Frank Martin Don LLC - Professional Intuitive & Astrological Consultant

April… off and running… getting the pace…

This April can be a time when we harness our energies, focus our intentions and structure a best practices methodology to achieve our goals. The month seems a dichotomy between fiery impetuousness and a more pragmatic approach. Our mission is to restrain ourselves and channel our intensity into productive outlets that bring us closer to realizing our dreams. Sounds like a mission impossible? Not necessarily so. It will be important for us not to rush the river or try to move too far too fast.

We have the ingredients this month to pull it all together, even despite the chaos and craziness operating in the world at large. Let’s keep in mind the adage to be in it but not of it.

It will be essential to keep in mind, almost mantram-like, the key question and fundamental characteristic of the Pluto Capricorn transit: whether we have built upon rock or built upon sand.

April begins with one planet in a Fire Sign, three planets in Earth Signs, two planets in an Air Sign, and four planets in Water Signs. There are four planets in Cardinal Signs, two planets in a Fixed Sign and four planets in Mutable Signs. Three planets are in positive Signs and seven planets are in Negative Signs.

There is a Stellium of three or more planets in Pisces with Mercury, Venus and Uranus transiting the Mutable Water Sign. By Sign, there is a Cardinal Grand Cross with the Sun in Aries, Mars in Cancer, and Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn.

We may start the month champing at the bit, wanting to get on with it, yet also perhaps fearful that any step out of our comfort zone of familiarity could bring everything crashing down around us. While we have the impetus to start things up, we could also be feeling reactive to situations and conditions around us, even to the point of feeling victimized. The potential for discontent cannot be exaggerated, especially during the first week of April.

Although we start the month with a Stellium in Pisces, that Stellium ends quickly as Mercury leaves Pisces to enter Aries on the 2nd, followed shortly thereafter by Venus entering Aries on the 6th, thereby creating a Stellium in Aries with Mercury and Venus joining the Sun in the Cardinal Fire Sign. Spring has sprung, and we’re likely to want to get on with it, starting new activities, exploring new interests, all the while that we are putting our own personal mark on things. Our relationships could suffer, especially in light of the fact that everybody may still be feeling very much on edge.

The first week of April not only sees a significant shift from energy in Pisces, the last Sign in the Zodiac, to energy in Aries, the first Sign of the Zodiac. We also have Pluto turning retrograde on the 2nd and squares to Pluto by Mercury on the 3rd and Venus on the 6th.

The beginning of April could prove bombastic with eruptions, explosion and acting out all part of the backdrop. Let’s try to keep such energies as a backdrop and not as a mainstay of our individual daily lives. Otherwise, we could find that we, or the people around us, have a very short fuse with outbursts and extreme actions likely to happen. This beginning of April could feel like the straw that broke the camel’s back. It would be wise that we count to ten before acting or reacting to situations just to keep in check our mode of dealing with things. The likelihood of going overboard, becoming belligerent and overbearing is a liability during this first week of April.

The Aries New Moon on the 5th opens the starting gate of our Springtime projects and a desire to do our own thing. As the saying goes, we might be willing to do what we want to do ‘come hell or high water’. There may be no stopping us, but it would be wise to keep our foot near the brake and take some braking action at times to be certain that we’re not full throttle to nowhere.

The energy of breaking out and asserting ourselves is likely to be strong. And certainly when we consider how we are being slammed by the world around us with rising transportation costs, rising food costs, rising living costs and the shakiness of the financial structures of the global economy; it would not be too surprising that we may be feeling at our wit’s end and looking for some outlet to vent our frustration and reconnect with a sense of self-determination.

The timing and ways of doing so are what will be the deciding factor as to whether we are just spouting off or if we are creating the new foundation stones for our future. Timing is everything and that is in deed one of the true beauties of astrology --- timing.

During this first week of April, it would be suggested to find some diversion, some distraction, some outlet for re-creation to blow off steam. A hike, walk by the seashore, going to a concert, meditating, reflecting, handing things over to a higher power are all ways by which we can restrain ourselves from being our own worst enemy or getting in our own way.

While the first week of April could be bombastic, the second week could entice us to overconfidence and accelerating without considering the itinerary much less the direction of our efforts. On the 10th, the Sun squares Jupiter and Mercury squares Mars. We might feel as though by our will we can get things done. We might assume that our wish can be fulfilled without checking the conditions, considering the circumstances or planning our actions. Aaargh!

This sense of inevitable manifest destiny could be increased around the 13th and 14th when the Sun sextiles Neptune and Mercury squares Jupiter on the 13th and on the 14th with Mercury sextile Neptune. While much of our attention might be focused on our future plans and where we want to go, we could easily gloss over the particulars, not take into account the specifics and head off without checking our resources.

Yes, the first half of the month could have us easily going off half-cocked, impetuously moving ahead without consideration of the conditions or even questioning our intentions. The primal scream of self-assertion may be loud and heard around the world, as everyone wants to do their own thing. This period could prove difficult to our relationships, with some relationships even coming to a breaking point, other relationships sorely tested and still others suffering slights and hurts from people being less considerate of others and overly self-absorbed.

The second half of the month provides the energy to settle things down and even lay the foundation stones for what we want to accomplish. Mercury moves into Taurus on the 17th, ending the Stellium of three or more planets in Aries and now creating by Sign a Grand Trine in the Earth Element with Mercury in Taurus, Saturn in Virgo and Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn.

On the 18th, the Grand Trine is in effect as Mercury trines Saturn and also trines Pluto. This period is a great time to blueprint our strategy, create our wish list of what we want to accomplish and figure out the most effective means to achieve our goals. Our communications are focused, grounded and to the point. Our thoughts revolve around how we can best use our resources.

With this Grand Trine in Earth we can now become manifesters, making real our concepts and turning our abstractions into physical form. On the 19th, the Sun enters Taurus just before the Scorpio Full Moon on the 20th.

This Scorpio Full Moon accentuates the Earth Grand Trine with the Sun exactly trine Pluto and the Sun exactly trine Saturn on the 21st. During this time we can be incredibly resourceful. No matter what is available to us, we can make things stretch and fit into our particular needs.

