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Thursday, March 30, 2023

April astrology; Pluto in Aquarius, Mercury retrogrades and an eclipse!

 

Pluto entered Aquarius on March 23rd which will change the landscape of the world and our own personal lives over the next 20 years! This is only the tip of the iceberg, since Pluto will only spend 3 months in Aquarius in 2023. On June 12th, it retrogrades back to 29 degrees of Capricorn once again, but we will at least get a feel of what Pluto in Aquarius will do and this is the first full month it is in this sign.  Think back to late spring, early summer of 2020. At that time Saturn entered Aquarius for 3 months (March 23rd-July 1st) before retrograding back into Capricorn for another 5 and a half months. I recall the energy was considerably different from the patriarchal, top heavy, stodgy energy of Saturn in Capricorn and we can expect the same from Pluto.

Pluto in Aquarius will take 2 years to fully enter the sign at the end of 2024. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was 1777-1798, which was a pivotal time in the world. Aquarius is a Democratic sign and 246 years ago we saw two significant emerging Democracies: the US after the Revolution, and France after the French Revolution. Aquarius is the sign of the collective and over the next 20 years we will see power shift around the world to the people and about the people, as opposed to minority rulership and dictatorships that are rising up today. Of course, the world will never be perfect and completely without dictators and none of this will happen overnight, but the next 3 months will bring a preview of what’s to come. It’s interesting to note that Pluto in Aquarius brought about the French revolution and the time of this newsletter we are seeing major protests in the streets of France over the President Macron’s act of raising the retirement age from 62 to 64; against the will of the people.

Saturn will complete its first full month in Pisces as well during April. Mars will remain in Cancer all month and Venus will transit through Taurus and Gemini. We will experience a full moon in Libra April 6th, and the first of several eclipses April 20th along with a retrograde Mercury.  Now, the details.

Mercury enters Taurus April 3rd       

April 3rd Pluto in Aquarius makes its first aspect since 1798 when it squares Mercury. We can expect this to be a day of searching for answers on a deeper level. Information can be revealed and arguments can occur on a day like this. We could see financial news related to the markets, banks or something else. Accidents could occur and this will be a heavy news day no matter what. Others may try and convince you of their viewpoint or you others; in other words, this is a transit of propaganda as well.

Mercury in Taurus

Mercury is the planet that is associated with speech, thinking and all types of communication, and as it changes signs our thinking and style of communication change along with it. Mercury also rules our intellect, ability to analyze, pets, travel, siblings and immediate family members.  Get ready for communication to go from direct, bold and straightforward, to a more laid back and relaxed style. Mercury will remain in the sign Taurus until June 11th, due to its upcoming retrograde in Taurus.

While Mercury was in Aries we felt inspired and full of new ideas, and now is the time to turn these ideas into concrete reality. Mercury in Taurus can give our communication and thinking a practical type of style and determination.

Taurus rules the 2nd house in astrology or income and possessions. Venus is the ruler of the sign Taurus and Venus represents money, values, love and our social lives so our thoughts will turn to these matters as well. Taurus is a rich and sensual sign and we will be more interested in material possessions, land and perhaps the earth itself. Our interests could turn to investments, property, food, art and jewelry, beauty products, clothes and items that beautify our surroundings. As Venus is the ruler of Taurus she becomes the star of the show, and of course, Venus rules love. Expect to feel more expressive and expansive in your feelings and communication, and others will be the same. Now is the time to communicate with your partner and those you love and express the way you truly feel. This type of communication will come easier, and be much more natural during this time.

Taurus also rules the voice. Mercury in Taurus is a great time for those who are musically inclined and sing, do podcasts or anything involving the voice. Mercury in Taurus could indicate sales, trade, and profit as well.

The downside of Mercury/Taurus can have to do with a stubborn unwillingness toward creative change. As Taurus is a fixed sign, change comes slowly with Mercury in this sign, and once a decision is made it is often irrevocable.

The April 6th full moon in Libra

This month’s full moon falls in the sign that rules marriage and partnerships of all kinds. Since Venus is the ruler of Libra, relationships will be front and center. Now is the time to spend time with loved ones and focus on relationship matters.

Venus in Taurus will sextile Neptune creating a dreamy, romantic type of energy in some cases, and this should make for a pleasant day and evening. Mercury sextiles Mars, the planet of action so there will be a great many conversations, and exchanges at this time.

You could feel a strong desire to bring balance and harmony to your life at this time and work through any existing problems you may have with others.

April 12th Venus enters Gemini

When Venus enters Gemini love energies change once again and this will be completely different from Venus in Taurus as we have recently experienced. Venus will find herself in Mercury’s sign until May 7th, so communication and your social life will be prioritized at this time. Don’t be surprised if you don’t find yourself contemplating writing that novel you have always dreamed of, as Mercury rules all communication and the written word. Of course, the drive to communicate may take many different forms and you don’t have to write a novel to make the most of this placement.

