Planetary Trends

Mercury direct
April 7 @ 7:08 am

Libra/Aries Full Moon
April 12 @ 8:22 pm

Taurus New Moon
April 27 @ 3:31 pm

Still reeling from a Lunar and Solar Eclipse (March 14 and 29), April begins with both Mercury and Venus retrograde. In other words, what has been revealed is now up for review. This dramatic pause is tentative, more than a little disconcerting, but essential in getting to the heart of matters. Turning one corner, only to round another, the nation and world faces a bottoming out of ready solutions in an atmosphere of diversion and discord.

In this tangled mess of human creations, and social dysfunction, where can we turn for honest answers, and feasible solutions? The astrology for April gives us some clues, in fact, lays out the road ahead. It can be summed up in the ancient Greek aphorism, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” But, it’s a process, a very humbling process, to actually turn inward and courageously hold up the mirror of self-awareness.

The Lingering Effects of the Solar Eclipse in Aries

No longer absorbed in distractions and drama, there are decisions to be made, mountains to climb, and people to love. And it all begins with the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. In light of the recent Solar Eclipse in Aries, what have you uncovered and discovered about your true self, your core motivation, your gut instinct to thrive, act and participate in life?

It’s OK if you haven’t fully formed or acted on these discoveries yet. There is timing involved as Mercury goes direct on April 7, and Venus goes direct on April 12. Earlier in March both of these planets went retrograde in Aries, but now go direct in Pisces. In other words, it has been necessary to pull back, review, and release expectations. Additionally, Mercury and Venus are conjunct Saturn in the final degrees of Pisces for most of April. As reality hits hard, these trends suggest sorrow, heartache, fear, and loss of control. Literally and figuratively, this can feel like throwing up one’s arms in an act of surrender, however painful that may be.

The zodiac energy of Pisces is contemplative, passive, still, and prayerful. It’s the deep letting go of relinquishing control, and turning one’s will over to a higher power, whatever name or form resonates with you. Ultimately, it is trusting in goodness and truth as an antidote to human ignorance and tomfoolery. A great paradox of life on this dimension is that in letting go, true grace can flow in.

Mercury enters Aries April 16; Mars enters Leo April 18

Energy, direction and drive really picks up mid-April when Mercury enters Aries on April 16, and Mars enters Leo shortly thereafter, April 18. Wrapping up winter’s pause, the doldrums are over, and it’s full speed ahead. Aries and Leo are fire signs, positively expressing as bold, courageous, straightforward and determined.

Pouring fuel on the fire, Mars is completing a long term transit through Cancer that included a retrograde phase (December 5 – February 23). Many have wondered why 2025 began with fits and starts, chaos and disruption. Astrologically speaking, it has taken time for people to collect themselves, regroup, and determine the most effective course of action in addressing an avalanche of troubles falling down all at once.

April 12 Full Moon

A Full Moon on April 12 illuminates the progression of these themes further. Typically, Full Moons are crisis points of culmination, and this is the first Full Moon since the Solar Eclipse on March 29. Packed with power, let’s unpack a consequential, and unusual, planetary alignment.

At the time of this Full Moon, our Sun is in exact conjunction with Chiron and Eris. Little known, these planets are relatively new to astrology, and open to continued research and interpretation. Discovered in 1977, Chiron orbits between Saturn and Uranus. Discovered in 2005, Eris is a TNO (trans-Neptunian object), orbiting in the far reaches of outer space over a period of 557 years. It’s truly remarkable how advanced telescopes are revealing a expanded vision of the cosmos, way beyond what the naked eye can see.

In many ways, Chiron remains an enigma, but astrologers have been observing its effects for decades. Known as the wounded healer, Chiron represents the archetype of holistic healing. Since its discovery, the fields of alternative medicine, personal growth, psychology, and consciousness studies have grown by leaps and bounds. Breaking through barriers of denial, Chiron supports a person’s capacity to admit suffering while actively seeking solutions.

The Planet Eris

Named after the goddess of discord, Eris is a fascinating archetype from ancient Greek mythology. The story goes that Eris was not invited to the god’s wedding party, because she was known as a troublemaker. In her fury at being excluded, Eris threw a golden apple into the crowd, inscribed with the words, “For the most beautiful.” Sparking a fierce competition among the goddesses, the resulting chaos led to the Trojan War.

Astronomers decided to name this dwarf planet Eris, because its discovery upended previous classifications, bringing about debate in the astronomical community. The discovery of Eris ultimately led to Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet in 2006.

