This month we will experience a total solar eclipse at 19
degrees of Aries. The eclipse will cross much of the US and this is the last
total solar eclipse we will experience for 20 years. Jupiter conjuncts Uranus in April and Mercury is retrograde most
of the month. The Sun transits from Aries to Taurus and Venus moves from Pisces
into Aries. Mars remains in Pisces and Saturn in Pisces hits the halfway mark.
We will experience a new moon in Aries and a full moon in Scorpio. Now the
details.
Mercury retrogrades
The planet of communication turns retrograde April 1st-25th
in Aries.
The next three weeks may be a period where things seem at a standstill, especially
our outward action. On an inner level however, we can accomplish a great deal.
Mercury turns
retrograde 3 or 4 times a year, and generally has a bad name. To an
extent this is perfectly understandable, as retrograde Mercury is the planet
that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and equipment,
relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface. Plans can be
put on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and any
kind of machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment.
When planets retrograde, their
effects on humans are different than when in direct motion. Thinking is deeper,
situations often appear to go underground for a time, or change altogether, and
sometimes our focus shifts.
The first phase of retrograde
Mercury is the pre-retrograde shadow period which began March
19th. This period is when Mercurial energy starts to shift and is typically
noticeable in terms of being forgetful.
The second phase of retrograde
Mercury is the stationary retrograde period, when Mercury starts to
shift into apparent backward motion. This happens April 1-3rd, when Mercury begins its retrograde. This is when
most glitches start to become evident, and thinking may become extra foggy.
Stay alert!
Mercury
continues to retrograde through April 25th, when it turns stationary direct for the next several days. This
is the second period when glitches, breakdowns and changes in direction may
well occur. It can get worse before it gets better!
Mercury
begins to move forward again on April 27th, but remains in the post
direct shadow phase phase until May 13th. Mercurial energy
does not pick up its normal pace until completion of the second shadow period.
The
total solar eclipse in Aries April 8th
This
eclipse may seem positive or negative depending on what it aspects in your
personal chart. Eclipses can be especially
dramatic if it aspects a significant point in your chart and often bring news
pertaining to some of life’s biggest events as well as significant events that
affect the world. Unexpected information can come
to light and something may be eclipsed into or completely out of your life. It
can be a time of new beginnings.
Eclipses
affect the charts of countries just as they do people. The last total eclipse
we experienced was in Leo August 2017 and was referred to as the ‘Great
American eclipse.’ That eclipse literally divided the country as it crossed the
USA. Some astrologers believe that events can occur along the eclipse path and places
where the eclipse can be viewed from are ripe for change in society, overall
culture or leadership. 2017 certainly was the year the US became ‘divided’ politically and it was a
period of drastic change and the beginning of 7 years of political upheaval in
the US that continues.
This
month’s total solar eclipse can be seen in much of the US and is also
considered a Super Moon. While the 2017 eclipse began on the West Coast, the
2024 eclipse begins on the East Coast. The 2 eclipse paths (2017 and 2024)
cross each other around San Antonio Texas. The key spot however seems to be Carbondale, Ill.
Once
again the eclipse divides the country as it crosses the US. Can we expect the
political and social divisions to continue? Absolutely. Could this further
divide the country into even more factions? Good chance. If you look at a map of the 2 eclipse paths (there are many on the internet) you will see the majority of the South in a section of it’s own. These are the same states that are banning abortion, trying to take away IVS from women who want to use it and are fighting against LGBTQ rights.
The
eclipse in Aries is ruled by Mars the planet of action, change and in some
cases fighting, aggression and even war. Mars rules the military, police and
‘warrior’ types of people.
On
the other hand Mars can confer courage and action, and with the eclipse in the
sign of Aries we can expect to see a surge of innovation and new ideas this
year.
Aries
is the first sign of the zodiac, and in astrology the focus of Aries is the 1st
house or the self. We will see many different factions fighting for their
personal beliefs and agendas at this time.
Solar
eclipses repeat themselves every 19 years. We experienced a solar eclipse at 19
degrees of Aries on April 8, 2005 and April 9, 1986. In April 2005 Pope John
Paul II passed away, the conflict/war in Iraq was going on, and the year saw
more than one natural disaster including Hurricane Katrina. In 1986 138 FDIC
banks failed and the 4th reactor at Chernobyl
nuclear power plant exploded. These are just a sampling of events that occurred
around these last 2 solar eclipses in Aries at 19 degrees.
Let’s take a look at the aspects that will affect the April 8th
eclipse in the US and what we can expect;
-The Aries eclipse falls in the US Sibly chart 4th
house which rules general and political stability, natural disasters and
housing as well as the homeland/homeland security. It opposes Saturn which
rules the government, leadership and Congress. The opposition shows a conflict
potentially between branches of government and the President. The Moon also
rules popular sentiment and its opposition to Saturn in the US chart is not
light hearted in any sense.
Coming to terms with partnerships of all types will be
important on a collective level.
-This Moon is a Super Moon which means it will appear bigger,
brighter and closer to the Earth. Super moons are known to be associated with
major earth related events such as tsunamis, earthquakes and other disasters.
-This Moon/eclipse is conjunct Chiron, known as the wounded
healer along with the North Node. When Chiron is aspected it brings up deep
seated wounds that need to be healed; there is a wounding of the people in the
US that needs to be dealt with. In other words, people who are hurt tend to
hurt others in return and the cycle continues. Transiting Chiron conjunct the
Moon is square both Mercury and Pluto in the US (Sibly) natal chart 8th
and 2nd houses. This shows us that a transformation is needed in
terms of both communication between the government, people and even some media
outlets (or social media) and who receives financial benefits versus who does
not. Pluto is also connected to the very powerful, systems of power such as
Congress and other bodies, and unhappiness among the population concerning some
of those in power and making the rules. Chiron is conjunct the Moon which rules
women. Women have suffered a loss of reproductive rights in the US with a
continued threat of the further erosion of more rights.
The North Node represents Karmic or fated events as it does
with every eclipse.
-Saturn and Mars are conjunct at 13/14 degrees of Pisces and
this aspect is exact April 10th. This is a harsh aspect that can lean toward
volatility and even violence. This aspect has the potential to bring about war
or war like circumstances or situations that involve police or military.
-With Mars sextile Jupiter the possibility of compassion is
possible both at home and abroad.
-Mercury is retrograde at 24 degrees of Aries. Retrograde
Mercury is known for revealing previously unknown information. When an eclipse
occurs with retrograde Mercury, events connected to the eclipse may be delayed,
usually by a matter of days. Mercury rules all communication so with its
retrograde the information we receive may not be correct or accurate in some
way or we may not get all of the information. Mercury also involves commerce,
travel and young people.
Mercury’s square to Pluto in the US chart represents power
struggles between those in authority, important news and financial decisions.
It is an aspect of propaganda and those who try and push their beliefs on others.
-Jupiter
is conjunct Uranus and this is one of the most significant astrological events
of 2024. This aspect is connected with events related to Taurus; money, women,
food/farming and beauty. Taurus is connected to the Earth so we could see an
increase in climate changes or weather related events this year. This can
represent innovations as well as unexpected issues.
In
conclusion, this is a fiery powerful eclipse ruled by Mars the planet of
warrior energy, wars and innovation that will affect the US for months to come.
We can expect political bickering and important news and debate that could
include a prominent death or relate to death in some other way as well as
lawsuits and legal issues. Aries is the sign of pioneering innovation and
doesn’t let grass grow under its feet. While this eclipse points to many
contentious issues it will also be a catalyst for new ideas and change in many
areas. In some respects this will be an exciting time with many new
developments and ideas that will come to light in the near future.
Venus enters Aries
Venus enters Mars’ sign on April 5th and will remain in
this sign until April 29th, when it enters Taurus.
Venus
in Aries will bring about a bolder, more assertive and active approach to the
things Venus rules; love, beauty and art, money and values.
While
it transits through Aries, Venus is in action planet Mar’s sign and will signal
greater passions, energy and action directed toward Venusian pursuits; especially
love. We may feel more assertive in connecting with those we are most attracted
to and want to get to know better, and seek a fresher, more exciting approach
with those we are already involved with. Confidence is a trait associated with
Aries so we could see our confidence soar along with our passions.
As
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, Venus in Aries offers us a fresh start
in terms of relationships, money and determining where our true values really
lie. We will yearn for new experiences and desire to be more spontaneous in
terms of our social lives and those we may be interested in. Often this transit
brings out a longing for new and exciting adventures and experiences.
Venus in Aries will work especially well for Fire and Air signs.
Aries energy is enthusiastic and upbeat, and Aries loves the chase to the point
of sometimes being more interested in the chase than a relationship once a
connection is established.
Venus
is considered at its detriment in Aries so the energies don’t operate as
smoothly as Venus in Pisces that we have just left behind for another year.
The downside of Venus-Aries is impatience, immaturity, brashness
and self centeredness. For a
relationship to last longer than the chase there must be plenty of new
stimulation and excitement on a regular basis. Competition is a familiar
concept to Aries, but this is not something that turns everyone on. Aries often
operates on whims without thinking things through completely. If it comes down
to putting self or the feelings of their partner first, Aries-Venus is prone to
protect their own feelings and interests first.
Now is the time to embrace your ability to be bold, adventurous,
sexy and confident. You may be surprised at how fearless and undaunted you feel
over this next month and you may surprise others as well. Above all else, Venus
in Aries loves fun, playfulness and adventure so enjoy the feelings of
confidence and the childlike spontaneity this transit of Venus can confer.
Jupiter
conjuncts Uranus
Jupiter is conjunct Uranus and this aspect lasts all
month. The peak of this unpredictable transit is on April 20th but
we will feel the energy all month and into early May.
Jupiter is the planet of gain and expansion and Uranus is
the transit of the unexpected. While this aspect can go either way, I do lean
toward the positive, especially if this aspects something in your chart in a
positive manner. If it is squaring or opposing something it could go the other
way, unless other strong aspects are present.
Uranus is the planet of unexpected events.
This occurs about every 14 years and in 2011 we experienced this aspect in
Pisces and here is what I wrote; “Jupiter
conjunct Uranus (January 1-22) has coincided with major flooding in the world each time the two
planets have joined together during the past year. Whatever Jupiter touches it expands, and
Pisces rules water. Australia is bearing
the brunt of this transit as this post is written as floodwaters reach historic
proportions the first week of January. In Arkansas thousands of birds have
dropped from the sky, and dead fish are washing ashore, with the cause unknown
at this time. Other areas around the
world are at risk of escalated weather conditions as well, as the energy of the
January
4 eclipse in Capricorn continues
to play out.”
This time the aspect occurs at 21 degrees of Taurus. Taurus is
another Earth sign so we may well experience earth related events once again
such as earthquakes. The ruler of Taurus is Venus and Venus rules money, women,
beauty, finances and values so we may see some shakeups in these areas.
I would not expect the negative in your personal life but I would
also not take big chances with things that are not likely to pay off or speculation.
That said, Jupiter and Uranus are sometimes called ‘gambler’s transits.”
Uranus is all about
freedom. People may leave jobs, relationships or anything else they find
oppressive. In past periods this transit has been tied to the Moon landing
(July 20th, 1969) and the French revolution. Many things will happen
around the world, and many people will try and break free from oppressive
restrictions. If this is the case, breaking away will be experienced in a
positive way. Unexpected opportunities may come your way so be aware of what is
happening around you.
April
23’s Full Moon in Scorpio
The spring eclipses are now over and we will experience a
Full Moon at 4 degrees of Scorpio. Scorpio rules the 8th house of
taxes/debt, other people’s money, change/transformation and death and renewal. Its
planetary ruler is Mars the planet of action and the ‘God of War.’
This full moon will be intense due to its square to
Pluto. Moon-Pluto transits deal with issues concerning women, home, the
emotional life, unexpected revelations and feelings of an obsessive nature. Its
best to avoid feelings of jealousy and control as it could blow up in your
face.
This can bring up deep seated issues from the past,
especially since Mercury is still retrograde. There may be issues at home or
with the family and feelings may be on edge at this time.
Some relationships can end as well as other matters that
have outlived their time. This can be a time of intense emotional turmoil or
alternatively it can be a time of personal regeneration or transformation with
a great deal of effort. Pluto aspects tend to dig beneath the surface which can
be good or bad. It will be up to you whether to let sleeping dogs lie or bring
up deep seated issues that have the potential of creating far reaching
emotional responses.
This could also be an aspect of propaganda or others
trying to force their feelings and reactions on you or others.
The Sun
enters Taurus April 19-May 20th
This is the Taurus season when the seeds
we planted with the Sun in Aries begin to grow just like the plants in our
gardens.
The Sun in Taurus is a time to get steady on our feet,
grounded, and turn our attention to the more material concerns of life. Taurus
is typically a relaxed, sociable period as Venus is the ruler of the sign.
Venus rules love, money and our values and this is where our attention will be
focused over the next month.
With Venus as the star of the show, we tend to become
more social, relaxed and interested in the more material joys and concerns of
life such as beautiful objects and surroundings, clothes and perhaps a new hair
style and what might be considered the finer things in life. This includes all things
pleasant to our senses; sensuality, art, beauty and often rich foods. Now is
the time to treat ourselves to things like spas, flowers even binge watching
our favorite shows and just kicking back for a while. Taurus is the time to
cultivate and develop a sense of deep security and personal comfort.
While Aries is all about new beginnings, Taurus is a far
more relaxed period when we can enjoy a more slow paced time and all the
newness and beauty that spring typically brings. We are often drawn to the
outdoors during the Taurus season and can enjoy hikes or long walks as Taurus
is connected with the Earth which can be a grounding and pleasant experience.
Taurus may take a while to make up its mind but once that
happens it can be one of the most steadfast and loyal of all signs. This is the
time to think things through carefully and make no rush to judgment. People
will be far less impetuous and go through all of their options more carefully
when making decisions.
Since Taurus does rule the 2nd house of money
in astrology many will be focused on financial concerns at this time. Now is
the time to think through investments or anything that relates to your
financial life and make changes where necessary.
The downside of Taurus can be a stubborn unwillingness to
make changes or stay stuck on something that is not working. Taurus is a fixed
sign that moves slowly and does not make fast decisions. Keep an open mind and
chill out this month. If you do this, there is no reason you should not enjoy
and prosper from the richness, joy and beauty of the Taurus season.
Venus
enters Taurus April 29th-May 24th
Venus is considered at home in Taurus which is one of the
signs it rules; the other one is Libra.
Venus in Taurus will be a significant change from self
oriented Venus in Aries. Over the next few weeks there will be a greater focus
on love, money, luxury items or beauty, beautiful things, relationships and personal
as well as collective values. Venus is happy and lavish in this sign and you
may feel a desire to surround yourself with richness on many different levels
whether it is art, clothes, jewelry, calming music or rich food. Go ahead and
enjoy the most basic of comforts: touch, smell, sensuality, beauty, comfort,
relaxation and food. Venus in Taurus takes us back to the basics of life and we
can indulge and luxuriate in the simpler things that make us the happiest on an
inner level.
