Planetary news this week: Intention & focus with Scorpio Full Moon & Mercury direct
Astrological update for the week of April 22-29, 2024
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The past couple of weeks have been some of the most intense astrological weeks of the year. Between the total eclipse and this past weekend’s conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus, you may be finding it difficult to achieve any kind of inner balance (especially if you have planets between 20-29º of the fixed signs Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius).
The idea of planets as teams I wrote about last week still applies, with three different planetary teams jockeying for dominance and possibly making integration and forward movement more difficult. This can create a situation of tension without release until the Scorpio Full Moon comes along and makes it impossible to continue standing on the sidelines.
Meanwhile the Sun has entered Taurus, the sign of peaceful equanimity and grounded connection to Earth, but its only partners in Earth signs are Jupiter and Uranus. These planets are like rocket ships taking us beyond the earthly orbit, so not exactly grounding. At the end of the week Venus will move into Taurus, and it will become easier to find that sense of inner balance. In the meantime, special efforts such as meditation and forest bathing or simply spending time in nature can help us to re-center and re-connect within.
Scorpio Full Moon April 23. Speaking of Taurus, the Scorpio Full Moon this week will pit the Taurus Sun against the Scorpio Moon, forcing us to find balance between the intensity of feeling (Scorpio) and the need for peace and comfort (Taurus). Both are fixed signs - signs that can be stubborn and unyielding but also powerful in their adamant positions and opinions.
Adding more intensity, Pluto is tightly wound into this lunar event (square both the Sun and the Moon). Pluto is Scorpio’s modern ruler so the inclusion of Pluto here doubles the passions and penetrative wisdom of this Full Moon. Pluto’s influence is a highlight of the influences for the entire week, meaning we will be drawn into issues of power and deep significance.
This will probably not be a week for frivolity, but it could be a marker for tremendous evolution at some level.
Mercury turns direct April 25. Have we even noticed that Mercury in Aries was retrograde? In Aries, Mercury does not slow down, not really. But still, we may have found ourselves retracing the same steps over and over while Mercury was retrograde over the past few weeks.
It takes Mercury about 10 days to pick up its normal speed and will remain at the same degree (16º Aries) all week, so don’t expect things to spring right back to normal, especially with👇
Mars conjunct Neptune April 29. Mars is making its way through the last degrees of Pisces right now where our intentions and desires are filtered through the Piscean lens of wishes and dreams. Mars can flounder in Pisces, and so can we if we don’t utilize this Mars for what it’s good for: Imagination, creation, aligning with our spiritual selves.
This week offers a premium opportunity for this trip through Piscean wonder, especially when Mars conjoins Neptune next Monday. But Mars and Neptune will be in cahoots for most of the week, so try to be aware when the rose colored glasses are revealing your idealized fantasies rather than the truth.
Venus enters Taurus April 29. The shift of Venus from Aries to Taurus could bring a sigh of relief as our relationships and financial matters begin to settle down. In Taurus, an Earth sign which Venus rules, the urge for balance and harmony becomes more grounded into our physical experience. Comfort and stability become more important than ego-driven needs, and beauty in all things help to calm the nervous system.
The Moon will be in Capricorn when Venus enters Taurus, helping to further steady our focus and remember the practical needs of the day to day.
Next week Mars will enter Aries! Mars is happiest in its own sign of Aries and we can take advantage of this energy burst by preparing our intentions now with this week’s creative forces. 💖
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