This Week in Astrology: April 16 to 22, 2017

April 16 to 22, 2017

On Wednesday morning, 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 some sort of 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 for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 29 degrees and 32 minutes of Capricorn forming a square to the Sun at 29 degrees and 32 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 28 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and 0 to 2 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The FULL MOON occurred on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 2:09 AM EDT.

The Full Moon occurred early Tuesday, April 11th, when the Sun in Aries forms an opposition to the Libra Moon. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Aries-Libra polarity is a relationship axis, where Aries represents “self” and Libra represents “other”. Where Aries is about self-assertion, Libra is about compromise. The energy of the Libra Moon is the awareness of the need for relationships and all that comes with maintaining them — compromising, negotiating, graciousness, and balancing. The Aries Sun, on the other hand, is self-assertive, leading, and personally courageous. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between meeting our personal needs and tending to the needs of a significant other, and between independence or autonomy and dependence or companionability.

The Libra Moon is diplomatic, equality-minded, and fair-minded. The Aries Sun, however, values authenticity over tact and is energized by independent efforts. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

This Full Moon ties in with the Jupiter-Uranus-Pluto t-square, and feelings can be quite blown up now.

With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as emotions burst forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is new and not particularly rational as yet. Full Moons are about exposing or illuminating issues that are already there, but that have not yet been dealt with. Where does the Full Moon fall by house in your natal chart? Read more here.

Chart of the Full Moon in Libra on April 11, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurred at 21 degrees and 33 minutes of Libra opposing the Sun at 21 degrees and 33 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 18 to 26 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Mar 27, 2017, 10:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Apr 3, 2017, 2:39 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Apr 11, 2017, 2:08 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Apr 19, 2017, 5:57 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Apr 26, 2017, 8:16 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Aries until the 19th, after which the Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Taurus until the 20th, after which it returns to Aries; Venus is in Pisces; Mars is in Taurus until the 21st, after which Mars is in Gemini.

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 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 things! 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.

Mercury is in Taurus from March 31-April 20 and then May 16-June 6. 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.

Mercury is in Aries from April 20-May 16. 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 Pisces from April 2-28. 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 victimized or deluded, as well as evasiveness.

Mars is in Taurus from March 9-April 21. With this position, we are determined, stubborn, and resolute. Mars in Taurus can be passive, and is at its strongest when resisting or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars in Aries cycle, we tend to pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. Our goal is longevity and long-term satisfaction.

Mars is in Gemini from April 21-June 4. In Gemini, Mars is considerably more versatile and flexible–and considerably less determined and focused! Our interests become more diversified, possibly to the point of going off on so many tangents that we are scattered and ineffective.

Saturn transits Sagittarius from December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, and then from September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017. Read about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius here.

Jupiter entered Libra on September 9th, 2016, and will transit Libra until October 10, 2017. Read about Jupiter in Libra here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Pisces from April 2 -28. 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 victimized or deluded, as well as evasiveness.

This week: Venus is no longer retrograde and will be in its post-retrograde shadow until May 18th. On the 16th, Mars helps out a sluggish, newly direct Venus via a sextile, and we want to take the initiative and express our feelings physically or through our actions. Venus parallel Chiron on the 18-19 is good for relationship repairs and healing. We also have a slow Venus-Saturn square energy hanging over the week, suggesting some emotional distance or blockage, and completing on the 21st. Ideally, it’s a time for reaching a new level of maturity and realism in your relationships.

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 sextile Mars April 16. This points to success and ease in close personal interactions. We are passionate and sexy. It is a good time for financial ventures, social life, artistic pursuits, romance, and pleasure. We are now able to take the initiative and to achieve harmony and sexual fulfillment. This influence brings satisfaction to the feelings. We may make permanent ties or relationships that prove to be fruitful and fortunate.

Venus parallel Chiron April 18-19. Healing energy is brought to love relationships, and a new cycle begins. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.

Venus square Saturn April 20-21. 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.

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, April 16th, from 2:27 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Saturn), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:06 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, April 19th, from 5:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 6:53 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, April 21st, from 2:24 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Pisces at 3:44 PM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – April 2017

Void of Course Moon Table – April 2017

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

The Moon is waning this week — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, 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 from April 19th at approximately 9:30 AM EDT, until Friday, April 21st, at approximately 2:20 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius. This one is better after the Venus-Saturn square completes at 7:10 AM on the 21st. Note, however, that Mercury is retrograde during this window.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Feb 3, 2017 10:51 AM
Venus enters Aries
Feb 6, 2017 1:52 AM Jupiter Retrograde (Rx)
Feb 7, 2017 4:35 AM Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 18, 2017 6:31 AM Sun enters Pisces
Feb 25, 2017 6:07 PM Mercury enters Pisces
Mar 4, 2017 4:09 AM Venus Rx
Mar 9, 2017 7:34 PM Mars enters Taurus
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 13, 2017 5:07 PM Mercury enters Aries
Mar 20, 2017 6:29 AM Sun enters Aries
Mar 31, 2017 1:30 PM Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 2, 2017 8:25 PM Venus Retrograde enters Pisces
Apr 6, 2017 1:06 AM Saturn Retrograde
Apr 9, 2017 7:14 PM Mercury Retrograde
Apr 15, 2017 6:18 AM Venus Direct
Apr 19, 2017 5:27 PM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 20, 2017 8:48 AM Pluto Retrograde
Apr 20, 2017 1:37 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Aries
Apr 21, 2017 6:32 AM Mars enters Gemini
Apr 28, 2017 9:13 AM Venus enters Aries
Apr 29, 2017 11:40 AM Ceres enters Gemini
May 2, 2017 7:53 PM Vesta enters Leo
May 3, 2017 12:33 PM Mercury Direct
May 9, 2017 2:28 PM True Node Retrograde enters Leo
May 16, 2017 12:07 AM Mercury enters Taurus
May 20, 2017 4:31 PM Sun enters Gemini

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2017 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar – April 16 to 22, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Mars sextile Chiron. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. We can feel a sense of mission. There is likely to be a feeling of fearlessness when it comes to addressing problem areas, and self-confidence as well. There is a drive to take positive action, usually to defend or help others (or ourselves). It’s a strong period for cooperation and purposeful activity.

Venus sextile Mars. This points to success and ease in close personal interactions. We are feeling passionate, warm, expressive, lively and sexy. It is a good time for financial ventures, social life, artistic pursuits, romance, and pleasure. We are now able to take the initiative and to achieve harmony and sexual fulfillment. This influence brings satisfaction to the feelings. We may make permanent ties or relationships that prove to be fruitful and fortunate. Our creativity and desire to make something beautiful are stimulated now.

Sun trine 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 have common sense at our disposal. We are willing to look reality in the eye and to take responsibility for our lives.

Mars quincunx Saturn. Awkward, stop-and-go energy. Attempts to force an issue tend to be thwarted. Indecision or fear can hold us back from taking direct action.

Sun semi-square Neptune. Our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It’s difficult to formulate — or stick to — clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct our willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where we stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It’s a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

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.

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.

This Week

Next Week – may be available in advance.

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.

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

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

APRIL 16

The Moon continues its transit of cheerful, open Sagittarius until 7:06 PM EDT when it enters responsible, dignified Capricorn. Mars forms a sextile to Chiron this morning and to Venus tonight. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. We can feel a pleasant, motivating sense of mission. There is likely to be a feeling of fearlessness when it comes to addressing problem areas. There is a drive to take affirmative action, likely to defend or help others. On this day after Venus turns direct, Venus gets a nice boost via a sextile to Mars later today, supporting flow and ease in close personal interactions. We might make connections that prove to be fruitful and fortunate. We may want to express our affections through the actions we take.

A void of course Moon occurs from 2:27 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Saturn), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 7:06 PM EDT.

APRIL 17

The day has strong Saturn-Capricorn energy, suggesting themes of ambition, order, and maturity. The Moon is in Capricorn all day, and Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn, is involved in two strong aspects today: a trine to the Sun this morning and a quincunx to Mars tonight. This morning, we can enjoy a real sense of strength and pride in our ability to meet our responsibilities. We feel grounded and stable. We are more aware of our limitations–and willing to accept them. As well, we more readily accept the reality of certain situations in our lives. It’s easier to stick to a particular task, especially one that we know has long-term benefits, and make headway. However, the Mars-Saturn quincunx later today has a way of stimulating a glass-half-empty perspective. Rules, restrictions, and limits feel heavy and difficult to coordinate or synthesize with our wants and desires. Timing is off as a result, and the need to adjust our plans can become apparent.

APRIL 18

Shortly into the day, the Sun forms a semi-square with Neptune, and we may temporarily lose focus or sight of our goals. This may be a call to get more rest or take a break from pushing ahead so that we can get back in touch with our intuition or spiritual goals. It’s better not to push for answers at this time. The Moon is in Capricorn again all day, and this time aligns with Pluto and forms squares to Jupiter and Uranus. While we may crave more order and predictability in our lives, outside forces seem to be stirring the pot. We might want to consider whether our ambitions are inflated, or expectations are higher than they need to be, however, as these things may contribute to a feeling of discontent.

