Thanks to the mighty bull’s influence this month...

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When planets form 90º angles to each other, the resulting tense squares make us react. And not always in an ideal way. This month, we have a total of FIVE squares keeping us on our toes — or pushing us around, depending on how you look at it! Let’s thank our lucky stars that half the planets will visit stable Taurus in April. This earth sign will calm us, plant our feet on solid ground and remind us to honor the earth itself. It’s no coincidence that April is Earth Month. Taking care of the planet we call home and celebrating Taurus season go hand in hand. The sign of the Bull rules nature and the five senses, so don’t forget to stop and smell the spring flowers!

ARIES

March 21–April 19

On April 3rd, Mercury shows up in Aries, which he’ll be buzzing through for the next two weeks. The sun and Venus are already hanging out in your sign, lending you plenty of vitality and charm. Now in addition to feeling energized and gregarious, you’ll have the ability to express your POV with ease and to make sound decisions. And on the 6th, Venus and Mars — your ruling planet — embrace, which could liven up your social life and give you a chance to click with someone new. Your ruler’s quarrel with Neptune on the 9th can shroud your proactive mindset in a cloud of doubt, though. Listen to what your gut is telling you, but don’t lose hope as a result. The next day, Mercury and Venus vibe with planets in your group zone, putting you on the same wavelength with friends. But the day after that, your desire to enjoy life may compete with pressure to achieve, due to friction between Venus and Pluto. And that friction can wind up messing with your good mood. Whether you decide to take it easy or push yourself, try to accept the gradual pace of your progress. Note that the attraction of power is strong under this influence — so you might be drawn to someone who’s senior to you, or vice versa. At the same time, the annual new moon in your sign can fill you with enthusiasm for the future. You might reinvent your look, launch a venture that you’re excited about and step into your new year with a new attitude. When the Aries sun goes up against Pluto on April 16th, you may need to step up your game to meet someone’s demands. Being tested can make you stronger in the long run. If you’re attached to a part of your career path that isn’t working out, divesting your ego will enable you to align with change. Know yourself well enough to invest energy in goals that are right for you. Pluto is ever so slowly transforming your life course, and by now, hopefully you have a sense of how to align with that process. Thanks to a Mars-Jupiter alliance on the 17th, you’ll have luck with group communication and activities. Take the lead to make new friends and contacts or to rally the troops. But don’t try to assert yourself with authorities that day, since Mars is rubbing powerful Pluto the wrong way. Take the focus off of what you want from other people when Venus and Mercury feud with withholding Saturn in your humanity house on April 24th and 25yh. Your personal values and desires are bound to be at odds with group interests, and it won’t be easy to explain what’s important to you. Turn your attention to using your resources wisely and being self-sufficient. Fortunately, a Mercury-Venus conference later on the 25th will help you get a handle on how to attain what you really require. As Pluto shifts into reverse on April 27th, the pressure you’re under (possibly from yourself alone) to succeed should subside noticeably until the fall. Use this period to review your objectives and your professional path. This five-month retrograde phase beckons you to recommit to making your mark in the world, albeit in a different way than you pictured years ago. And finally, on the last day of the month, a sun-Uranus summit could lead you to rapidly acquire something you need or suddenly decide to let go of something you don’t need. You might lose a source of income; however, a burst of confidence can get you to conjure up ways to turn a talent or asset into a moneymaker. Given the unpredictable nature of Uranus, this won’t be set in stone. On a related note, don’t take questionable risks with money now.

TAURUS

April 20–May 20

Confusion or deception involving possessions, finances and resources is possible on April 9th, due to the fact that Mars and Neptune are squaring off. Don’t expect unanimous consent if you act on your own priorities. Two days later, Venus’s discord with Pluto could complicate your efforts to unwind. An unwavering vision of the future might dominate a desire to go with the flow, leading to a crisis of faith. Are you holding on to the belief that you can control everything? Maybe it’s time to let go of someone or something you thought would give you pleasure if she/he/it is doing more harm than good. On April 14th, your lovely ruler, Venus, sashays into Taurus for a three-week sojourn, making you feel more sociable, attractive and charismatic than you have in months. The law of attraction is on your side now, and you could reel in a catch, turn up the romance in a current relationship or enjoy life with your squad. The sun and Pluto go at it on the 16th, highlighting friction between a part of you that is drifting along, unsure of what’s next, and a part of you that’s invested in a particular plan. Try not to let someone with a strong opinion dominate you. Mars schmoozes Jupiter the next day, daring you to show off your talents and hold for applause. With the right strategic move, you can make major headway in your career during this transit. And then on April 19th, Mercury and the sun zip into Taurus, gifting you with a silver tongue and loads of energy. In the weeks that follow, you’ll be more chatty, outgoing, self-assured and quick-thinking. The sun’s arrival in your sign marks the beginning of your birthday season, so it’s time to do you, Bulls! A Venus-Uranus encounter on the 22nd can trigger a change that causes you to shake up a relationship or go in search of new faces to keep life interesting. Your urge for independence tempts you to rock the boat, but don’t do it just out of FOMO. If you’re happily attached, seek out different experiences with your S.O. And if you’re single, think outside the box! Mercury’s rendezvous with Uranus on the 24th might lead to hasty decisions, so channel your eagerness into planning next steps rather than jumping into action. And keep track of your genius ideas so you don’t forget them. Venus’s scuffle with Saturn that night seems to compel a choice between fun and responsibility. What you know you should do is likely to outweigh what you want to do. Whether someone else plays bad cop or you talk yourself out of instant gratification, the buzzkill isn’t the point. You’re meant to stop and consider consequences. Mercury has the same issue with Saturn the next day, causing you to take criticism personally. Instead of feeling shot down, use feedback to flesh out your ideas. Saturn is telling you to plug the holes and run your plan up the chain again when it’s airtight. So don’t get down; get down to brass tacks. Lucky for you, Mercury and Venus align that day, which can inspire you to express your personality, desires, emotions and creativity. Revel in the experience of showing the world who you are and what’s inside you. Pluto’s U-turn on the 27th can make you more risk-averse over the course of the next five months. Take this time to process the answers you’ve come up with to the big questions you’ve been asking about life. Your belief system is undergoing a slow, sometimes painful, transformation. Rather than striving to actively broaden your horizons, you might ponder what will promote your growth down the road. A sun-Uranus meetup in Taurus on the last day of April highlights your current restlessness and can jolt you out of your routine. What does freedom mean to you? How can you reinvent yourself or a key area of your life? A flash of intuition just might land you on a fresh path.

GEMINI

May 21–June 20

When Venus sidles up to Mars in Gemini on April 6th, you could make a new friend, launch a collaboration, make a strong impression on a group or meet someone who will support your efforts. Mars throws darts at murky Neptune in your success angle on April 9th, reflecting your uncertainty about hitting the target when pursuing your goals. Don’t allow a bureaucracy or a boss to burst your bubble. Decide for yourself whether or not you’re on the right course. Then steer straight toward your dreams! Venus’s showdown with Pluto on the 11th suggests power, intimacy, jealousy and mistrust could cause problems. You usually take the easy-breezy route, but a relationship may be compelling you to delve deeper these days. The combination of friendship and sex are bound to create a complicated situation. If you can’t decide between keeping your options open and going all in, this transit will make it plain that you can’t have it both ways. The sun jibes with Mars on April 13th, empowering you to get on the same page with other people and join forces. But a sun-Pluto clash on the 16th complicates group dynamics. The division of power entails delicate negotiations now. Fortunately, you won’t hit any roadblocks on the 17th, thanks to a coalition between Mars in your sign and expansive Jupiter. The universe is cheering you on now, so take advantage! Your initiative and optimism will carry you forward, with the planets providing a welcome tailwind. A calculated risk is apt to pay off under this influence. Just be sure not to come on super-strong in a close relationship, since Pluto could tempt Mars into a power struggle that day. When Venus and Uranus get together on April 22nd, you could finally feel over someone or suddenly do something selfless. An ultra-private love affair that comes out of left field is another possibility. The underlying theme is a craving for newness in your subconscious that is calling the shots. Your ruling planet’s meeting with Uranus on the 24th can elicit moments of insight or cause you to make leaps in your imagination that don’t hold water. Soon after, Venus’s skirmish with Saturn can force you to take a long, hard look at reality if you’re giving someone the benefit of the doubt. What you wish were true about this person may not match up with his or her track record. You could also have a strong desire to unwind by yourself but are obligated to be elsewhere. Or maybe you want to indulge in an escapist pleasure, and part of you knows better. The next day, a disagreement between Mercury and Saturn implies that established knowledge will keep your gut instincts in check. Don’t discount your inklings, but do develop them into something more by also considering what you already know to be true. Merc’s rendezvous with Venus hours later, however, can help you gain insight into a past relationship. Other great uses of this dynamic-duo energy: work on something privately that requires artistic imagination, confide in someone you care about in order to release old feelings, or write in a dream journal. As Pluto does a 180 on April 27th, the intensity of a joint venture, passion project, obsession, financial arrangement, close relationship or power struggle is bound to lessen. Between now and the fall, grapple with the strong emotions churning inside you and try to come to terms with what needs to change. Finally, a sun-Uranus summit on the 30th can cue a spontaneous gesture that helps others who are in need or a burst of creativity where you feel like you’re channeling original ideas. You could also liberate yourself from a trap or the past. But don’t do anything super rash that you’re unsure about — it might have long-term repercussions!

