Mercury in Pisces Mar 31 - Apr 16 The month begins with a sense of uncertainty and anxiety, as Mercury begins its journey through its sign of debilitation, and the Moon dips down into Scorpio for the first couple of days of April. While the Moon's transit in Scorpio is strengthened by Mars's aspect, and Mercury is bolstered by an exalted Venus, these planets (Mars and Venus) are themselves challenged by other indications. Venus remains in combustion as it moves toward its exaltation degree at the end of Pisces, while Mars is still under the spell of Rahu. Both planets are blocked from expressing themselves fully. Anger can result, of course, as the energy may be suppressed and distorted. Mercury represents how we communicate. In Pisces, it's feels a bit lost. Pisces represents the paradoxical nature of higher, and deeper, truths, which the intellect has a hard time fathoming. But while Mercury is a bit out of its depth and struggles to communicate effectively, there is an opportunity to communicate something else, something more profound and confusing (meaning to 'fuse with'), allowing us to see the bigger picture. Mercury in Pisces is a more creative time, to think about things differently, but it is not the best time to get clear about the fine print. In fact, we may need to forgo the finer details completely, as we may lack the ability to focus the mind. This is a very short transit, thankfully. And Mercury is propped up by an exalted Venus to a degree. Another possibility, however, is that we get angry while Venus is combust and take that out on others, or lack the ability to get really clear and rational in our communications while Mercury transits the emotive Pisces. There's nothing rational about how we feel. It's just the way it is. Mercury in Pisces struggles to keep things succinct and business like. But as long as we know what it's good for, we can make the most of it, that is, to keep our minds open throughout its transit in Pisces. Don't get too fixated on what is, or what is not, happening right now. Clarity will come soon enough. Instead, use the energy to be more philosophical, and prepare yourself for the upcoming changes. There is land ahoy! Jupiter enters Aquarius Apr 5 Jupiter is temporarily weakened as it changes signs, but no more so than it has been of late, I guess. You may have been asking yourself where is the light at the end of the tunnel. Well, this is a light, although faint at first. And it's really more of a twilight, to be honest. While Jupiter's exit from its sign of debilitation is worth celebrating, there are a couple of things to consider: 1. Jupiter is no longer propped up by Saturn in Capricorn, or aspected by Rahu in Taurus. Whatever has been propped up must now be brought down to earth and reconfigured, especially once Jupiter stations retrograde on the Solstice. I figure this is an adjustment in the economy, but also in the state of the world in general, regarding ethics, morality and just plain old doing the right thing, or indeed, knowing what is right in the first place! 2. Aquarius is not necessarily a strong position for Jupiter, it's just that's it's no longer debilitated. That's because Aquarius is ruled by Saturn and Rahu, and Rahu in particular causes problems for Jupiter. The reason this transit is welcomed and celebrated in India, during the Kumbha Mela festival, is more so because Jupiter is no longer depressed in Capricorn. So, it is a welcomed lift. How much we're lifted is another matter. Jupiter in Aquarius does offer new possibilities, at least, of connecting to each other again, and seeing things differently, and of coming up with solutions to problems. As I wrote in the article, Freedom Seekers: Jupiter in Aquarius, ''While Aquarius is not as ‘dark’ for Jupiter as Capricorn is, it is not a ‘light’ as Pisces, its own sign. Jupiter in Aquarius could be likened to a twilight period, a magical time when things start to change, and everything hangs in the balance. Jupiter’s initial transit in Aquarius may be a new Dawn, as darkness leads way to a new light, but it must return to Capricorn from mid-September to the end of November, representing a return to a darkness in some respect. Twilight captures the sense that things are changing but are not yet fully formed in the light of day''. Jupiter's return to Capricorn brings it back into debilitation. But wait, this is not as bad as it first seems. Jupiter's return to Capricorn is again bolstered by Saturn, while its retrograde motion until the end of October further mitigates its debilitation. It's as if Jupiter were in Cancer during the end of September and beginning of October, bringing a new sense of hope, born of despair. Rahu's aspect to Jupiter offers new insights and innovations, too, although it does show unethical behaviour and dubious actions. Once Jupiter returns to Aquarius by the end of November, we are