April 2020: Saturn in Aquarius: Collective progress, justice and rearranging major structures

How the world can change in only a month! We are all in the middle of a worldwide pandemic the likes of which no one reading this blog has ever seen, and for many it seems the world has turned upside down. We will all get through this period, and we are seeing many random acts of kindness, he and compassion which is something the world can use. People are helping each other and pulling together and this may be the silver lining in this tragedy. Use this time to your own advantage as best you can. Even with disaster, spring is still here, the earth is alive and connecting can be a source of peace. Families are often too busy to spend time together, but now is the time to re-connect and get in touch with those things and people who really matter the most.

Many planets come into play during a pandemic, but the key players now are Jupiter, Pluto, Saturn and Mars all in Capricorn along with Neptune in Pisces. While Saturn has moved into Aquarius for a few months it will return.  Jupiter conjunct Pluto was key in the Spanish flu pandemic in 1819. The last time Pluto and Saturn were conjunct in Capricorn, the world saw the 'Dancing Plague." Pluto rules death and regeneration, and Jupiter expands whatever it touches. Jupiter is conjunct Pluto March 29-April 6, and this and the several weeks afterward appears to be a peak of the virus, and things can only improve as these planets seperate. This transit will return though. 

 Mars conjunct Saturn  began March 30^th and is still active as the month begins. This is frustrating and restrictive energy but should show some improvement by the end of the first week of April. Mars-Saturn relates to frustration and quarantine, but can also indicate police or military action.

 During April the fast moving planets (The Sun and Mercury) will still clash with Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto, but as these aspects complete we should have a more positive outlook going into May.  Jupiter conjunct Pluto will occur twice again this year in late June and November and its possible we could see a spike again during these times.

Saturn entered Aquarius March 21, and it will remain in this sign until July 1. It will re-enter Capricorn July 2, and remain here until December 18, when it re-enters Aquarius where it will remain until March of 2023.

Both Capricorn and Aquarius are ruled by taskmaster Saturn, but the energies will play out quite differently. Capricorn is a conservative earth sign, and Aquarius is a fixed Air sign.

Saturn is considered the great teacher, and the planet of structure and discipline. Keywords that describe Saturn are hard work, patience, discipline and maturity. Wherever Saturn goes it reveals the positive and the least positive-especially what is NOT working, and where we need to apply more of our energies to improve things.

Saturn in Aquarius rules the 11th house, or the collective. Our future over the next several years will involve the collective as opposed to the individual and our place in the collective. We will all be in it together or in other words just as we are now at the start of this cycle with the world pandemic. This does not mean the pandemic will continue for 3 years, but we will be concerned with issues that have a greater global and collective affect on us all. Our world has changed and will continue to do so during Saturn's transit through Aquarius. 

During the years Saturn is in Aquarius it will ask us to change from a society of self-interest to one that recognizes the needs of the majority, or the collective. By doing so we have a chance to achieve a new and better form of Democracy that works for the majority as opposed to a minority.

Saturn in Aquarius also has a co-ruler: Uranus. Uranus rules the unexpected, explosive situations, technology, freedom and breaking away from the old, coups and revolutions. It also rules anarchy, bacteriology, birds, broadcasting, brotherhood, calamities, change, clairvoyants, electronics, fanaticism, genius, inventions, liberty, inequality, influenza, liberals, lighting, metaphysics, psychics, science, and zealots to name just a few. The nature of Uranus is to bring about change when we least expect it and from the least likely source. Uranus often shakes us out of our ruts to move forward in a new direction.

Saturn squares Uranus

Saturn began its square to Uranus in Taurus when it entered Aquarius March 21, but this square will not complete until 2021. The most intense period this year is between the time of this post and mid-April. Uranus square Saturn deals with upheaval and change in the world as well as our personal lives. In Taurus, this upheaval will affect money/financial markets, earth and weather related changes and conditions, possibly the production and distribution of food, coups and revolutions and unexpected events in the collective and our personal lives.

During Saturn’s time in Aquarius we will see major new advancement in thinking and technology during this  exciting period of time. We will also see changes in medicine and public health matters in the US.

Saturn in Capricorn

In Capricorn, Saturn is about building and hard work. Capricorn is conservative and restrictive and at the same time can represent big business and great wealth. It is a stodgy if not heavy sign and it’s conjunction with Pluto and Jupiter (in Capricorn) has brought about a great deal of turmoil in the world. Pluto changes, reforms and often tears down to rebuild.

