“April is the cruellest month.” So goes the opening line to grumpy T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land. A benchmark of high modernism, sure, yet not the most buoyant poem (for that I choose Frank O’Hara’s Chez Jane, perhaps). But still, might Eliot be right about April’s supposed cruelty? Astrologically speaking, pretty much: the next few weeks, at least, are going to be tough. Why?
We start April off with a Mercury retrograde. A retrograde refers to a transit during which a planet appears to be moving backward relative to us on Earth. When this happens, that planet’s influence gets wonky. Expect delays and difficulties, therefore, around things related to Mercury (communication, travel, contracts). Mercury retrogrades make our lives feel slower.
This cosmic turbulence is further intensified by Mercury’s recent move into Pisces on March 31st—the one sign where it faces a double disadvantage, being both in its fall and detriment. Ouch. Mercury already struggles here since Pisces thrives on intuition and abstract thinking, while Mercury favors logic, details, and clear facts. And with Mercury moving backward, confusion and miscommunication are practically inevitable.
But that’s not all: Neptune has just shifted signs, Venus is also retrograde, and we’re fresh off a powerful solar eclipse. Translation? The cosmic energy is in complete flux, making everything feel uncertain, emotional, and wildly unpredictable.
March ends dramatically with a Solar Eclipse in Aries. This means that the Sun, very well-placed in the sign of the Ram (ego, rationality), will be blocked out by the Moon (emotion). Prepare then for the end of March/start of April to be a time where cooler heads will not prevail. Instead, a world cloaked in darkness, irrationality, and madness. It won’t be that dramatic – but expect some drama. Actually there probably will be a lot of drama. We are pretty much in our own astrological version of The Waste Land.
And what about Neptune’s upcoming move into Aries? Get ready, because it’s going to be a seismic shift. The last time Neptune changed signs was in 2011, and that moment shook the world: think Japan’s devastating tsunami. When outer planets make moves like this, the Earth tends to shake up with them. Natural disasters? It’s not to scare anyone, but it could be on the horizon over the next few months. Especially with the major planetary ingresses on the calendar. Watch out for March 30th, May 25th, June 10th, and July 7th. These dates are loaded with cosmic potential for massive shifts.
In general, Neptune-in-Aries betokens more bro-energy. Neptunes, as a planet of glamour and illusion, will likely romanticize Aries’ bold, action-oriented traits. Aries, as the sign of initiation and raw drive, is often linked to masculinity, so we may see an intensification of hyper-masculine ideals take center stage. This could manifest in various ways, from an obsession with "alpha" males to a heightened focus on individualism and personal power. Unfortunately, given the history of Aries, which tends to embody conflict and fiery competition, we might expect some negative tendencies to emerge as well—wars, power struggles, and impulsive actions that cause disruption.
However, while the influence of Neptune can magnify illusions, we must also remember that we can use this transit to our benefit. It offers an opportunity to tap into Aries' most positive qualities: independence, courage, and the drive to take charge. This is a time to harness the spirit of Aries and initiate new projects, overcome fear, and embrace new beginnings. It’s about channeling the dynamic energy of Aries for personal growth, rather than falling into destructive patterns.
Adding another layer of complexity, the Solar Eclipse coinciding with Neptune’s entry into Aries and several planets in retrograde suggest we’ll be reflecting on past instances when Neptune was in Aries. Historically, this transit has coincided with challenging moments: the American Civil War, which began just hours after Neptune entered Aries in April 1861. Looking back at history, we see that Neptune-in-Aries often brings turbulence, invasions, and wars sparked by misunderstandings or a lack of clear vision. The sense of confusion and chaos during this time could mirror those moments, urging us to tread carefully as we navigate this cosmic transition.
Ultimately, while there’s potential for tough times during Neptune-in-Aries, there's also a massive opportunity to channel its energy into bold, positive action. It’s a time to confront illusions and break free from outdated, harmful systems, and instead embody Aries’ pioneering spirit for change. The trick will be to use this transit consciously, avoiding the pitfalls of reckless aggression and instead embracing independence and initiative.
