This Week in Astrology: April 12 to 18, 2020

This Week in Astrology: April 12 to 18, 2020

 

April 12 to 18, 2020

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and 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 Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 6:56 PM EDT.

On Tuesday, 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 Moon aligns with Jupiter and Pluto such that the Sun is not only square the Moon, but also square Jupiter and Pluto at this Quarter Moon. These influences suggest a challenge or struggle as we attempt to make mature choices now. We may be clashing with those in authority, or we’re frustrated as our sense of responsibility and of the right/mature path conflicts with our personal plans.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 25 degrees and 27 minutes of Capricorn square the Sun at 25 degrees and 27 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 15 to 23 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Aries; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Aquarius.

The Sun is in Aries from March 19/20-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 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 Aries from April 11-27. 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.

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. 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 attitude now. We are sociable, communicative, and interested. We can be animated and fun but may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions now may begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level with Venus in Gemini. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness.

Mars is in Aquarius from March 30-May 13. Dynamic yet erratic energy levels, achieving our goals through hit or miss tactics, and impersonal expression of anger are characteristics of Mars in Aquarius. We are team players–cooperative and less concerned about personal power. We are attracted to unconventional methods, and tend to approach problems from an intellectual, detached perspective.

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Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.

In 2020, Saturn divides its time between the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here. Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus first transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and is now consistently in the sign (since March 6th, 2019) until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how 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. 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. 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. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 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, we can feel quite committed to getting along. We’re willing to put effort into our relationships. However, Tuesday through Thursday, Venus clashes with Jupiter-Pluto in a minor way, but it can nevertheless stir some restlessness with things as they are. Expectations raise, or we become aware of unmet needs and desires, and it bothers us now. By Friday, we’re ready to talk things through, ready to compromise, and believe that clarifications are the key to better compatibility.

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

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes naturally 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 Chiron April 10. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto April 14-15. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter April 16-17. 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 sextile Mercury April 17-18. 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 sesquiquadrate Saturn April 25. 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 semi-square Mercury April 28-29. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, April 12th, from 7:46 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 8:06 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, April 14th, from 7:48 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Wednesday, April 15th, at 3:38 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, April 17th, from 10:35 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 2:30 PM EDT.

April 2020:

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

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

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs on Sunday, April 12th, from approximately 3:00 AM to 7:45 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Sagittarius. A short window occurs on Tuesday, April 14th from approximately 7:20 PM to 7:45 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Capricorn. Another window occurs from Wednesday, April 15th, at approximately 4:10 PM EDT, until Friday, April 17th, at approximately 10:30 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:

Jan 31,
2020     2:59 AM Ceres enters Aquarius
Feb  3, 2020     6:37 AM  Mercury enters Pisces
Feb  7, 2020     3:02 PM  Venus enters Aries
Feb  8, 2020    12:59 PM Juno Retrograde
Feb 16, 2020     6:33 AM Mars enters Capricorn
Feb 16, 2020     7:54 PM  Mercury Retrograde
Feb 18, 2020    11:57 PM  Sun enters Pisces
Mar  4, 2020     6:07 AM  Mercury Retrograde enters Aquarius
Mar  4, 2020    10:07 PM  Venus enters Taurus
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 16, 2020     3:42 AM  Mercury enters Pisces
Mar 19, 2020    11:49 PM  Sun enters Aries
Mar 21, 2020     1:06 AM  Vesta enters Gemini
Mar 21, 2020    11:58 PM  Saturn enters Aquarius
Mar 30, 2020     3:43 PM  Mars enters Aquarius
Apr  3, 2020     1:10 PM   Venus enters Gemini
Apr 11, 2020    12:48 AM  Mercury enters Aries
Apr 19, 2020    10:45 AM   Sun enters Taurus
Apr 23, 2020     4:16 PM   Ceres enters Pisces
Apr 27, 2020     3:53 PM   Mercury 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 2020 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

 

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.

Mercury conjunct Chiron. Our intuitive understanding increases. This influence can stimulate us to open our minds and to learn from circumstances and from others. Sudden awareness spurs us to grow and improve. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general. There may be some hyper-sensitivity to what is communicated now, however.

Sun square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality. Channeled well, this energy can represent creative power.

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.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. Problems in our personal life likely won’t get resolved under this influence. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is strong.

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.

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.

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 – or the Transits for Here and Now chart wheel.

See also: The Astrology of 2020 – 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 new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

APRIL 12

The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 8:06 PM EDT, harmonizing with the Aries Sun this morning. We set our sights high with this Moon transit. Optimism is one of the positive traits of this position; neglecting to see the essential details of a plan is a weakness. We’re more outgoing and interested in gaining knowledge and experience, and we’re in an excellent position to cooperate. The Moon enters organized Capricorn at 8:06 PM EDT. Our responsibilities and practical priorities come into sharper focus.

The void Moon occurs from 7:46 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 8:06 PM EDT.

