Jupiter is hidden by the rays of the Sun in the depths of its transition into Aries in April. This has more obvious challenges with regards the economy, but less so for more inner reflections. Righteousness may be challenged in a more obvious outward sense, as treatments of people or decisions taken now are questioned. The big news in April is the total solar eclipse on Apr 20, visible in South East Asia. This occurs at 5 degrees of Sidereal Aries, and Aśvinī lunar mansion. This has the potential to move the story along in leaps and bounds, changing things radically in movements around the world. The eclipsed Sun is exalted and flanked either side by Jupiter, on the one side, and Venus, which will have moved into its own sign, Taurus, by Apr 6. Although this points to some challenging changes at this stage, at least there is potential for some positive expressions. Yet when we cannot see Jupiter during an eclipse, we may feel lost as to how to progress. Saturn’s strength and aspect from the innovative Aquarius is a container, although it doesn’t take away from the need for radical changes. It may, however, keep some heads cool when more objectivity is needed in times of transition. Mercury stations retrograde in Aries by Apr 21. By the time it stations direct on May 15 we will have put the eclipses behind us, but there are still a lot of details to work out as Mercury backtracks through the eclipse degrees in Aries - a section of the sign Jupiter will move retrograde for the latter half of 2023. What is triggered in April/May will likely have a bigger impact later. Jupiter's entry into Aries by Apr 21, joining forces with Rahu and Uranus, shows we are due a major shakeup in the world. Jupiter meets with Rahu by exact degree in late May, but we are likely to feel duped from the start. The last time Jupiter and Rahu came together in 2016 shook our world. This year's conjunction is likely to do the same. Join me on Sunday Apr 2 at 7pm BST (note Daylight Saving Time) for a discussion about the transits of April. Here is your patron-exclusive link for the zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83575570151 Meeting ID: 835 7557 0151 Passcode: 200692 Mercury in Aries Mar 31 - Jun 7 Mercury transits Aries for a longer than usual period due to its retrograde from Apr 21 to May 15. This is a highly complex period in many ways, even if there are some mitigating factors. There are some obvious issues with Mercury in the 'sign of war' for so long. Mars is transiting Gemini until May 10. which means Mercury and Mars are swapping signs. This intricately ties both planets together, for better or worse. Gemini, Leo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Pisces should find it easier to deal with - or at least be able to work with it - while all other signs may have a little more to work out. And remember, we all have all of the signs somewhere, so we must all work it out. This is the last full month of Mars 'out of bounds', before Mars gets in line after May 4. When Mars transits further outside the 'band of the zodiac belt', as it has been for the past few months, it behaves more unusually, more erratically. Our energy does the same. In April, Mars continues to brings this erratic energy, which, when combined with Mercury, can lead to testing exchanges. The best of this is to say what needs to be said, whatever you feel about it, but not to beat someone over the head with your opinions! Mercury doesn't feel, it thinks. Mars doesn't think, it acts. Say what needs to be said, but first make sure you are clear about what needs to be said. And be kind, even if you think you're right. Communication is generally strained with Mercury retrograde, but this is even more so when so tied up with Mars. When we combine these indications with Jupiter's transiting into Aries while combust (hidden behind the Sun), as well as an eclipse of the Sun in Aries, to say that this offers great potential, and much confusion, is the understatement of the year. We must be mindful of both the positive and negative potentials of this in the world. We've reached a precarious period in the war, for example, which could easily spiral out of control. Choose your battles wisely. Our only hope is in a planet we don't usually place hope in; that is, Saturn. Saturn's placement in Aquarius and its strong aspect to Aries should hopefully keeps things contained. Full Moon in Virgo (Hasta) Apr 6 Although this Full Moon is not an eclipse, Mercury transits the upcoming eclipse degree in Aries at the time, leading to a sense of change in the air. Opposite, Jupiter is coming to the end of its transit in Pisces, hidden by the rays of the Sun in the depths of transition. Yes, we're definently in times of change. As practical and orderly as a Full Moon in Hasta and Sidereal Virgo wishes to be, we are about to see so many changes that we may find it hard to manage our everyday routines. The more we try to maintain balance, the more likely we lose it. This is the problem, and the solution, contained within the sign Virgo. Problems of this Full Moon can certainty be taken in our stride. Indeed, we must do so if we are to balance the Sun, Jupiter, and Neptune in Pisces; all those daydreams of something better, with practical applications in our day-to-day lives. Virgo takes all those hopes and dreams and sees if they can work. Hasta, a lunar mansion that typifies Virgo, applies them in the most practical ways, manipulating things so that we can make them work for us. The downside of Virgo is attempting to micro-manage, not allowing things to be for a time, to form and reform in ways they must. Most everyday problems would work themselves out if we were to leave them be for a while. Don't be too quick to judge or criticize what is happening right now - it won't be long before it's all change. We must be open to better ways of doing things, allowing new perspectives to alter the way we do anything moving forward. Venus in Taurus Apr 6 - May 2 Venus moves into its earthy sign in April, a sweet spot in the year despite other indications of complex changes and upheaval. If things must change, why not enjoy what we can? The ground remains beneath our feet (hopefully!). Venus in Taurus is a time to 'stop and smell the roses', and 'bloom where you are planted'. This is probably the most important indication during times of change and upheaval on our planet. If we cannot find space to simply enjoy the simple pleasures, even while things change all around us, how are we going to deal with the bigger changes suggested in the coming years? One of the bigger changes is in the basics, which really takes hold once Uranus moves into Taurus. This will occur the next time Venus moves into Taurus, in the summer of 2024. Perhaps this is the last time we can enjoy what Taurus has given us thus far, in this way, for now - before it is altered forever more. If you've got a nest egg, or whatever thing you find gives your life stability and predictability, enjoy it now. It won't be the same for very long. Embrace it in its current form, and all new forms it takes in the coming years. Although Venus is not directly involved with the upcoming eclipse in Aries, and is moving out of a strong aspect from Saturn, Venus does still receive a sly backwards glance from the shadows of Rahu in Aries, moving into a square to Saturn. This is likely felt in the economy, especially when Jupiter's transit along with Rahu is taken into account. Venus in Taurus is a time to appreciate the finer things in life, which, are (usually) free, thankfully. It's a great time to step back out into nature for those of us on the northern hemisphere. No matter what is happening with humanity, the birds are singing, the flowers blossoming, the waters keep flowing; mountains are not going anywhere. And even if you cannot enjoy nature at this time, you have your senses you can tune into, through some sort of sensual experience. The more tangible the experience with Venus in Taurus, the better. Enjoy! Jupiter Combust Apr 11 April is a complex month for many reasons, least of all because of Jupiter's combustion at the very end of Sidereal Pisces, as it transitions into Aries. When we cannot see Jupiter, we don't usually make the right decisions, although everything is right from a bigger perspective, of course. If we are conscious of this, we can indeed tune in and find the right path, but if we are looking for others to supply us with the right answers without having first checked with ourselves, we're likely to be led astray. As soon as Jupiter leaves its combustion in May, it meets with the shadow of the eclipse, Rahu. If we're not blinded by the light, we're blinded by shadows! The best way to deal with this complex period is to not look outside yourself for advice, no matter how wise the person may seem. But if you have found that 'still voice within', then the voices of those advising you should reflect your own inner knowing. That is the strength of a planet in combustion; it's about looking for the strength within. This is likely due to the lack felt without. Jupiter's signifies growth, which is likely hampered while combust, invisible. This has obvious implications for economic growth, or the lack thereof, which likely leads to a propping up in all kinds of shady dealings when combined with the eclipse in May. What happens now changes things forever more. Be mindful of false promises and shady characters who promise a lot but do not deliver what's best for everyone. I'll write more about the Jupiter-Rahu combination next month, and in article I'm writing on this important conjunction titled, "Black Swan Events & the Jupiter-Rahu Conjunction". This Guru Chandala Yoga, or 'Black Swan', is likely to bring to surprises, even shocking events, that even an astrologer cannot predict. Sun in Aries Apr 13 - May 13 At last, the Sun moves into its sign of exaltation and we can feel the energy of our star shine bright. While this is more especially a welcomed return to light for those of us on the northern hemisphere, and particularly for those with Leo prominent, all the world can feel the Sun in Aries as a sign of initiation and rebirth. We can only initiate when we feel confident to do so. Yes, okay, there's the ongoing Saturn storyline keeping a lid on proceedings, but at least the Sun's exaltation shows more confidence overall. I guess we could use the phrase 'cautiously confident' in that case. Caution is certainly advised as the Sun is eclipsed by Rahu in Aries, itself 'eclipsing' Jupiter as it enters the sign. In that case, confidence is not likely felt through any sense of surety, but probably through trials and setbacks; because of a surprising turn of events. When we can take this changes in our stride, we develop more confidence in our ability to handle anything life throws at us. If you're more open to the changes these transits suggest, your confidence won't be knocked when things happen you hadn't counted on, or things happen in a way you hadn't planned for. Instead, you can get ready to meet with the changing terrain with a light-footed approach, and a deeper connection to who you are and what you are capable of. Sometimes, you have to know your limitations. But in knowing this, you can acheive more. Confidence is gained in many ways other than standing your ground or showing off. You can increase your sense of confidence by learning to change the approach that's needed at any given moment. Working towards something while being open to more innovative approaches is likely to serve you and everyone else better when all is considered. Anyone who is only self-serving and aggrandizing (Sun-Rahu) is