Mercurial Messages through the Zodiac
April may roar in like a lion, but we can tame that beast with loving kindness, patience and a good sense of humor. Channel the tarot card Strength or Fortitude, where a woman holds the lion’s jaws gently shut.
Mercury is retrograde the first two weeks of April and squares a difficult Saturn-Mars conjunction, a pattern that can bring mechanical snafus and serious concerns to process. Engage in deep discussion around questions of the right and wrong use of masculine archetypes, both in our culture and in our own psyche. Transportation and communication will need extra patience and thoughtfulness, so let’s make this time a meditation on attention to the moment and to the consequences of what we say and do.
Retrograde Mercury helps us review our year, which is perfect for finishing up taxes, but don’t wait for the last minute; Mercury appears to stand still as it turns direct on April 15, and all Mercurial things pause. Through mid-April, Venus forms strong positive aspects to Saturn, Mars, Jupiter and Pluto, stirring the heart and the arts world. The month ends with more social flirtation, and political intensity as Venus enters Gemini Mars conjunct Pluto. Use your willpower carefully.
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)…Stay considerate of others, but don’t let petty things or people sidetrack you as your ruling planet, Mars, conjuncts Saturn as the month begins and conjuncts Pluto at the end. You can make magic happen in late April if you clarify your goals, put your mind to it, and stay on track.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)…Practice good self-care if others get speedy or upset. Be the turtle that steadily finishes the race. Offer steady support through others’ trials April 7-11; good karma will return to you. Opportunity arises for you after mid-month; step through open doors.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)…Batten down the hatches, track carefully what needs to be tracked; logistical difficulties can be as thick as molasses through April 7, with cleanup through April 16. Practice patience and be honorable even if others are not. The pathway smooths, hearts open towards you, after April 24 as Venus enters Gemini.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)…Work could be gangbusters this month, if you have the patience to not take personally other people’s crabby behavior. Have tea and Band-Aids ready for others’ bruises. Review what you have learned this last year and catch up on old work. After April 21, show up for community and people will extend themselves to you.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)…Tend to long-term health issues, teeth and bones as April begins. You may feel the wanderlust and need to connect to far-flung friends, but stay in there and finish what needs to be done through April 23. Consider travel in mind or body after April 24.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)…Watch for potential mishaps as the month begins, particularly April 4, 5 and 15. You’ll feel the tough transits mainly vicariously and need to support your challenged beloveds and co-workers. It may not feel fair, but their appreciation will balance the score eventually.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)…Relationships of all types can throw sparks, the worst and best kind. Dial down the intensity, calm reactions, and keep channels of communication open. Blow on the embers of old friendships and contacts mid-month. Creative work finds support April 7 -14 and again after April 24.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)…Pay attention to communication with people who work for or with you in early April. They need help, patience, understanding and persistence from you to help them focus and organize. Mid-April could bring spiritual or psychological insight out of a moment of stress.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)…Lately, your normal luck hasn’t been flowing, but it has the opportunity to return mid-month as long as you don’t take shortcuts. Be honest, do the homework rather than take the easy way out, and watch birds return to roost. Good wishes flow back towards you.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.19)…Thinking of moving or renovating? Prepare now and tend to home to work in the home, whether nesting, family relationships or old family dynamics. Clean out the physical and psychological basement and storage spaces to prepare for new beginnings. News trickles in that may help you turn the corner.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)…Sometimes you can tune out when something bothers you, rather than take care of business; this month, tend to long-term health issues and notice the effect of your mood on your health. Make overtures for collaboration after the 15th. New connections approach after April 24.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)…Your charm and creative ideas can be a real resource to others, and you may need to use those skills to be helpful to your beloveds and others under stress mid-April as Jupiter sextiles Pluto. Take care of yourself around moody people and get your own ducks in a row; prepare for new building in the months ahead.
