ASTROLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF APRIL 2021

Pavement Mosiacs of Taurus and Aries at the Umberto Gallery in Naples, Italy

 

Photo by  IlSistemone, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

The Big Picture in April

As discussed in previous articles, the energy related to the Saturn-Uranus square influences us this entire year. Although the EXACT contact between them occurs in February, June, and December, these planets remain close enough (2.2 to 2.5 degrees of orb) in April to be of significance. In simple terms, Saturn represents structures and systems and Uranus represents the energy of change, often experienced in the form of rebellion or sudden surprises. The square aspect represents an issue or issues that requires resolution through some type of action, whether at the societal level or in our individual lives.

Excluding the asteroids, the planetary bodies can be found in less than half of the zodiac at this time. They stretch from Capricorn to Cancer by the end of April. The planets have now moved away from the tight cluster that we experienced in 2020.

With the exception of the asteroids Vesta and Juno, the planetary bodies are in direct motion for most of the month. However, come April 27, Pluto, the most distant planet, will turn retrograde. Symbolizing transformation, power, and death, Pluto will remain in retrograde motion until early October. By the end of its retrograde cycle, Pluto will have retraced the territory that represented the period during which we had the COVID “lockdown” and other restrictive measures (that began in California in March 2020). Although I don’t know how the time period between late April through early October will play out, I’m reminded of the saying, “It’s not over till it’s over.”

Mars, the action planet, remains out of bounds during April. An out of bounds planet acts like a wild card, in the sense that its actions are unpredictable and its qualities are uncertain. Consequently, how Mars engages in pursuing its desires while it transits Gemini and later Cancer will be interesting to observe as we progress through the month!

Fast-moving Mercury winds up its transit of emotional Pisces during the first two days of the month, and enters energetic Aries on April 3. Communication and our thoughts will most likely be expressed in a more forthright manner. We are motivated to put our ideas into active pursuits.

Meanwhile, Venus enters sensuous and practical Taurus, a sign it rules, on April 14. Under this Taurean influence, we might turn our focus on enjoying the fruits of our labor in ways that satiate our particular needs. Those with the financial means might find ways to invest in lovely objects or in projects that protect our environment.

Each month we reset our emotional energy at the New Moon. This month, the New Moon occurs at 22° Aries 25ʹ on April 11 at 7:30 PM PDT. The energy at this time propels us toward making a new start and engaging in activities that we find fulfilling.

The Sun begins its transit of Taurus on April 19 at 1:33 PM. As we transition from the more active Aries Sun to the more placid Taurus Sun, we might continue to work hard but simultaneously understand the need to find relaxing downtime. We can still value being productive, but we find that we can accomplish more when we’ve satiated other needs.

Toward the end of the month, we are prepared to tie up loose ends on projects and take stock at what we’ve accomplished at the Full Moon. This month, the Full Moon occurs at 07° Scorpio 06ʹ on April 26 at 8:31 PM. We might be aware of the need for further research or investigation. As a water sign, Scorpio may delve deep into the areas of the psyche, whether pertaining to others or the self. At this Full Moon, motivations and needs might become clearer.

Throughout April, we have nine quintiles, an aspect that symbolizes harmonious energies that promote creativity through the use of one’s talents. Could the quintile represent a passageway through which we experience the divine? Whatever the case, may those days of the quintile be wonderful times for you!

Significant Days in April

Below you will find a table of astrological events for this month, including the major aspects, the key lunations, and sign changes for the planets. 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.

APRIL 2021 ASTROLOGICAL EVENTS

Date of Exact (or near)Aspect	Pacific Time	Astrological Event
April 1	11:04 PM	MERCURY (26 Pisces 39) sextile PLUTO (26 Capricorn 39)
April 3	8:41 PM	MERCURY enters Aries
April 6	4:17 AM	VENUS (19 Aries 44) sextile MARS (19 Gemini 44)
April 8	2:20 PM	MERCURY (08 Aries 43) quintile PLUTO (26 Capricorn 43)
April 8	10:44 PM	MERCURY  (09 Aries 23) quintile MARS (21 Gemini 23)
April 9	12:08 AM	MERCURY (9 Aries 30) conjunction CHIRON (9 Aries 30)
April 9	3:27 AM	MARS (21 Gemini 30) quintile CHIRON (09Aries 30)
April 9	12:18 PM	MARS (21 Gemini 44) square NEPTUNE (21 Pisces 44)
April 9	3:28 PM	VENUS (24 Aries 01) quintile SATURN (12 Aquarius 01)
April 10	8:09 AM	MERCURY (12 Aries 04) sextile SATURN (12 Aquarius 04)
April 10	11:53 AM	VENUS (25 Aries 05) sextile JUPITER (25 Aquarius 05)
April 11	7:30 PM	NEW MOON (22 Aries 25)
April 11	8:20 PM	VENUS (26 Aries 45) square PLUTO (26 Capricorn 45)
April 13	4:09 PM	SUN (24 Aries 14) sextile MARS (24 Gemini 14)
April 13	5:14 PM	SUN (24 Aries 16) quintile SATURN (12 Aquarius 16)
April 14	11:21 AM	VENUS enters Taurus
April 15	9:58 AM	SUN (25 Aries 57) sextile JUPITER (25 Aquarius  57)
April 16	6:26 AM	SUN (26 Aries 47) square PLUTO (26 Capricorn 47)
April 16	11:53 AM	MERCURY (24 Aries 26) quintile SATURN (12 Aquarius 26)
April 16	10:14 PM	MARS (26 Gemini 12) trine JUPITER (26 Aquarius 12)
April 17	9:00 AM	MERCURY (26 Aries 16) sextile JUPITER (26 Aquarius 16)
April 17	12:09 PM	MERCURY (26 Aries 33) sextile MARS (26 Gemini 33)
April 17	2:49 PM	MERCURY (26 Aries 47) square PLUTO (26 Capricorn 47)
April 17	9:26 PM	MARS (26 Gemini 47)quincunx PLUTO (26 Capricorn 47)
April 18	6:49 PM	SUN (29 Aries 15) conjunction MERCURY (29 Aries 15)
April 19	3:29 AM	MERCURY enters Taurus
April 19	1:33 PM	SUN enters Taurus
April 21	6:01 PM	VENUS (08 Taurus 59) quintile JUPITER (26 Aquarius 59)
April 22	6:01 PM	VENUS (10 Taurus 14) conjunction URANUS (10 Taurus 14)
April 23	4:48 AM	MARS enters Cancer
April 23	12:06 PM	MERCURY (09 Taurus 16) quintile JUPITER (27 Aquarius 16)
April 23	11:42 PM	MERCURY (10 Taurus 18) conjunction URANUS (10 Taurus 18)
April 24	9:21 PM	VENUS (12 Taurus 52) square SATURN (12 Aquarius 52)
April 25	4:58 AM	MERCURY (12 Taurus 53) square SATURN (12 Aquarius 53)
April 25	3:19 PM	MERCURY (13 Taurus 48) conjunction VENUS (13 Taurus 48)
April 26	8:31 PM	FULL MOON (07 Scorpio 06)
April 27	1:02 PM	PLUTO goes retrograde
April 29	7:26 PM	MERCURY (22 Taurus 22) sextile NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 22)
April 30	2:43 AM	SUN (10 Taurus 16) quintile JUPITER (28 Aquarius 16)
April 30	12:54 PM	SUN (10 Taurus 41) conjunction URANUS (10 Taurus 41)