This Week in Astrology: April 9 to 15, 2023

This Week in Astrology: April 9th to 15th, 2023

 

April 9-15, 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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Thursday, April 13th, 2023, at 5:11 AM EDT. 

Early Thursday, 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?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 23 degrees and 11 minutes of Capricorn square the Sun at 23 degrees and 11 minutes Aries, affecting people with personal planets and points at 21 to 25 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Aries; Mercury is in Taurus; Venus is in Taurus until April 11th, when it enters Gemini; Mars is in Cancer.

The Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 20. 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 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 Taurus from March 16-April 11. 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.

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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Taurus from March 16-April 11. 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.

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 and Tuesday, our willingness to go “all in” can improve a key relationship. Strong attractions and powerful feelings are likely. Later on Tuesday and into Wednesday, however, there can be some reluctance to commit or to show our affections.

On Thursday and Friday, questions of trust can emerge in relationships. We can reach an impasse or obstacle. There can be a checkpoint moment for our relationships. Temporarily, we fear the worst and see the flaws. There can be some emotional distance or blockage, and ideally, it’s a time for reaching a new level of maturity and realism in your relationships. Personal goals can very much clash with social life goals.

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 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 sextile Neptune April 6-7. 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 trine Pluto April 10-11. Powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions. Relationships are intense and deep, but not draining.

Venus semi-square Chiron April 11-12. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

Venus contraparallel Pluto April 13. 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 square Saturn April 13-14. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships are likely to be strained as we express our affections cautiously and sparingly. If we believe we are not getting what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships. This is not a good time to begin a new relationship–new ones begun now are likely to be stamped with themes of duty and restriction.

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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, April 9th, from 5:09 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Venus), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 8:57 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, April 11th, from 6:48 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 1:33 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, April 13th, from 10:14 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 4:42 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, April 15th, from 11:16 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 6:57 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 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 from Friday, April 14th, at approximately 11:10 PM EDT, until Saturday, April 15th, at approximately 11:10 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius.

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

Venus trine Pluto. An excellent time for finances and for relationships, all things equal. Our feelings are intense and impassioned, but not in an offensive or destructive way. The need to share on deeper levels is strong now. A spiritual regeneration through love is possible.

Sun conjunct Jupiter. Vitality increases as we build our confidence. We feel more generous, optimistic, and sociable under this influence. We might hunger for increased recognition and respect, and, with our generous attitude and concern for others’ well-being, we might just get what we want. This is a good time to take steps to grow something–our business, our significant relationships, and so forth. This transit also favors legal, educational, religious, and cultural endeavors.

Mercury semi-square Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

Venus semi-square Chiron. Blocks to intimacy are possible now as we focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships with others. We might have a hard time learning from one another as a result.

Venus square Saturn. Gaining what we want is challenging under this influence, due to negative attitudes and the tendency to need more than what is possible. Difficulties socializing with others stem from an increased sensitivity to rejection as well as stiffness with the affections. Emotional distance in relationships. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be “money pits” as time passes.

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 9

The Moon continues its transit of astute, emotionally intense Scorpio until 8:57 AM EDT, after which the Sagittarius Moon is outgoing and ardent. We’re optimistic and far-sighted. However, in the hours surrounding the Moon’s square to Saturn this afternoon, our responsibilities to others can clash with our forward-looking emotional orientation. A Mercury-Uranus parallel today promotes exciting ideas. We’re not interested in recycling old ideas; we are embracing new concepts. Routines may feel particularly stifling.

The Moon is void from 5:09 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Venus), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 8:57 AM EDT.

APRIL 10

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 Moon forms trines to Chiron, the Sun, and Jupiter, promoting cooperation, encouragement, and reconciliation. Because we’re not inclined to worry over details or rely too heavily on rationale today, it’s easier to see the bigger picture. With Uranus and Juno aligning today, it can be a time of dynamic, positive group activities and friendly energy in our relationships. We can be together and give one another space simultaneously, accepting and respecting individuality. Our interactions are fresh, progressive, and inspiring, and we’re ready to cooperate and make changes.

APRIL 11

Venus enters Gemini this morning and quickly forms a trine to Pluto. With Venus in Gemini until May 11th, curiosity motivates us on romantic and social levels. We seek variety and are particularly sociable, engaged, interested, and communicative. We have a strong sense of fun but may also maintain some distance on an emotional level. Attractions may begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level with Venus in Gemini, but we can also be rather fickle with our affections and pleasures. With the Venus-Pluto trine this morning, we can feel pleasantly passionate and focused on a person, situation, connection, or project. The need to share or enjoy life on more profound levels is strong. This influence helps us connect with what we most love and cherish. We might narrow our focus to our advantage under this influence. We seek to grow, improve, or develop our attachments. Recognizing the value of patience, we’re more strategic and likely to gain new insight into business and personal relationships.

The Sun forms its annual conjunction with Jupiter this evening, this year in the sign of Aries, and we can be especially aware of our desire to grow, improve, or expand. We’re enterprising and positive. It’s a time of discovery and renewed joy, faith, and optimism. We can be more motivated to give than receive–this influence increases generosity and optimism. With this transit, our vitality soars as we build our confidence. We value integrity and wisdom, and we can be motivated to seek more recognition and respect. This influence favors reasonable legal, educational, religious, financial, and cultural endeavors. At this time, we attract luck and rich life experiences through initiative, taking the lead, and demonstrating enthusiasm and courage.

The Moon is void from 6:48 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 1:33 PM EDT.

APRIL 12

The Moon spends the day in practical Capricorn. With this morning’s Moon-Mars opposition, however, we might deal with impatience and combativeness. We can be quick to react. This transit stirs our need for action, activity, and challenges, which can feel at odds with our emotional orientation. It excites our passions, although we may feel less in control of them than usual. Fortunately, the Capricorn Moon harmonizes with Mercury and Uranus, and we enjoy making small changes that benefit our projects. We are cautious and draw upon common sense when making decisions with this practical Moon position that encourages us to pay attention to structures, rules, and goals. However, we’re open to gentle change and input.

APRIL 13

The Last Quarter Moon occurs this morning when the Capricorn Moon forms a square to the Aries Sun. Our sense of responsibility or the proper/mature path can conflict with our personal plans. During the upcoming week before the New Moon/Solar Eclipse (on the 20th), it’s not ideal to start a significant project. Instead, it’s time to finish details and tie up loose ends. We can channel the quarter Moon’s crisis-oriented energy into productivity or stress ourselves out. The Capricorn Moon is responsible, astute, and security-oriented, and it continues until 4:42 PM EDT today, when the Moon moves into Aquarius, stirring our desire to mingle and share.

The Moon is void from 10:14 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 4:42 PM EDT.

APRIL 14

Saturn forms a sextile to the True Moon’s North Node today, and we’re investing in our growth, development, and desire to improve. We are ready to commit to methods and attitudes that serve our purpose, leaving behind those no longer serving our growth. Our conscience is well-developed. This aspect strengthens our ability to see a genuine opportunity and boosts our ability to work with elders or more experienced people to achieve a goal.

Venus forms a square to Saturn, and we might focus on the negative possibilities, which can be the first step before we get to a place of realism. We could feel unsatisfied, isolated, or unloved, which puts us on guard or defensive with our feelings and affections. Fears are most likely at the root of this. We may feel discouraged on a social level if we don’t receive the feedback we crave. Difficulties in socializing can occur if we are more sensitive to rejection than usual. There may be a lesson or reality check with matters of the heart, pleasure, or finances. Temporarily, we’re cautious and unlikely to be free or generous with money or our hearts.

APRIL 15

The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 6:57 PM EDT, harmonizing with Jupiter and the Sun this morning and promoting cooperation, goodwill, and pleasure. This Moon brings friendly, progressive, and intelligent energy to our lives. We gravitate to unusual and different activities. The Pisces Moon from 6:57 PM forward is idealistic and spiritually aware. We’re processing and digesting recent events at this time of the lunar month. This Moon transit also encourages the need to connect with our inner world.

The Moon is void from 11:16 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 6:57 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 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.

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.

 

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