Big Sky Astrology Podcast

In this interim week between eclipses: Languid, pleasure-loving Venus rushes headlong into tempestuous Aries, and April offers advice on how to make the most of this contradictory pairing! Jupiter opens a significant dialogue with Pluto - which wins, optimism or powerlessness? April shares some tips for grounding yourself during the Sun's annual conjunction with destabilizing Uranus and passionate sextile with Mars. This week's Moon Report features a challenging Leo First Quarter Moon. And finally, in part two of April's eclipse mini-lesson, we take a look at how aspects from eclipses impact the planets in your birth chart. (Spoiler alert: expect the unexpected!)
If you liked this episode of The Big Sky Astrology Podcast, please make sure to subscribe to the podcast and to recommend it to your favorite astrology-loving friends!
Read a full transcript of this episode.
Have a question you’d like answered on the show?  Email April or leave it here!
Catch April’s weekly column at her website!
Subscribe to April's mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
Timestamps
[0:29] This week’s Big Sky news: A quick pause in between eclipse weeks, a conjunction between the Sun and Uranus, and more!
[1:35] Venus enters Aries: An easygoing planet in a fast-moving sign. April’s advice: Try to enjoy the feeling of being in motion!
[3:53] On May 3rd, Jupiter’s sextile aspect to Pluto is a time of discovery and of seeing things in a new light
[6:10] The underlying tension between Jupiter and Pluto that makes this an interesting aspect
[6:43] Mars sextile Uranus in Pisces, wrapping up a cycle that began in January 2021. Things will get done, but not necessarily in the way that you expect!
[10:35] May 5th brings the annual conjunction between the Sun and Uranus, resetting their cycle and giving us time to think about who we really are and how we display that to the world.
[12:40] What you might feel during this Sun/Uranus conjunction and how to ground yourself during this period of Uranian energy.
[14:17] A sextile aspect between the Sun and Mars, with Sabian symbols of a battle of swords and torches for the Sun, and an Easter parade for Mars. Luckily, the sextile encourages these two planets to play nicely together!
[16:55] Time for this week’s Moon Report! A First Quarter Moon in Leeeeoooo gives the urge to express ourselves, but aspects to Saturn and Uranus are not going to make it easy. That's okay - we like our quarter moons feisty!
[20:02] The week’s Void-of-Course Moon periods! Listen out for the best times to rest, and when to count your blessings.
[23:45] Today’s mini-lesson on eclipses making aspects to your natal planets: How to read your birth chart to find out what the current solar and lunar eclipses mean for you and what planetary aspects will set the tone for your personal eclipse season!
[33:40] Learn more about these eclipses in your birthchart with your very own, discounted Moonshadow Eclipse Report
[34:40] Got a question you'd like April to answer in a future episode? Leave a voicemail on Speakpipe or send an email to april with "Podcast Question" in the subject line!
[35:45] A Big Sky Astrology Podcast shout out to donors Andrea Pintia, Carolyn Kavanagh, and Barbara Walls!
 
Additional Resources
Dana Gerhardt’s article on Jupiter/Pluto conjunctions
How to get your Moonshadow Eclipse report
Use the discount code “Podcast Eclipse 121” before May 14th to get a $5 discount!
Where to go to submit your Big Sky Astrology question

This week: Eclipse season is upon us, as the Taurus New Mooooon connects with Uranus as part of a powerful Solar Eclipse! Join April for a mini-lesson about eclipses in the houses of the birth chart. Meanwhile, Venus, the planetary ruler of Taurus, makes conjunctions with otherworldly Neptune and jovial Jupiter this week; Pluto shifts to begin another long retrograde period; and Mercury enters Gemini and the shadow of its upcoming retrograde! Plus: Tea leaves, rose-tinted glasses, and more gardening symbolism than you can shake a rake at!
Make sure that you've followed or subscribed to The Big Sky Astrology Podcast so that you don’t miss part two of the eclipse mini-lesson next week, where you’ll learn about eclipses in aspect to the planets in your birth chart. Heck yeah!
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 and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
 
Timestamps
[0:27] April introduces the week's major astronews: a New Moon/Solar Eclipse, Venus' conjunctions with Jupiter and Neptune, Mercury entering its home sign of Gemini, and more!
[1:13] The upcoming conjunctions of Venus with Neptune and Jupiter, which you’ll see in the skies on April 27 and April 30 respectively. The Sabian symbol for the Venus-Neptune conjunction is The purging of the priesthood, a timely warning about the corruption of one's highest ideals. Perhaps we shouldn’t rely on Neptune's rose-tinted view of the world, beautiful though it may be. (Read April's essay about the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction here.)
[5:30] Pluto heads into a long retrograde period on April 29th, on the Sabian symbol, A woman reading tea leaves. How much of our fate is within our control?
[8:15] Mercury makes two final aspects in Taurus: a sextile aspect to Jupiter on April 26th and a trine to Pluto on April 28th, before entering Gemini on April 29. Get ready to network and to make a close study of the world around you. On the 26th, Mercury enters the shadow of its upcoming retrograde period, which begins on May 10.
[12:00] Moooooooooon report! The Taurus New Moon/Solar Eclipse on the Sabian symbol A woman sprinkling flowers reflects Taurus' practical way of taking care of others. What changes will you see in your life this eclipse season? Eclipses near the same degree in 2014, 1995, and 1976 hold clues.
[14:43] The Void-of-Course Moon periods for the week - times for reflection and repose.
[16:59] Order April’s eclipse report, Followed by a Moonshadow, and learn more about how the upcoming eclipses will influence your birth chart!
[17:50] The Venus-Jupiter conjunction on April 30th brings a welcome note of growth, pleasure, and enjoyment to this eclipse day. These fortunate planets converge on the Sabian symbol, A fertile garden under a Full Moon.
[19:16] A sextile aspect between Venus and Pluto on the Sabian symbols A prism and A woman reading tea leaves. which is an opportunity to learn and absorb some of the harder lesson from the difficult Venus-Pluto conjunction at the end of last year
[20:52] Eclipses! What else would April talk about in this week’s mini-lesson?! What kind of “crisis” might you experience during this solar eclipse? She also dives into the difference between lunar and solar eclipses, the emotions and sensations you might experience during the solar eclipse, and how eclipses influence the house of your birth chart that they're in. (Don't know how to find the house of your chart where this eclipse degree, 10.28 Taurus, falls? This blog post and video might help!)
[29:48] Want to submit your question for April to answer on a future episode? Leave a 1-minute voicemail at Speakpipe, or email April: april(at)bigskyastrology.com.
[30:20] A Big Sky Astrology Podcast shout out to the listeners who donated during the podathon, especially Debra Nehring, Luisa Rebelo, and Rebecca Gilhula! Thanks Debra, Luisa, and Rebecca!

This week: A Venus-Uranus sextile brings new and surprising connections; a Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius offers a golden payoff for past efforts; a Sun-Pluto showdown; and the Sun's cleansing move into Taurus. And April considers listener Rachel's question about what it might mean to have the recent Jupiter-Neptune conjunction in her Jupiter return chart. Plus: a fox fur, a grabby shellfish, and a final farewell to a sweet Aries friend.
Want to learn about the upcoming eclipses? Sign up for my free webinar - join live on April 23 at 11 am Pacific Time!
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
[0:40] This week’s big news from the big sky - and sign up for April’s free Eclipse webinar, which is on April 23!
[1:38] A sextile aspect between Venus and Uranus on April 18 brings an opportunity to make a new connection with a different kind of person.
[3:13] The Sabian symbols for this sextile aspect: "A lady in a fox fur" and "Children groping and shellfish playing." Perhaps the self-sufficient lady in the fox fur is lacking something after all?
[4:12] The Sun squares Pluto as it nears the end of its time in Aries. What shifts of power are coming your way?
[6:02] A personal story from April about saying a long-delayed goodbye to a furry friend - love 'em while you've got 'em.
[7:19] The Sun enters Taurus on the Sabian symbol, A clear mountain stream. It’s time for rest, relaxation, and a little Spring cleaning inside and out.
[9:22] The Moon Report! A look at the Aquarius Last Quarter Moon on the Sabian symbols A Hindu healer and The rainbow's pot of gold.  Contemplate the relationship between abundance, spiritual right-mindedness, and the urge towards self-realization and perfection.
[11:28] The Void-of-Course Moon periods for the week ahead - when to pause and learn from the Moon's last aspect in its sign.
[15:00] Eclipse seasons are unpredictable, but maybe a little less so if you're forearmed with your Followed by a Moonshadow Eclipse report!
[15:53] Work with Mercury's square to Saturn by planning for delay from April 23 to April 25. Slow down and practice patience and focus!
[17:58] A sextile aspect from Mercury in Taurus to Neptune in Pisces on April 24: plan a mini vacation for the brain and let your mind drift downstream.
[19:48] A question from listener Rachel: Does a Jupiter return in conjunction with Neptune have more significance for me?
[25:10] Want to have your own question answered on a future episode? Here's how!
[26:28] A Big Sky Astrology podcast shout out to generous donors Suzanne Sessere, Susan Braun, and Laura Looney!
Additional Resources
Sign up for April’s free Eclipse Season webinar
April’s article on the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction
Submit your question by leaving a Speakpipe message
 

April walks you through a busy astrological week, featuring the April 12 conjunction of Jupiter and Neptune. This comparatively rare conjunction occurs about once every 13 years. Jupiter and Neptune are both connected with voyages, transformation, and realizing dreams, but with these big changes can come a sense of loss and a need to let go of the past to make room for the future. April helps you to decrypt the Sabian symbol for this conjunction, “An Inhabited Isle,” and shares a personal story of a big life change that she experienced during a previous Jupiter-Neptune conjunction.
April then turns to the sextile aspect between the Sun and Saturn, which falls on one of her personal favorite Sabian symbols, a dreamy image of a breeze drifting in through an open window, blowing a net curtain softly into a cornucopia. This is a time for you to take a step back from the demands of your life and to meditate on your Jupiter journey. And as Mars the go-getter enters sympathetic Pisces, it's time to take action on the things that matter to you and will help improve the world.
Blissfully wedded invisible friends Maria and Bret introduce the Moon Report with a melodious rendition of the old Moonwatch theme. Appropriately, this week’s Full Moon is in the musical and relationship-oriented sign of Libra; how have your Aries New Moon ambitions been impacting your partnerships? 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with one of your astrology-loving buddies and let April know!
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
[1:03] First up in this busy astrological week: Saturn square the Northern Lunar Nodes! What will this mean for you?
[1:58] The North Node is on the Sabian symbol A jewelry shop, so doing our Saturn homework promises a sense of security, prosperity, and achievement
[3:30] The biggest astrology news of the week is a relatively rare conjunction between Jupiter and Neptune, on the Sabian symbol, An inhabited isle.
[4:45] Dreams, illusions, delusions, lengthy ocean voyages…The spiritual transformations that occur in a Jupiter-Neptune conjunction
[6:58] A personal story from April of an expansive voyage and big life change on a Jupiter/Neptune conjunction
[9:33] Where this, and previous Jupiter/Neptune conjunctions influence your birth chart
[10:42] What the Sabian symbol of an inhabited isle means: Cooperation, consideration of others, and compromise
[12:22] A sextile aspect between the Sun and Saturn, falling on one of April’s favorite Sabian symbols
[13:38] An invitation to unwind and to meditate on your Jupiter journey
[14:20] Mars enters Pisces - a call to take up arms for a cause close to your heart. What battle can you move forward on?
[16:49] A message from April: How worried should you be about Eclipse Season? Order your personal Eclipse Report and Moon Shadow from April today!
[17:42] A beautiful melody to introduce this week’s Moon Report! A Libra Full Moon and a Sabian symbol of an airplane hovering overhead
[20:59] Take stock of how your relationships have been impacted by the Aries New Moon. Watch out for the natural volatility of this moon cycle!
[22:44] The week’s Void-of-Course Moon periods
[25:31] It’s time for a shake-up with the conjunction of Mercury in Taurus with Uranus! Things may go a little haywire, especially because of the tenacity of Taurus, but try to give yourself a rest during this period
[29:02] How to get your burning questions about astrology answered by April
[29:37] Big thanks to the lovely and loyal listeners who have supported the show with their donations! A shout-out to donors Elizabeth Schultz, Tracy Mills, and Janice Manson!
Additional Resources
April's essay about the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction
Where to go to submit your Big Sky Astrology question
Support the podcast!

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
Love the show? Donate here!
Big Sky Astrology on Facebook | Instagram |  Twitter |  YouTube
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

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!

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!

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!