April 2019: The Saturn/Pluto conjunction approaches

April through May, Saturn and Pluto fall within a 3 degree orb of each other in  the sign Capricorn which means the energies of this powerful conjunction will become more apparent in the world and our lives at this time. We could call this the official kick-off of this transit although the energies have been building for a while. There is powerful energy for change on a global and personal level that will take on added significance now as we approach the Saturn-Pluto conjunction of January 2020. This is a major transit that occurs about every 33 years. 

Restriction and/or limitation can force us to change things in the collective and in our lives that has outlived its purpose or usefulness. Many global and geopolitical changes will occur between now and 2020. This is a slow, evolutionary process that will create new foundations in coming years. Pluto first destroys and brings about transformation, and then we can rise like a phoenix from the ashes to be re-born in a new and different way.

Love forecast for April

Venus is in Pisces through April 19, and it is very comfortable here. This will work well for all water and earth signs, but especially Scorpio as it falls in the 5th house of love. This is soft, romantic energy connected with dreaminess and the imagination. Venus enters Aries April 20, changing love energies as Aries is ruled by Mars. Venus is at its detriment in this sign, which means the energy does not flow as well, and is more aggressive. Aries will work well for all fire signs however, especially Leo.

Mars is the other significant planet when it comes to love, and is in Gemini all month. Mars rules men and action as well as sex. Mars in Gemini is placed in Mercury's sign and communication becomes more important. Change and doing interesting or different things will become more significant as Gemini can't stand to be bored, or with those who can't communicate and explore different ideas. Approaches to love can take on a more Mercurial tone.

New and full moons are about ourselves and our partnerships

April's New moon falls on April 5, at 15 degrees of Aries. This is the first New Moon of Spring and Aries rules the first house of self, self-interests.

With its square to Saturn and Pluto this Moon will be a powerful agent for change. There can be a feeling of uncertainty or even  fear. While there is a strong desire for change there will likely also be blocks to your progress. This does not spell failure but rather a need to examine and deal with the blocks, or with the bag of rocks you may be dragging around with you.

April 19, the Full Moon falls at 29 degrees of Libra, the sign ruling the 7th house of partners, partnerships, marriage and relationships.

This Moon will be about relationships, and in some cases endings. Others may desire to seek out companionship at this time. Libra seeks balance in all things. As this Moon squares Pluto there can be blocks, internal blocks, confrontations with subconscious problems and disruptions in the home. Overall however, Libra seeks peace and companionship.

Three major planets retrograde: Time to re-access

Sometimes you need to understand an idea and all that it embodies and this is what will happen when Jupiter retrogrades at 24 degrees of Sagittarius on April 10. Jupiter in Sagittarius is optimistic and enthusiastic and Jupiter is at home here, but sometimes we need to check our enthusiasm and get down to facts. This will represent a time of philosophical and spiritual reflection and a fine tuning of ideas. Jupiter retrograde has a weaker energy, but it is still typically beneficial. Jupiter will turn direct again on August 11, at 14 degrees of Sagittarius.

Pluto retrogrades at 23 degrees of Capricorn on April 23. Pluto is the planet that brings absolute change and transformation when it moves through your chart. Many things go undercover now and agendas will be hidden. Issues relating to joint monies and investments, partnerships, lawsuits and sex will be internalized during this period allowing us to look at things from a different viewpoint. Pluto is about making deep change that goes beneath the surface. One way of looking at this is destruction of that which is no longer working, which will now become obvious.

Saturn turns retrograde April 30, at 20 degrees of Capricorn, having moved through more than half of its cycle in the sign it rules. It begins its yearly backward motion April 17, and turns direct again September 18, at 13 degrees of Capricorn. This is a time of internal re-structuring where we can look at our basic foundation and make changes.

Other significant dates in April

April 2, Mercury is conjunct Neptune. This transit began March 22, when Mercury was retrograde and conjuncted Neptune. Mercury is now direct and this is the final pass. But, expect continued confusion, evasion, deception and lack of clarity until Mercury separates from Neptune which will take another 3 or 4 days.

April 10, Venus conjuncts Neptune. This can be creative and dreamy, but as Neptune rules illusion, be careful what you chose to believe, especially regarding relationships. The Sun squares Saturn at 20 degrees of Capricorn. This is not a time to take shortcuts as you may be tempted. At worst you could experience rejection, criticism, or an unsettled and worried feeling but this will pass in a few days.

April 13, the Sun squares Pluto. All Pluto transits can be obsessive in nature, and increase your need to be in control, which can lead to serious ego conflicts with authority figures. It is important to watch for destructive behavior on your part or someone else's. Deeply rooted psychological issues can surface relating to many situations including relationships. Best case scenario is that some type of deep transformation can occur, but not without a great deal of work. We will see issues of control and abuse of power play out in the world.

April 17, Mercury enters Aries. Communication changes dramatically as Mercury enters the sign ruled by Mars. Expect more direct and aggressive communication over the next month.

April 20, The Sun enters Taurus the second sign of spring when the weather begins to stabilize. Taurus rules the 2nd house of money and possessions, and likes comfort and the material things that go with it.

April 22, the Sun conjuncts Uranus. Look for sudden and unexpected events, sudden changes of course, and this could be a day to experience something totally different.

April 27, Mars squares Neptune at 17 degrees of Gemini/Pisces. This day may seem confusing, tiring and discouraging. We could see or hear of scandals, lies and deceptions. The higher use of this energy is compassion, spirituality and creativity.