Thankfully, after this triumvirate of disruptive transits, the Stars relax, most notably with a soothing start to the season of Taurus (our most decadent, languorous sign) on April 20th. Much better. Another exciting date to look forward to is April 7th, when Mercury stations direct, followed closely by Venus doing the same on April 12th. After that, May brings a much more easygoing, breezy energy.
And, of course, the Cosmos, in all its infinite clockwork, will be impacting your own chart, too. To learn more about how, read on for your April Horoscope.
ARIES
Until April 20th, the Sun energises the Ego zone of your chart. Your friends may lament this placement somewhat, as it amplifies your headstrong Aries nature even more. Lots of mansplaining indicated here. But also, lots of initiative to put words, thoughts, and plans into action. On the 20th, the Sun shifts into lux-loving Taurus, where it will be impacting the Money zone of your chart. Align with Taurus energy and treat yourself to something slightly above your pay grade. Finally, take special note of Neptune moving into your sign at the start of the month. The first few days of the month you could be feeling wildly emotional over the tiniest things. But (and this is crucial): this is also a moment of radical reinvention. If you've been feeling, I don’t know, just kind of meh, this is your chance to reclaim your energy.
TAURUS
We begin the month with the Sun camped out in your mystical 12th House of Dreams and the Unconscious. This is an introspective transit for you, as the Sun is weakly positioned in this part of your chart. The astrological advice during solar transits through the 12th House tends to be about reflecting on the past year and the ways you’ve improved as a person (hopefully). Venus, your patron saint and ruler, is also retrograde until mid month. For the next few weeks, avoid ballyhoo and too much socialising, where possible. Instead: look to the garden of your inner life. On the 20th the Sun shines bright in your Ego zone for a month. Expect more effervescence, self-esteem, the world is your oyster – those kinds of vibes.
GEMINI
The Aries Sun powers up the Friendship zone of your chart for the first few weeks of April. Aries energy can be super bossy, but it can also be fiercely loyal. Which aspect of the Ram do you want to be refracted prismatically onto your friendships this month? I’m hoping for the latter, that is, the fiercely loyal aspect. Fight for your friends, not with them. Listen, don’t lecture. On the 20th, the Sun moves into Taurus, a decadent sign that could have you wanting to repose on velvet couches. Why? The Sun will be impacting your dreamy 12th House of Dreams and the Unconscious. Anticipate less yen for activity for a couple of weeks.
CANCER
The most sensitive and maternal of the signs, your nature tends to prefer the hearth to the heat of battle (understandable). But you have the brassy Aries Sun highlighting the Career zone of your chart until April 20th. Aries can bring aggression, but also courage. When transiting your Career zone, the Aries Sun indicates, therefore, bold moves – maybe it’s time to change jobs? Or maybe it’s time to take on more responsibility or raise your voice at your current one? On the 20th, the Sun moves into Taurus (also a very domestic sign), where it will be impacting your Friendship zone. Evenings with friends, nestled about the hearth, making hearty stews indicated.
LEO
Until the 20th, the bold Aries Sun impacts the Travel zone of your chart, which also pertains to higher learning. There’s a bit of a catch, though: Mercury is retrograde for a few weeks, which usually portends glitches, cancelled flights, and other such irritations. Focus on the life of the mind, instead. “Learning” is your keyword. Aries energy is initiatory, so attack a longstanding book on your reading list, or delve into some online college course on YouTube (may I suggest Robert Sapolsky’s fabulous Human Behavioral Biology?). On the 20th, the Sun enters deliberate Taurus, where it highlights your Career zone. Not the time to make moves. Taurus energy is fixed and determined.
VIRGO
Paradox alert: The Aries Sun indicates an independent, autonomous, “me-first” energy, yet it’s highlighting your 8th House of Intimacy (sharing). How to square Aries selfishness with the 8th House and its calls for interdependence? Paradox, indeed. But a world without paradox would be boring – as would a world without intimacy. So align with Aries and the 8th House by truly sharing more about your inner self with an intimate partner. Paradox solved. Unless, of course, they recoil in horror at what you reveal. On the 20th, the Sun enters Taurus, where it will impact your Travel zone: a much easier placement to decipher. Taurus energy is very luxe. Book a mini-vacation to London and stay at a fancy hotel whose sheets have a high thread count (somewhere between 750 to 1,000, but over 1,000 is unnecessary, according to the website Real Simple, which may or may not be an authority on the matter).
LIBRA
An interesting month for you. True, you have your House of Relationships activated until the 20th, and then your House of Intimacy gets lit up for the remainder of April – so, two parts of the chart dealing with a significant other. The catch is that, until the 20th, you have Aries energy (your polar opposite) infusing your House of Relationships. Aries suggests a selfish, brash, and somewhat untoward energy that tends to upset the balance and harmony you cherish. But, it also influences us to get what we want and to be bold in our desires, something the Libra nature can be, shall we say, horrible at. So, align with Aries, and be bold in voicing your needs and desires to a partner. No dithering. On the 20th, the Sun moves into Taurus, a decadent sign, where it seductively lights a scented candle up in your Intimacy zone. Slinky negligees indicated.
SCORPIO
The steroidal Aries Sun powers up your zone of Tasks, Routine, Diet, and Health. Now, we are not suggesting that you align with Aries and start taking steroids to get ripped at the gym over the next few weeks. We are saying: align with the universe and hit the gym more until the 20th. Then, the Sun shifts into the less workout-prone energy of Taurus, where it activates your Relationship zone. At this point, you can go back to watching Netflix on the couch with your bae and eating Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, marbled with those obscene chunks of Reese’s pieces and cookie dough.
SAGITTARIUS
A strong month for you, Sag, at least the beginning part (then not so good). You’re a fire sign and you’re the most adventurous party animal of the Zodiac. And look what we have here: the brazen Aries Sun (fellow fire energy), blazing through your House of Fun until the 20th. In other words, the universe is writing you a blank check to go ham the next couple of weeks, during which you can follow all your kinks, drives, and desires (just remember that the House of Fun also pertains to fertility). But the party’s over on the 20th, as the Sun moves into slow-poke Taurus, where it activates your boring House of Routine and Health. The Cosmos: always giving, then taking away.
CAPRICORN
Spring is in the air and the initiatory energy of the Aries Sun amps up the Home zone of your chart until the 20th. Time for some changes to the hearth: cleaning, re-arranging, decluttering, organising the closets after a long winter of bulky sweaters and musty corduroy blazers hanging around like hopeless barflies, telling stale jokes over stale Guinness that tastes like defeat. Get some life and movement into your immediate environs. On the 20th, the Sun activates the Fun zone of your chart. If the first few weeks indicate domestic/inside/home, the end of April betokens social/outdoors/tavern. Night time. Philandering. Fun. Romance.
AQUARIUS
Communication is your theme until the 20th, but of a complicated kind. To explain: the robust Aries Sun impacts your 3rd House, which deals with, you guessed it, communication. But lo! There is also a cumbersome Mercury retrograde coinciding with this placement. And Mercury pertains to communication, as well. So, you’re going to want to be singing from the rooftops (Aries in the 3rd), but your melodies are going to be all garbled and out of key (Mercury retrograde). You know what they say though: it’s better to sing garbled lyrics from rooftops than to never sing at all. On the 20th, the Sun tap dances into Taurus and energises your Home zone. Taurus energy is very low-key and domestic. Tending to your rhododendrons indicated.
PISCES
We kick off April with Mercury retrograde in your sign until April 7th. This could mean a week more of sending unclear messages to yourself, as Mercury deals with communication. You say that you want x but you really mean y, which implies z, which might mean x. This Mercury retrograde confusion clears out on the 7th. Better communication with yourself indicated then. In other news: with the Aries Sun in your Money zone until the 20th, you could very well be exercising a more commercially-minded attitude toward work and/or job-searching (no more idealistic Pisces dreaming for now). On the 20th, the Sun lights up your communication zone. Yet, another sign of glad tidings around words, writing, and comms after the Mercury retrograde
These are so great ! Been a Hard week for me as a Pisces x