This Week in Astrology: April 17 to 23, 2022

This Week in Astrology: April 17-23, 2022

 

April 17 to 23, 2022

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 7:56 AM EDT.

On Saturday morning, the Sun in Taurus forms a square with the Moon in Aquarius. This Last Quarter Moon phase points to a small 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 arrive at a point where 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. It’s a time to consider our revelations, what they mean to us, and what can be done.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 3 degrees and 19 minutes of Aquarius square the Sun at 3 degrees and 19 minutes of Taurus, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 1 to 5 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Aries until the 19th, when the Sun moves into Taurus; Mercury is in Taurus; Venus is in Pisces; Mars is in Pisces.

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.

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.

The Sun is in Taurus from April 19-May 20. In Taurus, the Sun is methodical, sensual, and receptive. The Sun in Taurus is most active when it is defending or resisting! As the Sun moves through Taurus when plants take root, our determination and security needs are strong. Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar and values longevity. The shadow side of Taurus is possessiveness and bullheadedness.

The Sun in Taurus is the connoisseur and sensualist. It’s patient, stubborn, earthy, stable, and rooted. The Sun-in-Taurus cycle is a good one for maintaining or building, as well as enjoying and appreciating what’s already in place. While the Taurus Sun is slow to warm up, it’s stable and persevering once it does. We value what’s long-term, strong, and lasting during this phase.

Mercury is in Taurus from April 10-29. When Mercury is in Taurus, our thinking is down to earth, solid, and grounded. Common sense reigns over more fanciful thinking. We communicate more deliberately under this influence, and our minds are oriented to the world of the five senses. We prefer the tried and true rather than new ways of thinking.

Attention to one thing at a time can simplify our lives, but we may be in danger of narrow, overly conservative, or rigid thinking. It’s a time of practical intelligence and comfortably-paced decisions and thought processes. We’re capable of (and content with) rote, routine, deliberate, or monotonous work and methods.

Venus is in Pisces from April 5-May 2. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach, as there is a longing for something that is difficult to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be deceived because we want to believe, as well as evasiveness. We should watch for falling in love with an idealized image of something or someone. It’s also important to watch for avoidant or indirect behavior.

Venus is exalted in Pisces and does well in the sign. It’s devoted, compassionate, exceptionally giving, and capable of sacrifice. We might refer heavily on our intuition with our finances and love life during this cycle. We gravitate to–and appreciate–unusual, tossed aside, poetic, artistic objects, situations, and people. We seek activities that move, inspire, or touch us.

Money may slip through our fingers, or we could ignore or overlook some of the practical elements of our lives now. However, finances improve if we connect with our otherworldly talents, imagination, desire to heal and serve, or sense of mission.

This transit is not particularly strong for resolve or determination, but it’s good for adaptability and increased understanding or acceptance.

Mars is in Pisces from April 14-May 24. We tend to feel less motivated to go after traditional goals, and more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives during this cycle. We dislike confrontation during this trend. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down.

We may put others’ needs ahead of our own, and our more idealistic side comes to the fore. During this cycle, going after what we want becomes less straightforward and more complicated!

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Jupiter is in Pisces from December 28th, 2021, to May 10, 2022. Jupiter returned to Pisces on December 28th, 2021. This is part two–there will be another part to this 3-part act later in the year! Read more about the Jupiter in Pisces transit.

Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July 1, 2020, and from December 17th, 2020, until March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. 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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Pisces from April 5 to May 2. Like Aquarius, Pisces love is universal. However, Pisces draws no bounds in love. With Venus in Pisces, we have compassion (and perhaps attraction) for those who are left out, overlooked, or victimized. We are self-sacrificing, and we have a hard time setting up borders. The walls go down, we have a hard time saying no (especially if our compassion is engaged), but we are also prone to avoiding all that makes us feel uncomfortable.

Wishful thinking is one expression of Venus in Pisces. We can too easily believe what we want to believe. People can be hard to pin down, and love is hard to define under this influence. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners.

Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be deluded, as well as evasiveness.

This week: On Sunday to Monday (the 17-18), we’re especially open to making changes or venturing into new territory with our feelings, tastes, and pleasures. We’re inclined to talk things through and compromise, and we believe that clarifications are the key to better compatibility. While it’s not an ideal time for making commitments, it’s a good time to experiment and explore.

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

Venus in Pisces A martyr complex, a love for the underdog, a search for your soul mate: such are the experiences associated with the new cycle you’re now just beginning. A yen for soul-stirring romance, a weakness for the weak, and a tendency to idealize people and relationships … very aesthetic, very other-worldly.

