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Saturn and Mars Conjunction April 1 April is book-ended by two intense conjunctions. The first occurs at the very beginning of the month, as Mars approaches Saturn's degree in Sagittarius (14°). This is frustrating for Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn and Aquarius, for those areas of our life, and for all of our plans going forward. Our big ideas hit a wall at this point. But that's okay - we just have to climb over it! We will come out the other side feeling ready for the next step. That occurs once Mars reaches its sign of exaltation in May, but more on this important transit next month. For now, bide your time and release any build-up of tension in a healthy way if you can. Sun in Aries April 13 - May 14 The Sun moves into its sign of exaltation in April, and we are thankful for the new views opening up ahead, especially during the uncertainty of Mercury's retrograde in Pisces, which ends a couple of days after the Sun's ingress into Aries. The middle of April marks a turning point, as we gather what we have played around with and head off on a new course. This is helped by Mars' exaltation from May 2, which strongly influences the Sun in Aries. This is a very strong combination, promoting self exploration and the courage to overcome any challenges. Mercury stations Direct April 15 Mercury is strong in transit while retrograde in Pisces, but this does not mean it is easy. The strength of Mercury, the intensity of our mental preoccupations, has been confusing in Pisces. Our detail-orientated nature can do with the time off! And so it shall be, as Mercury stations direct in Pisces, plunging us back into the great cosmic soup of possibilities. As usual, we must let go of some of the finer details as we take another Piscean swim. Mercury does not leave Pisces until May 9, at which point we are back in the driving seat and at full throttle. New Moon in Aries April 16 The new Moon in the first sign of the zodiac, in the early morning hours of Sunday April 16, lights a fire in us. While Mercury slowly turns around in the depths of Pisces, we have a sense that we need to move, wherever that may take us. This new Moon phase is a reset point for the month and year, as the focus shifts in April and into May, from day-dreaming to action. And if you were to begin something new at this time, then take advantage of the third lunar day on April 18, when both the Sun and Moon are exalted. Saturn Retrograde April 17 - Sept. 6 Saturn' s station in April focuses us intently on the issues of Sagittarius, i.e. laws and beliefs. Saturn's presence shows a need for reform. One example of this is the upcoming referendum in May on the Eight Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland, as the country votes on whether to introduce abortion. This issue is currently being debated and will create many heated exchanges. Saturn's station in September, to the exact degree of Ireland's natal Moon placement, shows unavoidable pressure. Venus in Taurus April 20 - May 14 Venus in Taurus is a sweet spot in the year; one we need to take full advantage of, in order to bulk up for the summer intensity. I mean this figuratively, of course. Venus in Taurus is conducive to lazy days, spent in communion with nature and life's gifts, without which we would not fair so well. On a deeper level, Taurus represents the values we hold dear, which increase a sense of well-being when adhered to. What do you value most? Pluto Retrograde April 22 - Sept. 30 With Saturn already stationing retrograde in Sagittarius, Pluto now joins it in retrograde motion, showing a huge focus on the sign of laws and beliefs, as well as this area of our individual lives more specifically. Those with the sign prominent will feel this more so, but we all feel this intensely in April. It seems there are more unsavory things lurking within our belief systems; a type of thinking that must be shown for what it is so we can remove it for once and for all. You will notice that both Saturn and Pluto are retrograde at approximately the same time, and in the same sign. We are in for some intense reforms and renegotiation in the coming months, as a result. Mars and Pluto Conjunction April 26 The other intense bookend to April is the conjunction between Mars and Pluto, in the latter degrees of Sagittarius (27°). Although Mars and Pluto are said to rule the same sign (Scorpio), and therefore have common themes, such as destroying weakness, the way in which each finds strength differs. Pluto requires deep reserves of conscious awareness to avoid slipping into very dark places, while Mars requires an externalization of such drives. Although a formidable duo, when placed in a fiery sign like Sagittarius, there is always the likelihood of battles when any of our strongly-held beliefs are tested. Ireland's abortion referendum is just one example, which is further intensified by the Moon's position in the Irish horoscope. Full Moon in Libra April 30
The full Moon by the end of the month is a time to really enjoy Venus' sojourn through Taurus, as we welcome spring with open arms on the northern hemisphere. Jupiter is close by to make sure all parties are taken into account, and we become more social at the full Moon anyway. We need to extract as much juice as possible from this transit, as the Mars/Saturn and Mars/Pluto conjunctions test our metal all month. This full Moon is a much needed cooling beverage during some intense exertions. OM TAT SAT Thank you for reading the full forecast! Your comments/questions are always welcome. Best wishes, Gary |
