Astrology of April 2022

 

The first three weeks of April have a lot of forward momentum.  All the planets are direct until April 29, when Pluto turns retrograde. The next planet to follow is, sadly, Mercury.  Yup, Mercury Retrograde is upcoming: May 5 to June 3.  The thick of the retrograde season this year is Sept. 9 to Oct. 2: we will have 6 planets in retrograde.  But then, Mars – the mover and shaker of the Zodiac – turns retrograde on Oct. 10 and that lasts until Jan 12 2023. Basically, if there is something big you want to take off the ground, do it before September.

And if you can take advantage of the first 3 weeks of April, so the better!  The Sun is in fiery, assertive go-getter Aries. And Mercury is, too, until April 10. The month kicks off with a New Moon in Aries on March 31/April 1. It’s well-positioned for the most part, except it squares Pluto, foreshadowing some volatility later in the month.  There is a lot of trail-blazing, courageous, “yes I can” energy available to us in April. 

One fly in the ointment is a Mars-Saturn conjunction on April 4. It can bring frustrations with your sense of progress on a personal level, or an increased desire to buck authority figures in your life. But, good progress is possible if you stay disciplined. On a global level, there may be a spike in geopolitical tensions. Remember that planetary energies build gradually over a few days, so we could start feeling it as early as April 1.

The Sun moves into practical, sensible Taurus on April 19, but we will experience the resurgence of Aries energies in May, when Jupiter moves into Aries on May 10.

Neptune – Jupiter Conjunction

And then of course, the biggest astrological energy of 2022 peaks in April:  Neptune and Jupiter come together for their once-in -every-12-years meetup. It’s happening in Pisces, boosting our compassion, spirituality, ability to connect with our soul’s vision for us – and also oil and gas prices…Read all about this distinctive signature of 2022 here.

Eclipse Season Begins

But OK….later in April, there will be some tension. The Eclipse Season kicks off with the New Moon in Taurus on April 30. If it wasn’t for the eclipse energy, this would be a GREAT New Moon for love or finances! Venus is conjunct (next to) lucky Jupiter at the time of this New Moon. If you’re a risk-taker at heart, set your intentions for improved romance and abundance. But be prepared that your desires might come in an unexpected or even turbulent way.  And if that’s too much excitement for you (it is for me these days), then sit this one out.

We will start feeling the eclipse energy by April 24-25. If you find yourself edgier than usual the last week of April, that’s eclipses for you. It’s not recommended to make any major decisions around the eclipses, because (a) our decision-making may be not as sound as usual, and (b) we might not have all of the information just yet!

The eclipses are happening in Taurus-Scorpio, which is another key theme of 2022.  These two are financial signs, so there may be some financial fallouts and changes.  And, Scorpio eclipses in particular can start or end a pandemic, according to astrological wisdom. Well…COVID is still around, so hopefully they foreshadow the end of it? If so….I hate to break it to you…the last eclipse in Scorpio will be in May 2023...

More on the upcoming Eclipse Season here. 

Pluto Turns Retrograde

Pluto, the planet of power and deep transformation starts on its 5 ½ month-long retrograde on April 29. 

It's time to reflect on the Plutonian themes of power and disempowerment, death and rebirth, and irrevocable change. How did these themes manifest in your life since October 2021, while Pluto was direct? Where in your life do you feel disempowered, and why? And is this lack of power real or perceived?

Pluto will retrograde from 28 to 26 degrees of Capricorn between April 29 and Oct. 8 2022. This is big for those born Feb. 13-18, April 15-20, July 17-22, and Oct. 18-23 (or anyone with the personal planets between 26-28 degrees of Capricorn, Aries, Cancer and Libra). 

You will have an opportunity to revisit the themes related to transformation, power, passion, and “death and rebirth” that might have come into your life since October 2021.  When Pluto starts moving forward again on October 8, the issues stirred by this Pluto transit will come to a final resolution.

New Moon in Aries: March 31 11:24 p.m. PDT

Depending on your time zone, this New Moon in Aries will fall on March 31 or April 1 this year. 

If you need more confidence, healthy assertiveness, and the ability to take initiative, this New Moon in Aries is for you! The Sun, Moon and Mercury are in Aries, gifting us with a huge boost of confidence-building, take-charge, trailblazing energy.  But, there is more. They are all conjunct the Wounded Healer, Chiron.... Read more about this New Moon and the suggested intention-setting here.

If you've been thinking about trying my New Moon workshop, the upcoming dates are:

• March 30 5:00-6:15 p.m. PDT
• March 31 10:00-11:15 a.m. PDT
• April 29 10:00-11:15 a.m. PDT
• April 30 5:00-6:15 p.m. PDT

Full Moon in Libra: April 16 11:55 a.m. PDT

Directly opposite and illuminated by the Aries Sun, this Full Moon is all about blending the best qualities of Libra and Aries. It’s a great Full Moon to bring assertiveness (Aries) and cooperation (Libra) into balance in your life, especially in relationships.

