April 2012 Monthly Horoscopes & Overview
By Kelli Fox, The Astrologer
Planetary Ingresses and Lunations:
April 3rd: Venus moves into Gemini
While Venus visits Gemini, and depending on how this influence affects other planets in your natal chart, your social life could be very stimulating! You might find yourself connecting with a wide variety of friends, and enjoying an assortment of activities. Curiosity is high, and you’re eager to try new experiences and learn about different subjects.
In love, you’re quite flirtatious, and you could be accused of being fickle. Your affections are likely to shift unpredictably, as you get bored easily and find your mind wandering into the realm of romantic possibilities. You could also have a tendency toward more superficial relationships now, preferring to keep connections light and playful rather than delving into deep emotional territory. If you’re single, this could be a time when you enjoy dating more than one person, and find that different parts of your personality emerge depending on who you’re with.
Communication becomes more of a priority in relationship under this transit. You’re seeking a meeting of minds, and want to share intellectual interests with your partner. This can be a good time for talking through any issues in your partnership, and getting helpful new perspectives on your situation. You might also be drawn to studying up on the subject of love, reading relationship books or blogs, or taking a workshop.
April 4th: Mercury is stationary direct
Mercury, long considered the ‘Messenger of the Gods,’ is the closest planet to the Sun and quickly zips around the Sun in a mere 88 days. From our perspective here on Earth, Mercury is never more than 28° from the Sun; in fact, it is often even closer, which means that Mercury is always in either the same Zodiac sign as the Sun, the sign just before or the sign just after.
Mercury appears to go retrograde three times a year for approximately 21 – 22 days at a time, reminding us Earthlings to slow down and move more cautiously, by choice or by force. This planet’s retrograde periods are often held responsible for everything from traffic accidents to computer crashes to misunderstandings between lovers!
Mercury’s close proximity to the Sun makes it very difficult to see. It appears for only two weeks at a time, alternating as a morning star and an evening star and disappearing for a couple weeks in between. It is never visible from areas of the world with high latitudes. If you’re lucky enough to see it, look for a bright, twinkling star near the horizon shortly before dawn or after sundown.
Mercury returns to its original position in the natal chart approximately once a year. When this occurs, it offers an opportunity to recharge the mental batteries. Pondering what one has learned in that year and how one’s thinking has evolved is a very effective activity at this time.
April 6th: Full Moon in Libra
During the Libra Full Moon, you will likely notice the quality of your relationships improving thanks to your thoughtful attempts at fairness and compromise. As human beings, we have a strange, but unconscious way of mimicking the behavior of others. When met by a charming smile from a stranger, our faces respond with an equally bright grin. Yawns have the same effect. Try coughing in a large public room full of people – at least a few folks will cough in response. With those you are closest to, they too will mimic the consideration and respect that you’ve shown them.
You’re beginning to see the flavor of your relationships take on a sweeter side. Who can resist a person who treats them with utmost respect, trust, and kindness? Power imbalances may begin to level out, as long as you continue to not only be thoughtful, but also clear about your own expectations.
If you have been working on redecorating your home or office, continue selecting colors, objects, and textures that produce a tranquil environment. Look through a few more catalogs, visit a few more stores, and soon you will have created a space that is worth all the work you put into it. Attend a couple of social gatherings where you can show-off your charming self while enjoying the gracious company of others. As the moon begins to wane, donate old clothes or furniture to charity.
April 10th: Pluto turns retrograde
Pluto, the planet of transformation and regeneration, is so very far away from the Sun that it takes almost 250 years to make its entire orbit around the fiery center of our solar system. It spends many years in one sign, and is so slow and far away that it is retrograde almost forty-five percent of the time.
You can’t see Pluto, of course, unless you happen to have access to a powerful telescope, but it’s hard to avoid feeling its influence — especially when it’s at a dead standstill, spending up to four months in the same degree of the Zodiac, at what are called the stationary points of its cycle. On the days when it finally seems to start cranking up and moving again — whether it is going retrograde or direct — Pluto themes are all over the headlines, and they aren’t usually very pretty: terrorist attacks, mining disasters, things long hidden coming to light. In short, scary stuff.
On a personal level, Pluto is all about personal growth and transformation. And let’s be honest: You can’t grow all the time without pausing occasionally to absorb and integrate the lessons you’ve been learning. Pluto Retrograde periods are perfect for this. Personal evolution is a two-steps-forward, one-step-back process, and the pace is determined by the direct and retrograde motion of Pluto.
Occasionally the Pluto retrograde period is characterized by painful loss, or events and circumstances in your life that are far beyond your control. In many ways, Pluto represents factors that are much larger than any individual; it is the planet of human evolution, after all, and that trumps any single person. But for most of us, most of the time, Pluto retrograde periods offer us the chance to delve deeply into our own inner resources and determine what is most important, when all is said and done.
April 13th: Mars turns direct
Mars is the first ‘exterior’ planet — that is, the first planet beyond Earth in the solar system — and it takes about two years to orbit the Sun. Mars is a rocky planet, and has a very thin atmosphere.
Because it is relatively close to Earth, it appears to be going retrograde only about nine percent of the time. Normally Mars spends four to six weeks in a Zodiac sign, but when it retrogrades, it spends over six months in one sign, truly emphasizing that sign’s particular brand of action. During a retrograde period, it is useful to keep in mind that things take much longer than planned. Some work has to be redone or readjusted in order to move forward. Tempers also seem to flare, so it’s best to try to contain aggression.
Mars’s appearance is distinctly reddish, which is befitting of Mars as the God of War. Mars varies greatly in brightness according to its distance from Earth. The easiest time to see it is when it is opposite the Sun, which is in the middle of its retrograde motion. Mars then rises at sundown and is at its brightest all night long. At other times it still appears red, but not nearly as bright.
Mars returns to its natal position in a chart about every two years. When it does, it is a very good time to initiate action on longer-term projects. In general, activities that require a burst of energy or physical strength are best conducted during the Mars return.
April 16th: Mercury moves into Aries
While Mercury is in Aries, and depending on how it influences you personally, your mind could be functioning at top speed and in short bursts of activity. You might not have a lot of patience to focus on one idea for too long, instead burning through one thought quickly and moving on to the next. Instead of weighing all the pros and cons of a situation, you may tend to make snap judgments based more on instinct than logic.
You may find yourself on fire with one brilliant idea after another. This is a time for generating creative new ideas, though you might not necessarily see how to follow through on them. Your busy brain could even keep you up at night with its high-speed activity. Keep a notebook on the night stand to jot down your late-night inspirations.
Honesty and directness come easily in communication — possibly too easily. Words erupt from your mouth quickly and abruptly, sometimes surprising even yourself with what comes out. You might need to make an effort to be tactful and diplomatic to avoid hurting others’ feelings.
Word games can be fun — especially if they don’t last too long. You might also enjoy debating ideas and even arguing, just for the sake of it. Writing an opinionated letter to the editor on a topic you feel passionate or outraged about could be extremely satisfying.
April 19th: The Sun moves into Taurus
Under the influence of the Taurus Sun, and depending on its transits to planets in your natal chart, you may find yourself slowing down and taking time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Creature comforts become more of a priority, and you’re tuned into the sensual side of life. Gardening, spending time in nature, and nurturing your body with loving care are some possible expressions.
You may also become more security-minded, and bring a very practical focus to money and material possessions. There could be a desire to strengthen your financial foundation and to accumulate more things. This is a time for getting in touch with what really matters to you, and then taking sensible steps to manifest more of what you want.
It’s possible that you could have a hard time getting started on a project — the Taurus Sun can bring out a streak of laziness and over-indulgence! But once you get going, you’re likely to tap into the stamina and persistence of the Bull. One deliberate, methodical step at a time, you can follow through to completion whatever you start. Quality is more important than speed, and you can create results you’re proud of.
Stubbornness is the shadow side of the Sun in Taurus. You might have a tendency to get overly attached to one way of doing things, or to your own point of view. Be willing to change course if all signs point to being on the wrong path, and be willing to accept help from others.
April 21st: New Moon in Taurus
The Taurus New Moon slows down your energy level as you mull over more practical concerns of living and life. This earthy moon propels you to work hard but at the end of the day, still wants you to take it easy and enjoy some of your hard earned cash. Make a list of items that you need to feel secure. If some of those items on the list are beyond your means, you may consider what you need to curb or grow in order to get the things you deserve. Might that be taking a second job or making some minor investments?
Your thoughts may also meander to your finances. You may want to think over how you can restructure your budget. Brainstorm ways to increase your cash flow so that you can indulge in occasional luxuries without having to raid your savings. This is an opportune time to start testing new monetary strategies. In terms of romance, this sensual lunar influence is great for experimenting with touch, taste, and sound; anything that arouses the senses. Try new lovemaking techniques on your sweetheart. You’ll surely have a grand time testing things out!
