This Week in Astrology Apr 12-18, 2026

This Week in Astrology: April 12-18, 2026

April 12th to 18th, 2026

The New Moon in Aries is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Ram. It’s time to take action – try something new and innovative, and go at it with gusto and confidence; be assertive without being abrasive; take charge of our lives; start a brand new project, and discover our own personal courage.

This is a strong cycle under which to re-evaluate our relationship with ourselves. With this potent Aries energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. It’s time to make some solid yet realistic plans and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and thus a New Moon in Aries is especially ripe with opportunity for new beginnings. We might consider acting on a constructive impulse and following a hunch or taking a risk.

Aries learns through experience and action, and we might treat ourselves to a little adventure now. It’s also a good cycle under which to discover the benefits of expressing ourselves with authenticity – expressing ourselves as we are, without putting on airs.

We might find ways to learn how to rely on ourselves and to be happy about doing so – it will go a long way towards finding inner happiness when we know that we can be self-sufficient without blaming others for not helping us out. It’s a time to revitalize ourselves through experiences that break the routine and that involve doing something new and fresh.

The New Moon Chart:

New Moon in Aries Chart: April 17, 2026

This phase of the Moon occurs at 27 degrees and 29 minutes of Aries, affecting people with personal planets and points at 23 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and about 0 to 1 degree of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Occurring when all major planets are direct, this New Moon suggests few obstacles. However, Mars, the ruler of Aries is applying to a conjunction to Saturn, and while we’re ready to work hard and pace ourselves, we can be combatting some fear of not being number one. This combination reminds us to be prudent and measured, which doesn’t come naturally to Mars in Aries.

Note also that Chiron aligns with the New Moon, and our sense of mission and purpose is strongly tied in with new beginnings. This lunation is triggering our vulnerabilities.

As well, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, and Neptune are conjunct around the time of this New Moon, and these bodies are also sextile Pluto. This is complex energy. We can feel driven and inspired, particularly to win, overcome obstacles, or come first, but we also face criticism, skepticism, and blocks. If we have too many irons in the fire, we’ll feel the blockage and pressure. Frustrated energy, particularly in the face of veiled motives, deception, or overly aggressive promotion of fantasies, and terse communication are themes.

There is much determination to gain control, but also to seek clarity about vague, complex matters or to push back against disinformation and delusion. While there can be pressure to take action, there can also be difficulty keeping up with our ambitions and miscalculations from working under pressure. This combination is a complex mix of defensiveness and combativeness.

I like to see two charts of the New Moon. The one above, using only the major bodies, is useful for seeing chart patterns and core influences. Adding additional points or bodies is helpful for seeing nuances, as follows:

New Moon in Aries: April 17, 2026 Additional Points

NEXT WEEK: The next Moon phase will happen on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, at 10:31 PM EDT, when the First Quarter Moon will occur.

Previous: Last Quarter Moon

Last Quarter Moon

The Last Quarter MOON occurs on Friday, April 10th, 2026, at 12:51 AM EDT.

Early Friday, the Last Quarter Moon is exact, when the Sun in Aries forms a square with the Moon in Capricorn.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean to you? What can be done now?

The Last Quarter Moon Chart:

Last Quarter Moon Chart: April 4th, 2026

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 20 minutes of Capricorn square the Sun at the same degree of Aries, affecting people with personal planets and points at 18 to 22 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Apr 17
, 2026, 7:52 AM, Sun conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Apr 23, 2026, 10:31 PM, Sun square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
May 1, 2026, 1:23 PM, Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon)
May 9, 2026, 5:10 PM, Sun square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
May 16, 2026, 4:01 PM, Sun conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Aries; Mercury is in Pisces until April 14th, when it enters Aries; Venus is in Taurus; Mars is in Aries.

The Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 19. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive and have the urge to initiate, innovate, and come first.

Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little in the way of shame with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead.

Mercury is in Pisces from February 6-April 14. When Mercury is in Pisces, our thinking processes are more visual, intuitive, and imaginative. We are especially attuned to the world of emotion, which colors both our thoughts and our communication style.

We guess well, express ourselves with imagery, and make decisions intuitively. We are more attracted to consciousness-raising information.

It’s not always easy to verbalize our impressions during this cycle. We don’t enjoy pinning down, labeling, or strictly defining things. We recognize that life isn’t always logical, and we prefer not to think in black and white terms. We’re sensitive and impressionable, which means we can take in more than usual, and it can sometimes overwhelm us. Pisces needs periodic time alone or within to regenerate and detox.

Mercury is in Aries from April 14-May 2. When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries.

There can be quick, possibly impatient or hurried, decisions during this cycle, and our responses are similar: quick and perhaps defensive or combative. We value independent thought, and we can be mentally competitive. executive decisions. We prefer to learn through personal experience, not instruction.

Venus is in Taurus from March 30-April 24. In Taurus, Venus is naturally very sensual, content, and possessive. We seek security and value those things that are long-lasting. Our appetite for pleasure is strong.

The sign of Taurus values the here and now and the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance figure strongly during the Venus-in-Taurus cycle. Holding on to someone or something we love is our tendency under this influence.

The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

On the financial side, Venus in Taurus looks for high-quality, solid, practical, and long-lasting items. Holding on to our possessions is more likely now. With art, tastes, and pleasures, we prefer things that are earthy, natural, and grounded. We can be somewhat indulgent at this time. Uncertainty bothers us more than usual–we favor stability over excitement in love and pleasure.

Mars is in Aries from April 9-May 18. Mars feels at home in Aries, one of the signs that it rules, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident.

Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

We pursue our goals straightforwardly, confidently, unabashedly, and directly with Mars in Aries. The same goes for expressing anger. We want to be first, come first, and do things on our own–our independence, enterprise, and initiative are well-developed.

This transit is better for endeavors that require courage and strong but not necessarily sustained passion and energy. We don’t want to look back or overthink–we only concern ourselves with what we can accomplish right now. Not inclined to beat around the bush, we confidently pursue our desires.

Jupiter is in Cancer.

Jupiter began its transit of Cancer on June 9th, 2025, and will continue its visit to the sign until June 30th, 2026. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Cancer.

Saturn is in Aries. Saturn is in Aries from May 24th, 2025 to September 1st, 2025, and then from February 13th, 2026, to April 12th, 2028. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aries.

Uranus has returned to Taurus.

Uranus is in Gemini from July 7th to November 7th, 2025, from April 25, 2026, to August 3, 2032, and then from December 12, 2032, to May 22, 2033. Read about Uranus in Gemini in its calendar page.

Uranus has more work to do in the sign of Taurus from November 7th, 2025, to April 25th, 2026. Uranus began in Taurus in 2018/2019. During this cycle, we approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.

There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Neptune is in Aries. Neptune first transited Aries from March 30, 2025, to October 22, 2025, but it returned to Pisces. Now, Neptune is in Aries for the long haul: from January 26, 2026, to May 21, 2038, and then October 21, 2038, to March 23, 2039. Read about Neptune’s transit of Aries.

Pluto is in Aquarius. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Note that Pluto finally completed its journey through Capricorn on November 19th, 2024, from which time Pluto stays in Aquarius for many years to come.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Taurus from March 30-April 24. In Taurus, Venus is usually quite content, but can be possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses.

Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

This week: On Sunday and Monday, we’re especially forgiving, understanding, and generous at this time, although perhaps not very practical. This can be a trusting, cheerful, and romantic time, but we should watch for glossing over problem areas.

We should watch for impulsiveness and impatience on Wednesday. Someone may be pushy or crude when we crave something more refined or subtle, or someone is being subtle when we crave a more straightforward approach.

On Friday, we can find several little things wrong with our relationships, or there can be some awkward energy in our interactions. Temporarily, expression of affection can be unnatural or restricted.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Taurus A love of music, an appreciation for sensual pleasures and others of the finer things in life – such are the signs of the cycle which has begun for you. This is aesthetic and artistic to be sure, but it is also practical and materialistic: you develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it takes to buy them.

Venus sextile North Node April 5-6. There is a stronger desire to connect to and belong with others at this time. We are more obliging and sociable.

Venus sextile Jupiter April 12-13. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.

Venus semi-square Neptune April 13. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus semi-square Mars April 15. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

Venus semi-square Saturn April 17. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

Venus parallel Uranus April 21. There can be spontaneous meetings and forward movement in our relationships. We have good instincts for future trends. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant garde attractions. This is an exciting but unstable energy. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important.

Venus conjunct Uranus April 23. We have a taste for the unusual and the avant garde. We are itching for a change. What makes a person unique is more attractive under this influence. Excitement and newness are valued over permanence in social relationships. Freedom is more important than intimacy just now. We lose our fears of taking risks in love and social situations. Romantic infatuations, gossip, unanticipated opportunities socially or financially. We have a greater need for self-expression, personal freedom, and social excitement.

Venus semi-square Mercury April 25-26. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.

Venus sextile Neptune April 26. Unusual attractions that add imagination, inspiration, and emotional “color” to our lives may occur now. We are attuned to the subtleties of human interaction, and we are more inclined to naturally cooperate with others. An imaginative, romantic time.

Venus semi-square Jupiter April 26. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships.

Venus trine Pluto April 28. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships are intense and deep, but not draining.

The Moon & Timing

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During the Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects.

The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology).

Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart to determine the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass.

The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, April 13th, from 3:42 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 4:56 AM EDT.

VOC on Wednesday, April 15th, from 9:08 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aries at 10:05 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, April 17th, from 7:53 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Taurus at 11:59 AM EDT.

April 2026

Void-of-Course Moon Dates & Times: April 2026

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 17th, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 17th, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, also with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Monday, April 13th, at approximately 5 AM EDT, until Wednesday, April 15th, at approximately 9:05 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces. This window is a little better on Wednesday morning, after Mercury changes signs.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jan 26
, 2026, 12:34 PM, Neptune enters Aries
Feb 3, 2026, 9:33 PM, Uranus Direct at 27 Tau 28
Feb 6, 2026, 5:48 PM, Mercury enters Pisces
Feb 10, 2026, 5:18 AM, Venus enters Pisces
Feb 13, 2026, 7:11 PM, Saturn enters Aries
Feb 18, 2026, 10:52 AM, Sun enters Pisces
Feb 26, 2026, 1:48 AM, Mercury Retrograde at 22 Pis 34
Mar 2, 2026, 9:16 AM, Mars enters Pisces
Mar 6, 2026, 5:45 AM, Venus enters Aries
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 10, 2026, 5:22 PM, Vesta enters Pisces
Mar 10, 2026, 11:30 PM, Jupiter Direct at 15 Can 05
Mar 15, 2026, 1:13 AM, Ceres enters Taurus
Mar 20, 2026, 10:46 AM, Sun enters Aries
Mar 20, 2026, 3:33 PM, Mercury Direct at 8 Pis 30
Mar 29, 2026, 4:50 AM, Juno enters Aquarius
Mar 30, 2026, 12:01 PM, Venus enters Taurus
Apr 9, 2026, 3:36 PM, Mars enters Aries
Apr 14, 2026, 11:21 PM, Mercury enters Aries
Apr 19, 2026, 9:39 PM, Sun enters Taurus
Apr 24, 2026, 12:03 AM, Venus enters Gemini
Apr 25, 2026, 8:51 PM, Uranus enters Gemini
Apr 26, 2026, 1:06 AM, Pallas enters Aries
May 2, 2026, 10:57 PM, Mercury enters Taurus
May 6, 2026, 11:34 AM, Pluto Retrograde at 5 Aqu 30
May 13, 2026, 12:12 PM, Vesta enters Aries
May 17, 2026, 6:26 AM, Mercury enters Gemini

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 12th to 18th, 2026

This Week’s Aspects

Mars conjunct Neptune. Our impulses and desires may be confusing, peculiar, hard to explain, or difficult to understand now. Not content with our regular routines, we tend to crave more drama, glamour, or meaning now. Concentration on practical concerns and affairs may be lacking. We act on our intuition now, sexual fantasies are strong, we strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. We are less tense and driven, and more relaxed. “What will be, will be” is the attitude now. Inspiration can be found now. This transit favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment.

Venus sextile Jupiter. Cooperation, consideration for others, cheerfulness, positive attitude towards relationships, romantic opportunities, harmony. Favors financial endeavors. Optimistic spiritual energy is brought to relationships. We tend to connect to a higher purpose regarding our personal relationships and our values, attaching meaning to them. We may enjoy a feeling of well-being now. Ease is experienced in social situations. We are freer with our affections (and our money). This is also a favorable transit for entertaining and socializing.

Venus semi-square Neptune. Happiness is addictive under this influence. We tend to see what we want to see. Glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and of people provides us with instant gratification. However, it’s wise to hold off on making important purchases, or natalizing a relationship until the veil lifts. Take care with legal, financial, and social involvements, contracts, or formal agreements under this dreamy influence.

Mercury sextile Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics. Unexpected gains may be realized through such mediums. The intuition is strong, and insights seem to come from “out of the blue”. Original, creative ideas are easy to come by. We can take advantage of our ability to see things in a new light by breathing life into old projects or solving problems in new, creative ways. Varying our usual routine may be especially rewarding.

Venus semi-square Mars. Potential tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating and invigorating.

Sun conjunct Chiron. An opportunity to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” arises now, increasing our confidence. Alternatively, we might face life lessons that get us in touch with the insecurities that hold us back from feeling confident. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem solving is favored.

Mars sextile Pluto. We are able to successfully focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want without stepping on others’ toes under this influence.

Mercury conjunct Neptune. Our intuitive creativity is stimulated under this influence. A very positive transit for artistic and literary endeavors. We get insights into our own minds. Conscious reasoning can be distorted by subconscious matter, so concentrating on cold hard facts can be challenging. Daydreaming, visualization, and prophecy are stimulated. Communications may be unclear, vague, or downright confused. We may be subject to deception. Avoid signing contracts under this influence.

Venus semi-square Saturn. There may be difficulties relating to others under this influence. People may be cool with their affections and emotionally distant. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be “money pits” as time passes. There may be anxiety or troubles with respect to matters concerned with the feelings. Romantic disappointments, unrequited love, separations, and broken engagements are the more difficult manifestations. We tend to lack social confidence at this time and adopt a shy, formal, or reserved social manner. It’s better to use this transit for reflection.

Mercury sextile Pluto. We possess more insight and psychological understanding than usual. We are willing to look beyond the surface of things and investigate further. Perhaps more importantly, we are more patient and strategic in our decision-making.

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

APRIL 12

The Moon spends the day in Aquarius, harmonizing with the Aries Sun this afternoon, and bringing friendly, progressive, and intelligent energy to our lives. We gravitate toward unusual activities. Aries-Aquarius is a nice combination, as Aries’ assertiveness and energy can find social or humanitarian outlets. There can be enthusiasm and a can-do attitude now.

As the day advances, we approach an imaginative alignment of Mars and Neptune that perfects very early into tomorrow–a transit that occurs approximately every two years. This is the first year that Mars aligns with Neptune in Aries, and we’re seeking inspiration, driven to act on our imagination or compassion or to pursue our dreams. At the same time, concentrating on practical concerns and affairs may be challenging, and we may too readily exhaust ourselves. With this transit, we act on our intuition, our fantasies are intense and in the foreground, and our creative impulses are potent. Either we consciously pull back, or our energy levels lag temporarily under this influence. There is a strong need to release pressure and tension. It’s not easy to be efficient at this time, and we should watch for miscalculations.

We may actively seek situations that inspire us or aim to put our fantasies into motion. Creative pursuits that involve physical movement are highly favored and could provide excellent outlets for excess, undirected energy. This Mars-Neptune influence favors dancing, swimming, acting, magic, photography, arts, and entertainment. There can be much energy building inside us, but we may still need to figure out where we want it to take us or, if we do, how to get there!

APRIL 13

Venus forms a sextile with Jupiter this morning, and we’re cooperative and ready to give one another the benefit of the doubt. This influence creates a mood or atmosphere conducive to tolerance, consideration for others, warmth, and openness. We are more forthcoming, optimistic, and generous than usual. It encourages us to loosen up as we tap into our spirit for enjoyment. It’s a soft, pleasant influence that promotes acceptance, inclusiveness, and optimism, particularly in our relationships. We are freer and more generous with our affection, time, and money.

This is one of the more favored transits for entertaining and socializing. We bring optimistic spiritual energy to our lives and seek a higher purpose or meaning through our connections and values. Romantic opportunities can emerge, or there can be lucky finds, pleasing purchases, and a hopeful financial outlook or prospects.

Still, a Venus-Neptune semi-square tonight can be distracting. There can be a tendency to gloss over problems or see what we want to see, imagining the best or the worst. Of course, the truth is somewhere in between. We might have temporary doubts about our lovability and worth or about relationships, pleasure, or comfort levels. Alternatively, we might go in the other direction and look the other way in the face of flaws and important details.

The Moon is void from 3:42 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 4:56 AM EDT.

APRIL 14

APRIL 15

The Moon is void from 9:08 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aries at 10:05 AM EDT.

APRIL 16

APRIL 17

The Moon is void today from 7:53 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Taurus at 11:59 AM EDT.

APRIL 18

If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.

Moon Signs This Week:

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

We may not want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

When the Moon is in Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses." Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 19th to 25th, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 26th to May 2nd, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 3rd to 9th, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 10th to 16th, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 17th to 23rd, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 24th to 30th, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 31st to June 6th, 2026

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: June 7th to 13th, 2026

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

Sun in Aries A new sense of self, a more assertive personal style, a more dynamic approach to life: these are the hallmarks of the cycle that begins for you now. Doubts fade into the background, and reserve is more and more a thing of the past. It’s time for action; your destiny is in your hands, rather than set apart. Full speed ahead (“and damn the torpedoes”) is your motto now, for better or for worse!

Mercury in Pisces Knowing things without knowing how you know them is typical at a time like this. The mystical, the universal, the eternal: these are the things that stir your curiosity. Call it psychic, call it deja vu … it can be there when you call on it, whatever you call it. (Remembering the little things might become more difficult, however: it’s tough to remember if you paid the electric bill when you’re more interested in the eternal verities.)

Mercury in Aries New ideas and an independent or pioneering mental orientation take on more importance in your life at this time. Teaching, learning, communicating, and social contact have a way of outlining new directions in your life now, and there is much activity and involvement with these kinds of issues.

Venus in Taurus A love of music, an appreciation for sensual pleasures and others of the finer things in life – such are the signs of the cycle which has begun for you. This is aesthetic and artistic to be sure, but it is also practical and materialistic: you develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it takes to buy them.

Mars in Aries Fresh challenges and initiatives light your fires now, as a new cycle begins in your life – lots of energy, a powerful urge to be first or come out on top. Away with the old and on to the new – let no one and nothing stand between you and your objective! Headstrong impulses and rash courage can take you far … sometimes in harm’s way, if you’re not careful.

Jupiter in Cancer Taking care of yourself and all that’s yours becomes a high priority in your life now. Security, setting down roots, establishing your ties with the past: these things are among the articles of faith that guide you. This is often a sign of growth in all things connected with family and property (such as real estate).

Saturn in Aries Self-discipline and a sense of self-worth become important issues in your life as a new phase begins for you. A fear of asserting yourself can hold you back – as can coming on too strong. The trick is learning to make the most of your personal talents and abilities, working within your limitations instead of feeling hemmed in by them.

Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.

Neptune in Aries The frontier spirit is alive and well as a new cycle dawns in your life. Independence and originality take on a kind of primal importance for you; you tend to put these qualities on a pedestal, above all else. Fresh starts, new possibilities … these are the visions that light a spark in your soul. But what of the weak, the ones who aren’t free, the ones who get left behind?

Pluto in Aquarius Reform, revolution, a rejection of the past and a focus on the future: these are the signatures of the new phase now beginning in your life. Tradition becomes irrelevant, and the conventional wisdom is revealed as dogma or outright nonsense – and what’s the difference, really? Radical changes in all things social and intellectual.

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

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This Week in Astrology: April 12 to 18, 2026