Solar Phases

20 April - 21 May 2010
SUN IN TAURUS
On the 21st of April, the Sun enters Taurus at 04h30 GMT. Taurus qualities include steadfastness, patience, a love of luxury and physical comfort, a need for security and a need for habit and routine, as well as general scepticism about anything new, untried or untested. At this time, expect your focus and energy to be on the more earthly and nature-oriented pursuits such as spring cleaning, gardening, updating your summer wardrobe, going on a cooking course, as well as consolidating your finances, applying for jobs and renovating, buying or selling property.

According to The Busy Pagan, this is the time of Beltane an ancient pagan spring festival that has come down to us in the form of May Day fairs celebrated throughout the UK. Given that this is the month when the Sun is travelling through earthy Taurus, it is no surprise that Beltane is considered to be an earth festival and associated with the height of Spring and therefore of fertility and abundance.  Graham Miller explains how this time acts as a culmination of the earlier fiery energy of the Vernal Equinox:

All cross-quarter days are traditionally Fire festivals, and astrologically, Beltane is an earth festival. This combination of Earth and Fire gives us a good idea of the themes of this festival. It is about the earth expression of Fiery passion, or in simple terms, sex. ¹   

However, I am not sure that the astrological and pagan festivals entirely marry up. Miller claims that this is a time of male sexual energy, symbolised in images such as the May pole and the Green Man. Whilst I do agree that Martian energy is firmly associated with forests and green growth, as it was in Roman and Medieval times, in the astrological tradition, Taurus is a feminine sign, despite being represented by the rather potent male symbol of a bull. The Moon, a feminine symbol of earthly fertility is also exalted in Taurus, which suggests that those male-oriented fertility traditions are more fittingly associated with the fiery male energy of the Vernal Equinox which we discussed last month, since this is when the astrologically masculine Sun is exalted in Mars-ruled Aries. Indeed, some have observed that the crescent moon, if placed upside down, mirrors the raised horns of certain breeds of domestic cattle, including those native to Mesopotamia and India.

Many scholars agree that the constellation of the Bull is one of the oldest known star groups to be acknowledged by our ancient star-gazing ancestors. It is generally accepted that several Neolithic stone monuments in Europe are oriented towards the Pleiades, a cluster of stars on the shoulder of the Bull in the Taurus star group, including the Mnadjra temple on the island of Malta.³ Some historians think that certain Palaeolithic cave art such as the cave paintings of aurochs in Lascaux in France may also include symbolic allusions to this constellation.² According to Deborah Houlding, 'Taurus is well documented in Babylonian astrology, the Mesopotamians being the first to call this part of the sky Gud.Anna., 'Bull of Heaven'.' Here the bull had strong mythical associations with Ishtar, the goddess equivalent to Venus in Roman mythology.

It is well-known that in Egypt, cattle were also considered sacred - the Apis bull, which was venerated and mummified at death in the same style as the pharaohs, being the ultimate example. Houlding goes on to comment:

'It is notable how frequently a strong feminine figure is integral to the myth of the bull, not only in Greece and Mesopotamia, but also in Egypt where Taurus became the sky representative of Isis.' ⁴  The mythological seven maidens of the Pleiades cluster were also known to Egyptians as the Seven Hathors, Hathor being the bovine goddess married to the Moon god, Sin. According to the Global Egyptian Museum,

From at least the New Kingdom, Isis was frequently associated with the goddess Hathor (whose name means 'House of Horus', perhaps an indication that she was the original mother of Horus) from whom she acquired her headdress, cow's horns and sun disk. As a cow goddess she could also be worshipped as the mother of the Apis bull.⁵ 

Hellenistic astrologers such as Manilius and Firmicus Maternus, describe those born under the influence of this constellation as being bestowed with beauty, peaceful lives and gifts associated with the fertility of the earth. Clearly, then these are the qualities we want to tap into during the Sun's tour of Taurus. Make this a time of stability, consolidation, abundance and physical nurturing and you will be on the right track.

