The Astrology Newsletter - April 2022

Darlings, 

It's the fourth month of the Gregorian calendar, but astrologically, we enter the first month of a new zodiacal cycle.  April 1, 2022 (if you are where I am in the world), sees a New Moon at 11'30 of Aries at 8.23am SAST.

This moment makes me pause - not quite so Aries, I know - because it was at the Aries New Moon of 2021 that I announced I'd be starting a monthly astrology newsletter.  Thirteen moons later and I'm amazed at how the practice of writing about astrology monthly has become a kind of devotion for me.  I've become disciplined at tracking transits and committed to spending time reflecting on the planets with regularity.  I also have an excuse to fully express my astro-nerd self: writing this newsletter allows me to dis-engage from Netflix in favour of mini-research projects; it has even prompted an upgrade to my prescription lenses, perfecting my astro-studious aesthetic as I float down deep, occultish and ancient rabbit holes, collecting scrumptious information and brain inspiration. Let's just say this kind of tending to my journey with Astrology has fuelled the astro flames to bonfire level.

FIRE, WALK WITH ME - AND MAKE IT QUICK!

An Aries New Moon initiates us into April.  Aries is a cardinal, fire, masculine sign - concerned with beginnings, action, speed and spontaneity. Ruled by Mars, Aries energy seeks dynamism and friction - think of a match that ignites a fire.  During this Aries lunation, the Moon's ruler, Mars, is applying to conjoin Saturn in Aquarius, which tones the New Moon with a throwback to 31 March 2020 - the last time these two planets conjoined in Aquarius. (Does the word LOCKDOWN evoke anything?) Saturn in the mix always brings the threat of limits and the whiff of fear, while Mars enflames and irritates. Mars is impulsive, wanting to act first then think; while Saturn says 'no', demanding slow and steady contemplation and caution. Feel any tension yet? That said, this is a good time if intense discipline, persistence and herculean determination are required. Proceed with caution, because the Aries energy of the Sun and Moon conjoined carries the impulse to throw caution to the wind.   

Mercury in Aries will be in the heart of the Sun, on 3 April 2022 at 00.57am SAST at 13'10.  When in Aries, the Sun is in its exaltation - like a person who is not at home but a VIP guest in someone else's abode.  Therefore, as an honoured visitor, the Sun gets the 5-star treatment here, encouraged to do his solar things - but on steroids . So the Sun in Aries is not just reminded of his brilliance, he is enabled to be both royal and victorious.  Think of all those Aries people you know (particularly Aries Sun people, and especially if they were born during the day).  You probably have experienced their bold, courageous, instinctive/no-filter vibes and passionate, action-orientated natures, right? 

Aries makes a badass out of the messenger planet (take a moment to recall the very recent Will Smith/Chris Rock #oscarslap - Mercury had just ingressed into Aries and the Moon was applying to conjoin Mars).  Mercury was, in fact, combust as it moved towards the Sun so opinions and self-promotion vibes got really loud.  Creative thinking is at optimum and enthusiasm can reach new heights too.  However, as the #oscarslap showed us, Aries and Mars-ruled things can tip into aggression or violence. Fortunately, the cazimi on 3 April 2022 may just elevate that hot lipped Mercury from a fire spitting molten trickster to a golden consciousness illuminator.

FREE LOVE: VENUS ESCAPES THE MALEFICS

So I mentioned above how at the New Moon, Mars is nearing Saturn in Aquarius. As these two malefics meet in the sky, you may shudder and grit your teeth - but make sure to whisper to yourself too: We Can Do Hard Things.  This conjunction becomes exact on 5 April 2022 at 3.51am SAST at 22'24.  Since the New Moon these energies have been building but worth noting is that at 5.17pm SAST on the same day, Venus leaves Aquarius and enters Pisces, the sign of her exaltation. THIS. IS. BIG.  For several reasons:

1. Venus has been in Saturn dominated signs since her entry into Capricorn back on 5 November 2021 - that's 5 whole months!

2. When in Capricorn, she went through a retrograde period, descending into the underworld and transforming, becoming a morning star.

3. Before leaving Capricorn for another of Saturn's domains, Aquarious, she conjoined Pluto (again).

(Can we just concede that this on its own is all rather hectic stuff for Our Lady of the Rose)?

4. For most of March, Venus was besieged by Mars and Saturn in Aquarius, meaning that she was enclosed - in the middle of - the two malefic planets.

5. While Venus and Jupiter have met many times over the eons in Pisces, it was in 1856 when Venus, Jupiter AND Neptune were all in Pisces together at the same damn time!  {Many astrologers have pointed out that this was when the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Crimean War. Here's a little context, thanks to Wikipedia - forgive - it's my quick-because-Mercury-is-still-in-Aries go-to: "...In 1783, Crimea was annexed by the Russian Empire as the result of the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774).  Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Crimea became an autonomous republic within the Russian SFSR in the Soviet Union...In 1954, the Soviet Union transferred Crimea to the Ukrainian SSR from the Russian SFSR...Ukraine was reestablished as an independent state in 1991...The status of Crimea is disputed...In late February 2014, Russian troops were deployed to Crimea, occupying government buildings. The Republic of Crimea declared its independence from Ukraine following a disputed referendum on 16 March, deemed illegal by Ukraine and most countries, which was held on the issue of reunification with Russia; its official results showed over 90% support for reunification, but the vote was boycotted by many loyal to Ukraine. Russia formally annexed Crimea on 18 March, incorporating the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol as the 84th and 85th federal subjects of Russia. Despite its annexation, Crimea was considered by most countries of the world in a UN resolution of March 2014 to remain part of Ukraine..."   On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. As I write this, with Venus out of her besiegement, Putin and Zelensky are in talks...}

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

Venus is exalted in Pisces: here, she is a VIP in Jove's temple. In Pisces, Venus fuses beauty with glamour; love with devotion; riches with luxury; art with poetry; diplomacy with generosity; peace with hope. Co-present with Jupiter in the sign he rules, these qualities are amplified ten-fold.  And with Neptune in the mix - an overflowing of spiritual ideals and an acute attunement to the mystical.  Truly, what better balm than this on the same day that Mars conjoins Saturn in Aquarius.  It may be tempting with this Pisces pile-up to bliss out and escape, sure, but I read this transit as a cosmic reminder that in the face of hardship, struggle, loss, violence, delays, frustration, pain (Mars/Saturn in Aquarius) we can and must simultaneously hold or seek exquisite joy, deep hope, abundant pleasure, tender beauty, delicate peace and limitless faith. (Venus/Jupiter/Neptune in Pisces).  There is a place and an imperative for what adrienne maree brown terms pleasure activism.  In her book of the same name, she asks, 'How do we make social justice the most pleasurable human experience? How can we awaken within ourselves desires that make it impossible to settle for anything less than a fulfilling life?"

As Luna grows in light, Mercury, roots in the fertile soils of Taurus on 11 April 2022 at 4.09am SAST.  After raising all hell in Aries, this troublemaker is suddenly concerned with pursuits that can be foundational and sustaining. When Mercury was in Aries he was prone to giving out tongue lashings, but in Taurus, it's more like free licks and French kisses. With the ruler of Taurus, Venus, in Pisces, clemency is king: Mercury in the sign of the bull wants to connect through creating and building concrete alliances.  Forgiveness is the blueprint. Furthermore, Mars enters Pisces on 15 April 2022 at 5.15am SAST.  Here, the God of War is released from Saturn's rulership and gets to power paddle across Jupiter's friendly oceans. The very next day, on the 16 April 2022, is a Full Moon in Libra at 8.53pm SAST at 26'45.  The lunation is ruled by the exalted Venus in Pisces and Mercury's proximity to Uranus in Taurus, sextiling the Full Moon, makes this a supportive time to find innovative solutions towards peace, harmony and accord.

HOLY COW! IT'S TAURUS SEASON!

On 20 April 2022 at 4.24am SAST, the Sun enters Taurus - the fixed, feminine, earth sign ruled by Venus, who is still luxuriating in Pisces.  Ten days later, the Moon gets up close and personal to the Sun, marking the second New Moon in the calendar month, this time in Taurus.  What's significant about this one is that it heralds in eclipse season.  We have a partial solar eclipse during this New Moon on 30 April 2022 at 10.27pm SAST at 10 '28 Taurus.  Let's not forget Uranus is hanging out with this lunation too, to add a tale of the unexpected.

A quick refresher on ECLIPSES: 

 - Eclipses ONLY occur at New Moon or a Full Moon, when the Moon is conjoined to one of the lunar nodes (The nodes are points in space where the plane of the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic, which is the path of the Sun)

 - A solar eclipse occurs at New Moon, when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth

 - A lunar eclipse occurs at Full Moon, when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon

 - The degree at which an eclipse occurs remains sensitive to transits of planets in the months after the event

 - Eclipses are not rare phenomena: they occur every six months, and we can have up to 7 eclipses in a year

 - Eclipse cycles return to the same signs every 18-19 years - so think back to around 2003/4 for clues on themes that could play out.

Venus is having a ball with Jupiter in Pisces during this Taurus New Moon eclipse, softening any drama that an eclipse invariably brings. What's more, the Moon in Taurus is exalted - able to flow and nourish because there is a sense of fundamental security and stability.  What can we expect to surface during this first Taurus eclipse of 2022?  Uranus, the wildcard in this Venus ruled earth sign together with the North Node being of the nature of Jupiter, augments and amplifies issues of land. The literal Earth, agriculture and food will be highlighted.  But also, financial systems, money itself and issues of wealth will be impacted too.  Women's issues could also be given a stir.

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LITURGIES FOR THREE LUNATIONS

In a calendar month that sees three lunations, here goes for three little prayers that can be uttered or used as a springboard into deeper contemplation.  Read for your rising sign:

ARIES RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, grant me a mission, for I speak and act in valiance. Up the tempo, warm my blood, tickle my instincts for I'm hungry for a life of vigour.  

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, reflect silvery beneficence in my relationships; may I absorb tact in considering my partner's boundaries so that togetherness is that beautiful balance of sweetness and spaciousness. 

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, for some time I've felt the quivers of change around my material security.  I crave predictability and surety around my financial resources and recognise that alignment of my values is the nutrient for growing wealth.  

TAURUS RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, grant me searing privacy to commune with my secrets for in there lies a salve for ancient wounds. Let me burn karma in this season so I may be initiated into the ways of healing.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, reflect silvery vitality so I can rejoice in full health and a pain-free body; may I joy in work, in having a routine that pleases my soul so that I have capacity to be of service to others.

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, I've felt for some time the pangs of rebirth, the exhilaration of reinvention.  I crave a new plotline in this story called life and I'm steadily embodying my new reality.  

GEMINI RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, ignite my humility to receive blazing blessings of good fortune. Bring friends into my social sphere whose zest for life and passion for great times are a source of inspiration.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, make me a vessel of creativity, of poetry and of joy, so ease flows through me. May I birth projects that contribute pleasure and conviviality, giving expression to my inner-child.

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon; in the liminal space of my dreams my psyche experiences the tremors of awakening. I crave the shadowy places to incubate, recover from losses and tap into healing that is generative.

CANCER RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, let sparks fly as I blaze a trail for all the world to see. Let me tend to my mission like a holy fire. May I be recognised as a source of inspiration as I strive to achieve my goals with relentless passion.   

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, irradiate my home so it becomes the indwelling for blessings. May harmony be my foundation. Let all who claim me belong and be counted as kin. 

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, shakeups in my social life and my sense of luck are the new normal. I crave kindred spirit friends who are my allies for the long run; comrades with staying power who want to build new worlds with me.

LEO RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, kindle the flames of my spiritual path, lighting a path of teaching and learning. May I always be a zealous pilgrim, fuelled by passion and belief for a life of meaning and adventure.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, reflect silvery peace in my daily interactions within my community.  May there be an equilibrium in my daily exchanges; a consistent flow of accord as I move through my immediate world. 

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, my direction in life has experienced flux, but I'm learning to trust its rhythm.  I crave leaving a legacy where I'm known as someone dependable, with a practical creativity that fosters beauty and sustainable development.

VIRGO RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, I know what it's like to walk through fire, I have the courage of a thousand phoenix birds. May intimacy make a warrior of me as I learn and re-learn the art of sharing.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, let me always appreciate the value of things. May money magic envelop me as I learn that saving my shekels will allow me to share abundantly in the future. Relationships and their quality too are measures of wealth.

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, events may have disrupted my world view, yet my faith remains unshakeable. I crave a true religion that engages my mind, body and soul. May my spiritual journey take me on a sensual odyssey steeped in beauty and meaning.

LIBRA RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, I've got this burning, burning, yearning feelin' inside me, oooh, deep inside me and it hurts so bad. May my beloved be seeking me for a union that's as committed as it is passionate.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, let me move through the world as the embodiment of love and charm. May I radiate from within, so that the way I shine teaches the art of compromise and inclusion. My existence is beautiful. 

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, I've felt the oscillations of disruption when it comes to being dependent on others for security. I crave stability for my partners and collaborators, so that I may trust fusing our destinies. 

SCORPIO RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, let motivation pump through my veins infusing my day-to-day grind with passion and dynamism. May the glow of good health and physical wellness bring renewed energy for work and working out. I want to be useful.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, reflect only peace and calm equilibrium to me in my meditations. May I find joy in solitude and rest, delighting in behind-the-scenes problem-solving that contributes to the wellbeing of all.

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, I know the twists, the turns and the shocks my partnership has borne. I crave a safe space of my beloved, so let me cultivate an atmosphere of stability and become that which I desire.

SAGITTARIUS RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, fan the flames of ardour and inspire me in my quest for pleasure. May my instincts be honed for play as I create a life of fervent leisure. Life is a game to be won. While alone I can go fast, I can go further with another.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, I claim my career rewards, rejoicing too in love received.  May I be kept company by friends and connections as I realise my dreams and continue to cast hopes for a future of good fortune.

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, there's been sudden changes in my work situation and even my health of late.  I crave a schedule that is dependable, doing work that connects me to people and land. I release stress and invite beauty into my every day.

CAPRICORN RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, renew me from the ground up, initiate me in the ways of the land. Let me acquaint myself with my more-than-human family, the rocks, the soil, the minerals so that I may protect them as fiercely as I would my family.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, reflect a silvery spotlight along my path. May I find peace in knowing that recognition finds me when I honour the call to contribute my gifts in co-creating a just world, a beautiful world. I stand in love.

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, revelation after revelation has got my nerves a bit frazzled of late. I crave lightheartedness.  I think of children, how they love messy, tactile play. I will schedule massages, prioritize my pleasure practice and draw outside of the lines.

AQUARIUS RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, like a firefly, I emit energy and light as I flit about here, there and everywhere. Let ideas and inspiration flashes dart through me, energising my exchanges. Every environment I move in, is a classroom. I sharpen the sword.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, I am drawn to far away places but also to relationships that teach me something. May I flourish as a disciple of Love - cultivating a belief system that fosters connection. Amen.

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse:  O twilight moon, the ground has moved beneath my feet and my foundations have been shaken up. I crave a real belonging, a soft but secure place to fall; a piece of land that can be a forever place and a family of choice or of origin to call home. 

PISCES RISING:

Aries New Moon: O crescent light, sometimes I've been prone to burning a hole in my wallet. May I maintain my enthusiasm for and creativity in acquiring material means. While I value spontaneity, I recognise my need for security. Cultivating wealth is a marathon.

Libra Full Moon: O bountiful light, I honour that I am no stranger to grief and have grappled with untangling the knots that come from embracing intimacy. May I benefit fairly through my unions with others, so that their blessings are mine, and mine theirs.  Reciprocity is the key.

Taurus New Moon partial solar eclipse: O twilight moon, what a choppy season it's been - so many interruptions. I crave the steadiness of a familiar environment, the safety of extended family and a local community. May I be free to express my longings and act on my ideas to centre exchanges that are nourishing.

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