APRIL 13

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Capricorn, and we are cautious and draw upon common sense when making decisions. Flexibility is not a strong point just now, but we can also be quite single-minded, determined, and thorough. Our careers, long-term plans, or objectives are in focus with the Moon in this practical sign. The Sun and Pluto are heading toward a square aspect, exact tomorrow morning, and there can be some tension brewing. We can be feeling quite a bit of pressure to change, make something happen, or make a choice now. We’re inclined to be at battle with ourselves and/or others, as putting faith and trust in people and perhaps life itself can be difficult in spots, although an upcoming Sun-Jupiter square can have us swinging between too little and too much confidence. There can be a tendency to want to manipulate or connive to get what we want now. It’s better to draw upon self-control and wait things out to gain some perspective. This square is tying into tomorrow’s Quarter Moon and is just behind the Sun-Jupiter square, suggesting that we feel pushed to take a mature path, but it’s not easy to let go of our plans or sense of personal freedom in the process.

APRIL 14

The Sun-Pluto square perfects this morning, and trusting in others (or in life/the process) can be difficult. This aspect is reliable for identifying areas of over-attachment, but we may find it difficult to let go and unwind while it’s active. It’s essential 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. 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. The Last Quarter Moon occurs today, and with the Sun square Pluto and about to square Jupiter, there can be a challenge or struggle as we attempt to make mature choices. We may be clashing with those in authority, or we’re frustrated as our sense of responsibility and of the right/mature path conflicts with our personal plans. Fortunately, Mercury aligns with Chiron, exact shortly into the day tomorrow, and while revelations can be messy, this influence opens us up to learning and healing. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Capricorn.

The void Moon occurs from 7:48 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aquarius tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15th, at 3:38 AM EDT.

APRIL 15

The Sun’s square to Jupiter perfects this morning, and this is extravagant energy. We can find ourselves eager to expand, and while our ideas are big, we’re reminded of the limits of our capabilities and must adjust accordingly. While the Sun’s square to Jupiter can stimulate much optimism and elevated moods, our state of mind is fragile as things are overblown or unrealistic. We can feel some discontent, leading us to seek more meaning, growth, or change. We should watch for trying to reach too far, overestimating our energy levels or the time we might invest in a commitment. We would do well to remind ourselves that going bigger isn’t always in our best interests. With Venus in dynamic aspect to Pluto this afternoon, we’re taking our relationships, social life, pastimes, and possessions a little more seriously, possibly also fearing their loss or loss of power/control. This influence can point to some underlying tensions, doubts, or jealousies in our interactions. However, with both Venus and Mars trine Juno, we quite readily discover ways to make our vulnerabilities work for us later today. Social skills strengthen as we share power and validate one another’s input and opinions. The Moon finishes up in Capricorn at 3:38 AM EDT, after which the Moon transits Aquarius.

The void Moon period continues until the Moon enters Aquarius at 3:38 AM EDT.

APRIL 16

The Moon is in Aquarius all day, and we prefer to be impartial, fair, and honest. We gravitate toward new and unique ways of approaching the world around us. A Venus-Jupiter sesquiquadrate occurs early tomorrow but influences today. It suggests some tendency to want more from our pleasures, pastimes, money, or love life, but it can be challenging to pinpoint or find what we’re seeking. We may end up wasting our time more often than not, although if we can focus on satisfying recreation, there’s no loss. This influence can serve to exaggerate our feelings, wants, and perceived needs. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is with us. It’s best to manage impulsiveness and hastiness.

APRIL 17

The Moon continues its transit of brilliant Aquarius until 2:30 PM EDT, after which the Moon is in compassionate Pisces. Mercury is heading toward a sextile to Venus, exact very early tomorrow. Mercury will form a sextile with Mars later in the day tomorrow, as Mercury heads toward the midpoint of Venus and Mars. This is a time for a special appreciation and understanding of the arts and attention to creative or romantic communications. We communicate with added warmth and style. The Mercury-Venus sextile brings compromises, agreements, negotiations, and clarification of feelings to the fore. This transit favors diplomacy, charm, social graces, presentation of ideas, romantic overtures, teaching, business deals, publishing, commerce, public relations, and joint ventures or partnerships. We’re inclined to verbalize or analyze our feelings and relationships.

The void Moon occurs from 10:35 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 2:30 PM EDT.

APRIL 18

The Moon transits Pisces, bringing understanding, caring, and a little diffuse or meandering energy to the day. The Pisces Moon is compassionate and spiritual, generally encouraging an intuitive approach to the day. Still, Mercury forms a sextile with Venus very early today and with Mars tonight. We can be especially alert and observant, as well as incredibly resourceful. Our minds are busy, and our speech is enthusiastic; or, we may quickly get to the point or a decision/conclusion. We find it rather easy to “walk the talk” and to put ideas into motion. This can be a very productive time.

 

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 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 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits