Big Sky Astrology Podcast

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

107 | The Nodes Enter Taurus & Scorpio: Big News!

April and Jen kick off the show with huge BSA Podcast news, and then hunker down to bring you a one-week forecast! There was an important event in the heavens last week, so we begin with a deep dive into the Lunar Nodes changing signs! Then we catch up on the happenings of the upcoming week: Mars (marching forward) and Mercury (sliding backward) enter Capricorn; a Scorpio Last Quarter Moon calls to mind October 2019; the planet of communication joins Pluto on a mountain pilgrimage for the second time; Venus, briefcase in hand, turns direct; and the Aquarian Sun awakens bull-headed, unpredictable Uranus (cue the music for Saturn to become involved in the ruckus soon!). Plus: the beauty and bounty of National Parks, axe licking, and… can you really fool Mercury by setting up a computer during its retrograde??
Read full show notes for this episode at the BSA pod page!
You can always find Jen at https://www.JenBraun.com, and on IG @JenBraun.MS.LPCC!
Enjoy past episodes and leave comments at the BSA podcast site!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB!
Support the podcast by making a donation!
Episode timestamps:
00:30 – April & Jen have big news, podpals! (And remember: You can always find Jen at her site, as well as on IG @JenBraun.MS.LPCC!) Love and hugs to everyone!
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03:23 – The Lunar Nodes entered Taurus and Scorpio last week (Jan. 18)! The Nodes travel backwards through the signs, and so you may recall that the Nodes entered Gemini/Sagittarius in May 2020 (learn more on Episode 24, Scorpio Full Moon & Lunar Nodes for Grasshoppers). The Nodes will be in Taurus and Scorpio through July 17, 2023, and this will trigger eclipses in Taurus and Scorpio as well.
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05:15 – What does it mean to have the Nodes in Taurus and Scorpio? How will that reflect in the world around us? Hint: The cosmic imperative at this time is to move away from the South Node, and toward the North Node.
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07:49 – The Nodes are going to be connecting with the 2021 Saturn/Uranus square! (Lend your ears to Episode 69, Saturn and Uranus: That Escalated Quickly!) Transiting planets that square the Nodal axis are a catalyst for transcendence and growth. In 2022, Mars will square the Nodes (April 5), perhaps bringing up confrontations requiring courage. And Saturn will also square Nodes (April 11), asking you to take responsibility for your growth. Also, transiting planets that conjoin one of the Nodes tip the scales toward one side of the process. On July 31/Aug. 1, Mars, Uranus, and the North Node will join up in Taurus. This can be an unsteady triple conjunction, but the hope is that it moves us in a better direction.
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08:58 – The Taurus North Node can also be about noticing simple pleasures, which can often be easily overlooked – the key is in the noticing. The Scorpio South Node can speak to releasing that which doesn’t align with your authentic self.
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11:16 – Mars enters Capricorn (Jan. 24 – March 5), leaving no fire in the chart! On the days that the Moon moves through Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo we’ll get that fire – but otherwise, if you find yourself feeling low energy, you might try to do things that are energizing and creative for you.
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13:01 – Head’s up: While Mars is in Cap, it will join Pluto on March 3 – and Venus will be near the party, too! Over the next couple of days then, Mars and Venus both enter Aquarius and make a conjunction with each other. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, and its energy is restrained and disciplined. It’s a good time for implementing strategy – but wait until Venus turns direct on Jan. 29 and Mercury turns direct on Feb. 3.
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15:48 – **MOONWATCH!** On Jan. 25, we have a Last Quarter (LQ) Moon at 5.33 Scorpio on the Sabian symbol, “A gold rush” – appropriate with Uranus involved! We also have a lovely trine to Jupiter at this lunation. LQ Moons always ask us to look back to see what adjustments need to be made – in this case, look to the New Moon in Cap from three weeks ago, as well as the Lunar Phase Family periods from Oct. 2019, July 2020, and April 2021. Eureka!
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18:52 – Retrograde (Rx) Mercury re-enters Capricorn (Jan. 25)! It was last at these final degrees of Capricorn on New Year’s Day, so ponder: Do you want to rethink your New Year’s resolutions? Perhaps there is something left unfinished in business or family matters. Remember, Mercury is still Rx through Feb. 3. After it turns direct, will be at this point again on Valentine’s Day. It re-enters Aquarius on Feb. 15. (And it’s always fun to review Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants?)
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21:40 – Mercury joins Pluto at 26.51 Capricorn (Jan. 28). And yes, April was right – the Sabian symbol is, indeed, “A mountain pilgrimage”! This is the second of three conjunctions; the first was Dec. 30 and the last will be Feb. 11. Does a story connect for you related to thinking/communication and empowerment or “going deep” with something? (And we did discuss this previously! Listen to Episode 105, The Solstice, a Capricorn New Moon, & Zooming into a New Year!)
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23:23 – Venus turns direct at 11.04 Capricorn (Jan. 29)! And there was much rejoicing! This happens on the symbol, “A student of nature lecturing.” Hopefully we’ll now see forward momentum in relationships, in money, and in the things that we enjoy. A reminder that Venus turned Rx on Dec. 19 at 26.29 Cap (Episode 104, Venus Turns Retrograde: Cheez Food Sirens!), and made a conjunction with Pluto on Dec. 11 and Dec. 25 (Episode 105, The Solstice, a Capricorn New Moon, & Zooming into a New Year!) and will join Pluto once more on March 3.
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26:03 – The Sun, at 10.52 Aquarius, squares Uranus in Taurus (Jan. 30), on the symbol “Man tête-à-tête with his inspiration.” Uranus is on, “A woman sprinkling flowers.” The propulsive qualities of Uranus might help us see little explosions of growth and inspiration, which sound nice! Note that the next day, we’ll have the Aquarius New Moon on the symbol, “People on stairs graduated upwards.” Blain Bovee suggests this symbol is more of a gradual rise rather than sudden discoveries. So perhaps we’ll feel driven to do something new, something creative – and although the inspiration comes suddenly, it might unfold gradually over time. [Note: Oops! The correct Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A barometer.” More on that in Episode 108!]
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28:04 – A few days later, on Feb. 4, the Sun will then join up with Saturn! (Yes, that again! Did you think we were done talking about the Saturn/Uranus square? 😂) Saturn and Uranus will still dance together throughout 2022. And on Oct. 1, 2022, they will come thisclose to an exact square once again. We’ve had our Sun/Uranus inspiration on Jan. 31; now we are being asked, with Sun/Saturn, “How are you going to make that happen, my friend?”
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30:49 – This episode is brought to you by podpals BOBBIE GALION, ELLEN SEMINARA, and BIRGITTA KNOWLES! And don’t forget to tip your server: If you’d like to support the show while Jen is around (through the end of January), please get your contribution in by Jan. 31! For just $5 or more, you’ll receive our bonus Solstice episode exclusively for donors, as well as our hilarious bingo card – both of which will be retired at the end of the month! Of course, we’d also love it if you give the BSA pod a follow, leave us a 5-star rating, or write a happy review – here’s how! This is Jen signing off for now, podpals, with love to everyone! Thanks for a great ride! ❤❤❤

