APRIL 2007

An interesting dynamic occurs this month: Jupiter turns retrograde at the 19th degree of Sagittarius on the 5th and Saturn turns direct at the 18th degree of Leo on the 19th. Because both are transiting in fire signs, they are in harmonious relationship. The 18th degree of Leo and the other fixed signs (Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius) is a significant degree in the U.S. chart and that of other countries and current political leaders. This degree also suggests that “Baby Boomers” as a community may need to reach out to each other as they retire and transition employment situations to achieve a sense of community, give each other moral and financial support and effect governmental changes and creative interaction. Jupiter’s stationing degree (19/20) relates to concern for environment, conservation and protection of natural resources for the use of future generations. Jupiter and Saturn are considered the business planets since Jupiter relates to expansion, sales, advertising, marketing and speculation while Saturn relates to organization, leadership, consolidation, tradition and rules. Since the end of November 2006 when Jupiter entered Sagittarius, the pace has been hectic with many choices being offered; but making a choice is confusing because Jupiter has been squaring Uranus in Pisces, bringing hesitation, uncertainty and “waffling.” While Jupiter is retrograde (April 5th to August 6th) the pace could slow or opportunities be delayed, giving us a chance to review and research the substance of offers being made. Saturn has been retrograde since December 6th, 2006, giving leadership time to reorganize and review. Now that Saturn is moving direct, people in charge of companies, governments and groups think that they are ready to put new structures in place just as Jupiter is beginning its backward motion. The true picture may not be seen until August. The Sun in Aries until the 20th supports independence, pioneering, individuality, aggression, action and selfishness. “Just do it” is the mantra of an Aries. The Sun in Taurus after the 20th supports attention to the earth, land, flowers and crops as well as property beautification and home improvements. Positive Taurus expression is the desire to leave situations, environments, relationships and products in a better condition than they were when the Taurus person found them.

Mercury (communication, writing, contracts, commerce, workers) in Pisces until the 10th communicates with sensitivity, service, caring, need and creativity. It can relate as “Cinderella” or victim. Mercury in Aries from the 10th to 27th can be spontaneous or quick to respond. It supports “thinking on your feet” or responding too quickly, particularly in a temper. Mercury in Taurus after the 27th can bring stubbornness, determination or loyalty to an opinion or point of view. This is a good energy for debates.

Venus (values, money, social connections) in Taurus until the 12th supports beautification, improvement and working with the land, planets, flowers and crops. Venus in Gemini after the 12th brings more interest in social and interpersonal communication. This energy supports study, writing, paperwork and literature.

Mars (initiation, energy, aggression) in Aquarius until the 6th supports humanitarian, community, group and political goals. Mars in Pisces after the 6th takes action in creative pursuits such as art, music and dance as well as helping those in need. This month Mars transits the degrees of the February/March Mercury retrograde, bring action to proposals and moving tentative issues forward.

Jupiter (expansion, opportunity, optimism, travel, foreign trade, education, religion, legal matters) transits from 19 to 18 degrees Sagittarius. It turns retrograde on the 5th, repeating where it was in March and repeats in October. Jupiter will be in Sag from November 2006 thru mid-December 2007. Birthdays most affected by these degrees are December 10th-11th, June 9th-10th, September 11th-12th and March 9th-10th as well as companies or persons whose charts have planets or angles from 18 to 19 degrees Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo or Pisces. Jupiter in its own sign brings issues of and opportunity thru education, travel, foreign countries, politics, religion, trade, public relations and legal matters.

Saturn (structure, foundation, responsibility) retrogrades at 18 degrees Leo where it turns direct on the 19th, repeating where it was in September 2006 and will be in May 2007. Saturn has passed the middle degrees of Leo and has brought career changes and shifts in responsibility to many Leos in addition to restructuring in the house of the chart it rules or where planets in Leo are found, in particular those born between 1938 to 1958. Leo relates to royalty, leadership, performing, entertainment, children and creative talents. During Saturn in Leo hobbies can be developed and turned into businesses. This month’s transit most directly affects those born August 11th, February 7th, November 10th-11th and May 9th as well as those whose charts have planets or angles around 18 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 from July 2005 to September 2007 will mean for you.

Uranus (freedom, rebellion, surprise, invention technology) transits 16 to 17 degrees Pisces where it will be in August and September 2007 as well as January/ February 2008. Most affected are birthdays of March 7th-8th, June 7th-8th, September 9th-10th and December 8th-9th as well as persons or companies whose charts have planets or angles from 16 to 17 degrees Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius. Between April 2007 and February 2008 they will need freedom, experience chaos or make radical changes. Uranus will be in Pisces until 2011 and supports social revolution. During 1920, the start of the previous Uranus thru Pisces, Congress granted women the right to vote and the “Roaring 20’s” began. Uranus in Pisces 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, global warming and political decisions made for the good of the masses, not just special interests and the wealthy.

Neptune (sensitivity, inspiration, escapism, dreams, trust) transits 21 degrees Aquarius, where it will repeat in June/July as well as February and September thru December 2008. Neptune relates to intangibles such as imagination, inspiration, art, dance and creative writing as well as prayer, healing, dreams and escapism. Birthdays most affected are February 10th-11th, May 12th, August 14th and November 13th-14th as well as charts with planets or angles near 21 degrees Leo, Taurus, Aquarius or Scorpio. During the retrograde of Neptune (May-October 2007) will be an excellent 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 disappointment, betrayal, error or weakness until it’s too late. It dissolves the past in order to make space for the future. On the positive side this can be a time for healing, faith, psychic insights and artistic creativity. Under Neptune in Aquarius you can develop intuition, musical talents, practice meditation and pay more attention to your own inner guidance. You may also need to watch your back and balance faith with fact to see events clearly, not with wishful thinking or being attached to the dream or vision of what you think might have been.

Pluto (power, control, resources, transformation) retrogrades at 28 degrees Sagittarius, where it was in March and will repeat in December as well as July thru October 2008. Most affected are birthdays around December 20th-21st, June 20th, March 19th and September 21st-22nd as well as charts with planets or angles around 28 degrees Sagittarius, Gemini, Pisces and Virgo. Between March 2007 and the fall of 2008 they will experience major changes in life such as marriage, divorce, relocation and career/financial challenges. These are times when counseling or therapy may be required and self-awareness/motivational work necessary. Now that Pluto has completed the 24th degree and is three-quarters of the way thru Sag, it has brought focus, transformation and paradigm shifts in travel, education, travel, religion, politics and global trade.

Specific indications for the twelve signs are as follows:

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