Astrology for April
Step out in the morning before dawn, and see Jupiter and Saturn rising in the East!
This time of year we experience the influence of Aries
In the time of Aries, we spring forward with a driving energy for new action. Some of us may experience Aries as heightening sudden movement and change.
The challenge of the Aries energy is feeling that we don’t have enough time to follow through on our tasks and still pursue our deeper drives and desires.
The full Moon in Libra
The full Moon on March 28, Sunday, gives us the opportunity to find our inner balance as the Moon shines its light from the sign of balance and equanimity, Libra. Now we have the opportunity to breathe deeply into the moment, observing and noting the fiery drive which is around us and within us.
This is an exceptional full Moon. The Sun has exactly conjuncted Venus, on Thursday, as we begin a potent time in seeing our wounds, and potentially healing our wounds in ourselves, in our relationships, and in the collective. We feel the conflicting sides, as Chiron conjuncts the Sun and Venus, Sunday and Monday. The opposing pair of signs, fiery Aries to the calm of Libra, or self to other, is highlighted. We may feel the tug or pull of our inner and outer worlds. We can ask ourselves, “Where and how do I need healing within myself and within my relationships? Where am I reactive and quick to respond without fully listening, but assuming what is heard?”
Now we are seeding a cycle of healing for the year ahead. With the full Moon taking place at beginning of Spring, the power of night and day, stand equal. How might we illuminate the unconscious, our conditioning, and bring what is in the dark out to the light so we can release the patterns of reaction, so we can hold our dualities with peace and acceptance as we move ahead?
During the full Moon we can focus on bringing and acknowledging abundance and fullness in our lives. Dalai Lama, directs us “To breathe in cherishing yourself and breathe out cherishing the world.”
Saturn Uranus square
Within the dynamic tension of the square between Uranus and Saturn, we stretch ourselves and dare ourselves to change and step beyond the known. We are encouraged to embody new expressions of ourselves.
Saturn can receive the innovative possibilities of Uranus and begin to stabilize new ways of being, of growing, of extending ourselves. In this square aspect we are called to shift in our consciousness in order to hold those new possibilities. This jumping into the unknown, risking the known for the uncertainty of a new future, takes finding our inner guidance, trusting the deeper self to lead and guide us. Touching in to a deep and still presence and patience assists us in this unfolding.
We stand witness to the collective challenges of this Uranus Saturn square, highlighting polarization between old and new, between authority and rebelliousness, between individual freedom and community concerns. It is a time of struggle for us collectively as we are called upon to birth a new consciousness for our country, for our world. Uranus ignites crisis, and Saturn seeks to find stability.
Celestial events for March
March 28 – The Full Moon in Libra – (Influence felt through Mar 29) The full moon of each month offers us a time of reflection and gives us the key to successful insight.
Apr 9 – Mars in Gemini squares Neptune in Pisces – This combination can lead to vague intentions and misperceived actions. Lots of energy is present like wind tossing the sea. Find your center. Good for imaginative writing and creative reverie.
April 11 – The New Moon in Aries – This is a powerful New Moon. We can imagine this a potent time for new beginnings, for attuning to the Spring energy that pushes us into action. Affirm your actions that are set to take you into new territory. The new Moon squares Pluto, requiring us to deeper contemplations for the time ahead. What must we let go of? How can we release the old? What power issues are up for us? The new Moon is the midpoint of a Jupiter and Mars harmonious trine aspect, supporting our focused actions, as well as learning, teaching, and sharing information. The new Moon is also next to the newly discovered planet, Eris, and Venus. We watch our anger, frustration, and passions, especially if we feel unseen and not recognized. Or perhaps what we are passionate about makes no sense to others.
This is a challenging time for our country, as we get closer to the Pluto return in the USA chart. The Pluto return pushes the issues around what we, as a country, value, and what choices we will make to respond to the opportunity of transformation of the old systems and structures which have governed us.
April 16 – Sun square Pluto – this continues the new moon themes (above)
April 16 – Mars trines Jupiter – Good time to begin new projects or outreach
April 19 – Sun into earthy and fixed sign Taurus – what was begun in March now needs stabilizing and perseverance
April 23 – Mars enters Cancer – the warrior planet enters the feeling sign of nurturing, protecting, and creating emotional bonds with others. Mars struggles in Cancer (known as the sign of its ‘fall’). Mars helps us assert ourselves, and clarifies our desires for accomplishment. In Cancer it feels the tension of its need to assert without sacrificing our emotional bonds to each other. In Cancer, Mars can be more defensive and reactive. It’s good to watch for this in order to keep our equanimity.
April 26 – Full Moon in Scorpio, Wesak Moon – The Wesak Moon is revered as the moon under which Buddha was enlightened. It is interesting that when the Sun is in the earthiest of signs, and when the Moon is in the most challenging and intense of the feeling signs, that the Buddha attained enlightenment. This describes the power and intensity of this full Moon, a moon for transformation so as to reconnect with our soul in a material world. We are of both earth and spirit. Though our challenges are many, this life and this earth are a precious gift. This is what we affirm under the Wesak full Moon.
April 27 – Pluto retrograde – when Pluto goes retrograde, in fact for the whole month, we experience the power of the god of the underworld. That which we have ignored or oppressed, that which has been living and functioning underground, or in the shadows, all takes on greater emphasis and exposure. The need for transformation is intensified.
