With Mercury out of its retrograde phase and in forward motion once more we could hope for some plain sailing. The first week of April may make us feel like we can’t shake off the confusion, miscommunication or discordant connections of the last few weeks. As Mercury steps back into the flow it quickly joins with Neptune, the planet of illusion, on April 2 and it may keep us in a state of uncertainty or surrealism for a few more days. This is all good for creative and imaginative works and an easy attitude is best. During this first week don’t take your thinking too seriously, as it’s hard to tell what has substance and what is simply a passing mood.
These next few weeks bring several astrological indications that even if we want to break out and make a fresh start or close doors on the past, it isn’t quite time yet. The positive side to this is that we can do it properly, and for good, when the time does come because we have the opportunity to truly release and resolve so much now.
The New Moon on April 5 puts us back into action mode, wanting to get going and assert ourselves in whatever area of life it connects to in the birth chart. It gives us the impulsive urge to meet either life’s challenges, or someone else, head on. Although we may be impatient to get going with new beginnings, there is a conflict here with Saturn and this means we have to consider what is practical and possible before we expend too much energy.
April brings us the retrograde season for three of the slower planets and this will be the theme for the next few months. Jupiter turns retrograde from April 10 and travels back through its home sign, Sagittarius until mid August. This is a time to reconsider our goals or ambitions and to review what we want to include more of in life. Maybe our core beliefs need to be examined and the philosophy that guides us could come into question too. These moments are unnerving at times but serve to make our trust and certainty all the stronger after this period of questioning.
To add to this retrospective trend we have both Saturn and Pluto turning retrograde later in the month until September and October respectively. These two planets, in their own way, will help us to slow down, consider our limitations and dig deeper for the causes to our self-defeating traits.
The Full Moon on April 19 is the second to fall in the sign of Libra this year. The March Full Moon was in the first degree of Libra with the Sun in Aries, whilst this month we see the Sun and Moon in the last degree of those same zodiac signs. Really a true ‘Blue Moon’. The first and last degree of a sign are considered ‘critical’ in that they can bring about a crisis for change to occur.
The emphasis on the signs Aries and Libra speak to us about relationship and individuality, and especially the balance required for both to harmonise. The April Full Moon is bringing something that was highlighted last month back into focus for finalisation. Where imbalance or discord was apparent, it can now be dealt with so a new chapter of equilibrium can begin.
The next day the Sun moves into Taurus and then quickly combines with Uranus there on April 23. Uranus is not a planet to settle for limitation or imposed restraints and combined with the energy of the Sun, it can bring forth a sense of personal authority and self-willed determination. In the peace and stability loving sign of Taurus we may experience a sudden surge of power and the impulse to create something more satisfying in our lives with a firmer foundation and basis for emotional, physical and financial security.
This month New Moon is at 16° Aries on April 5 at 9.50am and Full Moon is at 30° Libra on April 19 at 12.12pm
Aries: During this New Moon in your own sign you can feel more self-conscious or concerned with appearances than usual. You may be pushed forward or promoted to appear in a good light in a group or social gathering. New information captures your attention and you can expect personal relationships to feature strongly now. This is a good time to let go of all that is worn out and superficial. You’ll want to turn away from the outer world and meaningless experiences to focus on deeper personal and inner changes. There is no room in your life for either dependency or lack of depth.
Taurus: Sacrifices made during this New Moon period will be more than repaid during the coming weeks. Your current mood of humility and understanding allows you to appreciate and value goals, which reach beyond the personal. You desire a more inclusive world and want to create a harmonious environment by dissolving barriers. By mid month the focus on social connections, relationships and partners has you looking for equality not control. You’ll easily put up with minor inconveniences and irritations for the sake of what is really important in your life and in a significant relationship.
Gemini: Now is the time to make your ideals a reality. Social issues and altruism in general get extra attention during this New Moon. You may find yourself moved to cooperate with others on community driven projects as people around you unite to make long-term goals and dreams possible. This is also a time for a personal resolution to put into practice your own heartfelt desires. You’re able to really get down to what is important when it comes to making decisions affecting your material welfare. You find that daily responsibilities and commitments are easily undertaken.
Cancer: During this New Moon you become aware that an understanding attitude on your part could have far-reaching effects on your own life-path and general direction. A little long-suffering and restraint now could really pay off later. There is a lot of support for you to make job-related and practical decisions. Your ambitions receive encouragement from those around you. Your creative imagination gets you excited and your practical insight may be at a high. Now you can see what needs to be done and just how to go about doing it. Keep the longterm rewards in your sights and take aim.
Leo: This New Moon is good for deep thinking. It’s time to consider the longterm view and lasting values. This disregard for superficiality finds you straight to the point, interested in the truth of things. Expect encouragement to be candid and honest. Perhaps a rekindling of personal philosophical and spiritual thoughts is required also. The foundations of belief you lay down now are there to be built on in the future. Concentrate on essentials and focus on the essence of your situation. Taking care of your ‘soul’ is the key to present action.
Virgo: Now is a time for stripping away and discarding non-essentials or memories of things past. During this New Moon you can separate the valuable from the novelties. This current situation requires some mental or physical housecleaning on your part and there’s no place in your life for outworn or flimsy goods, ideas or relationships. You can be unsentimental about all of this. Concentrate only on important things that have supported you over time. New and possibly unconventional approaches to being productive or making money are possible now. Your response to life becomes more original and innovative.
Libra: This New Moon is likely to be a very busy time, during which you receive all kinds of support from those around you. Relationships are very much in focus and are nourished by extra attention. You are able to love and care both for yourself and others. This is a time for turning away from your personal experiences by responding in a more inclusive and socially minded manner. You can handle your own resources and you want to share any surplus that you have. By relating to others you can fully appreciate your own value and worth.
Scorpio: Attend to nagging details or unfinished jobs just to get them out of the way during this New Moon. This is a time of discrimination and possible self-examination. Any effort on your part to improve your self or physical condition gets full support from others now. Sort through the experiences of the last several months. Integrate only what’s truly worthwhile and simply let go of the rest so you can move forward in your own style. An unexpected inner drive may find you out and about and enjoying the social scene. Expect important relationships to take up more of your attention now.
Sagittarius: The trend for you this New Moon is to be more creative and expressive. Others may urge you on toward a more self-confident and outgoing attitude. You love and value real life drama that excites your imagination. Enjoy this dawning of an awareness of who you are and what you have been through these last months. You have truly lived and experienced something of value. Soon your mind will turn towards matters that need deep reflection as you take stock of your current situation. Meditation or quiet time alone can provide a welcome contrast to the colourful whirl of daily life.
Capricorn: Your home and private life could be very satisfying during this New Moon. You can send down roots and create a base to build on. Your feelings and desire for security prompt you to seek seclusion or lose yourself amongst the familiar. The next phase marks the end of uncertainty or feeling your way in the dark. From a secure position, know what your limits are and then move forward. This is a creative time for you and you can expect to reap rewards for your patience or recent efforts. Soon you can put your experience and feelings into words and may be at your most witty and dramatic.
Aquarius: Your ability to communicate in general is enhanced, as you find the needed support or backing from those around you during this New Moon. Your ideas and thoughts may be very deep and rich. Personal memories are especially vivid. You are exploring and searching, looking for meaning, linking things together, following up connections, seeing where the ends meet or fall short. You may come full circle and be ready to shine out or put your stamp on the world once more. Consider what aspects of your past to put behind you and then begin to build the future that you envisage for yourself.
Pisces: You may receive extra support from the people around you over this New Moon. Younger people, and women especially may contribute somehow to improve your financial situation. Fresh ideas and ways of seeing or new understanding give you a footing on which you can build a solid foundation. You gain a sense of real security with some back up or reserves. Gather your resources or exploit your talents as you begin to explore the possibilities being presented. Let your true heartfelt desires and a sincere faith in life carry you forward now.