This mid-part of April is not to be lost. It is a powerful time, a time when we can plant our seeds, re-structure our activities and push our interests forward with determination and by working smarter rather than harder.

The 22nd has Mars trine Uranus and we could find ourselves moving things around in our home, making our living environment far more functional for our planned activities and streamlining our living space.

A true rebirth could be going on now, with the birthing being the physical manifestation of our interests and adapting ourselves to the changing parameters in which we find ourselves and the ways we find the world to be around us.

Although we can be incredibly productive during mid-April, we do have to watch for a cavalier attitude. Things may come so easily that we get carried away with ourselves, even to the point of becoming a legend in our own mind.

On the 23rd, Venus squares Mars and squares Jupiter, creating a Cardinal Sign T-Square and reinforced by the Mars Jupiter opposition on the 24th. We may feel invincible and a tendency to step on other people’s toes needs to be avoided. We may be so involved with ourselves that we put blinders on, able to see only what is in front of us and quite possibly looking through rose-colored glasses whereby we see what we want to see and not the true reality of this situation.

Such a disposition would be tragic, especially in light of the fact that this period can be a highly effective and highly productive time for us. We may feel pulls between our personal life and our involvements in the world. We might decide to do whatever we want and not consider its impact on others or on ourselves over the long-term. It would be wise to keep in mind that our actions are often like pebbles in a pond, creating ripple effects that move out from the center of attention.

The latter part of April has some pleasant energies. On the 25th, Venus sextiles Neptune. Although we may still be self-focused, we might also take a longer-range view of our participation in activities and group involvements. Our interactions with friends could find us planning trips or future get-togethers.

The 27th, 28th and 29th have a great deal of Mercury energies. Mercury sextiles Uranus on the 27th. We could have some startling revelations and make some fascinating discoveries. Our communications can be incisive and upbeat and we may be in contact with people who have some significant meaning for us further down the road. The 28th has Mercury trine Jupiter. As though a cloud has lifted, we may be better able to see where we are going and how we are going to get there. Anxiety regarding the future can drop away as we realize the truth to the adage that we only get as much as we can handle, never more. On the 29th Mercury squares Neptune and also sextiles Mars. Repeatedly, it will be important to watch that we don’t get too full of ourselves.

One of the major challenges for each of us during this time of transitional shift, during the phase changing between paradigms, is the challenge of our ego and accepting the fundamental shift of these times from moving away from being egocentric, controlling and trying to master the universe to moving towards being open and receptive to the magic of the universe, recognizing that the universe does work in perfect divine design and realizing that we can be co-creators of our destiny and not totally in control of our destiny.

On the 30th, Venus exits Aries, a Sign of its Detriment where it is not comfortable, and enters its own Sign of Taurus. In so doing, we end the month of April with a Stellium of three or more planets in the Fixed Earth Sign as Venus joins Mercury and the Sun in Taurus.
The frenetic energy with which we began the month settles down. We are now more focused, willing to take things one step at a time, and ready to establish the groundwork from which to build upon.

April can be a spectacular month, a time when we can feel renewed and revitalized and use our energy in a systematic way to create the foundation stones of our new tomorrows.

April… off and running… getting the pace…

I shall be in Stamford, Connecticut and available for In-Person Sessions from Saturday April 19th through Sunday April 27th. If you or someone you know would like to see me for a session while I am in Connecticut, please contact me to schedule an appointment.

On Tuesday evening, April 22nd, I shall be giving at talk at Greenwich High School sponsored by Greenwich Continuing Education. The talk is on COPING WITH THE CHANGING TIMES from an Astrology Perspective. My program begins at 7:00 PM and runs until 9:20 PM. The fee is $34.00. For registration, please contact Greenwich Continuing Education at 203.625.7474.

On Thursday evening, April 24th, I shall be giving a talk sponsored by the Fairfield Continuing Education at Roger Ludlowe Middle School. The talk is on ASTROLOGICAL ENERGIES IN 2008. My program begins at 7:00 PM and runs until 9:30 PM. The fee is $29.00. For registration, please contact Fairfield Continuing Education at 203.255.8376.

This week is one when we can get our house in order and put down roots for some of our projects. We start the week in a grounded and focused manner. As the week progresses, we have to watch that we don’t lose our concentration and become enamored with the trivial, the superficial and the distractions of the moment. We could become overconfident, assuming that we can move mountains in a telekinetic way.

If we become unglued by all the possibilities lying ahead of us, then we might fall into the trap of overwhelm whereby we are trying to juggle a number of different things but doing none of them effectively.

Pacing ourselves and keeping in mind the words from Ecclesiastes with its season for all things would help us view this week as a week of different phases and use each phase to its best advantage.

The week goes from focused intent and laying down foundation stones, to much discussion and consideration of possibilities, to family affairs and committed responsibilities, finally ending up with a blow-out of a good time. Taking things in accord with their energy patterns will help us avoid tripping over ourselves, confusing ourselves and making a mess of the week through arrogance, overconfidence and extravagance.

The snake oil salespeople could be out in full force making their specious promises. It is up to us to discern between the hype and the reality and not get snookered by promises that can’t be kept.

Monday, April 7th – Solid Foundations – Saturn, Mars. Monday starts the week with the Taurus Moon trine Saturn and sextile Mars. This day can give us an indication of what awaits us towards the middle of the month: a Grand Trine in the Earth Element. For with the Moon in Taurus, Saturn in Virgo and Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn, we have each Sign of the Earth Element being transited. Today is a day for manifestation, a day when we can accomplish much. Today, the Moon trines Saturn and sextiles Mars. We can get our house in order, line our ducks up in a row and utilize a best practices approach to get a lot done. We can find bargains today, and budget our revenue and expenses in order to be certain to have a little put aside for a rainy day, the storm-tossed periods likely ahead. Taking time today to blueprint our plans, schedule our activities and be aware of our financial situation can provide us with solid foundations for our present and our future. Even if we only think about how to create a new basis from which to operate, we can have the game plan to put into action as we come into later this month. We can get our house in order today, both literally and figuratively. This Monday is a good day for inventory taking and seeing where we can clean the clutter of our lives and clear the way for better tomorrows, no matter the backdrop of the world at large.