Venus in Gemini is concerned with conversation, ideas, truths, and she does like to be bored in this sign. Venus in Gemini can be as sensual as any other sign, but you must bring conversation, adventure and fun to the picture to make this work. Manners count as does intelligence and ideas, most of all.

Venus in Gemini enjoys many different types of people and can flit from one group to another with little notice, and often expect their partner to be able to travel with them at the speed of light if necessary. Routine situations can be quite dull and boring, as are dogmatic, predictable people and routines.

Venus in Gemini is light and airy, and there is no greater turn off for those with Venus in this sign than people who are emotionally heavy and limiting, or jealous and possessive so check these feelings at the front door if you want this energy of this sign to work well for you.

Gemini is associated with the third house of the zodiac which rules communications, sales, writing ability, media, advertising, publicity, short journeys, neighbors, and siblings. The third house is also associated with the active search for knowledge, mental energy and telepathy.

Venus in Gemini is drawn to charismatic people who have interesting things to say and do. Gemini likes someone who can suggest interesting, if not adventuresome dates and places to go, and always has their own thoughts about what is going on.

Typically Venus-Gemini looks for friends first, and isn’t going to jump into an exclusive relationship overnight. Gemini is a mutable sign, so it's subject to changeability at the drop of a hat.

Venus in Gemini has a bad rap astrologically for being fickle. As Gemini is a changeable sign, she (or he) can change her mind if things aren’t working. The dark side of Venus in Gemini has the potential to leave lovers in the lurch suddenly, but is there any Venus that could be exempt from this if there is a good reason? Gemini can be more unpredictable than some, especially if things become too intense or dull. This could of course leave some people feeling duped, which again contributes to Venus's placement here being considered fickle. Venus in Gemini is actually looking for their ideal partner they can communicate and have fun with. Should they be lucky enough to find this, there is little chance they will leave.

Mercury turns retrograde

April 21st, the winged God turns retrograde again at 15 degrees of Taurus and will remain in its ‘backward’ or retrograde stage until May 15th, when it turns direct once again. Taurus is the 2nd sign of the zodiac which rules money and finance. Its planetary ruler is Venus so the themes of this retrograde will be money, love and values.

Mercury hits 15 degrees on April 18th, so technically this is conjunct Uranus. It will remain at this degree until April 26th. Throughout this period Mercury is within a 2-3 degree orb of Uranus which creates a very unpredictable type of energy since Uranus is the planet of unexpected and often shocking change. During this time we may feel nervous, scattered, or hear unexpected news that could related to money, financial matters, and relationships in particular. This is very changeable energy, especially when Mercury is in its ‘stationary retrograde phase April 21-25.

The stationary retrograde phase is when we feel the retrograde energy most strongly, and things tend to go awry.

Communication can break down, slow down, stop altogether, people can become confused, change their minds, job interviews can slow down, and things, projects and people can change their course of direction, sometimes unexpectedly. Equipment can breakdown whether it is a computer, a coffee pot or a car.

What not to do on a retrograde Mercury

Don't make important changes such as starting a new job or project, launching a website, buying big ticket items, close on real estate, buy electronic equipment, get married or engaged, have elective or cosmetic surgery, launch new endeavors or sign contracts. It is hard to get decisions from others, and if you do you, or they could change your mind after Mercury turns direct.

Your Secret garden

There is no doubt frustrations can and do occur under a retrograde Mercury, but it is important to remember this is part of the natural cycle of life. This time is about reflecting on what we have done, and will do in the future, but not yet moving forward. Just like the crab that moves sideways, sometimes we have to take this approach and move sideways before we can really move forward. This too is part of the natural flow.

Sometimes thoughts and inner conversation can be more negative on retrograde Mercury. If this occurs view it as though it were playing out on a screen. That is, view it objectively as though you are watching someone else. Then you can step back, consider the possibilities and consciously decide on a positive path to action rather than listening to negative self-talk.

The positive and necessary thing to do is to reassess, reevaluate, revisit, redo, rethink, and even redesign our lives in some way. This is a time to stop, look and listen to our inner voice so that when Mercury turns direct again you may move forward with clarity and confidence in your decisions. It is a time of personal realignment with the world. Sometimes you may reach a sense of completion with something by the time this cycle ends. This is your private inner garden and now is the time to cultivate it and clear that which needs to be removed so that optimum growth can occur as Mercury turns direct in about three weeks.

Retrograde Mercury can be a time of reconnecting with those from the past in some instances. You could hear from relatives, old friends and on occasion old loves. Things and situations from the past can arise. It is time to take care of those things you have put off, and clear your closets, both literally and figuratively.

Go back to the things from the past that have served you well and re-connect. This does not mean re-connect to a formally destructive relationship, but re-connect with those that have been tried and true. If you work in sales in some capacity or the general public try reconnecting with those you have dealt with before.

Sometimes things that have gone wrong in the past can be corrected. If things go haywire, don't assume the worst. Sometimes decisions that didn't work out in your favor in the past can change, and work out for the better now.

What if you have to act on retrograde Mercury?

Let's say you need a job and one comes up during the retrograde. Don't turn it down, as a job on a retrograde is better than no job. Things may change after you begin. For example, there could be a shift in the direction of the job, or you may not have understood the nature of the job. You may not be in this job for the next 30 years. Things could change again down the road but it can help in the interim if you don't have a job.

If you have to sign a lease or another document ask a lot of questions. Go over things several times and ask others whose judgment you trust to look over it as well. Again though, changes can occur down the road.

By utilizing the time wisely and most of all understanding the energy we are all dealing with this can be a positive period of personal growth and achievement, particularly on an inner level.

The Sun enters Taurus

April 20th, the Sun enters the 2nd sign of spring, or Taurus where it will remain until May 21st.This is the Taurus season when the seeds we planted with the Sun in Aries begin to grow just like the plants in our gardens.

The Sun in Taurus is a time to get steady on our feet, grounded, and turn our attention to the more material concerns of life. Taurus is typically a relaxed, sociable period as Venus is the ruler of the sign. Venus rules love, money and our values and this is where our attention will be focused over the next month.

With Venus as the star of the show, we tend to become more social, relaxed and interested in the more material joys and concerns of life such as beautiful objects and surroundings, clothes and perhaps a new hair style and what might be considered the finer things in life. This includes all things pleasant to our senses; sensuality, art, beauty and often rich foods. Now is the time to treat ourselves to things like spas, flowers even binge watching our favorite shows and just kicking back for a while. Taurus is the time to cultivate and develop a sense of deep security and personal comfort.

There is nothing like sprucing up our appearance with a new hairstyle or make up and make ourselves feel more attractive and desirable and now is the time to get yourself in shape for the warmer months ahead.

While Aries is all about new beginnings, Taurus is a far more relaxed period when we can enjoy a more slow paced time and all the newness and beauty that spring typically brings. We are often drawn to the outdoors during the Taurus season and can enjoy hikes or long walks as Taurus is connected with the Earth which can be a grounding and pleasant experience.

Taurus may take a while to make up its mind but once that happens it can be one of the most steadfast and loyal of all signs. This is the time to think things through carefully and make no rush to judgment. People will be far less impetuous and go through all of their options more carefully when making decisions.

Since Taurus does rule the 2nd house of money in astrology many will be focused on financial concerns at this time. Now is the time to think through investments or anything that relates to your financial life and make changes where necessary.

The downside of Taurus can be a stubborn unwillingness to make changes or stay stuck on something that is not working. Taurus is a fixed sign that moves slowly and does not make fast decisions. Keep an open mind and chill out this month. If you do this, there is no reason you should not enjoy and prosper from the richness, joy and beauty of the Taurus season.

The solar eclipse in Aries

The 1st eclipse of 2023 falls at 29 degrees of Aries on April 20th, and the lunar peak is at 12:15AM, EDT. Aries, is the 1st sign of the zodiac; the ruler of the self and self interests. It opposes the 7th house of others, so this eclipse will be about our relationship with ‘others’ and it is not limited to marriage and personal relationships.

The Moon is conjunct the Sun at 29 degrees of Aries as well. This places a focus on home and our emotional lives.

The 29th degree is considered critical in astrology. That is, important events can occur on both a personal and global nature. What happens personally will depend on where this eclipse falls in your chart.

The 29th degree is associated with ‘fated events,’ both globally and personally. In many cases we may feel that we have come to the end of the road with something. This degree is associated with crisis situations, reversals, matters coming to a completion and we may push boundaries at this time in some way.

This eclipse is considered a rare hybrid type of eclipse. It begins as an annular or ring of fire eclipse and along the way it transforms into a total eclipse which darkens the sky.

Since the eclipse falls in Aries, its planetary ruler is Mars the planet of action (and aggression) which becomes lord of the eclipse.

The eclipse (Moon) squares Pluto which means situations are subject to change and transformation but this can also be a difficult aspect bringing up deep seated issues and power struggles in our lives and on the world stage.

Mercury is conjunct Uranus creating the potential for sudden changeability and unexpected news which could come from several different quarters that can include the financial markets, banks, earth related weather types of events that could include earthquakes, tornadoes and the like.

In the US natal chart this eclipse squares Pluto, the planet of change, power, bullies and in this case financial issues. It also squares Mercury in the 8th house which could point to a prominent death of someone of significance over the next 30 days, a national focus on financial matters, children and young people.

Other transits of interest:

April 11th, the Sun conjuncts Jupiter. This should be an optimistic and upbeat day and some of us could feel lucky at this time.

April 14-15th,  Venus squares Saturn. This can be a negative and tiring kind of day that is not favorable for love, social activities and generally financial matters. Some relationship may end, and others may feel lonely or left out. This will pass after a few days.

April 20-21st, the Sun squares Pluto. This becomes part of the eclipse energy making it more powerful. This is indicative of change, breakdowns, power struggles and transformation of some sort depending on where this falls in your chart.

 

 

 

 


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