“All of us have to learn how to invent our lives, make them up, imagine them. We need to be taught these skills; we need guides to show us how. If we don’t, our lives get made up for us by other people.” — Ursula K. LeGuin
Two important changes occur this spring, and it’s not just the late March eclipse of the Sun. Before March is over, Neptune, the planet of dreams, divine inspiration, empathy and compassion, will enter action-oriented Aries for the first time in more than a century and a half. To put this in historical context, Neptune’s transition from Pisces into Aries during April of 1861 coincided with the start of the American Civil War.
Come late May, Saturn follows Neptune into Aries. The Ringed Planet is astrology’s Lord of Karma, having dominion over anything to do with Earth, past, present or future. Like Santa Claus, he knows if you’ve been good or bad and rewards accordingly. Saturn is also the ancient planet of death, endings, time and commitments.
Linked together, slow moving Neptune and Saturn present repeated opportunities to translate idealistic and artistic dreams into concrete projects. These undertakings may eventually become honored institutions and consequential things imbued with beauty and humanitarian purpose. However, Neptune can be tricky and Saturn makes us work for our success. During these springtime months, socially conscious endeavors are as likely to be part of the scene as misguided religious crusades, swindles and missed opportunities.
Sun In Aries
The impulse to be and act are hallmarks of Aries, the courageous first sign of the zodiac. I always think of early spring flowers, snowdrops and crocuses, gamely poking their heads up through the half frozen ground and smiling at the Sun, a breath of new life. The new season and the new astrological year begin Thursday, March 20th at 5:01AM EDT. At its ingress, the Aries Sun is conjunct Pisces Saturn, the lunar north node and Neptune, as well as retrograde Venus and Mercury in Aries. A waning Sagittarius Moon sails high overhead. There are many good omens in the spring equinox chart. Principled people remain vociferous. Freedom is cherished. It will take time to resolve current uncertainties and challenges. Unforeseen developments tend to be advantageous, while wisdom and the ways of the past continue to guide and inspire.
Networking is favored during the first few days of spring. Retrograde Venus is in an agile sextile with Pluto on Friday, March 21st. Whether it is dealing with personal matters or strategizing with friends and community organizations, goals are clear and cooperation comes easily. However, careful planning is required on Saturday morning of the 22nd when the last quarter Moon in Capricorn increases the sense of urgency. Calm, levelheaded persistence leads to rewarding conversations and beneficial agreements from Sunday, March 23rd through Tuesday, the 25th.
Be careful during the Wednesday morning commuter hours. The Aquarius Moon is testing unpredictable Uranus. It is best to slow down. Venus backs into Pisces on Thursday, the 27th, where she is immediately enveloped in Neptune’s mystical aura. Dreams can be telling around this time. Reminiscences are especially poignant. Artistic types may feel drawn to revive a previously abandoned project. Feelings remain tender into Friday, March 28th. Life can seem precarious.
On Saturday morning, March 29th, the Aries new Moon eclipses the Sun. As with all eclipses, a sudden realization, fall from grace or ending can occur. Plans may go haywire now or during the coming week. As this day marks the start of the new lunar cycle, proceed with flexibility in mind. Retrograding Mercury conjuncts Neptune Saturday night. Social events and performances can be mesmerizing. Be on the lookout for outstanding ideas but do not lose sight of terra firma.
Sunday morning, the 30th, sees Neptune enter Aries. That day’s lunar squares to Mars and Pluto caution against getting carried away by either impulse or the demands of peers or partners.
April arrives with lively atmospherics. The waxing crescent Moon is super busy on the 1st. Pranksters and jesters are in the mood for fun. Edgy satire and irony are spurred by the Taurus Moon’s early morning conjunction with irreverent Uranus. Sweeter, gentler moods take hold by late morning and continue into the evening. A couple of mellow days lead up to a chock full Friday. Roll up your shirtsleeves; three major planetary alignments are exact. Saturn is sextile Uranus, bridging traditions with the promise of cutting edge technology. Brainstorming sessions are supported. Fiery Mars in Cancer also forms favorable angles with Uranus and Saturn, helping motivate groups of like-minded folks. This is a plus day for a technology upgrade. After an exceptionally productive period there is little rest Friday night, April 4th. The waxing Cancer Moon is at her first quarter stage. Seek a quiet haven and enjoy what security can be found.
