TRANSCRIPT Ep. 270 (Dec. 23, 2024)
Jupiter vs Saturn: Legs Spinning in Midair!
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Good day, invisible buddy. April right here and the date immediately is December twenty third, 2024. Welcome to Episode 270 of the Huge Sky Astrology Podcast.
First, Completely happy Holidays to everybody who remains to be celebrating final week’s Capricorn Solstice, Christmas on December twenty fifth, and the primary days of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa on December 26th! Benefit from the lights and feasting and fellowship as we put together for the brand new calendar yr forward.
This week, the Solar in Capricorn squares the lunar nodes and marks the midpoint between eclipse seasons; the second of three squares from Jupiter to Saturn, with trickster Mercury ending its personal sequence of features to each of these planets; Venus in sparkly Aquarius shakes issues up with Uranus. And there’s no main lunation for the Moon this week, however I reply a listener query about what it means for a planet to be robust in your delivery chart.
Solar sq. Lunar Nodes (Dec. 23, 2024, 2:40 am PST)
The Solar squares the lunar nodes on December twenty third at 2:40 am Pacific Time. When the Solar is sq. the nodes, it could appear as if you happen to’re not getting anyplace, that you’ll by no means attain the elusive brass ring of the North Node and escape the tyranny and stuckness of the South Node.
Thankfully, the Solar in Capricorn refuses to just accept defeat. This sq. is a problem to recommit ourselves to taking even the smallest step towards what’s essential to us.
Because the Solar squares the nodes, it’s at what known as the South Bending, the place the Solar is inclining towards the South Node. It is a level of launch -we would possibly even say a form of give up. It’s an inward dealing with time with a form of Capricorn high quality of trying again and reviewing our previous efforts. The Solar on the south bending requires us to surrender our personal ambitions for the sake of one thing bigger, one thing that serves the collective.
The Solar sq. the lunar nodes signifies that we’re on the midpoint between eclipse seasons. The December fifteenth Full Moon was at 23º 52’ Gemini and Sagittarius, sq. the Pisces lunar eclipse again in September, and the lunar eclipse in Virgo that’s arising in March of 2025. And the December thirtieth New Moon at 9º 43’ Capricorn is sq. the photo voltaic eclipses of October 2nd, 2024, and March twenty ninth, 2025.
So, this week we are able to anticipate just a little little bit of a surge of change and demanding experiences linked to that September eclipse and just a little little bit of a foreshadowing of what’s arising in March – particularly when you’ve got planets round 24 levels of the mutable indicators (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces), or 9 to 10 levels of cardinal indicators (Aries, Most cancers, Libra, and Capricorn).
Jupiter sq. Saturn (Dec. 24, 2024, 1:59 pm PST)
Jupiter squares Saturn on December twenty fourth at 1:59 pm Pacific Time, at 14º 01’ Gemini and Pisces. That is the second of three Jupiter-Saturn squares on this sequence. The primary was on August nineteenth, 2024, and the final is on June fifteenth, 2025. That is the opening sequence of squares in a cycle that started at that stunning Jupiter Saturn conjunction on December twenty first, 2020 at zero levels Aquarius.
Squares between Jupiter and Saturn mirror instances after we really feel rigidity between going large, taking a number of dangers, taking probabilities, increasing our horizons, versus the necessity to maintain ourselves again a bit, not go too far in any given course.
And the Jupiter and Saturn cycle, particularly, has essential penalties for the economic system. They are usually instances when the stability is uneasy between generosity, giving, increasing the economic system, versus the contracting precept of Saturn that claims No, there’s not sufficient. We don’t have sufficient to go round. What we’ve been seeing throughout this sequence of squares has been the growing discrepancy between the economic system, which appears to be like good on paper, and the way persons are truly experiencing it in our each day lives.
On a extra private stage, this can be a transit that may encourage us to push for extra profession success and to behave on what was conceived round that December 2020 conjunction. If you happen to’ve been setting the bar too low for your self, Jupiter will encourage you to push for greater issues. Particularly with transiting Pluto nonetheless close to that zero diploma of Aquarius conjunction level.
