Think of the friction in the world and our personal lives as the churning of the seas. Though chaotic to look at, eventually the chaos gives birth to amazing possibilities we hadn’t thought of before. Think of two stones crashing together to make sparks, eventually turning into a blazing fire, or how the key in the ignition starts an engine. Timing and friction gives us destruction and creation. Chaos can be a good thing.
April sets the stage for the rocking spring season that will have many of us wondering what the @#% is happening?! Sit tight, it’s all part of the celestial master plan to get us to let go of what no longer works so we can make room for the new. We open up the month with both the sun and Mercury retrograde in Aries joining to herald a new consciousness for the season, but don’t commit to any bright ideas just yet. Mercury will be running the gauntlet, getting into tense scrapes with Mars (the planet of action and war) and Saturn (the planet of restrictions and responsibilities). People might tell you "no" or to "do it again," but don’t take anything to heart. Most importantly, slow down and think before acting and speaking — unless you want to end up in the midst of a meltdown.
Venus is in her element while she's in Taurus — lean on her to soften the blows and learn from her patient and beautiful disposition. Venus is coming to romance Saturn and Mars this week, just as the flowers start to bloom, so allow these earthy planets to show you the lush abundance around you. Sniff the flowers, indulge in decadent food, and enjoy music (especially of the nostalgic variety). Earth is a sensual element. When life gets too hectic, remember that there’s so much to appreciate that will ultimately outlast the current madness.
The new moon in Aries on the 16th may bring the beginning of the end in one area of your life. It’s time to let go — don’t cry, this is only making space for something new and possibly better. The 18th is a red letter day as Saturn turns around to retrace his steps, asking us to review what he's taught us. Saturn in Capricorn asks: What are you patiently working on, without anyone's praise or recognition? How can you make it even better upon closer inspection?
The Sun is meeting up with Uranus the revolutionary, electrifying our lives with something unexpected and shocking as he shakes us out of our comfort zones. Meanwhile, Venus and Jupiter oppose each other and get a bit too carried away with their love of the sensual and sexual. The fullness of spring begins to blossom when the sun enters Taurus on the 20th, slowing down the pace of life just in time for Pluto, planet of the underworld, to enter retrograde on the 22nd and make us retrace how we’ve been handling or mishandling our power. We could see deep, violent rumblings when Mars meets up with Pluto on the 26th and the two planets shows us what action, plus violence, plus power can look like. We wrap up the month with an emotionally cleansing full moon in Scorpio, letting us release dead weight in a productive manner. Pack light, travel lighter, and away we go!
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Happy Birthday, Aries! Seems like no sooner you’ve blown out your birthday candles that all these deep questions about who you are and what you’re about started to come up. Do you have a plan, Aries? You know, that thing people do to plot out their next steps in life? Crazy, I know, right? But you need a plan this month, and if you don’t have one you may find yourself getting into scrapes with people and entities that have more power and authority than you do. Luckily, Mercury is retrograding though your first house of self, meaning you get to reflect on your favourite topic of conversation: yourself. With this new year of life, who do you want to be? How far do you want to go? What are the goals? Meditate on that until April 15th when Mercury turns forward again. Until then, don’t make any sudden moves without thinking it through at least once (twice if we’re being patient!).
The interesting thing is that your ruling planet, Mars, is in Capricorn this month. You don’t always "get" Capricorn's influence, but there’s a lot you can learn from that sign, mainly how to keep your head down, work silently, and not be deterred by roadblocks. Take a page from the Sea Goat book of power and instead of busting through a roadblock with your fabulous Ram horns, gracefully leap around it. Try this approach at work, especially during the first week of the month, in order to solidify your power, plan several strategies, then present it to your team. Mercury squaring off with Mars and Saturn will increase your urge to fight with others especially when they tell you no, but it doesn’t have to dissolve into a war. Instead, use the friction to be innovative and productive. It's not so much about compromising than it is about allowing clashing wills to become a creative force of nature. If you play your cards right, you could see your disciplined hard work turn into extra dollar signs thanks to Venus in Taurus waltzing through your money and self-worth sector from April 7th onwards. Fight like a megaboss, Aries.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Get excited, Taurus, because very soon you and your whole life is going to change. Change for a steady earth sign like yours may be terrifying, but note that this is the natural way of the Earth and the universe. Thankfully, you have some time before things start to really shake: Uranus, the planet of unexpected change and upheaval, won't enter your sign until May. For now, focus on going inward. The sun and Mercury retrograde in your house of undoing is helping you to do some fiery introspection. Think of it as lighting candles in a dark space and seeing what you couldn’t before.
