Mercury is retrograde in Aries and Neptune is moving into Pisces for the first time since 1847. We are seeing these changes reflected in world events. The planetary lineups and aspects are unprecedented at this time. In April, we each have an opportunity to prepare for the next personal chapter of our lives. I wrote about Mercury retrograde in December. Please reference that article for more background on the basics of its meaning.

This month the retrograde of Mercury is in Aries joining the powerful stellium of Jupiter, Uranus, Sun, Moon, Mars and at month’s end, Venus! Six planets out of 10 in Aries blazing new ways, new potent energy. The retrograde is helpful in slowing down this unbridled energy.

So, amongst the powerful desire to do, to break out, to change, to create, Mercury will be languidly escorting us backwards through our recent past on a mental level. This is a second chance to see the past differently, gaining insights and information missed the first time. Begin to adjust to a slower pace to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to discover hidden information, review the facts after the fact and find the missing puzzle pieces.

Aiding us in this cause and keeping it real is Saturn opposing the Aries stellium in the sign of Libra. This dynamic creates personal challenges and trials helping us to develop a reflective maturity in our communications while at the same time assisting us in releasing erroneous personal limitations. Freedom is the promise.

The result of this time of learning and reflection is gaining a deeper awareness about ourselves before moving forward on our journey. There is the profound saying, “The journey is the destination.” Sometimes, I like to think of it meaning “the destination is formed by the essence of the journey.” We are each the architects of our own journey. To own this awareness is to be more fully present. A succession of fully present moments makes for a most delightful journey. Happy Mercury Retrograde!

APRIL FORECAST

Please also read the forecast for your Rising Sign if you know it. If you’re on a “cusp” and don’t know your Sun sign, you can read both signs to find your fit.

Aries March 21 – April 19

Happy Birthday Aries! This is the month of your solar return when the Sun returns to the position and degree it was at your birth. This moment in time creates an energetic imprint for your year to come. What a lively, powerful and surprising year ahead for active Aries. In your chart this month and echoing throughout this year, Jupiter aligns with Mercury, the Sun, and Uranus. Jupiter magnifies everything it touches so it is literally your lucky star this year. Uranus energizes change and ignites the unexpected. Combined with your Aries’ planets, it portends an exciting, take-no-prisoners year of new experiences and vitality. Hail Aries.

Taurus April 20 – May 20

Intuition and insight run deep this month for Taurus. The lineup of planets in Aries brings flashes of understanding and a maturity of reflection for tenacious Taurus. This a yearly phase for the Taurean to process endings. Release that which is no longer needed for the journey ahead. Next month is a new beginning for Taurus, so use this time to reflect on these last 12 months, dissolving old limitations and misperceptions.

Gemini May 21 – June 21

An Aries stellium arrives in your solar 11th house of hopes and wishes on April 3rd. This is also the house of social groups. New ideas and genius action come to you in terms of social service, leadership and valuable connections. This energy is powerful all month with a culmination coming around the Full Moon on the 17th. It brings a rebirth of your creative expression, new connections and social awareness.

Cancer June 22 – July 22

This is Cancer’s month to shine and achieve new milestones in career. But something unique and remarkable is happening for you this year. Jupiter aligns with the Sun, New Moon, Mars, and Mercury in Aries in your solar career house on April 3rd. Jupiter travels through Aries once every 12 years so this is a very significant New Moon alignment for Cancer’s career. Jupiter’s alignment brings good fortune and great luck in worldly endeavors. But there’s more. Uranus has recently entered Aries and aligns with this yearly New Moon in Aries bringing an extraordinary kick start for career-driven Cancers. Uranus graces the sign of Aries about every 70 years. So this is a great gift as it energizes your career house with revolutionary ideas and sudden changes. Stay alert and enjoy the ride.

Leo July 23 – August 22

April is a valuable time for expanding Leo’s horizons. An Aries stellium in your 9th solar house ignites vital energy within you to go beyond what you now know. This may manifest as a physical departure, to travel beyond your current location to bring in a new perspective. It may also manifest as a desire to delve into new spiritual ideas that support a world view that is more in line with who you are today.