Venus semi-square the Sun April 12-13. Irritations that seem to stem from others could be the reflection of our own inner uneasiness. Do your best to control yearnings for more and search for a creative solution for your inner dissatisfaction.

Venus sextile Mercury April 17. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.

Venus semi-square Pluto April 17. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus contraparallel Chiron April 17. Others, and especially partners and love interests, have something to teach us. This is a time for identifying vulnerable areas.

Venus sextile Uranus April 17-18. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.

Venus sextile North Node April 25. There is a stronger desire to connect to and belong with others at this time. We are more obliging and sociable.

Venus conjunct Neptune April 26-27. New and fresh beginnings on romantic levels characterize this transit. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.

Venus parallel Neptune April 26-27. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.

Venus conjunct Jupiter April 30. We have large appetites for love and pleasure, and generosity of spirit as well. An excellent time (all things considered) to begin a new relationship, or renew an old/existing one.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, April 18th, from 7:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 10:18 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, April 20th, from 4:57 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:54 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, April 22nd, from 11:54 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Saturday, April 23rd, at 2:18 AM EDT.

April 2022:

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, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Monday, the 18th, from approximately 1 PM to 7:50 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Scorpio. Another window occurs from Wednesday, April 20th, at approximately 11:55 PM EDT, until Friday, April 22nd, at approximately 11:50 PM EDT.

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:

Mar 20,
2022, 11:33 AM Sun enters Aries
Mar 27, 2022, 3:44 AM Mercury enters Aries
Apr  5, 2022, 11:17 AM Venus enters Pisces
Apr 10, 2022, 10:09 PM Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 14, 2022, 11:05 PM Mars enters Pisces
Apr 19, 2022, 10:24 PM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 20, 2022, 11:51 AM Juno enters Pisces
Apr 29, 2022, 2:35 PM Pluto Retrograde
Apr 29, 2022, 6:23 PM Mercury enters Gemini
Apr 30, 2022, 4:47 AM Pallas enters Taurus
May  2, 2022, 12:10 PM Venus enters Aries
May 10, 2022, 7:47 AM Mercury Retrograde
May 10, 2022, 7:22 PM Jupiter enters Aries
May 15, 2022, 3:08 AM Ceres enters Cancer
May 20, 2022, 9:22 PM Sun enters Gemini
May 22, 2022, 9:15 PM Mercury Rx enters Taurus
May 24, 2022, 5:38 AM Vesta enters Pisces
May 24, 2022, 7:17 PM Mars enters Aries
May 28, 2022, 10:46 AM Venus enters Taurus

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

See also: The Astrology of 2022 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury sextile Venus. It’s easy to make social connections under this influence. This transit favors diplomacy, charm, social graces, negotiations, presentation of ideas, romantic overtures, teaching, business deals, publishing, commerce, public relations, and joint ventures or partnerships. It is often a time when promises and clarifications are made in love relationships.

Venus semi-square Pluto. This influence can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive or an agenda, suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions run high and hot, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run so close to the surface that others can almost feel the heat, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Sometimes, this transit correlates with unreciprocated feelings in love or romantic disappointment. Often, financial matters come to the fore. Manipulation can color relationships now. Avoid power plays with friends and lovers.

Mercury conjunct Uranus. The ability to grasp intellectual concepts is high right now. Our intuition is spot-on, and we tend to have the right idea at the right moment. The senses may be overloaded, to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, nervous, or impatient. If channeled well, however, our ideas are inventive, original, progressive, and unbiased.

Venus sextile Uranus. This is a favorable influence for social meetings and events, and for situations that call for treating others with equality and respect. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities. A taste for the offbeat is in order.

Sun square Pluto. Insubordination and abuse of power. Impatience with rules. Compulsiveness. The urge to get to the bottom of matters is with us, but we are too insistent. Avoid beating a dead horse and attempting to force matters that should naturally take time to unfold. Circumstances now can push us to discover our own power–power that comes from a strong sense of self rather than superficial energy derived from manipulating people into doing what we want them to do. Events may occur now that highlight the need to trust.

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. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

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

See also: The Astrology of 2022 – Overview.

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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 17

Mercury is heading toward a conjunction with Uranus, and Venus forms a sextile to both planets, opening up doors to interesting experiences and connections. We have a taste for the unusual, and there can be infatuations, gossip, unexpected opportunities socially or financially, spontaneity, and fun new ideas. We have a greater need for self-expression and personal freedom, but we are also quite at ease in social situations. Original, creative ideas are easy to come by, particularly through conversations and collaboration. We can feel inspired to think, connect, or communicate in new, fresh ways. It can be a time of mental breakthroughs, innovative thinking, and perhaps nervous energy. We’re not content merely recycling old ideas or performing repetitive processes, and we are quick to latch onto progressive approaches and methods. We might stir things up or shock others with our opinions, ideas, and communications, but we also seek cooperation. It’s a time for a special appreciation and understanding of the arts and attention to creative or romantic communications. There can be clarification of feelings–we’re inclined to verbalize or analyze our affections and relationships but not necessarily connect deeply with them! On the other hand, the Scorpio Moon (all day) suggests a need for some emotional intensity or attachment.

