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  • Writer's picturePamela McDonough

April's Vedic Astrology Forecast: Your Essential Cosmic Guide


Get ready for an electrifying April, as the cosmos winds up to unleash a series of planetary events that you will want to know about in advance!

This month is planetary action-packed, from the start of Eclipse Season, followed by Mercury Retrograde, and finally Jupiter's shift from sidereal Pisces into Aries. So settle in for a longer read as we explore what's in store.


Whether you're looking to harness the spiritual energies of the Solar eclipse, survive the Mercury retrograde period, or make the most of Jupiter's transit into a new sign, this month's forecast has the astrological insights you need to navigate the celestial events of April.


Grab a cup of coffee or tea, settle in, and get ready to dive into all the juicy astro-details!


Until next time, keep looking up! 


Pamela



APRIL'S TOP ASTROLOGICAL EVENTS: YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT'S AHEAD

Eclipse Season Ahead: Where and When Will the Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible?


April kicks off eclipse season with a total Solar eclipse which peaks April 19 at 9:16:53 pm PT.


While the eclipse will not be visible in most countries around the world, if you are in South and East Asia, Australia, the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Antarctica will be in the path of this eclipse. Read more about eclipses on my blog here.


Meanwhile, Saturn from Aquarius is sending his full gaze to the planets that are transiting Aries and to the Solar eclipse - Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Jupiter. The full third aspect of Saturn encourages discipline regarding our communications, urges and courage. Read more about this influence of Saturn to the planets in Aries in the next section.


Jupiter Changes Signs April 20, 2023

Jupiter is also set to enter sidereal Aries for the first time since May 8, 2011!

Less than 24 hours after Mercury turns retrograde, Jupiter changes signs. I will be sending a special edition newsletter with my forecast for each rising sign for Jupiter's transit into Aries, which only happens once a year. Stay tuned for more information! If you are not currently signed up for my newsletter you can do so here.


My Jupiter in sidereal Aries special edition newsletter will be sent out around mid-April.


Prepare for Mercury to Create Some Cosmic Turbulence in April!

Mercury Retrograde: What You Need to Know to Navigate This Celestial Event


Shortly after the total solar eclipse, Mercury will go retrograde on April 21 at 1:35am PT, stationing at 21:26 Aries (using sidereal calculations), almost exactly conjunct the Moon. If your rising sign is Mercury-ruled (Gemini or Virgo) or if your Sun, Moon, or chart ruler is in Aries, you may feel the effects of this retrograde and the Solar eclipse more intensely.


Key Points to Note About Mercury's Retrograde and Combined Eclipse Energies in April

During the time Mercury is in Aries while direct or retrograde, Mercury is closely conjunct the shadowy energy of Rahu (north node) throughout much of April.


Mercury and Rahu: Understanding the Astrological Influences

  • Mercury is the planet that rules communication, language, and rational and analytical thought.

  • How we communicate and process information is also assessed from Mercury. When Mercury is functioning well, we can express ourselves clearly, think critically and logically, and make sound decisions based on facts and evidence.

  • Rahu is associated with illusions, confusion, and deception. Rahu can cause cloudiness in Mercury's rational and analytical thinking abilities, which can lead to miscommunication, misunderstandings, and mistakes in decision-making.


Communication and Decision-Making During Mercury Retrograde and Rahu's Influence

However, when Mercury is under stress, such as being in the same sign as a Solar or Lunar eclipse a retrograde period or when influenced by Rahu or other challenging planetary aspects, our ability to communicate and think rationally may be clouded. Which can create misunderstandings, confusion, miscommunication, and even mistakes in decision-making.


Susceptibility to Misinformation and Phishing Scams

  • Rahu and the Solar eclipse influence on Mercury could increase susceptibility to misinformation or disinformation.

  • People may also be more susceptible to phishing scams and conspiratorial thinking as a result.

  • Additionally, it is wise to thoroughly research and fact-check before accepting new theories or alternative facts, as this astrological combination could cloud our ability to think logically and critically, especially while under the influence of the eclipse energies.

Practical Tips for Dealing with Retrograde and Eclipse Energies

Be extra careful with written communications and contracts during this time. It's important to review all communications carefully before sending, double-check contracts, and avoid making important decisions until you are confident in your ability to assess the situation.


Looking Ahead: When to Make Important Decisions

  • Once Mercury turns direct on May 14, the energy will start to shift and pull away from Rahu, and it will be a better time for making decisions, signing contracts, and moving forward with plans.

  • Although it may still be best to save important decisions for May when Mercury is direct and the Lunar eclipse has passed, if possible.

  • Additionally, the lunar eclipse on May 6 can bring up emotions and insights that can help clarify decisions and actions.

But don't worry, this Rahu influence and retrograde phase won't last forever! Mercury will station direct on May 14 but won't entirely leave the influence of Rahu until June 7.


PLANETARY PLANNER: YOUR GUIDE TO PLANETARY MOVEMENTS IN APRIL

Here are the highlights of this month's astrological happenings.


MOON PHASES

Full Moon: April 5


Last Quarter: April 13


*New Moon: April 19 Total Solar Eclipse 


First Quarter: April 27


Gain a deeper understanding of the lunar phases with my latest blog post on the importance of new and full Moon phases. Discover how these powerful energies can impact your life and provide valuable insights into personal growth and your emotional quotient.


SIGN AND NAKSHATRA INGRESS DATES

To the far right of each planet's ingress into a nakshatra, I have noted the planetary ruler of that nakshatra for the Vimshottari Dasha. It is crucial to verify whether you are in the main or sub-period of that planet, as the shifts of planets within planetary nakshatras can hold significant relevance for your life.

(Learn the basic meanings of the nakshatras here)


SIGN INGRESS (SIDEREAL ZODIAC CALCULATIONS) 


4/5 Venus enters Taurus


4/13-15 Sun Gandanta 


4/14 Sun enters Aries 


4/20-22 Jupiter Gandanta 


4/21 Jupiter enters Aries


NAKSHATRA INGRESS 


4/3 Venus enters nakshatra Krittika (Sun) 


4/8 Mercury enters nakshatra Bharani (Venus)


4/14 Sun enters nakshatra Ashwini (Ketu) 


4/14 Venus enters nakshatra Rohini (Moon) 
4/21 Jupiter enters nakshatra Ashwini (Ketu) 


4/21 Mars enters nakshatra Punarvasu (Jupiter)


4/26 Venus enters nakshatra Mrigasira (Mars) 
4/27 Sun enters nakshatra Bharani (Venus)

If you do not know your rising sign or current dasha/bhukti you can get it on my site for free here.


PLANETARY ASPECTS (TRANSITS)

While I won't be listing every planetary aspect for the month of April, I will be focusing on specific planetary influences that are particularly important this month.

Although planetary aspects/combinations have exact aspects by degree on specific dates, Vedic astrology uses the whole sign house system to determine the influences of planets in relation to each other. As a result, the impact of the planetary combinations extends beyond the exact date of the alignment and continues for as long as the planets remain in aspect from their respective houses.


Keep your birth chart nearby. If planets in your birth chart are involved in an aspect from the following list, the transit may have a more pronounced effect on you.


April 1-5: Saturn Aquarius/Venus Aries 


When Saturn in Aquarius sends its gaze to Venus in Aries, it can bring a sense of responsibility and discipline in matters related to love, relationships, and material possessions. Especially regarding courage to speak your truth in relationships. This aspect can activate a desire for stability and security in relationships and financial matters, but it can also create challenges related to rigid thinking or a fear of change.


April 14 - May 14: Saturn Aquarius/Sun Aries

This influence signals a time to communicate clearly and concisely, particularly in matters related to leadership, government, and authority figures.


Saturn's melancholic influence can bring a sense of seriousness and responsibility while emphasizing the need for communication that is grounded in practicality and realism. This could manifest in a variety of ways, such as leaders making more deliberate and calculated decisions, or governments enacting policies that prioritize long-term stability over short-term gains.


Patience in negotiations is also emphasized under this aspect since Saturn's slow and steady approach is encouraged. Which is not an easy ask for an exalted Sun in fiery Aries! This could mean taking extra time to carefully consider all options and potential outcomes before deciding or being willing to engage in longer-term negotiations to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.


March 31 - June 7: Saturn Aquarius/Mercury Aries

This two-month influence of Saturn to Mercury is significantly longer than usual since Mercury is retrograde in Aries during this period. This third influence of Saturn will further emphasize the need to slow down and be clear in communications. Mercury ruled rising signs, Gemini and Virgo - this is extra pressure from Saturn to work hard, be responsible and pay attention to the details!


Now through October 30: Saturn Aquarius/Rahu Aries

Both Saturn and Rahu carry a significant amount of the air element, particularly now that Saturn is transiting the air sign of Aquarius and aspecting Aries. This intensifies the air element in the fiery sign of Aries, as air tends to increase fire. Consequently, both vata (air) and pitta (fire) will be amplified in the sign of Aries during this period. It may be challenging to balance the energies of the house that Aries represents in your birth chart. For instance, if Aries represents your 6th house (for Scorpio rising) which is associated with daily routine, health, work, and service, you may struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle and feel like you are constantly busy but not achieving much.


April 21, 2023 - April 30, 2024: Saturn Aquarius/Jupiter Aries 


Saturn will encourage Jupiter to contract its expansive and freedom loving ways somewhat as it moves through Aries under the gaze of disciplined Saturn. Sagittarius, Pisces, Aries and Leo rising may feel the tug of war between Saturn and Jupiter more than other signs this year.



Thank you for spending some time with me today. Wishing you smooth transits for April and the upcoming year.


This month, make sure to take a look at your Saturn in Aquarius horoscope to gain insights on this major astrological transit.


Saturn's move into a new zodiac sign, which occurs approximately every 30 months, affects all rising signs and brings fresh energy and opportunities.


Happy transits!


Pamela


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Don't forget to schedule a reading or check out my book for a deeper dive into Vedic astrology. Thank you for reading!



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