Big Sky Astrology Podcast

117 | Mars Meets Saturn: Waving All Our Paws!

This week, April explores a conjunction between Mars and Saturn, which lands on the Sabian symbol, A bear sitting down, waving all his paws. Mars is the planet of action, but like a bear on its hindquarters, it's tempered by Saturn's restraining influence. In other news, Venus enters Pisces, where the planet of love does some of its best work, and April looks at Mercury's busy week as it transitions from Aries and into Taurus. Plus, a review of the Sabian symbols - what they mean, how to use them, and why April's so infatuated with them!
If you found this episode of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast helpful or inspiring, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to the show on your podcast app of choice, and please recommend it 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
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Timestamps
[0:40] This week’s news: The Cancer First Quarter Moon, Venus enters Pisces, a busy Mercury, and a review on the oft-cited Sabian symbols.
[1:08] First up, Mars conjoins Saturn on the Sabian symbol, A bear sitting and waving all its paws. Mars likes to move things forward, but it's hard to do from a seated position. Not even Saturn's restraining influence can keep Mars down forever, but it's sure trying to this week.
[3:37] How to use the Mars-Saturn conjunction.
[5:23] Venus is exalted in Pisces: A moment to express love.
[7:23] An upcoming conjunction between Venus and Jupiter on April 30th, on the day of the Solar Eclipse.
[8:18] Mars will square the Lunar Nodes, bending toward the positive North Node
[9:48] More Mercury updates! Fleet-footed Mercury makes sextile (opportunity) aspects to Saturn and Mars, arbitrating the earlier tension of their conjunction.
[12:43] Mercury’s square aspect to Pluto, the last Mercury aspect in Aries before it enters Taurus
[16:10] Time for the Moon report! Thinking about a move, or a big home project? Here's the Cancer First Quarter Moon, a time to act on instinct and intuition, especially in the areas of home and family.
[20:15] This week's Void-of-Course Moon periods.
[25:30] April’s mini lesson: A review of the Sabian symbols. Where they come from, and how (and perhaps why) to use them!
[26:36] How the Sabian symbols work, and some resources you might find helpful.
[29:51] A Big Sky shoutout to donors Janis Griffin, Haley Matherly, and Michele Matsuda!
Additional Resources
Lynda Hill’s book on the Sabian symbols
The Sabian Symbols in Astrology, by Marc Edmund Jones
The Sabian Symbols & Astrological Analysis, by Blain Bovee
How to support the podcast

116 | Aries New Moon: Neither a Follower Nor a Leader Be

The Aries New Moon is the liveliest feature in a relatively slow astronews week, and it's the perfect time to launch innovative projects and business ventures.  Aries has a pioneer spirit and is happiest moving at its own pace; it's not drawn to leadership, it just doesn't want to follow anyone else! Also: How to make the most of the 14-hour void-of-course moon period on March 28th; Venus makes it official with Saturn and triggers the lunar nodes; and April deploys a festive metaphor to answer listener Elliott's question about orbs - the number of degrees two planets can be from an exact aspect and still have an influence. Plus: Bendings, bad boys, and tetherballs!
If you have an astrology question for April you can contact her on the link below, and if you enjoyed this episode, please show your support for The Big Sky Astrology Podcast by subscribing, leaving a review, and recommending the show to a friend.
 
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
[0:42] This week’s Big Sky news: The Aries New Moon, some sweet, sweet Venus aspects, and a listener question.
[1:08] A Venus/Saturn conjunction, spelling a mix of commitment and pleasure.
[4:34] A square aspect between Venus and the lunar node, involving the Sabian symbol, "A man turning his back on his passions and teaching from his experience." Trust your experience in Venus matters instead of what you want to be true.
[7:20] The Moon Report! What does the Aries New Moon (March 31, 11:24 pm Pacific time; April 1 practically everyplace else) mean for you? It begins with the house of your chart that contains 11 deg. Aries. Don't know how to find it? This blog post and video might help!
[10:27] Void-of-course moon periods to watch out for, including a 14-hour window on March 28th.
[13:06] Sometimes you just want to talk with someone about your chart. Make that person April! Book a personal reading at her website!
[14:04] A question from listener Elliott about planetary aspects. How far away is too far?
[18:00] A metaphor for approaching vs. separating aspects that anyone who's ever hosted a party can appreciate.
[21:26] Is Uranus' bad boy reputation deserved? [April’s note: Looking back at this transcript, I can see I’m giving a bit of a mixed message here. What I’d like to say is, orbs depend on many things: your relationship with the transiting planet, how slowly it moves, and the nature of the events that it brings. What happened at that party? It’s harder to clean up after a party where guests have gotten out of control and started throwing furniture around! My guideline of a few degrees is very approximate. With a client, I can usually tell by talking with them whether they’re still experiencing the aspect strongly.]
[22:52] How to have your astrology question answered on the show!
[24:00] Big thank you and shout outs to the show’s loyal listeners Vanessa, Tammy, and Anna!
Additional Resources
Episode 109, featuring a listener question about Venus/Saturn conjunctions
Book a private reading with April
Where to go to submit your Big Sky Astrology question
Support the 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!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
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!