Eris, The Full Moon and Chiron

At the time of this Full Moon, all three of these celestial bodies are 23-24 degrees Aries. This is quite a rare alignment considering Chiron has a 50 year orbit, and Eris has a 557 year orbit. This precise alignment started in early 2024, reaches exactitude on May 27, and remains within orb of influence through 2026. Meanwhile, the yearly cycle of our Sun activates these immense and on-going trends.

So what in the world does this mean? Well, we don’t have to look far to observe the themes. ChatGPT puts it succinctly, “Chiron in Aries represents wounds around identity, assertiveness and self-empowerment. This placement often speaks to feelings of being overlooked, rejected, or struggling to claim one’s space in the world. When conjunct Eris, the wound becomes more public, disruptive, and unavoidable, pushing individuals to confront their deepest fears of being cast out or disregarded.”

There are many layers of this alignment, personally and collectively. To sum up, we are in the midst of a massive shake up with great potential. Obviously, discord is very uncomfortable, but it can also be a catalyst for healing, and the first step is breaking free of denial. Not only is the wound being exposed, but the path of healing is emerging, and unique for each of us. Watch for personal themes of empowerment, activism, human rights, justice, and standing up for yourself and others.

Easter Sunday and Earth Day

Fast forward to April 20, Easter Sunday, and April 22, Earth Day. Signs of nature’s rebirth are everywhere in the northern hemisphere, but the contrast between religious beliefs and the natural world are more extreme than ever. Fifty-five years ago, the first Earth Day was celebrated to bring attention to the environment. The EPA formed later that year, supporting environmental laws to protect natural resources. Meanwhile, many religions focus on rebirth in the afterlife, and disregard the environment.

A confluence of planetary aspects kick up a dust storm this week. Tensions run high starting Easter weekend, continuing through to the Taurus New Moon on April 27. The chart for the New Moon shows a T-Square, a dynamic and stressful combination. These final days of April indicate a culmination, a climax of dissent that started in early November 2024.

Mars Opposite Pluto

The defining planetary aspect started with Mars opposite Pluto last November 3, the weekend before USA election. Due to Mars retrograde (December 6 – February 24), a second opposition was January 6. The third, and final opposition is exact on April 26. This extended period of high drama has exposed overt and covert ambitions and allegiances in conflict with the majority, and global community.

Astrologer Robert Hand writes on Mars opposite Pluto. “Your efforts to affect others and to transform conditions round you may meet with considerable resistance. Nevertheless you strive to get ahead and are prepared to work hard. This transit can represent the culmination of successful effort or it can be a time when the opposition becomes so fierce that you have to give up. This transit is a powerful sign of severe interpersonal power struggles. The chief danger is that either you or your opponent in a struggle will act with absolutely no regard for ethics or for the other person’s feelings and situation. This combination acts ruthlessly and relentlessly. The best course to take is to make sure your position is secure as possible and enlist the aid of as many people as you can.”

Not only is this a culmination of Mars opposing Pluto, but the Sun activates these planets, squaring Mars on Easter day, and Pluto on April 23. All together, this activation is tight, tense and combative. In astrology, our Sun represents leadership, those in authority positions. More than likely, there will be a butting of heads, vying for power, supremacy and control. And, I’m sorry to predict acts of aggression and violence. This perfect storm is a defining moment when underlying conditions, and entrenched positions are exposed, confronted, and dealt with.

By April 27, the grounding force of a Taurus New Moon is calming, down to earth, strengthening and stabilizing. Gentle breezes carry the rich fragrance of earth in bloom. Shoes comes off, and bare feet walk tenderly through fresh green grass. A season of discovery and delight, nature’s abundance is tangible and rejuvenating.

Fire, Air, Water and Earth

Traditionally, it’s time for spring cleaning. In the home, we open windows, clear clutter, clean closets, and giveaway unused items. The motivation to cleanse applies to the physical body too. Astrologers refer to the four elements, typified throughout most cultures and traditions. The basic elements are: fire, air, water and earth. Let’s consider each in this season of rebirth and rejuvenation.

The essence of fire is light, and we naturally gravitate to sunshine, enjoying warmth and radiance. Fresh air circulates widely, blowing away toxicity in mind, body and spirit. As days grow longer, the attraction to water increases. It’s natural to lighten the diet as juicy produce becomes more available. Getting off the couch, and into the great outdoors, increases the vital flow of blood to every cell and organ. Not only is water essential to human life, but it nourishes a dry, rocky, parched earth to bloom into an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna.

Earth is rich, we are rich. But, we’re living through a period of history when appreciation goes by the wayside like a discarded soda can or fast food wrapper. The human condition of taking, grabbing, grasping, consuming . . . how much longer can it go on? My guess is as good as yours, but no matter what, nature always wins.