Capricorn is a materialistic sign and also one of the signs that rules the earth. We have seen a great deal of materialism during the last 2.5 years Saturn has been in Capricorn. Now, as we approach the end of Saturn’s transit through Capricorn we are faced with the problem of what happens when society becomes so materialistic it ignores the majority, which is why income inequality has now become a theme we are being forced to deal with. Society as a whole cannot exist peacefully for long when the needs of the top 1% come at the expense of the 99%. Saturn in Aquarius will make this obvious and be an impetus toward change.

The earth itself is in need of our help as global warming and the consequences become a major theme we will be forced to work with one way or another. When Saturn transits Aquarius we will be forced to put the needs of the citizens and earth itself ahead of corporate greed and negligence of the planet.We will each be finding our own place in the collective.

Saturn in Capricorn deals with banks, big business and authority. Capricorn is needed in a society to create structure but there must be balance. Saturn in Capricorn often deals with authority and elite financial hierarchies which can lead to power imbalances and corruption.  Saturn has transited through Capricorn four times since the turn of last century and each time has brought about a recession.

Saturn and the zodiac signs

Saturn in Aquarius will work well for some signs and other signs will face more challenges as it does each time Saturn changes signs. Let’s take a look at the signs:

Aries-Saturn will sextile your Sun from the 11^th house of friends, hopes and wishes. This should aid you in accomplishing what you desire as well as providing stability in groups and friendships.

Taurus-Saturn will clash with those born under the Taurus Sun, and you may have to work harder, and some may change jobs.

Gemini-Saturn trines your Sun creating opportunities for travel, education, and in general making your life more stable.

Cancer-Saturn makes no major aspects to your Sun but moves through your 8^th house. You may focus on finances or investments and have to do without financial help from others you may be used to and forced to tap into your own inner resources. Major change can occur in your life over this time.

Leo-Saturn opposes your Sun. Relationships and partnerships may be more difficult and some relationships can end. You could hear news of those from your past, and you will have to work harder to accomplish what you normally do.

Virgo-Saturn makes no major aspects to your Sun. You may be more focused on work, day to day activities and health.

Libra-Saturn trines your Sun from your 5^th house. Creativity, children, and friends may play a bigger part in your life, and you could find love this year. If so, it may not be the flashiest relationship but it could prove to be stable.

Scorpio-Saturn squares your Sun bringing changes in your home and basic foundation. In all likelihood you will work harder to accomplish your desires, and you could change homes or jobs, or experience issues with family members.

Sagittarius-Saturn sextiles your Sun from your 3^rd house. You may spend more time with neighbors, co-workers or immediate family. This should be a stabilizing influence. You could learn something new and take more short trips.

Capricorn-Saturn has finally left your sign and you can breathe a sigh of relief. Saturn makes no major aspect to your Sun and this will be a period of focus on your finances which can grow with hard work.

Aquarius-Saturn enters your sign once every 30 years. This can prove to be difficult in some ways but it sets the stage for lasting accomplishment. During the year Saturn conjuncts your Sun major life events occur and you often re-create yourself in some ways.

Pisces-Saturn makes no major aspects to your Sun. It transits through your 12^th house or the end of your chart. This means you are clearings the decks for a new start in a few years, and many things you are used to may end or change in preparation for new beginnings.

Other influences in April

Other significant planetary changes this month include the Sun’s transit from Aries to Taurus and Mercury’s transit into Aries. Venus moves through Gemini and Mars through Aquarius, and we will experience a full moon in Libra and a New moon in Taurus.

The Sun remains in Aries for another 19 days before it enters Taurus on April 20^th. Wherever the Sun goes, the spotlight shines, and the Sun in Taurus brings with it a focus on money, income and material possessions. Taurus represents the 2^nd sign of spring and the fullness of the season. This is a laid back sign and its qualities include resonating with the fullness of nature, good food, quality over quantity and an earthy energy that comes across as calm and relaxing. While many people are at home, now is the time to make the most of this energy and connect with the earth when you can.

Mercury, the planet of communication spends another 11 days in Pisces before moving into Aries. Mercurial energy in Pisces is often unclear and confusing. This can often manifest as intuitive and dream like, but communication will become much more clear and direct when it enters Aries on April 12^th. April 3^rd, Mercury conjuncts Neptune and this will be a day full of confusion and lack of clarity, although certain things may be revealed in the collective and our own personal lives. Dreams and creativity may be vivid.