Nevertheless it received’t all go simply as a result of that’s Saturn’s half. Jupiter’s job is to push us more durable, to maneuver ahead, to dare and to threat. And Saturn’s job is to verify we don’t go too far and we don’t go working off a cliff, like in a cartoon with our legs form of spinning in midair.
Mercury opposed Jupiter (Dec. 26, 2024, 2:48 pm PST)
This week, Mercury completes sequence of features to Jupiter and Saturn which have been ongoing since mid-November. Mercury makes an opposition to Jupiter on December twenty sixth at 2:48 pm Pacific Time at 13º 46’ Sagittarius and Gemini. The primary of those oppositions was on November 18th when Mercury was direct. Then, whereas Mercury was retrograde, there was a second opposition on December 4th. Whereas Mercury was retrograde. And that is the third and last opposition.
As Mercury has made these oppositions to Jupiter, the query has been, what’s extra essential, the main points or the large image? Mercury is on the Sabian image 14 Sagittarius, The pyramids and the Sphinx. It signifies respect for the frequent information, the information that’s usually agreed upon. And Jupiter is on the Sabian image 14 Gemini, A dialog by telepathy. That’s an emblem about distinctive connectedness, rapport.
Each the distinction between Mercury and Jupiter, which come from utterly totally different mindsets, and these symbols actually suggest to me that we’ve got to be just a little bit cautious that we don’t make assumptions based mostly on what’s usually accepted, you recognize, “everyone is aware of that”, or our closeness with somebody which may lead us to imagine we all know what they’re pondering or how they could react to one thing.
Mercury sq. Saturn (Dec. 26, 2024, 11:29 pm PST)
Additionally, on December twenty sixth, at 11:29 pm Pacific Time, so this might be December twenty seventh virtually in all places else, Mercury squares Saturn at 14º11’ Sagittarius and Pisces.
Mercury has additionally made three squares to Saturn throughout its prolonged keep in Sagittarius. The primary sq. was on November twelfth, whereas Mercury was direct. The second sq. on December sixth, whereas Mercury was retrograde. And now this third and last sq..
When Mercury is connecting with Saturn, there could be a tendency to get caught on sure concepts, to defend a place very intractably. Expressing your self could have been difficult on and off since mid-November. It might probably really feel typically as if there’s a rock in your mouth that makes it inconceivable to get the phrases out.
And it may very well be that you simply’re simply plain afraid of how your phrases is perhaps taken. Mercury’s Sabian image is 15 Sagittarius, A groundhog on the lookout for its shadow, and it conveys the concept of warning. The groundhog form of sticks its head up for a second earlier than it emerges, simply to verify every thing’s okay. And there’s warning, particularly about revealing your self an excessive amount of in what you say and possibly revealing your emotional shadow.
If you happen to’ve been engaged on a mission that’s associated to communication in any method and have skilled a blockage, that is the time to take a powerful motion to attempt to overcome it. That’s the great thing about the sq. facet. It doesn’t make issues simpler, but it surely implies that we’re much more apt to push after we expertise a blockage.
Venus sq. Uranus (Dec. 27, 2024, 11:42 pm PST)
Venus squares Uranus on December twenty seventh at 11:42 pm Pacific Time at 23º 43’ Aquarius and Taurus.
What does Venus in Aquarius need most? The signal that Venus is in will inform us what we’re eager for, what we’re actually wanting for a few three-to-four-week interval. And when it’s in Aquarius, what we wish greater than something is freedom and independence.
And Uranus brings the disruptive issue. It’d say one thing like, Hmm, you really need freedom from that oppressive job, huh? Properly, let’s see what we are able to do about that. After which the job is modified, or ends altogether. It may very well be that one thing that you simply personal – a automobile, a home, an equipment – is disrupted and breaks down and offers you issues. Sure, this may even occur when Mercury just isn’t retrograde!
As a result of what Uranus might be saying at that time is, effectively, being free financially can imply giving up a few of these issues which might trigger you issues. So long as you personal issues, so long as you’re linked to them indirectly, they’ve the facility to disrupt your life.
