Big Sky Astrology Podcast

This week: As the Sun transitions to Aquarius, a story begins involving the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Pluto. A final sextile aspect forms between rulemaking Saturn and rule-breaking Uranus. Mars finishes up a lot of work in Capricorn before entering Aquarius. And the Taurus First Quarter Moon has its hands full with all those planets in Aquarius. No listener question this week, but that segment returns next week! Plus: A complete lack of emotional baggage, and Taurus gets up to speed!

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

[1:29] The week kicks off with a packed Monday featuring six major aspects—about what we usually cover in an entire week.

[1:53] Sun sextiles Neptune (Jan. 19, 1:55 pm PST) at 29°50’ Capricorn-Pisces. An opportunity to turn your dreams into something tangible. Spiritual breakthroughs are possible.

[3:44] Sun enters Aquarius (Jan. 19, 5:45 pm PST). It’ll be in Aquarius until Feb. 18. This is a time of reinvention—do something new, live more freely, and focus on what truly matters rather than following society’s rules.

[6:08] Venus conjunct Pluto (Jan. 19, 8:04 pm PST) at 03°19’ Aquarius. Look out for new insights about relationships, as well as what needs to change. Finances can take a turn.

[7:56] Mercury enters Aquarius (Jan. 20, 8:42 am PST), until Feb. 6. Draft your plans for the future. Master new technology.

[9:24] Sun conjunct Mercury (Jan. 21, 7:49 am PST) at 1°36’ Aquarius. When Mercury is cazimi, powerful mental and communication clarity is possible. This exact window—when the Sun and Mercury are within 17 minutes of arc—is between Jan. 20, 9:31 pm PST to Jan. 21, 6:03 pm PST.

[10:47] Mercury conjunct Pluto (Jan. 22, 9:15 am PST) at 3°24’ Aquarius. Avoiding the truth isn’t an option. Channel compulsive urges into absorbing routines, and focus on researching finances and emerging technologies.

[12:11] Sun conjunct Pluto (Jan. 23, 2:28 am PST) at 3°25’ Aquarius . This conjunction falls on the Sabian symbol 4 Aquarius, A Hindu healer. Excellent for deep healing and letting go of what is no longer healthy or needed.

[14:14] Saturn sextiles Uranus (Jan. 19, 9:19 pm PST) at 27°33’ Pisces-Taurus. The other two sextiles in this series were on April 4 and August 11, 2025. You hold the key to your own prison door and have the power to move forward.

[16:39] Mars trines Uranus (Jan. 19, 9:56 pm PST) at 27°33’ Capricorn-Taurus. Repeat this mantra: “I am ready to change, I am ready to do things differently.” Just make sure that you’re moving towards something that is actually better and not just reacting in the moment.

[18:59] Mars sextiles Saturn (Jan. 19, 10:02 pm PST) at 27°33’ Capricorn-Pisces.  Here’s an opportunity to step up your game in a particular area of life, especially if it’s work-related.

[20:01] Mars sextiles Neptune (Jan. 22, 10:39 pm PST) at 29°54’ Capricorn and Pisces. An opportunity to work more fluidly to pursue work and spiritual goals; don’t get too attached to the way you get there, though.

[22:07] Mars enters Aquarius (Jan. 23, 1:17 am PST). It’ll be in Aquarius through March 2. Go ahead and ruffle some feathers!

[23:22] Moon Report! Taurus First Quarter Moon (Jan. 25, 8:47 pm PST) at 6°14’ Taurus and Aquarius. This is the first action point toward your New Moon in Capricorn goals (Jan. 18, 2026). Keep it practical and take your time.

[25:51] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the First Quarter (first action point) in a LPFC that began with the New Moon of April 27, 2025, at 7°46’ Taurus. The Full Moon (awareness point) occurs on Oct. 25, 2026, at 2°45’ Taurus. The Last Quarter (last action point) is on July 26, 2027, at 3°29’ Taurus.

[27:32] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus (Jan. 20, 6:16 pm PST). It’s VOC for 4 hours, 34 minutes, and then enters Pisces (10:50 pm PST). Try to use this VOC Moon time to welcome change in small ways.

[28:52] The Moon in Pisces conjoins Neptune (Jan. 23, 5:17 am PST). It’s VOC for 9 minutes, then enters Aries (5:26 am PST). Introduce a new routine in your daily life that gives you space to indulge sympathy, intuition and imagination.

[29:49] The Moon in Aries squares Jupiter in Cancer (Jan. 24, 1:36 pm PST). It’s VOC for 20 hours, 29 minutes, then enters Taurus (Jan. 25, 10:05 am PST). Have some fun, just try not to overdo it.

