April is still birthday month for Aries, as the Sun continues to tour your sign until the 20^th. After the Taurus ingress, you’re likely to switch your focus to career, money and skills. However, no sooner does the Sun’s spotlight move off you, than a New Moon in Aries on the 14^th moves in to take its place, marking the start of your ‘lunar’ new year. Use the double dose of spring-like energy it ushers in to start new projects and wipe the slate clean emotionally, or embark on a new diet or exercise regime.

On the 5^th, a challenging aspect between Mercury and Mars calls for clear thinking and carefully chosen words. Do this right first time or the issue will return to haunt you on the 25^th, when a retrograding Mercury heads back to its earlier position and a stalemate could arise. If you need a favour or are relying on others to carry out an important task, motivate them using a combination of charm and patience – shouting and egotistical power plays at this time will only make the other party dig in their heels. On the 7^th, when a retrograde Saturn enters Virgo for the last time, you may find yourself reviewing key life structures or long-term plans related to your place of work, day-to-day routines, schedules, health and diet – it could be that you have been lacking in discipline in these areas lately.  If so, use the time between now and mid July to introduce new and more constructive habits that will make you healthier and more productive. On the same day, Pluto changes direction, forcing you to revisit and fine-tune your career plans or public image – you have until mid-September to formulate a plan of action, after which you may need to make some drastic changes.

During April, Taureans will no doubt find they have a little spring in their step, no doubt in part, due to the entry of Venus into your sign late last month. Mercury joins her after the 2^nd followed by the Sun on the 20^th – all of which are sure to brighten your outlook, sharpen your thinking and boost your confidence. Before your birthday month begins, however, you may need to do a spot of spring-cleaning mentally – you may still harbour a few lingering doubts or fears concerning recent changes that you may have made which need to be addressed before you’re completely ready to embrace the future. Do so between the New Moon on the 14^th and the beginning of next month’s lunar cycle, and you’ll be all the better for it. Signs that you did the right thing will be evident from as early as the 6^th thanks to a Venus-Pluto trine, and further confirmed on the 24^th by a Venus-Uranus sextile. Around the 25^th, when Venus enters Gemini, you’ll feel ready to make a few more adjustments, particularly with regard to how or from whom you earn your income. A Sun-Pluto trine on the same day, followed by a Saturn-Uranus opposition on the 26^th suggests that you could branch into writing or education now, or decide to make a career out of a personal hobby, though this transition will not be without its problems. Children and legal matters are likely to arise now.  Overall, though, the pace of events should begin to calm down, as Mercury slows down before changing direction on the 18^th. The planet of intellect, commerce and communication will remain in Taurus until early June, which means plenty of time to review important personal decisions before having to commit yourself to anything – music to a Taurean’s ears!

April brings with it another of your ruler Mercury’s annual retrograde periods. You’ll start to notice a slow-down in your affairs around the 11^th as Mercury loses speed, finally changing direction around the 18^th for a period of about three weeks. Use this time to recharge your batteries and do some soul-searching, possibly even seek out some counselling – it seems that you may have had a lot on your mind recently and could do with some time out to clarify how you feel. Mercury enters Taurus on the 1^st for a stay of three months, so you’ll have a decent period of down-time in which to consider your options. In the interim, several contacts between your ruler and key planets such as Neptune (1^st), Mars (5^th & 25^th) and the Sun (28^th) are sure to keep life interesting. Expect heightened intuitive or creative abilities to lead you to initiate new projects or make snap decisions around the 1^st. A disagreement which arises around the 5^th is likely to return around the 25^th as Mercury & Mars come to blows twice in one month. The source of the argument is likely to be related to money, recognition or simply frustration at the lack of progress in an art-related or decorative matter. The 28^th is likely to be a turning point in your thinking, possibly even a spiritual epiphany. If you have been struggling with an important personal decision, expect some to feel galvanised by clarity and resolve around this time. You will be aided in this process by the Full Moon in Scorpio which is likely to bring work, pet or health matters to culmination point, or help you leave behind habits or routines that no longer serve you.

Cancerians can expect a busy month, thanks to two moon phases in Mars-ruled signs. The New Moon in Aries on the 14^th ushers in a time of new beginnings on the career front, possibly due to deals or projects initiated last month.  You will be aided by the Sun, which is due to remain in this sector of your chart until the 20^th. Friends may also be in a position to offer you advice and possibly even financial assistance, thanks to the presence of Mercury and Venus in Taurus. Make full use of their expertise or monetary support before the 18^th or else face the possibility of delays, revisions or a change of heart as Mercury stations and then changes direction until the 11^th of May. Around the 7^th, Pluto begins its annual reversal in the sky. This is likely to translate into major revisions to plans involving romantic or business partnerships, or a review of one’s attitude to other people between now and September. Around the 18^th, Mercury follows suit, retrograding in Taurus until the 11^th of May. Friends may go a little quiet briefly, or you may find old friends getting in touch again after not hearing from them for ages. The Full Moon in Scorpio on the 28^th brings out very strong feelings in you with regard to romance, creative pursuits, holiday plans or child-related issues. At this time, you’re likely to adopt an all-or-nothing approach, particularly in love affairs. Those Cancerians hoping to conceive are likely to get pregnant around now, so be sure to make the most of this fertile period.

With your ruler, the Sun, in Aries until the 20^th many Leos will spend the first half of April focusing on foreign, publishing or legal matters. After the 2^nd, when Mercury changes signs, you may begin shifting your attention to career plans. Around the 7^th, Pluto changes direction for about five months. This is likely to usher in a period of review in terms of current work, health, pet or time management situations. It is likely that you will be called to make some major changes or reforms after September, but for now, you are better off determining exactly what you want and forming strategies to achieve this once Pluto returns to forward motion. The New Moon in Aries on the 14^th brings about fresh developments in the romantic and creative sphere, whilst the 3^rd and the 5^th are likely to be difficult days when communications and financial transactions or beauty treatments go awry. Leos hoping to make headway in their careers should try to achieve as much as possible before the 18^th, when Mercury begins a three-week retrograde cycle, and events lose momentum. On the same day, a Sun-Neptune sextile could distract you with a surprise message or meeting with an old lover or friend, perhaps with a business proposition. The 25^th could see you changing directions in terms of career strategy, thanks to a Sun-Pluto trine in earth signs. Try not to be put off by delays or requests for more information by decision-makers – your patience and extra efforts will pay off in the long-term. A good day to schedule job interviews or presentations is the 28^th when a Sun-Mercury conjunction will give you an extra boost of confidence. The Full Moon in Scorpio that evening could bring a family or domestic matter to a close.

During the first half of April, your ruler, Mercury changes both sign (2^nd) and direction (18^th). This latest retrograde cycle, which will last until the 11^th of May, means a stay of nearly three months in fellow earth-sign Taurus - plenty of time to review and discuss the consequences of last month’s surprise developments, which may have had an impact on plans relating to long-distance trips, foreign investments, religion, education or the law. Mercury in Taurus calls for practicality and patience in finding solutions to problems. Venus, also in Taurus from the 1^st to the 25^th, will be on hand to provide additional assistance, possibly even appearing in the form of a woman who takes the role of mediator, peacemaker or facilitator in the situation. Around the 7^th a retrograde Saturn enters Virgo once more, adding a serious, possibly depressive element to your disposition. On the same day, Pluto also changes direction, ushering in five months of review and reflection related to children, hobbies, sports, new love affairs and holidays, after which you may decide to make some major changes. Expect to enjoy a particularly intuitive and creative day on the 1^st, thanks to the Mercury-Neptune sextile. A challenging issue that arises on the 5^th relating to a foreign institution or death of a relative abroad is unlikely to be resolved until after the 25^th, thanks to a series of squares between Mercury and Mars. On the 26^th, a Saturn-Uranus opposition could raise a dilemma in connection with a legal opponent, long-term romantic or business partner – will you opt for freedom or commitment? On a more positive note, a Sun-Mercury conjunction on the 28^th, the same day as the Full Moon, is likely to bring about a happy conclusion to earlier talks, provided all parties are prepared to compromise

After last month’s disruptive events, Librans will be happy to take life at a steadier pace. With Venus in measured and serene Taurus until the 25^th, your wish is likely to be granted.  Mercury joins her from the 2^nd for a stay of three months, including a three-week retrograde period from the 18^th, giving you plenty of time to review recent decisions and find solutions to problems related to shared finance, outstanding debt or joint ventures. On the 7^th, Saturn, leaves your sign for a brief spell, offering some respite from responsibilities and obligations. Pluto, currently positioned in your home and family sector, also reverses direction today, not to return until September, which should lessen the urgency to make drastic lifestyle changes and give you time to consider your options. You’ll get a taste of what may lie ahead around the 5^th when a Venus-Pluto trine forces you and family members to reconsider the way in which joint finances, loans or property are managed. Thanks to a pair of Mercury-Mars squares on the 5^th and 25^th, tensions arising from any proposed changes are unlikely to be resolved until later in the month. New activities involving a partner could appear around the New Moon in Aries on the 14^th. Expect good news linked to the financial aspect of a work or health issue around the 17^th and the 24^th, possibly even a surprise job offer. The pace picks up again from the 25^th as Venus enters Gemini, and communications from overseas begin to flood in. You could be faced with a dilemma regarding how you spend your time on the 26^th – will you choose to stick to the safety of routine or risk trying something different now? The Full Moon on the 28^th brings to fruition matters concerning personal resources, possessions or earned income. Listening to some sensible advice from a male will benefit you now.

April is not usually an easy month for Scorpios, and this year is no exception. With Venus, Mercury and the Sun all moving into the relationship sector of your chart now, you may feel overwhelmed by the many demands being made of you by others. On top of that, your ruler, Pluto, changes direction on the 7^th until September, an occurrence that is likely to make you feel introspective and perhaps even a little reclusive. On the plus side, you will appear less intense and more approachable than usual, which could mean receiving interesting offers from people who would normally be too intimidated by you to make any overtures. Still, with Mercury retrograding from the 18^th to the 11^th of May, you may want to consider your options before accepting any invitations over this timeframe or else be forced to make adjustments when things don’t turn out as planned. Romance could be in the air this month, especially around the 5^th when a meeting of the minds could lead to something more intimate, thanks to a Venus-Pluto trine. A Sun-Pluto trine in similar signs on the 25^th suggests that this association could turn out to be really beneficial on a personal level, boosting your confidence and possibly even opening doors for you professionally. A moral dilemma could arise around the 26^th leaving you feeling torn between your loyalties to a friend on the one hand, and a child or lover, on the other. If you are in any doubt as to who should take priority, the Full Moon in Scorpio on the 28^th should provide the answers. This is an excellent time to discard any emotional baggage or bad dietary habits you may have developed over the past year and start afresh.

April is a fairly quiet month for Sagittarians, with very little inter-planetary interaction happening between your ruler, Jupiter and the other celestial objects. The exception is the 17^th when Venus and Jupiter meet once again, this time in a stimulating sextile which could bring with it some exciting developments on the work, pets or health front. This could also mean a continuation of the positive developments that began after the Venus-Jupiter conjunction in mid February. A New Moon in Aries on the 14^th sees a new year-long personal cycle beginning for you in matters relating to new relationships, children and hobbies – no bad thing after last month’s challenges in this area! Romance could be in the air for single Sag’s from the 25^th as Venus lights up your relationship sector. A difficult Saturn-Uranus opposition on the 26^th could throw obstacles in your career path. Given that these two planets have had several run-ins over the last few years, this is likely to be an ongoing issue since spring 2007. Fortunately, this is the last pass between these two planets for a while, so matters should clear up by August at the latest. In the meantime, try not to do anything rash, like resign from a job or walk away from an election campaign – this CAN be sorted out, provided you exercise patience, listen to others’ grievances and consider all the finer details. Expect a general slowdown in work and health affairs after the 18^th when Mercury enters another retrograde cycle which is likely to last for about three weeks. Use this time to review your diary and make more time to exercise or spend time with a pet that may be missing your company. The Full Moon in Scorpio at month’s end could bring to a close an important psychological matter or see plans relating to an institution finally blossom.

After last month’s difficult celestial configurations, Capricorns could be forgiven for wanting an easier time in April. The good news is that, besides a tense opposition between Saturn and Uranus on the 26^th, the month looks relatively trouble-free. Indeed, with so many planets moving into fellow earth signs over the coming weeks, you are likely to have a lot of planetary assistance on hand. This trend begins from the 1^st, with Venus having already made her ingress into Taurus late last month, a move which is certain to boost your love and sex life – great news for single Capricorns! Be warned though: people you encounter socially now have the potential to change your life, so you’d do well not to judge people at face value.  Mercury follows her lead, changing signs on the 2^nd. Mercury is due to remain in Taurus for the next three months due to a three-week retrograde spell, starting on the 18^th of April. This is likely to result in a slowdown in business affairs, giving you more time to rest, go on holiday or spend in the company of your children or pursuing a hobby – good news! This doesn’t mean all play and no work, however! Workaholic Capricorns can make dramatic progress in business plans around the 6^th and 28^th, thanks to positive contacts to Mercury by Pluto and the Sun, which enters Taurus on the 20^th. Your ruler, Saturn, currently enjoying a retrograde spell, will re-enter Virgo from the 7^th, a shift that will ease tensions in your relationships but may call for a review to plans with a foreign, legal, publishing or educational aspect to them. In fact, you could find yourself facing a dilemma relating to these matters around the 26^th – one which calls for you to make a choice or readjust your priorities. A Full Moon in Scorpio on the 28^th sees you reaching the peak of a cycle involving friends, groups or the internet.

AQUARIUS ~ January 20th to February 19th

This April, Aquarians will find themselves firmly focused on family matters as first Venus (1^st), then Mercury (2^nd) and finally the Sun (20^th) all move into Taurus. It seems as though growing tension between your spouse and extended family could be threatening to erupt as first Venus and then Mercury tussle with Mars on the 3^rd and 5^th. It seems that Pluto is demanding that you or a family member make a drastic lifestyle change in order to fully resolve matters. Thanks to a three-week retrograde spell by Mercury, and another tough encounter between Mercury and Mars on the 25^th, discussions are likely to be ongoing and call for an attitude of calm, but firm resolve. Expect money to further complicate matters around the 26^th as Saturn and your ruler, Uranus, get into a tussle over personal versus shared possessions and income – not a great time to try and negotiate a divorce settlement! Progress on the domestic front is likely around the 17^th and 24^th, when Venus, Jupiter and Uranus team up to ensure that home improvements, family finance discussions and property investments go well. A New Moon in your communication and local environment sector could mean the start of new writing or teaching projects, or activities that involve siblings or the local community. Saturn, currently retrograde, re-enters your tax, loans and joint ventures zone, initiating a period of careful revision involving financial contracts and shared monies. Towards month’s end, the mood will begin to lighten and you could find yourself enjoying some down time with children, lovers or indulging in your favourite sport or hobby. The Full Moon in Scorpio at month’s end sees you closing an important business deal, finishing an important work project or possibly even getting a promotion.

 

PISCES ~ February 20th to March 20th