CANCER

June 21–July 22

A strong impulse to escape can lure you off-track on the 9th, due to a Mars-Neptune dustup. Try to identify subconscious motives for your behavior; they’re likely rooted in your belief system. A change of scene might be all it takes to replenish you. You’re focused on your public or professional image while Venus is poised at the peak of your chart. Her spat with Pluto on the 11th can lead you to clamor for approval, which may in turn throw the balance of power out of whack. Making a good impression is definitely a worthwhile aspiration, but you can’t control your PR completely during this transit. If your biggest concern is how your relationship looks from the outside, you might be avoiding something you need to deal with on the inside. Partnership and ambition don’t exactly go hand in hand when the sun spars with Pluto on April 16th. Maybe you’re trying to shine and feel overshadowed by a dominant individual. Or maybe you’re acting authoritative yourself and provoking someone to react. Do your best to monitor your behavior. Be the bigger person by not trying to get the upper hand — and ask yourself if there isn’t more to be gained from an alliance. You’re not getting much credit for what you’re doing while Mars is tucked away at the end of your chart, but when Mars syncs with Jupiter on the 17th, partnering with someone else will increase your odds of success. A person you trust might lend their wisdom and root for you or pitch in to further your efforts. If you’re flying solo, facing your fears or confronting another psychological challenge will teach you something about yourself and fortify your inner reserves. Private emotional processing and physical intimacy can each prove to be a revelation. A Venus-Uranus meeting on April 22nd spells impromptu fun with friends, so dream up different adventures to share with your squad. You’re in no mood for the same old thing! Strike up a conversation with someone fascinating and seek out settings where you’re likely to find fresh faces. Yes, you’ll need to be innovative, given the limitations of social distancing. But innovation is Uranus’s specialty! Mercury’s encounter with Uranus a couple of days later hints at stimulating interactions with a wide variety of people and rapid-fire group communication (including gossip). A tiff between Venus and Saturn that day implies your duty to an individual (particularly a partner) could cut into your social life. If you’re having a good time with a group, you might blame one person for dragging you down. But it’s more productive to look at your own fear, mistrust or control issues. Maybe you’re pumping the brakes for private reasons. And Merc’s discord with Saturn on April 25th might make it harder to talk to someone you want to get close to. Trust takes time, and real intimacy is a joint effort. Try not to get frustrated if you reach an impasse. There could be a big gap between lighthearted banter and heavy-duty commitment that you can’t bridge just yet. With Mercury and Venus joining forces that day, you’re game for socializing, networking, talking to friends and hanging out with a variety of people. Shared interests, ideals and objectives gain importance over personal ones now. After Pluto starts backtracking on April 27th, the hard lessons you’ve been learning about relationships will entail fewer external developments and more internal processing in the next five months. Single? You could find yourself pondering what you want and need from a future partner and what worked and didn’t work in your past relationships. When the sun and Uranus convene in your network zone on the 30th, you may get an urge to separate yourself from the pack and rebel against hive mind. Avoid spouting off on social media; a hasty post can come back to bite you. On the other hand, a brilliant one might go viral! Other possibilities: Your role in a group might suddenly change; you might make a new friend; or you might join or leave an organization. Teamwork will be challenging if you’re marching to your own beat.

