ASTROLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF APRIL 2020

Aries and Taurus 

 Horoscopes from "The book of birth of Iskandar"

Wellcome Library (London)

          via Wikimedia

The Big Picture in April 

This year of 2020 ushers in a new decade that corresponds to some important new cycles. When planets conjoin, they are beginning a new cycle in their relationship. The astrological literature says that when an outer planet (Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto), contacts another planet, it signals that a major societal change is coming our way. Exactly how the change manifests is sometimes inconceivable to us. Yet, because astrology is the study of cycles, we can look back at the periods when these planets met in the past to understand what might be some of the themes that might once again emerge. 

During the last two years or so, astrologers have discussed their vision of the Saturn-Pluto conjunction that occurred as an exact aspect on January 12, 2020 at 22°46′ Capricorn. For my perspective on this conjunction, you might want to read my blog articles of January-March 2020. Essentially, my take on this conjunction is that it would highlight the dynamics operating within our economic system that show the vast power of a plutocracy (the wealthy elite symbolized by a lower form of Pluto) over our government (Saturn). My view is that this dynamic had already reached an unhealthy tipping point, and that this issue would be salient in the political campaigns of 2020. However, I did not anticipate that a virus would negatively affect an already vulnerable economy.

From January through March, we have witnessed how Covid-19 has ended the lives of human beings in various countries and how it has wrecked havoc on our economies. It has been a lesson in what the priorities are in the countries that have been affected. In this time of crisis in the United States, our elected officials have given priority to the wealthy and the economy in which they thrive. To what extent do the masses see this, and will they do anything to begin shifting this power dynamic? I think that there is a growing awareness of the imbalance of wealth, but whether it will reach a “critical mass” will only be answered in time (also symbolized by Saturn).

In April, we have another significant conjunction occurring. This time it involves the conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto. These planets form an exact aspect on April 4 at 24°53′ Capricorn. Because the sign of Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, both Jupiter and Pluto are “answering” to the ruler Saturn. Hence, this April conjunction is symbolically tied to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction. The planet Saturn is about structures. That can be the structure of the body, or the structures we create to house human beings or our societal structures, including government and businesses. Jupiter is a planet that magnifies that which it has contact with. On the other hand, Pluto is about death and rebirth and the transformation that results. In our present reality, Jupiter seems to be magnifying death, whether it is people or the structures that have dealt with their dying. Certainly, we are viewing close-up how inadequate our structures have been in addressing a pandemic.  

Jupiter, a social planet and Pluto, an outer planet of change, dance together in thirteen-year cycles. The last time these planets conjoined was in 2007, the year of the subprime mortgage collapse, in which about 10 million Americans lost homes. I don’t know what policies might come into play surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent such a financial collapse, but it is likely that we could have a similar phenomenon operating.

Significantly, Pluto begins its retrograde motion on April 25, which it does not complete until October 3. However, Pluto will be in its post-retrograde shadow until November 11. During this retrograde period, Pluto will be traveling back to the degree of its Saturn-Pluto conjunction that occurred on January 12. This could mean that we are not out of the woods with the pandemic or the upheaval it has caused until the end of the year or even 2021. 

Saturn, a social planet, did emerge from conservative Capricorn into the more nonconventional sign of Aquarius in late March. The zodiac sign of Aquarius concerns itself with group activities and mass communication. As an air sign, Aquarius observes the world from a dispassionate perspective, much like a scientist. Yet, Aquarius also concerns itself with humanitarian concerns. Aquarius wants what is best for the group. However, by May 11, Saturn retrogrades back into Capricorn and won’t reenter Aquarius until December 18.

For the duration of April, the action planet Mars will be transiting Aquarius, so this energy will promote a concern for the well-being of community. When Mars squares Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius on April 7, we might even see some rebellious activities, or at least some unconventional thinking at this time. 

Here we are at the beginning of the spring season with active Arian solar energy, but many of us are spending most of our time indoors. The Aries Sun wants to engage in any activity, but it is prudent that we be confined. Mercury, the ruler of Gemini, will also begin its transit of action-oriented Aries on April 10 and then will slip into mellower Taurus on April 27. Perhaps we can use the high-powered energy of the month in projects at home or coalition building on the Internet.

Venus will also be quite active this month. However, Venus will be “out of bounds” beginning April 2 and through the entire months of April AND May. This planet symbolizes relating as well as financial resources and values. When a planet is out of bounds, it operates outside its normal rules. The economy and our personal finances are certainly susceptible to the swings of external events. Moreover, with the exception of the first two days of the month, Venus will be transiting communicative Gemini for all of April. Yet, despite this desire to be in relationship, our regular channels of relating will not be fully available.

Significant Days in April

Below you will find a table of astrological events for this month. You can assess the quality of significant days by noting when planets form exact aspects and where all this activity takes place in your natal chart. 

Here is a basic KEY for understanding the meaning of the aspects: 

The Conjunction: This aspect represents the merging and fusion of energies by two (or more planets) that have joined at a particular degree (or within a specified orb). This combined energy is very potent. When this occurs, we might feel subjective about a matter in our lives.

The Sextile (60°): Planets in this formation are harmonious and lend themselves to cooperation. Astrologer Sue Tompkins says there is a quality of “coaxing” in sextiles. In other words, if we put in a little effort at these times, we can take advantage of opportunities in a situation.

The Quintile (72°): Planets in this aspect represent the type of harmony inherent in creative endeavors. It might often describe the impulse to fuse an idea into a tangible substance. Quintiles often describe the talents possessed by individuals. 