Venus the planet of love and money moves from Taurus into the sign Gemini on April 3^rd. Venus in this sign means love energy may seem more intellectual than physical, and Gemini can’t stand to be bored. Chivalry is not dead with Venus in Gemini. Expect your loved one to be more in the mood for stimulating conversation, and up for trying some new and different activities. Venus will be in this sign for over 4 months, as it will retrograde this year on May 13^th.

Venus in Gemini will work well for Gemini, Libra and Aquarius as well as Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Venus in this sign will work well with Mars in Aquarius creating a lightening combination for love and social energy for Air signs. The two planets that rule love and attraction will be compatible with each other this month.

Mars began its journey through Aquarius March 30^th, leaving conservative Capricorn for the sign that concerns the collective. It started off with a bang as it conjuncted Saturn March 30-31^st. Mars rules our action and in Aquarius it is detached, friendly, logical and upbeat.

April’s full Moon

April’s full moon falls on April 7^th at 18 degrees of Libra, and this is considered a Supermoon. Supermoons appear closer to the earth and are associated with extreme weather conditions, often tsunamis and earthquakes.

Libra rules the 7^th house of marriage and partnerships and this moon will be about relationships. At this time we will re-access whether or not our relationships are serving a purpose and fulfilling our needs. There will be an overall desire to find balance and harmony. Libra is often associated with romantic relationships but can also include partnerships of different types.

This Moon will square Saturn and Jupiter and Pluto which means some relationships and other situations can encounter obstacles or even end, and things can become blown out of proportion.

Mars square to Uranus can have a dangerous affect in that people may act rashly and impulsively without thinking things through. It is important to use care at this time, as this transit can cause sudden accident or outbursts. We will also see sudden and unexpected events on the world stage.

April’s New Moon in Taurus

April’s New moon falls on April 22, at 3 degrees of Taurus. Taurus rules the second house of money and income which will be a theme and it conjuncts Uranus. This can create mood swings, and sudden and unexpected events with women. It squares Saturn creating an affect that frequently deals with having to face the reality of a situation. There is planetary help and hope however, as Mars trines Venus in Gemini/Aquarius. This will lighten the mood, and is good for romantic and social connections. 

Pluto retrogrades

Pluto is the planet of absolute change, death and regeneration. On April 25^th, it turns stationary retrograde at 24 degrees of Capricorn. It will remain at this degree until July 5, when it begins its retrograde movement and returns to 22 degrees of Capricorn. It will turn direct again September 29^th.

 This is a significant change, especially if you have Cardinal planets-Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn at 23-25  degrees.

Many issues relating to joint monies and investments, partnerships and sex will begin to 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. Pluto wants to uncover things and bring them from the darkness or hidden realm and into the light.

Certain issues involving power or power structures may appear to lose steam during this time, but they are not really going away, they are just going under the surface, where activity is still occurring that can be significant when Pluto turns direct again. In a sense we are backing up, to reconsider ideas and information.

When Pluto turns direct again long term issues of this type (power issues) will surface again both in our personal lives and the world. But, as Pluto retrogrades we have the opportunity to look at things from a different perspective and effect a positive transformative change.

Important dates to watch in April

April 14^th, the Sun begins its squares to the Cardinal planets mentioned earlier. April 14^th, the Sun squares Pluto. This can bring about power struggles, and things, situations and relationships can break down. Use caution in your dealings with others. This transit and the others will represent significant news days as well,

April 15^th the Sun squares Jupiter, and things can get blown out of proportion. Jupiter expands whatever it touches, and this can include egos. April 21, the Sun squares Saturn. This can seem restrictive and low energy or negative. Remember this is only passing energy, and will change soon.

April 25, Mercury squares Pluto. This transit typically manifests as intense if not obsessive thinking. While it may be a good day for research, it is important to remember not to let negative or obsessive thinking take over your mind on this day as this is a fast moving transit.

April 26, the Sun conjuncts Uranus. This can coincide with sudden and unexpected events or news. You could feel nervous or restless On the positive side, this can result in new directions, new ways of approaching things and brilliant solutions.

April 28, Mercury squares Saturn. This day can seem tiring and drag on, and you may experience negative thinking. It can be good for reflecting however, and finding workable solutions.

April 30, Mercury conjuncts Uranus. This day may be much like April 26, and you could receive some type of sudden and unexpected news. You could be restless or nervous. On the other hand, your mind may be filled with brilliant and unusual ideas. If so, write them down, as they will disappear as quickly as they came.

Happy April! May you and yours stay safe and healthy!