[31:09] Listener Question returns next week.

[31:20] 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!

[31:54] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, 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.

This week, communications go into overdrive as Mercury aspects Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. Venus makes soothing aspects with Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and enters independent, future-oriented Aquarius. The Sun embraces both the tried and true and innovation as it connects with Saturn and Uranus. The week ends with a zestier-than-usual Capricorn New Moon, and check out Big Sky Astrology’s YouTube channel for this week’s listener question.

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

[1:28] Mercury opposes Jupiter (Jan. 14, 12:17 am PST) at 19°34’ Capricorn-Cancer. This can be an excellent transit for expressing big ideas, ideals and plans for the year ahead.

[3:27] Venus sextiles Saturn (Jan. 14, 10:19 pm PST) at 27°08’ Capricorn-Pisces. Take the things of value and make them into something more permanent and lasting.

[4:49] Venus trines Uranus (Jan. 15, 7:22 am PST) at 27°37’ Capricorn-Taurus. May our hearts guide and surprise us.

[7:10] Venus sextiles Neptune (Jan. 17, 12:33 am PST) at 29°46’ Capricorn-Pisces. Here’s an option to build an extra layer of honesty and empathy into a relationship, if we choose.

[9:00] Sun sextiles Saturn (Jan. 17, 2:41 am PST) at 27°19’ Capricorn-Pisces. This could be an opportunity to become more serious about something that we do or to take on some kind of opportunity or responsibility that may help us grow.

[10:43] Sun trines Uranus (Jan. 17, 8:58 am PST) at 27°35’ Capricorn-Taurus. An opportunity to join in the games and simple pleasures that we can share with other people.

[12:31] Venus enters Aquarius (Jan. 17, 4:43 am PST). Venus will be in Aquarius until Feb. 10, 2026. Enjoy the people with whom you share interests and who you consider friends, but not necessarily friends of the heart.

[14:16] Mercury conjoins Mars (Jan. 17, 11:40 pm PST) at 26°03’ Capricorn. “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” - Gloria Steinem. Watch your words and temper.

[16:28] Moon Report! Capricorn New Moon (Jan. 18, 11:52 am PST) at 28°43’ Capricorn, on the Sabian symbol 29 Capricorn, A woman reading tea leaves. Our practical, everyday lives are a way to experience otherworldliness, mysticism.

[19:11] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the New Moon in a LPFC that will unfold over the coming three years. The First Quarter phase (first action point) is on Oct. 18, 2026, at 25°18’ Capricorn. The Full Moon (awareness point) is on July 18, 2027, at 25°48’ Capricorn. The Last Quarter (last action point) is on April 16, 2028, at 27°12’ Capricorn.

[21:57] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Scorpio trines Neptune in Pisces (Jan. 13, 2:59 pm PST). It’s VOC for 35 minutes, then enters Sagittarius (3:34 pm PST). Make kindness and compassion towards others a habit.

[23:22] The Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces (Jan. 16, 3:19 am PST). It’s VOC for 28 minutes, then enters Capricorn (3:47 am PST). Establish a habit of dream journaling. You can gain insight and clarity on issues that may come up in your waking life.

[24:24] The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces (Jan. 18, 1:57 pm PST). It’s VOC for 21 then enters Aquarius (2:18 pm PST). Get into the habit of trying to take the practical tasks of each day and bring some beauty to them.

[25:33] Mercury sextiles Saturn (Jan. 18, 8:09 pm PST) at 27°28’ Capricorn-Pisces. Saturn is on the Sabian symbol 28 Pisces, A fertile garden under the full moon. Take your ideas, thoughts, and inspirations, and make something practical of them. At the very least, write them down.

[27:17] Mercury trines Uranus (Jan. 18, 9:38 pm PST) at 27°34’ Capricorn-Taurus. This combination of Mercury, Saturn and Uranus tells us that there is a place for both practicality and seriousness, while being open to new ideas and fresh ways of doing things.

[28:11] Check out this week’s Listener Question on Big Sky Astrology’s YouTube channel!

[28:34] 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!

[29:06] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, 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.

This week, we welcome the new year with Venus and Mars in a conjunction to each other and both to the Sun, and all three in opposition to Jupiter. The Libra Last Quarter Moon adds to the week's emphasis on relationships, and a listener question about finding purpose in your birth chart. Plus: Creative muscles, blurry around the edges, and what’s in line with your heart!