Tuesday, April 8th – Checking it Twice – Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune, Moon Void-of-Course. Tuesday continues in a similar vein as Monday. With the Taurus Moon sextile Uranus, trine Jupiter but square Neptune, we have the ability of figuring the most streamlined ways by which to accomplish our goals. We can stretch our finances and be very insightful regarding where and how to spend our money and to cover our expenses. An element of time management can go a long way to shave off time and expense. We might decide that we can broaden our scope, add more to our activity list and expand our reach. We do have to be careful not to allow a sense of overconfidence to get in our way. We could start to see possibilities that are far more real in our imagination and in our best case scenario than in the true reality of the situation. Although we start the day with a sense of accomplishment, as the day progresses we could get bogged down in the images, appearances and hype. The Moon goes Void-of-Course for ten hours making no further connections to the planets as it finishes its transit of Taurus and before entering Gemini. The energy drops off, so it would be wise to do as much as possible in the early hours of the day. With the Moon moving into Gemini, we are likely to be far more interested in talking the talk than walking the walk. Monday and Tuesday could prove the most productive days of this week, so let’s attend to what needs to be done, create a blueprint and strategy for our ‘to do’ list and take things one step at a time. The rest of the week could have us all over the place and more interested in the appearances rather than the substance. Let’s take care of the substance first.

Wednesday, April 9th – Trumpeting Our Abilities – Saturn, Venus, Mercury. Wednesday has the Gemini Moon square Saturn in Virgo and sextile both Venus and Mercury in Aries. This Wednesday could be a day when we may feel a little insecure, unsure of ourselves and concerned about the vagaries and volatility of these times. As the saying goes: ‘the best defense is a strong offense’. Consequently, we may find people trumpeting their self-proclaimed abilities. Today is a day to watch for the hype. It is important that we not become enamored with the Wizard of Oz Screen, the image of what is going on, but rather that we pull back the curtain and see who is punching the buttons, the reality of what is going on. People today could be a legend in their own minds, touting their skills and their successes, all of which may be more fictional than real. We might not want to attend to our daily chores. Instead, we could be on the phone, engaged in conversations and far more interested in discussions about our lives and our longings than anything of a practical nature. Life has different phases and this day could be one better spent in idle chatter and not in trying to accomplish too much. Even if we try to be focused on what needs to be done, we could easily slide over details, neglect particulars and lose sight of the specifics of the situation. Let’s take care of our important tasks on Monday and Tuesday and use this Wednesday to go from one thing to another without any substantial involvement.

Thursday, April 10th – Nothing is Too Much – Sun, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Neptune, Moon Void-of-Course. Thursday through the rest of the week and the weekend could open the door to extravagance and excess. On this Thursday the Sun squares Jupiter and Mercury squares Mars. We may want what we want without any consideration as to the ultimate cost. We could be overconfident, a little full of ourselves as we seek to broaden our reach. We are not looking at any interference to our plans or to our opinions. Discussions could ramp up into arguments especially if the conversation points do not match our own preconceived notions or what we want to hear. This day could be a little testy but primarily because we are feeling good and do not want any parade rainers to spoil our good time. The Moon in Gemini squares Uranus, sextiles the Sun and trines Neptune. We could easily buy into ‘feel good’ presentations. Hope and faith can be played to the hilt and might lead us down the yellow brick road or along the garden path. Today it is important for us to restrain our first impulse and take the time to consider the ramifications and possible consequences of our actions. Unfortunately, the sense of wish fulfillment could prove stronger than our rational mind. We could go hog wild on our expenses, assuming that if we don’t buy it now, enjoy it now, then we won’t be able to do so a little further down the road. Whatever we buy today, let’s keep our receipts in case we decide our impulse buying was based on a whim and not on what we truly need or want. Returns work, especially when we are more focused and staying aware of our financial situation. As the day progresses, the Moon goes Void-of-Course making no further connections to the planets for over ten hours before moving into Cancer late in the day. While the energy drops off, we could still have the residue of excess and indulgence.

Friday, April 11th – One Step over the Line – Saturn, Lunar T-Square, Pluto, Venus. Friday has the Moon in Cancer where it’s at home. The Moon sextiles Saturn. We can accomplish a lot around our home, straightening things up and getting our house in order. The Moon also creates a Cardinal Sign T-Square by opposing Pluto and squaring Venus. Our interactions with other people could be a little shaky. Any past slights or even unintended hurts could surface and we might wish to steer clear of those with whom we have unresolved disagreements. We may want to spend more time in the comfort of our own space, even to the point of turning down social invitations. We would also need to watch that we’re not holding others to a high standard of expectation, almost to the point of setting our relationships up to fail. Let’s be aware of the energies today, not take things too personally and cut ourselves and other people some slack. While our interactions could be strained, we could also take the time to delve into any uncomfortable feelings and have an open discussion with others, but we would have to be willing to see the other person’s perspective and an ability to walk in their moccasins. This Friday could also have us wanting to start new projects, adding more to our activity list and preparing for an active weekend ahead.

Saturday, April 12th – Run Around – Mars, Uranus, Lunar T-Square, Mercury, Jupiter, Sun. Saturday continues the frantic pace of yesterday and the past couple of days. Today has the Cardinal Sign Lunar T-Square as the Cancer Moon opposes Jupiter and squares both Mercury and the Sun. We may have much that we want to do today. It is not only errands and home projects that are calling us. We have things that we personally want to do. With the Lunar T-Square we may find that we have more on our ‘to do’ list than anyone could ever hope to accomplish in a day or two. And added to everything we have already planned for, this day also has the Moon conjunct Mars and trine Uranus. We may feel indomitable with a thrust of energy ready to take on the day. In addition to the myriad of activities we want to get involved with, we also have some unexpected situations that could grab our attention and add to the distractions. Today people may be coming and going, scurrying from one thing to another, wanting to add on more and essentially involved in a run around. While that run around may be physical activity, we also have to be careful that we are not getting the run around. In our discussions and in our activities, it will be important that we cut to the core and try to avoid the superfluous.

Sunday, April 13th – Day to Play – Sun, Neptune, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus. It is often said that Sunday is a day to rest. After the frenetic energies of the past few days, this Sunday seems a vast improvement. We may feel less driven, less in need of controlling situations and more willing to allow things to unfold. Today the Sun sextiles Neptune and Mercury squares Jupiter. There can be a great deal of talk today, so let’s take anything said to us with a grain of salt. Although we have to watch for tall tales and the hype of possibilities, we are likely to be feeling satisfied, willing to enjoy the simple things of life and enjoying some special times with friends. We do want some form of re-creation today. The Moon has moved into Leo and trines Venus. Although we may have been less than considerate of other people’s needs or interests earlier this week, we can more than make up for it today. We can find interests and activities that may be akin to cavorting with the gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus. This Sunday is a special day, a mental health day, when we can clean the cobwebs from our minds, get off into nature or find some other sanctuary to be with those special people in our lives.

This week offers us the opportunity of MANIFESTATION. We can move forward with our plans, put solid foundations under our ambitions and come up with a best practices approach to advance our interests. This is a week when we can take our creative sparks, fan them to full flame and begin to give them shape and form. We are moving into a most productive time frame, a time into the third week of May, when we can accomplish a great deal from a pragmatic and focused viewpoint.

No matter the craziness of the world around us or the world at large, we don’t have to go there nor get sucked into the insanity.

We can maintain a detached perspective, take into account the conditions around us, and then build or rebuild from there.

This week brings an end to the Stellium of three or more planets in Aries and begins the Earth Grand Trine. This switch is brought about by Mercury moving into Taurus on Thursday followed by the Sun entering Taurus on Saturday. This Grand Trine, lasting into the third week of May, provides excellent opportunities to get things done and make manifest our strongest desires.

The week begins with us feeling on fire, impassioned by our prospects and ready to make our mark on our world. This fire is not a shooting star, tearing brightly across the night sky only to burn out at the end. On the contrary, we can use our fire, our enthusiasm and self-assertiveness, harness it and then channel it into taking care of specific details, outstanding matters, all in preparation for the new foundation stones we can put down toward the latter part of the week and over the weekend.

We can be resourceful, adept at making the most out of whatever we have, and determined to succeed no matter the circumstances.

Monday, April 14th – The Little Engine That Could – Mercury, Neptune. Monday begins the week continuing with the Leo Moon, which today opposes Neptune and trines Mercury. We also have Mercury sextile Neptune. This Monday can have us putting some flair in our presentations, style in our expressions and a strong creative streak in everything we do. We’ve got panache today. Communications are strong and able to paint a picture that inspires the imagination and grabs the attention. Although we have a silver tongue and an intuitive mind today, we do have to be careful where we put our energy. We could easily focus on things as we see them, or want to see them, without taking into account the true reality of the situation. If we are sure of our course, we can virtually move mountains today. It is essential that we blueprint, evaluate our intentions and take a critical eye to our intended activities today. Otherwise, we could start off with fuel in our belly but in a direction that may either lead us down a garden path or towards a precipice. No matter what we do today, we have the force to pull it off. Let’s just be certain that we don’t waste this opportunity on fool’s gold or things that seem so wonderful in appearance with the reality being a mirage.

Tuesday, April 15th – Channeling into Practical Means – Sun, Pluto, Saturn. Even if we got off track yesterday and pursued illusions or went too far embracing our wish fulfillment, Tuesday allows us to get back on track and deal from a grounded perspective to build solid foundations and deal with particulars. Tuesday begins with the Leo Moon trine the Sun. We still have the burst of energy we may have been feeling over the past two days. We want to make an impression and put our personal stamp on our lives and our activities. Although we may be waking up determined to take the world by storm, the energy shifts whereby we can take on a far more realistic viewpoint and a pragmatic approach. The Moon moves into Virgo where it trines Pluto and conjuncts Saturn. We have the ability to construct the groundwork of our projects or reassemble the ingredients of our activities. Today is a day when we can work smarter rather than harder. We are likely to be resourceful, getting the most out of anything we use or do. Our focus turns to the details, to the specifics. While we might prefer to glide along with enthusiasm and exuberance and not worry about the minutiae, Tuesday is a day to address the small things and the parts that make up the whole. We can attend to many of the chores on our ‘to do’ list. Concentrating our attention in clearing up the clutter in our lives, we could clear away many of the outstanding matters that are keeping us from initiating our Springtime projects.

Wednesday, April 16th – Clearing the Space – Mercury, Sun, Mars. Continuing on Tuesday’s theme of cleaning up outstanding situations and making space for new involvements, Wednesday has Mercury conjunct the Sun and the Virgo Moon sextile Mars. Let’s keep in mind that the universe does not like a vacuum, that by clearing things away, we provide greater opportunity for new things to come forward. This Wednesday allows us to give thought to where we want to go and what we want to do all the while that we’re doing a good Spring cleaning of the debris of our past and outstanding matters that are needless distractions for our future. We can do an inventory taking today of our lives, critique what is working for us and what is not, and then take broom in hand and sweep away the garbage. We may want to clean up our space, our living environment and work space, in order to have room for the birthing and rebirthing that this season of Spring offers. With seeds of our future in hand, we are ready to plant the seeds. First, we must weed our garden, till the soil, all in preparation of the new plantings. Starting tomorrow, we come into the Earth Element Grand Trine operational by Sign into the third week of May. We are on the threshold of manifesting. The universe is with us and our responsibility on this Wednesday is to clear the space in order to plant the seeds of our future and build on solid ground.

Thursday, April 17th – Knocked off Center – Uranus, Jupiter, Pluto, Moon Void-of-Course, Mercury Taurus. There is a saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. This Thursday could have a sense of that sentiment. Although this Thursday is like the starting gate opening to our future with a systematic and grounded approach, we may try to jump the gun. Mercury moves into Taurus today and thereby creating by Sign a Grand Trine in the Earth Element with Saturn in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn and now Mercury in Taurus, soon to be followed by the Sun and Venus moving into Taurus. By the end of the month, we not only have a Grand Trine in Earth, we also have a Stellium of three or more planets in Taurus. Before we fully embrace this universal offer of manifestation in our lives, we may discover that either we haven’t taken into account unanticipated variables or we have unrealistic expectations of what we can do. This Thursday gives us a wake-up call, as the early part of the day has the Virgo Moon opposed Uranus and trine Jupiter. No matter our plans for this Thursday, things could pop up that get in our way or force us to rethink our schedule. If we maintain our center and are adaptable to changing conditions, then we can ably deal with the unexpected. Once we have addressed the hurdle of unplanned for situations, we can broaden our reach and widen our activities. If something comes up that does knock us off center and we are able to successfully address it, then we do have to watch that we don’t become too impressed with ourselves and move into an overreach position. We could schedule more than would be realistic. As the day progresses, the Moon goes Void-of-Course for sixteen hours making no further connections to the planets as it finishes its transit of Virgo and before entering Libra. As the Moon moves into Libra, it squares Pluto. Some of our self-absorption or self-involvement of the past few weeks could come back and bite us, as we discover that people whom we might have considered our advocates present roadblocks to our plans or demand that we live up to our commitments. This Thursday may necessitate that we be nimble and quick in dealing with situations that are not of our making and smooth over any ruffled feathers we might have stirred up by being too self-focused.

Friday, April 18th – Brainstorming – Earth Grand Trine, Mercury, Pluto, Saturn. Friday is a great day to get to the heart of matters, blueprint our course of action and begin to focus on manifesting our future. The Libra Moon allows for pleasant interactions with others. People are less self-involved and more considerate today than has been the case for several weeks. The emphasis seems to be on personal best and not competitive savagery. The Earth Grand Trine is in effect today as Mercury having just entered Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn and trines Saturn in Virgo. Today is a perfect day to brainstorm. Our mind is incisive and sharp. We can see the best practices approach to realize our goals. Not only can we devise the most expedient strategy but we can also take into account the particulars, the specifics and the details. Today is a day when we can easily blend the micro with the macro. While there may be a great deal of seriousness of thought, we are far more grounded and able to present our point of view in a rational and step-by-step manner. We could use this day to plan and strategize the coming few weeks, weeks when we can accomplish far more than most of the weeks of the year.

Saturday, April 18th – Here, There and Everywhere – Lunar Grand Cross, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, Sun Taurus. Saturday has the Libra Moon creating a Grand Cross in the Cardinal Signs as the Moon opposes Venus in Aries, squares Mars in Cancer and squares Jupiter in Capricorn. We could be all over the place today. We may feel as though the starting gun has fired and that we have to sprint through the day, trying to do as much as we possibly can. The sense of starting new projects can be enticing but there may not be a great deal of follow through. We could easily take on more than can be humanly accomplished. If we could just slow it down, take our time and recognize that we don’t have to do it all today, then we are less likely to feel like Alice’s Mad Hatter scurrying around, feeling late and constantly on edge. This is a day when we could have too many balls in the air, adding more by the hour, but not accomplishing much. We want to get going and may feel like we’re in turbothrust. The Moon trines Neptune, so in addition to everything we want to do, we also want to spend time with good friends or our significant other. Using people as sounding boards could help us whittle our activity list to the pragmatic and most sensible. We might not be objective enough to do so for ourselves. Today, the Sun also exits Aries and moves into Taurus. We are readying for the seed planting but it would be wise to check the weather and the conditions before we plant our seeds. Rome wasn’t built in a day nor will our future be.

Sunday, April 20th – Back to Basics – Scorpio Full Moon, Sun, Pluto, Saturn, Mercury. Sunday gives us the Scorpio Full Moon and allows us to separate the functional from the nonfunctional, the essential from the extraneous. This Scorpio Full Moon has the Sun Moon opposition with the Sun trine Pluto and the Moon sextile Pluto. The Moon also sextiles Saturn, which the Sun will trine tomorrow. The Moon also opposes Mercury. This Sunday is a powerful day. It allows us to get rid of the dross, to focus on the essentials, and to line our ducks up in a row. This past Friday we had the Earth Grand Trine triggered by Mercury moving into Taurus. Yesterday, the Sun moved into Taurus and today and tomorrow we have the Sun triggering the Earth Grand Trine as the Sun trines Pluto today and then trines Saturn tomorrow. Manifestation is our focal point. We can be far more effective with less expenditure of energy. Yes, the force is with us. But to be highly effective, it is important that we focus on the essentials, get back to basics and then build or rebuild from that focal point of building upon rock and not upon sand. Much can be accomplished today, but it would be wise to continue with our Spring cleaning, attending to outstanding matters, clearing the decks and starting to move towards our new future in a grounded, realistic, cut-to-the-core manner.

This week continues the positive energies of the end of last week: the Grand Trine in the Earth Element. Last Friday, we had Mercury, having moved into Taurus, trine Saturn in Virgo and trine Pluto in Capricorn. This past Saturday, the Sun moved into Taurus, trined Pluto on Sunday and trines Saturn on Monday. This Grand Trine in the Earth Element continues by Sign until the 20th of May.

We are in a period of restructuring or creating the foundation stones of our future. This time could be a most productive time for us. We can accomplish more now than at many other times of the year. It is a time of manifestation, of taking our concepts and putting them into practical reality. We may have to shift, change, adapt as we go along. If we don’t get fixed into how things are supposed to operate, then flexibility and unexpected variables can pave the way for successful advances and effective movements.

We start the week with the Sun creating a Grand Trine in Earth and the Moon creating a Grand Trine in Water. We can take care of what needs to be done, be resourceful and stretch a dollar, and even the fallen US dollar, so that we get more for less.

Midweek may seem somewhat stressful as we pick up the pace but might lose the rhythm. Like life now, this week can seem volatile with some strong, good energies to begin and end the week and with the middle part of the week being frenetic and perhaps frantic.

The challenge for all of us is to avoid being knocked off center. Our core is resilient and in the acceleration of life with its intense whipsaws there are times when we need to suspend judgment, keep our eyes and ears wide open, and be willing to make adjustments as we go along and as shifting circumstances demand.

It is important for us to keep in mind, mantram-like, the Taoist saying: ‘bend like a reed or break like an oak’.

Monday, April 21st – On All Eight Cylinders – Sun, Saturn, Lunar Grand Trine, Mars, Uranus. Each day of this week offers us something different. This Monday is a powerful day when the force is with us. We have an Earth Grand Trine thanks to the Sun in Taurus which yesterday trined Pluto in Capricorn and today trines Saturn in Virgo. We also have a Water Grand Trine as the Moon in Scorpio trines Mars in Cancer and trines Uranus in Pisces. We can be operating on all eight cylinders today. We can get a lot done, lining our ducks up in a row, laying the foundation stones and devising a best practices approach to realize our goals. Our sensitivity is highly attuned, and we might want to make changes, even subtle shifts, in our home environment. We are looking to streamline our lives, to be more effective with less expenditure of energy and focus our interests on those things that truly have meaning and purpose for us. Today is a great day to blueprint, strategize and consider our options and alternatives. The more we can look through peripheral vision, the more opportunities we are likely to see for ourselves. This Monday is a primo day, one not to be lost on idle chatter or frittering our time away.

Tuesday, April 22nd – Ch…ch…changes – Mars, Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune, Moon Void-of-Course, Saturn. Today is Earth Day, a day when we can reflect on what we have done, and are doing, to our Earth Mother. This Tuesday has Mars in Cancer trine Uranus in Pisces. In the early part of the day, we still have the Grand Trine in Water influence thanks to the Scorpio Moon which today sextiles Jupiter and squares Neptune. Today is a good day to make changes to our schedule, to our activities and even to our environment. The more we can be conscious of our actions, the more we can see the ramifications and the impacts that our activities and our interests have on our future and on the world around us. Like a pebble in a pond, our thoughts, actions and our being have ripple effects that influence our personal world and the larger world. Tuesday is a good day to sort through, sort out and clarify what is significant and what is no longer relevant. Clearing the decks of the superfluous provides greater clarity and creates space for new developments. The Moon square Neptune could have us considering future plans that may prove to be unrealistic or merely illusions. Whatever we choose to do, let’s do with the understanding that we can always change our mind and change course. The Moon goes Void-of-Course for over twelve hours making no further connections to the planets as it finishes its transit of Scorpio and before entering Sagittarius where it squares Saturn. Even if some of our changes seem to be innovative and advanced, we might discover later in the day that we’ve skipped over details or that our new projects are not as grounded or focused as we assumed at their inception. It may be time for us to use an eraser and reconsider what we’re doing and where we’re going.

Wednesday, April 23rd –You, Me, Not We – Venus, T-Square, Mars, Jupiter. While the last few days had some strong and positive energies, this Wednesday could prove a little irksome. Today Venus in Aries creates a T-Square in the Cardinal Signs by squaring Mars in Cancer and squaring Jupiter in Capricorn. Relationships might be a little testy today. People can be belligerent, looking out after their own self interests with little regard, much less consideration, of other people’s situations. While we might all have an edge on, we also have to be careful for extravagance. We could spend too much, reveal too much and seem overly self-absorbed. Someone may play the blame game, refusing to be accountable or responsible for their own actions, but rather concentrating on what has been done to them instead of accepting their part in the situation. Today and tomorrow, we need to be careful not to overdo. We could be impulsive, impetuous and rash these two days. Let’s try to be diplomatic, considerate and graceful. Nice concept, but it might be hard to come by today. The more we can count to ten before acting or reacting, the less trouble we are likely to cause ourselves. There’s so much going on in our lives that adding dysfunctionality to it will only create a logjam. Braking action will help us slow things down and keep us from becoming like a runaway train.

Thursday, April 24th – In Xcess – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune. Thursday continues with a tendency of over the top that we might have experienced yesterday. Today, Mars opposes Jupiter while the Moon is in Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius and the Moon squares Uranus, trines Venus and sextiles Neptune. The potential for indulgence and extravagance cannot be ruled out for today. We could easily get snookered by appearances and images. We want change in our lives. We want to get on with things. And we may be feeling the impetuousness that comes with Spring. Where a problem arises is the possibility that we’re more likely to leap before we look. We can be somewhat headstrong, assuming that our willfulness can move mountains and bring our desires to fulfillment. The potential for excess today is strong. The likelihood of volatility cannot be discounted. Today could prove a real whipsaw and a time when we switch gears quickly, going from one thing to another, without bringing anything to conclusion. Our relationships are likely to improve, however. We have less of an edge on, feel more exuberant and are looking for the best not only for ourselves but for others as well. Any hiccups in our relationships can be smoothed over today. We have the ability to appreciate what other people add to our lives. We want the abundance of life. We just have to be careful not to rush too fast, too far.

Friday, April 25th – We Can – Venus, Neptune, Pluto, Lunar Grand Trine, Saturn, Sun. Friday takes the ratcheted-up energy of the past two days down a notch or two, or several. Venus sextiles Neptune today. We can see our interactions with others to be far more pleasant than the past few weeks when everyone seemed very self-absorbed. We can see the potential in others, their best qualities shine, and even a certain mystique in regard to our connections. This Friday is one of those days when we are likely to see the best in people. We do have to be careful not to come from blind faith and give people carte blanche. Although our relationships can be quite positive today, we need to avoid the tricksters, those people who appear one way but whose reality is quite different. The Moon in Capricorn conjuncts Pluto and also creates an Earth Grand Trine by the Capricorn Moon trining Saturn in Virgo and trining the Sun in Taurus. We are feeling far more together today, less defensive and more at the top of our game. Our presentations can be awe-inspiring, both by reason of the impressions we make and by the grounded approach we take. This Friday is a great way to wrap up the workweek, for we can bring completion to some things and plant the seeds of other things. Similar to Monday, the force is with us. It is important that we focus our efforts on truly important matters and not be distracted by the superficial. People will see our sincerity and our capability. It may seem as if we have a magic wand with the power of persuasion and the ability to take the abstract and make it manifest.

