This Week in Astrology: April 23 to 29, 2023

This Week in Astrology: April 23rd to 29th, 2023

 

April 23-29, 2023

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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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Thursday, April 27th, 2023, at 5:20 PM EDT. 

On Thursday, the Taurus Sun and Leo Moon form a square, and a First Quarter Moon occurs. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Any project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 7 degrees and 21 minutes of Leo square the Sun at the same degree of Taurus, and affecting people with personal planets and points at 5 to 9 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 Taurus; Mercury is in Taurus; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Cancer.

The Sun is in Taurus from April 20-May 21. 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 3-June 11. [This transit is longer than usual due to Mercury’s retrograde in Taurus from April 21 to May 14.] 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 Gemini from April 11-May 7. With Venus in Gemini, we have a finger in every pie. Curiosity motivates us on romantic and social levels. “Variety is the spice of life” is the motto now. We are friendly, communicative, charming, and interested.

While it’s a time when we can be animated and fun, we may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions often begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level while Venus is in Gemini. We’re most attracted to mentally interesting people. Sometimes, our curiosity leads us into relationships that we might not form otherwise. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness or disinterest in profundity.

Venus in Gemini is flirtatious, captivating, and adaptable. We ask questions and want to keep things light and lively. During this transit, we do best when we’re mentally engaged and our desire for variety is addressed. Social stimulation is appealing. Good fortune with transportation and communication can figure strongly.

Mars is in Cancer from March 25-May 20. We pursue our interests ardently, but we avoid a direct approach to going after we want while Mars transits Cancer. As well, our goals and plans are subject to mood swings and vacillations. We are defensive rather than overtly aggressive. Much of what we do depends on our current mood of the moment.

We’re also very intuitive and can be moved to take action to bring peace or comfort and safety to our lives during this period. We go to bat for our loved ones. In fact, we’re fiercely protective. It’s a powerful period for putting ego matters aside so that we can push our plans forward. Inner satisfaction and love are generally more important to us than outer achievements at this time. Personal and domestic goals are our priority during this phase.

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Jupiter is in Aries.

Jupiter was in Aries from May 10 to October 28, 2022 before it retreated into Pisces. This was part one of two, with the second and final part in progress, occurring from December 20, 2022, to May 16, 2023. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Aries.

Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces.

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.

Pluto transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from April 11-May 7. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Fickleness with our affections is a strong possibility, but the desire for a meeting of minds is strong and the urge to socialize dominates. Some detachment from our emotions is likely, which may be a breath of fresh air for some. The lines of communication open, although we may only scratch the surface of things. Under this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

This week: On Monday, the 24th, envy, jealousy, and possessiveness can enter the picture if we let fear drive our behavior.

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

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes natural now. A yen for variety is a hallmark of this phase, and this especially applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. (The latter tends to focus on literature in general and poetry in particular.) A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in.

Venus semi-square Jupiter April 17-18. 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 parallel Mars April 22. Romantic intensity, a feeling of fatedness, possessiveness, fear of betrayal, and insecurity in relationships. Questions of trust can emerge in relationships. Looking for a commitment.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto April 24. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus semi-square Mercury May 2-3. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.

Venus square Neptune May 3-4. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit–a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment.

Venus sextile Jupiter May 4. 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, April 24th, from 8:16 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 2:59 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, April 26th, from 7:41 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Thursday, August 27th, at 2:30 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, April 29th, from 6:53 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Virgo at 2:59 PM EDT.

April 2023:

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 waxing this week, which is generally considered favorable 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 from Friday, April 28th, at approximately 4:45 PM EDT, until Saturday, April 29th, at approximately 6:50 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo. Caveat: this window occurs while Mercury is retrograde.

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  7,
2023, 8:35 AM, Saturn enters Pisces
Mar 11, 2023, 11:16 AM, Juno enters Taurus
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 16, 2023, 6:34 PM, Venus enters Taurus
Mar 19, 2023, 12:24 AM, Mercury enters Aries
Mar 20, 2023, 5:24 PM, Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2023, 11:50 PM, Ceres Retrograde enters Virgo
Mar 23, 2023, 8:23 AM, Pluto enters Aquarius
Mar 25, 2023, 7:45 AM, Mars enters Cancer
Apr  3, 2023, 12:22 PM, Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 11, 2023, 12:47 AM, Venus enters Gemini
Apr 15, 2023, 12:58 PM, Vesta enters Taurus
Apr 20, 2023, 4:13 AM, Sun enters Taurus
Apr 21, 2023, 4:35 AM, Mercury Retrograde
May  1, 2023, 1:08 PM, Pluto Retrograde

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

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury sextile Mars. Mental alertness, enthusiasm, and energetic communications figure now. Quick decisions can be made. We are productive and take “busy-ness” in stride. We are alert and aware, and can easily turn ideas into workable projects.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto. This influence can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive and suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions run hot, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness can be brewing just under the surface of things, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us.

Sun sextile Saturn. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a specific task and make headway. Productivity may be slow, but it’s steady. We are taking into account practical considerations and we are especially aware of the element of time. We are more able to discipline ourselves and put our egos aside in order to get the job done.

Venus sextile Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships.

Mars square Chiron. It can be challenging expressing our desires and our anger clearly and directly under this influence. There can be a tendency to rebel against others’ wishes or plans. We may be defensive and touchy, and resentments or frustrations can surface now.

Mars sextile Uranus. This is a period in which we are more willing than usual to take risks and to make necessary changes in our lives. We are naturally bold and assertive, willing to experiment, and conscious of a need to act independently. Our ideas may be ground-breaking, and at the very least progressive. A strong desire to make things happen is with us now.

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 2023 – Overview.

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

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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 23

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and we crave mental stimulation and a variety of interests and things to do or learn. We’re exceptionally responsive and sensitive to what’s happening around us and more adaptive than usual. Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, forms a sextile with Mars tonight, and we can be especially alert and observant, as well as highly resourceful. There is enthusiasm in our conversations and excitement about our interests and discoveries. We can have a strong desire to do something with our ideas, to learn, to teach, or to discuss. We are alert and aware, although possibly self-focused. We’re also willing to put in the effort and dedication necessary to further a mental interest or project. Even so, this is a better time for going over the past than making solid plans for the future due to Mercury’s retrograde. Reviving a past discussion or project can figure strongly now.

APRIL 24

Mercury and Mars just formed a sextile, and Venus comes right between these bodies, forming semi-sextiles to both today. We could struggle with whether to take a direct or indirect approach to get what we want. However, we may be better off recognizing that it doesn’t have to be one way or the other–a combination would be ideal, or else the see-sawing can be confusing to all. It may be all too easy to say things we don’t mean/feel. Still, we’re making an effort to understand one another.

Venus and Pluto form a sesquiquadrate aspect, pointing to underlying tensions in social interactions and relationships. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness can be brewing just under the surface of things, and they are directly proportional to our fear of losing something or someone. Manipulation can color relationships, or financial tensions emerge. Still, it can also be a time to recognize our suppressed needs and desires. Getting into a healthier relationship with these buried needs can help. The Sun and the North Node align today, encouraging and perhaps challenging us to grow, improve, and aspire to our goals. The desire for more security and stability can be a strong motivator now. The Moon continues its transit of connected Gemini until 2:59 PM EDT, when it moves into protective Cancer.

The Moon is void from 8:16 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 2:59 PM EDT.

APRIL 25

This morning, the Sun forms a sextile to Saturn, reminding us to plan and organize. It’s an excellent influence for preparing and attending to our practical affairs. We’re giving our priorities extra attention and our best efforts. This transit helps ground us, or at the least, provides us with a sense of rhythm and helps us pace ourselves. It has the beautiful potential to teach us that humbling ourselves to accept constructive criticism and advice or to recognize areas that need strengthening can be beneficial. It supports disciplining ourselves to bring more purpose and practicality to our lives. Self-awareness leads to realistic plans and goals. We prefer and benefit from conservative, safe moves now. Later today, a Venus-Chiron sextile is generous and warm. We more readily express our accommodating natures and connect with our need for others. We’re open to learning to overcome our insecurities. We might more easily identify the needs and desires we’ve suppressed, and getting into a healthier relationship with this buried matter can help. We’re open to intimacy and sharing and see beauty in our imperfections. As we learn what we genuinely value, our choices and decisions about relationships and finances improve.

APRIL 26

With a Neptune-Juno sextile, we more fully understand one another and feel good about giving others the benefit of the doubt. We can feel empowered by our charitable qualities. With a Saturn-Vesta sextile also in play, we feel good about our work, obligations, and commitments, which we see less as burdens and more as purposeful activities. Independent work is favored. With this transit, we are more disciplined and efficient than usual.  The Moon is in Cancer all day, and we seek safety, familiarity, warmth, and sustenance. This transit encourages us to center ourselves and let go of overthinking. We crave a stronger sense of belonging. The Moon’s harmony with Uranus and Neptune helps us release and let go, boosting our capacity to embrace different or unusual ideas and methods. While the Cancer Moon is traditional and sentimental, we’re not against some minor changes or novel approaches. However, the Moon forms a square to Jupiter this afternoon, and while the overriding need is to detox and calm, there can be tension resulting from conflicts between desires for independence and needs for nurturing.

The Moon is void from 7:41 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Neptune), until the Moon enters Leo the next day, Thursday, August 27th, at 2:30 AM EDT.

APRIL 27

Mars forms a square to Chiron this morning, and old emotional wounds may feel as if they’re wide open. There can be tension and pressure experienced now, as well as some irritability. It can be challenging to express our desires and anger clearly and directly. There can also be a tendency to rebel against others’ wishes or plans. With this aspect in play, we may be defensive and touchy. Ideally, we connect with what’s bringing us down.

With the Moon in Leo from 2:30 AM EDT forward, we more readily move out of our comfort zones to share ourselves and our creations with others. This transit is outgoing, competitive, and loving. Late afternoon, the First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Taurus forms a square with the Moon in Leo. A crisis theme surrounds any quarter Moon phase as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error.

The void Moon continues today until the Moon enters Leo at 2:30 AM EDT.

APRIL 28

The Leo Moon is vibrant and competitive. We take more pride in our actions and creations. This Moon encourages our honorable, proud, and loving qualities. We might seek channels for expressing personal emotional drama or creative potential. We’re generally confident and prepared to take on whatever comes our way with a Leo Moon, but we also seek feedback and interaction. The Leo Moon’s square to Uranus suggests stubborn sticking to our methods. Rules and limitations are hard to take.

APRIL 29

We’re motivated to get out of a rut, innovate, or entertain new methods as Mars forms a sextile to Uranus today. We gravitate to new and unique ways of approaching the world around us. In the name of progress, we can be determined to let go of grudges or baggage. Working toward our dreams and inspired goals comes naturally now. At the same time, we hold the power of detachment that helps us choose paths that work in our favor. The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 2:59 PM EDT, after which the Virgo Moon encourages attention to detail. The need to get organized can come on strongly.

The Moon is void from 6:53 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Virgo at 2:59 PM 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 Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

When the Moon is in Cancer

 The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

 

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 2023 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits