Banyen Books and Sound

Cosmic Weather Report
Astrological Highlights for April 2012

Danielle Blackwood, Astrologer

The Spring issue of SageWoman magazine featuring my column “Astrology from a Goddess Perspective” will be available at Banyen in early April! Contact me at danielleblackwood@gmail.com if you would like to book a reading, or check out my website www.urbanpriestess.com for more information.


  Well, we can't say March hasn't been trying. With Mercury the planet of communication, and Mars, the planet that symbolizes our verve, energy and joi de vivre both retrograde, it has likely felt like a bit of an uphill battle for many of us. Many have reported all kinds of “weird” events, and communication that has just been plain baffling. The past while has certainly given us a chance to reflect, but now we’re ready for spring to commence in earnest, and to start the projects we have bubbling away on the back burner. The good news that will revive any winter- weary souls is that April sees both Mercury (April 4th) and Mars (April 13th) switch direction. We can finally say YES, and mean it. Although Mercury will be in its shadow until April 23rd (meaning it will reach the degree where it first turned retrograde) we should see things start moving along nicely by April 6th.

  On April 3rd, Venus, planet of love and resources, leaves the sensuous comfort of Taurus, and leaps into curious Gemini. Expect a flurry of social interaction and a busy calendar, especially after Mercury and Mars go direct. Gemini is inquisitive, knowledge seeking, and light hearted. Short trips are likely, and we can find ourselves thirsty for learning. Reading, writing, and pleasant interesting conversation are Gemini’s province. After all the hold back of the retrograde period, people will be keen to get out and mingle.

Cosmic Woodcut

 The Full Moon in Libra occurs on April 6th, bringing something to fruition. What seeds were planted on the New Moon on March 22nd? That New Moon was mind bending for some, as Uranus (Cosmic surprises and maybe some bizarre events) aligned with it. Add that the New Moon also conjoined forces with Mercury retrograde. It could have been the beginning of something interesting and unexpected, or just plain unexpected, and out of left field. You might still be scratching your head, wondering what happened. However, by the Full Moon, light will be shed on any lingering questions, and a cosmic Aha! Moment could ensue. Watch for an unfurling of plans and revelations as things finally start to come into focus. Libra is about partnerships of all kinds, be they business or love, and the full Moon in Libra, on the Aries-Libra axis is definitely I/thou territory. Issues surrounding commitment will be on the table, whether we are in a long-term relationship, or on the cusp of a new one. How can we relate to one another with more love, more respect for each other’s differences? Remembering that we all have our own journey, even though we may have decided to travel alongside another for a little time or a lifetime, is a good way to avoid co-dependence or enmeshment in relationship.

  A wide T-square (friction) between Venus, Mars, and the Neptune/Chiron conjunction from April 3rd to 12th, could pose some challenges in partnerships. However, a square does not cause needless friction, its energy is about putting in effort and providing opportunities for necessary growth. The mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) will feel the effects of this T-square the most, and could see a shift in the status quo.

  Mars finally takes an about turn from its lengthy backward motion, and on April 13th, resumes direct motion. This is particularly good news for Aries, because, debilitated Mars, its ruling planet, sapped them of their naturally ebullient energy for months. In fact, for most signs it has been like pushing a rock up a hill to get anything done. But after the 13th, we can expect to ignite that fire once again, without it fizzling out.

Cosmic Woodcut

  Mercury keeps picking up speed, and enters Aries on the 16th - expect the convoluted, the fuzzy and the just plain confusing - to be cleared away like cobwebs. Our dealings with others are now getting back to being direct, result oriented, and on track. Many will feel like chomping on the bit to get going on new projects, relationships, and jobs. If you have been waiting for the right time to begin something, that time is shaping up. And, by April 23rd, when Mercury is completely out of its shadow, we’re fully in the clear to sign important papers, make major purchases, and jump into something with both feet.

  The Sun enters the sign of Taurus, Fixed spring, on April 19th. In contrast to the feisty outward energy of Aries, Taurus prefers the peace and quiet of a warm and gentle breeze as they work contentedly in the garden. Arguably, there is no astrological archetype more attuned to the earth than Taurus. But, lest you get the idea that Taurus is all about pastoral settings and idyllic farm life, there is another side to the sign of the Bull. Taurus is attached to earthly pleasure in all of its forms, and security is paramount to them. They appreciate good quality and luxury; fine wine, good food, and expensive fabric are on their list of the best things in life. However, their love of luxury usually is not associated with status, as it might be with flashy Leo, or status conscious Capricorn. For Taurus, having the finest things their hard earned money can buy, means comfort, durability, and pleasure. To them, it is just common sense, and another way that demonstrates how at home they are on the earth plane. Taurus also loves music, and often plays an instrument or sings. If not, they can often be found listening to music as a favorite pastime (usually on a state of the art sound system) a way to tune out the hustle and bustle of the crazy world beyond their door. Many Taureans dream of owning land; as they see it, it is the ultimate in security, or, at least a place where they can retire to and enjoy the fruits of their labors, far away from the relentless pace of urban madness.

  The New Moon joins the Sun in Taurus on April 21st. New Moons are a time for seeding new intentions and beginning a new cycle, literally and figuratively. This particular New Moon, at 1degree Taurus is Sextile Neptune and Trine Mars, making it a very romantic, and sensual New Moon, giving us a taste of Beltane, only days away. Spring is in the air, and people are feeling not only sexy, but also affectionate – what a perfect combination in keeping with the season!

Cosmic Woodcut

  Beltane is the ancient Irish pagan cross quarter festival to celebrate the marriage of the Goddess and the God. Beltane is the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. In ancient times, when the year was divided into only two seasons, Beltane was considered the beginning of summer, while the beginning of winter was Samhain (October 31st) and both times were considered to be magical portals when the veils between this world and the Otherworld were at their thinnest, making it an auspicious time for divination and communing with those that have gone before. The ubiquitous Maypole is one vestige from this time, and the dance of men and women weaving the red and white ribbons around it are part of a very old fertility ritual that signified the intertwining of masculine and feminine energies.. Oíche Bealtaine, Gaelic Irish for “Beltane Eve” was the highpoint of the festival, and after the bonfires were lit, and the cattle driven between them to ensure good luck for the coming year, dancing and feasting would commence, after which men and women would wander into the fields and forests and reenact the marriage of the Goddess and the God in their own ways. Children born from these unions were known as “merry begots”, and were said to have the ability of second sight.

Painting by Danielle Blackwood  Because love, pleasure, and the enjoyment of earthly delights are the focus of Beltane, it is a good time to tune into the energies of abundant life giving nature. Meditate on the deities associated with love and sensuality, such as Aphrodite, Ishtar, or Dionysus. Use Rose Quartz in a personal ritual on love. Sensual dance, such as Belly Dance, or free form dancing meditation is an excellent way to align with the energies of the season and our own bodies. It is also a great time to throw a party! Bear in mind, that although this year Beltane Eve falls on a Tuesday, Lunar Beltane, the Full Moon closest to May 1st, is the following Saturday, and the ancients would have celebrated not according to our modern calendar, but on the full moon of this time of year. Dance, sing, feast, be merry, and remember we are incarnated into bodies on this earth because we chose to be, so celebrate the wonder that is springtime, life and love!

Cosmic Woodcut

   
    Significant Dates for April - PST

Cosmic Woodcut