APRIL 2024
Mar. 24th, 2024 12:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
crimsoncurrentApril 2024: Trends and Key Dates
Astrologer Maureen Richmond, Ph.D.
April 2024 promises a month of dramatic happenings, potent insights, and significant personal and cultural transformations. Retrograde Mercury, a total solar eclipse, a Mars-Saturn conjunction, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction, and a Mars-Neptune conjunction in late Pisces all combine to pinpoint this month as a journey into deep thought, psychic power, potent telepathic and psychic impressions, primal urges, strong motivations, and creative intensity. That so many potent astrological influences would occur in such a short period of time is unusual. The effects in the human world are certain to be accordingly out of the ordinary.
The month begins with the alterations of perspective and changes of plan which always come when Mercury turns retrograde. The communications planet turns retrograde on April 1 at 27 degrees Aries. Thus, on April 1, the changes of plan and circumstance developing since March 18 (when Mercury entered the retrograde shadow period) will begin to manifest in earnest. Action on changes of circumstance will go into gear on April 1.
[A diagram showing how retrogradation arises.]
Persons with planetary and other placements in their charts located at 16 – 27 degrees of cardinal signs will be most directly impacted by the April 2024 retrograde Mercury period. The cardinal signs are naturally inclined to bold, forceful action which serves to initiate trends and lead the way. This current retrograde Mercury period will emphasize and activate that very tendency, doing so in a way different than the ordinary, however, as a departure from the norm is the nature of the retrograde Mercury influence. As a result, all persons with prominent cardinality in their charts are prone to see interesting developments, as their talents for pioneering leadership are stimulated in a perhaps unexpected manner.
Then, the extraordinarily powerful New Moon of April 8, also a total solar eclipse, takes over. The days immediately preceding the eclipse are likely to be points of deep disconnection, detachment, fatigue, and uncertainty, as is always the case with the closing of the lunar cycle. This time, the effects of the lunar cycle are apt to be greater than ever as the alignment between Earth, Moon, and Sun begins to fall into place for the terrific impact of a New Moon which is also a total solar eclipse.
No sooner does the New Moon take place on April 8 than yet another powerful influence shapes up. Mars arrives at 15 degrees Pisces, to conjunct Saturn on April 10, blending the drive of Mars with the serious pursuits of Saturn, and thus focusing mind and will in the spiritual and psychic field of Pisces.
More is to come. In the human realm, communications get interesting on April 11 with the conjunction between the Sun and retrograde Mercury, always a point of intensity during any period of retrograde Mercury.
[Diagram showing the Sun-Mercury conjunction, as seen from Earth. In this case, Mercury is the “inferior planet,” meaning, the planet closer to the center of the solar system. In April 2024, the Sun-Mercury conjunction is like the diagram on the right in which Mercury passes in between Earth and Sun.]
Then on April 19, retrograde Mercury conjoins with Venus at 17 Aries to spice up the scene of art, human relations, and competitive aspirations.
Near the end of the month, the much awaited conjunction between expansive Jupiter and eccentric Uranus will become exact, sparking creativity, insights, and high motivation.
Moreover, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is so strong that it is sure to affect the several weeks both before and after exactitude, which takes place on April 20. Occurring only once every 14 years, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is a potent rhythmic impulse governing creativity, entrepreneurial drive, inventions, transcendence, and technological innovation. In the individual person, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction evokes courage, the willingness to take risks, an overpowering curiosity about the higher levels of existence, and an eagerness to take on new challenges. As a result, many will experience a jolt of new life energies with the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction of late April 2024. Taking place in the money, asset, and resource oriented sign of Taurus, this Jupiter-Uranus conjunction contains plenty of power for the creation of new methods for the creation of income, financial gain, and material increase.
But that’s not all. On April 28, Mars conjoins Neptune at 29 degrees Pisces, bringing immediacy to the Pisces themes strong throughout March and April of this year. Pisces attunes consciousness to the vast, to the cosmic, to unlimited and unbounded space, even to infinity. It erases the arbitrary boundaries erected by the limited human mind and reveals the astounding world of quantum functioning, synchronicity, and the ocean of existence. This impact from Pisces is sure to dissolve many rigid structures of thought and practice which have held humanity back, setting the stage for the new inspirations of the innovative Jupiter-Uranus conjunction and allowing them to work with far less impediment.
