APRIL 2005

Two eclipses occur this month. The first is a Solar Eclipse on the 8th at 19 degrees Aries. It relates to independence and self-direction. The second is a Lunar Eclipse on the 24th at 4 degrees Scorpio. It relates to motivation, commitment and management of resources. The eclipses influence an individual’s chart according to the houses in which they occur (see Sun Signs). Solar eclipses affect an issue or situation for about a year and Lunar Eclipses for about six months. The previous occurrence of eclipses at these degrees was 19 years ago in April of 1986. The Sun in Aries until the 19th joins Mercury, Venus and the North Node supporting self-reliance, initiation, pioneering and independence as well as individual needs and contributions. The Moon’s North Node conjuncts the Sun on the 22nd and 23rd, focusing this energy. The Sun in Taurus after the 19th supports Venus in Taurus with attention to the earth, flowers, gardens, planting crops, residence beautification and maintenance property as well as personal rehabilitation and making improvements in health, looks and wardrobe. For the first half of the month the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Aries emphasizes the individual, initiation, new beginning, pioneering and unique contributions. They are supported by the Moon’s North Node (life path/destiny), also in Aries until June of 2006. However, the South Node in Libra reminds us that consideration of others is the balancing factor on the other side of individual desires.

Mercury (communications, writing, contracts, commerce) stays retrograde in Aries until the 12th when it turns direct at 1 degree Aries. In Aries, Mercury can be abrupt, impulsive or spontaneous. Mercury entered the shadow of the retrograde on March 6th and went retrograde on March 19th at 14 degrees Aries. Note how you as well as others communicated according to their own agenda. The windup of the retrograde cycle occurs from April 14th to 30th. Between March 6th and 19th a situation or issue arose relating to thinking for yourself or initiation of a new idea or direction. Between March 19th and April 12th the preparation, planning, review and transition takes place to get ready for the direct motion of Mercury on April 12th. Between April 12th and 30th decisions can be confirmed, details finalized, agreements completed and possibilities realized.

Venus (values, money, social connections) in Aries until the 15th values independence, individuality, pioneering and focus on the self. On the negative side, Venus in Aries can be selfish. However, selfishness is not necessarily a bad quality. It is occasionally good to focus on the value of self with unique contributions, desires and goals. Venus in Taurus after the 15th values comfort, security, pleasure, beautification, improvement and rehabilitation. It supports the earth for gardening, flowers and planting.

Mars (initiation, energy, aggression) in Aquarius all month supports humanitarian and global efforts such as Tsunami disaster relief. In Aquarius, Mars acts for the sake of the group, friends, society or the community. It could also heat up arguments on both sides of political questions such as Social Security privatization and the appointment of “friends” by the President.

Jupiter (expansion, opportunity, optimism, travel, foreign trade, education, religion) retrogrades from 14 to 10 degrees Libra, its position in November/December 2004 and where it will be in July and August 2005. Jupiter will retrograde until June 5th when it turns to direct motion at 8 degrees. Birthdays affected most are October 4th-7th, March 31st-April 4th, January 1st-4th and July 2nd-6th as well as persons whose charts have planets or angles from 10 to 14 degrees Libra, Aries, Cancer and Capricorn. Jupiter in Libra brings opportunity thru mediation, cooperation, fairness, arbitration to achieve win-win outcomes. Ruled by Venus, Libra brings a renewed interest in culture, art, music, decorating, romance and relationships. Attention to these helps nurture each other, sharing each person’s unique talents for self-expression.

Saturn (structure, foundation, responsibility) transits 20 to 21 degrees Cancer where it was in August 2004 and February/March of 2005. Saturn entered Cancer in June 2003, bringing restructuring, career shifts and changes in responsibility to Cancerians. Saturn in Cancer has raised issues of security, new families, residence, consolidation of family resources as well as challenges in food service, building, real estate, care-taking and mortgage business. In the larger sense of family, Saturn in Cancer supports pride in one’s country and creation of political, religious, philosophical and spiritual families. This month’s transit affects those born July 12th-14th, April 10th-11th, October 13th-15th and January 10th-12th as well as those whose charts have planets or angles at 20 or 21 degrees Capricorn, Cancer, Aries and Libra. Saturn leaves Cancer at the end of July, so it is helpful to review what was happening in your life about 30 years ago, during the half-cycle of 14-15 years when Saturn was in Capricorn, the quarter cycle of 7 years in Aries and 21 years for the third quarter cycle in Libra to understand what the last two years was meant to teach you.

Uranus (freedom, rebellion, surprise, invention technology) transits 8 to 9 degrees Pisces where it will repeat in August, September and early 2006. During 1920, the previous cycle of Uranus in Pisces, the U.S. Congress granted women the right to vote. People whose birthdays are February 27th-28th, September 1st-2nd, May 30th-31st and December 1st-2nd will experience chaos, need freedom or make radical changes at these times as well as persons whose charts have planets or angles at 8 or 9 degrees Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius. Uranus will be in Pisces for 7 years. It supports social revolution and combines artistic creativity with innovation and intellect with feminine sensitivity, leading to modern ways of helping those in need and suggesting that the only way that humanity will survive is by supporting and caring for each other and doing what is best for all members of society and addressing humanitarian and global issues, such as Tsunami relief, not just what individuals or special interests promote.

Neptune (sensitivity, inspiration, escapism, dreams, trust) transits 16 to 17 degrees Aquarius where it will repeat in June and July 2005, January and February 2006 and in the fall of 2006. The planet Neptune relates to intangibles such as imagination, art and inspiration as well as escapism and the process of healing. During the retrograde of Neptune (May thru October 2005) will be a good time to release addictive habits, attitudes or behaviors. Birthdays most affected are February 5th-6th, August 9th-10th, November 9th and May 7th-8th as well as charts with planets or angles at 16 or 17 degrees Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus or Leo. Neptune transits bring a lack of focus or direction, a sense of drifting or the inability to see a betrayal, disappointment, error or weakness until it’s too late. On the positive side this can be a time for healing, faith, psychic insights and creativity. Under Uranus in Pisces you can develop artistic or musical talents, practice meditation and follow intuition and inner guidance. But you may also need to watch your back and balance faith with practicality and fact to see events clearly, not with wishful thinking or remaining attached to the dream or vision of what you think might have been.

Pluto (power, control, resources, transformation) continues retrograde at 24 degrees Sagittarius, repeating where it was in February/March and will be in December as well as in the fall of 2006. Most affected are birthdays of December 16th, June 15th, March 15th and September 17th as well as charts with planets or angles at 24 degrees Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini and Pisces. From February 2005 and the Fall of 2006 they will go through major changes in life such as career, relocation, marriage, divorce or financial problems. During these times personal counseling or therapy may be required and self-awareness and motivational work is valuable. Pluto has passed the 20th degree and is now two-thirds of the way thru the sign of Sagittarius, bringing transformation and paradigm shifts in education, travel, religion, politics and global trade. 

Specific indications for the 12 signs are as follows:

Here are the Specific indications for the 12 signs

Note: In addition to reading about your sun sign, you can get additional information by reading about your moon sign, rising sign and the sign on the Midheaven of your chart.

Nancy Bahlman is a professional astrologer with special interests in relating persons to locations using Astro*Cartography and Local Space Charts. Classes now forming.
(248) 546-5407 chartmates@aol.com