Monthly Horoscopes:
Aries
On the 3rd, Venus enters your 3rd House of Education, an area of your life highlighted through early August. During this time, you’ll be more open to learning new things and enhancing your communication style. When Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th, your intuition should be firing on all cylinders.
Put extra effort into your relationships on the 6th. This can help reduce stress that could otherwise manifest. That’s because not only is it the Full Moon but the following day, the 7th, your planetary ruler Mars forms a stressful square with gracious Venus. Dynamics at work may take on a greater intensity on the 10th as Pluto goes retrograde in your 10th House of Career.
Mars goes direct on the 13th, ushering in a burst of forward-moving energy. Have you gotten a sense over the past few months as to ways to better your health? If so, now begins a great time to put them into action. Mercury is back in your sign on the 16th, vitalizing your mind and inspiring your ability to get your thoughts across.
The 19th and 20th are your special power days when you feel supercharged with energy. The New Moon arrives on the 21st planting the seeds for a new stage of your financial life. On the 30th it’s as if you’re standing on the top of the mountain, where you can see both your past and future. The choice is yours—fall back to old patterns or surge ahead and forge a new path.
Taurus
On the 3rd, your planetary ruler Venus enters your 2nd House of Personal Resources, an area of your life that will be highlighted through early August. During this time, you’ll more readily find ways to manage your finances as well as appreciate the unique talents you have. Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th. Over the next few days, conversations with friends will become livelier.
On the Full Moon on the 6th, infuse your practical approach to problem solving with some intuitive know-how. This will help you diffuse tension that could otherwise manifest. It can also help you to gain important perspectives should relationship issues arise on the 7th. That’s when Venus will be in a stressful square to assertive Mars. You may perceive that your personal philosophies are under attack on the 10th.
Mars changes directions, turning direct on the 13th, and with it you’ll access a burst of forward-moving energy. Have you received insights over the past few months as the direction to take your creativity? If so, now begins a great time to put them into action. The Sun enters your sign on the 19th, ushering in a month-long period of finding your groove.
The New Moon occurs in your sign on the 21st. It provides you an opportunity to initiate an important new cycle of self-definition. On the 29th, tension may arise with a relative. It’s a great day to nest at home–it will provide you with great comfort.
Gemini
On the 3rd, Venus enters your sign. She’ll stay there through early August bestowing you with extra radiance and charm. Your planetary ruler Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th and your mind is working on overdrive. Over the next few days, new ideas about career opportunities will emerge.
If you’ve been sacrificing your personal creativity in order to contribute to a joint project, tensions may arise on the Full Moon on the 6th. Control issues surface in your closest relationships on the 10th as powerful Pluto goes retrograde in your 8th House of Intimacy. Mars goes direct on the 13th, ushering in a burst of forward-moving energy. Have you received insights over the past few months as to how to bolster family dynamics? If so, now begins a great time to put them into action.
Your planetary ruler Mercury moves into your 11th House of Groups on the 16th, providing you with an opportunity to nurture your alliances. On the 19th you’ll see the fine line that separates being optimistic from being unrealistic. The New Moon on the 21st provides you with a stream of intuitive knowledge that can come in very handy over the next month.
On the 22nd Mercury unites with inventive Uranus—you’re coming up with innovative thoughts at a lightning speed. The 24th and 25th the Moon is in Gemini; these are your power days. Tensions may flair on the 25th as Mercury squares Pluto. The trick to moving through potential stress is not to be afraid of your powerful mind.
Cancer
On the 3rd, Venus enters your 12th House of Intuition. Through early August, you may feel like your sixth sense is greatly enhanced, as you enjoy a greater connection to your inner wisdom. Messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th. Over the coming days, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the bigger picture as well as more clearly communicate your current goals.
Are work projects distracting you from being fully present at home, or vice versa? If so you can try to find some balance on the 6th when the Full Moon arrives. Relationships may seem a little sticky on the 10th when powerful Pluto goes retrograde in your 7th House of Partnerships. Consider whether the tension is related to your withholding important information. If so, see if there is a way to share in a manner that feels safe.
On the 13th, Mars turns direct in your 3rd House of Education. Have you been considering taking a class, starting a new writing project, or flexing your creative muscle with your camera? If so, now begins a great time to put these plans into action. On the 16th don’t be surprised if someone recognizes you for your communication skills.
An opportunity to contribute to a group project presents itself on the New Moon on the 21st. It may also be a day where you feel really inclined to spend time with friends. The Moon is in your sign on the 26th and 27th, making these days where expressing your feelings can feel especially nurturing.