Given that Mercury remains retrograde, however, the full details on the new programs of commerce, investment, and creativity may not be known until Mercury turns direct on April 25. Thereafter, a distinctly helpful Mars-Pluto sextile on May 3 will likely bring the emerging path into focus and operation.
Finally, Jupiter enters Gemini in late May and the game is on, as the field of gain moves from tangible and solid, fixed earth-sign Taurus to social networking and intellectual ferment under airy and mutable Gemini.
Key Dates for April 2024
April 1……………Mercury stationary retrograde, 5:14 pm CDT, 27 degrees Aries. Points of view begin to shift subtly. Different information emerges.
April 3……………Venus conjunct Neptune, 28 degrees Pisces. Romance as a beautiful dream lulls us into seductive reveries. Poetry, music, and the creation of visionary beauty rule as an ideal. Dreams rule.
April 4……………Venus enters Aries, 11 pm CDT. Suddenly, we are prompted to get ahead. The competitive instinct leaps to the foreground.
April 6…………….Venus 2 Aries sextile Pluto at Aquarius. Methods for individual advance find resonance with the needs of society, the group, the collective. Power from networking with others helps us along.
April 8……………..New Moon 19 Aries. 1:21 pm CDT. Total Solar Eclipse. In the days and hours before the New Moon, a profound sense of emptiness, exhaustion, and depletion may set in. Rest is needed. The time of the New Moon works deep in the psyche to impart a new and compelling vision for the path ahead.
April 10……………Mars conjunct Saturn, 15 Pisces. We are pointed to the hard work necessary to make our big dreams come true. Self-discipline and time management are inevitable. We face up to reality checks. Limitations on time and energy must be taken into account.
April 11……………Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, 22 Aries. The mind is stimulated to the max. Thoughts pour in, some practical, some not. Discernment is needed. Impulsive action beckons. Over-reactions complicate matters. Strive for pacing and composure.
April 19……………Retrograde Mercury conjunct Venus, 17 Aries. Talk circulates, some substantive, some not. Gather information but reserve judgement and hold off on action, even though sorely tempted to fly off the handle. Unusual info appears.
April 19……………Sun enters Taurus, 9 am CDT. A calming influence enters the picture. We are turned toward nature as a healing and soothing influence.
April 20……………Jupiter conjunct Uranus, 22 Taurus. Gifts from the cosmos break through into everyday existence. We get a glimpse of the great beyond. The world of routine seems small by comparison. We resolve to pursue wildly transcendent goals and interests. Motivation soars. Impatience boils. We are in a hurry to make dramatic changes. Anything boring, routine, or prosaic fails to engage our interest. We turn toward the next steps ahead in personal and collective evolution instead.
April 21……………Sun 2 Taurus square Pluto 2 Aquarius. Individual will comes up against collective resistance. Staying centered is critical. Don’t give up, but don’t fight against impossible odds, either. Better times will come quite shortly for the advancement of personal agendas.
April 25……………Mercury stationary direct, 7:54 am CDT, 16 Aries. Strong mental impressions bring important information. The way ahead clarifies. Methods are found. Information previously missing begins to pour in.
April 28……………Mars conjunct Neptune, 29 Pisces. Individual will is tempered by the cosmic environment. Mystics and spiritual seekers find the openings of portals to the beyond. The material world drops away. Daily life temporarily loses importance. The other worlds come into personal space. A new vision is born. Infinity beckons. Some may be troubled by confused or hypersensitive emotions. Rest, quiet, and peace help. Meditation near bodies of water brings solace and understanding.
April 29……………Venus enters Taurus, 6:31 am CDT. Another calming influence enters the picture, soothing emotions and bringing greater comfort after a few weeks of competitive striving on the relationship front.
April 30……………Mars enters Aries, 10:33 am CDT. Competition now serves as a drive in the area of personal advancement, sports, physical conditioning, outdoor activities, and entrepreneurial projects. Bravery increases exponentially. Risk-taking looks infinitely less threatening than usual. Impulsive action beckons but should not be allowed to rule.
April 30…………….Venus 2 Taurus square Pluto 2 Aquarius. Comfort levels take a bit of a hit as group and organizational matters put a demand on time and attention. Disagreements over what constitutes beauty, grace, and manners may arise. Offensive language or conditions may appear. Taking it one step at a time will help. Patience wins. Hurt feelings get in the way. We should take it easy.
