Your Monthly Guide to the Astrological Weather for April 2014…

April is likely to go down as a headline month this year. Not only does it mark the beginning of the 2014 eclipse season, but it also features a series of major meetings between planetary heavyweights Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto throughout the month, culminating in a cardinal grand cross, the likes of which has not been seen since 2010. To find out more, read on.

SOLI-LUNAR PHASES

Over the course of a year, the solstices and equinoxes of the Sun mark out the changing seasons, which affect not only the beginning of different natural cycles, but our moods and choice of activities; whilst on a smaller scale, the Moon’s phases make up the time-span of a month. In fact, the etymology of the word month, comes from the Indo-European word, ‘me(n)ses’, meaning “moon.” ¹

During this period, the Moon also moves through the zodiac, with every progressive full or new moon cycle occurring in the sign more or less following that of the previous month.

Lunar Phases

NEW MOON IN ARIES – 30 March 2014

On March the 30th, we experienced a New Moon in Aries. The lunar equivalent of the solar ingress that marked the Spring Equinox, this particular lunation set in motion a fresh month-long cycle in personal and domestic affairs during which youth, novelty, new personal initiatives, independent decisions and individual action are all emphasised. The next few weeks is therefore likely to be a time when courage, bravery and going out on a limb may be the only real option if you wish to stay true to yourself and keep up with the pace of events, which will probably be rather brisk now. The key will be to get your timing right though – too soon and you may miss the mark, too late and you’ll miss the boat.

TOTAL FULL MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE IN LIBRA – 15 April 2014

Relationships of all kinds, including diplomatic ones, may be in for a shake-up at the Full Moon this month when the Libra Moon is eclipsed by an Aries Sun. Leaders and new leadership are emphasised now, so don’t be too surprised if there are a few management shake-ups at work and in politics over the next month or so. This lunar eclipse, which peaks at 08h42 BST (03h42 EST/09h42 SAST) happens to coincide with a Venus-Pluto sextile, which suggests that any changes to the status quo within key relationships, especially those between members of the establishment, are likely to be for the better but may involve conflict and heated exchanges before they are resolved.

With a grand cross involving Mars, Pluto, Jupiter, Uranus and Mercury also active, this particular eclipse could prove to be an especially powerful time during which you may be called upon to take drastic action or turn things up a notch when it comes to defending a family member or way of life that may come under sudden attack now from hardliners or those hell bent on controlling the situation for their own personal gain.

Expect the rules of political engagement to get flipped on their head too as questions surrounding fair play, equality and peace take centre stage. Russia and Crimea could well be the catalyst for what could be a dramatic and eventful time in world history, with war, or at least the threat of it, a distinct possibility now.

On a personal level, this particular event is urging you to close the door on any ongoing issues relating to relationship commitments, business agreements or legal wrangles that have been prominent for the last six months. Now is the time to either kiss and make-up or pack up and move on. The choice will boil down to how you feel emotionally when you’re around significant others. If you feel stifled and overly compromised, then it may be time to cut ties. If you do decide to cut loose, then just remember that sometimes you have lose sight of the known in order to discover new territory. In the words of Andre Gide, though, “”To know how to free oneself is nothing; the arduous thing is to know what to do with one’s freedom.””

Solar Phases

SUN INTO TAURUS – 20 April 2014

This month the Sun will ingress into patient and earthy Taurus at 03h55 BST on the 20th of April. As a result, it should be a good month in which to consolidate your finances, improve your appearance, and indulge in sensual pleasures such as eating, massages and surrounding yourself with wonderful perfumes and odours. It is also an excellent time to direct your attention to traditionally Taurean activities such as banking, fashion, food, agriculture, gardening, property and singing.

Planetary Events & Energy Shifts throughout April 2014

Retrogrades and Stations

Pluto Retrograde: 15 April – 23 September

At the same time as the lunar eclipse in Libra, Pluto, the planet par excellence of transformation, reinvention and survival, will station in ambitious and determined Capricorn, from where it will slowly backtrack over old ground until late September 2014. This offers us the chance to consider whether any recent changes initiated during this year’s Pluto-Jupiter oppositions really do go far enough in addressing social tensions such as youth unemployment versus old age pensions, the sanctity of the family unit versus state control of things like the birth rate (I am thinking here especially of China and how their one child rule may affect those who lost family in the MH 370 disaster), as well as policies concerning debt reduction and austerity versus growth and economic stimulus.

Such issues are likely to become activated on the 20th and 21st of April when Pluto and Jupiter cross swords. Complicating the situation further will be Uranus, which joins them to form a T-square, making things a little more volatile. Things could shift in the blink of an eye, so be prepared to deal with long standing problems or concerns that could suddenly flare into major tensions, accidents or stand-offs as a result of faulty technology, misplaced vigilante-ism stoked up by social media or anti-social behaviour.

On a personal level, these transits, which are ongoing throughout April, are also likely to coincide with important milestones in family or domestic life, such as births, marriages, deaths and divorces. Think of all the occasions, both good and bad, that tend to bring people together across the generations and you will have a fair idea of the types of rites of passage that I am referring to.

The solution to all this tension and anxiety could turn out to be something you have already talked about or considered but dismissed prematurely. Finding a way to express your beliefs and political or cultural ideals authentically without causing offense or being oppressed and controlled by others is another element of this particular challenge, something that is likely to find social expression through subjects such as gay rights, laws governing online behaviour such as cyber bullying, as well as the social and moral obligations of big business in helping or harming society at large.

Planetary Ingresses

Venus into Pisces: 05 April – 03 May 2014

This month, the planet of love, sensuality and creativity ingresses into sensitive and imaginative Pisces, the sign of its exaltation. This move is one of the positive headlines of the month and should bode well for beauty and arts-related projects, especially those that involve cleansing, water, film or photography. A subtle element of romance, poetry and glamour is likely to pervade the air for the next four weeks or so. If you’ve been keen to indulge your softer side or are keen to fall in love, then this is an excellent time to let go, put yourself out there and open up. Especially great days for love, creativity and togetherness are the 18th, when Venus trines Jupiter – excellent for home decorating, cooking or renovation projects; as well as the 25th when a Venus-Saturn trine could result in a marriage proposal or recording contract. So, as you can see – April is not all doom and gloom! Make time for love, music, and poetry this month and your soul will be able to weather any storm that blows your way now. Think of the movie ‘Life is Beautiful’ and you have some great inspiration for how to get through difficult times without becoming too jaded and cynical.

Key Aspects

Cardinal Grand Cross: 20-22 April

Revolutionary transformation is in the air this spring as several planets, including Mars, Uranus, Jupiter and Pluto get ready to square up to each other in a massive grand cross, which peaks mid-month. Not since summer 2010 have we seen this much action in the cardinal signs! Just like back then, we can expect major shifts in the political and economic landscape, especially with regards to energy security, as well as our fair share of challenging personal circumstances, possibly emanating from within the family or domestic unit.

In addition to issues concerning diet, fitness and wellbeing, don’t be surprised if the generation gap also comes into sharp focus this month. Social values are changing and with it, the place of the individual in relation to society. Unlike our grandparents’ generation, we no longer subscribe to the idea of social conformity and community cohesiveness as being more important than the rights of the individual. But this has come at a cost to our society and sense of belonging – loneliness amongst the elderly and feelings of alienation amongst young people are growing. Now, thanks to the grand cross, these issues can be tackled and addressed head on, provided we have the courage to shake things up a little.

This is, then, not a time to shy away from speaking your truth and telling it like it is. Don’t be surprised if you are challenged to stand up for what you believe in, and possibly even fight to defend your principles or way of life. If this feels daunting, remember that every political movement or social tipping point began with a private resolution or decision on the part of many individuals. You can make a difference. Social media has shown us the power of likeminded people joining together for a particular cause. So if you are called upon to throw your hat into the ring, don’t be afraid of doing so – chances are you are not alone, and that things can really improve for the better, but there is only one way to find out.

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