APRIL 18

The Sun forms a square to Pluto today, and putting our trust in others (or in life/the process) can be difficult. This aspect, possibly through discord, helps us identify areas of over-attachment. We might clash with those in authority, or we’re frustrated as our sense of responsibility or fear of loss in our professional or public lives conflicts with our personal plans. We may act compulsively and find it difficult to let go and unwind. Positively, circumstances now can push us to discover our own power — power that comes from a strong sense of self rather than superficial energy derived from manipulating people into doing what we want them to do. It’s best to aim for self-control now. It’s important to avoid trying to force matters that should naturally take time to unfold. We should also watch for a bit of paranoia or suspicion that works against us. This aspect can bring fears and buried matter to the surface. The Moon spends much of the day (until 10:18 PM EDT) in intense, perceptive Scorpio, before entering spirited, optimistic Sagittarius.

The void Moon occurs from 7:56 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 10:18 PM EDT.

APRIL 19

The Moon spends the day in Sagittarius, inspiring us to explore and experience. This transit sparks our desire to learn and discover, and a change of scenery or break in the routine appeals. The Sun leaves Aries and enters Taurus today, where it will transit until May 20th. During this cycle, we’re more practically, materially, and sensually oriented. The Taurus Sun takes its time–it’s deliberate yet languishing–and brings us patient and receptive energy. Our security needs are strong, and we can be possessive or stubborn. Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar, valuing longevity. The Sun-in-Taurus cycle is a good one for maintaining or building and enjoying and appreciating what’s already in place. While the Taurus Sun is slow to warm up, it’s stable and persevering once it does. We value what’s long-term, strong, and lasting during this phase.

APRIL 20

The Moon spends most of the day in Sagittarius–until 11:54 PM EDT, when the Moon enters Capricorn. With the Sagittarius Moon, we may take a more philosophical and less strategic approach to life now. We can feel some discontent now, especially with the Moon’s squares to Jupiter and Neptune, and we’re inclined to overcompensate by taking on more or going to excess. We want to grow, improve, and expand, and it may be necessary to push some boundaries now, but it’s best to do so gently. We set our sights high with the Moon in Sagittarius, but if too high, the Moon’s square to Neptune can burst our bubble. Fortunately, we bounce back quickly with this transit.

The void Moon occurs from 4:57 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:54 PM EDT.

APRIL 21

The Moon is in Capricorn all day, and we seek some order and structure in our lives. Our sense of responsibility is stronger than usual. Our careers, reputation, and objectives are in focus with the Moon in this practical sign. The Moon’s sextile to Mars is suitable for activities that engage our emotions. We’re especially resourceful and focused on performance, and we have a good sense of future trends in business. While we’re more aware of our practical responsibilities and drawn to the tried and true, we’re open to new ways of getting things done. In fact, we enjoy making small changes that benefit our projects. With a Capricorn Moon, we strive for increased self-sufficiency.

APRIL 22

The Moon spends the day in Capricorn, harmonizing with Venus, Mercury, Neptune, and Jupiter, and finally aligning with Pluto. We embrace our ambitions and seek to improve, grow, or expand with these influences. We can be more resolved, determined, and goal-oriented than usual, yet also attuned to our intuition. There can be opportunities to add personal, creative, and imaginative touches to our projects and pursuits. Our judgment is sound, and practical matters are a significant focus.

The void Moon occurs from 11:54 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Saturday, April 23rd, at 2:18 AM EDT.

APRIL 23

The Last Quarter Moon occurs this morning with the Aquarius Moon’s square to the Sun–a signal to review and sort rather than push something new. Until the New Moon/Solar Eclipse on the 30th, it’s a generally better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and let go if necessary. We’re sorting out what does and doesn’t work for us. With a Mercury-Node alignment today, learning, teaching, and communicating figure strongly. We might make valuable contact with people who share our intellectual interests or introduce us to new ideas that help us grow, improve, and expand. Or, we might connect with information that similarly moves us forward and challenges us to grow. The Moon enters Aquarius today at 2:18 AM EDT, bringing friendly, progressive, and intelligent energy to our lives.

The void Moon continues until the Moon enters Aquarius today at 2:18 AM EDT.

 

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 Scorpio

 Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2022 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits