Big Sky Astrology Podcast

Happy New Year! This week, Mars enters Sagittarius and the First Quarter Moon is in Aries. Otherwise, it’s a slow astrological news week - so April and Jen set you up for next week’s big Saturn/Pluto conjunction, which astrologers have been talking about forever! All this, plus: if planets were dogs, an iconic poison control spokescritter, and taking a bite out of the new year with lots of food references.

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00:30 – Did you know Capricorn is the resolutions sign? Are crunchy foods a resolution or a lifestyle choice?

02:03 – April gives a shout out to Honeycomb Collective and their awesome personal astrological almanacs!

02:55 – April finally accepts that someday she’ll move to Minneapolis. 😊 [“Can you tell Jen wrote the show notes?” ~ April]

03:41 – What does Mars mean astrologically? This week, he moves into Sagittarius, and like an ice cream sundae, gets a big plop of Jupiter chocolate sauce on his head.

05:18 – A nutshell of fixed signs: April’s Leo planets and Jen’s Scorpio planets are all, “I’m not stubborn, you’re stubborn!”

10:20 – Mars rules the noggin, so it’s appropriate to say: Head’s up! He’ll be retrograde this fall.

11:22 – The First Quarter Moon happens in action-oriented Aries, but a thundering herd of planets in Capricorn admonishes us not to run with scissors. Killjoys.

15:26 – Yep, April and Jen set you up for the gimungous Saturn/Pluto conjunction next week! You’re welcome.

17:26 – Jen is fairly certain that Saturn, if he were a dog, would be a Border Collie. And here is a photo of Jen’s dog from back in the day.

18:30 – April shares the colors of Saturn and Pluto, while Jen misremembers the name of a 1970s Poison Control Center image.

21:20 – The North Node in Cancer reminds us to be inclusive. It’s a Big Sky, and there’s room for everyone!

28:18 – April’s Venus in Cancer likes to bake bread (sourdough, of course – her Venus is kissed by Pluto!).

This week, Venus enters warm-hearted Leo for an extended stay and immediately stubs its toe on Pluto - but it also makes the first of three motivating aspects with Jupiter! The Pisces Last Quarter Moon weighs speed and variety against a more leisurely, heartfelt pace. Mercury enters Gemini, Pluto enters Capricorn, and April answers a Listener Question about how to read an aspect between two very different planets in the chart. Plus: A nursery full of crying babies, prisoners on a chain gang, and the shortest Void-of-Course Moon period on record!

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!

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Timestamps

[1:18] Venus enters Leo on June 5th (6:46 AM PDT). Venus will get almost to the end of the sign, 28°36’ Leo, before it turns retrograde on July 22, 2023. It stations direct on September 3, 2023 and enters Virgo on October 8, 2023.

[2:16] While Venus is in Leo, love like a warm-hearted lion! It’s time to socialize, party and entertain loved ones!

[3:38] Venus will oppose Pluto on June 5th (9:04 AM PDT) at 00°05’ Leo and Aquarius. Maybe keep yourself to yourself a little bit and with the people who know and love you best.

[4:56] Venus will square the Lunar Nodes on June 8th (1:37 PM PDT) at 03°04’ of Leo and Taurus. The Sabian symbol for the North Node at this square is 4 Taurus, The rainbow's pot of gold. Find that “pot of gold” by sharing more of yourself, your talents and Leonine social impulses.

[7:42] Moon Report! The Pisces Last Quarter Moon (June 10th, 12:31 PM PDT) at 19°40’ Pisces is on the Sabian symbol, A table set for an evening meal. It squares the Sun at 19°40’ Gemini, on the Sabian symbol, A cafeteria. This Last Quarter Moon is also in a conjunction with Neptune, the modern ruler of Pisces. What's more important, having convenience and variety or taking the time to settle in with people that we care about?

[9:46] This is the Last Quarter Phase in a Lunar Phase Family that began with the New Moon on March 13th, 2021 at 23° Pisces. The First Quarter in the Lunar Phase Cycle was on December 10th, 2021, and the Full Moon was on September 10th, 2022. What needs to happen to complete the intentions set at that March 2021 New Moon?

[10:53] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon Periods. The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces on June 6th (9:40 PM PDT) and will be VOC for about four hours before entering Aquarius on June 7th (1:41 AM PDT). You may have a dream, but how do you make it real?"

[12:14] The Moon in Aquarius, in its Disseminating phase, squares Mercury in Taurus on June 8th (9:24 PM PDT). It's VOC for a little under six hours and then enters Pisces on June 9th (3:14 AM PDT). The Disseminating Lunar Phase is a time to tell your story. During this VOC period, tell your story, even if it's a little bit emotionally charged to do so.

[13:07] On June 11th, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Pluto and will be VOC for a whopping 16 seconds, between 6:20:08 AM PDT and 6:20:24 AM PDT! The Moon says, “Welcome back to Capricorn, lil’ Pluto!”

[13:56] Pluto retrograde enters Capricorn on June 11th (2:35 AM PDT). Pluto entered Aquarius on March 23rd, 2023. It stations direct on October 10th, 2023 at 27°53’ Capricorn. Pluto was at these degrees the first week of January 2023. How well are we doing with the practical considerations of Pluto in Capricorn?

[16:05] Mercury trines Pluto on June 11th (3:26:04 AM PDT) at 29°59’ of Taurus and Capricorn and enters Gemini 32 seconds later (3:26:36 AM PDT). The Sabian symbol for Pluto is 30 Capricorn, A secret business conference. Use the power of information in the most impactful way possible.

[17:58] Mercury will enter Gemini, one of its domiciles, on June 11th (3:26 AM PDT). It will be in Gemini until June 26, 2023 Use this time to catch up on all things Gemini, such as short-distance travel, taking tests, socializing and conquering a pile of paperwork.

[18:38] On June 11th (8:39 AM PDT), Venus squares Jupiter at 05°37’ Leo and Taurus. This is the first of three squares that Venus will make with Jupiter; the second is on August 22nd while Venus is retrog...

This week, the Sun meets Mercury, and together they take on the Lunar Nodes and Pluto from both sides now. Venus trines Jupiter, the most fortunate planets in a delicious aspect – enjoy it! Mercury enters insightful, decisive Scorpio and teams up with Saturn to conquer daunting tasks; the Capricorn First Quarter Moon peers into the tea leaves for a glimpse of the future; and April answers a listener question about transits through the 12th house. Plus: Autumn leaves, letting the VOC Moon file your taxes, and the healing power of puppies!

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!

Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!

Love the show? Make a donation!

Timestamps – Read the full show notes at bigskyastropod.com

[1:12] The Sun and Mercury oppose the North Node on Oct. 18 (5:45 AM PDT and 10:34 pm PDT, respectively). Both transits are at 24o52’ Libra-Aries.

[1:39] The Sun and Mercury are on Sabian symbol 25 Libra, Information in the symbol of an autumn leaf. The North Node is on symbol 25 Aries, A double promise. Trust what comes your way as being right for you,

[2:25] On Oct. 19, (10:38 PM PDT), the Sun and Mercury conjunct at 26o34’ Libra, on the Sabian symbol, 27 Libra, An aeroplane hovering overhead. Take an aerial view!

[4:09] Mercury squares Pluto on Oct. 20 (5:50 PM PDT) at 27o54’ Libra-Capricorn. The Sun squares Pluto on Oct. 21 (8:09 AM PDT) 27o55’ Libra-Capricorn.

[5:20] Mercury and the Sun are on the Sabian symbol 28 Libra, Man in the midst of brightening influences. If you are surrounded by negativity, try your best to be the positive influence.

[6:54] Venus trines Jupiter at 12o06’ Virgo-Taurus (Oct. 21, 9:32 PM PDT), one of the nicest combinations of planets in a very harmonious aspects.

[9:12] Moon Report! The Capricorn First Quarter Moon is on Oct. 21 (8:29 PM PDT) at 28o28’ Capricorn-Libra. The First Quarter Moon is the action point of the lunar cycle that began at the Oct. 14, 2023 Solar Eclipse.

[9:42] The Moon is on the Sabian symbol 29 Capricorn, Woman reading tea leaves. The Sun is on 29 Libra, Humanity seeking to bridge knowledge. This is also the First Quarter in the Lunar Phase Family that began at the Jan. 21, 2023 New Moon at 01o32’ Aquarius. The Full Moon in this Lunar Phase Family cycle is on July 21, 2024, the Last Quarter on April 20, 2025.

[12:26] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On Oct. 17, the Moon in Scorpio sextiles Pluto in Capricorn (8:43 AM PDT). It will be VOC for almost four hours, and then enters Sagittarius (12:36 PM PDT). There is an opportunity to learn about holding our feelings in check in order to achieve more power over ourselves.

[13:39] On Oct. 19, the Moon in Sagittarius sextiles the Sun in Libra (12:02 PM PDT). It's VOC for almost seven hours before entering Capricorn (6:55 PM PDT). Propose a new adventure!

[14:33] On Oct. 21, the Capricorn Moon squares Mercury in Libra (11:00 PM PDT). It's VOC for only six minutes before entering Aquarius (11:06 PM PDT). Take a deep breath and let go of something.

[16:17] Mercury enters Scorpio (Oct. 21, 11:49 PM PDT) and will be in this sign through Nov. 9, 2023. We move ahead intuitively, but with a great sense of certainty. Research and artistic projects are favored.

[18:11] Mercury trines Saturn at 00o38’ Scorpio-Pisces on Oct. 22 (9:12 AM PDT). This is an excellent time to sign agreements that you want to last.

[18:55] Listener Elliott asks about transits through the 12th house (and a puppy!).

[24:53] If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april(at)bigskyastrology(dot)com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line.

[25:29] If you like what you’re hearing, please subscribe, follow, like and share! This episode is brought to you by new donor Lynn Workman and Sara McNeil, who has donated to every podathon!

[26:42] If you’d like to support the show, please go to bigskyastropod.com where you can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor! Donate $10 or more to receive access to April’s special equinox and solstice episodes.

In an episode that will live in infamy, April and a very throaty Jen discuss this week’s Last Quarter Moon in Virgo! Also: The Sun and Mercury aspect Neptune, signaling a crisis of confidence and identity; Mercury is both out-of-bounds AND in Sagittarius, which should be as good for communication as it sounds; Venus grants a New Moon wish; and the Sun energizes Mars en route to next week’s Solar Eclipse! All of this, plus: 12th house transits, pelicans, and Zambonis!

Order a personalized Followed by a Moonshadow eclipse report! Use the exclusive podcast-listener discount code of BSASBS at checkout to get $5 off through Dec. 14, 2020! You’re welcome!

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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!

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Read a full transcript of this episode.

Episode links:

00:30 – Someone’s under the weather this week, but the podcast must go on! Is it Deep Throat? Brenda Vaccaro? Or did someone just have too many good cups of coffee?

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02:07 – ** MOONWATCH! ** It’s a Last Quarter Moon at 16.22 Virgo on a date that will live in infamy (Dec. 7). The Moon is on the Sabian symbol, “A volcano in eruption.” And the Sun sits on 17 Sagittarius, “An Easter sunrise service.” Virgo, an earth sign, can be surprisingly volatile when angry; some say the sign is associated with Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. The symbols taken together indicate something new that’s born of disaster and calamity. (Take note: This triggers the June 5, 2020 Lunar Eclipse point. Listen to Episode 28, Eclipses and Nodes: Why be Mean when you can be True? for more on that.)

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07:15 – The Sun at 18.11 Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces (Dec. 9), which speaks to a crisis of self-confidence and sense of purpose. How confident do you feel in who you are?

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08:49 – Four days later, Mercury follows in the Sun’s footsteps to square Neptune on the same degrees (Dec. 13). In this square, the cosmic messenger struggles to define the self. Have you been floundering with how to tell your story?

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09:44 – Mercury goes out of bounds (Dec. 12 – Jan. 4), all unsupervised and breaking the rules. If someone goes on a rant during this time, maybe just ignore them if you can! And, it might be helpful to think carefully before you speak! On the plus side, this is a good time to do innovative thinking. (To hear more about out-of-bounds planets – and to hear Jen’s lovely parents – listen to Episode 22, Taurus New Moon and Venus Gone Wild.)

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12:23 – For the Neptune square, the Sun and Mercury occupy 19 Sagittarius, “Pelicans moving their habitat.” And the god of the sea has been on 19 Pisces for the past 2 weeks, on “A master instructing his pupil.” It’s time to let go of the parts of the story that no longer serve us, as we still learn from Neptune, who tells us what those parts are. What needs releasing? Maybe the Buddhist concept of non-attachment could be helpful as you examine your inner narrative.

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14:29 – Venus, at 23.31 Scorpio, sextiles Pluto in Capricorn (Dec. 10), offering an opportunity to attract power to oneself. Venus is on the symbol “Crowds coming down the mountain to listen to one man,” which was also the degree of the recent Scorpio New Moon! Is a wish we made then going to be granted? (To hear more, scurry on over to Episode 55, Scorpio New Moon: Rolling in It!)

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16:32 – The Sun trines Mars at 19.39 Aries (Dec. 10), and then moves on to align with the South Node (Dec. 11) at 19.56 Sag – which sets us up for the Solar Eclipse that arrives on Dec. 14! Change may be incoming to help us let go of things! We are leaving one journey beh...

This week, the calendar year winds down with a Capricorn New Moon and a message of care and kindness. Venus enters Pisces, a sign of unconditional love. Irresistible Mars makes the second of three oppositions to immovable Pluto. The Sun in Capricorn sextile Saturn, and Mars trine the North Node of the Moon, offer a vision of a dream that is within your grasp. And a listener question about combining transits and secondary progressions when you're looking at your chart. Plus: An albatross, agape, and achievements!

Read a full transcript of this episode.

Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here!

Subscribe to April’s mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon!

Love the show? Make a donation!

Timestamps (full show notes at the website)

[1:29] Moon Report! The Capricorn New Moon (Dec. 30, 2:27 pm, 09°43’ Capricorn) is on Sabian symbol 10 Capricorn, Albatross feeding from the hand. How will the seeds we plant at this New Moon grow into food for the soul, as well as the body?

[3:55] Lunar Phase Family Cycle. Messages from this New Moon are developed over the coming few years, with critical points at the First Quarter on Sep. 29, 2025; the Full Moon on June 29, 2026; the Last Quarter on March 29, 2027.

[5:10] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. On Dec. 31 (10:02 pm PST), the Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune. It's VOC for 4 hours and 48 minutes and enters Aquarius on Jan. 1 (2:50 am PST).

[6:11] On Jan. 2 (8:13 pm PST), the Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus. It's then VOC for 11 hours and 8 minutes (!!!), then enters Pisces on Jan. 3 (7:21 am PST).

[7:30] On Jan. 5 (6:30 am PST), the Moon in Pisces makes a conjunction with Neptune. It's VOC for about four and a half hours, then enters Aries (11:01 am PST).

[8:25] Venus enters Pisces on Jan. 2 (7:24 pm PST, through Feb. 3, 2025). Astrologers consider Venus exalted in Pisces - very strong, and capable of its noblest expression.

[10:50] On Jan. 2 (11:22 pm PST), Mars opposes Pluto at 01o08’ Leo-Aquarius. This is the second of three oppositions between Mars and Pluto. The first was on Nov. 3, 2024, and the next is on April 26, 2025.

[12:45] The Sun sextiles Saturn (Jan. 4, 2:36 pm PST) at 14°49’ Capricorn-Pisces. The Sun's Sabian symbol is 15 Capricorn, Many toys in a children's ward; Saturn's is 15 Pisces, An officer preparing to drill his men.

[14:23] Mars trines the Moon’s North Node at 00°26’ Leo-Aries (Jan. 4, 10:20 pm PST).

[16:45] Listener Paula asks about combining transits and secondary progressions when you're looking at your chart.

[23:06] If you’d like to have a question answered on a future episode, leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/bigskyastrologypodcast or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. Free ways to support the podcast: Subscribe, like, review and share with a friend!

[23:35] A tribute to this week’s donors! You may want to check out Episode 252 for Kirstin and April’s discussion of Pluto in Libra. If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos for the coming year, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.