APRIL 19

This morning, the Last Quarter Moon is exact as the Sun in Aries forms a square with the Moon in Capricorn. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a form of 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. The Moon enters Aquarius at 5:58 AM EDT. This afternoon, the Sun enters Taurus, where it will transit until May 20th. In Taurus, the Sun is methodical, sensual, and receptive. The Sun in Taurus is most active when it is defending or resisting things! 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. Shadow qualities are possessiveness and bullheadedness. An inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun will occur shortly into the day tomorrow and influences us today. This is a good time for processing recent events and ideas, and for beginning to look at problems or issues from a new perspective and with a new understanding. Significant new ideas can be birthed at this time, and these are likely to have real staying power or importance in our lives. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse. However, we may not have all the facts necessary to come to a conclusion, and might later have to revise plans or decisions made now.

A void of course Moon occurs from 5:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 6:53 AM EDT.

APRIL 20

Pluto is stationary today as it turns retrograde. Pluto’s intense and complex energy hangs heavy in the air under this influence. Over the coming months (Pluto is retrograde until September 28th), we may be reassessing how we use our power. We are not as open about our desire for control or power, and some of us may be less in touch with it during this cycle. The Moon continues its transit of humanitarian Aquarius all day, forming a trine with Jupiter this afternoon and encouraging cooperation and friendliness. The desire to “do good” and to honor our inner code can be strong now. Mercury, still retrograde, moves back into Aries where it will stay until May 16th, although Mercury’s retrograde will end on May 3rd. We may change our minds or reconsider recently begun projects or ventures. We should watch for too hasty communications during this period. Venus and Saturn are about to revisit their square aspect (exact tomorrow morning), and there can be some withholding or socially awkward energy later today as a result.

APRIL 21

Mars enters Gemini today, where it will transit until June 4th. In Gemini, Mars is versatile and flexible but also less determined and focused! Our interests are more diversified, possibly to the point of going off on so many tangents that we are scattered and ineffective. However, we can be excited about our ideas and projects now. This morning, Venus forms a square to Saturn. This aspect first formed in January and then recurred on April 8th while Venus was retrograde. This is the final push to recognize limits and realistic expectations in relationships, with money, and with our pleasures. Insecurities about our relationships, money, or state of comfort can be triggered. The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until it enters Pisces at 3:44 PM EDT. The Pisces Moon is compassionate and spiritual. A Ceres-Chiron-Vesta configuration today is excellent for pouring our energies into growing, improving, and nurturing a relationship or a venture.

A void of course Moon occurs from 2:24 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Pisces at 3:44 PM EDT.

APRIL 22

This is a time for easing up a little with the Moon in Pisces all day, aligning with Pisces’ ruler, Neptune. As well, Mercury forms a semi-square to Neptune, and factual or technical thinking can be challenging as our minds tend to wander and we have trouble focusing. It’s not an ideal time to make a presentation, to ask for what we want, or to formalize agreements. However, we may simply need a break from hard thinking and should do so if it can be managed. We may be evasive or simply avoid conflict or confrontation today.

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 are not inclined to 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.

This Week’s Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends)

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

Sun in Taurus The cycle now dawning in your life emphasizes stability, substance, practicality, and the concept of value – value in the material as well as psycho-spiritual sense. This marks a time of building to last, of appreciating the substantial rather than ephemeral. Consolidating past gains rather than focusing on radical new departures is likely to be a major theme for you during this cycle. Appreciating the finer things of life is another hallmark of this phase, which marks a time when you should be concentrating on “smelling the roses” rather than passing them by in such a hurry.

Mercury in Taurus “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – that’s the key to the way you think at a time like this. Practical, utilitarian ideas are the ones that make the most sense now – putting them to good use is a focus for you. Material things are foremost on your mind in many respects: an emphasis on the real rather than the ideal.

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

Mars in Taurus Making the most of what you’ve got, striving for security and stability: that’s the impulse that stirs in you as a new cycle begins in your life. New frontiers? That’s kid’s stuff for you now! What you want is to build something that will last: a pyramid, a Great Wall – you know, that sort of thing. Steady, patient, solid: that’s your style now.

Mars in Gemini Learning, communicating, the exchange of ideas: these are the experiences you crave as a means to make your mark now, as a new phase begins in your life. You’re a person with something to say, and you realize that others have information that is essential to your goals. A time of much mental energy and initiative … perhaps with an element of conflict tossed in for good measure.

Jupiter in Libra The ties that bind, the harmonious integration of opposites, the perfect balance: these are the keys to your greatest opportunities now. Marriage and other close personal relationships tend to offer bright prospects, and you have a deep yearning to experience the fulfillment they can bring.

Saturn in Sagittarius The new phase now beginning in your life brings a need to break out of narrow concepts and legalistic philosophical or religious ideas. Remember: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Opportunities to broaden your mental horizons may not come with ease, but they are essential if you are to avoid a kind of spiritual stagnation.

Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart.

Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?

Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…

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

What’s In Your Forecast?

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