The Square (90°): Planets that line up in this aspect reflect incompatible energies with contrasting needs. Consequently, we can describe this planetary relationship as tense and strained. Because these energies can be working at cross-purposes, the situation at hand may require us to make choices. The “silver lining” is that squares compel us to take action and this often results in dispelling tension. If we are conscious of the dilemma, we can use the excess energy in a matter so that we can achieve something useful.

The Trine (120°): There is an ease in the relationship between planets involved with this aspect because they are of the same element. At this time, we can perform activities with a flowing energy. We enjoy these activities, and they often reflect our innate talents. Because this energy is so comfortable, it often does not promote growth. Yet, these aspects reflect how we can be healed. 

The Quincunx (150°): Planets forming this relationship appear to have nothing in common. These planets display energies that are out of step with one another. There can be an element of irritation and stress because of this, but it is not a confrontative type of energy. If we are conscious of this reality, we can make adjustments to the relationship such that we do not feel so out of sync.

The Opposition (180°): This relationship between planets brings to our awareness how something is different from our preferred position. We could be in conflict with others about a matter. Also, we might shift our preference from one point of view to its opposite. Yet, we can also find common ground in this relationship. This aspect has the potential for us to integrate our perspectives.

DATE OF EXACT ASPECT	TIME (Pacific)	ASTROLOGICAL EVENTS
April 1	7:38 AM	Mercury 16 Pisces 04 quintile Venus 28 Taurus 04
April 1	5:32 PM	Sun 12 Aries 44 quintile Saturn 00 Aquarius 44
April 3	8:11 PM	Mars 2 Aquarius 41 quincunx North Node 2 Cancer 41
April 3	6:14 PM	Mercury 19 Pisces 22 conjunction Neptune 19 Pisces 22
April 3	10:10 AM	Venus enters Gemini
April 4	10:09 AM	Venus 0 Gemini 54 trine Saturn 0 Aquarius 54
April 4	11:01 AM	Sun 15 Aries 25 quintile Mars 3 Aquarius 25
April 4	7:45 PM	Jupiter 24 Capricorn 53 conjunction Pluto 24 Capricorn 53
April 5	12:21 AM	Venus 01 Gemini 25 quintile Neptune 19 Pisces 25
April 7	11:50 AM	Mars 5 Aquarius 32 square Uranus 5 Taurus 32
April 7	2:28 PM	Mercury 24 Pisces 55 sextile Pluto 24 Capricorn 55
April 7	7:20 PM	Mercury 25 Pisces 13 sextile Jupiter 25 Capricorn 13
April 7	7:36 PM	Full Moon in Libra
April 8	10:24 AM	Mars 6 Aquarius 11 sextile Chiron 6 Aries 11
April 8	11:33 PM	Sun 19 Aries 52 quintile North Node 2 Cancer 58
April 10	6:39 PM	Venus 6 Gemini 19 sextile Chiron 6 Aries 19
April 10	10:48 PM	Mercury enters Aries
April 11	4:58 PM	Mercury 1 Aries 16 sextile Saturn 1 Aquarius 16
April 11	10:18 PM	Mercury 1 Aries 38 square North Node 1 Cancer 38
April 14	4:07 AM	Sun 24 Aries 57 square Pluto 24 Capricorn 57
April 14	10:02 PM	Mercury 6 Aries 34 conjunction Chiron 6 Aries 34
April 15	3:50 AM	Mercury 6 Aries 57 quintile Pluto 24 Capricorn 57
April 15	3:59 AM	Sun 25 Aries 56 square Jupiter 25 Capricorn 56
April 15	6:12 PM	Mercury 7 Aries 09 quintile Jupiter 25 Capricorn 56
April 17	11:01 AM	Saturn 1 Aquarius 31 quincunx North Node 1 Cancer 31
April 17	10:36 PM	Mercury 11 Aries 47 sextile Venus 11 Gemini 47
April 18	8:55 PM	Mercury 13 Aries 26 sextile Mars 13 Aquarius 26
April 18	10:37 PM	Mercury 13 Aries 24 quintile Saturn 1 Aquarius 34
April 19	7:45 AM	Sun enters Taurus
April 20	10:04 AM	Sun 1 Taurus 04 sextile North Node 1 Cancer 04
April 21	12:00 AM	Sun 1 Taurus 38 square Saturn 1 Aquarius 38
April 21	7:09 PM	Mercury 18 Aries 48 quintile North Node 2 Cancer 27
April 22	6:12 PM	Pluto 24 Capricorn 59 quintile Chiron 6 Aries 59
April 22	7:27 PM	New Moon in Taurus
April 25	10:54 AM	Pluto turns Retrograde
April 25	12:36 AM	Mercury 24 Aries 59 square Pluto 24 Capricorn 59
April 25	9:31 PM	Mercury 26 Aries 43 square Jupiter 26 Capricorn 43
April 26	2:01 AM	Sun 6 Taurus 36 conjunction Uranus 6 Taurus 36
April 27	12:52 PM	Mercury enters Taurus
April 27	3:38 PM	Mercury 0 Taurus 14 sextile True Node 0 Cancer 14
April 28	10:28 AM	Mercury 1 Taurus 50 square Saturn 1 Aquarius 50
April 28	2:35 PM	Mercury 2 Taurus 11 quintile Mars 20 Aquarius 11
April 30	8:41 PM	Mercury 6 Taurus 52 conjunction Uranus 6 Taurus 52