“Journey to the Unknown”
by Gery Mews

April is a month packed with astrological events of major significance. Firstly, we are moving through the 1^st eclipse season of the year with a powerful Solar total eclipse on April 8/9 that follows the recent Lunar eclipse on March 25^th. Around the same time, a comet is due to arrive, possibly visible in our night sky during the weeks after the eclipse. Comets are harbingers of change, just as eclipses are.  Then, on April 21, Jupiter and Uranus are forming their once every 14-year conjunction, seeding a new cycle of innovation and liberating ideas. Additionally, Mercury turns retrograde on April 2^nd (until April 26^th).

The month begins with the 1^st Mercury retrograde period in the year lasting from April 2- 26. We can make use of the 3-week retrograde period by reflecting on our own need for independence, self-determination and creativity while remaining open to other possibilities and different perspectives. It is an invitation to align with our intuition while making the necessary changes. The messenger planet spends a prolonged time in fiery Aries (March 11 – May 15) transmitting flashes of new insights and adding confidence to our self-expression. The more we can clean out and clear the past the more we make space for the new incoming energies.

The Aries New Moon solar eclipse that occurs on April 8/9 is tightly conjunct Chiron, the wounded healer. Aries is the sign of birth and new beginnings. This eclipse may push us towards starting a new chapter collectively but also in our own evolutionary journey. Like in the Greek legend of Jason who is embarking on a heroic journey in search for the Golden Fleece, we may leave behind familiar territory ready to embrace the great unknown. We can observe our emotional reactions as the barometer of what needs to be healed to move into the future with greater courage and confidence. Eclipses can reveal what has been lying in shadow and often symbolise a time of endings before the new can really begin. We had an eclipse on the same degree April 8, 2005. Whatever was started then might end now or reach a different level of understanding and manifestation. The current eclipse will be visible in the US and Mexico.

Mars and Saturn, the two malefics in traditional astrology, form their bi-yearly conjunction in dreamy Pisces during April 9 – 11. These days may be filled with challenges to our ambition, possibly frustrating plans and energy levels. It might be best spending this period in seclusion working on projects that demand one’s determination and persistence.

The April 21 alignment between visionary Jupiter and paradigm shifting Uranus represents sudden breakthroughs and awakenings in many areas of our personal and collective life experience. New risks are taken, and existing rules are broken. Quantum leaps are possible in science, technology, and space exploration. In the socio-political context this conjunction represents rebellions fuelled by the desire for reform and greater freedom. Their last conjunction was in 2010 and coincided with the uprisings in the Arab world. The 1969 conjunction coincided with the legendary Woodstock Festival and the Moon landing. Since the current conjunction occurs in Taurus, we may also see new openings and rapid change in the areas of finance, food production, agriculture, and our relationship to nature.

The Full Moon on April 24 falls in Scorpio and opposite the Sun in Taurus. The Moon forms a square with Pluto in Aquarius. Emotions run deep during this period asking for transformative changes. Pluto is known for uncovering what has been buried for a long time. In the light of the Full Moon, feelings of disempowerment, suppressed rage or unresolved grief may surface undermining our sense of identity and need for stability (Sun in Taurus). This might be especially the case when the Full Moon triggers important points or planets in the natal chart. When Pluto is involved, something has to be shed, released and purified, as the snake is periodically shedding her skin. Pluto can initiate definite endings followed by new beginnings.

Pluto as an archetype represents the collective shadow, reveals fraud and betrayal and increases the energies of the sign it is in. Pluto in Aquarius enhances desire for reform and revolution, especially in the areas of social equality, individual liberties and community participation; it also inspires progressive science and the invention of new technologies. The most pressing question is what it mean to be human and how we can live together on this planet (and within this solar system and galaxy…) without competing and warring for resources, territory and the control of power? The pressure for change is on!

Aries: The Solar eclipse on April8/9 occurs in your Sun sign representing a powerful symbol of endings and new beginnings. You are guided towards new ways of knowing and healing. Relationship issues may come to a head as well. It is time to let go of outdated values that have caused you to compromise too much of yourself.

Taurus: These are revolutionary times, and you may be called to lead the change. Quantum leaps and breakthroughs are possible soon, but you are challenged to let go of control and comfort first. Resistance to change might not work. What needs liberating so that you can embrace the new energies that are coming towards you?

Gemini: A new era demands a fresh mindset. Use the Mercury retrograde period (until April 26) to revolutionise those beliefs that have carried you until recently but are now outdated. You might be in need of a totally different perspective that includes ideas and thoughts which you previously may have judged as too eccentric or weird. Stay in touch with your inner guides and think creatively. Allow yourself to be stunned, confused and enlightened.

Cancer: The Solar eclipse is activating your solar house of life direction and  career path. Pay attention to your insights and feelings to do with your life’s purpose. 19 years ago, in April 2005 there was a similar eclipse activating the same part of your chart. Whatever started then might end now or is in need of an upgrade. More clarity might come after the Mercury retrograde phase has ended (April 26).

Leo: The Aries Solar eclipse pushes you towards creating more meaning and purpose in your life. It is time to make your life more meaningful. Focusing on the big picture will bring new insights. At the same time, you may experience exciting breakthroughs and openings in your career path. Quantum leaps will be possible soon.

Virgo: Endings and new beginnings may occur in the area of your investments, may this be on a material, emotional or spiritual level. The focus shifts to sharing material, physical, and/or inner spheres. It might be the start of a new chapter in your psychological and spiritual evolution. Use this Mercury retrograde phase (until April 26) to free yourself from old beliefs and perspectives to do with your need for stability and comfort.   

Libra: These are revolutionary times of endings and new beginnings. Your relationships, personal or otherwise, are in the process of restructuring and changing. Too much dependency on others needs to be balanced by courageously following your own path. This eclipse may challenge you to have relationships in a more courageous and authentic way.

Scorpio: Endings and new beginnings may manifest around your daily work and employment. Use the Mercury retrograde phase (until April 26) to reflect on your ideas, and how to realise them in the here and now.  Since Chiron, the wounded healer, is strongly activating your solar house of health, it is of major importance to pay attention to your body and its needs.  More freedom might be needed in your one-to-one relationships to make use of new opportunities.

Sagittarius: This period is all about your special gifts and how to creatively express yourself, may this be alone or in collaboration with others. Do what you love to do even if this means taking some risks. Your way of thinking may need revolutionising, and you might question a lot of things, including knowledge and information you have learned in the past.

Capricorn: Endings and new beginnings center around your home life. Some unexpected events could bring new insights and opportunities for healing of long-standing family conflicts. Use the Mercury retrograde period (until April 26) to reflect your inner needs. Some changes to your career path may be necessary to allow for more personal space and better align with your domestic and creative needs.

Aquarius: It is a favourable time for learning something new, challenging your usual train of thoughts and teaching your brain mindfulness techniques. Be open to the new incoming energies and allow your thoughts to expand in new directions. Use the Mercury retrograde phase (until April 26) to update and rewire your neural pathways. See yourself just at the beginning of a major personal transformation.

Pisces: Endings and new beginnings are taking place around your material reality. There could be surprises and unexpected developments concerning finances and your possessions, shifting your focus in the direction of spiritual growth. It is a Chirotic time of healing old patterns of self-worth and self-doubt. Embrace new information as possible pointers into a different direction.  

Navigation by the Stars: Personal and/or Relationship Astrology; Life Cycles and Your Year Ahead Transits: Plans, Directions, Concerns for 2024-2025/6; in person or online consultations;
mobile: 0457903957 e-mail star-loom@hotmail.com;
 Gift vouchers available!

“Introduction to Natal Chart Reading, Part 2”
starts April 18, 10.30 am – 1 pm, Thursday mornings for 4 weeks
Lillifield Community Centre, 4505 Kyogle Rd, Wadeville 2474

Planetary Transits:
Staying Attuned to an Ever-changing Reality”

Saturday, May 18, 10 am – 4 pm,
Lillifield Community Centre, 4505 Kyogle Rd, Wadeville 2474

All welcome!

Information and Registration: 0457903957 or
e-mail star-loom@hotmail.com