Astrological Trends April 18 - 24, 2011

Astrological Trends for April 18-24

The anticipation of transformation and healing is in the air on the morning of Monday, April 18th, as the moon in the fixed water sign of Scorpio forms a quincunx to Uranus in Aries and a supportive trine to Chiron conjunct Neptune in Pisces. The words I hear for this aspect pattern are "sudden grace." An unexpected intervention in a moment when things seem to reach a crisis point is possible. Venus is in the late degrees of the mutable water sign of sensitive Pisces and is now close enough to Uranus in Aries to be feeling restless, impatient, and unpredictable when it comes to matters of the heart. All this week, a nice configuration of semi-sextiles is in place between the Venus/Uranus conjunction and Neptune/Chiron in Pisces, as well as the sun in Aries. This interesting blend of planets and elements may produce feelings of sweet anticipation and delight in new romance or creative activities. The emotional depth of today's Scorpio moon is enhanced by a sextile between the moon and Pluto in Capricorn. You may feel more strongly about things than you usually do or find you have a greater need for things to be done your way. The Aries sun forms a supportive sextile with Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces. This sextile can make you a hero or champion to someone else. Do one good deed today or volunteer when needed. Satu
in the cardinal air sign of Libra opposes Mars conjunct retrograde Mercury in the cardinal fire sign of Aries, which is an energy you integrated last week. It can make you - and everyone else - more critical of people, especially in relationship situations. Remember to use the magic words, "please" and "thank you", and pay attention when someone is speaking to you. Around dinnertime, the Scorpio moon forms a quincunx to Mars conjunct Mercury in Aries and also forms a mild semi-sextile to Satu
in Libra. This is a good influence for talking about sensitive subjects, revealing inner secrets, or airing grievances, as long as you do so in a non-accusatory manner. New levels of understanding can be reached in relationship if you and the other person show honor and respect for each other's feelings.

Mixed emotional states are possible on the morning of Tuesday, April 19th, as the moon in the fixed water sign of intense Scorpio forms a neither all-good nor all-bad quincunx to Jupiter in Aries. You may feel some trepidation as you approach anything new, preferring to wait and watch, but if that isn't an option, you will hide your hesitancy behind a brave exterior. A lack of lunar aspects from mid-afte
oon to early evening makes the remainder of the day quiet and uneventful. Use the fixed and persistent energy of the Scorpio moon to complete projects. Tomorrow, the sun leaves the cardinal fire sign of Aries and enters the fixed earth sign of Taurus. The Scorpio moon heightens emotional sensitivity and perception of energy, so you may sense the shift in the sun signs, which could make you feel edgy or unsettled now. Aries brings a cycle of new beginnings and Taurus helps to ground things and cultivate them so they grow strong. Late this evening, the seductive Scorpio moon forms a trine to Venus in Pisces conjunct Uranus in Aries and also forms a quincunx to the sun in Aries. Surprise your partner with an adventure in a new location and finish the evening with some close intimacy. If you are single and looking for a partner, go somewhere you've never been before or try a sport or activity you've never tried before. The elements of risk and adventure act like an aphrodisiac this evening.

On Wednesday, April 20th, the sun enters the fixed earth sign of steady and sensual Taurus, where it still forms a supportive sextile to Neptune/Chiron in Pisces. This is a very fruitful energy that could make the flowers exceptionally beautiful this spring. It can also increase your appreciation of beauty and stimulate all your senses. Artistic expression is enhanced, and so are physical sensuality and a desire for "happily ever after" feelings. I predict a spike in the number of babies born nine months from this week! The moon is now in the mutable fire sign of Sagittarius, where it engages Uranus in Aries with an energizing trine. Enthusiasm meets uncontrollable urges - look out! You will feel like a kid hurtling down a hill in a go-kart without brakes. But a distracting square between the moon in Sagittarius and Chiron conjunct Neptune in Pisces throws some timid "what if" thoughts in the path that could slow you down a bit. I am sure you can find a way to have fun in moderation. A mild semi-sextile forms at lunchtime between the moon and Pluto in Capricorn. In the early evening, the moon also forms a sextile to Satu
in Libra. The Sagittarius moon may be high-spirited, but with energy input from Pluto in Caprico
and Satu
in Libra, it is anything but frivolous. You will be feeling optimistic, serious, and mentally focused, and you may direct those feelings toward thinking or talking about relationship. Later this evening, when the Sagittarius moon makes a trine to Mercury conjunct Mars in Aries, you may be quite insistent on expressing your views or talking about your needs and desires. Remember that there are two sides to a partnership and allow your mate equal time to speak.

