Spring is in the air! A spirit of action, fearlessness and independence pervades April as many of the faster-moving planets ingress into energetic and driven Aries. Starting with the New Moon in Aries on the 5th, the pace of events will really begin to quicken – a fresh cycle is beginning – one that is excellent for striking out on your own or initiating new projects or activities. Read on to find out more about how to make the most of this month’s cosmic weather.
Lunar Phases
NEW MOON IN ARIES – 7 April 2016
After last month’s eventful lunar eclipse, which may have seen old relationships of all kinds end, it’s time to be a little selfish and focus more on yourself. In many ways, you could see this Aries New Moon as the start of a much-needed period of so-called ‘me’ time. Whether this be the time and energy needed to begin new personal projects or set fresh individual goals, or simply rest up and recharge your batteries, the next four weeks are all about looking to the future and seeking out new opportunities for growth, greater emotional fulfillment and individual self-expression.
Sabian Symbol – 18 degrees Aries
AN EMPTY HAMMOCK HANGS BETWEEN TWO LOVELY TREES.
The above image channelled by Marc Edmund Jones for this particular zodiacal degree evokes the idea of a peaceful, safe and restful environment. According to Lynda Hill,
The ‘Empty Hammock’ is an invitation to jump in, relax, and take time out to enjoy nature. Time spent lounging in the garden or in nature can revitalize the senses. Often solutions to problems can come whilst lying in a hammock or enjoying the garden.[i]
This image refers to that contemplative state of mind that scientists ofen refer to as alpha brainwaves states’ – when the body is relaxed but not yet asleep, freeing the mind to flow freely. Many people find that this enables them to solve problems, make mental connections and be more creative. Although this seems counter-intuitive to the driven, focused energy we normally associate with Aries, it is also true to say that even world class athletes need downtime to recover from hard training sessions. In fact, the latest research is starting to show that:
…strategic renewal — including daytime workouts, short afternoon naps, longer sleep hours, more time away from the office and longer, more frequent vacations — boosts productivity, job performance and, of course, health.[ii]
With this in mind, Hill suggests that the ext four weeks may be a good time to assess your lifestyle and take note of whether you are always on the go. If so, you may want to ask yourself how you can introduce some time to relax and enjoy yourself so as to avoid burn-out or resentment creeping in. I’ll finish with a final quote from 360º of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle:
Has the ‘Hammock’ been beckoning you for some years? By denying yourself rest you can forget how to enjoy a moment off, or even fool yourself into not being able to relax when you do get the opportunity. This Symbol is probably reminding you that there needs to be some rest right now in order to maintain harmony.[iii]
Key Aspects & Influences
The Sun and Moon will be separating from a square to Pluto and trine to Saturn, and applying to a conjunction with Uranus in Aries. This suggests that you are coming out of a fairly intense time from an emotional and physical point of view and could do with a chance to stop, catch your breath and regroup before further events or developments force you to change course or make some on-the-fly decisions that resonate more with your authentic self.
Saturn is still separating from its square to Jupiter last month and as we know, Jupiter can encourage people to overdo things. Located as it is in the workaholic sign of Virgo, it is entirely possible that you have been driving yourself too hard in recent months and could now do with some time to consider the bigger picture, both in terms of your current lifestyle and your health. Delegation and not sweating the small stuff are two good places to start.
With both luminaries conjunct the Part of the Honourable Acquaintance, it may be a good time to take some advice from someone who has been there and done that – someone who may look back at their life and wish they had done things differently. You may be surprised at how successful people manage to structure their lives so that they are able to fit in time for pleasure and relaxation, despite a hectic schedule.
FULL MOON IN SCORPIO – 22 April 2016, 06h23 BST
It’s time to put an end to drama, emotional intensity and romantic or family intrigues at the Full Moon in Scorpio on the 22nd. An internal/heart-based cycle is ending, making it a good time to cast off negative psychological habits, avoid unnecessary gossip or conflict – instead, use this profound and perceptive lunar energy to tune in to your intuition and contemplate the deeper things in life.
Sabian Symbol – 2 degrees Scorpio
A BROKEN BOTTLE AND SPILLED PERFUME
This symbol evokes scenes of something that was previously contained being inadvertently freed, wasted or distributed – and, through its evocative odour, stirring up hidden feelings, repressed memories or strong reactions. The sound of glass breaking is also quite distinctive and associated with ominous events, from accidents to robberies to nasty shocks.
It would seem, therefore, that around this Full Moon, it is likely that a secret may be revealed, perhaps via an unplanned confession or information leak – or an unexpected accident or disaster of some kind may take place – an event that forces you or a loved one/family member to come face to face with the ghost of a strong memory, a hidden fear or past misdeed.
If you have been trying to hide a relationship, conceal an affair or repress your feelings toward others, then it seems likely that these may now burst onto the surface or be forced out in the open by circumstances or conversations with your nearest and dearest.
Although you or others may initially be horrified/mortified/shocked, it is fair to say that the truth does have a way of coming out, so honesty is ultimately the best policy, even if it means having to deal with the fallout from unplanned discoveries, traumatic memory flashbacks or difficult confrontations.
Whatever does happen, know that this is a cycle that is phasing out, so won’t be around for long. where possible, try and vent pent up feelings so that they don’t linger on for too long, causing further damage or contamination.
Key Aspects & Influences
At the time of the Full Moon, neither the Sun nor the Moon will make any aspects to other planets. However, the Sun will be conjunct the Part of Nobility & Honour, while the Moon will be conjunct the Part of the Honourable Acquaintance. Together, these parts seem to be highlighting themes around the need for a strong moral code and a strong sense of inner truth when it comes to handling matters of the heart . This seems topical, given that the sign of Scorpio does have a bit of a reputation for sneakiness and being manipulative or plotting in secret.
The Time to find True Love?
On the same day as the Full Moon in passionate and brooding Scorpio, Venus, the planet of love, beauty and creativity, will make a conjunction to Uranus in full-on Aries. Uranus is very much about being your own person and acting from a place of sincerity and authenticity, which seems to reiterate the need for integrity in domestic matters or when dealing with loved ones or members of the opposite sex at this time. That said, it is also a very exciting combination that can bring about unexpected but thrilling encounters of the romantic kind – excellent news for singles and those looking to spice things up romantically!
Both Venus and Uranus will also quincunx the North Node around this time, which always adds a hint of fate or destiny to matters of the heart and introduces the possibility of new but unpredictable experiences that are exciting but carry an element of risk. This is a bit like a lightning bolt moment that prompts a change of direction – one that may bring you closer to fulfilling your true purpose in life. That being said, the inconjunct aspect, as it is sometimes called, usually calls for adjustments of some kind, so it’s possible that the person you end up falling for won’t be your usual type. You may also discover that oin order to express yourself more fully creatively, that you’ll need to say goodbye to a relationship and be brave enough to stand on your own two feet – Uranus is often about cutting off what isn’t working anymore and being your own person, after all.
Staying open-minded and open-hearted may well be the way to go because let’s face it, Uranian personalities can be a little quirky, to say the least!The point is that the Scorpio Moon wants you to get real and be more honest about matters of the heart, so perhaps it is time to throw aside preconceived ideas about what your ideal match should be and go with your gut. You may also need to let the ghost of heartbreak die in order to make room for someone new.
Solar Phases
SUN INTO TAURUS – 19 April 2016, 16h30 BST
The Sun will ingress into persistent and patient Taurus at 16h30 BST on the 19th of April, thereby beginning a four week period during which you can make great strides in consolidating personal wealth, securing your assets, or taking conscious steps to improve your finances.
Taurus is also a highly sensual and earthy sign, so this is also a favourable period in which to undertake treatments, procedures or activities that enhance your appearance or bring you joy and pleasure.
A regular routine and getting back to basics are both excellent strategies for making progress in personal matters or achieving career success . Traditionally, this is also a good time to pursue activities such as farming, banking, real estate, art appreciation/acquisitions, and singing.
Transits Summary
Also, be sure to keep an eye on my Twitter and Facebook updates for more detailed daily astro-insights into the cosmic weather as April unfolds.
REFERENCES
[i] and [iii] Lynda Hill, 360 degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, p. 18
[ii] New York Times, 9 Feb 2013, ‘ Relax! You’ll Be More Productive’ in http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/opinion/sunday/relax-youll-be-more-productive.html?_r=0
