The first week of April throws a lot of curves and quick changes, but we won’t be made fools of, will we?   The month begins with Pluto, the lord of transformation, but also power and the abuse of it, stationary until the 12^th ready to turn retrograde (Rx), which it will be until mid-September.   This offers many shifts and changes, and opportunities to try again to Get It Right regarding values and priorities, and more letting go of past patterns.   Mercury flies out of Aries and settles into far more grounded and methodical Taurus on the 2^nd, so hopefully things won’t feel quite so hectic – but be forewarned, the little trickster turns Rx two weeks later, on the 17^th, for three weeks.   More on that below…

Venus in her own sign of sensuous Taurus squares Mars in lofty Leo on the 3^rd, and passions will run deep, and so might willfulness – and “won’tfulness” in these stubborn fixed signs.   It could be a lot of fun though.  Then immediately, on a very early Easter Sunday on the 4th, Venus trines Pluto, increasing passion and possessiveness, while Mercury squares Mars, causing potential irritability, arguments and accidents, so be careful driving while eating that chocolate Easter egg…  Pluto makes its exact station at the waning quarter Moon on the 6^th, which has the Moon in practical Capricorn minutes from the north node square to the Sun happy in impulsive Aries – “ready, fire, aim!”   Pluto is still closely trining Mercury conjunct Venus, which is positive and prosperous, tho still with some restraint as Pluto continues to square Saturn.  Saturn, however, retrogrades out of Libra on the 7^th, back for a final visit in Virgo until it reenters Libra in late July, easing the tension on the Aries axis we’ve had for months. 

So that’s the first week of April! 

The new Moon on April 14^th is exactly on the ascendant for Denver, a good time to initiate new projects and activities.  The Sun and Moon are also closely conjunct the new “dwarf planet” Eris, named for the goddess of chaos and discord, so remember to exercise your individuality and uniqueness!  You do not need to color inside the lines that anyone else draws for you…  Venus trines Jupiter on on Saturday, April 17, bringing luck, optimism, and temptation to overindulgence and extravagance.   But as mentioned above, Mercury turns Rx that same day and continues Rx until May 11^th, and for that duration, delays, miscommunications, technological and mechanical breakdowns are more likely, so plan ahead when possible.   It’s not the best time to begin things, buy new technology or sign contracts, and surgery then is best avoided or delayed, if possible.   It is a good time to finish old projects, for introspection, and to reassess goals.   

The Sun enters earthy Taurus on the 19^th, and Venus makes a quick flurry of aspects, first squaring Neptune for a dose of romantic idealism, inspiration and illusion, then making a flirty 60-degree sextile of opportunity with sparky Uranus on the 23^rd, then slowing to a more responsible and grounded trine to Saturn before leaving Taurus and entering airy and fickle Gemini on the 24^th.   

The Scorpio full Moon on April 28^th opposes the Sun in Taurus tightly conjunct Mercury Rx, squaring Mars in prideful Leo, and stubborn willfulness will be running high, so try to have some fluidity and flexibility, and as always, compassion and humor… remember that what you focus on becomes more real and expands, so put your best heartful thoughts forward, and make the most of all the opportunities the month has to offer.  Many blessings!