When issues go fallacious, socially, Venus in Aquarius and Venus connecting with Uranus can carry a form of enhanced reputation or, much less positively, notoriety. However you possibly can have some form of creative or monetary breakthrough that occurs round this date when Venus is linking up with Uranus. And it may very well be that persons are extra interested in you, wish to be round you, wish to get to know you.
The Moon Report
And now for the Moon Report. There are literally no main lunations this week. The Capricorn New Moon comes subsequent Monday, so we’ll be speaking to you about that then. However let’s take a look at the Void-of-Course durations for this week.
Void-of-Course Moon Durations
On December twenty fourth, the Moon in Libra trines Venus at 2:44 am Pacific Time and is void-of-course for a whopping 21 hours and 22 minutes, earlier than it enters Scorpio on Christmas Day at 12:06 am Pacific Time.
When the Moon begins a Void-of-Course interval with a trine to a different planet, we all know that there’s a reward or a reward that’s coming our method. And what a fantastic solution to start a vacation dedicated to items! What a beautiful facet, and a pleasant lengthy stretch of time to work with this Void-of-Course Moon interval as effectively.
Each the Moon and Venus are in social indicators. So, this can be a actually lovely time to follow kindness to others, to carry stability to relationships, and to share vacation cheer with everyone you meet.
One factor to recollect is that this time of yr could be a actually exhausting time for lots of people. Possibly they’ve misplaced folks within the final yr. Possibly they’ve misplaced their properties in a catastrophe, or misplaced a job. Simply keep in mind that everyone that you simply meet might be struggling a bit indirectly. And go into this vacation, I might say, with that sense of humility and of kindness. To not assume that everyone is able to ho ho ho and ring bells, however would possibly admire only a candy smile and a heat vacation greeting.
On December twenty seventh, the Moon in Scorpio trines Neptune at 6:24 am Pacific Time. It’s Void-of-Course for five hours and 22 minutes, and enters Sagittarius at 11:46 am.
That is one other Void-of-Course Moon interval that’s starting with the Moon trine one other planet, on this case, Neptune. It is a transit that asks us, once more, to get within the behavior of being type and inclusive with others. Think about reaching out to those that appear that they might use some firm this vacation season. Possibly invite them over for dinner or espresso. Share just a little time with you and your loved ones.
And on December twenty ninth, the Moon in Sagittarius squares Neptune at 3:34 PM Pacific Time. It’s void-of-course for 5 hours and three minutes, after which enters Capricorn at 8:37 pm Pacific Time.
A Void-of-Course Moon interval that begins with the Moon sq. one other planet introduces a battle that we are attempting to cope with. This may very well be that we’ve got been indulging an excessive amount of – the Moon in Sagittarius. We’ve got possibly been consuming and consuming to extra this vacation week, and in consequence, we may very well be experiencing some temper swings.
You probably have a behavior of doing this, whether or not it’s the vacations or not, take this Void-of-Course Moon interval to interrupt that tendency, to take excellent care of your self with a shower or a sauna. Get exterior for a brisk stroll within the lovely outdoor.
Listener Query: What’s a “robust” planetary placement?
On this week’s listener query, listener Jamie asks, “I typically hear astrologers point out a transit as affecting somebody particularly if they’ve a powerful placement of a planet of their chart. I’ve pulled my natal delivery chart, however don’t know whether or not any of the planets could be thought-about to have a powerful placement. How do I decide this? Is it the signal it’s in, so far as the planet being in its detriment or exaltation, or a sure diploma inside the home placement? Thanks, and I really like your perception each week.”
Properly, thanks for that, Jamie, and thanks on your query. It’s a very good one. It’s the form of factor we are saying as astrologers, form of assuming folks will know what we imply, and naturally that isn’t essentially all the time the case!
I’ve been attempting to consider a selected instance of a transit affecting somebody particularly if they’ve a powerful placement of a planet of their chart. Possibly one thing like, a sq. from transiting Mars to natal Mercury is perhaps extra consequential if Mercury is strongly positioned in your chart…? I imply, that does sound like one thing an astrologer would possibly say. I’ve most likely mentioned one thing like that myself, presumably even on this podcast!