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

[1:15] Sun conjoins Venus (Jan. 6, 8:36 am PST) at 16º22’ Capricorn. The degree of this conjunction is called the Venus Star Point. Check out Episode 282 for a refresher on the Venus Star Point, and find your own Venus Star Point at sophiavenus.com. This is one of the most powerful days of the year to manifest the situations and relationships that align with your heart and values.

[4:05] Venus conjoins Mars (Jan. 7, 6:43 pm PST) at 18º09’ Capricorn. The Sabian symbol for this conjunction is 19 Capricorn, A child of about five carrying a huge shopping bag. Motivation will be high to pursue the things that you want and enjoy.

[6:54] Sun conjoins Mars (Jan. 9, 3:41 am PST) at 19º12’ Capricorn, on the Sabian symbol, 20 Capricorn, A hidden choir singing. The Sun, Venus, and Mars are together at 19º Capricorn and opposed Jupiter in Cancer. This Mars cazimi day is ideal for sharing something you’ve been working on with the world.

[9:03] Venus opposes Jupiter (Jan. 9, 9:35 am PST) at 20º11’ Capricorn-Cancer. This transit can indicate a tendency to overdo it, to spend more money than you need to on things that don't necessarily satisfy you. Give some thought to what could make your relationships happier.

[10:46] On Jan. 10, the Sun and Mars in Capricorn oppose Jupiter within about six hours of each other. The Sun opposes Jupiter at 12:42 am PST, and Mars opposes Jupiter at 6:25 am PST. Avoid negative solar tendencies, such as boasting, bragging, and demanding the spotlight. Temper Mars tendencies such as insisting on having your own way. On the flipside, your hard work could be acknowledged.

[12:06] Moon Report! The Libra Last Quarter Moon (Jan. 10, 7:48 am PST) is at 20º24’ Libra-Capricorn. This Last Quarter Moon is the last major phase in the New Moon cycle that began with the Sagittarius New Moon (Dec. 19, 2025). Seek resolution to the conflict between collaboration and individual ambition. Sabian symbols: 21 Libra, A crowd upon the beach (Moon) and 21 Capricorn, A relay race (Sun).

[15:09] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the Last Quarter in an LPFC that began with a Solar Eclipse New Moon on Oct. 14, 2023, at 21º07’ Libra. The First Quarter of this LPFC was on July 13, 2024. The Full Moon in this LPFC was on April 12, 2025, at 23º19’ minutes Libra.

[17:05] The Moon in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus (Jan. 6, 5:05 am PST). It is VOC for 3 hours, 52 minutes, then enters Virgo (8:57 am PST). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of stretching your creative muscles.

[18:34] The Moon opposes Neptune in Virgo-Pisces (Jan. 8, 3:23 pm PST). It’s VOC for 43 minutes, then enters Libra (4:06 pm PST). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of appreciating the artistic and non-conformist people in your life, without feeling like you need to change them.

[20:06] The Moon squares Venus in Libra-Capricorn (Jan. 10, 9:54 am PST). It’s VOC for 17 hours, 1 minute, then enters Scorpio (Jan. 11, 2:55 am PST). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of using structure, such as a daily planner, to track your New Moon goals and prioritize nurturing relationships.

[22:11] Listener Ginger asks about finding life purpose in the birth chart.

[26:56] 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!

[27:32] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, 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.

This week: Happy Holidays!... and quieter skies, as the universe offers a bit of a holiday reprieve. Venus and Neptune challenge beliefs about relationships and our values. Venus puts on her investor hat as she goes to work in Capricorn. There is a sizzling First Quarter Moon in Aries, and a listener question about how AI may impact the field of astrology. Plus: Working things out, a new tradition, and the case for consulting humans.

Note: We're taking a little holiday break, so there will be NO PODCAST ON DEC. 29. But we’ll be back on January 5 to help you ring in the New Year!

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

[1:44] Venus squares Neptune (Dec. 23, 9:31 pm PST) at 29°25' Sagittarius-Pisces. When there's a square aspect between Venus and Neptune, we can achieve clarity about relationships, finances, or values, and let go of the things and people that drain us.

[4:45] Venus enters the sign of Capricorn (Dec. 24, 8:26 am PST), and it'll be in this sign until Jan. 17, 2026. This is a practical Venus that wants relationships that are stable and solid, based on shared values, shared goals.

[8:14] Moon Report! The Aries First Quarter Moon (Dec. 27, 11:10 am PST) is at 6°17’ Aries-Capricorn. This is the first action point in the New Moon cycle that began at the Dec. 19 New Moon in Sagittarius. Consider things before dashing off to get something done.

[11:36] This is the First Quarter (first action point) in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that began with the New Moon solar eclipse of Mar. 29, 2025, at 9°00’ Aries. The Full Moon (awareness point) in this LPFC comes on Sept. 26, 2026, at 3°37’ Aries. The Last Quarter (final action point) in this LPFC is on June 26, 2027, at 5°21’ Aries.

[13:21] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces (Dec. 22, 6:44 am PST). It's VOC for 1 hour, 8 minutes, then enters Aquarius (7:52 am PST). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of going with the flow, instead of insisting that your way is the best and the only way. This VOC could also help your spiritual practice.

[14:57] The Moon in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus (Dec. 24, 1:42 pm PST). It's VOC for 3 hours, 27 minutes, then enters Pisces (5:09 pm). There might be an unexpected desire to introduce a new holiday tradition. Use this VOC period to get in the habit of letting down your guard when it comes to traditions and welcome something fresh and new, maybe even something a little bit innovative.

[16:36] The Moon conjuncts Neptune in Pisces (Dec. 26, 11:03 pm PST). It's VOC for 59 minutes and then enters Aries (Dec. 27, 12:02 am PST). Take a lovely bath, listen to music, or even watch a sentimental movie. Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of some healthy escapism.

[18:03] Listener Elizabeth asks about how AI may impact the field of astrology.

[24:38] 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!

[25:10] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, 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.

This week, the adventuresome Sagittarius New Moon season gets off to a bit of a strained beginning as the Sun squares off with Saturn and Neptune. Relationships and values are put to the test when Venus and Saturn meet in a difficult aspect. We honor the solstice as the Sun marches into Capricorn, and April answers a listener question about being born at the New or Full Moon. Plus: A lesson of patience, built to be productive and then to rest, and no place to go but up.

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

[1:20] Moon Report! The Sagittarius New Moon (Dec. 19, 5:43 pm PST) at 28º24’ Sagittarius. This New Moon is on the Sabian symbol 29 Sagittarius, A fat boy mowing the lawn of his house on an elegant suburban street. Guard your energy and anticipate that any tasks or any clarity you hope to gain will be hard won and might take a little while for you to see.

[4:00] The Sun squares Saturn (Dec. 16, 8:33 pm PST) at 25°28’ Sagittarius-Pisces. Use this time to plan and prepare for things that you want to get done at the New Moon, rather than pushing hard to actually do them.

[5:04] The Sun squares Neptune (Dec. 20, 5:02 pm PST) at 29°24’ Sagittarius-Pisces. Expect to feel drained, maybe a bit confused or unclear about what you want to accomplish during this New Moon cycle. Don't be too hard on yourself if you find you just don't have the energy.

[6:25] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). The First Quarter (first action point) in this LPFC comes on September 18, 2026, at 25º57’ Sagittarius. The Full Moon (awareness point) of this LPFC will occur on June 18, 2027, at 27º33’ Sagittarius. Then the Last Quarter Moon (final action point) in the LPFC comes on March 17, 2028, at 27º53’ Sagittarius.

[8:39] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon trines Neptune (Dec. 17, 7:24 am PST). It’s VOC for 1 hour, 14 minutes, then enters Sagittarius (8:38 am PST). Use this VOC Moon to get into the habit of connecting with the divine daily and observing the messages that come your way.

[10:07] The Moon squares Neptune (Dec. 19, 7:41 pm PST). It’s VOC for 1 hour, 11 minutes, then enters Capricorn (8:52 pm PST). Consider a quiet evening at home, doing something imaginative and restful.

[11:12] Venus square Saturn (Dec. 20, 9:09 pm PST) at 25º37’ Sagittarius-Pisces. Venus in aspect to Saturn often brings delays or disappointments, but sometimes the lesson is to have patience, and in the case of Saturn in Pisces, acceptance.

[12:47] The Sun enters Capricorn (Dec. 21, 7:03 am PST). Happy Solstice! Happy Yule! Happy Midsummer! The Capricorn and Cancer solstices are a wonderful time for standing still, which is what solstice literally means: the Sun standing still. The Capricorn Solstice is the beginning of Capricorn season (Dec. 21, 2025 -Jan. 19, 2026). The Sun is lowest in the midday sky. There's no place to go but up. What is it that we want to accomplish? What mountain is it that we want to climb?

[16:53] Listener Ivana asks about Full and New Moon natives. Check out Dana Gerhardt for more information on the lunar phases.

[23:44] 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!

[24:15] A tribute to this week’s donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April’s special donors-only videos, 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.