April Overview
April is full of dynamic astrology action, and I am trying to understand it all. The two most significant events of the month are the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 and the meeting of Jupiter and Uranus on April 20. Several smaller aspects add to the pace and unpredictability, so please take good care of your body and nervous system.
We experience eclipse season twice yearly when the Sun gets close to the North or South Lunar Node. So eclipses are not uncommon, but they disrupt standard patterns of earthly life. The April 8th one is a big deal for North America because we are on the path of totality, and that amplifies the effects. Astrologers have been studying eclipses for centuries, and they coincide with large-scale events that change the course of nations. This kind of event increases the general stress level in the world since we are all so connected.
In lives like yours and mine, eclipses bring an emphasis, like a change in interests, values, or priorities, or a crisis you must deal with. It’s most likely to impact you if the Sun or Moon’s location at the eclipse is a close transit to your birth chart. If you have planets or your rising sign (Ascendant) or midheaven is in Aries or Libra, you’ll probably have a noticeable eclipse experience this Spring.
The last time there were eclipses in this part of the sky was late 2004—mid-2006 and 1986 - 1987. Those were life-altering times for me. How about you? Could you sit down and think about what impactful situations or decisions happened in those months? Are you revisiting similar threads?
So far in 2024, the planets have been clustered on one side of the heavens, and they’re still wedged from Aquarius to Taurus. Only Pluto is left in Aquarius, slogging from 1 to 2 degrees. The rest of the planets are in Pisces, Aries, and Taurus, so that is where the action is!
On April 1, Mercury turns retrograde at 28 Aries. He will stay retrograde until April 25 and in Aries until May 15. Mercury’s movement here adds to the noise and speed of events this month. Mercury retrogrades can be times of increased miscommunication, technology malfunctions, and transportation issues. The usual advice applies: back things up, double-check, confirm, and reflect before you act. Venus crosses Neptune on April 3 in the last degrees of Pisces. The next day, she moves into Aries, joining the Sun, Mercury, the North Node, and Chiron.
Note on Chiron
Chiron plays a vital role in the April 8 eclipse and will be at the exact degree with the Sun and Moon. If you’d like to learn more about this centaur and its role, I encourage you to check out my video interview with Paul Heath.
If you are interested in exploring Chiron in your birth chart, therapist Lisa Tahir, LCSW, has a helpful book called The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness. I’d love to consult with you about your Chiron placement; it’s often prominent in the charts of people who work in health, healing, and teaching.
New Moon is a Solar Eclipse
Mars is approaching Saturn in Pisces as the Solar Eclipse perfects on Monday, April 8. The two merge forces on April 10 at 15 Pisces. This is traditionally a difficult time when Mars’ heated action meets Saturn’s cold resistance. People may feel incredibly frustrated or drained. You’ll hear about it, or maybe you’ll express it. When Mercury meets the Sun (April 11, at 23 Aries), simmering resentments, deceptive acts, or slowly crumbling structures are exposed.
Is there a positive side? Well, sure! If there is an obstacle in your life that you need to overcome, this could be the week. The Moon’s condition fluctuates dramatically, highlighting difficulty (April 10), finding help and hope (April 11), and confronting challenges (April 12). This might mean that your emotions fluctuate wildly, too. One day you feel optimistic and empowered, and the next you flounder.
The effects of eclipses last beyond the immediate date. Some say a solar eclipse can play out over a year or more. Dramatic endings and beginnings are likely as we move into the Taurus season and the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction.
On April 19, the celestial action is bustling. The Sun enters Taurus, and Venus catches up with Mercury at 18 Aries. Mars stimulates Jupiter and Uranus, who meet on April 20 at 22 Taurus. The next day, the Sun squares transformative Pluto. It’s bound to be a busy news cycle.
Jupiter-Uranus conjunctions can bring exciting innovations, inspirations, revolutions, and scientific or philosophical breakthroughs. The two giants meet every 13-14 years. If you’d like to reflect on the cycles, here are the last three, with the zodiac signs it happened.
- 1983 (Feb 18, May 14, and Sept 25) in Sagittarius
- 1997 (Feb 15) in Aquarius
- 2010 (June 8 and Sept 18) and 2011 (Jan 4) in Pisces
This conjunction starts a new cycle that lasts until 2037. If you want to learn more about this exciting aspect and its global impacts, I recommend my Scottish colleague Anne Whitaker’s article, When Jupiter Meets Uranus on astro.com. Anne has also published an e-book on the topic.
Full Moon
Eclipse season closes with the April 23 Full Moon in Scorpio. Full Moons are ripe for illumination and processing. Please allow yourself a lighter schedule from April 23-29. There may be a lot to absorb. Mercury is slowing down, which adds to the mental toll. On April 25, Mercury stations direct at 16 Aries. It takes a few days for him to get moving after the turn.
On April 28, Mars is conjunct with Neptune at 29 Pisces. Challenging aspects between Mars and Neptune are my least favorite, whether they are conjunction (meeting), square (90-degree angle), or opposition (180-degree angle). It is five days or so when the world can seem confusing and exhausting, and our vulnerability is heightened. It is a good time for spiritual pursuits and compassion-driven service.
Spirits and systems improve as Mercury picks up speed, and Venus and Mars receive upgrades in the last few days of the month. On April 29, Venus enters Taurus, and on April 30, Mars enters Aries.
You’ve made it through a rocky eclipse season, and in May, you might resume the fast-forward pace of February.
Golden Hours
All times are CST.
April’s astrology is erratic, and finding hours of ease is hard. In the first half of the month, there are two periods when the Moon is supported, but there are more challenging patterns with other planets. I don’t recommend these days for starting new projects, but if you need to get things done, these may be the smoothest times.
- Saturday, April 6, 12 pm to Sunday, April 7, 2 pm
- Wednesday, April 10, 2:00 pm through April 11
April 16
The Leo Moon applies to a supportive trine with Venus all day on Tuesday. Relationships are enhanced with clear, direct communication. Speak your truth, and shoot your shot! You’ll never know if you don’t ask.
April 19-20
This weekend has BIG LAUNCH ENERGY. If you have something bold to introduce to the world, or you need to radically break free, this may be your moment! Check in with me if you want to form a plan or decipher how the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction interacts with your chart.