Announcement!

Podpals, April and Jen have a quick announcement this week!
Enjoy past episodes and leave comments at the BSA podcast site!
Contribute just $5 or more to receive the super-secret, extra-special Capricorn Solstice bonus episode – a 3-month preview of the planetary action to come!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
 

106 | Aries First Quarter: The Nike Moon!

April and Jen are thanking you, sweet podpals, for 100k downloads! The next two weeks bring a variety of aspects with a somewhat foggy flavor: Jupiter asks us to believe, Ted-Lasso-style; Venus runs a relay race with Neptune, then hands the baton to the Sun; an Aries First Quarter Moon pushes us forward; Mars drives through the haze towards Neptune, before going out-of-bounds; Mercury joins Venus at the retrograde party; and the Sun meets up with powerful Pluto. Plus: kal sarpa yoga, vexing electronics, and just doing it!
Read full show notes for this episode at the BSA pod page!
Contribute just $5 or more (or become a monthly ongoing donor!) to receive the super-secret, extra-special Capricorn Solstice bonus episode – a 3-month preview of the planetary action to come!
Enjoy past episodes and leave comments at the BSA podcast site!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode timestamps:
00:30 – April & Jen say, “Woo hoo! Yay!” Thank you, sweet podpals, for 100k downloads! You like us, you really like us! 😀😀
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02:02 – April is presenting for NCGR Florida Atlantic on the Astrology of 2022! A full day Zoom event on Jan. 15 – sign up here!
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03:01 – As Ted Lasso says: Believe! WEEK ONE (Jan. 3-9) kicks off the New Year with Jupiter, at 1.02 Pisces, square the Lunar Nodes in Gemini/Sagittarius (Jan. 3). This could have a “final exam” feel to it, as it is the last aspect to the Nodes before they change signs on Jan. 18th! (And here is Jen’s Sagittarian-themed story that she referred to!)
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06:55 – Venus, at 20.45 Capricorn, sextiles Neptune in Pisces (Jan. 5). Because Venus is retrograde (Rx), this is the second of three sextiles. (The other two: Nov. 30 and Feb. 24.) This may represent an opportunity related to people who come onto your path, or return to your life. Neptune is on the Sabian symbol, “A relay race” – so fitting for this 3-part dance! (To hear more about sextiles, revisit Episode 16, Let's Talk about Sextiles!)
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11:07 – Venus joins up with the Sun at 18.43 Capricorn (Jan. 8/9) in an inferior conjunction; Venus is between the Earth and the Sun. It is rapidly moving into the morning sky. This conjunction is on the symbol, “A child of about five with a huge shopping bag.” Perhaps we have more than we think we do! This could be an inside journey about loving ourselves more, and giving ourselves a little more grace. Honor who you are personally in order to strengthen relationships.
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14:20 – **MOONWATCH!** We have a First Quarter (FQ) Moon at 19.27 Aries on Jan. 9! The Moon is square the Capricorn crew of Sun, Venus, and Pluto! Is it outmatched? Well, Aries is the “Just do it!” Moon and not to be underestimated. The FQ phase represents a time to initiate action from whatever started at the New Moon one week ago. The imperative is to do something, but Mars (ruler of the Moon) is square Neptune – so there can be some lack of seeing the full, clear picture. This FQ Moon is connected to the lunar phase family that began April 11, 2021. What echoes do you hear from that time? What were your intentions then?
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17:52 – This is a very dynamic FQ Moon with lots of squares, and no planets on the other half of the chart. When planets are all squished between the Lunar Nodes (Rahu and Ketu), this is called Kal Sarpa Yoga (see Komilla Sutton’s video here; dates on her website. And for more on Linea Van Horn, visit her website.)
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20:48 – Book a personal astrology reading with April for the New Year! Rates go up Feb. 1, so lock in the current rate now!
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21:48 – WEEK TWO (Jan. 10-16) begins with the Sun in a sextile to Neptune (Jan. 10/11) at 20.52 Capricorn/Pisces. The relay race has passed to the Sun, bringing the opportunity for creative possibilities and planning!
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23:29 – Mars squares Neptune (Jan. 11) at 20.53 Sagittarius/Pisces. The next day, Mars goes out-of-bounds (Jan. 12-Feb.10), so it’s a little more reckless than usual. A planet square Neptune is not always clear about what it’s doing, so be careful about doing things you can’t undo. (And if you’re interested in our Solstice bonus episode with the 3-month preview, including out-of-bounds planets, contribute just $5 or more and we’ll send that to you tout de suite. Tres bien!)
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25:36 – This is the closing Mars/Neptune square from a conjunction that began June 13, 2020. Revisit Episode 29, Neptune Washing Over All, and the US Pluto Return – a timely episode for us in the US, as we approach our Pluto Return next month. The US is also having its Neptune opposition!
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26:26 – Mercury, at 10.20 Aquarius, turns retrograde (Rx) on Jan. 14 (3:41 am PST)! It will be Rx through Feb. 3. As always with Mercury Rx, try not to overbook yourself. And, will this be a particularly vexing Rx for electronics? We shall see! (Lend your ears to Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants?)
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29:39 – The Sun conjuncts Pluto at 26.26 Capricorn (Jan. 16) on the Sabian symbol, “A mountain pilgrimage” – so perhaps this is an inward journey! The cosmic message for this meet-up is: Respect the power endowed in you, but understand that it doesn’t belong to you – it’s to be used to unite and empower others.
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33:45 – This episode is brought to you by podpals LEX ROBERTSON, MARIA NOBRE, and HILLARY STIFLER! To support the show (at no cost!) please follow, give us a 5-star rating, or leave a happy review – here’s how! And to hear our bonus Solstice episode exclusively for donors, just contribute $5 or more! You also will receive our amusing bingo card (and our deep gratitude)! Merci, podpals!

105 | The Solstice, a Capricorn New Moon, & Zooming into a New Year!

April and Jen launch into a 2022 that begins with plenty of hefty action: the Sun and New Moon in hardworking Capricorn; the final face-off between Saturn and Uranus; Venus “embracing” Pluto (not!) for the second time; Jupiter (re)entering Pisces; and Mercury playing translator for Venus and Pluto before skydiving into Aquarius. But wait, there’s more! We also have a Libra Last Quarter Moon, and the Sun’s innovative connection to Uranus. Plus - Slowing down, party planning for planetary aspects, and pheasants: not on our menu!
Read full show notes for this episode at the BSA pod page!
Contribute just $5 or more (or become a monthly ongoing donor!) to receive the super-secret, extra-special Capricorn Solstice bonus episode – a 3-month preview of the planetary action to come!
Enjoy past episodes and leave comments at the BSA podcast site!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode timestamps:
00:30 – April and Jen wish you a Happy New Year! Does everyone else have new fresh calendars and planners?
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01:47 – WEEK ONE (Dec. 20-26) begins with the Sun entering Capricorn, bringing the Solstice with it (Dec. 21)! The sign of the seagoat initiates a new season, and marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. (Psst! To hear more about the Solstice and the upcoming 3-month period, contribute $5 or more – or become a monthly donor – and you’ll receive our special, super-secret, donors-only episode – packed with 50 minutes of content!).
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06:52 – Saturn, at 11.05 Aquarius, squares Uranus in Taurus. This marks the third and final exact square (Dec. 23 Pacific, but Dec. 24th everywhere else). The other two squares were Feb. 17 and June 14, 2021. Note: the two also come thisclose on Oct. 1, 2022 at 18.58/18.21 Aquarius on the Sabian symbol, “A forest fire quenched.” (Hear more about this important aspect on Episode 69, Saturn and Uranus: That Escalated Quickly! and Episode 86, The Cancer Solstice: Not That There's Anything Wrong with That!)
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09:32 – April helpfully breaks down the difference between approaching vs. separating aspects. Does it include a party-planning metaphor? You betcha!
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11:00 – Venus joins up with Pluto at 25.43 Capricorn (Dec. 25) on the symbol, “A water sprite.” What is your true nature? This aspect may refer to people and situations that aren’t right for you, or it could be a good time to get rid of possessions that no longer suit you. This is the second of three conjunctions: The first was Dec. 11, the last will be March 3, 2022. (Review Episode 104, Venus Turns Retrograde: Cheez Food Sirens!)
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12:19 – **MOONWATCH!** This week brings a Last Quarter Moon (Dec. 26/27) at 5.32 Libra on the Sabian symbol, “The ideals of a man abundantly crystalized.” The Sun sits on, “A dark archway and ten logs at the bottom.” Have any dreams come true for you? And can the logs be useful or are they obstacles? This action-oriented phase asks us to make one last push from the New Moon of 3 weeks ago, but also this marks the completion of the lunar phase family that began in late Sep. 2019 – think back to those times. What connects?
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16:16 – WEEK TWO (Dec. 27 – Jan. 2) begins with Jupiter entering Pisces (Dec. 28/29)! Jupiter represents where we want to grow and experience new things, and perhaps take chances. In Pisces: Does life have meaning? Are you growing spiritually? Think back to the last time the biggest planet was in the sign of boundlessness, and perhaps something will link to now: Jan. 17, 2010 – June 5, 2010 and Sep. 8, 2010 – Jan. 22, 2011. Jupiter was also there from May 13 – July 28, 2021 (Hear more on Episode 81, Taurus New Moon & Jupiter in Pisces: A Whale of a Show!)
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17:55 – In 2022, Jupiter will link up with Neptune in Pisces. More to come as we get closer to that April conjunction!
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21:30 – Mercury is doing things! The planet of communication joins up with Venus at 24.26 Capricorn (Dec. 29) and then with Pluto (Dec. 30, 25.53 Capricorn). On the 25th, Venus and Pluto met up, and now Mercury is acting as the translator between the two.
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23:10 – We begin the new year with the Sun, at 10.56 Capricorn, trine Uranus in Taurus (Jan. 1). The symbol for the Sun is, “a large group of pheasants” and Uranus is on, “a woman sprinkling flowers.” This speaks of bounty and beauty… sounds nice to us!
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24:24 – Mercury enters Aquarius (Jan. 1/2), bringing brilliant insights and new ways of thinking. Head’s up: Mercury will be retrograde in Aquarius and Cap (Jan. 14 - Feb. 4). The messenger planet will travel backwards to station at 24.22 Capricorn, and then enters Pisces March 11.
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25:07 – **MOONWATCH!** There is a New Moon at 12.20 Capricorn (Jan. 2) on the Sabian symbol, “A fire worshipper.” With the Sun/Moon trine Uranus, this could indicate re-working old patterns, new inspiration, and change.
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28:10 – In this New Moon chart, all of the planets are on one side (Sagittarius to Taurus). What does this mean, and what the heck do rowboats have to do with it?
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29:57 – This episode is brought to you by podpals STEPHANIE FROGGE, JOSIA SMITH, and KATIE SERDA! To support the show (at no cost!) please follow, give us a 5-star rating, or leave a happy review – here’s how! And to hear our bonus Solstice episode exclusively for donors, just contribute $5 or more! You also will receive our rib-tickling bingo card (and our deep gratitude)! Thanks, podpals!

104 | Venus Turns Retrograde: Cheez Food Sirens!

April and Jen cut through the fog to bring you the news of the fortnight: Mars squares Jupiter, focusing action and attention on the future; the Pisces First Quarter Moon and Sun square Neptune call for forward motion through foggy conditions; as Venus conjoins Pluto, get rid of whatever doesn’t look like love; Mars enters Sagittarius and kicks us out of the nest; Mercury enters no-nonsense Capricorn, and Venus turns retrograde in this sensible sign; and the Gemini Full Moon concludes the Gemini/Sagittarius Lunar Nodes/eclipse cycle. Plus: DIY drawer organizers; when good transits go bad; and the processed cheez food that dare not speak its name (okay, it’s imaginary sponsor Velveeta)!
Read full show notes for this episode at the BSA pod page!
Contribute just $5 or more (or become a monthly ongoing donor!) to receive the super-secret, extra-special Capricorn Solstice bonus episode – a 3-month preview of the planetary action to come!
Enjoy past episodes and leave comments at the BSA podcast site!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode timestamps:
00:30 – When good transits go bad! April recounts her real-life Instagram horror story, and how it reflects a Mercury/Mars/Saturn/Neptune collision in her birth chart. This is happening to lots of astrologers and others in the wellness community, so PSA: Email folks directly or contact them at their website to work with them!
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04:15 – WEEK ONE (Dec. 6-12) begins with Mars square Jupiter (Dec. 7) at 26.24 Scorpio/Aquarius. Sabian symbols: “A military band on the march” and “An ancient pottery bowl filled with violets.” Stay focused and avoid taking on more than you can handle (Jupiter).
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06:02 – **MOONWATCH** This week brings a First Quarter Moon at 19.13 Pisces (Dec. 10). Sabians: 20 Pisces, “A table set for an evening meal” and 20 Sag, “Men cutting through ice.” The Moon is conjunct Neptune, square the Sun and Mercury. The First Quarter Moon demands action, but we’re trying to move forward through foggy conditions. The Sun is “cutting through” the fog, but Moon/Neptune cautions not to move too fast, to sit for a moment with our intuition. This Lunar Phase Family began with the March 13, 2021 New Moon at 23.03 Pisces.
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08:12 – Venus joins Pluto (Dec. 11) at 25.19 Capricorn on the Sabian symbol “A water sprite.” Burn away anything that doesn’t look like love. Get rid of possessions that no longer suit you. Learn about letting go of people and situations that aren’t right for you. This is the first of 3 conjunctions (the other two are Dec. 25, 2021 and March 3, 2022). Are we enjoying the way we’re earning money, and are we being properly compensated for our work?
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13:59 – The Sun squares Neptune (Dec. 11/12) at 20.26 Sag/Pisces. On Dec. 7 Mercury also squares Neptune. Seeing things as they are instead of the way we’d like them to be.
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14:50 – The Sun represents confidence and physical vitality, and when it squares Neptune, some energy can get leaked… so get extra rest.
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15:20 – WEEK TWO (Dec. 13-19) begins with Mars entering Sagittarius (Dec. 13). Energetic Mars in this sign makes leaps of faith and acts on beliefs. Mars conjoins the True South Node (Dec. 15), so it may be time to leave the nest. The lunar nodes leave Gemini and Sagittarius on Jan. 18. With Mars in a fire sign, tempers are shorter, but we let go of the anger faster.
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18:35 – Mercury enters Capricorn (Dec. 13 - Jan. 2). Get serious and get down to business. Start working on plans for the new year. Plenty of time to get your year-end planner and develop your plans! Mercury will turn retrograde on Jan. 14, so now is the time to back up your computer. (And it’s always helpful to review Episode 12, Mercury Retrograde: Where Are My Pants?)
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19:55 – **MOONWATCH** We have a Full Moon (Dec. 18/19) at 27.28 Gemini on the Sabian symbol, “A man declared bankrupt.” The Sun sits at 28 Sag, “An old bridge over a beautiful stream.” The Sun and Moon are in a T-square with Neptune, so tie up loose ends and seek the path with empathy. Virgo is the escape point, so make lists and get organized. (Do you buy or recycle your drawer organizers?)
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25:08 – Welcome new imaginary sponsor, Velveeta!
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25:23 – Venus turns retrograde (Dec. 19) at 26.29 Capricorn, and will appear to move backwards until Jan. 29, 2022, at 11.05 Capricorn. How comfortable are we in our bodies? Indulge a bit in what makes you feel good, physically. This is not a great time to initiate things ruled by Venus, but it’s great for building nourishing structures and aligning our values with our relationships and finances. Venus was last retrograde May 12-June 24, 2020 in Gemini, and was last retrograde in Capricorn on Dec. 21, 2013-Jan. 31, 2014.
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30:44 – For more weekly planetary highlights, you can always check out April’s weekly column at https://www.bigskyastrology.com.
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32:28 – This episode is brought to you by podpals TERRI EHLERT, MICHELLE KAPANEN, and non-imaginary sponsor MINA HABIBI! To support the show (at no cost!) please follow, give us a 5-star rating, or leave a happy review – here’s how! And to hear our upcoming bonus Solstice episode exclusively for donors, just contribute $5 or more! You also will receive our rib-tickling bingo card (and our deep gratitude)! Thanks, podpals!
 

103 | Sagittarius Solar Eclipse: Closed Eyes, Full Stomach, Can’t Stay Awake!