LEO

July 23–August 22

Friendship and intimacy make a bewildering brew when Mars and Neptune squabble on the 9th. Even coordinating your agenda with someone else’s could leave you scratching your head. Don’t wade into these murky waters unless you’re okay with not knowing the outcome. As open as you are to new people while Venus dances through your expansion corner, her clash with Pluto on April 11th might lead you to notice everything that’s wrong with them — defeating the purpose of branching out! An alternate scenario: A heavy workload or health issue could keep you from enjoying new experiences. Or maybe you want to explore a relationship or an unfamiliar pleasure and feel too stressed to go for it. You can have fun sampling fresh possibilities here and there while also taking care of basic business in your daily life to keep stress at bay. When the sun picks a fight with Pluto on the 16th, your inclination to transcend everyday life will compete once again with more pressing obligations. It may seem like everything will fall apart if you detour from your routine, but it’s not an all-or-nothing proposition. Stick with the strategy of getting stuff done, then taking a break. If you’re in an optimistic frame of mind, someone could act as a killjoy by bogging you down in duties and details. Remind them (or yourself) there’s no one right way. Mars gets into an amazing flow with Jupiter on April 17th, turning people into helpers, not haters. Milk the moment! There’s power in numbers, and you’re bound to learn something from your cohorts while teaming up. And if you spot an opportunity to help others, jump right in. Mars has a bit of a beef with Pluto that day, but it’ll be smooth sailing if you manage to forget about controlling anyone else. Venus’s summit with Uranus on April 22nd can bring unexpected attention and allow you to shine like the dazzling sun, Leo’s ruler. If there’s any chance to mingle and network, take advantage of it. You might cross paths with a valuable contact. A new connection could change your career or your image, so you’d be smart to mix with people in power. Mercury has its own meeting with Uranus on the 24th, which could produce inventive ideas that promote professional progress or give you another opportunity to snag a mentor. Your five-year plan and that of a partner may not match up when Venus in your ambition angle clashes with Saturn in your one-on-one zone later that day, and a discussion could cool things off between you. If that’s the case, it’s better to find out now that you’re not on the same page. It’s also possible you’re focused on your aspirations and polishing your public image or winning your boss’s favor, but a commitment to someone threatens to cramp your style. Regardless of how this planetary pairing manifests, avoid trying to wield authority to get what you want. Merc’s spat with Saturn the day after that can spell another stalemate. Let someone’s words sink in, and consider tabling the matter for now. A fortunate alliance between Mercury and Venus hours later will inspire you to be your own best publicist and show off work that requires creativity and mental agility. After Pluto goes rogue for five months, starting on April 27th, the pieces you’ve been putting in place to build a new life may not come together as quickly as you’d wish. What will it take to transform your health, daily routine or job description and improve your quality of life? You might need to slow down if stress is taking its toll. Productivity is one thing; perfectionism is another. Contemplate changing anything that’s not empowering you to function well. Figure out what’s working and what isn’t, then revise your plan. The sun and Uranus meet up on the 30th, enabling you to end the month on a high note. Put your unique qualities on display! You’ll make an impression in a professional or public setting by tapping into your individuality, not by blending in.

VIRGO

August 23–September 22

On April 2, a Mercury-Pluto coalition hints that a dialogue could make all the difference when it comes to your love life, creative fulfillment, personal happiness or heartfelt emotions — so open up the lines of communication! When Mars argues with Neptune on the 9th, you could feel like someone isn’t supporting your ambition. Don’t let another person cause you to doubt yourself. If you know where you’re going, keep going! A similar tiff between Venus and Pluto on April 11th points to complications in a close relationship. You want a strong connection with someone, and Venus’s current placement in your chart can pave the way for sexual or soulful bonding — but intense feelings may trigger turbulence. Sharing your whole self with another person can be scary. And if you’re flying solo when this transit hits, maybe you want very much to change on a deep level or to love yourself for who you are. If something in you is pushing to be born, witnessed or understood, trust that process. Then when the sun picks the same fight with Pluto on April 16th, merging can get messy again. If a relationship brings out a part of you that you don’t like, you could be forced to face your dark side, which is a good thing in the end. Or perhaps you’re willing to pool your resources with a partner, but the logistics are not exactly fun. If you get into a romantic relationship now, your chemistry may be volatile. Mars meshes with Jupiter in your efficiency corner on the 17th, suggesting that your willingness to work hard and serve a useful purpose will help you to rise in the ranks. Keep approaching goals with a positive attitude and be open to helping colleagues (or welcoming their assistance — something your service-oriented sign may have a harder time doing). On the 22nd, a close encounter between Venus and Uranus in your exploration sector can spark a sudden attraction to someone surprising. If you usually go for a certain type or have a super-specific list of criteria that potential mates must meet, it could be time to cast a wider net. Talking to a variety of people or dipping your toe in an alternative lifestyle can wake you up. Admit it: You’re craving excitement! Then Mercury and Uranus align two days later, bringing bold ideas one after the other and allowing you to see the world from different angles. Venus’s struggle with Saturn hours later hints that your workload might curtail pleasures. You can still have fun, for instance if you take care of business and then give yourself time off for good behavior. Merc’s dustup with Saturn the day after that draws out the theme of everyday responsibilities weighing you down. Or your opinion might be challenged, causing you to get frustrated and even cynical. Apply rigorous logic to your view or theory and see if it passes the litmus test. A combo of abstract thinking and more detailed mental work can be a plus. With Mercury and Venus lining up that day, you’ll get pleasure from learning new things. Pluto turns retrograde on the 27th, so you’ll be reviewing the progress of a love affair or creative endeavor or directing your passion in a subtly different direction between then and early October. Rather than going after what you think you want, delve into your heart in search of its true desires and ask yourself what you feel called to contribute to the world. A spiritual awakening or major revelation is possible when the sun and Uranus coalesce on the last day of the month. Even if your consciousness isn’t raised in a dramatic way, you’re likely to gain some perspective and feel your spirits lifting. This planetary combo might even paint a new vision of your future in your mind’s eye.

LIBRA

September 23–October 22

Venus syncs with her cosmic companion, Mars, on April 6th, putting you on the same wavelength with a partner in crime. You might roll the dice on someone new or share an adventure with a loved one. But when Mars argues with Neptune on the 9th, your intrepid spirit could temporarily be diminished by a lack of clarity on details, a duty to help others or just plain old fatigue. You might dial up the romance in a relationship or form a creative partnership the next day, thanks to planets in your interpersonal angle vibing with planets in your happiness house. Your ruler’s run-in with Pluto on the 11th may bring dark emotions bubbling to the surface, spoiling your pleasant rapport with another individual. Letting your real feelings show might rock the boat, but it will also keep things real. Weighty issues from the past, buried anger or changes in your home life or family could affect your closest connections that day. The sun has his own friction with Pluto on April 16th, which could provoke you to react to someone in a way that doesn’t feel like you. Your ego is invested in being viewed as peace-loving, but pushing the strong feelings inside you deeper and deeper down won’t make them disappear. Maybe the peace you need to make now is with your whole self — warts and all. Mars plays nice with Jupiter the day after that, sending the message that you’re free to follow your heart and do what makes you happy. If you so choose, be a passionate activist, pursue your creative vision or hook up with someone who is a change of pace for you, at least on paper. On the 22nd, Venus’s get-together with Uranus could lead to quick closeness or give you (or the other party) an urge for personal space. Sex tends toward the unconventional under this influence, meaning you might wind up in bed with someone surprising or do something surprising between the sheets. In a committed relationship? Spice things up by experimenting! Mercury’s alignment with Uranus on April 24th has a different spin, as it may reveal a secret, spark a meaningful dialogue or bring psychological revelations. Venus spars with Saturn hours later, pushing you to respect yourself enough to evaluate whether you’re truly in sync with someone and getting what you want from the relationship. Maybe one of you is taking it more seriously, or you’re afraid of opening your heart? On top of that, Merc’s battle with Saturn on the 25th could prevent you from expressing yourself. Don’t build a wall around your heart out of fear. Getting past this stumbling block can give you the gift of deeper understanding. Thank your lucky stars that a Mercury-Venus get-together that day favors trust, healing and acceptance, putting closeness back within reach. After Pluto pivots retrograde on April 27th, you can spend the next several months sifting through the heavy emotional stuff with less pressure on results. You’ve been experiencing serious growing pains with the planet who rules the psyche trudging across the part of your chart that rules childhood, family, home, emotions, memories, comfort and security. You might opt to consult a psychotherapist or another healing professional who can help you to unearth what you’ve buried and come to grips with it. On the last day of April, a sun-Uranus entanglement can trigger an urge for change, and there’s a good chance it will impact a close relationship. Because this part of your chart also rules the psyche, be ready for flashes of insight that help you understand yourself better. This planetary pair can open the floodgates, and if you go with it, it may seem like a weight’s been lifted off of you!

SCORPIO

October 23–November 21

Sex and love get complicated when Mars needles Neptune on April 9th. Your romantic ideals may not mesh with the work it takes to keep a relationship going. Or perhaps a passion project isn’t turning out the way you imagined. Don’t gamble with your finances now. Pluto has been lodged in your mentality zone for eons, filling your head with heavy thoughts. He hassles Venus on the 11th, making it more challenging for you to enjoy your work, work well with others or work on a relationship. You may find it difficult to ease up and take a lighter approach. You’re well aware that some of what you always assumed to be true doesn’t hold up once you’ve put it under the microscope. Scorps tend toward obsession, and if you can’t shift your brain into a different groove now, your work, health or everyday life could suffer. Confront difficulties cooperatively, without manipulating. On the 16th, an all-or-nothing mindset could prevent you from getting things done, due to the sun’s feud with Pluto. You could be pressuring yourself to do everything perfectly and become preoccupied with micromanaging. Lucky for all of us, Mars harmonizes with Jupiter on the 17th, which should mute your worries and create an upswing in confidence. You’ll be able to get the support you need and will have the courage to get closer to someone — or to confront something within yourself and get more comfortable in your own skin. Your co-rulers are quibbling that day, though, so you may need to adjust your attitude a smidge and give up some control to avert a conflict. On the 22nd, a Venus-Uranus meeting suggests someone could take you by surprise — or perhaps you’ll run into a person you didn’t expect to see. You could also enter into an unorthodox partnership. If someone pulls away, give them breathing room and do your own thing. If you’re faced with a relationship hiccup, that’s a sign it’s time to try something new. You’re due for a change, whether that means a new spin on an old relationship or a new relationship altogether. Mercury’s own meeting with Uranus on April 24th is bound to offer stimulating convos and interactions. But Venus’s tension with Saturn that day implies private fears, domestic obligations, emotional baggage or a family issue can impair a romantic connection or your rapport with others. Search within yourself or close to home for the root cause of the problem. Don’t sweep your feelings under the rug and pretend everything’s fine. When Merc has the same trouble with Saturn on April 24th, insecurity could inhibit communication, and you may need to overcome your fear or resolve something from the past to come to an understanding. Childhood rules and restrictions shouldn’t keep you from making yourself heard as an adult. Thankfully, Mercury’s alliance with Venus that day will help you engage in positive dialogue. On the 26th, a full moon lands in your sign — opposing not only the sun in Taurus, but Mercury, Venus and Uranus as well. You probably feel like it’s all about other people these days and you’re devoting loads of energy to relationships in general or to a particular one. But this is your day to put your needs first and do whatever it takes to decompress. What will make you feel better? Ask for it (diplomatically). And if you’re too through with something or someone, this is your best lunation in 2021 to drop dead weight. Pluto goes into reverse the next day, luring you to burrow deeper down into your brain to scrutinize your habitual thought patterns. Keep discovering how your mind works and how that forms your reality. Also consider the way you communicate and how it affects your interactions. When the sun and Uranus link arms on the 30th, a progressive, unusual, stimulating or surprising person might enter your life. Or you could have a revelation about a relationship — or suddenly need time off from one. If there’s a shakeup in your one-on-one connections, it’s actually you who needs a change.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22–December 21

Romance or a creative collaboration could be in the cards when Venus and Mars pair up on April 6th. So be sure to leave time in your schedule for fun that day! A domestic issue or a family member who needs taking care of could be at the root of a disagreement on the 9th, when Mars wanders into Neptune’s fog and stirs up confusing emotions. You might feel uncomfortable, insecure or drained. Take a break from people if you need to and chill solo. On the 11th, a dispute between Venus and Pluto can put the kibosh on your pleasure or love life if you let it. Worried about money or feeling a little unsure of yourself? That’s bound to take you out of the moment. Try not to fixate on a particular need or desire; if you do, you might convince yourself you must have this one thing or person in your life to be happy. The sun’s battle with Pluto could also curtail your joie de vivre on April 16th. If you feel compelled to deprive yourself or indulge yourself and then suffer from resentment or anxiety, aim to work with what you have and enjoy life on your terms. Mars has a conference with Jupiter booked for the 17th, when a positive attitude, an open mind and honest communication should add up to lively interactions with people. If you want to get to know someone, make a bold first move. And if there’s something you’ve wanted to say that you feared would cause a fight, you’ll find the courage to get it off your chest now. The arrival of Mercury and the sun in your efficiency corner on the 19th turns your attention from enjoying life to getting tons done. And lovely Venus showed up in that corner on the 14th, so you can actually gain pleasure from rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. A Venus-Uranus alignment on April 22nd might inspire you to do a spontaneous favor or produce super-original work. You could get bored with people who are attached to doing things a particular way, because you’re looking for stimulation from your everyday life. Be open to working with different people and trying out a variety of approaches. Mercury’s meeting with Uranus on the 24th can speed up your brain, allowing you to execute mental tasks quickly. Just try not to get way out over your skis. When Venus and Saturn go at it that same day, you may find you’re helping someone a little too much and it’s time to set limits. Or maybe you’re being critical and think it’s because you care — but feelings are apt to get hurt. If you’re dealing with practical matters as a couple or working on the relationship itself, your cool head will be useful, as long as you avoid veering into pessimism. A similar conflict between Merc and Saturn the day after that implies your attention to detail and thorough planning could be stymied by said pessimism. It’s one thing to critique your thoughts; it’s another to only see the flaws. Focus on fine-tuning your ideas, and avoid getting stuck in a negative loop. With Pluto going retrograde on the 27th until early October, you may want to keep a close eye on your finances and strive to gain more control over yours. Maybe you’ll shuffle your resources somehow or revise your budget. Look at your relationship with money and possessions. Ponder how your self-worth colors what you attract into your life. You might want more freedom in your job or wiggle room in your schedule when the sun meets with Uranus on April 30th. Circumstances could change on a dime, so be ready to adapt. You may also decide to improve your health or fitness, but don’t expect overnight results or unwavering willpower. Uranus likes to shake things up, but he’s not necessarily in it for the long haul. You might have to reaffirm your resolutions down the road.

CAPRICORN

December 22–January 19

Your momentum may wane as daydreams distract you from your to-do list on April 9th, since Mars is at odds with Neptune that day. It’s hard to figure out precisely how you’ll achieve tasks and solve problems. Don’t be surprised if the results of your efforts don’t match up perfectly with the picture in your head. Pluto in Capricorn duels with Venus on the 11th, so your need for control could mess with your good mood or make waves in your home life or family. For the sake of peace within yourself and at home, do your best to loosen up. Your emotions are heating up, and it probably comes down to a question of personal security. If you’re trying to change something for the better, you might seem heavy-handed due to another Pluto skirmish — this one is with the sun on April 16th. In trying to get a grip on a situation, you could fall into a power struggle. Keep the focus on being in control of yourself, not other people, your environment or your interactions. Luckily, Mars makes music with Jupiter the next day, signaling that putting your nose to the grindstone can work wonders for your finances and your self-esteem. Make wise use of your full stash of talents and skills, and you can’t go wrong. Just don’t put your foot down when it comes to doing things a certain way, since Mars and Pluto will have a slight tiff that same day. With Venus and Uranus canoodling on the 22nd, you might be in for a surprise in your love life. A romance could spark out of the blue, or you — or the object of your affection — might decide to take time off or call it quits. Impromptu fun is favored, so be open to new experiences that pop up! Mercury, the trickster planet, encounters Uranus on the 24th, which may prompt a funny or heartfelt outburst. And as an added bonus, artistic originality can surge in a flash. However, friction between Venus and Saturn hours later could squelch romance if insecurity rears its ugly head. Or perhaps you have a specific pleasure in mind and need to moderate your desires due to financial constraints. A crush could become a lot less fun if you question its potential longevity. Slowing down doesn’t have to mean giving up. Mercury has its own tussle with your sobering ruler on the 25th, which could represent another momentary buzzkill. If limited funds interrupt your pleasant train of thought or flagging self-confidence stops you from verbalizing your feelings, try once again to listen to the voice of reality in your head without letting it get you down. Incorporate its pragmatism into your wave of enthusiasm, and proceed on a modified course. When Merc and Venus team up later that day, you might put your feelings for another person into words, convey your humor, read for pleasure or do some creative writing. Pluto begins backtracking in your sign on the 27th, and after that the deeply personal transformation process you’ve been experiencing will become even more internal and private. The next five months are well suited to going underground and prioritizing psychological growth. Brutally honest soul-searching is in order — and you’re up to the task! On the last day of April, quirky self-expression, spontaneous pleasures, creative breakthroughs and out-of-left-field love are all favored by a sun-Uranus conference in your fulfillment zone. A sudden attraction could involve an exciting, unconventional person, but it might also threaten the stability of your love life. You’re inclined to do what you please now. Think twice before taking a big gamble. Impromptu fun like a socially-distanced night out with your squad could be just what you need.