It’s THE day of the year to release co-dependency tendencies, indecision, compulsion to please, and the need to keep peace at all costs. And to become more of the confident, vibrant, radiant YOU that you’re meant to be!

New Moon in Taurus: April 30 1:28 p.m. PDT

Venus will be conjunct lucky  Jupiter within an hour of the New Moon/Solar Eclipse. Wow this is super powerful for love OR money! But, set your New Moon intentions only if you’re a risk-taker at heart.  Because it’s an eclipse, your desires could materialize very quickly, but also in a turbulent way.

Mercury: Communication, Legal Contracts, Vehicles, Electronics and E-Commerce

April is another month when Mercury visits 3 signs! Now remember, Mercury Retrograde is coming up in May. If planning to sign an important contract, purchase a vehicle or electronics, or book a trip – don’t leave it until May. Now is the time.

Mercury moves into assertive Aries from March 27 to April 10. It’s a very helpful energy if you need to speak up or stand up for yourself. But, be sure you have your facts straight before you speak!  Mercury in Aries can be impatient, speaking before he thinks.

Don’t be shy to focus on what YOU need during this time, especially if you tend to be a giver. Self-confidence and going after what you need are the big themes for the next 2 weeks. 

 After, Mercury moves into steady Taurus, slowing down our communication rhythm and encouraging us to focus on the facts and practical details. Don’t be surprised if people around you – or you! – seem resistant to new suggestions all of a sudden.

The month ends with Mercury entering Gemini on April 29. Communication pace picks up again, and it may be difficult to keep your focus on any one thing.

Key Dates (Pacific to Eastern Time. Note we will start feeling the energy for 1-2 days in advance of these dates).

April 2: Sun conjunct Mercury. If you need to speak assertively and from the heart, today is the day.  Mercury is also conjunct Chiron: deep healing is possible through forthright communication.  But, wait until 9:50 a.m. PDT for that conversation, for the Moon to clear the emotionally explosive square with Pluto.

Charge a tiger eye + turquoise for the improved ability to communicate assertively.

April 7: Mercury sextile Saturn.  A good day for some structured thinking or serious conversations. If you are looking for a day to have a dynamic yet productive conversation, this is it!  Fiery Mercury is in its trail-blazing mode, and Saturn can help channel the fire into useful, tangible results.

April 10: Mercury square Pluto. Arghhh this is a volatile energy. Avoid power games and manipulative behaviours. Words can cut deeply today – but they can also transform. Choose wisely.

April 10: Mercury enters Taurus.

April 17-18: Mercury sextile Venus and conjunct Uranus: If you need to change something up in your relationships (including your relationship with money), today is the day to have that conversation.  Flashes of insights are possible, and we can express ourselves with grace and compassion.

April 24: Mercury square Saturn and sextile Neptune. There could be some vague anxiety and depressive thinking. Fight it off. It will only last for a day or two.

April 26-27: Mercury sextile Jupiter.  An excellent day for a big presentation, an important proposal or a contract. 

April 28: Mercury trine Pluto. We’re able to see into people’s motivations easily today. Communication is deep and incisive.  A very good day to schedule a cognitive therapy session, or to get to the bottom of something. Avoid manipulative behaviours though.

April 29: Mercury enters Gemini. Expect the communication pace to pick up quite a bit.

Venus: Love, Money and Personal Values

Remember that unusually long alignment between Mars and Venus I told you about, that lasted from Feb. 13 to March 17? Well, sadly it’s over now. And, I’ve had several readings for clients who experienced a sudden whirlwind romance entering their life – that fizzed out just as quickly.  For others, there was an equally passionate reconnection with someone, that only got stronger as Mars and Venus were holding hands in the sky.  Passions were certainly stirred up for many people.

But, April is no slouch in the romance department! Venus enters romantic Pisces on April 5. She is exalted in Pisces = her powers are amplified. While in Pisces, Venus makes some excellent planetary connections.   April 5 to April 25 is a great time for romance, cosmetic procedures, makeovers or monetizing your art- or spirituality-related business.  After, we’re getting into the eclipse season.

Key Dates for Love and Romance (Pacific to Eastern time)

April 18: Venus sextiles Uranus. What do you need to invigorate in your relationships (including your relationship with money?) Unexpected relationship prospects could materialize.

April 26: Venus conjunct Neptune.  Ahhh the fairy-tale romance! A great day for a first date or a romantic getaway with your partner.

April 30: Venus conjunct Jupiter within an hour of the New Moon/Solar Eclipse. Wow this is super powerful for love OR money! But, set your New Moon intentions only if you’re a risk-taker at heart.  Your desires could materialize very quickly, but also in a turbulent way.

Career, Business and Money:

It’s a mixed month for career and business.  On the plus side, the Sun in Aries boosts our drive and initiative, which is always good. And once it moves into Taurus, it brings some practical, financially savvy energies.

In electional astrology, we want Mars to be well positioned in the skies when taking part in a competition, embarking on important athletic pursuits, starting a construction, scheduling a surgery, or starting something new, period. (There is more to consider when selecting the best date for these undertakings, but Mars is definitely a big part of the picture).

Mercury is in Aries from March 27 to April 10. Don’t be shy to focus on what YOU need during this time, especially if you tend to be a giver. Self-confidence and going after what you need is the big theme of the first 2 weeks of April.  Update your resume to include the list of accomplishments or projects YOU initiated or led. The Aries energy is not the time to hide behind the “we”.  Not “we implemented”, but “my role in this implementation was…”

But Mars –  Mars gets into trouble with Saturn on April 4. It could feel like driving with your brakes on. Don’t schedule anything too ambitious.

And then it moves into Pisces on April 14, and makes no major planetary connections until May.  Unlike Venus, Mars is not comfortable in Pisces. It’s fiery, bold nature gets dampened. But, just like when you pour water on a fire, it can leave smouldering embers inside, seething but not being able to burst into a flame again.  Don’t get sucked into passive-aggressive behaviours. 

Key dates (all for Pacific to Eastern Time):

April 4:  Mars-Saturn conjunction on April 4. It can bring frustrations with your sense of progress on a personal level, or an increased desire to buck authority figures in your life. But, good progress is possible if you stay disciplined. 

April 18: Sun square Pluto. Power struggles are possible. Be mindful of ego traps today. Not the best day to challenge your boss.

April 30: Venus conjunct Jupiter within an hour of the New Moon/Solar Eclipse. Wow this is super powerful for love OR money! But, set your New Moon intentions only if you’re a risk-taker at heart.  Your desires could materialize very quickly, but also in a turbulent way.

Health and Healing (dates for Pacific to Eastern Time):

April 1:  New Moon in Aries conjunct Chiron. A very powerful time for healing, especially for self-confidence issues. Check the House where 11 degrees Aries falls in your natal chart.  This New Moon will bring a profound opportunity to heal any issues or traumas you might have experienced in that area of your life.

April 2: Mercury conjunct Chiron. A powerful day to heal through communication. Think journaling or perhaps a counselling session. It’s also a good day to have a healing conversation with someone in your life. Just be aware that the Moon squares Pluto on April 2, so emotions could be highly charged and volatile.

April 12: Jupiter conjunct Neptune. A fantastic day for spiritual pursuits.

April 12 7:07 a.m. to April 14 1:46 p.m. PDT. A decently positioned waxing Moon in Virgo. An excellent time to make some health-oriented changes to your daily routine or diet.

April 16 5:23 p.m. to April 18 7:16 p.m. PDT: Waning Moon in Scorpio. Great for “ending things for good”, such as giving up smoking.

April 25 3:15 a.m. to April 27 9:10 a.m. PDT:  a very, very well positioned waning Moon in Pisces. Journal. Meditate. Have deep conversations. Break boundaries. (Re)connect on a deep soul level.  Schedule some time for self-care. Get plenty of rest.

Cautions This Month (dates for Pacific to Eastern Time):

April 4: Mars conjunct Saturn. There can be obstacles and delays to push through. It could feel like driving with your brakes on!  Don’t schedule anything too ambitious on April 3-4.  It will be more difficult than usual to get things off the ground.

April 25: Eclipse Season is coming up. The New Moon in Taurus on April 30 is also a Solar Eclipse, at 10° Taurus.

It’s a great energy for those comfortable with risk: eclipses open a portal that can propel you years into the future, as far as your goals go. But, the eclipse energy is also very unstable. There may be many twists and turns, and the outcome may not be quite what you expect.

We’re all affected by an eclipse to a degree. If you find yourself edgier than usual, and your decision-making not as reliable, it’s because eclipses pack a powerful punch of de-stabilizing energy. 

Traditional astrology recommends avoiding major decisions during the eclipse season, as new information can come to life that will change your course anyway.

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Daily Planner – for those who prefer a chronological format:

All dates for Pacific to Eastern Time:

March 30 and March 31: New Moon workshop.  If you're working on building confidence, assertiveness, setting healthy boundaries, and taking charge of your life, don't miss this New Moon workshop. You will also learn a structured framework that you can apply on any New Moon. 