April 30 – Sun in Taurus conjuncts Uranus and squares Saturn – (See above, the Saturn Uranus square is highlighted)
The Twelve signs and opportunities for April 2021: For Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Dear Aries, this is the time to find that inner/outer balance between yourself and others, drawing on patience and poise of Libra. With your active Aries energy you will want to watch getting involved with too many projects. As you allow the breath to bring you to stillness you receive Saturn’s gift. This month Saturn gives you steadiness and determination as it aligns with Mars, helping establish alignment and energy for the month ahead. “Under the light of the Full Moon, I find healing and new levels of integration”
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Dear Taurus, this Full Moon finds you in transition. Time to check in with body and soul. What is your deep self desiring? What are your dreams telling you? Pause and adjust. Your solid and sturdy Taurus is getting a shaking. Jump into the stream and take the journey into a new phase. Your breath is the most important centering element now. Listen with your inner ear. Head to your studio!
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Dear Gemini, this full Moon is a fruitful time for you. Mars in Gemini has brought you energy and activity that expresses itself through sharing insights and encouragement with others. Ask yourself, “How do I want to engage with others at this time? In what ways can I contribute? In what ways can I heal and be a healing force in the community, or within my circle of friends?” Your creative powers are heightened with steady progress. Soon new opportunities present themselves. Keep breathing.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Dear Cancer, this month both your inner and outer life is highlighted. Drawing back into yourself, deepening your inner connection, creating a sanctuary in your home, brings rejuvenation and stability for meeting the outer world. There you open to a new level of healing and integration. Something new is beginning. Take your time. Jupiter enters water sign Pisces on May 13, supporting growth and new opportunities to grow, learn, and teach.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear Leo, during this unique time when Chiron and Venus conjunct the Sun in fiery Aries, you are, or can be, inspired with deeper insights, as well as awareness for healing. Your understanding of the meaning of things grows. You stretch into new possibilities, teaching, studying, and learning. Travel may even be in store for you. What ever you are learning, you get to practice within your relationships, bringing your teachings right through your whole body. Your awareness becomes a body knowledge.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, you find yourself balanced precariously between the values and choices of others and your own values. At the full Moon you can give encouragement to others as they move through transitions and transformation. Right now nothing is totally defined. Your feelings are heightened and your empathetic self is perceptive. Keep good boundaries as others must go through what is before them, while you walk in your own life and body. With Mars squaring your ruling planet Mercury, choose carefully what you want to say. Stand under that full moon, with ritual and invocation to bring the abundance and fullness into all lives.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Dear Libra, step out under the Libra Full Moon. Let yourself bathe in its light and know throughout the world we are united in this experience. Now with the Aries Sun, Venus, and Chiron, in your house of relationship, the potential for healing and integration in relationship, and all endeavors of collaboration, are activated. Your sensitivity toward others and your response to them is in your awareness. You stand in the awareness of shadow and light, bringing illumination to yourself. You are supported in completing a task and by April 16th your enthusiasm and ability to go forward is highlighted. “I see abundance and fullness coming my way, and I see it in all endeavors for humanity.”
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear Scorpio, with the Aries Sun, Venus, Chiron conjunction taking place in your house of work, habits, and health, an opportunity is before you. What new work endeavors would you like to initiate? Taking action in this area is healing and exciting. Until the full moon find time to step back from everything. Bring the light of this beautiful full moon into your meditation, creating an inner sanctuary where you attune to yourself, your dreams and your needs. Clear definition of what you desire is essential for positive fulfillment, as Mercury in Pisces conjunct Neptune can blur clarity. You are setting the stage for opportunities with Jupiter entering Pisces in mid May.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Dear Sagittarius, with the gathering of planets in fiery Aries, in harmony with your own fiery sign, you find more enjoyment with those you love. Take time to play and enjoy from your heart these moments of life. With your tendency to aim your direction and stay the course, take some time out. All creative endeavors are favored. Let your heart sing your song. This full moon is part of a grand trine configuration that supports completion of tasks and steady perseverance to completion. Then on the 16th, there is positive outgoing energy for success!
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Dear Capricorn, now is the time to step back and attune to your inner self. Ask yourself, “What do I deeply value in my life? How might I move forward now knowing myself, and healing old patterns that no longer serve me? How do I see my creative and/or empathetic expression out in the world?” You are creating structures and opportunities within your psyche to bring forth new talents and confidence. Under the full Moon, affirm the abundance and fullness of your life will be realized.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dear Aquarius, this is a stand out year for you. What new things have begun? What changes have you made that stretch you into new territory? This is the perfect time to stretch and move into the unknown. The full Moon graces your house of philosophy, growth of consciousness, and established belief systems. Allow the light of that full moon to illuminate where the determined will of your Aquarian nature holds beliefs that require reconsideration. Communications with those around you help to illuminate the issues. Otherwise all is go for a very creative and expressive month ahead.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Dear Pisces, under the light of this full Moon you are especially sensitive to others’ emotions and moods. With Mercury conjuncting Neptune in Pisces it can be challenging to clarify our feelings from others we are close to, or to communicate clearly. Like the two fish of Pisces, you may feel yourself swimming in two directions, one toward taking care of yourself and the other to meet another’s needs. Honoring your own needs helps you to balance your empathetic nature. This conjunction describes Pisces’ poetic soul, and what a wonderful time to read, write, and share poetry, music, and song!
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 38 years. Susan’s purpose in sharing one’s chart is to bring more awareness into one’s life of the archetypal forces one is dealing with, allowing more choice and broadening one’s perspective on embracing a meaningful life. She brings together archetypal astrology, esoteric astrology, the Chinese the Nine Star Ki, as well as Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and or, painting classes, and for personal consultations, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.com.