This Week in Astrology: April 9 to 15, 2017

April 9 to 15, 2017

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 occurs 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; Mercury is in Taurus; Venus is in Pisces; Mars is in Taurus.

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.

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.

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.

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 retrograde again this week until April 15th when it turns direct. This week, there are no major aspects involving Venus. On the day of Venus’ direct station (Saturday), it’s best not to make major decisions about relationships (or money). We also have a slow Venus-Saturn square energy hanging over the week, suggesting some emotional distance or blockage.

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 square Saturn April 7-8. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships may 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 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. 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.

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 9th, from 4:22 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra at 8:35 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, April 11th, from 2:19 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 6:42 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, April 14th, from 12:18 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 6:27 AM 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 waxing this week until the Full Moon on the 11th — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on the 11th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity (not especially good one) occurs from Thursday, April 13th, from approximately 9:05 PM EDT, to Friday, April 14th, at approximately 12:15 AM EDT. Note, however, that both Mercury and Venus are retrograde during this window. (I am not fond of any windows in April.)

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 9 to 15, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Sun conjunct Uranus. A new cycle of independence, progressiveness, and change begins. We are more inclined to accept and appreciate all that is new, unusual, and avant-garde. We have an opportunity to shine for what makes us unique. Favors the media, computers, metaphysical subjects. Restlessness and a need for change. Restrictions are not tolerated now. Our egos are awakened and we seek new ways to express ourselves. There is a need to be creative and unique in our expression of self. This is usually a time to join with groups and/or to become a group leader. It’s also an easy time to make new friends. Sudden, unexpected events can happen out of the blue.

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 9

While we can enjoy a let-up from yesterday’s tense atmosphere, Mercury’s retrograde station today can confuse matters. As the shift from direct to retrograde occurs, there can be some magnification of problems and difficulties understanding directions and one another clearly. Mercury will remain retrograde until May 3rd. It begins its retrograde cycle in Taurus and then returns to Aries on April 20th. Communication can be tricky, and it can be hard to focus on hard facts. During this cycle, our thinking is turned inward, as we review and re-assess matters. 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. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually re-connect us to other, possibly more meaningful, means of communication. The more difficult times are the periods of the shifts themselves – near the stations – after which we grow more and more accustomed.

A void of course Moon occurs from 4:22 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Libra at 8:35 AM EDT.

APRIL 10

We are building to a Full Moon, exact early into the day tomorrow (at 2:09 AM EDT), in the sign of Libra. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between meeting our personal needs and attending 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 values authenticity over tact and is energized by independent efforts. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict. There can be revelations, epiphanies, big reveals, turning points, and culminations today and tomorrow. Our emotional discoveries are large, dramatic, or exaggerated as the Sun aligns with Uranus, opposes the Moon and Jupiter, and forms a square with Pluto. Changes are necessary, and resistance will only serve to attract opposition. Both Venus (Libra’s ruler) and Saturn are slow-moving and square one another, suggesting blocking of satisfaction. The Moon is in Libra all day.

APRIL 11

The Full Moon, discussed yesterday, occurs early in the day – at 2:09 AM EDT – in the sign of Libra. It can have the effect of blowing up feelings into big proportions and increasing our sensitivity in general. While we can become aware of things that were previously hidden or unprocessed, mainly related to relationships, what to do with this information — or our next step — may feel blocked. In fact, this is likely only a delay. The Moon continues its transit of fair-minded Libra until 6:42 PM EDT, after which the Moon transits Scorpio. The Scorpio Moon encourages us to look beyond the surface of matters or to peel back the layers. This influence is set to contrast with the desire of Mercury and Mars in Taurus to keep things simple tomorrow and the next day. Mars and Jupiter are approaching a creative aspect, exact early tomorrow, that stimulates our motivation to produce, act, grow, and improve. We’re anxious to make our own luck. We are very resourceful and can find much to look forward to under this influence.

A void of course Moon occurs from 2:19 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 6:42 PM EDT.

APRIL 12

The Moon is in Scorpio all day. We are likely to be quite bored with anything formal, stuffy, or dry with the Scorpio Moon in harmony with Neptune and a Sun-Uranus parallel influencing the day. Our imagination and ability to empathize are enhanced. We are more inclined to trust our intuition. The Sun is parallel Uranus today, and these two bodies will form a conjunction very early on the 14th. We want to stand out, experience extraordinary things, make a change, and improve ourselves. We need to make room for spontaneity in our lives as we seek out new or unique ways to express ourselves.

APRIL 13

The Moon is in Scorpio all day, and forms a sextile to Pluto this morning, sharpening our perceptions. This influence helps us get in touch with feelings and manage them effectively. There can be a boost to our intimate life, creative impulses, and self-understanding. We might discover new information or uncover hidden information or items. The Moon opposes Mars in Taurus later today, and we can be torn between stubbornly resisting change and embracing it. The Sun and Uranus move towards a conjunction, exact very early tomorrow and a strong influence today. This alignment stimulates change, disruptions, interruptions, new directions, and freedom of movement. Our egos are awakened, and we seek new ways to express ourselves. There can be sudden changes. The day is infused with pioneering, impulsive, and possibly defiant and rebellious energy. A new cycle of independence, progressiveness, and change begins now. We are drawn to what’s unusual or avant-garde, and we might get the opportunity to shine for what makes us unique. There can be some restlessness and a need for change – restrictions are not tolerated now.

APRIL 14

The Sun and Uranus align shortly into the day. Although there has been a tremendous focus on the past in recent days, Sun-Uranus stimulates a desire to make progress and may disrupt to force a change. Some level of detachment or decrease in sentimentality helps us to make necessary changes or break free from limiting circumstances. As well, Mars continues to form creative aspects, encouraging us to take positive action. We may be acting on dreams or ideals now. The Moon finishes its transit of Scorpio at 6:27 AM EDT and enters Sagittarius. The Sagittarius Moon reinforces a need to pull out of ourselves and consider new possibilities. There can be a real need for a change of scenery today.

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:18 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Venus), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 6:27 AM EDT.

APRIL 15

This morning, Venus turns direct after a retrograde period that began in March. Gradually over the next few weeks, matters ruled by Venus (including love and money) will move forward in a more straightforward manner. Our confidence in ourselves and the universe builds, and warmth and affection are easier to express openly. Tact and diplomacy re-emerge, and more clarity is likely to come to our love and social relationships. Today while the shift occurs, we can be confused or disoriented, however. It’s important to be patient and take our time processing our feelings. The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius all day. We are more inclined to lack practicality around the Moon’s square to Neptune this morning. Otherwise, the Sagittarius Moon encourages the pursuit of freedom and truth.

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 Virgo

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

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

When the Moon is in Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others’ approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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