• March 30: 5:00-6:15 p.m. PDT
• March 31: 10:00-11:15 a.m. PDT

April 1:  New Moon in Aries conjunct Chiron. A very powerful time for healing, especially for self-confidence issues. Check the House where 12 degrees Aries falls in your natal chart.  This New Moon will bring a profound opportunity to heal any issues or traumas you might have experienced in that area of your life.

April 2: Sun conjunct Mercury. If you need to speak assertively and from the heart, today is the day.  Mercury is also conjunct Chiron: deep healing is possible through forthright communication.  But, wait until 9:50 a.m. PDT for that conversation, for the Moon to clear the emotionally explosive square with Pluto.

Charge a tiger eye + turquoise for the improved ability to communicate assertively.

April 4:  Mars-Saturn conjunction on April 4. It can bring frustrations with your sense of progress on a personal level, or an increased desire to buck authority figures in your life. 

April 5: Venus enters Pisces. She is exalted in Pisces (=her powers are amplified). And, she is well supported by the planets!  April 5 to April 25 is a great time for romance, cosmetic procedures, makeovers or monetizing your art- or spirituality-related business.  After, we’re getting into the eclipse season.

April 7: Mercury sextile Saturn.  A good day for some structured thinking or serious conversations. If you are looking for a day to have a dynamic yet productive conversation, this is it!  Fiery Mercury is in its trail-blazing mode, and Saturn can help channel the fire into useful, tangible results.

April 9, 5:00-6:00 p.m. PDT: Online workshop "(Re)location by the Stars!"  This workshop started as "Five Astrology Hacks to Improve Your Life". But, every time I ran it, there were requests to put together a full workshop on Hack #1: Astrology of (Re)location. 

April 10: Mercury square Pluto. Arghhh this is a volatile energy. Avoid power games and manipulative behaviours. Words can cut deeply today – but they can also transform. Choose wisely.

April 10: Mercury enters Taurus.

April 12: Jupiter conjunct Neptune. A 5-star day for spiritual, artistic, or charitable pursuits.

April 12 7:07 a.m. to April 14 1:46 p.m. PDT. A decently positioned waxing Moon in Virgo. An excellent time to make some health-oriented changes to your daily routine or diet.

April 16 5:23 p.m. to April 18 7:16 p.m. PDT: Waning Moon in Scorpio. Great for “ending things for good”, such as giving up smoking.

April 16 11:55 a.m. PDT:  Full Moon in Libra

April 17-18: Mercury sextile Venus and conjunct Uranus: If you need to change something up in your relationships (including your relationship with money), today is the day to have that conversation.  Flashes of insights are possible, and we can express ourselves with grace and compassion. Unexpected relationship prospects can materialize.

April 18: Sun square Pluto. Power struggles are possible. Be mindful of ego traps today. 

April 24: Mercury square Saturn and sextile Neptune. There could be some vague anxiety and depressive thinking. Fight it off. It will only last for a day or two.

April 25 3:15 a.m. to April 27 9:10 a.m. PDT:  a very, very well positioned waning Moon in Pisces. Journal. Meditate. Have deep conversations. Break boundaries. (Re)connect on a deep soul level.  Schedule some time for self-care. Get plenty of rest.

April 25: Eclipse Season is starting. Your decision-making may be more emotional than usual.  New information might come to light that could change your course of action.  If you need to make any big decisions, wait until May 20. The Eclipse Season will be over by then.

April 26: Venus conjunct Neptune.  Ahhh the fairy-tale romance! A great day for a first date or a romantic getaway with your partner. Mercury is sextile Jupiter, too – it’s a good day to talk about the big vision for your future, or your relationship!

April 26-27: Mercury sextile Jupiter.  An excellent day for a big presentation, an important proposal or a contract. 

April 28: Mercury trine Pluto. We’re able to see into people’s motivations easily today. Communication is deep and incisive.  A very good day to schedule a cognitive therapy session, or to get to the bottom of something. Avoid manipulative behaviours though.

April 29 and April 30: New Moon workshop.  If you're working on improving your finances, your love life, or your ability to enjoy life, don't miss this New Moon workshop. You will also learn a structured framework that you can apply on any New Moon. 

• April 30: 10:00-11:15 a.m. PDT

April 29: Mercury enters Gemini. Expect the communication pace to pick up quite a bit.

April 29: Pluto turns retrograde. It's time to reflect on the Plutonian themes of power and disempowerment, death and rebirth, and irrevocable change. How did these themes manifest in your life since October 2021, while Pluto was direct?

April 30: Venus conjunct Jupiter within an hour of the New Moon/Solar Eclipse. Wow this is super powerful for love OR money! But, set your New Moon intentions only if you’re a risk-taker at heart.  Your desires could materialize very quickly, but also in a turbulent way.