Virgo August 23 – September 22

Analytical Virgo is swimming within the deep emotional stirrings of it’s own psyche this month. More apt to follow linear mental expression, Virgos switch gears this month to investigate darker feelings, their origins and the healing of old taboos. The Aries stellium falls in your solar 8th house this month supplying you with an energy and desire to lighten your load through healing of what was previously unseen or fearfully avoided. You have the courage and willpower this month to heal these old, limiting matters.

Libra September 23 – October 22

Saturn in the sign of Libra this month opposes Aries stellium in Libra’s solar 7th house of partnership. There are complex energies at work. Much good fortune and a powerful influx of energy is available in the arena of relationship and justice. Factoring in the opposition of Saturn portends possible scenarios of an older person creating limitations for you. Be thoughtful and practical in your approach. Delays and extra responsibilities may be on the agenda.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21

Jupiter in Aries visits your solar 6th house once every 12 years. This month Jupiter aligns with the New Moon, Sun, Uranus, Mars, and Mercury for true Aries fireworks in your house of daily life. This is a great opportunity to jumpstart your routines of health, work, and practical matters. Uranus in this mix brings revolutionary changes. Jupiter brings great flow and expansion of your spiritual ideals, rituals, and values. What do you want to improve?

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

April is an excellent month for creativity for savvy Sagittarius. Uranus and Jupiter align with then Sun, Moon, Mars and Mercury in your solar house of love and creativity, delivering great joy and warmth to your world. Take advantage. Create your inner visions and longings. Saturn, the planet of lessons and maturity, is in opposition to the Aries stellium. This brings some resistance and challenge for all signs this month. But for Sagittarius, Saturn is in sextile, a positive and friendly aspect to your sun sign. This aspect allows you to experience such qualities as strength, formidability, wisdom and positive responsibility relating to your creative expression. You may also experience respect for your creative projects. In addition, the Aries’ stellium is in a harmonious trine to your Sagittarius Sun.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19

This month goal-driven Capricorn is soberly reflecting about career and worldly endeavors. In the meantime, April is full of fresh new energy for home and family matters. On the 3rd, expansive new thoughts and new perspective are available with the New Moon stellium in Aries. This configuration is squaring your Capricorn Sun offering a constructive energy of a creative frustration that propels you to new solutions in home matters. By the 23rd, surprising, unique ways of being creative and loving in family matters are revealed.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

Aquarians have a fortunate month ahead. On the 3rd, the New Moon- Aries stellium begins a month’s stay in your house of communication and familiar people. Outer planets, Uranus and Jupiter, conjunct four of the personal planets to create a positive sextile to your Aquarius Sun. This is a flowing, friendly, wonderful aspect. Learning, connecting with others, getting important information, helping and being helped by relatives are all highlighted.

Pisces February 19-March 20

The New Moon Aries stellium ignites your sense of values and desire to make money when it falls in your solar 2nd hours on April 3rd. Uranus brings unexpected events and unique new ideas about your values. Jupiter graces Pisces with luck and greater perspective. The personal planets, Mars, Moon, Sun, Venus, and Mercury all come together to support you in your discovery and journey toward your treasure. But what makes it a “Hero’s Journey” is that Saturn is in direct opposition in Libra. Saturn, the opposing presence, would be cast as the foe in this metaphorical myth. The secret to victory in your personal story is to know that the opposition is a projection from you. With this knowledge, you can have patience, use wisdom, and act with maturity. That is the purpose of Saturn’s drama. Now you know everything.

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To find out your Sun sign, your Rising sign, or to find out more about your natal planets, please visit StardustAstrology.com to learn about your natal chart.

Dianne Curwick has been reading professionally with a word-of-mouth clientele since 2000. She has read for people from all walks of life throughout the United States. Previously, she penned the astrology column for the Los Angeles publication “IN Magazine.” She has also taught astrology chart reading classes as well as spiritual growth classes using the natal chart as a tool. She says, “The whole world opens up to me through symbols that seem to rise off the astrology chart and speak to me. They draw me in and serve as a touchstone for intuitive information to flow through me. I am in an altered state when I am reading the chart. I feel like I’m plugged in to an energetic source, receiving answers faster than I am asking questions.”

For a personal reading by Dianne visit www.StardustAstrology.com