Summary

For an in-depth analysis of specific planetary placements, please continue with the full planetary forecast.

Mercury in Aries March 31 – June 7

The last day of March sees Mercury wringing out his socks after a quick Pisces transit, and entering into Mars' dynamic fire sign, Aries, for a lengthy stay which includes a retrograde cycle from April 21st through May 14th. This brings attention to the buildup of planets occupying Aries in April and May.

Sun in Aries will bring our first eclipse pairing in 2023, as Sun will join the eclipse-causing Rahu. There is a total solar eclipse at the new Moon on April 20th followed by a penumbral lunar eclipse at the full Moon on May 5th. Eclipses, Mercury retrograde, and Jupiter moving signs add up to make April 2023 look like a dynamic month.

Adding to the whirling dynamism will be Mercury, who will be retrograde in Aries from April 21st through May 14th. This could create some turbulence, some unbidden pivoting, and even some gain of power and momentum, although not in the direction you may expect.

The real combination that could fuel this herky-jerky start is the exchange of signs between Mercury and Mars that will prevail from March 31st, when Mercury enters Aries, until May 10th, when Mars exits Mercury's sign of Gemini. Both of these signs, Aries and Gemini, are the masculine expressions of each of these planets, representing the fiery side of Mars and the airy side of Mercury.

Whatever you give energy and fuel to during this time should be able to start up and take off. Things may not go as planned (cue the eclipse pairing), but use your curiosity, your puzzle solving, your pioneering, your strategizing, and your game playing to LEARN your way forward.

Mercury and Mars are not natural friends, but they are fantastic as a working pair. Mercury teaches Mars how to let go of some control in favor of feeling the thrill of the ride. Mars teaches Mercury how to focus attention for maximum effect. This combination persists through April and into May. The second half, when Mercury is retrograde, could become very exciting.

Full Moon in Virgo/Hasta April 5

During the first half of April, we still see the positive, warm influence of the Sun and Jupiter from Pisces, struggling to send up flares, still stuck between the intense forces of Rahu in fiery Aries and hard, cold Saturn in Aquarius.

The promise of liberation will be illuminated by the full Moon of April 5th, rising as the Sun sets. The Sun will sit at 22 degrees Pisces, with Jupiter nearby, occupying the final nakshatra of the series, Revati, where we are sheparded through final lessons needed for advancing to the next part of the journey.

The Moon sits at 22 degrees Virgo, ruled by Mercury and in the nakshatra Hasta, ruled by the Moon itself. This moment is a grand opportunity for perspective that is balanced for both the intellect and the emotions. With Mercury conjoined Rahu at the moment of this full Moon, we could find ourselves in turbulent situations that involve struggles for power, money, or stability, situations that demand clear perspectives and keen analysis.

During the first part of April, the Moon reminds us that truth will prevail, that help will come, and that protecting others with love and care will always be the answer. Mars aspecting from Gemini provides strength and courage to act when we feel instinctively that the time is right. Sun and Jupiter beaming into Virgo further support our choices for right actions and high-quality behavior.

The full Moon of April is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti, which marks the birth of the lord of the Vanara, the great hero of the epic Ramayana, the embodiment of devoted, loving service to divinity. For all who love the son of the wind: Jaya Bajranja Bali! For all who are faced with making a huge leap of faith and producing unimaginable acts of courage in the name of all that is true and good: You got this!

Venus in Taurus April 5 – May 1

After the moment of the full Moon, late in the evening of April 5th or early in the morning of April 6th, depending on global location, Venus moves out of Aries and into Taurus for some serious rest and rejuvenation.

But not for long. Venus is on the move, almost as if racing to catch up with Mars, which happens when Venus reaches Cancer in late May. Through June and into July, Venus catches Mars, slowing her pace remarkably, almost as if to see how this next encounter is going to go, or not.

When Venus slows down, the brightness increases. In the evening star apparition of early 2023, Venus will become extremely bright in July, when a retrograde cycle begins on July 22, which will cause Venus to move closer to the Sun, disappearing from view, and re-emerging for morning apparition in October 2023.

The big Venus-Mars themes born in 2022 could rekindle and reconnect in the summer of 2023. In the meantime, Venus gets to visit Taurus for some rest through April. After an intense transit through Aries, amplified by Rahu, which could have tested the resilience of many relationships and business ventures, Venus in Taurus may become the stable one during April.

Considering the many other dynamic moving parts we see in April, including the active Aries on one side and the powerful Mars on the other side of Taurus, this could point to the importance of keeping ourselves strong and active through a calculated balance maintained with self care and stillness. Food, sleep, good company, and relaxation in natural surroundings are non-negotiables!

With all of the other changes and progress creating an air of excitement, fall back on the importance of stopping to make a meal with loved ones or walk next to water to counterbalance the rapid building of scaffoldings intended to support upward growth.

Venus in Taurus is great for creativity and rejuvenation. Make time for music, social connection, and artistic pursuits. Time to get ourselves back to the garden!

Sun in Aries April 14 – May 14

At mid-month, the Sun moves out of Pisces and into the initiatory first sign of the zodiac, Aries. Aries is the exaltation sign for the Sun, currently holding the transiting Rahu and Mercury. We may feel things begin to cook, especially with Mars' energy being brought into the mix by the exchange of signs with Mercury.

The Sun supports independent action and will be strong from mid-April to mid-May. By joining the sign where one of the nodes is currently transiting, we are also closing in on the first eclipse pair of 2023. First, a total solar eclipse at the new Moon on April 19th, followed by a penumbral lunar eclipse at the full Moon on May 5th.

Think of a month that supports bold, independent actions, interrupted by a shadow that temporarily swallows that light. This could point to situations that may suddenly arise that cloud or shroud your direction or confidence. Be ready for those blips, prepared with alternate plans, and an open mind that looks to rapidly rebalance and enter into creative problem solving.

Be ready for opportunities that arise quickly and disappear just as quickly. Knowing what you want, deep in your heart and soul, will give you the confidence to recognize those right avenues that open. Rahu's influence combined with retrograde Mercury starting April 21st could create some turbulence. Remember to use that Venus in Taurus to create mini retreats and moments of comfort that support deep and quick rejuvenation sessions.

For better or worse, Saturn is also throwing his aspect into Aries, which could feel quite obstructive, indicating something that is limiting forward progress and slowing down movement. Again, all things considered, the wisdom here may strongly be to NOT push through the unexpected static with brute force. Rather take a slow step back, take a step to the side, see a wider perspective, and wait for that opening.

New Moon Total Solar Eclipse in Aries/Ashwini April 19-20

The Sun and Moon join at 6 degrees Aries on April 19th, in the nakshatra of Ashwini, ruled by the planet Ketu and by the healing dynamic duo, the Ashwin Kumars. This joining occurs within a few degrees of Rahu, the north node of the Moon, which when aligned with the Sun and Moon will cause a total solar eclipse, visible in Australia and the South Pacific.

Nearly every visible planet is involved in this brief symphony. The Sun, Moon, and Mercury are all present in Aries with Rahu. Saturn aspects Rahu exactly to the degree from Aquarius. Mars and Mercury are in an exchange of signs, which pulls Mars into the mix, in addition to Mars ruling Aries. Ketu and Rahu are always in tandem, but also in a nakshatra exchange with one another, tightening the spin. (Ketu is in Swati nakshatra, ruled by Rahu, while Rahu is in Ashwini, ruled by Ketu.) Jupiter, although still in Pisces, is within ten degrees of the Sun and Moon.

Venus alone is somewhat out of this mix, although it could be argued that the adjacent influences of Aries and Gemini include Venus into the grapevine at least. If possible, use Venus' stability in Taurus as a kickstand when you need to get off and rest for a moment. Note that Venus does move to Gemini, joining Mars, on May 1st.

Interpreting this storm of influences is a challenge. Let's focus on Sun, Moon, and Rahu occupying Ashwini, which brings us back to the roots and depths of how we all get started. The task at hand should be getting to the bottom of what is driving us and what is blocking us.

The Ashwin Kumars, the twin horsemen, princes associated with radical healing, are the symbolic rulers of this asterism which will be visible momentarily as the Sun goes dark. Behold that your very own clinging to ego driven functions could be the actual thing that is obstructing your forward progress. Allow the attachments to dissapate in the darkness of this moment and rise up renewed for another start.

Generally, we can feel energetically drained during new Moon times. With the additional eclipse energy, it may be wise to plan some quiet time around the new Moon to stop, look, listen, and pause a bit longer, despite the impatience and because of the impatience.

Mercury Retrograde in Aries April 21 – May 14

Just after the eclipse energy clears and the light returns with force, our cosmic communication device, Mercury, taking the advice above, has slowed down to a pause and comes to full stop. Next is the retracing of his steps through the middle of Aries, as Mercury assumes retrograde motion at 22 degrees in Bharani nakshatra on April 21st.

Through May 14th, Mercury will walk back his messages of the recent past and put us into redesign, edit, and retraction mode until he reaches 12 degrees Aries and once again pivots forward. Heads up about this mid-May meeting of Jupiter, Rahu, and Mercury in Ashwini! It could be that April into May becomes disorganized and a bit messy. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for in the midst of the chaos, including brilliant ideas and the gumption to pursue them.

Let's take another look at that exchange of signs between Mercury and Mars in light of Mercury's retrograde motion. Mars will be involved in this dynamic until May 10th, when he moves to Cancer, leaving Mercury to finish up retrograde motion on May 14th. With forward motion Mercury and Mars in this exchange from April 1st to April 21st, we may feel like we are gaining momentum and making progress. Maybe too fast!

When Mercury goes retrograde, it may feel like you're suddenly pedaling backward, which to those with experience in pedaling, feels very easy, possibly silly, and completely useless. Like it or not, the advice here is to slow down and re-assess. Mercury is our prized analyst and we will get a better view of how things are progressing while in slower motion.

Retrograde periods are not great for bold, new, forward moves or long-term decision making that hasn't already gone through major vetting. This is re-do time. Practice, do more takes, scrap whole sections, cut things apart, and re-assign. Reach out to contacts, again. Reconsider.

Jupiter Enters Aries April 21

Jupiter spends about one year transiting each sign, taking twelve years to complete a cycle. This year, Jupiter has reached the official finish line/starting line that we mark on our zodiacal track. During the first few weeks of April Jupiter heads into the gandanta zone between Pisces and Aries, implying a challenging yet instructive trial to be experienced as we collectively break through to the next chapter.

Jupiter will be in Aries from April 21st, 2023 to April 30th, 2024, with a retrograde cycle from September 4th through December 31st, 2023. For those who like to pay attention to the retrograde cycles of Jupiter and Saturn, they will be overlapping between September 4th, when Jupiter goes retrograde, to November 4th, when Saturn goes direct.

Like in 2022, Saturn is again aspecting Jupiter, putting the brakes on growth, but when both are retrograde, we can sometimes cut around those limitations. For reference, this Saturn and Jupiter retrograde overlap occurred from July 28th to October 22nd, 2022.

The other major difference in 2023 is that Saturn may be aspecting Jupiter, but he's also aspecting Rahu, who is conjoined Jupiter. It's complicated and possibly incendiary, which is why having Saturn's aspect this year may be quite positive, limiting the instability of Rahu.

We can think of Jupiter's Aries transit in two parts. Part one has Jupiter managing Rahu through October. Part two has Jupiter alone in Aries from November 2023 through April 2024.

Planets impact the sign and house where they transit, as well as the house and sign opposite. For Jupiter and Rahu in Aries, that means Libra is also getting that energy. Additionally certain planets have special aspects, which means that their influence extends into additional signs and houses.

Both Jupiter and Rahu aspect the trines from where they are, which means that they aspect all of the signs of the same element and houses of the same nature. Through October, Jupiter and Rahu will affect and amplify not only Aries and Libra, but the other fire signs as well, Leo and Sagittarius.

The previous transit of Jupiter through Aries was from May 8, 2011 to May 17, 2012. Rahu joining Jupiter was not a factor during that time and Saturn provided an aspect to Jupiter from opposition about half way through that period. Interesting to go back to that time and pull out threads that may be relevant during this upcoming transit of Jupiter through Aries.

Jupiter is considered an auspicious force, associated with truth, wisdom, and evolutionary growth. Where it touches in our charts, we expect a warm, golden glow that pushes upward and outward, expanding our lives and showering abundance. Especially when Jupiter is in its own or friendly signs, we expect these divine gifts. Jupiter in Pisces held that promise, but was restricted heavily by the influences of Saturn and Rahu pushing against that expansion.

Aries is a friendly sign for Jupiter, as Mars and Jupiter keep allegiance with the same camp of planets, headed by the Sun and Moon. The configuration with Saturn is similar to 2022, but the relationship with Rahu is different. We may find ourselves faced with taking unexpected risks in order to keep some sense of order as we make our way forward.

Draw upon lessons integrated during this recent Jupiter cycle that began with Jupiter entering Aries in May 2011 and wraps up this month when Jupiter once again pushes through to Aries on April 21st. As we make our way into this new territory, spiraling slowly upward, it may seem like we are back in the same column but having climbed a step or two higher. Use your new perspective to make positive plans for the future based on the informed experience of the past.

We will continue to examine how Jupiter will exercise his power for good through each month. With Jupiter entering Aries just as Mercury takes retrograde motion amidst an eclipse cycle, let's realize that we're all facing some significant change and attempt at first and at least to make space for all of it. Resist making reactive decisions out of fear or pressure during this shifting time.

Akshaya Tritya April 22

After a few consecutive days of notable planetary action, the Moon moves to Taurus, which causes an annual opportunity for auspicious beginnings. On Saturday, April 22, we celebrate Akshaya Tritya, the third day of the waxing Moon when both Sun and Moon are exalted. In many cultures, this day is considered auspicious for serious investments, marriage, and new ventures of any kind.

During the final week of April, we aren't experiencing any major shifts, but it is the fortnight between the solar and lunar eclipse, with the Moon waxing. Spend more time observing and analyzing as the spring season begins to burst with heat and light. There are many moving parts that shift in mid-April. Take some time to adjust to the new road, unfamiliar vehicles, and uneven terrain.

May 2023 Headlines

Full Moon Eclipse in Libra/Vishaka May 5
Venus Transits Gemini May 1 - 30
Mars Transits Cancer May 10 – July 1
Mercury Direct in Aries May 14
Sun Transits Taurus May 14 – June 15
New Moon in Taurus/Krittika May 19
Venus Joins Mars in Cancer May 30