AQUARIUS

January 20–February 18

Play it safe on April 9th when shaky confidence or finances can slow your roll, thanks to a Mars-Neptune muddle. It’s hard to judge exactly what the pleasure you’re after will cost you. The next day, planets in your thinking-and-talking corner vibe with planets in Aquarius, making it so much easier for you to connect with people and express where you’re coming from. But when Venus in your thinking-and-talking corner gets into a tangle with Pluto in your subliminal sector on the 11th, rumblings in your subconscious could override happy thoughts and pleasant interactions. Your conscious mindset is positive; however, private emotional turmoil can force you to face what’s going on inside you. Dig into your feelings so they don’t control your life in a subversive way. Confront the aspects of yourself you’d rather ignore, and work to accept your complexity. You might have to look over your shoulder when the sun runs into trouble with Pluto on the 16th. You could either sabotage yourself inadvertently or be undermined by someone else. Either way, it probably won’t be easy to spot, so do what you can to read between the lines and protect yourself. Mars meshes with Jupiter in Aquarius the next day, clearing obstacles in your path and revving you up to take a chance that will lead to growth. Follow your heart and make a courageous romantic or creative move. If it makes you happy and excited, this is about the best dice roll you can get. Go for it! As Venus and Uranus join forces in your domestic zone on April 22nd, a roommate or relative may catch you off-guard. If a relationship is getting too settled, you might do something unplanned to shake it up. Your home can provide unexpected joy now, so you’re happy to stay in, but you’re also in the mood for a little excitement. Mercury’s rendezvous with Uranus on the 24th can trigger emotional insights, so prioritize introspection and avoid prickly confrontation. Venus feuds with Saturn in your sign later that day, which might put a damper on your mood or cause you to keep people at arm’s length and end up feeling isolated. If you get grumpy, relax your standards a tad and remind yourself everyone’s only human. You’re feeling super sensitive and yet you’re reluctant to open up and share. Remind yourself you’re not the only one who’s struggling. When Mercury needles Saturn on April 25th, you could edit yourself while talking about what you’re going through. Don’t judge emotions! It’s also possible you’ll shoot down a family member or roomie who’s trying to express their point of view — so be mindful of a harsh tone. Reflect on the past with a mature mindset and an interest in finding connections between your backstory and today’s challenges. This is the perfect transit for getting a handle on your mood and trying to manage it effectively. Because Mercury and Venus are aligning that day, your ideas and decisions regarding domestic issues like décor are likely to be on point. Pluto begins his five-month-long retrograde phase on April 27th, prompting you to plumb the depths of your unconscious and harness the powerful forces you awaken in your psyche so they work for you, not against you. The dark complexities deep inside you are like buried treasure, and it’s possible to transform them alchemically if you invest in this quest. On the 30th, a sudden development in your family or your living situation could surprise you when the sun and Uranus gel. You may have an impulse to redecorate, renovate, relocate or give a roommate her walking papers. This trigger-happy energy can ignite change for the sake of change, so don’t do anything you can’t undo.

PISCES

February 19–March 20

You could impress a group, deepen a friendship or secure a powerful ally on April 2nd when Mercury in Pisces clicks with Pluto. Mars squares off with Neptune a week later, suggesting discord with family or roomies could deflate your hopes or make you lose steam. If you can grasp your own core motivations and how your actions might send unintended signals, you’ll be ahead of the game. Your personal values and desires could clash with group interests on the 11th, due to a Venus-Pluto battle. Don’t let others determine your self-worth. Know your value and what you want. A friendship may be changing, and a conflict over money or possessions can bring things to a head. Your goals for the future are also evolving. As you develop fresh objectives and interests, the network of people in your life won’t stay the same. When the sun and Pluto clash on April 16th, it can feel like your needs and priorities are being overshadowed by groupthink, a cause or a movement. If someone doesn’t appear to have your back, you might feel threatened. Think of new ways to align your personal concerns with the greater good. Mars links with Jupiter the next day, making it easier for you to move past whatever’s been bothering you. You might join forces with a relative or housemate on a domestic project or humanitarian endeavor. Bonus: Your parents and people you live with will be a lot more supportive now — give them a chance to come through for you! Venus and Uranus lineup on April 22nd, which could bring a flash of creative inspiration. Capture your ideas so they don’t slip your mind. Impromptu meetings will revive you, so get out and explore an unfamiliar neighborhood or take a long walk closer to home. Mercury has the same meetup with Uranus on April 24th, which might provoke hasty decisions and words. Avoid jumping to conclusions and pause to edit your words. Brilliant brainstorms can fly in and out of your head quickly, just like they did a couple of days earlier, so make a note of them. A Venus-Saturn squabble hours later could cast a dark cloud over you, but don’t let it linger. You want to think the best of people, but something negative is brewing in your head. Maybe unpleasant feelings like guilt, self-doubt or regret are preventing you from exuding kindness and enjoying warm interactions. Don’t force yourself to smile if you’re not feeling it. Merc’s fight with Saturn the day after hints that private fear or inhibition could cause you to hold your tongue. On a more positive note, you can listen to your intuition and refine what you were about to say. And with Mercury and Venus aligning several hours later, soon enough you’ll be able to connect with people, express affection, share creative ideas and appreciate the beauty around you. This can be a good time to tell someone how you feel! On the 27th, Pluto goes off the grid for the next five months, persuading you to examine your group ties, career contacts, friendships and the roles you play in the different circles of people you associate with. How are they already changing and how should they in the future? Are there toxic people you need to pull back from? Are you setting healthy boundaries? Professional networking, team endeavors and social media efforts could be in limbo to some extent during this period, giving you a chance to do the legwork to get up to speed by October. A sun-Uranus alliance on April 30th stimulates your brain, your speech and your everyday environment and encounters. To channel nervous energy and provide excitement, reach out to different people, find a fresh way to convey your ideas and check out new local spots if possible. You might receive surprising news or have an out-of-the-blue interaction that gives you a buzz.