Saturday, April 26th – Doing to Do – Mercury. After the hurly-burly of this past week when it may have seemed that we were soaring and other times over the top, this Saturday allows us to tie up loose ends. This day may be an errand day when we take care of many of the necessities we just had no time for during the week. A review of the week would be suggested in order for us to both appreciate what we have been able to accomplish and also to look at where we might have wasted our energies. The Capricorn Moon trines Mercury today. Not only can we use time management methods to do what needs to be done. We could also find bargains or the ability to stretch our finances. Taking the time to look at our budget and compare our revenue stream to our expenses could go a long way to relieving our anxiety over rising costs. We could come up with a plan of action whereby we successfully face the challenges of dramatically changing variables. This Saturday is a day when we can get things done, out of the way and be prepared for exciting new opportunities.

Sunday, April 27th – Outside the Box – Mercury, Uranus, Jupiter, Lunar T-Square, Mars, Venus, Moon Void-of-Course. Much of the energy on Sunday seems to be happening early in the day. And the early part of the day can be filled with surprises and alternatives that we might not have otherwise considered. This Sunday has Mercury sextile Uranus. We also have the Capricorn Moon sextile Uranus, conjunct Jupiter and then creating a Cardinal Sign T-Square by squaring Venus in Aries and opposing Mars in Cancer. There is a great deal of energy to begin the day. Things may not go according to plan. It would be wise to work with peripheral vision and keep our options open without overly committing today. We may get some wonderful insights today, figure out pieces to the puzzle and find just the right fit to situations and conditions that might have been perplexing. The more we can think outside the box, the more we shall open up to synchronicity, things coming out of the blue and being in the right place at the right time. Yes, there is magic to this Sunday and much of it occurs early in the day. We do have to watch for overload, trying to do too much, all the while that other unexpected possibilities open up to us. This Sunday is a day to make our plans in pencil, with a big eraser, able to change our mind or change our plans without a moment’s notice. As the day progresses, the Moon goes Void-of-Course for over twelve hours making no further connections to the planets as it finishes its transit of Capricorn and before entering Aquarius later in the day. Although there is a great deal of energy to begin the day, the energy dies down and we may find that the magic has evaporated…for the time being.

This week is another fairly active and productive week. We have the ability to advance our interests and enjoy our interactions with others. It will be important for us to maintain a focus on realistic possibilities and not merely our hoped-for scenarios.

We have two Sign changes this week as Venus exits Aries and moves into its own Sign of Taurus briefly creating a Stellium of three or more planets in Taurus. Mercury ends the short-lived Stellium in Taurus as it exits Taurus to enter its own Sign of Gemini. Consequently, we have two planets in their own Signs which by their positioning strengthens their impact. Perhaps the most significant planetary movement of this week is the fact that Saturn is turning direct. Our long winter hibernation ends and we are likely to find that many of the delays we might have experienced over the past few months are no longer getting in our way.

If we will address the specifics and balance our conceptual with the pragmatic, we can make great headway this week. We can externalize many of our thoughts and feelings. We could draw upon others as important resources to advance our interests. We might create the format in which to draw upon our future plans and our goals. We have the ability to blend both presentation and content and to provide both an appealing scenario and well-considered methods to realize our aims.

This week is a powerful week, a week when the energies are shifting and reinforcing the sense of the force being with us. No matter the vagaries of the world around us, now is a good time for us to launch our boats and ride the currents of our lifestream.

Monday, April 28th – Up, Up and Away – Mercury, Jupiter, Sun. Monday starts the week with Mercury trine Jupiter. We are likely feeling uplifted, exuberant and with a sense that we can do no wrong. Today is a good day for us to blueprint and plan any additional activities that we want to add to our life mix. We do have to watch for overconfidence. If we will take our time, consider the factors involved and then proceed in a methodical manner, then we can accomplish a lot today. Let’s remember that attitude is key. If we see the half glass of water as half empty, then we are more likely to draw lacks and limitations to ourselves. If we see the half glass of water as half full, then we are embracing the possibility of more. This Monday our tendency could be to see the half glass of water as filling even to the point of overflow. Expanding our scope and broadening our perspective is all part of this day’s energy. Added to this sense of all things possible is today’s Moon in Aquarius, which squares the Sun. We could easily buy into our optimism, assume that we have covered all the bases and be willing to go out on a limb. With the hope that things will go the way we want them to go, we might even take risks that could prove expensive investments on long shots. Exuberance is a great thing and far better than feeling victimized. It would be wise to avoid a manic-depressive quality since today we could be manic and see things going our way no matter how extreme or irrational our actions prove to be. Even if we’re feeling uplifted and invincible, a little humility could keep us grounded and prevent us from flying off the handle.

Tuesday, April 29th – What’s Going On – Mercury, Neptune, Mars. After flying high over the past few days, we could feel like we’re soaring unencumbered and unhindered. Tuesday allows us to take it even higher into the stratosphere. But we should ask ourselves whether we have given our common sense over to wish fulfillment and a desire for better times. The potential for delusion, confusion and buying into illusions is strong today. For this Tuesday has Mercury square Neptune, Mercury sextile Mars and to reinforce these energies we have the Aquarius Moon conjunct Neptune and square Mercury. Every now and then today we should stop and ask ourselves: what’s going on? If we don’t take those moments to check ourselves and check reality, we could easily get entranced by the appearances and seduced by images that seem pretty wonderful but could prove incredibly delusional. The hucksters can be out today spinning their message as if it were reality. This Tuesday is one when we need to read between the lines, take things with a grain of salt, and not accept anything at face value. Conversations can offer information that is enticing but with little basis in facts. We may feel dazed today, as though our head were spinning as we try to figure out what is true and what is fiction. Decisions made today need to be made as though tentative and not iron clad. We have to ask ourselves whether we have all the information. If we need to wait until we have all the information or until our mind has cleared, then let’s do so. It is far better to miss an opportunity that could eventually prove a liability rather than jumping at something and then have to backtrack in order to rectify a bad move.

Wednesday, April 30th – Driven By a Dream – Venus, Pluto, Saturn, Sun, Venus Taurus. Wednesday begins with the Aquarius Moon sextile Venus. The Moon then moves into Pisces where it sextiles Pluto, opposes Saturn and sextiles the Sun. With this week having begun with a strong impetus on possibilities, this Wednesday continues the thrust of what could be. We may feel energized as if driven by a spiritual edict of our life’s purpose. All the seeds that we have gathered that have meaning and purpose for us we could be ready to sow and plant. We might feel like we’re driven by divine intervention, as though our dharma is unfolding easily and readily. Where we might hit a snag is in regard to our old baggage. Have we taken care of outstanding matters or will past issues get in the way and throttle like weeds in a garden our new plantings, our new projects? We could also be so involved in our vision, that we do not take into account the specific methods of realizing our dreams. Today is a day to advance our interests but to be certain that we’re not re-creating the past. Venus exits Aries today and moves into its own Sign of Taurus. In so doing, Venus creates a Stellium of three or more planets in Taurus as Venus joins the Sun and Mercury in the Fixed Earth Sign. We are becoming far more diplomatic, interested in the form and not merely the force of our intentions and our activities. The soil is ready for our new seedlings. We just have to be aware of what needs to be done and how to do the necessary preparations and maintenance to nurture our seeds in order for them to grow and develop.

Thursday, May 1st – Special People – Grand Trine, Venus, Pluto, Saturn, Uranus, Jupiter, Mars. Thursday is one of those special days, for we have a Grand Trine in the Earth Element thanks to Venus having entered its own Sign of Taurus yesterday. We start the month of May with this Grand Trine with Venus in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn and trine Saturn in Virgo. Today we can fully appreciate the special people in our lives, those people who make our lives worth living and who help us in realizing our dreams. We’ve had this Grand Trine recently with Mercury being the trigger point back on the 18th of April and the Sun being the trigger point on April 20th-21st. Today’s Grand Trine allows us to put the right packaging on our presentations. Our style and our decorum can be close to impeccable. We can win the people to our side who can truly support our goals and ambitions. Along with the Earth Grand Trine, the Moon in Pisces adds to the celebratory feel by conjuncting Uranus, sextiling Jupiter and trining Mars. If we would be open to wonderful surprises and consider alternatives that we might not have taken into account, we might discover this Thursday to be a day of easy sledding, a time when everything fits neatly together. We may also be witness to magic moments when things go according to their own rhythm and their own pace. This Thursday is a special day and a day when we might want to acknowledge the miracles and magic and the wonder of it all. Today is a day to look at how things work out when we get out of our own way and don’t try to control everything or try to master the universe. We’re getting a taste of the new paradigm.

Friday, May 2nd – Out of the Gate – Mercury, Pluto, Mercury Gemini, Saturn direct. Friday is a highly charged day, and we might be feeling like we’re champing at the bit to get on with it. Early in the day, the Moon in Pisces sextiles Mercury. The Moon then moves into Aries to square Pluto. As the day progresses, Mercury moves out of Taurus and enters its own Sign of Gemini. While Mercury moving into Gemini ends the Stellium in Taurus, we are also getting a reinforced Mercury with a sparkling intellect and an interest in many varied things. And Saturn, transiting through Mercury-ruled Virgo, turns direct ending its retrograde cycle and now firing the starting gun for us to move ahead without the delays we might have experienced since the latter part of ’07. This Friday would be a good day to clean up loose ends, clear the decks and have the seeds of our new projects ready to put into effect. While we might get rid of the outmoded and outworn, we are also ready to initiate today. This is a ‘me’ day, a day when it is important that we focus our attention on what we want and take the steps to put our plans into action. We may be heading for the weekend, but this Friday can be a day when old issues crop up and our new projects are ready to start up.

Saturday, May 3rd – Lines in the Sand – Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune. Saturday has Mercury now in Gemini square Saturn in Virgo. The Aries moon squares Jupiter and sextiles Neptune. We may be filled with great ideas but our attention to details could prove deficient. This is one of those days when we might talk the talk but are unable to walk the walk. Delays could prove frustrating. We may be ready, set, go to focus on our new interests and expand our scope but old issues or specifics could trip us up. It is important that we not race ahead without checking the conditions, evaluating our plan of action and attending to the details. We may not be interested in other people’s input nor are we interested in going over and over things. We want to move forward, do our thing and get on with it. This is one of those days when by moving forward impetuously we could learn the truth to the adage: ’haste makes waste’. It would be wise to slow things down today. Interactions with others could be fun today, but we’re likely to be seeking ‘yes’ people, those people who will back us up no matter what. We don’t want conflict. We don’t want to debate issues. We want to move ahead but in so doing we have to be careful to look before we leap.

Sunday, May 4th – Clear Intent – Mars, Lunar Grand Trine, Pluto, Saturn, Venus. We start Sunday with the Aries Moon square Mars. Home matters or family issues could impede our desire to do things on a whim. We may have made certain commitments and we could awaken a little irritated by what we had agreed to do. Although we start the day slightly aggravated, we are energized and feel like we could take on the world. Fortunately, the energy shifts and we might find ourselves acting smarter rather than harder. The Moon moves into Taurus and, once again, we have the Earth Element Grand Trine as the Moon in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn and trines Saturn in Virgo. The Moon also conjuncts Venus. We have a clear intent regarding what we want to do and how we can best go about doing it. We also can present ourselves in a fashion that shows us in our best light --- well put together, competent, impassioned and determined to achieve our purpose in the most expeditious and methodical way possible. We can make some great impressions today. We may gain some important admirers from people willing to support our plans. Today is also a great day to clean up around our homes and add a little style and comfort to our living space.