New Moon in Aries 
Sunday, April 3, 7:32 am PDT, 10:32 am EDT

The New Moon in the first sign of the zodiac fires up restless feelings and strong desire for change. Impatience and innovation spark bright ideas that can burn out as quickly as they come if we don’t slow down to anchor them in reality. A sense of urgency is amplified by a conjunction between bold Mars and independent Uranus—both in Aries—that can provoke rebellion against rules and reason. There is genius in the air but cerebral Mercury is stuck in reverse until April 23, requiring several revisions before getting plans on track. This Sun-Moon conjunction in spontaneous Aries can free us from past inhibitions, allowing us to begin creating a radically different future.

Neptune in Pisces
Monday, April 4, 6:36 am PDT, 9:36 am EDT

Metaphysical Neptune enters its imaginative home sign for a four-month preview of a 14-year stay in Pisces that begins next February. This transit opens hearts with hope, spurring faith and compassion that cut across national, religious and racial lines. Neptune dissolves the boundaries of ego and individuality that limit imagination and keep us from caring for one another unconditionally. We are reminded that the material world is only a container for subtler dimensions of spirit and soul that can wash away our earthbound wounds.

Pluto Retrograde
Saturday, April 9

Potent Pluto’s backward shift drives desires underground where they can be buried with fear and shame, which isn’t very healthy. On the plus side, this four-monthretrograde cycle provides an opportunity to re-evaluate what we want and determine whether we’re responding to real needs or simply acting out of habit. A clearer perception of these issues enables us to put our emotional priorities in order, eliminate distractions and concentrate our efforts where they’re most needed.

Full Moon in Libra 
Sunday, April 17, 7:44 pm PDT, 10:44 pm EDT

The accommodating Libra Moon’s opposition to the Sun in self-reliant Aries brings relationship issues into the foreground. It’s an opportunity to gain clarity about how we give too much to others, undermining our own interests, and when unwillingness to compromise weakens partnerships. Libra’s sociable ruling planetVenus is in Pisces forms an awkward quincunx with the Moon, an aspect that increases uncertainty and encourages sacrifice. However, honest discussions help us to find the right balance between personal needs and mutual interests that inspire us to work and share with others effectively.

Sun in Taurus
Wednesday, April 20, 3:18 am PDT, 6:18 am EDT

The Sun’s entry into stabilizing Taurus puts our feet on the ground, providing a solid foundation for addressing practical matters with patience and persistence. Greater awareness of our bodies opens the senses, enabling us to appreciate the richness of living on planet Earth. The Bull’s stubborn ways are less evident this year as its value-setting ruler Venus is just about to enter adventurous Aries. This combination represents potential conflict between risk taking and playing it safe but can also help us find the resources to fund new sources of fun.

Venus in Aries
Wednesday, April 20, 9:06 pm PDT, Thursday, April 21, 12:06 am EDT

The love planet’s presence in Aries stimulates hunger for new forms of fun. Old pleasures and partnerships require updating to maintain interest and excitement. Impetuous attractions fulfill the need for fresh experiences but aren’t ideal for long-term commitments. A feisty approach to others incites teasing and testing that weeds out weaklings and boring individuals very quickly. However, the development of new tastes and talents could lead to sources of joy, income and approval.

Mercury Direct
Saturday, April 23

The forward turn of the communication planet in pioneering Aries helps get projects off the ground and paves the way to making new connections. Delays caused by complications during the previous three-week retrograde period are finally ready to be overcome as we put the past behind us. However, when planets change directions they move very slowly at first, indicating the need to maintain a bit of patience even as our minds are racing ahead with anticipation of whatever comes next.

Mars conjunct Jupiter
Saturday, April 30, 9:26 pm PDT, Sunday, May 1, 12:26 am EDT

Active Mars and expansive Jupiter join up in fiery Aries to set a blaze of enthusiasm that’s made for adventure. Whether it’s a personal quest or a professional enterprise, the ability to burn away doubt and take on risky experiences is strong now. If anger or aggression is high, channeling it toward a creative project will be much more peaceful and productive than engaging in combat. This is high-octane fuel to propel us forward with courage and energy to handle challenges of all kinds.

The New Moon in Aries is the true starting point of the astrological year. While there is some danger in going too far too fast, it’s better to take chances by exploring unfamiliar territory than playing it safe. Mistakes can be corrected and other opportunities arise when we’re proactively pushing ahead instead of being passive now.