The moon in the mutable fire sign of Sagittarius forms a happy trine to Jupiter in Aries on Thursday, April 21st. This double shot of fire that includes Sagittarius' ruler, Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion, can put smiles on the grumpiest faces and make people say yes to almost anything. Now is the time to do things that need an extra dose of luck or chutzpah. After the trine fades later this afte
oon, the moon forms no other major aspects. Just enjoy the jovial Sagittarius energy and connect with friends or do something fun. Team sports, biking, or horseback riding are all Sagittarius activities. Sagittarius also rules dogs. If you have a canine best friend, head to the park for a walk and some Frisbee tossing. Venus enters the cardinal fire sign of Aries today. The independent and aggressive Aries energy can feel distinctly different from the sentimental and romantic vibration of Venus in Pisces, to which you have become accustomed in the past few weeks. Even when in relationship, Aries is much more aware of self, whereas Pisces blends boundaries together to become a "we." Venus in Aries encourages reconnecting with yourself today, and the Sagittarius moon seeks experiences with other people on the level of friendship. Time spent with children or animals can satisfy your need for companionship without complications.

Yesterday was a day to hang loose and chill, but Friday, April 22nd, has an entirely different feel as the morning begins with the moon in the cardinal earth sign of reserved Caprico
joining intense Pluto in Capricorn. Together, the moon and Pluto make a favorable trine to the sun in the fixed earth sign of grounded Taurus, as well as a supportive sextile to Neptune conjunct Chiron in dreamy Pisces. Ideals, principles, determination, and persistence can be used to fix things or make strong foundations. Some creative and healing energy flows into this aspect pattern, too, making this a good time to take care of your own home, property, or body. There is also some challenging energy present via the moon and Pluto in Caprico
making a square to Venus conjunct Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries. Cooperation and teamwork may not be easy while the planets are presenting two different boss-like energies - an old dictator and a young zealot. Meanwhile, the practical Taurus sun just wants to get it done and doesn't care who the boss is, as long as the project moves along peacefully. Now that you know some dramatic planetary characters are operating today, you can observe your family, friends, coworkers, or customers to see who may be reacting to this strong and spicy blend of the planets. Who will stay calm and who will slip into drama depends a great deal on individual natal charts and levels of conscious awareness. By late afte
oon, the square fades, but the trine remains, indicating the tried-and-true methods probably won out over anything new or unproven. The moon and Pluto remain together this evening and the sextile and semi-sextiles involving the sun, Neptune/Chiron, and Venus/Uranus stand out strongly tonight. Use the energy this evening to enjoy things that make you feel grounded and secure. Spend time with a mate or your family, a favorite hobby, or a good book. Why not start a scrapbook, look at your keepsakes and heirlooms, or organize important papers.

Drumroll please...on Saturday, April 23rd, Mercury in Aries goes direct! Yes, I know it's been a long and trying Mercury retrograde period and you've been itching to do things your astrologer says you shouldn't. Please let a day or two more pass before you rush out to submit your manuscript, buy a car, or reserve tickets for that world cruise. The energy a few days before and after a Mercury retrograde is a bit wobbly and, today, the morning begins with a problematic cardinal T-square that involves Mercury in Aries opposing Satu
in Libra and squaring Pluto in Capricorn. With Mercury, the planet of speech and communication, in hard aspect to Pluto, the planet of power, and Saturn, the planet of restriction, you are still operating under a yellow caution light. By lunchtime, the Caprico
moon moves out of its square to Satu
in Libra, but enters a square with both Mars and Jupiter in Aries. So, the T-square begins to crumble, but the brakes are still on while Mars, the planet of action, and Jupiter, the planet of growth, are challenged. You may perceive all growth, expansion, or risk-taking as a waste of resources or time, or feel anything begun now may fail. You may feel indecisive or find negative thought patterns predominating. Unless you feel like taking on major challenges, I advise you to let today pass quietly and avoid new beginnings until tomorrow, when the aspects are more supportive and the moon enters the future-oriented sign of Aquarius. Today's Caprico
moon feels weighty and world-weary.

Sleep in if you can on Sunday, April 24th. The moon in the late degrees of the cardinal earth sign of Caprico
forms a soft semi-sextile to Neptune, the planet of dreams and inspiration, in Pisces. You may receive messages in your dreams now. You may also find peace and a sense of inner power through prayer or meditation. At midday, the moon enters the future-oriented, humanitarian fixed air sign of Aquarius and exchanges a supportive sextile with Venus and Uranus conjunct in the cardinal fire sign of Aries. Now is the time to begin something new or completely different that may change your life for the better or help the world or your community somehow. Living an authentic life where you follow your calling impacts the world because you create an example for others to emulate. When you raise your vibration, you raise the vibration of people who come in contact with you. Later this afte
oon, a square between the moon in Aquarius and the sun in Taurus challenges you to bring high-flying ideas down to earth, where they can be worked on in a realistic manner. Pluto in success-drive
Caprico
activates the sun in Taurus with a supportive trine this evening, helping you to define what you must do to accomplish your goals and giving you the confidence and strength to do it. This is a "done deal" aspect. Pluto also activates Venus/Uranus in Aries with a square. Does this feel like deja vu? It is the same pattern that was in place when the moon joined Pluto in Caprico
on Friday, only this time the moon is favoring a new regime rather than the old, as indicated by the sextile to Venus/Uranus. A healing transformation is hinted at by a sextile betwee
Pluto in Caprico
and Neptune/Chiron in Pisces. What seemed improbable two days ago now looks like a very probable future.