Planetary Influences - April 2018

Mars-Saturn Conjunction - April 1

On Easter Sunday, that is on the 1st of April, Mars and Saturn are in conjunction at 15 degrees in the zodiac house of Sagittarius. Though Mars transits through Sagittarius till May first week, there would be more friction between Mars and Saturn in Sagittarius till around the first of April as they get ready for conjunction.

Saturn has been loitering in the house of Sagittarius from October 2017 and would be there till January 2020. With Saturn in the house of Jupiter there would be a perfect balance between these two opposing energies. Add to this the intense energy and force of Mars. We would feel bold enough to pursue our passions in life. Mars in the house of Jupiter is quite favorable if it aligns itself with the knowledge of Jupiter. Be ready for potential conflicts all through the month of April with Mars and Saturn going in for conjunction.

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Sun Transits Aries –(April 13 – May 14)

The Sun moving in Pisces, switches over to the zodiac house of Aries on April 13th. Here the Sun is said to be Exalted. This indicates that our leadership qualities and individual expressions would be brought to the fore as Aries indicates the start of the zodiac cycle.

Mars, the ruler of Aries is currently in the zodiac house of Sagittarius where its energy is subdued by the influence of both Saturn and Jupiter. This brings down the power levels to an optimum stage. Sun entering Aries marks the start of yet another milestone in astrological terms. The Sun stays in Aries till May 14th when it hops over to the earthy sign of Taurus.

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Mercury Direct in Pisces - April 15

Mercury that went retrograde on March 22nd, goes direct on April 15th at 11 degrees Pisces. After continuing in Pisces for quite sometime, Mercury moves over to the zodiac house of Aries on the 9th of May. Mercury in Pisces is said to be debilitated, however the effect was cancelled by the Exalted Venus also in the house of Pisces. But then Venus exited Aries on the 26th of March.

Also Mercury retrograde in Pisces behaves as if it were direct in the opposite house of Virgo. And Mercury in Virgo is said to be exalted. Hence this Mercury retrograde effect would not be that powerful as the usual ones. However be cautious as the Mercury retrograde is occurring in the watery sign of Pisces. A good advise is to lay low till Mercury retrograde phase is complete. Then on April 15th, Mercury goes direct and resumes its normal speed in a couple of days’ time.

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New Moon in Aries - April 15

The waning Moon in Pisces, moves over to the zodiac house of Aries on the 15th of April to join the Sun at 2 degrees there forming the New Moon. This would be a good time to let your body and mind to relax. A time to let go off of old things and bring new things into life. Also as Aries happens to be the start of the zodiac cycle, this is a time for growth. But then Aries’ ruler Mars in Sagittarius under the influence of Saturn might keep your growth under check.

Then Venus in Aries along with Moon is in opposition to Jupiter in the house of Libra. A good time for academic pursuits with the teaching area emphasized by Jupiter and Venus. Also Jupiter being retrograde in Libra implies as if it were in the opposite house of Aries. Hence the influence of Jupiter would also be favourable for the Moon in Aries, with Martian energy around.

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Venus- Jupiter Opposition – April 16

Shortly after the New Moon, on the 16th of April, Venus in Aries comes into direct opposition with the retrograding Jupiter in the zodiac house of Libra. And the opposition takes place at 27 degrees Aries and 27 degrees Libra respectively. This would be a good time to start some important actions or ventures. This marks a favourable time to start things anew.

Both Moon and Venus in Aries would be under the Nakshatra or star sign of Bharani which symbolizes new births. Hence creative energy would be in full force for the day and the ensuing period.

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Saturn Retrograde in Sagittarius –(April 17 – September 6)

Saturn transiting Sagittarius, goes retrograde on the 17th of April and stays in that course for the next five month period. The retrograde phase of Saturn starts at 16 degrees Sagittarius and ends at 9 degrees Sagittarius. Natives are advised to look out for the houses that represent Sagittarius in their natal chart during this time. That area of their life would be greatly emphasized for the period. The retrograde phase of Saturn would be a time to revisit some of the basic causes or foundations beneath our life.

Retrograde Saturn in Sagittarius behaves as it were direct in the zodiac house of Gemini which is a friendly home for Saturn. This might lower down the obstructive nature of Saturn a bit and we can expect some sort of co-operation even when it is retrograde now. But then Saturn in the house of Jupiter might slow down growth being emphasized or denoted by Jupiter. Also during this time, the retrograde Saturn and Jupiter strongly aspect the sun signs of Aquarius and Gemini. Hence areas of your life ruled by these houses stand to get greatly affected by the effect. Try to find a good balance between growth and decay for the period.

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Venus Transits Taurus –(April 19 – May 14)

Venus stays in the house of Aries till the 19th of April. It was in a fiery sign , received the aspects of the retrograde Jupiter and was under the company of the hot Sun. Then on the 19th it transits to the zodiac house of Taurus.

This being its own house, Venus finds some calm time for relaxation. Now that it is away from the Sun it should be clearly visible in the evening sky. With Sun being exalted in the zodiac house of Aries and Venus in its own homestead, this is a good time for getting really creative. Also an apt period to find the perfect balance between the "me" and "we" attitude.

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Full Moon in Libra - April 29

The waxing Moon of April grows and becomes full at 16 degrees Libra with the Sun being in the opposite zodiac house of Aries. The Sun in Aries is exalted and the Moon joins the retrograde Jupiter in Libra, and this combination is a great time to behold. This Full Moon favors a steady and stable growth, however natives need to be patient and our focus should be sharp and un-deviated. We should also be able to see life in a new perspective.

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Related Links


• 2018 Planetary Retrogrades

• 2018 Planetary Influences

• Planets

Planetary Influences - April 2018