April Skies Planetary
By
kathryn silverton
The cosmos is jumping, starting with the new moon in the seed-planting
sign of Aries on April Fools' Day. Two days later, Jupiter moves
forward as it speeds toward an August finish line in Leo. In another
two days Mercury enters the earth sign of Taurus. Get ready for the
winged messenger to reverse his tracks again on the 26th, but prepare
for the typical glitches as early as the 12th, when he enters his
shadow.
For those of you who are rusty on this technical mumbo jumbo, here's
some clarification. Every three and one-half months, for a period
of three and one-half weeks, Mercury moves backward, or retrograde.
Some view this as a classic example of God's warped sense of humor
– nevertheless, we're forced to play along with these practical
cosmic jokes! Technical glitches, delays and miscommunications are
just a few of the events Mercury retrograde sponsors. Mercury is said
to enter its shadow when it moves into the portion of the zodiac whose
tracks will be retraced once it goes retrograde. When Mercury enters
its shadow, this is considered to be the precursor period in which
we begin feeling the impending effects of the retrograde cycle. In
fact some people experience more difficulty with this shadow period
than the actual retrograde cycle itself.
The moon becomes full on the 16th in Libra, asking us to put into
perspective the appropriate balance between ourselves and the needs
of our partnerships. On the 20th, the sun enters Taurus, allowing
for the gradual fruition of seeds planted under Aries. The gender
opposites of Venus and Mars, which move into Aries and Aquarius respectively
on the 21st. What an ironic balancing act as our whims urge us to
indulge in our own narcissism while we simultaneously feel driven
to unite with our fellow human beings! Perhaps the bonds of friendship
help us to reinforce our individual strengths.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Your ruler, Mars, is the planet responsible for motivating us into
action. He makes us competitive, combative and impulsive. The expression
“shoot first, ask questions later” suits him to a tee. Until
the 21st, Mars occupies Capricorn and therefore your solar 10th House,
suggesting your shotgun is aimed directly toward your career. Don't
be too ruthless – you'll need a few friends to back you up
should your strategy fail. Put your financial ducks in a row and don't
make any radical moves after Mercury reverses himself on the 26th
in your solar 2nd House. Once Venus, the planet of things beautiful,
graces your sign on the 21st, give yourself permission for a dose
of self-indulgence.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Since Mercury chose your sign in which to reverse himself, exercise
vigilance regarding computers, vehicles, appointments and planning.
Back up your computer. Count your blessings if your car doesn't
belch. Verify all appointments. Focus on completing what's already
on your plate. Planting new seeds now will likely prove fruitless.
Pride yourself in your ability to tackle back-burner projects. If
you feel it's premature to make major decisions, you're absolutely
right. Diligently assess the situation for now with the intent on
making your moves next month. Maintain a sane balance between professional
visibility (Mars in the solar 10th) and personal alone time (Venus
in the solar 12th) starting the 21st.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
This cycle may prove challenging to your social butterfly ways. As
much as you like flitting, your ruler, Mercury, has a different agenda.
As it reverses itself in your solar 12th House, take time to be alone
and think things through. This house inspires us to connect with our
spirit guides, and since the sensual and earthy sign of Taurus reigns,
you'll feel at home in Mother Nature. Let the tactile win out
over logic. Jupiter moving forward in your solar 3rd House enhances
your natural literary talents. Venus and Mars will see to it that
you don't remain totally isolated. Mars in your solar 9th House
finds you hopping a plane to parts unknown at a moment's notice,
while friends are ready to roll out the red carpet on your behalf.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Being ruled by the moon, you're more susceptible than most to
its impact on your emotional tides. Focus on your professional identity,
compliments of the new moon in your solar 10th House of career. Take
on new managerial responsibilities – your superiors appreciate
foresight. Jupiter opens up new financial doors, which provides a
nice cushion and makes investing a safe gamble. If you're considering
a major expense, you'll find the required backing. Be explicit
when making your point. Colleagues are likely to form misconceptions.
The full moon cycle on the 16th was created with you in mind. You
crabs love nothing better than cocooning, redecorating and rearranging.
By the 21st Mars' presence in your solar 8th House heightens your
intuitive instincts.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)
The new moon in your solar 9th House encourages you to spread your
wings, especially geographically. Where? Well, as far as this house
is concerned, the farther the better. From a business perspective,
focus on marketing. New ideas are ripe for implementation. Jupiter
going forward in your sign on the third makes risks irresistible.
This guy loves nothing better than to push the proverbial edge of
the envelope. With Mercury in the fixed sign of Taurus, you might
encounter a belligerent mind or two, especially among those in charge.
The “grin and bear it” approach may be your best option,
as they're not likely to bend. Consider advice freely given by
others more objective than you.
Astrology