In any occasion, totally different astrologers would possibly give a barely totally different interpretation of what it means for a planet to be strongly positioned in your chart, however right here is mine.
To start with, I contemplate a planet very strongly positioned if it’s inside, say, 5 to 10 levels of an angle: the Ascendant, Descendant, IC, or Midheaven. In a home system like Placidus or Koch, these angles are the cusps of the primary, seventh, fourth, and tenth homes. Now, the planet doesn’t truly need to be in these homes, simply very near one of many angles.
It is a placement that provides actual oomph to a planet. Truthfully, it’s what involves thoughts for me first once I consider a planet that’s strongly positioned, particularly if a planet is near the Ascendant or the Midheaven. It typically describes qualities which are instantly apparent when folks work together with you.
A planet in any main facet of the angles can do that to some extent. For instance, astrologer Jackie Slevin calls the planet that makes the closest main facet to your midheaven, the “principal planet.” She says it has an enormous affect in your profession.
However throughout the board, a planet that’s in a detailed conjunction with an angle is taken into account strongly positioned.
In conventional astrology, the normal planets, Solar by means of Saturn, are thought-about “of their pleasure,” or particularly pleased and powerful, particularly homes. The Solar has its pleasure within the ninth home, the Moon within the third home, Jupiter within the eleventh, Venus within the fifth home, Mars within the sixth, Saturn within the twelfth, and Mercury within the first home.
Now, secondly, as you recommended, a planet that has robust important dignity is taken into account robust. There are many methods to weigh this, particularly in conventional astrology, but it surely’s sufficient for our functions to know {that a} planet within the signal that it guidelines, for instance, Jupiter in Sagittarius or Saturn in Capricorn -These are typically referred to as the signal of the planet’s domicile – or the signal of its exaltation, reminiscent of Venus in Pisces or Mars in Capricorn, are thought-about very robust. This may be mitigated by issues like features to different planets, nonetheless. You possibly can have a Solar in Leo, which could be very robust, as a result of that’s the signal it guidelines. But when it’s sq., say Neptune, it may lose lots of its confidence and power.
And because you talked about it, inside the signal of every planet’s exaltation, there’s a selected diploma that’s thought-about very lucky. I don’t have private expertise working with these. However experiment with them and charts you’re working with to see if a planet at considered one of these levels appears particularly outstanding for the particular person. I believe they’re just a little extra useful once you’re working, say, with horary or electional charts than in delivery charts, however once more, they’re not one thing I actually have expertise with.
These could be the Solar, which is exalted in Aries on the nineteenth diploma of that signal. The Moon on the third diploma of Taurus. Mercury on the fifteenth diploma of Virgo, Venus on the twenty seventh diploma of Pisces, Mars on the twenty eighth diploma of Capricorn, Jupiter on the eleventh diploma of Most cancers, and Saturn on the twenty first diploma of Libra.
There are different concerns, however I feel that these are primary begin:
First, is the planet inside 5 to 10 levels of an angle?
Second, is the planet within the signal of its rulership or exaltation?
And three, is the planet in the home of its pleasure?
Jamie, thanks a lot on your query and for listening to the podcast. I hope you discovered that clarification useful!
And when you’ve got a query you’d like me to reply on a future episode, simply go away a voicemail of 1 minute or much less at SpeakPipe.com / bigskyastrologypodcast, or ship an e mail to me at April (at) BigSkyAstrology. com and you’ll want to put “podcast query” within the topic line.
Donor Thanks
Properly, that’s every thing on my present sheet, so I’m gonna wrap this one up. Thanks for listening to the Huge Sky Astrology Podcast. If you happen to like what you’re listening to, you’ll want to subscribe or comply with the present in your app of alternative. Go away a ranking or a overview, and I hope that you simply’ll assist unfold the phrase by telling an astrology loving buddy in regards to the podcast. You possibly can learn present notes and full transcripts, and go away your feedback about every episode at BigSkyAstropod.com.
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That’s it for this episode. Be part of me once more vivid and early subsequent Monday. And till then, maintain your ft on the bottom and your eyes on the celebrities!
Writing and pictures © 2017-24 by April Elliott Kent
For extra on this week’s planetary information, learn my column!