April and Jen celebrate an eclipsy second Podiversary, as we move up to the Varsity team and bring you another two-week episode chock full o’ planetary highlights: The last of the Gemini/Sagittarius eclipse series, along with a details-versus-big-picture Virgo Last Quarter Moon; Mercury busts into Sagittarius, Kool-Aid Man style; hasty Mars is influenced by helpful, healing Neptune; and the god of the seas turns direct (reminding us of our very first episode!). Plus: The look, the feel of cotton; socks as the perfect anniversary gift; and we are happy, peppy, and bursting with love!
Read full show notes for this episode at the BSA pod page!
Enjoy past episodes, leave comments, or make a contribution at the BSA podcast site!
The Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor The Witches Are Watching podcast!
It’s eclipse season, so order a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report if it suits your fancy!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode timestamps:
00:30 – April and Jen are wearing their imaginary BSA cotton t-shirts as they celebrate two years podcasting together!
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01:36 – Help-y, healthy, and bursting with love: If you’re reading show notes that are cut off, please know that we always upload full show notes to the episode webpage! And a reminder that Spotify listeners may need to re-follow if you’re not getting new episodes in your feed!
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02:59 – WEEK ONE (Nov. 22-28) begins with Mercury busting into Sagittarius (Nov. 24 – Dec. 13) and we may struggle to put large concepts into words. Think big – but beware of making promises you can’t keep!
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06:37 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor, The Witches Are Watching podcast! Find them wherever you listen!
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08:44 – Interested in sponsoring Moonwatch? We’d love to chat! Let us know: April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com
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09:10 – **MOONWATCH!** This week brings a Last Quarter Moon (Nov. 27) at 5.28 Virgo on the Sabian symbol, “A merry-go-round.” The Sun sits on sporty 6 Sag, “A game of cricket.” Try to find a balance between Virgo’s attention to detail and Sag’s big-picture ideas.
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11:58 – Mercury joins the Sun at 7.10 Sagittarius (Nov. 28/29) in a superior conjunction. Beware of hearing only what you want to hear.
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13:28 – WEEK TWO (Nov. 29 – Dec. 5) begins with Mars, at 20.24 Scorpio, trine Neptune in Pisces (Nov. 29). This could be a time to act on behalf of others, or on faith. It’s a good week to get a little extra rest if you can!
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15:16 – The Sun, at 8.57 Sag, sextiles Saturn in Aquarius (Nov. 30). This indicates that perhaps a spirit of adventure will lead to opportunities for future success!
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15:51 – Why are Sagittarius and Aquarius compatible? (And – oops! – Jen was so darn close (and yet slightly off) on the episode about the elements: Revisit Episode 36, A Mini-Class for the Dog Days: Elements & Modalities. And to learn more about the sextile aspect, lend your ears to Episode 16, Let's Talk about Sextiles).
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17:23 – Neptune turns direct at 20.24 Pisces (Dec. 1) after being retrograde since June 25. (And to find the webinar that Jackie Slevin did, check out NCGR’s website!) To hear more about Neptune turning direct, review our very first podcast, Episode 1, Sagittarius New Moon: Stars Over Thanksgiving!
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19:12 – Here’s a little more info on NCGR , astrology-loving podpals!
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20:00 – Here's where to order a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report!
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20:56 – **MOONWATCH!** There is a New Moon Solar Eclipse at 12.22 Sagittarius (Dec. 3/4)! This is the last eclipse in the Gemini/Sag series until Oct. 2029, so this eclipse may have a “final exam” feel to it; this area of your chart has been getting attention.
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23:58 – Previous eclipses at this point: June 2020, June 2012, Dec. 2002, June 1993, and Dec. 1983. Which houses and what planets are in your chart between 8°-16° of Gemini, Virgo, Sag, and Pisces? Does anything from those times echo now? (And do visit Episode 5, Unboxing Eclipses if your ears want more!)
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25:34 – Could this Sag New Moon Eclipse be a good time to look ahead to 2022? Can it help set us up in a big-picture way?
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28:50 – This episode is brought to you by podpals Laurie Schaeffer, Carla Eno, and Shellie Crow! To support the show (at no cost!) please follow, give us a 5-star rating, or leave a happy review – here’s how! And to hear our upcoming bonus (donor-only) Solstice episode, just contribute $5 or more! You also will receive our rib-tickling bingo card! Thanks, podpals!