Looking Ahead to the Highlights of May 2024
May 2………………Pluto stationary retrograde, 12:46 pm CDT, 2 Aquarius. Pluto retrograde in Aquarius draws attention to membership groups, collaborations, teamworking, and synergistic interactions. We feel the power of elected bodies as they rise up against the executive or elite. Power sharing comes to the foreground as an ideal for cultural functioning.
May 3………………Mars 2 Aries sextile Pluto 2 Aquarius. Cooperative endeavors move ahead easily. Constructive effort unfolds. Agreements fall into place. The seeming blockages of April 21 begin to melt.
May 13……………..Clear Mercury, 27 Aries. The uncertainties in the picture since March 18 now fade out. The way ahead appears clearly outlined and evident.
May 25……………..Jupiter enters Gemini. After a year of Jupiter in Taurus with its entirely legitimate concerns about financial security, the focus shifts to the cultivation of knowledge resources and the sharing of information as a primary method of personal and cultural advancement.
Wondering how these influences impact your personal astrological chart? Consult with astrologer Maureen Richmond
=========================================================
VEDIC
March 25 Lunar eclipse 10 degrees 55 minutes Virgo, Hasta
This lunar eclipse is in Virgo conjunct Ketu empowered by the nakshatra Hasta. There is a certain degree of fear in the air as Ketu aligns with the Moon. The Moon can indicate the public and this Moon represents health and healing and a possible health scare.
During this lunar eclipse Mercury is debilitated at 29° of Pisces meaning it is on the edge and gandanta. It is the last degree of the Zodiac meaning things are about to change but currently are completely out of control. Mercury in Pisces can also represent extremes with weather, storms, and floods. It is time to get healthy mentally emotionally and physically.
March 25 Mercury enters Aries
As Mercury enters Aries there is a different feel in the air where people want to move forward quickly and get as much done as they can but little do they know Mercury is about to turn retrograde and this will be a major reversal in so many areas of our lives particularly in global affairs. Don’t make major decisions because circumstances and feelings will change as Mercury changes direction.
March 31 Venus Pisces
Venus is exalted in the sign of Pisces therefore it becomes stronger and more potent. This is a time that we will feel more creative and expressive artistically as well as being able to express our love for others.
Take this time to appreciate others coming from a place of compassion, appreciation, and being able to express ourselves fully. It's also a good time to go shopping as there is of vision as to what is beautiful. Use this time to decorate and make things and places more beautiful is key right now.
Astrologer Maureen Richmond, Ph.D.
April 2024 promises a month of dramatic happenings, potent insights, and significant personal and cultural transformations. Retrograde Mercury, a total solar eclipse, a Mars-Saturn conjunction, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction, and a Mars-Neptune conjunction in late Pisces all combine to pinpoint this month as a journey into deep thought, psychic power, potent telepathic and psychic impressions, primal urges, strong motivations, and creative intensity. That so many potent astrological influences would occur in such a short period of time is unusual. The effects in the human world are certain to be accordingly out of the ordinary.
The month begins with the alterations of perspective and changes of plan which always come when Mercury turns retrograde. The communications planet turns retrograde on April 1 at 27 degrees Aries. Thus, on April 1, the changes of plan and circumstance developing since March 18 (when Mercury entered the retrograde shadow period) will begin to manifest in earnest. Action on changes of circumstance will go into gear on April 1.
[A diagram showing how retrogradation arises.]
Persons with planetary and other placements in their charts located at 16 – 27 degrees of cardinal signs will be most directly impacted by the April 2024 retrograde Mercury period. The cardinal signs are naturally inclined to bold, forceful action which serves to initiate trends and lead the way. This current retrograde Mercury period will emphasize and activate that very tendency, doing so in a way different than the ordinary, however, as a departure from the norm is the nature of the retrograde Mercury influence. As a result, all persons with prominent cardinality in their charts are prone to see interesting developments, as their talents for pioneering leadership are stimulated in a perhaps unexpected manner.
Then, the extraordinarily powerful New Moon of April 8, also a total solar eclipse, takes over. The days immediately preceding the eclipse are likely to be points of deep disconnection, detachment, fatigue, and uncertainty, as is always the case with the closing of the lunar cycle. This time, the effects of the lunar cycle are apt to be greater than ever as the alignment between Earth, Moon, and Sun begins to fall into place for the terrific impact of a New Moon which is also a total solar eclipse.
No sooner does the New Moon take place on April 8 than yet another powerful influence shapes up. Mars arrives at 15 degrees Pisces, to conjunct Saturn on April 10, blending the drive of Mars with the serious pursuits of Saturn, and thus focusing mind and will in the spiritual and psychic field of Pisces.