going to get away with such self-promotion for long (Saturn in Aquarius) - unless it serves a greater purpose (Sun-Jupiter). Shine on you crazy diamond! New Moon in Aries (Aśvinī) Apr 20 - Total (Hybrid) Solar Eclipse Okay, so this one's a biggie. This New Moon and eclipse is going to shake things up in a big way. But here's the thing; the changes it suggests for us individually and collectively are necessary. We can get on board, despite what may seem wrong on some level. Nothing is wrong. Everything is as it should be. Yet we don't always reach such a state of grace when things are in flux, do we? Usually, we look to Jupiter for a sense of what is right during the eclipse, but Jupiter is itself in transition between Pisces and Aries at the time of the eclipse. Jupiter has slipped from view behind the rays of the Sun, while transiting between the watery realms of Pisces and the fiery realms of Aries. This is highly volatile for Jupiter. This may include economic volatility, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine. Keep an eye out for my presentation on a potential stock market crash. There are too many similar patterns to the 1929 astrology occuring in 2023 to ignore such a possibility. We may rally against the outer changes and think it should have been some other way. We may say to ourselves, "If I just did it this way or that way, it would have been different." Hmm. 'Free' will has a lot to answer for! Remind yourself that it's all happening perfectly. And that, actually, nothing happens, all is. When we accept what is happening, it doesn't mean we don't do something about it. Acceptance leads to action, just as Pisces leads to Aries. The more we let go into what is happening, the more we can do with it. Yet the eclipse day itself is not the best day to take action necessarily. It's a supercharged New Moon, a time to set intentions and to observe things. Actions can come later, once Jupiter settles into Aries. If you have any planets around 5 degrees of Sidereal Aries or Libra, this is an eclipse to keep an eye on, and the areas of our life you experience the sign Aries and what those planets represent in your birth chart. Jupiter's subsequent transit in Aries is all about making the right decisions, despite the chaos that is likely to ensue because of this eclipse. "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs ..." For timing of the eclipse for your location, visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2023-april-20 Jupiter in Aries Apr 21, 2023 - May 1, 2024 Jupiter's transition to a new sign is an important transition each year. This year, it's even more important for several reasons. Jupiter may be leaving its own sign Pisces, but it's also leaving a holding pattern, having being stuck between Saturn in Aquarius and Rahu in Aries. Now that Jupiter joins Rahu in Aries, strongly aspected by Saturn in Aquarius, the decisions we make now have long-lasting implications; the changes about to occur in the world around us and in our personal lives have far-reaching effects. Whatever you end up doing, the actions you take lead to wisdom, just as Jupiter follows Mars when journeying from our planet. If you didn't do a thing, you never learn, although you must be mindful of the precarious position of taking action that is ill-conceived, and the steep learning curve when doing something you may later regret. This is reflected in the conjunction between Jupiter and Rahu, called Guru Chandala Yoga. Read more about the Guru Chandala Yoga and a possible 'Black Swan Event' here Although Jupiter is overshadowed by Rahu, Rahu is actually propped up by Jupiter, boosting some things we would prefer not to in hindsight. When someone has Jupiter and Rahu together in their birth chart, Rahu's period is given a boost by Jupiter, while Jupiter's period can be somewhat overshadowed by some Rahu-type issue. Jupiter wishes to balance out Rahu's greed with its generous approach, yet blind generosity can create many issues. 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions'. Jupiter's entry into Aries for the coming year is at least an opportunity to get clear about what you should be doing in the first place, what it's purpose is, even if you are initially challenged in being perfectly clear about it. This is especially the case in April and May, as Jupiter enters Aries while combust and involved with the eclipse of Rahu. Even after that, Jupiter must meet with Uranus for a further shake up in 2024, which, when combined with Uranus' transition into Sidereal Taurus, shows the bigger changes in the economic model next year. This is likely due to the challenges in 2023, of course. But the changes are necessary, whether a new digital currency or whatever it may be. It's all happening perfectly. For those with their Moon in Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, or Pisces, Jupiter's transit in Aries is likely felt as more purposeful. For all other signs, Jupiter's transit in the natural first sign of the zodiac can feel more inspired, but sometimes the areas being expanded upon may not feel as purposeful or deliberate. Yet we can all benefit from Jupiter's transit, no matter where you personally sense this growth. And you can develop more of a sense optimism from being more proactive about what is meaningful to you. Whatever area of your life Aries represents, either from your rising or Moon sign - or any sign, for that matter - these areas will expand one way or another in the year to come. Expansion does not always mean an obvious external growth. Many times, it shows an inner expansion and more depth of experience, a deeper connection to something or someone reflected in this sign. It's time to take all you learned from the depths of Pisces to do the necessary in Aries. And because Saturn continues to keep a close eye on Jupiter from Aquarius, staying focused and inside the lines is as important as ever. Now would be a good time to take that inspired action. Mercury Retrograde Apr 21 - May 15 Mercury retrograde on its own is usually a petty nuisance. Add it to other, more complex, changes, however, and it can all become too much so that we don't always handle it with the necessary smile. This Mercury retrograde is complex because of its exchange with Mars and its placement alongside the eclipse, with Mercury transiting the eclipse degree in the first few days of April and then backing up from the upcoming lunar eclipse degree, moving back towards the north lunar node, Rahu. This means whatever is instigated from the beginning of the month is likely put through a lot of twists and turns, so that it is unclear as to the outcome until June, when it clears the point at which it first began to retrograde in April. Whatever plans you have on the burner, make sure to keep an open mind throughout. The usual advise applies for Mercury retrograde: take your time with everything you do, paying particular attention to the fine print. It's not that Mercury retrograde is the devil, but the devil is in the details! Mercury retrogrades are not evil. It's just that the mind is overburden with things it must consider and you may make mistakes when you are too busy. Mercury retrogrades, even ones in Aries, are about taking the time to think things through, without necessarily doing anything about your deliberations. There's plenty of time to act later, even if you feel the urgency to act now. And you will likely feel the urgency to act with the eclipse in Aries just as Mercury retrogrades. But this just points to the likelihood that you will have to redo whatever you do now later on. If you are at least aware of the potential snag lists that accumulate at this time, you won't 'lose your rag' as we Irish like to say, i.e., you won't lose your temper if things don't go to plan. There's a bigger picture and plan you are missing if you do. Akshaya Tritiya Apr 22 Akshaya means 'undiminished' and Tritiya is the '3rd lunar day' of this auspicious lunar month, with the luminaries 'shining bright' in their signs of exaltation. The Sun is in Aries, the Moon in Taurus. Venus is also in Taurus, with Saturn in Aquarius. Even Mercury, although now retrograde, is exchanging with Mars in Gemini. This is as if Mars were in Aries and Mercury in Gemini, 'post exchange'. The only planet not in its own sign (in some way) or exalted is Jupiter, which has just entered Aries - on the verge of something new. Despite the auspiciousness and strengths of most of the planets, Jupiter is lost in the rays of the Sun, hanging out between two signs. Despite all that we have to be grateful for, we may not be. I guess it's harder to be grateful when everything is changing; it's harder to take the time to just be when all around is in flux. If you have something you would like to begin in 2023, you could use this day to give it the best possible start, as anything begun when the Sun and Moon are exalted is said to be 'undiminishing'. This is why Indian traditionally buy gold on this day. You could invest in something, or begin a project, or simply intend something for your life. Perhaps you could use the New Moon and eclipse on Apr 20 to intend something, and Apr 22 to begin it. You just have to be mindful of the fact that this is within the eclipses, two days after a total solar eclipse. This subtracts from the auspiciousness, for sure, but we'll take what we can get, right?! With that in mind, I invite you to send your wishes for something new in your life, as a 'message in a bottle', sending out your wishes for someone or something to enter your life, by posting your message here: https://xoyondo.com/mb/teyE1tdIfDxnSvP I will compile everyone's wishes and add them to an article I'm writing about the upcoming Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Pisces; when we can make our big dreams a reality. What do you wish for? Full Moon in Libra (Viśākhā) May 5 - Partial Lunar Eclipse Although this eclipse is in May, I thought I'd write about it for the April forecast because eclipses come in pairs. Whatever changes we begin for the New Moon in April leads to some sort of resolution in May. If I left this out of the forecast, it would be like not finishing a book, right before the protagonist finished their 'hero's journey'. This journey from the New to the Full Moon is made all the more urgent with the eclipses. The New Moon and solar eclipse in Aries brings the spark of change, lighting a fire under us to do something different, while this Full Moon and lunar eclipse leads to a need for compromise with others, as well as with ourselves. We cannot be all Aries about anything we do. In other words, we cannot just think about ourselves, or take action without thinking at all. We must consider how our actions impact others, even the world around us. To find resolution for this Full Moon and eclipse, we must be open to the other, in whatever form the other takes. The resolution itself leads to its own changes, as and when we are open to others' points of view and approaches. As this occurs with Mercury retrograde opposite in Aries, and Venus as the ruler of the eclipse in Gemini with Mars, we have more to negotiate around changes that are self-evident. Taking both Venus and Mars together, we can get what we want only when others get what they want. This balancing of Aries and Libra is at the crux of our relating to others and the world around us, made more urgent during the eclipses. For timing of the eclipse for your location, visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2023-may-5 - Wishing you the best of what the month has to offer. Om Tat Sat
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