Allrighty then!

It’s April Fool’s Day and — no joke — trickster Mercury is at its station (virtual standstill from our perspective on Spaceship Earth), prepared to go retrograde. Have you BACKED UP YOUR COMPUTERS YET? Please do!

Highlights for this week are:

• Mercury goes retrograde on Monday
• Venus meets up with Neptune in Pisces on Wednesday
• Venus enters Aries on Friday
• Venus sextiles Pluto on Saturday
• Big fat total solar eclipse/New Moon in Aries next Monday, in case you haven’t heard

It goes like this:

• MONDAY: Moon entered Capricorn at 12:05 AM ET, driving the next few days with a need for accomplishment, gosh darn it. Getting stuff done is facilitated by Moon’s sextile to Mars at 1:48 PM ET. But what are the chances that some of what ships will come back for a REview? Higher than average, given that Mercury is about to go retrograde, at 6:14 PM ET. Adjustments involving getting things started vs. getting things finished may crop up around 11:14 PM ET, as the Capricorn Moon squares the Aries Sun.

A pause, while we discuss this Mercury retrograde:

So many people who know nothing else about astrology have heard of Mercury retrograde.  Often it elicits curses and groans, and that’s a shame. Yes, all of the flights on American Airlines may be grounded because of a computer glitch, and the entire country of Finland may be offline because of a transportation strike. These things actually happened on the first day of Mercury retrogrades past. But there’s much good that can be accomplished when the Messenger Planet appears to be retracing its steps.

Mercury—which in the language of astrology refers to mindset, travel and communication—will appear to move backward through the sky until April 25th. It’s not really moving backward, but that is how it looks from our perspective here on Spaceship Earth. Mercury goes retrograde 3-4 times each year, for a period of 22 days.

Contrary to popular belief, Mercury retrogrades are no reason to freak out. Mercury retrograde gets a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. You know what that gets you? BURN OUT. We need our down times, and Mercury retrograde is a perfect time to give our minds a rest. Why else would your computer, phone and/or car choose THIS time to malfunction? Because you are supposed to be slowing down. And as you slow down, it is vitally important that you FOCUS.

When Mercury is retrograde, be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, the past coming back for a second look, surprise reunions and having to repeat what you just said. Use your FOCUS and double check important details, like email addresses, instructions for assembling IKEA furniture.  Read the instructions more than once — and don’t hesitate to ask for help.  FOCUS!!!!!!!!!

If you are looking for a job, Mercury retrogrades are a perfect time to reach out to people from your past. Mine your address book and trust that your contacts will be happy to hear from you. However, do not be frustrated if your target is away on vacation or keeps rescheduling meetings. Also, triple check your emails and resumes before you hit “send,” as there is a higher probability of typos and other sloppy snafus.

In your business, you’ll need to make sure all communications have been received and are clearly understood. Be mindful of the higher potential for communications equipment to go on the fritz. MAKE SURE YOUR FILES ARE BACKED UP. Also be aware of a higher-than-average probability for delays in shipping and travel arrangements. For this you will need an extra dose of patience.

You may also find it profitable to REview a project from the past. Maybe you shelved it then, but now is the time to REconsider. However, be advised that a spontaneous, “out-of-the-blue” idea for advancement may not be so sound when Mercury turns direct. This is why the conventional wisdom advises against finalizing and/or signing contracts on deals during Mercury retrograde. An exception might be supported if you are REnegotiating or RElocating. If you absolutely must close a deal, triple check everything.

This is a good time to schedule a corporate REtreat. Any activity that affords the opportunity to REview past performance is encouraged. REsearch on a new strategy is also favored.

Mercury retrogrades are not favored for launching a new website or a new communications system. There is a higher-than-average probability of technical glitches and confusion. I can tell you horror stories about a certain prestigious college’s lackluster launch of a website/communications portal which occurred several years ago, on a day when Mercury was stationary retrograde. The portal was completely redone the following year. No surprise there.

Adopt a playful attitude of flexibility to whatever twists you encounter. Avoid making major purchases (especially electronic ones), but don’t freak out if an appliance dies and must be replaced.  Sometimes you just have to buy a new refrigerator!

Don’t believe everything you hear or read in the papers. Rumors have a higher probability of spreading during Mercury retrogrades. Avoid losing patience — that’s a big one.

When in doubt, be silent!

Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating…and REviewing your life with your astrologer.

Mercury turns retrograde at 27 degrees of Aries…and retraces its steps all the way back to 15 degrees. It turns direct on April 25th  and arrives at 27 Aries again on May 13th. On March 18th, Mercury began its “shadow phase,” as it arrived at 15 Aries.  The shadow phase refers to the distance Mercury traveled since the 18th — and will now retrace, while retrograde.  Once Mercury turns direct, it will again be in a “shadow phase,” as it retraces old ground for the third time. Mercury covers new ground and leaves its shadow phase on May 13th. Clear?