More is to come. In the human realm, communications get interesting on April 11 with the conjunction between the Sun and retrograde Mercury, always a point of intensity during any period of retrograde Mercury.
[Diagram showing the Sun-Mercury conjunction, as seen from Earth. In this case, Mercury is the “inferior planet,” meaning, the planet closer to the center of the solar system. In April 2024, the Sun-Mercury conjunction is like the diagram on the right in which Mercury passes in between Earth and Sun.]
Then on April 19, retrograde Mercury conjoins with Venus at 17 Aries to spice up the scene of art, human relations, and competitive aspirations.
Near the end of the month, the much awaited conjunction between expansive Jupiter and eccentric Uranus will become exact, sparking creativity, insights, and high motivation.
Moreover, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is so strong that it is sure to affect the several weeks both before and after exactitude, which takes place on April 20. Occurring only once every 14 years, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is a potent rhythmic impulse governing creativity, entrepreneurial drive, inventions, transcendence, and technological innovation. In the individual person, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction evokes courage, the willingness to take risks, an overpowering curiosity about the higher levels of existence, and an eagerness to take on new challenges. As a result, many will experience a jolt of new life energies with the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction of late April 2024. Taking place in the money, asset, and resource oriented sign of Taurus, this Jupiter-Uranus conjunction contains plenty of power for the creation of new methods for the creation of income, financial gain, and material increase.
But that’s not all. On April 28, Mars conjoins Neptune at 29 degrees Pisces, bringing immediacy to the Pisces themes strong throughout March and April of this year. Pisces attunes consciousness to the vast, to the cosmic, to unlimited and unbounded space, even to infinity. It erases the arbitrary boundaries erected by the limited human mind and reveals the astounding world of quantum functioning, synchronicity, and the ocean of existence. This impact from Pisces is sure to dissolve many rigid structures of thought and practice which have held humanity back, setting the stage for the new inspirations of the innovative Jupiter-Uranus conjunction and allowing them to work with far less impediment.
Given that Mercury remains retrograde, however, the full details on the new programs of commerce, investment, and creativity may not be known until Mercury turns direct on April 25. Thereafter, a distinctly helpful Mars-Pluto sextile on May 3 will likely bring the emerging path into focus and operation.
Finally, Jupiter enters Gemini in late May and the game is on, as the field of gain moves from tangible and solid, fixed earth-sign Taurus to social networking and intellectual ferment under airy and mutable Gemini.
Key Dates for April 2024
April 1……………Mercury stationary retrograde, 5:14 pm CDT, 27 degrees Aries. Points of view begin to shift subtly. Different information emerges.
April 3……………Venus conjunct Neptune, 28 degrees Pisces. Romance as a beautiful dream lulls us into seductive reveries. Poetry, music, and the creation of visionary beauty rule as an ideal. Dreams rule.
April 4……………Venus enters Aries, 11 pm CDT. Suddenly, we are prompted to get ahead. The competitive instinct leaps to the foreground.
April 6…………….Venus 2 Aries sextile Pluto at Aquarius. Methods for individual advance find resonance with the needs of society, the group, the collective. Power from networking with others helps us along.
April 8……………..New Moon 19 Aries. 1:21 pm CDT. Total Solar Eclipse. In the days and hours before the New Moon, a profound sense of emptiness, exhaustion, and depletion may set in. Rest is needed. The time of the New Moon works deep in the psyche to impart a new and compelling vision for the path ahead.
April 10……………Mars conjunct Saturn, 15 Pisces. We are pointed to the hard work necessary to make our big dreams come true. Self-discipline and time management are inevitable. We face up to reality checks. Limitations on time and energy must be taken into account.
April 11……………Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, 22 Aries. The mind is stimulated to the max. Thoughts pour in, some practical, some not. Discernment is needed. Impulsive action beckons. Over-reactions complicate matters. Strive for pacing and composure.
April 19……………Retrograde Mercury conjunct Venus, 17 Aries. Talk circulates, some substantive, some not. Gather information but reserve judgement and hold off on action, even though sorely tempted to fly off the handle. Unusual info appears.
April 19……………Sun enters Taurus, 9 am CDT. A calming influence enters the picture. We are turned toward nature as a healing and soothing influence.
April 20……………Jupiter conjunct Uranus, 22 Taurus. Gifts from the cosmos break through into everyday existence. We get a glimpse of the great beyond. The world of routine seems small by comparison. We resolve to pursue wildly transcendent goals and interests. Motivation soars. Impatience boils. We are in a hurry to make dramatic changes. Anything boring, routine, or prosaic fails to engage our interest. We turn toward the next steps ahead in personal and collective evolution instead.
April 21……………Sun 2 Taurus square Pluto 2 Aquarius. Individual will comes up against collective resistance. Staying centered is critical. Don’t give up, but don’t fight against impossible odds, either. Better times will come quite shortly for the advancement of personal agendas.
April 25……………Mercury stationary direct, 7:54 am CDT, 16 Aries. Strong mental impressions bring important information. The way ahead clarifies. Methods are found. Information previously missing begins to pour in.
April 28……………Mars conjunct Neptune, 29 Pisces. Individual will is tempered by the cosmic environment. Mystics and spiritual seekers find the openings of portals to the beyond. The material world drops away. Daily life temporarily loses importance. The other worlds come into personal space. A new vision is born. Infinity beckons. Some may be troubled by confused or hypersensitive emotions. Rest, quiet, and peace help. Meditation near bodies of water brings solace and understanding.
April 29……………Venus enters Taurus, 6:31 am CDT. Another calming influence enters the picture, soothing emotions and bringing greater comfort after a few weeks of competitive striving on the relationship front.
April 30……………Mars enters Aries, 10:33 am CDT. Competition now serves as a drive in the area of personal advancement, sports, physical conditioning, outdoor activities, and entrepreneurial projects. Bravery increases exponentially. Risk-taking looks infinitely less threatening than usual. Impulsive action beckons but should not be allowed to rule.
April 30…………….Venus 2 Taurus square Pluto 2 Aquarius. Comfort levels take a bit of a hit as group and organizational matters put a demand on time and attention. Disagreements over what constitutes beauty, grace, and manners may arise. Offensive language or conditions may appear. Taking it one step at a time will help. Patience wins. Hurt feelings get in the way. We should take it easy.
Looking Ahead to the Highlights of May 2024
May 2………………Pluto stationary retrograde, 12:46 pm CDT, 2 Aquarius. Pluto retrograde in Aquarius draws attention to membership groups, collaborations, teamworking, and synergistic interactions. We feel the power of elected bodies as they rise up against the executive or elite. Power sharing comes to the foreground as an ideal for cultural functioning.
May 3………………Mars 2 Aries sextile Pluto 2 Aquarius. Cooperative endeavors move ahead easily. Constructive effort unfolds. Agreements fall into place. The seeming blockages of April 21 begin to melt.
May 13……………..Clear Mercury, 27 Aries. The uncertainties in the picture since March 18 now fade out. The way ahead appears clearly outlined and evident.
May 25……………..Jupiter enters Gemini. After a year of Jupiter in Taurus with its entirely legitimate concerns about financial security, the focus shifts to the cultivation of knowledge resources and the sharing of information as a primary method of personal and cultural advancement.
Wondering how these influences impact your personal astrological chart? Consult with astrologer Maureen Richmond
=========================================================
VEDIC
March 25 Lunar eclipse 10 degrees 55 minutes Virgo, Hasta
This lunar eclipse is in Virgo conjunct Ketu empowered by the nakshatra Hasta. There is a certain degree of fear in the air as Ketu aligns with the Moon. The Moon can indicate the public and this Moon represents health and healing and a possible health scare.
During this lunar eclipse Mercury is debilitated at 29° of Pisces meaning it is on the edge and gandanta. It is the last degree of the Zodiac meaning things are about to change but currently are completely out of control. Mercury in Pisces can also represent extremes with weather, storms, and floods. It is time to get healthy mentally emotionally and physically.
March 25 Mercury enters Aries
As Mercury enters Aries there is a different feel in the air where people want to move forward quickly and get as much done as they can but little do they know Mercury is about to turn retrograde and this will be a major reversal in so many areas of our lives particularly in global affairs. Don’t make major decisions because circumstances and feelings will change as Mercury changes direction.
March 31 Venus Pisces
Venus is exalted in the sign of Pisces therefore it becomes stronger and more potent. This is a time that we will feel more creative and expressive artistically as well as being able to express our love for others.
Take this time to appreciate others coming from a place of compassion, appreciation, and being able to express ourselves fully. It's also a good time to go shopping as there is of vision as to what is beautiful. Use this time to decorate and make things and places more beautiful is key right now.