This solar cycle will most positively affect those with earth or water Suns, Ascendants or Moons, especially those in Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, Cancer, Pisces and to some extent, Scorpio.

Lunar Phases

14 April 2010
NEW MOON IN ARIES
The New Moon in Aries at 12h29 GMT on the 14^th of April. The doubly fresh energy of the New Moon together with the youthful qualities of Aries, the first astrological sign of the zodiac make this an excellent time for beginning new projects and starting over on the emotional, physical and domestic fronts. Use this lunar period to initiate discussions and actions that will help to further personal goals and dreams. Entrepreneurial endeavours, an enthusiastic attitude, and an optimistic outlook are also favoured now.

 

According to the Moonwise Calendar, this New Moon is ruled by the Willow tree in Celtic mythology. According to Helena Paterson⁶, those natives with their suns in Aries or Taurus are also born under the Celtic Lunar sign of Saille, the Irish name of the fourth letter of the Celtic runic alphabet and equivalent to the letter 'S', which means 'willow tree.' In the Celtic Lunar Zodiac outlined by Paterson, each lunar sign is associated with a particular tree, gemstone, flower, planet and animal, in keeping with earlier Babylonian magical and talismanic traditions. In the case of this particular sign, Saille is represented by the Willow Tree, Moonstone, Primrose, the Moon and the Serpent. Paterson interprets this Moon sign's overall influence as being equivalent to the transformation of the maiden aspect of the triple goddess into the mother phase - again very in keeping with the time of year in the northern hemisphere and the qualities associated with the sun sign of Taurus. 

This New Moon will be most positively affect those with Suns, Ascendants or Moons in fire or air signs,  especially those in Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, Aquarius, Gemini, and to some extent, Libra.

 

28 April 2010
FULL MOON IN SCORPIO

The Full Moon occurs on the 28th of April 2010 at 12h18 GMT in Scorpio. This is good time to connect with your passions, seek out hidden facts or spend time reading up about esoteric matters. Interestingly, both lunar phases this month are ruled by Mars (Mars is the ancient ruler of Scorpio) which suggests that strong emotions will be a major theme during April. In traditional astrology, the Moon is in fall in the sign of Scorpio, possibly because this is the opposite sign to that of its exaltation - Taurus. As a result, those born with the Moon in Scorpio are thought to be prone to jealousy and extremes of emotion - qualities you may want to watch out for towards month end. On the positive side, Scorpio is a water sign, which resonates well with lunar energy, and could be why those born with a Scorpio Moon are renowned for their highly intuitive perception and emotional IQ. My suggestion: use the determination and unrelenting focus of this lunar combination to complete projects, solve stubborn problems and uncover the underlying reasons for obstacles of all kinds, rather than getting obsessively jealous or becoming a control freak. This is also an excellent time to seek out healing, counselling or bodywork therapies, and to undertake in-depth research work.

This Full Moon will most positively affect those with Suns, Ascendants or Moons in water or earth signs, especially those in Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces, Virgo, Capricorn and to some extent, Taurus.

 

Planetary Events, Stellar Phases & Energy Shifts

According to Ian Morrison of the University of Manchester⁷ , and the Moonwise Diary⁸, April will witness the closest contact between Saturn and the earth for 2010. Saturn can be seen rising heliacally in Virgo each morning and evening, it's rings clearly visible as it appears near to the Full Moon at sunset towards the end of March. Between the 4th and 8th of April, Venus and Mercury will be in close proximity (within an orb of 3.3 degrees) in the night sky, although Mercury will be less bright, having reached its point of greatest elongation east. Both planets are currently moving away from the Sun and gaining in altitude, gradually ascending in the night sky after sunset. The waning crescent moon can be seen close to Jupiter, currently quite low in the sky when seen from northern latitudes, around the 11th of April. Just after New Moon (14th) on the 16th of April, a newly visible crescent Moon will be situated near to Venus, and just below the Pleiades - the constellation we have discussed in detail above. Ian Morrison writes that, the Pleiades cluster 'appears to be passing through a cloud of dust which is scattering the blue light from the stars, forming so called "reflection nebulae" around the brighter stars of the cluster.' Venus has been gradually becoming more prominent over the last few months as she continues her journey back towards the earth and out from behind the rays of the Sun.