likely to be in a better position to see how this will play out in the long run. This new dawn will give us more of a sense of some new possibility, unlike Jupiter's initial transit through Aquarius, which will probably be short-lived. Jupiter's initial entry into Aquarius is a welcomed relief for those with Sagittarius and Pisces prominent, as well as for those who are in a Jupiter cycle, and us all in general. For those in longer Jupiter cycles, they have Jupiter's upcoming transit in Pisces to look forward to next year, as do we all. April 2022 will bring a new sense of hope and connection. In 2021, Aquarius offers an interim period and a way out of the absolute darkness of late, at least. But it may be a quiet side exit, and not the grand entrance into something new we had hope for. For those with Sagittarius and Pisces rising sign, there will be a lift of energy accompanied by new possibilities. Although there are no longer other mitigating factors propping them up, there are new ways of looking at life that Capricorn simply cannot provide, a new hope that comes from having more energy. Jupiter in Capricorn has been tiresome and depressing. It's transition into Aquarius, the sign of groups and society, and the future, brings hope to what seemed hopeless. And that, my dear patrons, is most welcomed, and worth celebrating - together - in some form or other. Join me on the eve of Jupiter's ingress into Aquarius, Apr 4 at 6.00pm UTC (GMT +1), to celebrate this transition. Here is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84628745149 Meeting ID: 846 2874 5149 Passcode: 681415 Venus in Aries Apr 10 - May 4 Venus moves out of the frying pan and into the fire once it enters Aries. Venus is moving from its exalted sign, but also a deeply combust state. Mercury also brought down the mood somewhat, creating a need for purification, rather than enjoyment or indulgence. Venus continues in combustion until the end of April and returns to our night sky in May, reappearing in the evenings in Taurus. This is not only a better sign position for Venus in May, its a better fit for Venus in the evening time, a Venus time of day, where we can, at long last, enjoy some pleasures once again. I'll leave out Rahu's conjunction with Venus for now, which will probably create all kinds of issues. More on that next month. Okay, I'm avoiding Venus in Aries aren't I?! That's because Venus in Aries is not necessarily that happy, in a sign that opposes its compromising nature. Everything is good for something, of course, and Venus in Aries is good for going for what we want, no matter what the other party has to say about it! We need to be mindful of this, as Venus is not only channeling Mars' energy of selfish desires, it is combust and angry. If we don't get what we want, and get it now, we are likely to lash out. And if we're not lashing out, we're likely taking it out on ourselves. There is a brief period of compromise, of give and take, as Venus begins its transit in Aries, from Apr 10 to 13, before Mars moves into Gemini. That's because Venus exchanges with Mars in Taurus. After that, it's probably a lot more of a me - me - me- type of energy we must all be mindful of getting out of hand. Once the Sun joins Venus in Aries, along with the Moon, on Apr 13/14, it's all about Mars having the final say in Gemini, breaking free from Rahu's restraints, with a wish to engage and enjoy ourselves. What does Mars in Gemini enjoyments look like? Probably more roaming about, travelling from here and there, whatever the hell anyone thinks about it! This is likely to create problems in relation to bigger considerations, beyond our personal wishes, of course, and will likely be expressed in many expressing their personal views that are not in an easy alignment with the common good. Further surprises and complications are due once Venus meets with Uranus on Apr 23. Thankfully, Mars is in a more compromising mood at the time, as it exchanges with Mercury in Aries. This will likely help out the overall situation, but it will really depend on what these signs rule for you personally. Generally, Venus in Aries is more selfish and inconsiderate. But again, that can be used to say or do what needs to be said and done, especially if you've been biting your lip. New Moon in Pisces (Revatī) Apr 12 - Lunar New Year This new Moon is also the Lunar New Year in the Hindu calendar, and an important time to consider the year ahead. Whatever the configurations placed in the chart of the moment of the new Moon, and depending on the location, it will show the general themes for the world, along with more specific themes for different countries around the world. As you can see from the above chart, the Sun and Moon are together at the very end of Pisces. Just like the previous few months' new Moons, we have this quality of endings, rather than new beginnings. That means - you guessed it - more of a sense of things ending this year. But wait, isn't that a good thing when it comes to what we've been dealing with? Yes! There are certainly complications in the chart. And you don't need an astrologer to tell you that we are likely to experience many complications in the coming year. The chart has Mars with Rahu in Taurus, opposite Ketu in Scorpio. That's one of the biggest themes, of blockages to resources (Rahu in Taurus) as we grapple with overcoming the virus (Ketu in Scorpio). This also means that there is still this Kala Sarpa Yoga quality to the year ahead, with all the planets with or on one side of the nodes, showing the continued sense of uncertainty. Venus and Mars are exchanging signs - Aries and Taurus - and depending on your location, this can either be a good thing or more of a challenge. The chart I have included is for my own location in Ireland, casting the chart for Dublin. This is a more challenging indication, on the one hand, but on the other, it does show the need to overcome challenges, as Mars is exchanging the 6th house with Venus in the 5th. This shows challenges for future speculation, including political power, and for the markets. It shows a challenge for any kind of speculation, as the 5th house is all about the future and the next generation, including children and their education. The anger that is likely, in Ireland and in other countries, around education will be more apparent in 2021, I imagine. Jupiter is no longer in debilitation, thankfully, but it is playing host to a debilitated Mercury in Pisces for the New Year. Mercury represents business concerns and effective communications. Good luck with that! The Sun and Moon are flanked by Jupiter and Venus, which is another, more helpful indication, as the two most benevolent planets surround the luminaires. This may generally indicate a more positive disposition for government and the public in general. Saturn is still strong, and still has a big say in how things are playing out for the year, as the Sun, Moon and Mercury line up in Jupiter's sign, while Jupiter transits Saturn's. Saturn in Capricorn continues the theme of restrictions, but that's no surprise either. For Ireland, this may be more economically challenging than other countries like the UK, which has the sign Capricorn rising, placing Jupiter in the second house (see chart below). For the UK, the exchange between Mars and Venus is between the more auspicious 4th and 5th houses, showing better results for the housing and speculation, most probably. Saturn's imposing position in the 1st house is of course a more challenging indication, but it does show the countries involved making the necessary adjustments. Plava Year Apr 2021 - Apr 2022 The New Lunar Year, the first new Moon since the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn last December, represents a new year within a cycle of 60 years related to Jupiter and Saturn's transits. These can be divided into 3 cycles of 20 years. The first 20 years relate to the god of creation, Brahmā, the next 20 to the god of sustenance, Viṣṇu, and the last 20 to the god of destruction, Śiva. This shows the beginning, middle and end of the whole 60-year cycle. Each year within the 60 - what is known as a 'Jovian year' - is given a special name in Indian astrology and has certain significations. The upcoming year is called Plava. We could draw some conclusions as to the nature of the year ahead using some of the translations for the Sanskrit word Plava, which, having searched for the meaning, seems to include 'urging on', 'returning, 'going by leaps or plunges', 'plunging', 'leaping', 'jumping', 'sloping down or towards, 'swelling of a river', 'flooding' and 'swimming'. If we relate this to the transits of the planets, including Ketu's transit Scorpio, which can show flood damage and water shortages/contamination, as Rahu in Taurus shows blocks to resources and supply chains, these words may seem to suggest many possibilities; some good (urging us on, for example) and some, not so good (flooding, sloping down). It may suggests a wandering nature, of feeling like we are set adrift. It does, however, show a need to move beyond the problems that arise, to overcome our worst fears, 'urging' us on, 'returning' us to some sense of normality, 'plunging' us into something new. Sun in Aries Apr 13 - May 13 The Sun's entry into Aries is a cause for celebration on any given year. The uncertainty of the last sign of Pisces, and any sense of being set adrift, leads way to dry land and a more proactive approach, a more confident sense once we have reached the shore. This year, we are long overdue more energy and confidence, and will likely feel the need to express ourselves and our need for freedom all the more. Sun in Aries is exalted, and out of the restrictions of Saturn in Capricorn. Saturn no longer aspects the Sun and the Sun is no longer in Saturn's signs. Here, it's in Mars's domain, which is more directed and purposeful, more encouraged by what it feels and sees happening in the environment. The Sun's entry into Aries props up Mars in Gemini, too. This is a welcome relief for those with Leo prominent, especially those with Leo rising, as their ruler has been particularly challenged for several months now. For us all, this brings more energy and optimism, more confidence in what we are doing, and in what leaders are doing for us. The Sun and all it represents, including confidence and self-esteem, is such an essential aspect of being human. Without it, we falter, in even the simplest tasks. With it, we feel we can do anything, with whatever we've got going for us. A strong Sun can make us feel as if we can do anything! Now, just because we may feel like we can do anything, and that we actually would like to do whatever the hell we want, we do have to remind ourselves of Saturn's continued strength in Capricorn, in a contrasted square aspect to the Sun in Aries. Sorry for being such a wet blanket, but this is the overarching theme of 2021, as Saturn in Capricorn continues to square planets in Aries, including Uranus all this year, and next. With the Sun meeting with Uranus, exact Apr 30, we are likely to act more impulsively, and in our own best interests, which can, and probably will, be in direct conflict with others' needs. In the grand scheme of things, who's to say what is 'right' or 'wrong' in such a circumstance, as arguments for any action could be made. These are, however, usually made in retrospect, while these transits could do with a little more self-reflection and introspection, despite the outward drive and focus that is emphasized. Here's my suggestion, and one I hope to engage throughout myself: Take actions that are sourced form within, focusing on outer things in a way that is coming from higher up, or from deeper within, whatever way you approach whatever you are doing. And then, as you put in place all the possible and responsible restrictions, go for it and enjoy yourself! If you've got anything to give to others at this time - be it your love, your warmth and cheer, your confidence, your energy - give it generously. Mars in Gemini Apr 13 - Jun 2 There are a lot of changes occuring by mid-April, as the Sun moves into its exalted position, heralding new strengths and possibilities. Jupiter's entry into Aquarius, likewise. Mars is also getting stronger in Gemini. Not that Mars is particularly happy or strong in Gemini, of course - it's not - but that Mercury which rules the sign, is helping out and willing to play ball. This occurs once Mercury moves into Aries on Apr 16 and for the rest of the month. This means Mars and Mercury are exchange signs (Aries and Gemini). Depending on these signs' positions in your own chart, this can either be a very helpful indication, somewhat helpful, or simply not helpful. It runs the full gamut. Generally, you can see this as alternatively helpful and challenging for the signs, starting with Aries as good, Taurus as not so good, Gemini as good and Cancer as not so good etc. Mars and Mercury generally don't get along. Actually, they are seen as bitter enemies. Mars is all about action. Mercury likes to talk about it. This make Mars mad! When they come into this kind of relationship (3-11), they are forced to get along, which means we are likely to experience Mars in Gemini, in April, at any rate, as having to play fair, no matter what we would like to do. Rahu continues to aspect Gemini, so I have no doubt that many will not be playing by the rules. Whatever we do individually, and whatever we decide is doable, we must adhere to the impositions, the powers that be, which are particularly strong during the Sun's transit in Aries. Add Mercury into Aries, exchanging with Mars in Gemini, and I get the sense that most will do the necessary, while some will be going rogue. You see, Mars is 'out of bounds' while it is transiting Gemini, which means it is further than the declination limit of 23°27’. Mars has just moved outside this range, northward. When you see planets do this, they tend to be wayward and individualistic, going their own way. At least Mars is not going south, which is in our vocabulary as and when things 'go south'. Going north is not an expression but can be seen to represent going it alone, doing our own thing. Mars now breaks the Kala Sarpa Yoga as it moves signs, the uncertain combination which held all planets on one side for a time. This is good news, and although Mars is going rogue, at least we feel freer to move. The fact that this is occuring in the sign Gemini, which is all about sexual pleasure, travel and interaction, means we will likely see many taking to the great outdoors for some fun times! I'll stop there and leave the rest to your imagination! ;) Mercury in Aries Apr 16 - May 1 Mercury jumps into the fiery pot along with the Sun and Venus, and exchanges signs with Mars in Gemini. This is a more directed and purposeful Mercury, more willing to play the games of Mars in Gemini, to compromise for the sake of freedom. Mars is less willing to compromise, of course, but Mercury can tell everyone else we are! This will likely be expressed as just that; more and more people stating they are compromising and yet doing the necessary so they can have some freedom, and stating their case, plain and simple. Mercury is conjunct the Sun as it enters the sign, exact on Apr 17, and then conjuncts Uranus on Apr 24 and Venus on Apr 25. With this gathering in Aries leading up to the full Moon in the opposite sign Libra, we are about to be taught a valuable lesson in compromise, born of a need for freedom, no matter the cost. Mercury in Aries is at least more willing to compromise, as and when we feel more purposeful and directed in our plans, and if allow others to do what they must. Full Moon in Libra (Svātī) Apr 27 The full Moon is placed in Svātī lunar mansion which is all about independence and the strength to go it alone. Svātī literally means ‘independent one'. One of the sign's symbols is a young sprout blowing in the wind, showing a need to adapt to new circumstances, to go against the grain. Svātī is ruled by the god of the breath and the life-force, showing a heightened sensitivity and artistic nature, more obviously expressed in Libra, where this lunar mansion is placed. The full Moon in Svātī is a good day for treating disease, business, and study, as well as artistic and creative self-expression and individualism. This full Moon is a balancing point between Aries and Libra, between our own needs and our willingness to compromise. If you haven't done so at this stage, this full Moon will require more compromise, as Saturn's gaze is strong on the Moon in Libra, showing the fears that are inevitably felt during restrictions, and those felt when these are lifted to any degree. Svātī may be about going it alone, finding our own way, but there are anxieties involved that must be negotiated if we are to enjoy any social engagements. Pluto stations Retrograde Apr 27 With all of the action happening on the other side of the zodiac in April, it would be easy to miss out on what's going on with Pluto in Capricorn and Ketu in Scorpio. Pluto quietly stations in April, slowly and secretly making its moves while we're all busy with other, more exciting, developments. Pluto stations are not consciously felt, usually. Heck, Pluto is not felt usually whatever it's doing! Pluto is 'dark', in that it represents the subconscious. Indian astrology has a good word for it: tamas. Tamas is just one word that can be used in so many contexts. Tamas is 'dark', 'inert', 'unconscious', what tantra teacher David Deida calls 'Stage One' in relationships, 'the macho jerk, submissive housewife' kind of relationship, where fear is at its core. And yet, stage one points back to something deep within, something dark and unsavory sometimes, and other times, something just deep. Deep sleep, for example, is tamasic, an important part of the day when we recover from our exertions. Tamas and Saturn go hand in hand too, as Saturn is fearful. Add them both in Capricorn and you have even more fear present. But another you have is a need to change the fundamentals. Yes, it may come about after much fear, but change it must. Capricorn is all about systems that make us feel safe. While the Plutocracy is not interested in your safety, the Pluto part of you, i.e., the tamasic part of you, is. Pluto's retrograde goes even deeper to find out what will make us feel safe. It looks to unearth things that are hidden, removing things which have festered, either in systems around the globe or personal systems. This will probably express itself as big business, banking and governments putting steps in place which attempt to maintain control, a key indication of Pluto. We just may not hear about them from the outset. There is a part of us that is working behind the scenes, too, which may even seem to work against our best interests, our saboteur. The obvious aspect that I think will be prominent is in relation to the virus. Pluto's retrograde is hopeful in the sense that the virus may go into remission, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking that this will be the end of it and bury our heads in the sand. We must face our fears so we don't project them onto others who are dealing with their own. By doing so, we come out the other side feeling lighter, and brighter. - As always, I wish you the very best of the what the month has to offer. OM TAT SAT
Tera Lane
6/4/2021 01:11:13 pm
Excellent recap...Thank you!!! 7/4/2021 10:24:42 am
You're very welcome Tera. Thank you for the feedback! Comments are closed.
|