Upbeat trends dominate the weekend of April 5th and 6th. Retrograde Venus passes by Saturn early on the morning of Monday, the 7th, a harbinger of reunions and potentially significant relationship developments. Mental Mercury, now in late Pisces, resumes forward motion later the same day. With Mercury conjunct the lunar north node, a life-changing new path forward could appear. Late night communications scintillate. The week then races by under a waxing Moon.
The full Pink Moon in Libra is exact the night of Saturday, April 12th. In a fabulous concurrence charming Venus turns direct less than an hour later. This is an excellent night for a lively gathering. However, the opposing Sun and Moon are both tested by Mars. Abide by the rules of good decorum. Avoid stepping on anyone’s toes or opinions.
Some souls continue to feel defensive on Sunday. Positions harden as the Moon slides into Scorpio Sunday morning. It isn’t until Tuesday, April 15th, that the stars support intellectual flexibility, healing and successful negotiations. The second half of Tuesday is especially promising.
The full Pink Moon in Libra is exact the night of Saturday, April 12th. In a fabulous concurrence charming Venus turns direct less than an hour later. This is an excellent night for a lively gathering.
Mercury’s arrival in Aries on Wednesday, the 16th, could trigger a raft of dreams, wonderment and mental brilliance. The communications planet overtakes mysterious Neptune on Thursday. Think, big, wild, original thoughts. Key in to dreams, messages from Mother Nature and spiritual realms. Friday, the 18th, brings more changes. Mars enters Leo minutes after midnight. Passions rise. The God of War is nearing an opposition to obsessive Pluto, a tricky and possibly dangerous alignment. Make sure your motives are pure, and that partners are also on the up and up. Stand firm in your beliefs but do not go looking for a confrontation. The incredible energy generated is best used constructively, and mainly that means being resolutely helpful to others.
Sun In Taurus
During the afternoon of Saturday, April 19th the Sun arrives in earthy Taurus. The beauty of springtime can sometimes overwhelm the senses, and with Mars in a trine to Neptune Saturday evening, pleasures are many. A dream could be realized. There’s more magic on Sunday, the 20th. The daytime stars are spectacular. Informal get togethers as well as religious observances feel richly rewarding. Many folks feel blessed. Moods change after dark. The challenges of the last quarter Moon/Sun square are increased by difficult Mars energies. Frustrations and fears can trigger angry words. Kind, understanding words help redirect troubled hearts and minds.
As the week of April 21st begins, we are called to use our personal power wisely. The potential to heal continues to be strong. The Taurus Sun forms a square to transformational Pluto on Wednesday, the 23rd. Mars remains closely opposed to Pluto and square the Sun. Salvation lies in working with co-workers, friends and other allies. Mutual growth, learning and enrichment are evidence the energies are being used well. It is time to take inventory on Thursday, April 24th. Venus is conjunct Saturn. Relationships require care and attention. If a separation is under way, do it as consciously and with as much love as you can. This is an opportune time to talk about finances, commitments and fairness. If a partner is not holding up their end, let them know. A significant encounter or success may also occur.
As the weekend of April 26th and 27th approaches, focus is laser sharp. Take a break on Friday to catch your breath and unwind. Mars opposes Pluto on Saturday night. The God of War butting heads with the planet of power makes some folks ultra-competitive, critical and demanding. The fact that this is the last day of the monthly lunar cycle helps take some of the aggressive edge off. Still, it is best to be aware of what others are thinking, feeling and doing. Sunday afternoon’s Taurus new Moon again sets off the Mars/Pluto opposition. Today, and in the coming weeks, helpfulness, cooperation and kindness are the best tools for using the potent energies effectively. If you cannot help, stay out of the way.