 

Major transits during April 2010

 

1 April
MERCURY IN ARIES SEXTILE NEPTUNE IN AQUARIUS
On the first day of the month, Mercury can be found in the last degrees of Aries, from where it makes a stimulating 60-degree angle to Neptune in Aquarius. This is likely to result in a day of heightened intuitive awareness, as well as an enhanced ability to visualise ideas and have intellectual insights of all kinds. During this period, short trips to coastal destinations are a possibility. This is also a favourable time to study occult subjects or embark on charitable or creative projects that involve institutions or have a musical or film-based element to them.

 

Signs most likely to positively benefit from this planetary position include: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, Aquarius, Gemini, and, to some extent, Taurus and Libra.

 

2 April
MERCURY INGRESS INTO TAURUS
Today, the normally fast-moving Mercury ingresses into earthy Taurus. In this sign, Mercury acquires a somewhat plodding pace, which can irritate those who prefer variety and action. Still, the patience and concentration that Taurus acquires from this sign can literally move mountains if applied correctly. Between now and mid-May, you may want to focus on projects that require steady application, careful calculations or the consolidation of related facts or transactions. Sink your teeth into meaty books, put flesh on sketchy outlines or project proposals and apply logic to solve problems, especially after the 20th, when the Sun will also be in Taurus to aid you in your endeavours. If you've pitched for new work contracts or applied for a new job during March, when entrepreneurial Aries gave you a boost of confidence and inspired you to take more chances, then it is likely that you will now find yourself attending job interviews or engaging in discussions regarding the implementation of your earlier claims. Be sure that you can walk your talk now because any airy fairy or exaggerated claims made now are likely to be found out, thanks to the sceptical nature of Mercury in the sing of Taurus. Now is also an excellent time to begin building projects or undertake design work.

 

Zodiac signs most likely to benefit from this planetary position include: Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces, Taurus, and to some extent, Gemini and Scorpio.

 

3 April
VENUS IN TAURUS SQUARE MARS IN LEO

Lovers tiffs are likely today as Venus and Mars get involved in a stand-off. A stalemate situation, possibly brought about by stubbornness, given that fixed signs are involved in this particular configuration, is also likely at work, particularly if a male and female colleague can't see eye to eye. Jealousy may also surface in relationships, both at work and at home. Sexually inappropriate behaviour or a lack of consideration for others is also possible now, either due to vanity, pride or coarseness. Social and financial difficulties are also likely, mainly due to rudeness and overindulgence. Try to curb your appetite for instant gratification now or be prepared to face the consequences. 

Zodiac signs most likely to be affected by this aspect include: Taurus, Libra, Leo, Scorpio, Virgo, Capricorn, Leo, Aries and Sagittarius, and to some extent Pisces, Gemini, and Aquarius.

 

5 April
MERCURY IN TAURUS SQUARE MARS IN LEO
Today Mercury follows Venus in taking on bolshie Mars in Leo. For those in the media or communications industries, this transit is likely to coincide with a spate of complaints from customers, listener or viewers, possibly due to the brash or offensive remarks of an egotistical presenter. At work, colleagues may become irritating, defensive or cantankerous in their communications, whilst friends could become competitive, stubborn, selfish or moany. Relations are also likely to be laced with sarcasm, competitiveness, anger and back-biting.  This is not a good time to run a work proposal by the boss or pitch for a new contract, especially if you are involved in advertising, sport or the creative arts. Disagreements over work strategies, industrial accidents, noise pollution, fevers and indigestion are also likely now.

 

Zodiac signs most likely to be affected by this aspect include: Taurus, Leo, Aries, Scorpio, Gemini, Virgo, and to some extent Sagittarius, Aquarius and Capricorn.

