Planetary news this week: The breaking apart of things we hold to be true
Astrological update for the week of April 1-8, 2024
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Between the Jupiter/Uranus conjunction and the total solar eclipse, it’s difficult to see how we will come out of April unchanged, and it all kicks off this week.
Jupiter and Uranus will continue to tighten their connection over the next couple of weeks, but they are close enough now to have an impact. The combination of these two planets in “hard” aspects (conjunction, square, opposition) can lead to groundbreaking new discoveries and personal transformation of all kinds. These are revolutionary energies, and in Taurus, the fixed sign of stability and not-change, these planets of liberation and change will have an even greater effect. Breaking up our fixed patterns can feel more extreme than breaking up patterns that are already in flux.
To prepare for all this, be prepared for change. It may not come from the outside; it may simply arise as a change of perspective. There may be an awakening, or a new insight. Perhaps an unexpected (Uranus) gift (Jupiter). Financial markets may break through previous records. Or may break down. Jupiter makes big events bigger, Uranus brings surprise, shock and awe. This may feel liberated to those of us who have more air and fire; those of us with a preponderance of water and earth are more concerned with security and may find this more uncomfortable until they use this time to propel through blocks.
Mercury turns retrograde April 1. Mercury is in Aries right now, and not so happy to be turning retrograde. The retrograde cycle of Mercury is a natural pulling back and reevaluation before resuming normal activity, and this may feel somewhat frustrating. Understanding the natural ebb and flow of the Mercury cycle can help to limit frustration and make it easier to use this time for reflection, renovation, repair of things that are broken.
Venus enters Aries April 5. Venus is the planet that governs our relationships, personal connections, values and the power of attraction. The transition from Venus in mystical Pisces to the fire of Aries would normally be a bit of a shock, but right now in these strongly Arian times we may not even notice it. The idea of getting our needs met and achieving our desires is a bit of a theme now, between the Libra Full Moon which opposed the Aries Sun, the solar eclipse at the Aries New Moon, and the movement of Venus and Mars from Pisces into Aries.
While Venus is in Aries (until April 29) we will want to have our own way and so will everyone else. Let them. 🤓
Total eclipse 19ºAries, April 8. I’ve written a blog post on the eclipse and you can read it here. There will be more details in the weekly forecast for paid subscribers, but know that there will be FIVE planets in Aries, including of course the Moon, and Mercury is retrograde. Expect the unexpected is my best advice - also, don’t bait the dragon. The threat level will be elevated and many people will be on their last nerve.
It might also be helpful to plan some down time for the day following the eclipse in case any R&R is required. 💖
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Here’s else you need to know this week. (Dates and times are for the Eastern time zone, here is a time zone converter to adjust for your locality.) Here is a link to an ephemeris if you would like to check the degrees of these planetary placements.
Monday April 1. The week begins with the Moon in Capricorn, helping us to get organized and do the practical things. This is a real help with Mercury turning retrograde in the evening - it can be tempting to throw up our hands and say forget it! I’ll do all this when Mercury is direct again. While the Moon is in Capricorn (until Wednesday morning) it will be easier to focus on things like todo lists and setting goals for a productive future, and there are no lunar problems to stand in our way. (Moon enters Capricorn 4:05 am, sextile Mars 5:48 pm, Mercury turns retrograde 10:14 pm.)
Tuesday April 2. The Capricorn Moon is busy but not problematic on Tuesday. There may be some brief tension around 3 am EDT, so most of us will be asleep (I don’t know about you but I’m usually awake then anyway!). The planetary influences are mostly supportive for both down-to-earth planning and lofty imagineering although watch for some emotional reactivity for a few hours in the afternoon.
You may start to feel your creative juices tingle on Tuesday thanks to a highly creative and illuminating Venus/Neptune aspect that is building on Tuesday to peak on Wednesday. (Moon square Sun 3:14 am, sextile Saturn 4:46 am, trine Jupiter 11:43 am, square Chiron 2:07 pm, trine Uranus 5:19 pm.)
Wednesday April 3. That Venus/Neptune piece of magic dominates the astrological landscape on Wednesday, making this the perfect day for anything creative, inspirational, or a spiritual journey of some kind. The practical Capricorn Moon gives way to Aquarius for some out of the box thinking, but don’t expect too much clarity until Thursday.
Although emotions may intensify midday and create some drama, this is a day for the transcendent and mystical; the details will have to wait. (Moon square Mercury 4:11 am, Moon sextile Venus 4:57 am, sextile Neptune 5:40 am, Moon enters Aquarius 9:07 am, Moon conjunct Pluto 12:23 pm, Venus conjunct Neptune 1:10 pm.)
Thursday April 4. On Thursday the Sun lines up with the North Node, beginning the countdown to the solar eclipse. This is a subtle but momentous event that could mark a turning point that will later be locked into the eclipse energies. It’s a good time to pay attention to clues that may be offered.
Other r aspects on Thursday help to facilitate the beginning of the awakening to something new and exceptional. One of my coaching clients came up with this mantra that I love so much, and it’s perfect for today: “Something wonderful will happen today that I never would have expected.” (Moon sextile Sun 10:44 am, square Jupiter 3:43 pm, sextile Chiron 5:24 pm, square Uranus 8:24 pm, Sun conjunct North Node 10:10 pm.)
Friday April 5. Today we have some shifting energies: Venus leaves Pisces to join the Aries party (see the introduction for details), and the Moon moves from brainy Aquarius to mystical Pisces. Friday will be relatively quiet astrologically, and while Venus in Aries will make us bolder in our relationships, a harmonious aspect to Pluto is building to help strengthen our connections and interactions with others. (Venus enters Aries 4:00 am, Moon sextile Mercury 5:39 am, Moon enters Pisces 11:12 am.)
Saturday April 6. The balance of power in our interpersonal contacts peaks today, but there may be some challenges in the morning. These will be well over by noon, and the rest of the day brings optimism and an openness to new ideas and exciting new adventures. (Moon conjunct Mars 5:07 am, conjunct Saturn 10:10 am, sextile Jupiter 5:12 pm, Venus sextile Pluto 5:45 pm, Moon sextile Uranus 9:10 pm.)
Sunday April 7. With the Moon entering Aries Sunday morning, the eclipse energies will be well underway. The Moon follows the Sun to the North Node around noon on Monday and the actual eclipse degree occurs at 6:20 pm EDT Monday. That is not the same as the time of visibility - for that information please consult this NASA site. You can also watch the eclipse remotely from anywhere in the world thanks to this NASA website here.
I hope you have a wonderful week! Thank you for subscribing. 💖
If you would like to know more about how your own chart is affected by these influences, consider a personal consultation.