Big Sky Astrology Podcast

074 | Libra Full Moon: Go Fly a Kite!

April and Jen grab their kites and gab about a comfy Libra Full Moon that urges us to grab opportunities – we’re hoping that includes petting some puppies! It’s a Mercury-heavy week that brings the planet of communication into a confrontation with Mars on the Moon’s North Node. Relationships also come into focus this week, as Venus joins up with the Sun, sparking a convo about last June’s Venus Star Point. Plus: grand trines, telepathy, and how you (yes, you!) can sponsor Mooooonwaaaaaatch!
It’s not too late to receive our extra special Aries Equinox episode! Become a podpal for $5 or more and receive bonus material for a year!
Wondering what this year’s big transits mean for you? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Who doesn’t love puppies? To see Jen’s old border collie masquerading as Saturn, visit Episode 6, Saturn & Pluto Eat More Crunchy Things. (And do check out the delightful oracle cards offered by the Color Mage if that’s up your alley!)
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03:06 – Mercury, at 11.45 Pisces, squares Mars in Gemini (March 23). The planet of communication is on the Sabian symbol, “An examination of initiates.” The planet of action is on, “A slave girl demands her rights of her mistress.” Is there tension around standing up for yourself? Around listening vs. speaking out?
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​06:17 – Mercury also squares the Lunar Nodes at 13.27 Pisces/Gemini (March 24/25). The North Node symbol is, “A conversation by telepathy.” Don’t forget that it’s important to have the chat, even if you think words are unnecessary.
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​08:37 – Venus (finally!) catches up with the Sun at 5.50 Aries (March 25/26) in a superior conjunction. Venus has been invisible in the sky since late February, and is getting ready to transition from a morning star to an evening star; she will “return” to the evening sky in late April. Every 8 years, Venus conjoins the Sun; the pattern produces a lovely 5-pointed star in the heavens, called a Venus Star Point. (Watch this beautiful 5-minute video of how the Earth and Venus tango together to create a pentagram.)
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11:02 – This week’s Mercury aspects to Mars/North Node occur near the same patch of sky as the last Venus/Sun conjunction (from June 3, 2020 - Episode 28, Eclipses and Nodes: Why be Mean when you can be True?), which also featured the symbol, “A conversation by telepathy.” The Venus Star Point prior to your birth is described by some astrologers as symbolizing the best of who you are and how you connect with others.
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14:26 – Mars meets the North Node at 13.14 Gemini (March 26) on the Sabian symbol - yep, you guessed it! - “A conversation by telepathy.” It was at the South Node last February, when we felt like fledglings getting kicked out of the nest. Are we full-fledged birds now?
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17:12 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our newest non-imaginary sponsor: Shellie Crow! You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram!
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20:26 – Are you interested in sponsoring Moonwatch? Want to learn more? Drop us a line: April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com
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20:46 – **MOONWATCH ** The Full Moon at 8.18 Libra (March 28) is on the symbol, “Three old masters hanging in an art gallery.” The Sun is on 9 Aries, “A crystal gazer.” This is the illumination point from the New Moon in Pisces (Episode 72, Pisces New Moon: Kitchen Cats and Angular Houses); it is also linked to the Libra New Moon from Oct. 2020 (Episode 51, Libra New Moon: Symmetry Schmemmetry!) and the Lunar Phase Family that began in Sept. 2019.
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22:34 – Are we too comfortable to take action? There is a beautiful Air Grand Trine in this Full Moon chart between the Moon, Mars, and Saturn; it’s also making a kite formation with the Sun/Venus at the tip. Remember: Don’t just talk about things (air emphasis), because there are likely opportunities to initiate a plan!
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31:09 – Thanks for listening, friends! If you’d like to support the show (at no cost to you!) please consider giving us a 5-star rating, subscribing or following wherever you listen, and/or leaving a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors PERNILLE BRUHN, SHARON HANTON, and HILLARY STIFLER! Thank you, Pernille, Sharon, and Hillary for contributing to our Podathon! Also, it’s not too late to hear the exclusive equinox episode - just donate $5 or more, and we’ll send it to you, along with our super-duper fun bingo card!

073 | The Aries Equinox: De-Funkify Yourself

April and Jen spring forward into the Aries Equinox and a week of planetary sign changes! Mercury swims into intuitive Pisces and sextiles innovative Uranus, and the Sun and Venus charge into Aries. This fresh week also brings a helpful Cancer First Quarter Moon, along with energetic Mars and steadying Saturn propelling us toward goals that might have been conceived last summer. Plus: applying vs. separating aspects, writing a letter to Saturn, and fellowship. Always fellowship!
The equinox is almost here, which means our bonus episode lands this week!! Five bucks of fun: Become a podpal for $5 or more and receive bonus episodes for a year!
Wondering what this year’s big transits mean for you? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
Mercury in Pisces had particular fun with April this week, and her audio settings suffered as a result. Sorry in advance for the fuzzy sound quality!
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00:30 – International Astrology Day is March 20! Lots of organizations host special events to celebrate, and AFAN delivers some deets!
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03:31 – Mercury swims into intuitive Pisces (March 15 – April 3)! Maybe put your Ikea furniture together before that happens!
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05:20 – Eureka! Mercury, at 8.30 Pisces, sextiles Uranus in Taurus (March 21). If you’ve been feeling stuck with a creative project, this innovative energy could lend a hand. And always remember, “Is it true, is it kind, is it necessary, does it improve the silence?”
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​09:13 – Busy, busy: The Sun in Pisces makes a sextile to Pluto in Cap (March 16), followed by Venus doing the same a couple of days later (March 18). The Sabian symbol for the Sun and Venus at 27 Pisces is, “A harvest Moon.” Pluto sits on 27 Capricorn, “A mountain pilgrimage.” This is an opportunity to go deeper and look at who you really are and what you want.
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​12:08 – The Sun enters Aries, marking the Vernal Equinox in the northern hemisphere and the Autumnal Equinox in the southern hemisphere (March 20). Where is 0 Aries in your chart? (Here's April's helpful post.) This is like an energetic “new year” spot for you! It’s where you’re bold, pioneering, and unafraid – where you like a challenge and enjoy testing yourself. (If you’d like to receive the equinox episode – which takes a peek at the upcoming 3 months – kick in five bucks or more and we’ll send it over as soon as it’s ready!)
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15:25 – Venus runs into Aries (March 21 - April 14)! This would be a good time to enjoy activities that require exertion and competition, which have an Aries flavor. Now we have planets in fire, earth, air, and water signs. Isn’t it nice to have some elemental balance in the sky?
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19:01 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor: Tenth House Creative! You can also find them on IG: @tenthhousecreative
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21:21 – **MOONWATCH ** We have a Cancer First Quarter Moon (FQM) on March 21 at 1.12 Cancer! This FQM is linked to the Pisces New Moon from last week, but also to a lunar phase family that began June 2020 (Episode 30, Cancer Solar Eclipse: You’re Buffering.) What did you conceive last week (or last June) that you can take action on now? Maybe you’ll finally push that boulder up the hill!
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24:18 – All of the planets are squished into half the zodiac wheel. What’s up with that?
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25:07 – Mars, at 10.33 Gemini, trines Saturn in Aquarius (March 21). Mars has energy and drive, and Saturn guides it toward productivity. This window of opportunity is between March 19-23. Woo hoo! Tax time! (BTW, Team Mars-Trine-Saturn approves this message!)
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26:37 – Applying aspects versus separating aspects... confused? Give a listen. And here's a short YouTube video for good measure!
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28:51 – Thanks for listening, podpals! If you’d like to support the show at no cost to you, please kindly give us a 5-star rating, subscribe or follow wherever you listen, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors TRACY MILLS, ANNA COLVILE, and BIRGITTA KNOWLES! Thank you, Tracy, Anna, and Birgitta for contributing to our Podathon! Remember, to gain access to the upcoming exclusive equinox episode, please pitch in $5 or more! It’s five bucks of fun! And, you’ll also get a year’s worth of bonus episodes!

072 | Pisces New Moon: Kitchen Cats and Angular Houses

April and Jen take advantage of a slow astroweek to deliver a mini-lesson on the angular houses, for your enjoyment and edification! We welcome a gentle Pisces New Moon and the Sun and Venus sharing a dream with Neptune: “Please help and care for one another.” And Venus nudges us out of a South Node rut and toward North Node curiosity and inspiration. Plus: cats in aprons, a salute to Switzerland, and… it always comes back to pie, doesn’t it?
The equinox is almost here, which means our bonus episode is almost here!! Become a podpal for $5 or more and support the show!
We’re at the mid-point between eclipse seasons, so order a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report if it suits your fancy!
Wondering what this year’s big transits mean for you? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Pi Day is coming on March 14, (3.14)! What kind of pie will you enjoy? And a round of applause for our friends in Switzerland, who put the BSA podcast on the charts there. Hooray!
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03:20 – Settle in for a mini-lesson on the houses of initiative and leadership, AKA the angular houses (the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th). These houses fix us in place on the map of time and correspond to the Sun’s location just before sunrise and sunset, and just before midnight and midday. (Interested in a tutoring session with April? Yes, please!)
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04:36 – The 1st house: your personality, physical body, and personal defense.
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06:53 – Think of the houses as polarities, not simply one unit. Opposite the 1st house is the 7th – they go together like pie and ice cream! The 1st house corresponds with sunrise, and the 7th with sunset. The 7th house is also about joining forces with others, and how we compete (which includes your rivals and “open enemies”).
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09:13 – The 4th house corresponds with midnight and is located at the bottom of the chart (the IC). The 10th house corresponds with noon and is located at the top of the chart (the MC). Here’s a handy cheatsheet to give you a visual!
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10:05 – The 4th house is where you are rooted in the world: your family, security, and nourishment, as well as the defense of these things.
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10:25 – The 10th house: your social status, pursuing your calling or career, defending your reputation.
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11:25 – Do you have planets in the angular houses? Do most people have a planet in an angular house? What if your angular houses are empty? Here’s what all that means!
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13:18 – April’s book The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology has a whole chapter (Chapter 9: Celestial Navigation) on angular houses! Pick up a copy if you don’t have one, won’t you? Oprah recommends it!
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13:43 – Venus, at 15.11 Pisces, squares the Lunar Nodes on the Sabian symbol, “The flow of inspiration” (March 9). The North Node in Gemini is on, “A woman suffragist orating.” And the South Node is on, “Seagulls watching a ship.” Perhaps the path forward is in speaking out – especially as it relates to relationships, money, and values.
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​16:14 – A two-fer: The Sun joins up with Neptune on March 10, and a few days later Venus does the same on March 13. All of this action happens on the same Sabian symbol: 21 Pisces, “A little white lamb, a child, and a Chinese servant.” April sees this symbol as one that highlights relationships based on caring and oversight; it’s a reset for creative and relationship cycles to attune to the oneness of all things. Jen wonders if the Sun will pass along a dreamy message – perhaps something about imagination, compassion, healing, or spirituality. Neptune then whispers to Venus, “Here’s the dream: Care for each other, help each other! And oh hey, maybe save the taxes ‘til next week!” (Review Episode 23, Talkin’ Taurus and the Void (Of Course!) Moon to hear our first conversation about this symbol.)
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21:53 – Speaking of angular houses… this week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor: Tenth House Creative! You can also find them on IG: @tenthhousecreative
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24:45 – **MOONWATCH ** This week brings a New Moon at 23.03 Pisces (March 13) on the Sabian symbol, “An inhabited island,” which speaks to the ways in which we are both together and apart from others. Pisces, in general, is a sign that needs time away; it soaks up all the surrounding vibes and then needs a rest. Maybe watch the movie Cast Away while you are on your retreat?
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26:30 – New Moons are a good time to plant something fresh: They start new 28-day,6-month, and 2.5-year cycles. This New Moon also features four planets – the Sun, Moon, Venus, and Neptune - close together in Pisces, all making a helpful sextile to Pluto, lending some spine and grounding. The four-planet pile-up is also square the Nodes, because we are at the midpoint of eclipse season! (April’s eclipse report, “Followed by a Moonshadow,” will help you get ready!)
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28:36 – The green light we’ve been waiting for: This New Moon also features Mars in Gemini trine Saturn in Aquarius, a get-it-done aspect. This aspect will lend the capacity to come up with a plan, map it out, take the individual needed steps, and get started. Perhaps it’s a good time to make a move regarding those big Sun-conjunct-Neptune dreams!
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31:59 – Thanks for listening, podpals! If you’d like to support the show at no cost to you, please kindly give us a 5-star rating, subscribe or follow wherever you listen, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors CHARMAINE LIM, KELLIE MILLAR, and EMILY LANE! Thank you, Charmaine, Kellie, and Emily for contributing to our Podathon! Remember, to gain access to the upcoming exclusive equinox episode, please pitch in $5 or more! (You’ll get a year’s worth of bonus episodes!)

071 | Mars in Gemini: Look Both Ways!

Join April and Jen in pastoral dances as Mars darts into free and easy Gemini! The Sun square the Lunar Nodes awakens the mid-point between eclipse seasons, and a Sagittarius Last Quarter Moon urges us to let go of the past and leap into forward motion. Also, Mercury encourages hopeful narratives, and Venus and Uranus invite us to toot our own horns! Plus: astrological ABC’s, a shout-out to Portugal and Latvia, and don’t get carried away with all those green signal lights!
We’re at the mid-point between eclipse seasons! Order a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report. (Available only from the BSA site!)
The equinox is coming up – become a podpal and support the show!
Wondering what this year’s big transits mean for you? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Spring approacheth! If you’d like to receive the upcoming exclusive equinox episode, become a podpal by supporting the show with a contribution of $5 or more. Woot! Thank you!
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02:09 - Mercury trines the North Node for the third and final time (March 2) on the Sabian symbol for 16 Aquarius, “A big businessman at his desk.” The North Node is on 16 Gemini, “A woman suffragist orating.” Remember to expose yourself to positive, healthy messaging! Perhaps the businessman is in support of the woman campaigning for more rights? The previous trines were Jan. 20 and Feb. 9 – do you see a connection between the three? (Listen back to Episode 65, Mars, Uranus, and Revisiting the US Pluto Return & Episode 68, A Pointy, Peaky, Aquarius New Moon for clues!)
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05:20 – Celebrate what makes you unique: Lovely Venus sextiles sparkly Uranus (March 3) on the Sabian symbol for 8 Pisces, “A girl blowing a bugle.” Uranus is on the symbol for 8 Taurus, “A sleigh without snow.” This aspect could bring unexpected opportunities that lead to romance or friendship, or possibly financial help.
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07:33 – Mars, the planet of how we move through the world, zips into Gemini on March 3! In Gemini, Mars tends not to spend a lot of time in any one place and can be very restless. Mars can be sharp-tongued when upset in this sign, so don’t say things that you can’t take back. #SlowYourRoll
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10:52 – Here’s a beginner tip for those wanting to get more serious about learning astrology: Learn the astro-ABCs! Memorize the order of the signs, and their rulers, starting with Aries in the first house. Here’s a handy cheatsheet to get you started!
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12:21 – “Hey, let’s do ALL of it!” Mercury meets up with Jupiter at 17.32 Aquarius for the third and final time (March 4), which can signify way too many big ideas for the future! The previous conjunctions happened on Jan. 11 and Feb. 14; think back and perhaps you’ll see a connection. This is on the Sabian symbol, “A man unmasked.” (Find Blain Bovee's site here. And review Episode 64, Capricorn New Moon: We’ve Got You Covered! and Episode 68, A Pointy, Peaky, Aquarius New Moon for more info!)
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16:26 – The Sun, at 15.21 Pisces, squares the Lunar Nodes on the Gemini/Sagittarius axis (March 5). We are at the mid-point between eclipse seasons! Think back to our last eclipses on Nov. 30 & Dec. 14 (Episode 58, Gemini Lunar Eclipse and the Amazing Eclipse Maven and Episode 60, Sagittarius Solar Eclipse and Coins in the Couch), because you may be able to make some connections between then and now. Head’s up: The next eclipses will arrive May 26 and June 10. (Happy birthday, Big Sky Astrology!) April’s eclipse report, “Followed by a Moonshadow,” will help you get ready!
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20:06 – Yay! This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our non-imaginary sponsor: Tenth House Creative! You can also find them on IG: @tenthhousecreative
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23:48 – **MOONWATCH ** This week brings a Last Quarter Moon (LQM) at 15.40 Sagittarius on March 5. This calls back to the New Moon in Aquarius a few weeks ago (Episode 68, A Pointy, Peaky, Aquarius New Moon) but it’s also connected to a lunar phase family that began in Dec. 2018, with footprints in Sep. 2019 and June 2020 (the latter was an eclipse that you can hear more about in Episode 28, Eclipses and Nodes: Why be Mean when you can be True?). There are many features of this LQM that speak to reviewing and letting go whatever is preventing forward motion; this is especially relevant to relationships – is there an entrenched pattern here that needs shifting?
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26:53 – Feel that movement? All planets are in direct motion, for about the next 6 weeks. Be cautious not to go too quickly, though!
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29:27 – Thanks for listening, friends! If you’d like to support the show at no cost to you, please kindly give us a 5-star rating, subscribe or follow wherever you listen, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors BARBARA TURCOTT, BARBARA WALLS, and MARTINA PAPINCHAK! Thank you, Barbara, Barbara, & Martina for contributing to our Podathon! Remember, to gain access to the upcoming exclusive equinox episode, please pitch in $5 or more! (You’ll get a year’s worth of bonus episodes!) Thanks, podpals!

070 | Virgo Full Moon: The Future is Now!

April and Jen sashay into a Virgo Full Moon week, which includes a powerful Mars trine to Pluto, Venus entering a-musing Pisces, a chance to be noticed for your unique qualities as Venus sextiles Uranus, and Jupiter propelling us toward North Node goals. And, a meditation on the ways that Virgo’s here-and-now habits help co-create the future. Also: 10th house talk; a new non-imaginary sponsor; and, which of Jen’s dogs is the squirrel scourge of the Twin Cities?
The equinox is coming up – become a podpal and support the show! There are 4 good reasons to add your support: 1) You’ll receive special access to our exclusive episodes for the equinoxes and solstices for one year; 2) You can play hilarious bingo as you listen; 3) You’ll help keep the lights on and the weekly episodes streaming; and 4) You’ll have our warm gratitude!
Wondering what this year’s big transits mean for you? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – We love to “link it in the show notes,” and hooray, you found them, because you’re reading them right now! To share show notes with a friend, here’s where they can find them at our website! You can also see them in your Apple Podcasts show description!
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2:13 – Mars trines powerful Pluto (Feb. 24), in a cycle that began on March 22, 2020 and made three critical squares on Aug. 13, Oct. 9, and Dec. 23, 2020. If you have earth sign planets near 26 degrees, this trine can bring your work to the attention of powerful or influential people. But Mars and Pluto can also unite for nefarious purposes, and if you have planets near 26 degrees of fixed or cardinal signs, you may need to keep an eye out for comic book villains. (Here’s April’s book on Oprah Magazine’s list of the best astrology books!)
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​05:57 – Venus sashays (fancy!) into Pisces on Feb. 25 (through March 21), and it’s time to give ourselves over to the muses: music, dance, poetry, and literature. We think of Pisces time as the time to just let our minds go, but we must remember the past lest we be doomed to repeat it. While Venus is in Pisces, use aesthetics - the enjoyment of the senses - to fight Neptune’s tendency toward anesthetic and lethargy! Seek new pleasure in a spiritual practice.
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11:11 – Faster-moving planets entering Pisces are activating a new house of your chart in advance of Jupiter’s ingress into this sign in May. Here’s a blog post to help you find the Pisces house of your chart.
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13:13 – Sun sextiles Uranus (Feb. 25, 1:13 pm PST) at 7.29 Pisces/Taurus. We discussed the 60-degree opportunity aspect in Episode 16, Let’s Talk About Sextiles. Letting ourselves be noticed will bring unexpected opportunities, which is fun, although we may not be ready for all of them (Sabian symbol for Taurus: a sleigh without snow).
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15:01 – Jupiter trines the North Node on Feb. 26, 2:57 pm PST. Jupiter, one of the societal planets, in revolutionary Aquarius shakes us free of our conventions so that we can pursue new ideas and experiences with a truly open mind. Jupiter’s Sabian symbol, “A watchdog standing guard,” suggests that we need a true and just sense of what’s valuable or we can get overwhelmed with a multitude of details and pieces of information. Jupiter’s assistance fulfills the North Node’s Sabian symbol, “The head of a robust youth changes into that of a mature thinker.”
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18:21 – This week’s Moonwatch segment is brought to you by our new non-imaginary sponsor: Tenth House Creative! Note that starting Feb. 23, 2020, they are offering a special course, “Practical Magic for Heart-Centered Entrepreneurs,” a 4-week DIY to create the foundation for a soulful business and brand! (IG: @tenthhousecreative)
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18:52 – A quick review of what the Tenth House is about – it’s what people perceive about you before they really know you, a house of reputation and career. April & Jen can’t hide a mutual 10th house Virgo Mars placement (we’re all about the details)!
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24:08 – **MOONWATCH ** This week brings a Full Moon on Feb. 27, 0:17 am PST at 8.57 Virgo. With so many planets in Aquarius, there’s a lot of emphasis on the future. The Full Moon emphasizes that Virgo habits we cultivate in the here and now have far-reaching consequences for the future. If you want your future to look different, start now! The Sabian symbol for the Sun at 9 Pisces is, “A jockey,” which speaks to speed, competition, and being a bit rash or sometimes premature.
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26:55 – Virgo moves toward the physical, practical expression of Mercury – build, create, troubleshoot things. More deliberate, a little slower. Mercury in Aquarius brought flashes of inspiration; Mercury-ruled Gemini is very communicative. Mercury-ruled Virgo is quieter and excels at putting together; something tangible from lots of skills and information.
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29:06 – Thanks for listening, friends! If you’d like to support the show at no cost to you, please kindly give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or leave a happy review – here’s how! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors BECK PAFFRATH, COURTNEY NEIDETCHER, and KATHY JOSEPH! Thank you, Beck, Courtney, & Kathy, for contributing to our Podathon! Remember, to gain access to the upcoming exclusive Equinox episode, please pitch in $5 or more! (You’ll get a year’s worth of bonus episodes!) Thanks, podpals!

069 | Saturn and Uranus: That Escalated Quickly!

April and Jen fasten their seatbelts for the first of three squares between rule-making Saturn and rule-breaking Uranus! Yes, there is a tense, unpredictable atmosphere this week, especially with Venus and Mars clashing and a tip-toeing Gemini First Quarter Moon urging caution. But all is not lost: The Sun enters take-it-easy Pisces, and Mercury turns direct, leaving his retrograde hijinks (mostly) behind - hooray! Also, firmly secure the bow on your head and pull up a chair as we chat about solar houses (what’s the deal with that, anyway?). Plus: Leo pussycats, Ron Burgundy, and major appliances!
Wondering what Saturn square Uranus means for you? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
0:30 – April and Jen take a bite out of an Apple Podcasts review from artgoddessmama. Want to leave a warm review of your own? Here’s how!
2:10 – Are Leos really brimming with confidence, or holding their tails? Consider the astrological Sun as aspirational, a symbol of what we’re learning to be.
3:06 – We “welcome” the first of three closing squares between Saturn, at 7.13 Aquarius, and Uranus in Taurus (Feb. 17)! Jen uses a helpful astronomical model to explain the astrological symbolism of these two titans, one a rulemaker and the other a rulebreaker. (Remember, the nature of a square is such that both planets have to be honored and learn to coexist!)
7:05 – Pressure is building: This Saturn/Uranus cycle began with a conjunction in late Sagittarius in 1988. Accidents, demonstrations, and difficult world news occurred at critical points in this cycle, which peaked in 1999/2000 and 2009/2010.
10:11 – How do we deal with this challenging transit between two planets that are so unlike each other? Work consciously with both personal responsibility/boundaries and the need to step outside our comfort zone to try new things. Where are you able to respond within your boundaries? How can you feel more in control of your life? And what do you actually have control over? (As Viktor Frankl said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”)
13:11 – From new imaginary sponsor Anchorman: “Boy, that escalated quickly!”
14:43 – Do the planets cause things to happen? April answers that astrology reflects the things that are happening, it doesn’t cause them.
15:55 – Is all of this confusing? Feel free to book a personal reading with April to go deep about this aspect, and to learn what’s happening in your chart!
1​6:05 – Indulge your imagination: The Sun enters Pisces (Feb. 18 - March 21). The Sun tells how we shine, and in Pisces we shine by putting aside schedules and to-do lists. Spend a little time dreaming!
17:27 – Don’t know your birth time? A quick explanation of Solar Houses (translation: placing the degree and sign of your Sun on the Ascendant, or front door, of your chart).
18:48 – The house the Sun is going through in your chart will come under examination; it tells you what to pursue for energy and joy. (Need help finding Pisces in your chart? This blog post and video might help.)
19:43 – April posits that Pisces is the finishing-up season leading up to the energetic New Year at the Aries equinox. This is the season for looking in the unexamined places, filtering through everything you’ve collected over the past eleven months, and letting some things go.
21:45 – **MOONWATCH ** This week brings a Gemini First Quarter Moon (Feb. 19), in happy aspect to the Aquarius crew. The Sabian symbol for 2 Gemini is, “Santa Claus furtively filling stockings.” The Sun sits at 2 Pisces, “A squirrel hiding from hunters.” Is there tension between hiding out and socializing? Gemini encourages us to maintain contact with others – don’t hide out like that furtive squirrel! (Here’s the link to a helpful planetary aspects cheatsheet!)
27:08 – The urge for freedom versus maintaining the status quo: Venus, at 23 Aquarius, makes a square to Mars in Taurus (Feb. 19). The relationship planet is on the symbol, “A big bear sitting down, waving all its paws.” The planet of action is on, “A jewelry shop.” Is our desire for pleasure and harmony in conflict with our desire to get what we want for ourselves? This is the closing square in a cycle that began in late August 2019.
30:23 – Forward march! Mercury stations direct at 11.01 Aquarius (Feb. 20), after moving backwards through the sky since Jan. 30. It will leave its shadow on March 13 at 26° Aquarius. How has this retrograde been for you, dear listener? Any voices from the past saying hello? Any appliance issues? (We commiserate!)
33:11 – Thanks, podpals! If you’re so moved, would you please take one sec to give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a friendly review? This episode is made possible by Podathon donors BETH WILUSZ, LAURIE SCHAEFFER, and ROXANNE KENNEDY! Thank you, Beth, Laurie, and Roxanne, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other lovely listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please contribute $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes – and you’ll also receive our fun bingo card! See you next week, friends!

068 | A Pointy, Peaky, Aquarius New Moon

April and Jen ring in a VERY Aquarius New Moon – six planets in the sign of the water bearer! – with a lot of impromptu singing and a peek at the week ahead. Mercury *re*trograde is a busy bee, *re*visiting *re*cent territory and *re*visiting old business with the Sun, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. Venus in good aspect to Jupiter and the North Node bodes well for a romantic Valentine’s week, and Mars offers motivation to make our Neptunian dreams a reality. And, what is synastry, anyway? Plus: David Bowie, pointy bits, and Valentine’s Day!
Wondering what 2021 has in store for you? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – Are you interested in becoming a non-imaginary sponsor of the BSA podcast? Let us help you get the word out about your product, service, or event! Drop us a line at: April(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com
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02:23 – Mercury retrograde (Rx) joins up with the Sun in a (totally not-mean) inferior conjunction at 20.01 Aquarius (Feb. 8) on the Sabian symbol, “A woman disappointed and disillusioned.” If you’re feeling like the woman in the symbol, *re*member the times you were successful!
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06:16 – An opportunity to *re*invent our story: Mercury Rx, at 17.59 Aquarius, trines the North Node in Gemini (Feb. 9) on the symbol, “A man unmasked.” This might speak to language that uplifts us, like Amanda Gorman with her beautiful poem, “The Hill We Climb.” This is the second of three trines (the other two are Jan. 20 and March 2).
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08:28 – Mercury Rx squares Mars for the second time (Feb. 10). Sometimes this can show up as words that provoke anger; remember, though, that it can also appear as words that motivate! The planet of communication is on 18 Aquarius, “A man unmasked.” The planet of action is on 18 Taurus, “A woman holding a bag out the window.” Shake out some of those old, unhelpful thoughts, friends! (The other two squares: Jan. 8 and March 23.)
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​11:43 – Venus joins up with Jupiter at 12.34 Aquarius (Feb. 11) on the symbol, “A barometer.” This begins a cycle of daring, adventure, and optimism in relationships, values, and financial matters. Does it feel like anything is possible? Or, maybe everything feels under pressure? (Note: David Bowie had Aquarius rising!)
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14:05 – Saturn rules Aquarius; do things feel heavy right now? Remember that the school principal of the zodiac wants the best, most dedicated “you” possible. #workhard
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16:45 – What is synastry?
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17:48 – ** MOONWATCH! ** This week we have an epic Aquarius New Moon (Feb. 11) with a whopping 6 planets in the sign of the water bearer! The Sabian symbol for this lunation is 24 Aquarius, “A man turning his back on his passions and teaching from his experience.” This encourages us to step back from extreme emotions and share what we’ve experienced and what we know with a cool, level head. This is a good lunation for drafting long-range plans; just know that because of all the pointy bits, you’re encouraged to look within yourself for the ways that you might be holding yourself back. How will you get from here to there?
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22:43 – This is the New Moon cycle that will be unfolding as we experience the first of three squares between Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus, THE signature aspect of 2021. What do we need to know?
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24:49 – Mercury Rx joins up with Venus at 14.42 Aquarius (Feb. 12) on the symbol, “Two birds singing on a fence.” Perhaps this represents a happy resolution of quarrels or relationship tensions after the difficult Mercury/Mars aspect! (Here’s some info on how to see Mercury and Venus – as well as Jupiter – together in the sky.)
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26:12 – Mars, at 19.42 Taurus, sextiles Neptune in Pisces (Feb. 13) on the symbol, “Wind clouds and haste.” Neptune sits on, “A table set for an evening meal.” Is this an opportunity to enjoy fellowship and recharge? What’s your dream, and how can you take action on it?
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27:57 – Will you meet someone from your past? Mercury continues moving backwards as he meets Jupiter for the second of three times – at 13.20 Aquarius (Feb. 14) – on the symbol, “A train entering a tunnel.” Jupiter symbolizes big ideas, and Mercury describes how we break them down – will they collide in the tunnel? (The first conjunction was Jan. 11, and the last pass of this unfolding story is March 4.)
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30:12 – Venus, at 17.04 Aquarius, trines the North Node in Gemini (Feb. 14). This could be lovely for Valentine’s Day: Relationships moving in a direction of evolution and better communication. Also, Valentine’s Day, the Moon will be moving into Aries, which can be a surprisingly romantic sign!
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33:20 – Thanks, podpals! If you’re so moved, would you please take one sec to give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a friendly review? This episode is made possible by Podathon donors HEATHER LISTON and MICHELE MATSUDA! Thank you, Heather & Michele, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other lovely listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please contribute $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes – and you’ll also receive our fun bingo card! See you next week, friends!

067 | Venus Joins a Crowded Aquarius Party

April and Jen welcome lovely Venus to an already-crowded Aquarius party, where she gets serious with Saturn and receives a surprise from earth-rattling Uranus (are baked goods involved?). Meanwhile, the Sun faces off with energizing (yet conflict-prone) Mars, and participates in a Scorpio Last Quarter Moon that reminds us: “You can’t hide from yourself.” Plus: Groundhog Day always brings a shout-out to one of our patron saints, Bill Murray!
Wondering what 2021 has in store for you? Book a reading with April!
Sign up for April's mailing list for updates, a free monthly lunar workbook, AND an email tutorial on the Lunar Phases!
To read April & Jen’s essays, or to join the podcast conversation and leave a comment, go to www.BigSkyAstroPod.com.
Read more about this week’s astrology at the Big Sky Astrology website!
Follow Big Sky Astrology on IG, Twitter, and FB @BigSkyAstrology
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Episode links:
00:30 – April and Jen’s love for Groundhog Day (the movie, that is!) has been well-documented. Our love of bingo cards is new, however (Episode 66, Leo Full Moon: Dinner and Bingo!).
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04:00 – Thanks to Mary Plumb over at The Mountain Astrologer for mentioning the BSA pod!
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05:04 – The Sun (at 12.47 Aquarius) applies pressure as it squares Mars in Taurus on the Sabian symbol, “A barometer” (Feb. 1). The Aquarius and Taurus areas of your chart are seeing a lot of action, centered around the struggle between moving forward and resisting change. This is the closing square from a cycle that began Sept. 2, 2019; it ends Oct. 7, 2021. What do you want to clean up from that time?
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07:29 – Venus joins a crowded Aquarian house (Feb. 1 - Feb. 26) as she asks: What gives you a sense of being satisfied and complete, especially related to friends, gadgets, gizmos, and the future? This is a good time to re-work plans; remember that Mercury is retrograde, so we are encouraged to do things that begin with “re,” such as reviewing, redoing, revisioning, reminding, etc. (To find the Aquarius house of your chart, see April’s helpful blog post and video!)
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12:01 – ** MOONWATCH! ** We’re keeping an eye on this feisty Scorpio Last Quarter Moon (Feb. 4), highlighting the intriguing Sabian symbol for 17 Scorpio, “A woman the father of her own child.” Perhaps we are being reminded of the idea of self-sufficiency and – where necessary – owning our part in unfolding circumstances. This point in the lunar cycle is always about completion and finishing up; this is the final square from a cycle that began Jan. 12, 2021 and Nov. 7, 2018.
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15:40 – At this Last Quarter Moon, the fixed signs are in a t-square, with the release point in Leo. What does your heart want to sing, and how can you express yourself in a generous, playful way?
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17:13 – Venus joins up with Saturn at 5.54 Aquarius (Feb. 5). Are you ready to come up with a financial plan, or commit to something you love? (Maybe you’re ready to remember that there are 60 minutes in each degree of the zodiac!)
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18:59 – Venus, at 7 Aquarius and having just committed to a new plan, meets Uranus by square (Feb. 6) – hey, where did that curveball come from? (And, will you alter your course?)
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20:32 – Is Venus waking up the Saturn/Uranus square that is approaching (Feb. 17)? Perhaps this week Venus is asking you: What really makes you happy, and how can you be part of the collective while maintaining your individuality?
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24:14 – Venus, at this square, is on the Sabian symbol for 7 Aquarius, “A child born of an eggshell.” Is something in your life changing, mutating, shifting forms? Or, are there unhealthy patterns in your life that you want to break with? The planet of love, values, and self-worth says to change-agent Uranus, “I’d like to bring this into tomorrow.” (If you’d like to ponder your values, The Minimalists are here to help.)
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26:26 – Do you look forward to Mondays because of the BSA pod? If so, please give us a 5-star rating, subscribe wherever you listen, and/or give us a friendly review! This episode is made possible by Podathon donors SARAH POPE and RUTHANN FISCHER! Thank you, Sarah & Ruthann, for contributing to our Podathon! And if any other lovely listeners haven’t had the chance to donate, please contribute $5 or more and we’ll send you an invitation to our upcoming special solstice/equinox episodes! And, you’ll also receive our donor-only bingo card! And there was much rejoicing!