Now is the time to focus on relationships, and putting
your emotions and feelings first, ahead of work or other heavy demands. This
can be a relaxed time where we are focused most of all on the physical, the
beautiful, and we can connected to the earth and outdoors and the beauty of
spring as Taurus is an Earth sign. Plan a walk or hike, and get grounded by
Mother Earth. Typically this is a great time for planting and getting your
garden under control if you are inclined in this way. Taurus is typically
considered fruitful and the best sign for planting whether it is a large
country or urban garden or houseplants on a balcony or in a window.
By seeking pleasure in all of its most basic forms and
with others this period typically embodies harmony and can be a beautiful,
chilled out and relaxed period that won’t return again for another year.
April
30th, Mars enters Aries
Last but not least the action planet leaves Pisces for
Aries on the last day of the month.
Mars has been in gentle laid back Pisces since March 22nd
and we will experience quite an energetic shift when Mars enters Aries.
Mars is at home in this sign which means it operates well
and is extremely powerful. Aries rules
the first house of self, so we will be interested in furthering our own
interests most of all during this 6 week cycle of Mars. We will evaluate what
we want and go after it whether it is a job, an idea, or even a romantic
partner.
This begins a new Mars cycle as Mars once again crosses
the ‘world point’ or 0 degrees of Aries and starts its two year trip through
the zodiac once again. The ‘world point’ is associated with events on the world
stage than can affect us all and give us an extra dose of get-up-and-go.
Mars in Aries likes to take control of things and can
increase our personal drive and ambition. Expect this to be a spontaneous,
forward looking and action oriented period. Winning may become more important
and Aries can be quite competitive. We will pursue things in a more straight
forward manner, which is the opposite of Mars in Pisces that often approaches
things from a sideways and intuitive perspective. Aries is typically confident,
optimistic and does not let grass grow under their feet.
The downside of Aries is impatience, arrogance and
self-centeredness. While we pursue our goals in a very direct manner, we can
express anger in the same manner which can turn many more sensitive people off
or create hard feelings.
Aries is considered a pioneering sign not afraid of
trying out new ideas and concepts and approaches life head on. Some famous
people with Mars in Aries include Steve
Jobs, Stephen Hawking, Bernie Sanders, Nicolas Sarkozy, Monica Lewinsky,
Queen Victoria, Caroline Princess of Hanover, Martha Stewart, David
Letterman and Priscilla Presley.
Independence, confidence and courage are all Aries
qualities that we can embrace during this period. As Aries rules the first
house of the zodiac this can be a time for new beginnings, new experiences and
new and greater confidence in our own abilities to inspire others and lead.
Other
aspects of significance
April 3rd, Venus conjuncts Neptune-This can seem dreamy
or it can be a day fraught with confusion concerning love, values or money.
Neptune obscures the real facts so this is not the best day for important
decisions.
April 10th, Mars conjuncts Saturn-This is a frustrating
and trying aspect that leans toward frustration, aggravation and anger. This becomes part of the eclipse energy the
day before. It is prone to the above mentioned situations but it does give the
energy to focus and narrow in on certain things if necessary for a few days.
April 21st the Sun squares Pluto This is a powerful aspect prone
toward power struggles, change and endings. This can become a day filled with
stress and its best to just flow with the change if possible. Others may seem
combative today and it’s best to avoid contentious issues if you want to avoid an
argument. Pluto is obsessive in nature
so this day could entail these types of feelings as well as actions. This is
generally a significant day in the world.
April
28th, Mars conjuncts Neptune-This can be a period of low energy and
confusion. Mars-Neptune aspects are sometimes associated with weird or unusual
things happening and at worst it can be a transit of theft and lies. You may
feel intuitive and while this is possible it can also lean toward paranoia.
April
30th Venus squares Pluto-This can be a tough day concerning
finances, feelings and love. This aspect leans toward obssessiveness, jealousy
and not getting along well with the opposite and sometimes same sex. Feelings can
run deep and be hurt easily. At best we can experience change and
transformation in a situation involving love or money but if so, it won’t be
easy.