In Aries, how we need to think and communicate may be ahead of its time, which means it’s often out of sync. People born with Mercury in Aries (raises hand) often know the answer before anyone realizes there’s a question. During this Mercury retrograde in Aries, we may see a lot of ideas impatiently expressed, with little appreciation for how to put them to use…yet. And having to REview and REthink something right now?! Welp, we may witness a bit of resistance here, too. Aries is sooooo much happier when it is moving forward.

The Sabian Symbol for this Mercury retrograde is “a large disappointed audience,” and already, without even considering what this suggests, I’d like to impatiently Mercury-in-Aries send it back. Or at least speak to the manager. But further research reveals that in the original meaning of the word, to be dis-appointed is to be deprived of one’s position. Hmm. And the audience is not just “disappointed,” it’s quite active, as in “a large audience confronts the performer who disappointed its expectations”. This feels hopeful, because we have the suggestion of the audience doing something to hold someone accountable, as opposed to just being a downer of an experience.

Per astrologer Blain Bovee, a coping strategy for managing expectations on thoughts and communication during this Mercury retrograde (given this particular Sabian Symbol) includes “a dose of realism — and we may perhaps be pleasantly surprised by a gift from out of the blue.”  Also, “rewards may come to those who demonstrate an uncompromising sense of self,” — because, really — must we care if our audience is disappointed by what we have to say? Finally, we are advised to pay attention to — anything to do with audio, sound, listening, and hearing.

You are more personally affected by Mercury’s station at 27 Aries if you are Kamala Harris (her Moon is 27 Aries & her Sun is 27 Libra), the United States (which has Pluto at 27 Capricorn), or anyone with planets or angles around 27 Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Wherever 15 – 27 degrees of Aries falls in your horoscope is where you are most likely to experience a need for review, retreat, reorganizing, etc., during this Mercury retrograde.  Consult your local astrologer for details.

Back to the weekly forecast:

• TUESDAY: Aside from the Mercury retrograde caveat against pushing a new agenda forward, the proactive needs of the Capricorn Moon receive ample support from a sextile to Saturn at 12:46 AM ET, a trine to expansive Jupiter at 7:43 AM ET, and a trine to Uranus at 1:19 PM ET. If a project requiring a REview crossed your desk, there’s where you can focus your energies. A wrinkle in your communication may require straightening as Moon squares Mercury at 12:11 AM ET on…
• WEDNESDAY…but with the Moon in flow (overnight) with the Venus-Neptune meet-up in Pisces, exact at 9:10 AM ET, a softening of hard edges, a forgiving approach, and a focus on creating a kinder, gentler, more beautiful world — are suggested — at least for now. Most in the Americas will sleep through the Moon void that begins at 1:40 AM ET, but if you’re awake, CHILL.  Moon enters Aquarius at 5:07 AM ET, looking to network with its buddies and be appreciated for its unique social significance. Do note your dreams upon waking, given the Venus-Neptune visionary potential, which gains depth from the Moon’s meet-up with Pluto at 8:23 AM ET. That could power your whole day.
• THURSDAY: A sextile between the Moon and Sun at 6:44 AM ET suggests a balanced start, building to a burst of enthusiasm (or over-confidence) around 11:43 AM ET, when Moon squares Jupiter. A surprise may hit the wires around 4:24 PM ET, as Moon squares Uranus. As a research project, we’ll note the Sun’s meet-up with the North Node at 6:10 PM ET. Perhaps we’ll see headlines involving leaders where pioneering idealism and courage reflect an enlightened approach. Women, money, values, art and social expression demand prominence, as Venus is at the verrrrrry end of Pisces, which means it is activating the Aries Point. Hope you got your hair done before Venus enters Aries, which happens at midnight on…
• FRIDAY. Watch, as social expression over the next few weeks reflects the passionate, fiery needs of Venus in the sign of the impulsive, me-me-me-first warrior. Venus will be in Aries until April 29th. Not the optimum time for a facelift, but it should fill up the dance card of all the Rams in the room.  Moon goes void on a sextile with Mercury at 1:39 AM ET. If you’re up at that hour, you may notice a lull in the action or twist or flake. Chill for the next 5 1/2 hours. Moon enters Pisces at 7:12 AM ET and shifts our focus to matters of empathy, impressions and ideals. This focus gathers in strength as the day progresses, with a release likely around 1:07 AM ET on…
• SATURDAY: …when Moon meets up with Mars. This is a sneak peek at the militant discipline potential of next Wednesday’s meet-up between Mars and Saturn, as the Moon’s next stop is a meet-up with Saturn at 6:10 AM ET. While there’s no Moon void to discourage your yard sale bargain hunting, Moon’s conjunction with Saturn does get the day off to a possibly sobering start — but it’s good for getting chores done around the house. Mercury retrograde spring cleaning, anyone? A sextile between Moon and Jupiter at 1:12 PM ET lifts spirits, and a sextile between Moon and Uranus at 5:10 PM ET attracts friends and other like-minded souls. At 1:45 PM ET, Venus sextiles Pluto, possibly empowering the Venus-Neptune visions of a few days ago with resources and cooperation from the Powers That Be.
• SUNDAY: We are in the dark of the Moon — the end of the lunar cycle. You better believe there are things going on behind closed doors. Note your dreams yet again upon waking; Moon meets up with Neptune at 4:26 AM ET and then goes void for three hours. At 7:24 AM ET, Moon charges into Aries with intensity, reflecting its sextile to Pluto at 10:31 AM ET. Impulsive attractions are possible this afternoon, as the Aries Moon meets up with Venus at 12:21 PM ET...and then…nothing…until the New Moon begins and eclipses the Sun at 2:20 PM ET on…MONDAY.

Oh — before I forget — I’m still offering my “eclipse special.” If you’d like a few paragraphs of handcrafted, personal insights on where last week’s and next week’s eclipses fall in your horoscope — e.g., how and when you are likely to see them reflected in your life — you will find a button labeled “Personalized Eclipse Insights” here on this page. If I don’t have your birth data — date, time, and place — please include that with your order — or you can email it to me here.

And now, the news.

Apt headline for Mercury retrograde:

• “UPS to become primary air cargo provider for USPS,” replacing Fedex
• “Google to destroy user browsing data to settle privacy lawsuit.”

I’m seeing plenty of headlines reflecting the Venus-Neptune conjunction, especially the Neptune part involving intangibles, music, poisons, oceans, redemption, victims, spirits of all kinds, deception, scandal, the surreal, and faith.

• “Spinning, whirling fish in South Florida prompt emergency response”
• “Smartphone app could detect early onset dementia“
• “‘Outdated and misleading.’ Is it time to abolish the very concept of money?”
• “‘Havana Syndrome‘ linked to Russian unit, CBS investigation suggests” We can file this under today’s Mercury station (refer to the Sabian Symbol, which alerts us to news involving sound); next week’s Mars (attack) – Saturn (rules deafness) conjunction in Pisces, as well as “if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck…etc., it probably IS a duck.”
• “‘Romancing the Stone’ and its screenwriter’s tragic tale.” The screenwriter is Diane Thomas, whose “Cinderella story” had a sad ending.
• “Barbara Rush, star of ‘It Came from Outer Space,’ dead at 97″
• Crystal Mason, absurdly sentenced to prison in Texas for alleged voter fraud, was acquitted
• Florida Supreme Court paves the way for a six-week abortion ban to take effect in 30 days…BUT…allows a voter referendum on the ballot this November that would amend Florida’s constitution and protect a woman’s right to choose.   Looking at the chart for the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, it would be astro-logical for the opinion to be replaced by legislation over the next couple of years. Voters in Florida will also get to decide if recreational pot should be legal. Imagine the turnout at the polls, thanks to the Florida Supreme Court!

UPDATE: on the former guy — only to point out how an eclipsed Neptune may be reflected in real life. Neptune is in the 2nd house of his horoscope — money, values, and self-worth. Neptune dissolves whatever it touches, and we can imagine how its sparkly pixie dust could provide cover for things that are simply not present in any tangible form. Neptune rules his 8th house — of joint investments, debts, inheritances, and taxes — much of which seems influenced by fuzzy math.

In recent days, he’s made headlines by hawking — of all things –– a bible, which comes with copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution — y’know, what you’d expect in a country founded on the idea that the church and the state should be separate entities.  Stephen Colbert has more on that story. 

Meanwhile, last week there was a public offering of TFG’s oxymoronic Truth Social, and the stock is down bigly after an SEC report published today stated that earnings were not what they seemed. Hard to believe, right? Neptune also refers to dementia, and here is the Washington Post reminding us that TFG’s father had Alzheimer’s.

But back to the Orange Mussolini and his delusions of divinity, I’m grateful to historian Heather Cox Richardson for reminding us that:

…[he] is not the first president to compare himself to Jesus Christ. In 1866, President Andrew Johnson famously did, too.

…and I encourage everyone to read the post via the above link and appreciate that things did not go well for Andrew Johnson.

We have all been here before.

And here is Beth Owl’s Daughter’s always-in-sync Tarot Card of the Week — ’tis a reflection of  Venus as it meets up with dreamy Neptune this week,  changes form, and connects with empowering Pluto.

Here’s the 411 on personal consultations, written reports, and the like. Yes, I would be delighted to teach a workshop for your group of friends, club members and/or co-workers. Astrology is amazing, and I love explaining it all to those who may not know much about it.

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