APRIL 2006

The major transit of note this month is Saturn’s change from retrograde to direct motion on April 5th at 4 degrees Leo (see paragraph on Saturn). Saturn was last at this degree in August of 2005, so issues of career, responsibility, leadership, corporate change and life restructuring which relate to last summer are now being revisited. Saturn transited up to 11 degrees Leo before turning retrograde on November 22nd. Saturn in Leo is particularly important to members of the “baby-boomer” generation born between 1938 and 1958 when Pluto was in Leo. Pluto indicates generational attitudes. The Pluto in Leo “boomers” were influenced by standards of comfort and plenty after World War II. This group is now experiencing the types of changes mentioned above. Saturn’s transit between the 1st and 11th degree of Leo relates to those born between 1938 and 1947. As Saturn progresses thru Leo until September 2007, those born between 1947 and 1958 will be affected. Also during April, Pluto (resources, property, finances) and Jupiter (travel, opportunity, movement) are retrograde, so some of this year’s changes will not manifest until after Jupiter turns direct in July and Pluto turns direct in September. The Sun in Aries to the 20th supports individuality, independence, initiative and pioneering. It increases spontaneity, aggression, tempers, anger and war. The Sun in Taurus after the 20th supports perseverance, determination, stubbornness and being true to one’s values. Since Taurus is an earth sign and ruled by Venus, it also supports the earth, gardening and planting as well as property enhancement, home beautification and rehabilitation.

Mercury (communications, writing, contracts, commerce) in Pisces until the 16th is sensitive, sympathetic, caring and into volunteering and giving service. Between February 16th and March 2nd an issue of this nature would have emerged to be worked on during the Mercury retrograde from March 2nd to 25th. Between March 25th and April 14th is the “windup” phase of the retrograde when issues can be resolved, agreements concluded and details finalized. Mercury in Aries after the 16th supports ambition, independence, pioneering and aggression. This is a good combination for thinking on your feet. Communication can be spontaneous and energetic. Ideas come easily, but tempers can quickly flare and arguments begin.
Venus (values, money, social connections) in Aquarius until the 5th connects with friends, groups and organizations. Venus in Aquarius values humanitarian projects and goals, such as Habitat for Humanity. Venus in Pisces after the 5th supports sympathy and sensitivity to the needs of others. It values volunteering and helping others as well as creative pursuits such as art, music and dance. Venus in Pisces also values spirituality and intuition.

Mars (initiation, energy, aggression) in Gemini until the 13th supports communication – writing speaking, teaching and training as well as working with hands and workers in general. Mars in Gemini can be full of energy and enthusiasm, but it can also speak impulsively or in anger. It can encourage objective exchange of ideas and brainstorming. Mars in Cancer after the 13th supports emotional connections – family, children, parents and the extended family of community and country. Mars in Cancer could support fighting for one’s country and political beliefs.

Jupiter (expansion, opportunity, optimism, travel, foreign trade, education, religion) retrogrades from 17 to 14 degrees Scorpio, repeating where it was in August of 2005 and where it will be in August 2006. Jupiter in Scorpio is a cycle of opportunity, freedom, expansion or movement for those born November 6th-10th, May 5th-8th, August 7th-10th and February 3rd-6th as well as persons or companies whose charts have planets or angles from 14 to 17 degrees Scorpio, Taurus, Leo or Aquarius. Jupiter in Scorpio supports opportunity thru motivation, commitment, sharing of resources, saving, paying off debt and fiscal responsibility.

Saturn (structure, foundation, responsibility) retrogrades at 4 degrees Leo where it goes direct on the 5th, repeating where it was in August 2005 and March of 2006. Saturn has brought changes in responsibility and career shifts to Leos and restructuring in the house of the chart it rules or where planets in Leo are found. Leo relates to royalty, leadership, entertainment, performing, children and creative talents. During Saturn in Leo hobbies could be developed and turned into home or public businesses. This month’s transits most directly affect those born July 27th-28th, April 24th-25th, October 27th-28th and January 24th-25th as well as those whose charts have planets or angles around 4 degrees Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio. Saturn’s last transit thru Leo was 1975 to 1978. Review what was happening in your life about 30 years ago, during the half-cycle of 14-15 years (in Aquarius), the quarter cycle of 7 years (in Taurus) and 21 years, the third quarter cycle (in Scorpio) to understand what Saturn in Leo between July 2005 and September 2007 means for you. There should be some parallel.

Uranus (freedom, rebellion, surprise, invention technology) transits 12 to 13 degrees Pisces where it will repeat in August and September of 2006 as well as January/February of 2007. Birthdays most affected are March 3rd-4th, June 3rd-4th, September 5th-6th and December 4th-5th as well as persons or companies whose charts have planets or angles from 12 to 13 degrees Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius. Between April 2006 and February 2007 they will need freedom, experience chaos or make radical changes. Uranus will be in Pisces until 2011 and supports social revolution. During 1920, the beginning of the previous Uranus thru Pisces, the U.S. Congress granted women the right to vote. It also supports artistic creativity with innovation and intellect with sensitivity, leading to modern ways of helping those in need and suggesting that the only way that humanity will survive is by caring for each other and doing what is best for all, addressing humanitarian and global issues such as disaster relief and political decisions made for the good of the masses, not just special interests and the wealthy.

Neptune (sensitivity, inspiration, escapism, dreams, trust) transits 19 degrees Aquarius where it will repeat in June/July 2006 as well as February and the fall of 2007. Neptune relates to intangibles such as imagination, inspiration, creative writing and art as well as prayer, healing, dreams and escapism. Birthdays most affected are February 8th, August 11th-12th, November 11th and May 9th-10th as well as charts with planets or angles around 19 degrees Taurus, Leo, Aquarius or Scorpio. During the retrograde of Neptune (May thru October 2006) is a good time to release addictive habits, attitudes or behaviors. 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 artistic creativity. Under Uranus in Pisces you can develop musical talents, practice meditation, 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 just 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 26 degrees Sagittarius, repeating where it was in March and where it will be in December 2006 as well as July thru October 2007. Birthdays influenced most are December 18th, June 17th-18th, March 17th and September 19th as well as charts with planets or angles at 26 degrees Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius and Gemini. Between March 2006 and October 2007 they will experience major changes in life such as career, relocation, marriage, divorce or financial problems. Counseling or therapy could be required and self-awareness/motivational work found very valuable. Pluto has passed the 24th degree and is now three-quarters 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 twelve 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