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April - 2008

Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.

While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart. 

4/1. If you encounter a challenge to your self-esteem today, or come up against a financial difficulty, Pluto’s quincunx to Ceres may play a part. (No fooling!) Ask yourself what adjustments you can make to deal with the situation.

4/2. Pluto, at just past 1° Capricorn, goes retrograde today through September 8. The directional changes of outer planets are usually less significant than those of faster ones unless they aspect a sensitive point in your natal chart -- in this case, near 1° in the cardinal signs of Capricorn, Aries, Cancer or Libra. If this is the case, you would be wise to reflect on opportunities for transformation as this mighty dwarf reverses course.

Mercury enters Aries thru 4/17, making strong start-up energy available for learning, writing, teaching and other communication endeavors. Focusing in these areas will lessen the “dark side” Mercury in Aries possibilities of mental impatience and verbal sparring matches!

4/3. All things Mercurial are highlighted today, with the winged messenger making four aspects: a Pluto square, a Ceres sextile, a Saturn quincunx and a Jupiter quintile! The upshot: Mercury is simultaneously challenged, energized and creatively stimulated, making this an extraordinary time for all the infocentric activities described in the previous paragraph.

4/4. Issues around money or self-esteem often come to the fore when Saturn squares Ceres, as it does today. Ask not, "Why me?", but "How can I rise to the challenge?"

4/5. April's NEW MOON indicates its presence by the absence of lunar light at 11:54 pm at 17° Aries. New beginnings of all kinds are especially supported because this takes place in the zodiac's kickoff sign, as are new starts relating to exercise, physical activity and the body. (For best results, however, always wait 12 hours after the moon goes new before taking action.)

This New Moon's Sabian Symbol is "two dignified spinsters sitting in silence,” and relates to “the ability to transform a natural lack of potency into poise and inner serenity” and “the value of dignified inward withdrawal.”* This is not the image that would come to most people's minds in association with the rising sap of spring, but there are undoubtedly some -- elderly, perhaps, or physically limited -- for whom it will have resonance.

4/6. Venus joins Mercury and the Sun in Aries today, creating a STELLIUM (three or more planets in the same sign) and making the Sign of the Ram the strongest in the sky through 4/17. Venus also squares Pluto today, creating conditions ripe for conflict and argument if you don't tread carefully! Used positively, however, this energy can bring about powerful and positive change in relationships of all kinds.

4/7. Relationship challenge is the main theme again today, with Venus making a quincunx (adjustment required) to reality-checking Saturn. This adds even more intensity to the potentially difficult energies that kicked in yesterday. Guys would do well to bring their sweethearts flowers and a card today – “just on a whim.”

There's also a subtle creativity in the air (two biquintiles!).

4/8. Yesterday’s subtle creativity perks up considerably with today's Venus-Jupiter quintile. This angle of divine inspiration between benefics can also apply to relationships, so it may help you mend any damage caused by Venus’ recent difficulties.

However, this does not change the fact that a T-SQUARE, active now thru the 12th, peaks today. I wouldn't worry too much, though – it's  only moderately strong as these things go. This configuration -- a Mars-Jupiter opposition squared by the Sun in Aries -- could stimulate some home-based conflict, since Mars and Jupiter are in the Cancer-Capricorn "family axis." Or you could put this energy to better use by launching a new project or kicking something into high gear, since Jupiter, Mars and Aries are all potent energies of initiation.

4/9. Two planets dear to financial astrologers -- Venus and Ceres – make an energizing sextile today, opening up income possibilities for those ready to capitalize on opportunity!

4/10. Today is an "early bird gets the worm" sort of day, with Mars squaring Mercury in Aries. Not only that, the Sun (also in Aries) squares Capricornian Jupiter. These aspects have business opportunity written all over them, amplified by a sense of urgency. Just be careful that the Mars-Mercury square doesn't cause you to blurt out something you'll later regret!

4/12. The T-SQUARE described on 4/8 (second paragraph) has changed flavors, with Mercury now squaring the Mars-Jupiter opposition instead of the Sun. The interpretation is pretty much the same, except that mental activities are more specifically boosted the 11th thru 14th.

It's also a good day to crystallize creativity, with Venus biquintile Saturn.

4/13. It's another good day to be mindful of your speech, since today's Mercury-Jupiter square could encourage insufficient filtering between brain and mouth. Also be sure to pay sufficient attention to what's going on in your immediate environment: today’s Sun-Neptune sextile is lovely for experiencing higher consciousness and altered creative states, but could also make you something of a space case!

4/14. With Arean Mercury sextiling Neptune, it's a great time to enthusiastically communicate your creativity and spirituality.

4/15. It seems as if everyone wants to get involved with Neptune lately! Today it's Mars, making a creative biquintile to keep the recent creative vibe humming.

4/16. You should be able to get your brain firing on all cylinders with today's Sun-Mercury conjunction. (You might also notice that the people around you are more chatty than usual.)

4/17. Relief is at hand for those who've been feeling mentally hyperstimulated recently: Mercury enters Taurus today thru May 2. Communication becomes slower and more reflective in this calm, taciturn sign.

4/18. A week-long GRAND TRINE, created by Mercury, Saturn and Pluto, runs the 15th through 21st and peaks today. Grand Trines create equilibrium and natural blending of the energies involved, so it's easier for communication (Mercury) to be efficient and productive (Saturn) as well as psychologically deep and transformative (Pluto). This particular setup also creates a good environment for profitable business dealings. Just don't expect the money to fall into your lap: Grand Trine energy is so naturally balanced that it can tend toward laziness. Therefore, you'll need to provide the motive force needed to reap its rewards.

The Sun and Venus also participate in this Grand Trine -- please read the 4/21 and 5/1 entries to see how they both extend and alter the tone of this aspect pattern.

4/19. The Sun follows Mercury into Taurus today, where it will radiate the energy of calmness, serenity and sensuality through May 20. Taurean energy is also great for immersing yourself in the natural world and being consistent and methodical about building something. My favorite Taurus motto: "I am not a human doing -- I'm a human being."

4/20. April's FULL MOON is at 1° Scorpio at 6:25 a.m. Contemplate your level of "full-fillment" in how you share energy and resources with others. This can include committed romantic relationships, sexuality, finance (including investments and loans), occult practice and psychology.

The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is, "A crowded sightseeing bus on a city street.” Rudhyar* interprets this as “The fundamental human eagerness to expand one's social horizon and to experience the results of collective achievements and new ways of life...A widening of experience." This suggests a more adventurous mindset as you make adjustments to the areas of life experience mentioned above.

4/21. The energy of the GRAND TRINE described on 4/18 has now shifted. Mercury has moved on, but the Sun moves from side player to center stage. The solarcentric version of this aspect pattern peaks today, but spreads its web of influence April 14-28. The 4/18 interpretation still holds for the most part, but there is less focus on communication and a more general sense of grounded, consistent and reliable energy available for accomplishing your goals and building your personal resources.

4/22. All these Grand Trines are bringing Earth energy front and center -- all fine and good, but definitely not high on the excitement scale. To bring a little zing back into the picture, we have today's Mars-Uranus trine. This can represent an easy connection between your ability to receive flashes of intuitive insight (Uranus) and quickly act on it (Mars). (If you're not receiving as clearly as you would like, my article on how to take dictation from your Higher Self might help.)

Financial opportunities, already a strong theme this month, are further enhanced by the Taurean Sun’s quintile to Chiron and Venus’ sextile to Chiron.

4/23. A tight T-SQUARE peaks today, with a Mars-Jupiter opposition squaring Venus. This can focus a lot of expansive and aggressive energy into relationships, so it could be easier than usual to slip into fights or arguments. However, you can put this energy to better use by kicking off something new that nurtures or stabilizes the relationship. Creative projects can also be highly energized by this aspect pattern, which peaks today and lasts April 19-28.

4/24. A Mars-Jupiter opposition, the centerpiece of the T-square which peaked yesterday, itself peaks today. This keeps the T-square at high intensity. In addition to the ideas in the 4/23 entry, this combo is also good for a fresh start or energy boost wherever you might need it.

4/25. Neptune makes two exact contacts today, sextiling Venus and quintiling the Sun. Spend some time meditating or receiving the Muse’s inspiration to use this energy in its highest form.

4/27. The distance between rational mind and divine mind is shorter today because of Mercury's sextile to Uranus. Stay receptive and you might just have a "Eureka!" moment!

Mercury’s square to Chiron may also boost your urge to edit or refine.

4/28. Steady, productive mental work is supported by today's Mercury-Jupiter trine, with an added boost of inspiration from Mars’ quincunx to Neptune.

4/29. There's a fine line between becoming a container for divine inspiration and zoning out into nonproductive obliviousness – with today's Mercury-Neptune square, straddle it carefully! (Mercury’s sextile to Mars will help energize and focus you.)

4/30. Venus’ entry into Taurus creates a STELLIUM as she joins Mercury and the Sun in the Sign of the Bull. This makes Taurus the strongest astrological energy in the sky (though only until Mercury skeedaddles on into Gemini May 3).

Venus is very much at home in Taurus, one of the two signs that she rules (the other is Libra). While she's here, through May 24, you may find it easier to enjoy The Taurean qualities described in the 4/19 entry.

5/1. I wouldn't usually include a May entry in the April column, but May 1 is when the third and final incarnation (active 4/27-5/6) of this month's GRAND TRINE peaks. This time Venus is in the musical chair recently vacated by Mercury and the Sun. I once again refer you to the 4/18 entry for the Grand Trine’s basic meaning, but what's different now is that – since Venus rules Taurus, and Taurus is a money sign – the business and financial possibilities are especially strong. You can also use this energy to empower and stabilize relationships and creative expression.

QUICK GLOSSARY OF ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS

Conjunction.  Two planets in the same place (0° apart). Union; merging.
Opposition.  Two planets opposite each other (180º apart). Opposition; relationship.
Square.  90° angle.  Conflict; challenge for growth.
Trine.  120° angle. Easy, flowing connection.
Sextile.  60° angle. Flowing, high-energy connection.
Quincunx.  150° angle. Difficulty making connection; adjustment required.
Quintile.  72° angle. Inspiring, creative connection.
Biquintile.  144° angle. Like a quintile, but more subtle.