Saturn revisits Virgo

You may feel a shift as Saturn moves back into Virgo on April 7. This revisiting of the ending degrees of Virgo is about going back to find closure and finish up old obligations, freeing you up to move forward into a new area. Saturn resumes forward motion on May 31 and exits Virgo for good on July 21.

Saturn opposite Uranus

The established order once again crosses swords with the forces of change: new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of thinking about the world. Be flexible wherever you can– what is too rigid will break under the strain. As the world changes, so must we. But do incorporate elements of the old traditions and rules. We are looking for the “Goldilocks” place, not too stiff and formal, not too revolutionary. Saturn, the old rules and systems, the old guard, the existing hierarchy, and Uranus, the new ways, the inventors and innovators.

Saturn inconjunct Chiron and Neptune

Inconjuncts bring planets together that are in signs that have very different priorities. In this case, Saturn in meticulous, practical Virgo with Chiron and Neptune in visionary, experimental Aquarius. Check over paperwork and business deals carefully, as Neptune brings out a tendency to overlook important details. This is also a month to watch carefully what you eat and drink, as our bodies are more sensitive than usual to toxins.

Mars inconjunct Pluto

Mars, still moving slowly through the early degrees of Leo, forms an inconjunct with Pluto, still in the early degrees of Capricorn, April 1-10. This combination of planets and signs brings out the serious nature in folks, and unbending attitudes. In your personal and professional life, the rules (Capricorn) are subject to change. Mars touching this spot means we have to put ego aside as we figure out how to make things work. It brings out the hot tempers in some folks, so be careful on the road. Especially Easter weekend, as Mercury touches both Pluto and Mars.

Mercury Retrograde

Get your taxes done early. Communications and transportation are subject to snafus and re-dos as Mercury retrograde begins on April 18. You may feel this one coming up to a week early. Mercury remains retrograde in Taurus until May 11. Proceed cautiously in financial matters, especially buying and selling of big ticket items. Big deals you make now are likely to have contingencies that will need to be dealt with after signing. Be sure to get these in writing.

April 1-7

Venus and Mercury are just entering Taurus, shifting our energies from the fast-paced, idealistic tone of Aries, to the slower, more earthbound energy of Taurus. Both will square grouchy, impatient, explosive Mars (quack) and trine healing, insightful Pluto (kiss)— Venus on Friday (quack) and Sunday (kiss), Mercury on Sunday (quack) and Monday (kiss). That’s right, Easter Sunday has both a kiss and a quack. It happens. What does it mean? You catch more flies with honey (Venus) than vinegar. If there are too many chefs in the kitchen, be the change you want to see and step down. Focus on what you can do to shift a sticky situation, rather than what you wish everyone else would do. Don’t let a stubborn ego spoil the day.

April 7-13

We are in the final week of the current Lunar cycle. At this time, the decisions, efforts, and insights we realized around the time of the full Moon at the end of March settle in, and we prepare for a new cycle that begins with the new Moon on Wednesday, the 14th.

April 14-17

The Aries new Moon is a magical time when we can write the story of the next year. Jan Spiller, in her book New Moon Astrology, suggests gathering magazines, scissors, and glue. When the time comes, start cutting and pasting pictures that represent your vision for how you want your life to be. The collage you create is a powerful expression of your dreams and desires, created at an optimal time for setting intentions. Hang it where you can see it often! The project is best done within 48 hours following the new Moon, which takes place at 8:29 am EDT on Wednesday. The sooner, the better.

The rest of the week carries an upbeat vibe as social Venus sextiles abundant Jupiter, exact on Saturday afternoon. Friday and Saturday are great days for dates, gatherings, and other social activities.

As Mercury retrograde is about to begin, Mercury is now essentially motionless (stationary) at 12 degrees Taurus. To find out what the next several days have to offer you, check out that degree of Taurus and see how it fits into your birth chart.

April 18-24

As the Moon waxes, our activity levels rise as we move further into a new cycle of awareness and action. With Mercury now retrograde, you may find yourself revisiting the past in some way. If you don’t find yourself there, then try it anyway. This time was made for reviewing, revisiting, and revamping. Might as well make the most of it, right? Things do tend to delay, and schedules are up in the air, so make sure you have a plan B.

The Saturn Uranus opposition is very close to exact, so do review what I have written above, and my full-length article on it. Especially if you are feeling anxious or fearful right now.

Relationships are in an interesting place this week as Venus squares Neptune, sextiles Uranus, and trines Saturn. Idealism and “pie in the sky” ideas will take a back seat to reality. The truth will set you free, but sometimes it hurts. If you have been avoiding the truth, it will be a tough week for you. If you are holding any “romance novel” expectations of what your love is or should be, then see if you can’t open yourself to a more realistic view of yourself, your needs, and your partner. Celebrate Earth Day by grounding yourself in truth and reality.

It’s a good week to buy something, if you know what you’re looking for. Read over the cautions around Mercury Retrograde (above), and keep the receipt. But not a good week for “love at first sight” impulse buys, and probably not for technology and gadgetry. You might want to leave the credit cards at home.

April 25-30

Two powerful oppositions this week— Saturn opposite Uranus, and the full Moon (Moon opposite Sun) two days later. Oppositions tend to bring a partner into the picture. A duet or a duel. The full Moon in Scorpio brings deep feelings to the surface and can yield incredible insights. It is then when some Buddhists celebrate the birth of the Buddha. It should make for an interesting Secretary’s Day, regardless.

Mark your calendar!

The best days for your top priority plans are April 5, 16, 17.

Take it easy on April 2, 9-12, 22-26, 29-30.