Leo
On the 3rd, Venus enters your 11th House of Allies. Through early August, friends as well as co-creative projects play a greater role in your life. Mental Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th. Over the coming days, you’ll be able to connect with information that has been recently shielded from view.
How to keep your eye on the big picture without losing sight of what needs your daily attention is Leo’s lesson for the Full Moon on the 6th. Underlying tensions at the office may bubble up on the 10th. Mars turns direct on the 13th in your 2nd House of Resources. Have you received insights over the past few months as to how to better manage your finances? If so, now begins a great time to put these plans into action.
You may feel fenced in on the 15th as structured Saturn opposes your planetary ruler, the Sun. See whether the limitation you sense can actually be beneficial in helping you better refine your current goals. Use the energy of the New Moon on the 21st to initiate a work project or contemplate a new chapter of your career.
On the 23rd, you have the energy to pursue a goal. The 29th should be a powerful day. Not only is the Moon in your sign but transformative Pluto also harmoniously aligns with the Sun. You have the ability to connect to your deepest creativity and everyone will notice your radiant spirit.
Virgo
On the 3rd, gracious Venus enters your 10th House of Career, highlighting this are of your life through early August. During this time, you’ll be a shining star at work. On the 4th when your planetary ruler Mercury goes direct and the Moon is in your sign, you’ll get an infusion of feel-good energy. For the next few days, communicating with friends should seem easier.
Knowing when to ask for help and when you can do something yourself is a big theme on the Full Moon on the 6th. Mars goes direct on the 13th, ushering in a burst of forward-moving initiative. Have you received insights over the past few months as to how to assert yourself in the world? If so, now begins a great time to put these plans into action. The 16th is a good time to have an important dialogue with your partner or close friend.
The 21st offers you a great opportunity to set your sights upon a new goal for the coming year. It’s not just because the New Moon falls in your 9th House of Vision but also because Mercury is harmoniously aligned with the evolutionary Nodes. On the 22nd Mercury unites with inventive Uranus—look at a problem from a new angle and the answer should quickly reveal itself. If you’ve been less than forthcoming with someone, stress may surface on the 25th. Sharing what you have been withholding may release tension that has been negatively affecting a special relationship.
Libra
On the 3rd, your planetary ruler Venus moves into your 9th House of Vision. Now through early August is a great time to set new goals. After Mercury ends its recent retrograde cycle on the 4th, communication with co-workers should become more clear. Be careful not to over-idealize someone or on the 5th you may find yourself sorely disappointed.
The Full Moon on the 6th is especially significant for Libras since the Moon is in your sign. If stress arises in relationships—which may also occur on the 7th–it’s important to remember that the solution doesn’t have to involve your sacrificing your individual needs. Pluto turns retrograde in your 4th House of Roots on the 10th. This may stir up tension at home or with your close relatives.
When Mars turns direct on the 13th, you’ll access a burst of forward-moving energy. It likely come in the form of great intuitive awareness and your ability to be at the right place at the right time. With Venus in tense aspect to Saturn, someone may stand in your way of getting what you think you want on the 16th. Before becoming angry or spending a lot of time negotiating with them, ask yourself if that goal was truly something you wanted.
The New Moon on the 21st brings an opportunity to start fresh with someone who you greatly trust. Home is where the heart is on the 29th—good thing it’s a Sunday because you may find yourself not wanting to go anywhere or do much of anything.
Scorpio
On the 3rd, Venus enters your 8th House of Intimacy. Through early August, your interest in bolstering your closest relationships will be highlighted. Messenger Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th. Over the next few days, your ability to express your personal creativity will be greatly enhanced.
The Full Moon on the 6th asks you to strike a balance between relying upon your rational mind and trusting your strong intuition. When the Moon is in Scorpio on the 8th, you’ll feel more connected to your deep emotions. On the 10th, your planetary ruler Pluto turns retrograde. If you feel a little “off” don’t worry—the feeling should quickly pass. Be aware, though, that tension with siblings or neighbors may bubble up today.
Mars turns direct on the 13th in your 11th House of Alliances, and with it you’ll access a burst of forward-moving energy. Have you received insights over the past few months as to how to be more greatly involved with your community? If so, now begins a great time to put them into action. The New Moon on the 21st initiates a new stage in a friendship or may bring a new partner into your life.
On the 25th, a conversation or announcement at work may cause some upset. Strategically finding the words to use to express yourself may do a lot to instill calm within. Things sail smoothly in the romance department on the 29th. This is especially true if you can make the extra effort to keeping communication open and flowing.
Sagittarius
On the 3rd, Venus enters your 7th House of Relationships, where it will be through early August. Therefore, expect the spotlight to be on partnerships and friendships for a while. Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th. Stalled communication with family members may find a new outlet. You’ll also find a more clear channel between your feelings and thoughts. This will be especially helpful on the 6th as you navigate any Full Moon tension you may experience.
This month’s Full Moon stress for Sagittarians? Finding the balance between expressing your individuality while at the same time contributing to a group venture. Plan some sort of adventure for the 10th—the Moon is in your sign all day. Be careful associating self-worth too closely with money on the 13th. If not, you may feel pretty downtrodden as powerful Pluto goes retrograde in your 2nd House of Resources. Mars goes direct on the 13th, ushering in a burst of forward-moving energy. Have you gained insights over the past few months as to which direction you’d like to take your career? If so, now begins a great time to put them into action.
On the 16th your mind is brimming with creative ideas. Be open to what comes but be careful about these thoughts pulling you in too many directions. The New Moon on the 21st provides a great opportunity to start a new diet or healthcare regimen. Make a date with a friend on the 24th—socializing is the perfect remedy for lifting your spirits today.
Capricorn
On the 3rd, Venus enters your 6th House of Health. As the planet of beauty stays there through early August, you’ll enjoy several months of celestial encouragement to look and feel your best. Mercury ends its current retrograde cycle on the 4th.Any fogginess you’ve had in strategic thinking should lift.
If family demands have been causing you distractions at work, tension may come to light on the Full Moon on the 6th. Instead of getting frustrated, see if you can find a creative way to balance your responsibilities. Power issues may surface on the 10th when intense Pluto goes retrograde in your sign. Be aware that deep-seated issues that you’ve turned a blind eye to may arise.
There’s a lot of freed up momentum on the 13th when Mars turns direct in your 9th House of Vision. Now begins the time to assert yourself to achieve the goals you have been reflecting upon over the past few months. On the 15th a parental figure, or someone you consider to be an authority, may say something you take as a personal affront. See if there’s a way to reflect upon their advice without letting it undermine your sense of self-value.
Your heart will feel greatly inspired on the New Moon on the 21st. That’s because this lunar event falls in your 5th House of Self-Expression, kindling creative and romantic pursuits. Focusing your attention on relationships on the 26th and 27th should feel especially nurturing.
Aquarius
On the 3rd Venus enters your 5th House of Self-Expression, where it will reside through early August. During this time, the romantic and creative areas of your life will be highlighted. When Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th, confusion about financial matters should begin to lift.
Want a strategy to reduce tension on the Full Moon on the 6th? Try to string together all of the facts you’ve recently collected to gain a greater understanding of a current situation. The 9th is an especially good day for socializing. On the 12th your dreams will provide you great power to make important choices. Mars goes direct on the 13th, ushering in a burst of forward-moving energy. Frustrations in intimate relationships should lighten especially as you push forward with actions to find more fruitful ways to connect.
You’ll get a great burst of insight on the 14th and 15th when the Moon is in your sign. On the 16th, when Uranus relates with the evolutionary Nodes, you’ll receive a clear glimpse as to what you need to make you happy in your life. The New Moon’s arrival on the 21st ushers in a good opportunity to connect with family.
On the 22nd when Uranus reunites with mental Mercury, your mind is especially bright. It’s a great day to focus on a writing project as well as share your keen wisdom with friends and co-workers. The 29th brings you the prospect to be there for someone who really needs you.
Pisces
On the 3rd, Venus enters your 4th House of Family, where it will reside through early August. During this time, connecting to your emotions as well as bolstering relationships with relatives will be a big focus. Mercury ends its recent retrograde period on the 4th, a day where you’ll find yourself with a great urge to express feelings you’ve been withholding.
On the 5th, you could notice a slight conflict between your needs and those of your family. The 6th brings an intense Full Moon. Your personal challenge may be how to balance your desire to be self-reliant with being open to accepting the support of others. In addition, financial issues and decisions may come to the forefront.
Group dynamics take on a greater intensity on the 10th as Pluto goes retrograde in your 11th House of Allies. Mars turns direct on the 13th, ushering in a burst of forward-moving energy. Have you gained insights over the past few months as to how to improve your relationships? If so, now begins a great time to put them into action.
The Moon is in Pisces on the 17th, making this one of your special power days. Start a new book or writing project on the 21st when the New Moon occurs in your 3rd House of Communications. On the 22nd, a sibling or neighbor becomes an invaluable asset. On the 24th and 25th, comforts of home may feel especially nourishing. These are great days to cook a special meal for a loved one.
