You Won't Get Another Chance to Channel April's Energy

Spring has sprung and the energy, at first, is full speed ahead—until it slows as multiple transpersonal planets begin retrogrades this month. Retrogrades are often misunderstood by the general public. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t necessarily bring out the worst in the planet that appears to be in retrograde motion; in fact, the opposite can be true! Jupiter’s impending retrograde may emphasize exciting travel opportunities, for example. Mostly, retrogrades provide us with an opportunity for review as they cross over the same degrees of the zodiac within a few days, weeks, or months’ time. One thing we should pay attention to as April begins is the fact that with all planets direct for the last time in a good long while, we won’t get a second chance at this energy. Ambition and excitement are high as Mercury kicks off April by going direct, clarifying our intentions. However, Mercury is still in their shadow, so don’t let an outsized imagination get the best of you. If you keep things humble yet goal-oriented, your intentions may well bear fruit.

On April 5, we have a giddy new moon in Aries—an ideal time for getting any springtime projects off the ground. This first new moon of spring is full of possibility and promise, a beautiful day for planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically. It is a great time for dreaming about big futures.

The dreamy vibe continues on April 9, when Venus, exalted in Pisces, meets Neptune for a conjunction at 17 degrees. This can be a day of heightened spirituality, artistry, or romance—but in matters of the heart be mindful of the Neptunian pitfall of illusion. Remember that Mercury is still in Pisces, too, muddying cogent thinking and communication. Keep your wits about you and don’t make any excuses for others. Especially with Jupiter slowing down to go retrograde on April 10, we need to pay extra close attention to what brings us delight, ease, and prosperity.

What’s do the stars have in store for you this month?

April 17 Mercury enters Aries and things are LIT UP. After weeks upon seemingly unending weeks in Pisces, Mercury in Aries feels like a phoenix risen from the ashes. Communications will instantly rocket forward. Expect significant shifts where negotiations, dialogues or plans may have become stuck or sludgy.

The full moon in Libra on April 19 brings our attention to our bonds and connections, our commitments and loyalties. Every calendar year, there are thirteen total full moons, which means two full moons in the same sign—and this year, we get two full moons in Libra. You can expect issues coming up today to be connected to whatever was up for you around March’s equinox full moon, but you may also begin to recognize 2019 as a catalyst for relational growth. With the eclipses taking place on the Cancer-Capricorn axis, we’re now well into examining the balance between work/the public and home/comfort—and there’s nothing Libra loves more than balance.

April 20 is the biggest day of the astrological month, with the sun entering Taurus and Venus entering Aries. We will suddenly start to realize just how impactful our actions are. We may feel suddenly and excitingly—or intimidatingly—in our power. The veil of vagueness brought on by March’s Piscean meanderings has been fully lifted, and we can perceive with clarity what it is we want and exactly what we may need to do to get it. Expect a day of profound connection with the physical world.

(Fun astrological discovery! On Easter Sunday—and throughout most of April)—Neptune is at 17 degrees Pisces. The Sabian Symbol for 17 degrees Pisces? An Easter parade. As astrologer Antero Alli says, “I don’t use astrology because I believe in it—I use it because it works.”)

Find out what’s in store for you this year!

April 22 brings a certain air of rebellion as the sun conjuncts Uranus at 2 degrees Taurus. Political unrest is significant. Radical shifts in how we perceive our surroundings, our bodies, and our finances are possible, if not highly likely. And just in time, on April 24, Pluto turns retrograde, leading us through a confrontation of our collective shadow that lasts clear into October.

Finally, on April 27, Mars squares Neptune two days before Saturn turns retrograde. The energy here may feel choppy and erratic, perhaps even frightening. At the very least, it runs the risk of being overstimulating. We are especially self-conscious at this time, aware of our roles and patterns. Drink enough water, get enough rest, don’t overcommit, and listen to your body.

Image by David Methven Schrader