May Day is glorious. Spring is verdant. The sentimental Cancer Moon evokes childhood memories as well as reverence for traditions. Friday, May 2nd brings a Venus/Neptune conjunction, symbolizing, among other things the merging of personal affections and unconditional love. For romantics, artists and other creative folks, devotion can lead to thrilling experiences. Feelings remain affectionate as the weekend begins. The first half of Saturday is happily romantic. The afternoon hours on the other hand, present challenges as the proud Leo Moon amplifies Mars’ ongoing opposition with Pluto. Bring out the best in yourself and others. Encourage, praise, but do not push or criticize others. This is a good weekend to remind yourself of the Indian guru Ramana Maharshi’s reply to a student’s question. The teacher was asked “How should we treat others?” “There are no others,” was the answer. Follow the Golden Rule and do no harm.
Sunday, May 4th offers the first quarter Moon in Leo, as well as the beginning of a Pluto retrograde. Fortunately, the Moon is in harmony with Mercury, making this a fine time to organize and refine strategies. Trust your intuition. The following days are promising for networking. Monday, the 5th’s early morning jitters give way to optimism and stellar communications. Cinco de Mayo enthusiasts enjoy the sunny midday atmospherics. Tuesday, the 6th’s featured aspect is a prospering sextile between Venus and Pluto. Things have a way of turning out right. Relax, be receptive, and let life unfold.
The waxing Moon gains strength as we head into the middle of May. Be tactful. On Saturday, May 10th, Mercury enters Taurus and the Moon arrives in Scorpio. The stage is set for Monday, the 12th’s early afternoon full Moon in Scorpio, known as both the Flower and Buddha Moon. Be tactful over the weekend and all day Monday. Emotions can easily run amok as the Moon tests Mercury, Pluto, Mars, the Sun and Uranus over these three days. On the other hand, conversations can be unusually intense and stimulating. Intention matters a great deal. Look to enlighten and assist. Positive changes can be made. Prayer and meditation groups are particularly powerful at this time.
The swirling, unstable full Moon energies soon pass. Tuesday, May 13th is likely to bring fortuitous developments as the Moon, now in outgoing Sagittarius, brings good fortune via aspects with Neptune, Pluto and Venus. The evening social life is pleasantly engaging.
Excitement builds as the Taurus Sun makes its annual conjunction with Uranus on Saturday, the 17th. Spontaneity and friendship are encouraged. Surprise encounters have an enlivening impact. If you stay out past midnight, be careful. Excess speed and impatience are the biggest threats. Take it easy on Sunday, May 18th. A one step at a time approach is appropriate on Monday, the 19th.
The Sun In Gemini
Following a composure-testing last quarter Moon early on the morning of Tuesday, May 20th, Gemini Sun season begins later that afternoon. The vibrational shift is refreshing. Movement is afoot. Social lives pick up. Solar alignments with Neptune and Pluto provide renewed ingenuity and resourcefulness. Looking out for our fellow inhabitants on Earth, especially those most at risk, is encouraged. There’s time for fun and personal pleasures on the afternoon of Friday, May 23rd. The Aries Moon and Venus are conjunct. Whatever you say or do, do it with gusto.
Be extra attentive on Wednesday, May 28th. The afternoon can be challenging as the Moon tests Saturn and “where’s my phone” Neptune.
As the long holiday weekend begins, Saturday brings anticipation and new awareness. The Gemini Sun is in an empowering trine with Pluto. Minds are agile and excitable as Mercury moves into a conjunction with Uranus. Spur of the moment ideas and invitations can be thrilling. All the same, use words intelligently. Before volunteering advice or opinions, take a moment to make sure sharing your thoughts is appropriate. Saturn enters Aries late Saturday night. Those who have exceeded their authority may soon be looking at a reprimand or karmic comeuppance. Take it easy under Sunday, the 25th’s mixed influences. Mercury enters Gemini Sunday night, quickening minds and tongues.
In the US, we hold Memorial Day observances the final Monday in May to honor those who gave their lives serving in the armed forces. The tradition began after the tragic losses of the Civil War. The Gemini Moon is extremely active this Memorial Day. Mercury’s afternoon sextile aspect to Neptune awakens strong feelings of respect and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, especially now, during the present state of political affairs. Vacationing folks look to savor every sweet moment. Late Monday night the Gemini new Moon initiates another activity cycle. Goals may be lofty but reachable as Mercury nears a trine to Pluto.
Be extra attentive on Wednesday, May 28th. The afternoon can be challenging as the Moon tests Saturn and “where’s my phone” Neptune. Enjoyable trends are in play at month’s end. June arrives with a continuation of the agreeable energies. Sunday, June 1st is well suited for fun but evening plans may require some quick thinking and a change of plans. Monday, the 2nd’s, first quarter Virgo Moon extends the trend. Adjust schedules as needs and priorities dictate. Mixed influences facilitate adventure seekers and travelers on Wednesday, the 4th, although a midday delay or misunderstanding could require patience.
Both professional and recreational efforts are facilitated by Mercury’s Thursday sextile to Mars. Momentum carries over into Friday, June 6th. Just after midnight on Friday, Venus enters her own sign of Taurus. Moods remain pensive during the weekend of the 7th and 8th. The Moon is in Scorpio and many souls dwell in their private feelings. A significant shift occurs Sunday afternoon when Mercury is conjunct Jupiter. Optimism grows. People become more talkative. Mercury enters Cancer that evening, adding emotional depth and understanding.
Monday, the 9th, is extremely complex. Mercury is testing dour Saturn and foggy Neptune. Venus is at odds with Pluto. Fears and worries come and go. The anxious moments are clear one moment and confused the next. Love could come at considerable cost. The expectations of a partner may seem unreasonable as envy and jealousy make appearances. More fortunately, late Monday afternoon Jupiter begins a one year visit to Cancer, a good omen for the USA, a nation born under the Sign of the Crab. Jupiter’s sign change buoys weary and dispirited hearts. The valiant Sagittarius Moon chips in with helpful aspects to Neptune and Pluto. Take a leap of faith if your heart calls for it, but stay on the path of loving.
The full Strawberry Moon is exact during the wee hours of Wednesday morning, the 11th of June. The two communications, travel and knowledge signs are spotlighted. Opinions may differ but facts speak for themselves. Friendly ties and agreements are supported by Mercury’s sextile with Venus. Try to complete important work by late afternoon, when the Moon goes void-of-course.
Saturday, June 14th brings welcome camaraderie but Sunday, the 15th, warrants a cautious approach. Mars makes an explosive early morning square with Uranus, and Jupiter forms another square with Saturn. The Jupiter/Saturn square can inflate the sense of responsibility or trigger bouts of perfectionism. Because Neptune is close by Saturn, boundaries and warning signs can easily be missed. Altruism and doing one’s best have their rewards but know when and where to apply your talents. If you are not sure what a partner is thinking, ask them.
Humanitarian spirits remain energized as Jupiter tests Neptune on Wednesday, June 18th. However, the Pisces Moon is at her waxing last quarter, a good time to review the effectiveness of recent efforts. Be sure responsibilities are met before embarking on a new mission. The night of Friday, June 20th, spring reaches an end under an uplifting Sun/Moon sextile. Hopes are buoyed by the imminent conjunction of the Sun and Jupiter. It is never too late to make a new dream. Keep looking up!
Eric Linter offers a complete range of astrological services including readings and classes. Contact him at stars@ericlinter.com or by telephone at 508-541-4115. Read his Daily Forecast on the Spirit of Change homepage at spiritofchange.org or sign up to receive Eric’s daily forecast right in your inbox each morning.
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