This week, a productive Virgo First Quarter Moon gets us moving on those Gemini New Moon intentions. Hope, optimism and a little bit of luck are in the air when Venus aspects Jupiter, then enters her home sign of Taurus. Mercury connects with Mars, Jupiter, and the North Node, and then sinks into the sign of Cancer for a nostalgic look at times gone by. And a listener asks: which transit wins when very different ones happen at the same time? Plus: A strong hand, a good meal, and the color pink! ...
Jun 02, 2025•32 min
This week, Mercury is the star of the show, making a high-flying (deep diving?) conjunction with the Sun, ruling the Gemini New Moon, and making aspects to imaginative Neptune and introspective Pluto. April concludes her series of mini-lessons on Saturn in Aries by reviewing Saturn in aspect to natal planets. Plus: Awkward misunderstandings, moving the air around, and a tough daddy! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it h...
May 26, 2025•36 min
It's a busy week in the big sky as the Sun kicks off its Gemini season with aspects to Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto. Gemini's ruler, Mercury, comes together with Uranus, follows the Sun into Gemini, and then reports to Saturn for a reality check. The cosmic lovers Venus and Mars throw out passionate sparks and the Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius is on a pivotal degree that shows karmic resolution in the air. Saturn leaves the turbulent waters of Pisces for the fires of Aries, and a mini-lesson on wh...
May 19, 2025•43 min
This week: A powerful and magical Scorpio Full Moon. Mercury has a volatile square off with Mars and Pluto. The Sun joins forces with unpredictable Uranus, and the week ends on a high note as Jupiter interacts with the lunar nodes. And April offers a mini-lesson on transiting Saturn going into Aries next week! Plus: A fairy rabbit, groping shellfish, and mature romance! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here ! Subscri...
May 12, 2025•32 min
This week: Apparently, the skies have run out of obstacles for us to leap over because astrologically, this is our quietest week in months! Mercury joins up with Jupiter for some big conversations and important announcements, and then face plants into the lush, aromatic fields of Taurus. Venus connects with Pluto, and a listener question about how best to work through those long, long transits of the outer planets. Plus: A bullhorn, a horse and buggy, and one foot out the door! Read a full trans...
May 05, 2025•27 min
This week, the skies are quieter than they've been recently, but what is coming our way is fairly loud and dynamic. Venus enters independent Aries, then makes a conjunction with Neptune. Pluto stations retrograde right after a very energetic First Quarter Moon in Leeeeooooo. And a listener question about the opposition aspect. Plus: Speed dating, seizing the spotlight, and a fiery plunge! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on the show? Email April or leav...
Apr 28, 2025•26 min
This week, Venus teams up with Saturn and both make inspiring connections with the Moon's North Node. The normally mellow Taurus New Moon is disrupted by power struggles, as the Sun squares, and Mars opposes, Pluto. And (appropriately) a listener question about scary Pluto transits. Plus: Saturn tactics for tough times, folded horns, and bathing with Venus! 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...
Apr 21, 2025•28 min
This week, Mercury enters Aries and Mars enters Leeeeeeooooo; a very intense Aquarius Last Quarter Moon; the Sun enters the lush, tranquil pastures of Taurus, but the peace is interrupted when Mars charges into the field. Since it's such a busy week, April will forego answering a listener question, but that segment returns next week, so send your questions to april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com and put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a questi...
Apr 14, 2025•32 min•Ep. 18
This week, Venus and Mercury both station direct - for which, oh, be joyful! But first, Venus comes together with serious Saturn, makes a sextile to exciting Uranus, and is in charge of the Libra Full Moon on an intriguing Sabian Symbol. Mercury and Mars point the way to the North Node's pot of gold. And April answers a listener question about medical astrology. Plus: spiritual etiquette, a lurid obsession, and a kilt for the Chief Justice! Join April on Sat. April 12 for a webinar about the ann...
Apr 07, 2025•31 min
This week, Mercury and Venus, still retrograde, revisit the North Node in Pisces for a second look at old ideas and relationship opportunities. Mars and Saturn connect with Uranus for sparks of the unexpected and of inspiration. The Cancer First Quarter Moon is the perfect moment to implement those Aries New Moon Eclipse plans. Look for lucky breaks when the Sun sextiles Jupiter. The week ends on a luxurious note, as Venus and Mars meet in a romantic trine. And April answers a listener question ...
Mar 31, 2025•32 min
This week - and what a week it is! - Mercury retrograde connects with the Sun and Pluto. Venus retrograde returns to the gentle waters of Pisces and conjoins Neptune at the tail end of that sign. We bid a fond farewell to eclipses in Aries with one last solar eclipse in that sign. And if you haven't taken to your bed by the end of the week, welcome Neptune entering Aries for the first time since 1861. And a listener question about how having many retrograde planets in your birth chart might impa...
Mar 24, 2025•34 min
This week, the Sun conjoins the North Node and Neptune, then enters its Aries Season and the equinox. Venus comes together with Pluto and with the Sun to explore what's truly essential and joyful. The Capricorn Last Quarter Moon calls for an examination of what we've accomplished during this lunar cycle and how to reach the finish line successfully. And April offers a mini-lesson on the Venus Star Point. Plus: Delicious cazimi, becoming what we idealize, and a personal Venus story of love and mu...
Mar 17, 2025•32 min
This week, welcome to the first eclipse season of 2025, which begins with this week's Lunar Eclipse in Virgo. Should you be terrifiiiiied?™ The Sun makes its annual conjunction to demanding Saturn but gets busted out of jail by Uranus a couple of days later. Mercury makes a conjunction to retrograde Venus just a couple of days before he begins his own retrograde period. And a listener question about the significance of the Midheaven and IC as South and North points in the chart. Plus: Hunches, d...
Mar 10, 2025•31 min
This week: It’s the calm before the astrological storm, but Mercury, the ruler of the First Quarter Moon in Gemini, enters zesty Aries and makes an aspect with Pluto. The Sun and Mars flow in a harmonious trine aspect, bringing plenty of energy and enthusiasm. And a listener question about how to work with planets in fall, detriment, and mutual reception. Plus: Important info up front, President Harrison Ford, and swinging Tarzan style! Join April this weekend for a webinar on The Eclipses of 20...
Mar 03, 2025•25 min
This week, Mercury sails the turbulent Piscean seas, connecting with Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and the North Node, on the way to a high-flying Pisces New Moon. The Sun crosses paths with Jupiter in Gemini and wishes for a little peace and quiet. Venus stations for her 40-day retrograde period. And a listener question about minor aspects; What makes them so minor? Plus: Restringing your guitar, extreme haircuts, and a square + a semi-square: does that sound minor to you? Read a full transcript of ...
Feb 24, 2025•32 min
This week, the Sun enters Pisces for a season of reflection and release; the Last Quarter Moon in Sagittarius means we’re ready to let the good times roll; Mercury reignites energy as it trines Mars and introduces a lot of new details as it squares Jupiter; Mars finally turns direct. And April answers a listener question about Jupiter transits; why don't they seem luckier? Plus: Barking dogs, Mardi Gras, and Mercury’s footnotes! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like ...
Feb 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 17
This week, the Sun and Mercury clash with unpredictable Uranus, bringing an exciting but potentially disruptive influence to the Leo Full Moon on Feb. 12 - and change could still be in the air for Valentine’s Day. Mercury enters gentle, imaginative Pisces for an extended stay. And a listener question about the Nodal opposition, when the transiting lunar nodes oppose your natal lunar nodes. Plus: Camel talk, treasure from long-ago voyages, and trash trucks and storage units! Read a full transcrip...
Feb 10, 2025•26 min
This week, Mercury's aspects to the Sun and Jupiter bring optimism, hope, and breakthroughs. Venus enters spicy Aries for a good long stay and enters an intense dialogue with Pluto. Jupiter stations direct, the Taurus First Quarter Moon encourages practical action toward New Moon goals. Neptune conjoins the North Node for fateful encounters, Mars makes a very productive trine to Saturn, and a listener question about trine aspects: Is their fortunate reputation deserved? Plus: Burnt lentils, birt...
Feb 03, 2025•30 min
This week, the Aquarius New Moon and a penetrating Mercury-Pluto conjunction raise difficult truths and are a reminder that popularity is fleeting. The Aquarius Sun basks in the creative flow of confident, risk-taking Jupiter. As Uranus stations direct, the earth moves. Venus conjoins the North Node, and encourages joining with others to reach higher goals; and as she connects with Neptune, ask: How much is enough? And a listener question about finding motivation; can astrology help? Plus: Fulfi...
Jan 27, 2025•32 min
This week, the Sun's conjunction with Pluto is an ideal time to let go, cleanse, and reset. The Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio directs us to escape obligations that don't suit us, and join with others to build new things. Venus and Mars fall into one another's arms for a sexy embrace, and their aspects to Uranus keep things fresh. Mercury gathers intel from Mars, Uranus, and Neptune, and April answers a listener question about fitting transits into your daily schedule. Plus: Making time for magic,...
Jan 20, 2025•33 min
This week: A somewhat cranky Cancer Full Moon, flavored by contentious Mars and Pluto; the Sun finishes up its journey through Capricorn with connections to Mars, Uranus, and Neptune, then enters future-facing Aquarius. Venus squares off with Jupiter, then comes together with Saturn to stabilize. Opportunities arise when Mercury connects with Venus and Saturn. And a listener question about Pluto transiting the 7th house and its impact on potential relationships. Plus: Lashing out, spiritual etiq...
Jan 13, 2025•30 min
Mercury the Messenger enters Capricorn this week, offers practical planning tips for the new year, and triggers imaginative Neptune. The lunar nodes enter the signs of Pisces and Virgo for an 18-month stay. Mars retrogrades into Cancer, where its trine to Neptune encourages compassionate action. The Aries First Quarter Moon is one of the most first-quartery First Quarters of the year. And a listener question about those transits that hit the same point in your chart over and over. Plus: Cognitiv...
Jan 06, 2025•29 min
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 ,...
Dec 30, 2024•26 min
This week, the Sun in Capricorn squares the lunar nodes and marks the critical midpoint between eclipse seasons; the second of three squares from Jupiter to Saturn, with trickster Mercury finishing its own series of aspects to both of those planets; Venus in sparkly Aquarius shakes things up with Uranus. And there is no major lunation this week, but we look at the void-of-course Moon periods and a listener question about what it means for a planet to be strong in your birth chart. Plus: Revealin...
Dec 23, 2024•27 min
This week, the Sun makes a sensitive square to Neptune and enters Capricorn for the solstice. One of the loveliest aspects of the year, Venus trine Jupiter, celebrates the love we share with those who "speak our language." The Last Quarter Moon in Libra calls for prioritizing loved ones and collaborating on future goals. And April answers a listener question about using the Sabian symbols with your birth chart. Plus: A battery drain, strong knees and a thick skin, and just say no to excessive ho...
Dec 16, 2024•29 min
Much quieter skies this week compared to last, other than the chatty Gemini Full Moon. Mercury bids adieu to its latest retrograde period and celebrates with a sweet aspect to Venus. Relationship-oriented Venus and Mars face off in a contentious, but awareness-building opposition. And April answers a listener question about ideas that come our way when Mercury is retrograde – are they all bad? Plus: Cupid, old cases, and the Nike Moon! Timestamps - full show notes here [1:21] Venus opposes Mars ...
Dec 09, 2024•30 min
This week's full planetary agenda includes Venus entering friendly Aquarius, the Sun and Mercury in aspect to Jupiter-Saturn, Mars turning retrograde, and the Pisces First Quarter Moon. With so much to cover, there’s no time for a listener question or a mini-lesson this week, but do be sure to send in your questions for future episodes! Plus: A robust youth, the dream of society, and the acme of cheerful innocence! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’d like answered on th...
Dec 02, 2024•32 min
This week, Mercury enters its latest retrograde period; the Sun trines feisty Mars and the Moon's North Node; the second New Moon of the calendar month is in Sagittarius, the sign of big dreams and adventures, but its square to Saturn says they won’t come true without some work. And a mini-lesson from March 2023 about Pluto transiting the houses of the birth chart. Plus: Up in a tree, family football, and are you as doomed as you feel? Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you’...
Nov 25, 2024•33 min
This week, a major shift as Pluto leaves Capricorn for the final time and enters Aquarius for 19 years. The Sun enters its hopeful Sagittarius season; its aspects to Neptune and Pluto highlight harmony, healing, and letting go. Mercury opposes Jupiter, so double-check holiday travel plans. As Venus sextiles Saturn, appreciate your mentors and validate those whom you mentor. The Virgo Last Quarter Moon emphasizes purity of purpose and standing up to stormy waves. And a mini-lesson from last year ...
Nov 18, 2024•30 min
This week, a Taurus Full Moon connecting with Uranus brings startling revelations. Venus enters pragmatic Capricorn and lends motivation to North Node goals. Mercury in Sagittarius gets perspective and discipline from Saturn. The Sun makes a sizzling aspect with Uranus, and April answers a listener question about the ongoing influence of transiting Pluto through the birth chart. Plus: Four men, Moon water, and nama'stay in bed! Read a full transcript of this episode. Full show notes here. Have a...
Nov 11, 2024•31 min