For better or for worse, it’s best to sit with the inner thoughts you find and see what resonates with you. What ideas do you secretly hold that may be undermining your personal growth, and where are you afraid to take charge? You could be hesitating to take action on beliefs and world views with Mars and Saturn joining up in your house of higher knowledge and expansion. This could show up as hesitating to take that trip to Brazil for fear of something going wrong, or maybe not signing up for that class you’ve always wanted to because you think you won't be able to keep up with the course work. Whatever it is, attempt to make sense of these fears even if they feel uncomfortable. You don’t have to open up about them just yet. Wait until Mercury goes direct on the 15th and the new moon on the 16th to welcome in a sense of peace and faith in your life’s direction. Venus, your ruling planet, will be lending a helping hand in your house of self to remind you that, despite all the mental shake ups behind the scenes, you’re still quite fabulous and wonderful. Embrace the change and it will all pan out in the end.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
You may have discovered a cause that you’re deeply passionate about, Gemini, which is awesome. Hold tight to that fire because you may need to stand your ground when you start to get to work. If you’re working with others to bring a project to fruition, be prepared to tussle with them as Mercury in your house of organisations and friendship squares up with Mars and Saturn in your intimacy sector. As you review and bang out the kinks of your vision, there can be clashes of ideas and egos between April 2nd and the 5th. The key is not to be a dictator, Gemini. If anything, this would be an ideal time to practicse bringing like minds together until a resolution can be reached, using your gift of gab to exhaust every avenue until you strike gold.
Try to be patient, though, since Mercury, your ruling planet, is testy in Aries and not ready to commit to anything until he turns direct on April 15th. Overall, this is a month to practise tact while still getting your message across with passion and authority so that people take you seriously when you speak. In the long run, this is a time to say less (unless you absolutely mean it) and do a helluva lot more work behind the scenes. Venus in Taurus will be quietly hanging out in your house of dreams and unconscious, reminding you of what you want to create in the material world. So, turn on the soft music, light some candles, watch spring slowly unfold, and reconnect with the activities you’d happily grind away at everyday if given the chance. The new moon on the 16th may see you ready to break new ground with your friends — some may get left behind and others will tag along on your mission to create something amazing. By the 18th, you’ll be considering new ways to make your dreams become more concrete for everyone’s benefit.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Your crusty shell has been getting battered since Saturn entered Capricorn — and now Mars is joining him. Somedays may feel like an all-out assault from your partners, whether it’s the romantic kind or the ones you have to do business with. It’s true, some enemies are making themselves known now and that’s just fine because you know how to stand up to them, right, dear Crab? Now isn’t the time to retreat into your shell. Some of the criticism may be on point. Perhaps they want to see the fruits of your labour and hear less about what you’re feeling. That’s rough, I know, but this is toughening you up so that you don’t cower in the face of confrontation because, unfortunately, this sort of feedback isn't going anywhere anytime soon. So take a deep breath, calm yourself, and focus. What are you seeking to accomplish and how can you start manifesting it? You don’t have to have all the answers just yet. Mercury is retrograding through your career and reputation sector until April 15 and he may give some insight that makes you a wee bit uncomfortable.
The first week of the month can deliver some a-ha moments mixed in with temper tantrums and well-meaning "no"s from others. Take it in your stride — these holdups will help get you clear on what you want to do. The new moon in Aries on the 16th will urge you to take what you’ve gathered and commit to action regarding your career. Venus in Taurus will help you by magnetising like-minded friends to your side to give you confidence as you start taking risks. You may find that your friends can help soften any friction you’re having within your relationships, even helping you do battle with any hard-nosed bullies that want to mess with you. Come the full moon in Scorpio at the end of the month, you should be in a much better mood and ready to go out and play in the spring flowers singing, “ I get by with a little help from my friends.”
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
You, alongside your fellow eclipsed brothers and sisters (Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius), are having your life turned upside down and emptied out. It can be a terrifying process where nothing seems to stay as you thought it would. Hold tight and know that this won’t last forever. For now, you have to contend with a crisis of faith versus the everyday prayer of action. Mercury retrograding through your house of faith and philosophy will have you reviewing what fires you up and urges you to trust in the world. But, to be honest, you may not trust in a higher power or a school of thought at all and prefer having faith in what you can touch and feel, especially with Mars and Saturn urging you to commit to habits that yield results. Allow for Mercury to review your life philosophies until April 15 before changing any habits.
By April 16, you may have the urge to start from scratch with brand new viewpoints that feel more supportive of you taking on the world. Luckily, Venus in Taurus is helping you out on career and reputation, and all the daily grinding you’ve been getting up to during the first week of the month may start to see some payoffs with the higher-ups, coworkers, and fans of your work. Play the part, Leo — dress in ways that make you feel like you’ve earned the right to be the boss. Venus in Taurus isn’t afraid to be seen as beautiful. If done right, it only magnetises more attention and interest. Who knows, maybe you’ll level up and see a bit more money as a result. If not, the extra praise and adulation is never a bad thing to you, Leo.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
The world (and perhaps your life) could be a right mess at the moment, Virgin, which is enough to drive you crazy. Thankfully, it’s the friction in life that pushes us to act and you’ve always been about getting off your behind to get something done. During the first week of the month, allow for Mercury retrograde to pinpoint all the icky bits of life so you can revise your creative plan to remedy those issues. You’ve been working on your creative talents since Saturn walked into your house of creativity at the end of last year, but now that Mars is also visiting, the two of them are double-teaming to get you super solid on producing tangible results. This could look like music, art, dance, sports, or anything that involves a hobby that you take seriously.
Now, imagine what it would be like to cleanse your life or the lives of others. We could all use a little beauty these days, don't you think? It may take a few tries to get the formula just right, but expect to feel more confident by April 15th, when Mercury turns direct. Venus will be sailing through your house of broadcasting, sweetly partnering with Mars and Saturn to ask that you actually promote all your hard work. So, even if it’s just stick figures with funny captions or the podcast you’ve been shyly working on, put it out there. You may end up brightening someone’s day. Your hard work could pay off around the 18th when you may be asked to break down and teach how you created and promoted your art. Do it, Virgo. Like your signmate Beyoncé, you know what you’re about. The streets are dying to be blessed by your brilliance.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
There’s a lot of work to be done around your relationships this month, Libra, especially with Mercury backtracking through your relationship house all the way until April 15. It's time to vent your hidden frustrations, especially if you find yourself snapping at people at home. Do the dirty dishes in the sink bother you that much or is there something else on your mind? Spring is an excellent time for you to pare down at home. Maybe donate the half of the wardrobe you haven’t worn in years or all the books you have no intention of reading. Strive to become more organised and efficient — it may help you think more clearly. Confrontations at the beginning of the month, when Mercury faces off with Mars and Saturn in your house of home and family, can bring about blowouts that can eventually become useful to you. Deep down, you could be concerned that you’re repeating old unhealthy familial patterns, but don’t let that fear become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
It's important to remember that not all things can be compromised on, Libra. Sometimes breakdowns are much needed breakthroughs. The new Moon in Aries on the 16th will light up your relationships and ask you what you want to create going forward. It could be time to let go of dysfunctional partnerships once and for all or commit to present relationships with a new and improved paradigm that works for everyone involved. Venus in Taurus will move into your house of intimacy, encouraging you to open up beyond the intellectual level. The full moon on the 30th will help you see that it’s safe to share what’s in the dark corners of your heart (even the parts that are less than savory) with the people who care for you. A long chat with your therapist or a trusted, impartial confidant would be ideal to help you move through the emotional muck.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Start the month off by clearing your desk, reviewing your workload, and identifying areas that cause you undue frustration and stress, Scorpio. Mercury is reviewing the details of your day-to-day routine and wondering what deserves to get the axe. Next, add in where you’re feeling blocked from speaking your mind. Where Mars is egging you on to speak with more passion, Saturn is nearby telling you to hush up and do more research. This jerky start-stop mental energy may feel especially stressful by April 2.
Slow down — chances are that you know exactly what you’re talking about, you just need to organise your thoughts and not get caught up in unnecessary details. Be mindful of picking fights with siblings, neighbours, and coworkers when Mercury comes to square up with Mars and Saturn on April 4th and 5th. Use some of your innate intuition to guide conversations. You’ll know when to jump in to add your two cents — and when to hold your tongue. Venus in Taurus in your house of relationships will lend a hand to smooth over the rough communication edges from April 7th to 11th, when she encourages you to socialise and speak with steady graceful confidence. Trust in your ideas, Scorpio. They are valuable.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
April sees you focusing on how to actively pursue more income while also having enough time to enjoy your creative hobbies and activities. Here’s an idea: Perhaps there’s a way to have your pleasures make money for you. Think about it, Sagittarius, how many times have you heard, “Hey, you’re really good at that, why don’t you do it for money?” Sometimes the 9-to-5 is a drag, so instead of feeling guilty about hating to clock in for a pay cheque, manifest another source of income by doing the things that you actually enjoy. Remember that your sense of self-worth isn’t tied to what you currently own or do, but what can bring you joy. Give yourself until Mercury goes direct on April 15 to brainstorm and figure out the best way to bring in a little extra cash. You’re learning about stability, adventurous Archer. Having enough doesn’t have to mean being bored or tied to a desk, but it does require planning, investment of time, and not cutting corners. Try not to worry too much as your ruling planet, Jupiter, is secretly protecting you behind the scenes. (But don’t rely too much on a guardian angel to swoop in to save the day when rent is due. This is where a budget and patience comes in handy.)
Venus will be dancing in your house of daily routines and health, receiving a helping hand from Saturn and Mars on April 7 through the 11th. When you do the daily grind with a little love in your heart, you can see the feedback in your bank account. Hum a song while you make your morning tea, drag yourself out of bed to work out, sit down to work hard, dot your i’s and cross your t’s, and over time it all pays off. Revel in the joy of being, Sag. Appreciate what you already have and more is sure to come.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
The beginning of April will be a test of stamina and patience for you, Sea Goat, especially when it comes to wielding your own personal power. The Big Boy planets, Mars, Saturn, and Pluto, are all lining up together in your first house of self, giving you quite a bit of oomph, for lack of a better word. Imagine yourself swinging a massive bat: You can either knock things out of the park with your precision or you could end up knocking heads off shoulders. I guess it depends on the heads in question. The point is to use your power carefully. Plan and think things through before you start smashing.
April 2 sees Mars, the planet of action and drive, lining up with your ruling planet, Saturn. Together they can be a powerful duo that can lend you the strength and endurance to do just about anything. It could be a great time to advocate for yourself or for a cause that you believe in, because your confidence will be on full display. Things get dicey on April 4 and 5, when retrograde Mercury in Aries brushes up against Mars and Saturn. Sometimes, words just get in the way and create unnecessary arguments. In your case, it could be that home may be chaotic or neglected. Irritations with roommates, partners, family members, or even the bathroom tiles can lead to blowups if you’re not careful. If you can’t trust yourself not to have a screaming match, try writing it down or having the discussion after a long, stress-busting workout.
Thankfully, Venus in Taurus will provide you with some gentle grace on April 7th, when she dances with both Mars & Saturn until April 11. If home and work is too much, go out and play. Springtime is here and you’ve been working hella hard, so enjoy the fruits of your labour with friends, good food, good music, laughter, and the activities that bring you joy.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
You’d benefit from going to ground for the first few weeks of the month, Aquarius. You’re having trouble making sense of what’s happening around you. On one hand, you see reality unfolding, but on the other hand you’re picking up on what’s going on behind the scenes but being left unsaid (mainly a lot of fearful and angry thoughts). It's enough to make even an eccentric like you feel a bit crazy. On top of all of that, you can’t seem to find the words to express what you’re feeling — and when you do, they may sound too harsh and more direct than you may intend. Watch out for squabbles with siblings, neighbours, and close friends on hot topic issues (especially if you don’t feel like you have a strong grasp on all the details). Step back and meditate. You may feel more able to communicate once Mercury goes direct on the 15th and the new moon lights up your house of communication on the 16th, giving you a fresh start on how you express yourself.
You’re learning that there are multiple layers to reality that all coexist at once and that's freaking trippy. If the world at large seems heavy, angry, and overwhelming, Venus in your home sector will invite you to indulge in the quiet life. Get grounded in the physical pleasures: cook, clean, burn incense, play music, cuddle with the pets, anything that calms your mind enough to make sense of both the internal and external frequencies you’re picking up on. Ultimately, the quality time spent at home will calm your taxed nervous system long enough for you to see things clearly again. You’re allowed to take a break. We promise the world will still exist when you return to the fray.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
April could have you feeling a lot more social, Pisces, but not without some reconsideration for who you spend your time with and whether or not you share the same hopes, dreams, and goals for the future. Life is simply easier when you're surrounded by people who inspire you, encourage you, and even show you where you could develop more. Watch for the people who do that for you without being asked. Your house of friendship and wishes is jam-packed with Pluto, Saturn, and Mars all demanding more action and commitment to your friends. You may notice that your social circles are suddenly way more aggressive in their demands — and therein lies the rub. You’ll have to stand up for yourself when you find that your personal value system and boundaries are being breached. That means saying "no" or "yes" when you need to and being willing to put up a fight when people get pushy. There may be many reasons for not wanting to join the group. Maybe your pockets aren’t deep enough to join every event or maybe you just value your alone time more than they understand. Whatever the reason, make sure you vocalise it.
Some of the tension dies down by April 7th, when Venus in your house of communication smooths out the rough edges you may be experiencing with your friend group. Learning and chatting is fun under this transit, but, more importantly, the big ideas you may be working with can manifest with Venus in Taurus. That means a little less talking once you’ve grasped the main idea and a lot more tangible action that turns ideas into reality. This is what will ensure that that big spring party you’ve been talking about for weeks actually happens at X time on Y day.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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