 

VENUS IN TAURUS TRINE PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
A day for major changes to practical arrangements or plans with a relationship or monetary aspect. Commitments of all kinds, especially family obligations, are also up for review now. During this period, it is likely that you may undergo some form of healing or personal transformation as a result of a close relationship. Heightened emotional perception and increased intuition is also possible around this time, as are insights into the nature of love and relationships. Strong attractions could also lead to deep and lasting emotional bonds around now. This is a great time for esoteric artists, such as tarot card illustrators, as well as art restorers and antique dealers, who could find themselves receiving a lucrative commission or acquiring a wealthy client. Financial reforms and improvements in how business is conducted are also possible effects of this transit.  

 

Zodiac signs most likely to benefit from this aspect include: Taurus, Capricorn, Scorpio, Aries, and Cancer and to some extent Virgo, Libra  and Aquarius.

 

6 April
MERCURY IN TAURUS TRINE PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
As a follow-on from yesterday's Venus-Pluto trine, dramatic announcements, in-depth discussions and intense thinking about financial matters and relationships are likely to be the order of the day. It seems that a change of intellectual position or large-scale reform could be on the cards, especially in relation to financial institutions, economic or political systems, as well as government policies relating to agriculture, science, medicine, healthcare, waste recycling, underground transport infrastructure and taxes. It is largely expected that Gordon Brown will announce the date of the next UK General Election - a fitting event for such a transit, since it brings with it the promise of legal reform and economic improvements by a newly-elected political dispensation. Healers and psychics can expect to benefit from heightened intuitive perception and an intense connection to the hidden powers of the natural world. This is a good time to undertake some form of counselling or efforts aimed at self-improvement. Discussions concerning taxes, joint investments or scientific endeavours are also likely to go well now.

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect include: Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo, Aries and Scorpio and to some extent, Libra, Cancer and Gemini.

 

7 April
PLUTO IN CAPRICORN STATIONS
Today Pluto begins its annual cycle of retrograde motion in dutiful and traditional Capricorn, which will last until mid September. As it retraces its steps through the early degrees of Capricorn, it is likely that the outward call for major societal reform that began with the near-collapse of the UK and US banking system is likely to acquire an inner, more esoteric dimension. Use the next few months to think about how you can make changes or act more responsibly when it comes to money, social responsibility and how you treat employees or family members. 

 

Those born under the signs of Scorpio, Capricorn, Cancer, Aries and Libra are most likely to notice the effects of this aspect, whilst those born under Taurus and Virgo may also be affected, but to a lesser extent.  

 

SATURN RETROGRADE INGRESS INTO VIRGO

As part of its backward movement through the zodiac, Saturn re-enters Virgo, suggesting that certain details particularly to do with service contracts, writing or editing projects, health and/or diet regimens may also need revision.  Virgo is a very analytical sign, so you may also decide to use this energy to review structures, plans or regulations in greater detail to see whether anything can be improved. This is also a good time to make everyday routines more effective and manage your time more efficiently. However, be aware that you may have rather high expectations of people, especially service providers at this time, which could lead to critical or nitpicking tendencies. Instead of fixating on the small stuff, use any urges for perfection and neatness to tidy up your house, weed your garden or for getting your admin done. This is also a great time for work that requires you to be detailed, precise, ordered and punctual, especially in situations where the work involved is not new but involves projects being redone, improved or renovated. This period may also prove to be a productive time for writers as well as academics or intellectuals involved in projects that require analytical thinking and detailed research. This transit is likely to result in high levels of productivity if applied to reviews, rewrites or summaries. Intricate work is likely to be performed with a lower likelihood of errors, making this period good for scientists and engineers, as well as dentists.

 

Those born under the signs of Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus are most likely to notice the effects of this aspect, whilst those born under Gemini, Cancer and Aquarius may also be affected, but to a lesser extent.  

