This Week in Astrology: April 8 to 14, 2018

April 8 to 14, 2018

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 to you? What can be done now?

Last Quarter Moon Chart: April 8, 2018

This phase of the Moon occurs at 18 degrees and 24 minutes of Capricorn forming a square to the Sun at 18 degrees and 24 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 16 to 20 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Mar 17, 2018, 9:11 AM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Mar 24, 2018, 11:35 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Mar 31, 2018, 8:37 AM Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Apr 8, 2018, 3:17 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Apr 15, 2018, 9:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Aries; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Taurus; Mars is in Capricorn.

The Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 19th. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive, and we 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 March 6-May 13. 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 Taurus from March 31-April 24. In Taurus, Venus is very sensual (naturally), content, and 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. 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.

Mars is in Capricorn from March 17-May 16. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable and faithful. We are slow to anger but can be quite cold if we are frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity.

Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.

Jupiter entered Scorpio on October 10th, 2017, and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011, and will transit Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. 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.

Mercury is retrograde this week.

Mercury’s Retrograde Cycle in Aries from March 22-April 15, 2018

Mercury’s shadow period begins/enters Rx zone: March 8, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′
Mercury stations and turns retrograde: March 22, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′ Rx
Mercury stations and turns direct: April 15, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′
Mercury ends its shadow period/leaves Rx zone: May 3, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′

Times are Eastern

Mercury is retrograde from March 22nd to April 15th. Mercury’s shadow period begins March 8th, 2018, and ends May 3rd, 2018.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrogrades shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years, and this may not be ideal.

Also note that things are most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.

Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering.

There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized.

Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Mercury retrograde is powerful for studies, particularly for returning to old studies or for re-learning or refreshing knowledge in a subject already taken.

Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.

It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is quite likely once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some “outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period.

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (March 22nd and April 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun on April 1st (midway between the start and end of the retro period). If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

With Mercury retrograde in Aries: We might look at past decisions and ideas from a new, possibly enlightened perspective. This is a time for reconsidering an initiative or venture. It’s strong for returning to an old project or pursuit. It can be a time of tension, however, as Mercury in Aries wants immediate answers and retrograde Mercury can point to delays and indecision. The shortness of Mercury in Aries communications is magnified making it necessary to be especially careful with our choice of topics and wording. The chances of sharp or brusque comments doing some damage run high.

We may be returning to past projects and refining or tweaking them. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycle them in new ways, even though Mercury in Aries prefers the new to the old. We might consider renewing past ventures where we may have had false starts, but this should be done in a new way for things to work this time around. With Mercury in Aries, we prefer to learn from hands-on experience rather than instruction, and not listening during this Mercury retrograde period can be especially costly.

Keep in mind that Mercury in Aries’ haste to communicate (or perhaps more accurately, to get communications out of the way) can work against us or can be more consequential during Mercury retrograde — there can be texts or emails sent to the wrong people, for example, or quick commentary that’s considered careless. Read more about Mercury Retrograde.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Taurus from March 31-April 24. 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.

This week: On Tuesday to Thursday, while we can be a little self-protective or worried about being vulnerable with others, we’re also more open to understanding one another and we’re excited about joining forces.

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

Venus in Taurus March 31-April 24. 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 semi-square Neptune March 30. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus trine Saturn April 6-7. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism and maturity in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor, and have much potential to last.

Venus trine Mars April 10-11. Sexual attraction, romantic activities, and fertility are favored. This is one of the best times to enhance a relationship. Excellent time for starting a new relationship, all things equal.

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 sextile Neptune April 11-12. 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 semi-square Mercury April 15-16. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.

Venus opposition Jupiter April 16-17. We are easily bored with the everyday responsibilities and routines of our love lives, and are now inclined to dramatize our lives. As a result, our love natures are strong, but insatiable. We may overstate our feelings as we temporarily overvalue someone; or we face challenges in our relationships due to overblown expectations. We are itching for adventure and fun, but the wisest course of action is to avoid ignoring our responsibilities (and reality) in our efforts towards self-gratification.

Venus trine Pluto April 16-17. 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 sesquiquadrate Saturn April 19. 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.

The Moon & Timing

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 following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, April 8th, from 10:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Monday, April 9th, at 2:50 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, April 11th, from 10:55 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 2:40 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, April 13th, from 7:27 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:26 PM EDT.

April 2018:

Void of Course Chart: April 2018

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 this week from Wednesday, April 11th, at approximately 2:45 PM EDT, until Friday, April 13th, at approximately 7:20 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces. Mercury is retrograde during this window.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Mar 6, 2018 2:34 AM
Mercury enters Aries
Mar 6, 2018 6:45 PM Venus enters Aries
Mar 8, 2018 11:46 PM Jupiter Retrograde
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 17, 2018 12:40 PM Mars enters Capricorn
Mar 20, 2018 12:15 PM Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2018 8:19 PM Mercury Retrograde
Mar 29, 2018 9:31 PM Pallas enters Gemini
Mar 31, 2018 12:54 AM Venus enters Taurus
Apr 1, 2018 9:44 PM Vesta enters Capricorn
Apr 15, 2018 5:21 AM Mercury Direct
Apr 17, 2018 4:09 AM Chiron enters Aries
Apr 17, 2018 9:47 PM Saturn Retrograde
Apr 19, 2018 11:12 PM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 22, 2018 11:26 AM Pluto Retrograde
Apr 24, 2018 12:40 PM Venus enters Gemini
Apr 28, 2018 3:44 AM Juno enters Aries
May 8, 2018 3:52 AM Vesta Retrograde
May 13, 2018 8:40 AM Mercury enters Taurus
May 15, 2018 11:16 AM Uranus enters Taurus
May 16, 2018 12:55 AM Mars enters Aquarius
May 19, 2018 9:10 AM Venus enters Cancer
May 20, 2018 10:15 PM Sun enters Gemini
May 21, 2018 9:06 AM Pallas enters Cancer
May 29, 2018 7:49 PM Mercury enters Gemini

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar for April 8 to 14th, 2018

This Week in Astrology Calendar for April 8 to 14, 2018

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We experience information overload, and we neglect to consider details. People tend to exaggerate today.

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.

Venus trine Mars. Romantic activity, sexual attraction, creative action and self-expression in business and the arts, active participation in social functions, and creative initiative are favored under this influence. It’s easy to act upon our social and romantic needs successfully.

Sun inconjunct (quincunx) Jupiter. The desire to experience something new or for more freedom to explore can amount to restlessness if we don’t know what it is we want. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits, so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences.

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 sextile Neptune. We are more imaginative and attuned to the world of beauty and romance today. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level is possible now.

Jupiter sextile Pluto. This transit generally favors business, the law, and commerce. We might enjoy increased influence, faith, and insight now. The desire for more personal significance can lead us to give of ourselves or motivate us to more ambitiously pursue personal or professional goals. The ability to sway or persuade can be enhanced now. One of the most positive uses of this transit is taking steps to better ourselves. We might solve a problem that has been in existence for some time, or capitalize upon a resource that was previously hidden.

Mars sextile Neptune. Inspiration might be found now, and our intuition is strong. This influence favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, entertainment. There can be letting go of anger, or a softening of the disposition 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.

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 8

The Last Quarter Moon is exact early today when the Sun in Aries forms a square with the Moon in Capricorn. This 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. This process is 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. This is a comparatively more mature time in the lunar cycle. Even so, this morning we can be a little scattered or impractical. Mercury in dynamic aspect to Jupiter can stimulate some restlessness and a tendency to overlook details. The Moon spends the full day in Capricorn, however, and we’re emotionally geared to see the practical side of things.

The Moon is void from 10:40 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Monday, April 9th, at 2:50 AM EDT.

APRIL 9

We find it exceptionally easy reconciling our thinking with our feelings today, and we feel confident about our attachments and commitments as well as our ideas. We might come to satisfying conclusions about matters that previously baffled us. This is a good time for rebuilding or redesigning projects, instruction, guidance and organizing our thoughts and things. We can enjoy making plans, lists, and connections now, and we’re more inclined to consider the emotional component in our interactions to everyone’s benefit. The Moon moves into Aquarius early today (at 2:50 AM EDT) and its harmony with Mercury today helps us get our message across well, even with Mercury still retrograde. We have an emotional need for freedom and independence, and we thrive on intellectual stimulation, change, and unusual or unconventional experiences.

The Moon ends its void period at 2:50 AM EDT, when it enters Aquarius.

APRIL 10

The Sun moves towards a square to Pluto today, which can push fears and buried matter to the surface. Putting faith and trust in others (or in life/the process) can be difficult. This aspect is strong for identifying areas of over-attachment, but we may find it difficult to let go and unwind. It’s important to avoid trying 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, and fears of betrayal or loss can be stimulated. Even so, a Venus-Mars trine is also forming and influences today, and this creative influence encourages friendly competition, although there can be a deeper or darker agenda in some cases with the Sun-Pluto square active as well. Romantic activity, sexual attraction, creative action and self-expression in business and the arts, active participation in social functions, and creative initiative are favored under this influence. It’s easy to act upon our social and romantic needs now. The Moon spends the day in Aquarius.

APRIL 11

The Sun forms a quincunx to Jupiter this morning, coming right off a square to Pluto, and there can be some problems coming to satisfying conclusions or decisions. This influence can serve to contrast two very different drives and goals, and it can be difficult to know our next step as a result. The desire to experience something new, or for more freedom to explore, can amount to restlessness if we don’t know what it is we want. With Aries and Scorpio involved, independence and intimacy may be strong drives, but we have difficulty integrating the two. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits so that we can free ourselves up for new experiences. Later today, Venus is semi-square Chiron, and we’re inclined to focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships, which works for us only if we make a concerted effort to learn from the differences. The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 2:40 PM EDT when it enters Pisces.

The Moon is void from 10:55 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 2:40 PM EDT.

APRIL 12

With recent doubts and suspicions or cynicism, today’s Venus-Neptune sextile seems to come at just the right time. We are more imaginative and attuned to the world of beauty and romance today, and we tend to approach one another more gently. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level is possible now, as we are inclined to see spiritual dimensions of our relationships and to approach others with compassion. As well, the Moon is in Pisces all day, reinforcing the inclination to forgive and release.

APRIL 13

The Moon transits Pisces most of the day, until 11:26 PM EDT. The Moon forms a sextile with Pluto and a trine to Jupiter as these bodies head towards a sextile. Jupiter and Pluto first formed a sextile in January and will form again exactly in September. This is a strong influence for increased confidence, faith, and insight, as well as for nurturing our ambitions. We’re good at employing strategy, seeing its value. The desire for more personal significance can lead us to give of ourselves or motivate us to pursue personal or professional goals more ambitiously. The ability to sway or persuade can be enhanced now. We might take steps to better ourselves, solve a long-standing problem, or capitalize upon a resource that was previously hidden. The Moon enters Aries at 11:26 PM EDT, the first sign of the zodiac, and we may be itching to start anew.

The Moon is void from 7:27 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:26 PM EDT.

APRIL 14

This morning, a Jupiter-Pluto sextile is exact. This aspect first perfected in January and will perfect for the final time in September. This is a strong influence for increased confidence, faith, and insight, as well as for nurturing our ambitions. We’re good at employing strategy, seeing its value. The desire for more personal significance can lead us to give of ourselves or motivate us to pursue personal or professional goals more ambitiously. The ability to sway or persuade can be enhanced now. We might take steps to better ourselves, solve a long-standing problem, or capitalize upon a resource that was previously hidden. Also today, Mars forms a sextile to Neptune, which is gently inspiring and boosting. Intuition is useful, and creative arts thrive. There can be the letting go of anger, or a softening of the disposition now. This is particularly useful since the Moon is currently Balsamic with the New Moon happening tomorrow. It’s better to wind down now. Mercury is also about to station direct, and as the station occurs, there can be some mixed signals to deal with until we adapt to the shift.

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 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.

When the Moon is in Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 15th to 21st, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 22 to 28, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 29th to May 5th, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 6 to 12, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 13 to 19, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar for May 20 to 26, 2018

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!

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.

Venus in Taurus March 31-April 24. 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.

Mars in Capricorn With this new cycle taking hold in your life now, taking charge and being in control become more important issues for you. You want to get things organized, and you have the initiative to do it. This is a time of ambition and responsibility, a time to keep your cool and pace yourself. Working hard is smart, but working smart is better.

Jupiter in Scorpio The phase now beginning for you emphasizes fixing what is broken or unhealthy, thereby giving it a new lease on life. This is more than one person alone can handle, so the cooperation of others is essential. You give up something in order to get or create something, and you may not understand the reasons why at the time. Sex, money, power, and vitality become key issues.

Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means.

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?

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