haze

This week: Mercury in sleepy Pisces wakes up with an exciting sextile aspect to Uranus, on the Sabian symbol, A man handling baggage. Shall we take this as a gentle suggestion to sort out our own baggage, particularly the emotional kind? April’s advice is to choose a focal point for sorting out, such as a cupboard or a small closet - a manageable project that won’t overload your Mercury mind.
A square aspect between Venus (the planet of love) and Uranus (planet of disruption) could spell problems for romantic relationships and bank accounts. Helpfully, Venus is in Aquarius, a sign that doesn't mind shaking things up. Finally, let's throw an astrological New Year's party as the Sun moves into Aries! Plus: Are listener Patti's transits ganging up on her?
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Want to share your own rendition of the Moonwatch theme! Leave it on Speakpipe or just record it on your phone and send me the file!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Subscribe to April's mailing list
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
 
Timestamps
[0:46] The big astrological stories of the week
[1:21] Mercury makes a sextile to Uranus
[3:53] April’s thoughts for navigating Mercury-Uranus
[4:45] This week’s moon report - A Virgo Full Moon stands opposite the rest of the sky!
[8:04] This week's void-of-course moon periods
[11:40] The Sun in Pisces gets a boost in focus as it sextiles Pluto in pragmatic Capricorn
[14:26] A disruptive but energizing square between Venus and Uranus
[16:24] Happy Astrological New Year: The Sun moves into Aries! Note: I actually was not able to locate a single article or video on the Aries Ingress that I wished to share! I'll update this if I find something closer to the ingress day.
[19:25] Mercury and Jupiter come together on the Sabian symbol, A master and his pupil. Teachers can learn from their students, too!
[21:11] This week’s listener question: Patti suspects her transits are doubling up on her! Is she imagining things? Does this happen to everyone, or is she just lucky?
[29:23] Wrapping up with a personal thank you to generous listeners, especially Anna Kelly, Melissa Pearson, and Jack Daft! If you love the show and would like to make a donation, go to https://www.bigskyastropod.com!
Additional Resources
Donna Cunningham’s article on transits in natal charts
Michele Finey’s article on Venus and Mars
Where to go to submit your Big Sky astrology question
Support the podcast!

113 | Sun Conjunct Neptune: Not a Poet (and Don’t I Know It!)

Mercury enters dreamy Pisces this week, and it's one of the more difficult signs for the planet of information and communication. Pisces doesn’t favor straightforward sharing of knowledge, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll be missing out on vital messages. They could still come to you but in more mysterious ways, through dreams or poems for example. If you want to make the most of this particular Mercury, don’t schedule important meetings or major updates on your computer. Instead, try to get in touch with your inner poet and leave space for daydreaming, creativity, and fantasy.
This week's Gemini First Quarter Moon harkens back to the June 2021 Solar Eclipse, and not necessarily in a good way. And the Sun comes together with Neptune, like a sunset over the ocean (watch for the green flash!). Plus: a simple system to understand the planetary flow in your chart, which is also a handy tool for finding aspects from transits to your birth chart.
Thanks so much to all of the regular listeners who tune in weekly and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so that you don’t miss any celestial events, and recommend the show to your astrology loving friends!
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Want to share your own rendition of the Moonwatch theme! Leave it on Speakpipe or just record it on your phone and send me the file!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Subscribe to April's mailing list
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:48] This week's planetary highlights
[1:15] Mercury in Pisces: Look for messages delivered in new ways
[3:44] Embracing your inner poet
[6:22] The Moonwatch report, with an energizing intro by listener Maria and her husband!
[7:24] The Sabian symbols for the Gemini First Quarter Moon
[11:15] Interpreting the First Quarter Moon in your birth chart
[12:38] The void-of-course Moon periods for the week
[16:41] A conjunction between the Sun and Neptune: look for the green flash!
[19:07] Look out for moments of clarity and inspiration
[20:37] A mini-lesson on using natal planets in order of their degrees
[23:15] Using this system to find transiting aspects quickly
[26:55] A shout out to loyal listeners of the podcast, especially this week's spotlighted donors: Aida Curtis, Yvonne Allara, and Heather Liston!
Additional Resources 
Download this worksheet about planetary order!
Planets in Containment book
Where to go to submit your Big Sky astrology question
Support the podcast

112 | Pisces New Moon & the Lunar Nodes: Endings, Suspicion, and Hedonism (Juicy!)

April takes a look at the New Moon in Pisces, the Sun’s sextile aspect to Uranus, and the Mars and Venus conjunctions with Pluto and what they may mean for you. From the conclusion of relationships to letting go of the ropes and trusting the universe, this Pisces season creates an atmosphere of reflection and release.
This New Moon heralds the second anniversary of the pandemic, and a humbling cosmic reminder that we aren’t fully in control. So, for all who take solace in checklists, plans, and strategies - ‘tis the season to relax and let go. In Pisces season, life happens and things may not go exactly as planned. As the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces is associated with endings – so now is a great time to ask yourself: “where am I being called to lighten the load?”
Building on the theme of reflection and retreat, the Sun-Uranus sextile aspect is an opportunity to integrate and share insights from last month’s breakthroughs. Use this as a chance to liberate yourself from who you think you have to be, and to align your persona with your authentic self. Ask yourself: What am I projecting out in the world that is no longer true to who I am inside? Plus: a new Mars-Pluto cycle, Kelly Clarkson's name change, and a juicy listener question about death, suspicion, and hedonism.
Note: This episode was recorded before the events in Ukraine, and our hopes for peace and safety go out to the people of Ukraine and our friends in the region.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Leave it here or email April!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Subscribe to April's mailing list and peruse her offerings at her website
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
(00:34) Episode overview: New Moon in Pisces 2022
(01:08) Why plans may go astray during this Pisces season.
(04:59) How to stay in harmony with the Pisces season.
(05:26) Sun’s sextile aspect to Uranus: the last major aspect of the Sun-Uranus cycle.
(07:00) Kelly Clarkson’s legal name change and the Sun-Uranus sextile aspect: what’s the connection?
(08:44) New Moon in Pisces: retreating to a lighter life.
(14:31) Void-of-Course Moon periods this week February 28 - March 6, 2022.
(17:00) Mars and Venus’ conjunctions with Pluto and ingress into Aquarius: the final resolution of many relationship challenges
(25:10) Question from listener Dora: The Taurus-Scorpio nodes, releasing Scorpio’s dark side, and embracing Taurus qualities.
(27:17) Can we expect excessive hedonism in 2024?
(29:40) How to support the podcast – and shoutout to Phyllis Lamken, Sara Day, and Mixy Gregory!
Additional resources
Which is your Pisces house? How to find it, and what it means
Jen and I discussed the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction on Ep. 61 | The Great Conjunction of Jupiter & Saturn: We Feel Bloated!
Submit your question for April on Speakpipe!
Support the podcast!

111 | The Return of Pluto, and a Sect-sy Question!

This week, one of the year’s biggest events in astrology: the United States Pluto return! This is the first time that Pluto will have completed a full orbit since the founding of the United States. While some may think that this spells the end of the international dominance of the States, it’s actually more of a sign of transformation rather than a definitive ending. We may expect to see dramatic shifts in political and economic power, and a change in how we use our natural resources. There are several important dates on the calendar for this particular Pluto return, so stay tuned for further developments.
Later in the episode, April walks you through the Sagittarius Last Quarter Moon and this week's void-of-course Moon periods; Venus and Mars check in with Neptune; and an innovative but tech-tickling Mercury-Uranus square. Finally, April answers a listener question about the role of sect in your birth chart! 
Registration is open through Feb. 21 for April's Fundamental of Forecasting course - classes begin Feb. 26, 2022!
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Leave it here or email April!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:45] It’s a light week in the skies this week, so let's look at...
[1:09] The biggest astrology news of the week: The first U.S. Pluto return, marking political and economic shifts
[2:07] The dates of the Pluto conjunction, and what to look out for
[3:24] A Pluto return is a change, not necessarily an ending
[4:49] The Venus-Mars sextile aspect to Neptune: A quiet moment of contemplation
[7:56] This week’s Moon report, with a tuneful intro from listener Elliott!
[11:30] The week's void-of-course moon periods
[14:47] A square aspect between Mercury and Uranus: Time to brainstorm!
[16:50] A question (and 19th century spoiler alert) from listener "TV"
[18:10] April breaks down the role of sect in astrology
[25:30] How to submit your astrology questions
[26:45] A big shout out to the show’s loyal and generous listeners, especially Elliott Mayer (yes, THAT Elliott!), Catherine Boyer, and Sara McNeil!
Additional resources
Ray Grasse’s Pluto Return article
We previously discussed the U.S. Pluto return on Ep. 65
Leisa Schaim’s Saturn Returns and Sect article
Where to go to submit your Big Sky astrology question
Support the podcast
Show notes by Sarah Hopkinson of co

110 | Leo Full Moon: Many Little Birds!

In this episode, April shares a little history about Valentine’s Day and how this holiday connects with the week’s union between lovers Venus and Mars. Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Aquarius on Valentine's Day; it’s a great week to get back in touch with old friends, or to reach out and connect with someone new. But keep your messages light and breezy; Aquarius prefers it that way!
Next up, the Full Moon in Leo, with Sabian symbols of little birds on a tree from Leo and a chopped-down tree from Aquarius. This may seem contradictory, but then, the Full Moon always brings revelations. Perhaps it’s time for you to reevaluate your position and rethink the seeds you planted at the Feb. 1 New Moon. If you’re carrying some hurt inside you, the Leo Sabian symbol suggests that you find your community and join the little birds on the branch, as being part of a group can be a healing experience.
April shares this week’s void-of-course Moon periods and tells you what to look out for and how to make the most of these liminal times. She also shares a mini lesson on understanding planetary cycles – how can you tell which planets' transits are most newsworthy? Plus: the Sun enters restful Pisces, Jupiter connects with Uranus' jumper cables for the first time since last January, and relationship reboots!
Registration is open through Feb. 21 for April's Fundamental of Forecasting course - classes begin Feb. 26, 2022!
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Leave it here or email April!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:43] Welcome Invisible Friends, and happy Valentine's Day!
[2:49] February 14th: Mercury enters Aquarius - keep it breezy!
[4:20] A time to connect, or reconnect
[5:38] A Full Moon in Leo, with Sabian symbols of little birds on a branch and a felled tree
[9:15] The Full Moon squares the lunar nodes, marking the midpoint between eclipse seasons
[11:07] Void-of-course Moon periods on February 14th, February 16th, and February 18th, and February 20th
[12:50] What to look out for and how to use a void-of-course moon
[14:53] The Sun enters Pisces for a month of rest and healing
[16:00] This week’s mini lesson: Planetary cycles and how planetary speeds influence how we interpret the messages from the skies
[25:40] A sexy Venus-Mars conjunction in Capricorn – relationship reboots!
[28:24] Jupiter’s sextile aspect to Uranus. What do we believe, and how do we want to do things differently? Talk about the struggles from January 2021.
[32:18] Shoutouts to the podcast’s loyal donors and subscribers, particularly Elliott Mayer, Catherine Boyer, and Sara McNeil!

109 | Taurus First Quarter Moon: Flocking Together!

This week, April examines the First Quarter Moon in Taurus, which is a time of motivating tension – especially with the Sun and Moon connecting with Saturn and Uranus. This First Quarter is an action point in a cycle that began back at the Taurus New Moon in May 2021; how are your long-term plans progressing? Also: a look at this week’s void-of-course Moon periods, Mars trine Uranus, and the last of three Mercury/Pluto aspects. April answers a question from listener Anna Marie about her natal Venus/Saturn aspect – how can she use it productively in work or relationships? Plus: A white dove, birds of a feather, and our national flock.
Registration is now open for April's Fundamental of Forecasting course - classes begin Feb. 26, 2022!
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Leave it here or email April!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:42] Thank you to everyone for their support and lovely feedback on the new show format! Your encouragement is warmly appreciated!
[1:15] The First Quarter Moon in Taurus: A time of tension
[4:12] The Moon in conjunction with Uranus, Sun conjunct Saturn – highlighting conflict between old and new, restrictions and freedom
[4:41] An invitation for you at each new moon to look ahead and think about your long-term plans. This First Quarter offers progress on plans conceived at the May 11, 2021 Taurus New Moon.
[7:11] A heads-up about this week’s void-of-course Moon periods – times when things might not go exactly as planned: Feb. 8, 8:48 pm – Feb. 9 at 2:27 am PST; and Feb. 11, 12:22 am – 3:26 pm PST. The Moon goes void-of-course when it’s finished making all the major aspects in its sign, and until it changes to the next sign.
[9:00] The trine from Mars to Uranus, with an out-of-bounds Mars in Capricorn, on Feb. 8 at 6:57 am PST. A planet is out-of-bounds when traveling beyond 23 deg. 27 mins. of latitude.
[12:25] Why you should keep an eye out for the last conjunction between Mercury and Pluto (Feb. 11, 6:04 am PST). The previous two were on Dec. 30, 2021, and Jan. 28, 2022.
[14:57] The Sabian symbol 28 Capricorn, “A Large Aviary,” and our national flock. How can we flock together?
[18:26] A trine from Mercury to the North Node of the Moon on February 11th (10:38 pm PST): Look out for messages, information, and invitations that lead in the direction of North Node growth.
[20:49] Answering listener Anna Marie’s question about working with her natal Venus/Saturn square. Tip: “work” is just the right word to use for a Saturn aspect! (Got a question of your own you'd like answered on the podcast? Leave a 1 minute or less voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast)
[28:55] How you can support The Big Sky Astrology Podcast!
[29:35] A shoutout to the loyal listeners of the show, especially donors Stella Von Thun, Carolina Cormack, and Maria Alexander!
Additional resources
Previous episode on the void-of-course moon
Leave a voice question for April!
Contact April via email: april@bigskyastrology.com
 

108 | Aquarius New Moon: Where’s My Comfy Chair??

This week’s episode of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast marks a new phase in the life of the show, as beloved co-host Jen Braun has left the podcast and April is flying solo. We know you’ll join us in wishing Jen well in her future projects, and that you'll continue to keep April company in this new format.
It’s appropriate that this new, solo chapter of the show is being inaugurated at an Aquarius New Moon, a time for shakeups and fresh starts. April describes how the Aquarius New Moon, ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, can feel constricting and conflicting – but also energizing! She offers some thoughts about what “seeds” you should plant during this New Moon phase, and how Mercury leaving its retrograde period influences the week. At the end of the episode, April talks about how much influence astrology has over her day-to-day schedule. (Spoiler: Not much.) Plus: Why April's mad at her favorite getaway place, how the Moon might help you get a job, and how to use Mercury retrograde… next time.
 
Please subscribe to The Big Sky Astrology Podcast and rate and review the show, or even recommend it to a friend!
Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Leave it here or email April!
Enjoy past episodes and leave comments at the BSA podcast site!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
To stay in touch with Jen, check out her website
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[00:16] Aquarius New Moon: A time for change[01:03] Change is tricky![03:24] What you can expect from the show going forward[04:55] The New Moon in Aquarius[06:28] Saturn vs. Uranus: Old vs. New[08:08] What it means to have the Aquarius New Moon connected with Saturn, Uranus[09:29] Planting seeds in a new lunar cycle[11:45] How to know what seeds to plant in this new lunar cycle[12:49] Mercury turns direct: What does that mean for your schedule?[15:06] Mars out-of-bounds[16:40] Mars and the sextile aspect to Jupiter[18:40] Aspect of the week[20:03] We’re seeing the best of Aquarian innovation[22:14] A question for April: How much do you use astrology to plan your day-to-day life? (Spoiler: Not much.)[25:43] What I look at in the sky every day[27:30] Where to go to find out more about the show[28:23] Shoutouts to my loyal podcast supporters!
Additional resources
Mercury will be in retrograde in 2022 from:
January 13th to February 3rd
May 10th to June 2nd
September 9th to October 1st
December 28th to January 18th 2023
Colors associated with each sign:
Aries: red
Taurus: green
Gemini: yellow, patterns
Cancer: silver, light gray, lavender
Leo: gold, orange
Virgo: navy, brown
Libra: light blue and pink
Scorpio: crimson, poison green
Sagittarius: purple, green
Capricorn: dark shades, black, gray
Aquarius: brilliant blues, purple
Pisces: purple, aqua
Previous episode on sextiles
Article on the lunar gestation cycle