 

17 April
VENUS IN TAURUS SEXTILE JUPITER IN PISCES

Today, expect to experience a increase in luck as well as elevated levels of self-confidence and assertiveness, especially when it comes to expressing yourself or your ideas, as the two benefics, Venus and Jupiter, meet up in a charming sextile. This is a time when educational, cultural and legal matters can turn in your favour. Great strides can be made now in fundraising efforts especially those associated with charitable, healthcare and other public institutions. This aspect can also lend a glamorous or mysterious element to a creative project or marketing campaign involving a film, fashion, design or musical element. Social events are also likely to be pleasurable and entertaining now. Intellectual or religious conversations or courses could lead to romantic encounters. Those in need of comforting are likely to find a surprising number of people ready to offer them a cup of tea and a sympathetic ear.

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect are the water and earth signs including: Taurus, Pisces, Cancer, Capricorn and Scorpio, and to some extent, Sagittarius, Libra and Virgo.

 

18 April
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN TAURUS

Mercury changes directions today in the earth sign of Taurus, where it will remain for nearly three months. Between now and the 11th of May, expect to encounter slow-downs in communication and commercial transactions, and travel delays, as well as an increased need to revise plans or renegotiate contracts. Computer problems and traffic snarls are also common-place, so allow extra time to complete projects or get to important meetings. The best way to utilise this transit would be to focus on resolving past issues, rather than starting anything new. Avoid expensive purchases that you may later regret and be sure to read the fine print in all contracts, or you may be caught short later on. Initially, though, many of you will enjoy the leisurely pace of the week-end really allows you to unwind and indulge in some simple pleasures.

 

Those born under the signs of Taurus, Gemini and Virgo are most likely to notice the effects of this aspect, whilst those born under Capricorn and Libra may also be affected, but to a lesser extent.  

 

SUN IN ARIES SEXTILE NEPTUNE IN AQUARIUS
Over the next day or so, you can expect to benefit from a friendly sextile between the Sun, it the last degrees of Aries, and Neptune in quirky Aquarius. During this transit, the intuitive and imaginative faculties are stimulated, leading to bursts of creativity. Inspired leadership is another possible outcome of this period. Acting auditions, exhibition openings and film screenings are all likely to go well at this time, since there is likely to be an increased sensitivity towards the subtlety and beauty inherent in a work of art, as well as an increased appreciation of aesthetic and artistic forms of expression. Projects and initiatives aimed at improving the plight of children, the mentally ill or institutions such as hospitals and prisons are all likely to benefit from the support of a sympathetic authority figure or generous benefactor now.

Signs most likely to benefit from this planetary aspect include: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini and Aquarius and to some extent, Pisces, Capricorn and Libra.

23 April
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN TAURUS SQUARE NEPTUNE IN AQUARIUS

Mercury's reverse direction compounds what is likely to be an already confusing and unpredictable situation over the next day or so. Misunderstandings, sudden about-faces and downright deception are all possible under this transit, as is the likelihood people going back on their word or failing to live up to their end of an agreement. A tendency towards vagueness and an evasion of responsibility in financial contracts or scientific reports is likely to lead to undesirable consequences, as well as future monetary loss. The divulging of secrets and the misuse of drugs or medication is also possible now. Avoid making major decisions now, because your judgement will be clouded; and your communications with others, rather murky. Hidden or unpredictable factors could also cause contracts to be cancelled or offers to be retracted. 

 

Those most likely to be affected by this aspect are the fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, as well as Gemini, Pisces and Virgo, and to a lesser extent Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpio and Capricorn.

 

24 April

 

VENUS IN TAURUS TRINE SATURN RETROGRADE IN VIRGO

This second positive aspect of the day involves a trine between Venus and Saturn, the planet associated with structure, rules and limitations, as well as measurable progress attained through hard work and practical application. Saturn is currently retrograde, which means that today is a great day to make progress with reviews or revisions to plans or blueprints involving building work, landscaping, engineering or architectural projects, as well as home decor, clothing or cosmetics. You may want to have a talk with your spouse about any plans to redo the house before instructing the architect or landscaper on Monday. This is also a good aspect for firming up plans to return to a beloved holiday home or cook an old favourite for lunch with your Dad or parents. Financial discussions involving family are also likely to go well.