Beyoncé put out COWBOY CARTER (her most masterful work since Lemonade, do not fight me) just in the nick of time to avoid Mercury retrograde. Us, on the other hand? We slacked. Well, actually, Sterling and I have both been quite busy, hence why this monthly forecast is hitting your inbox much later than usual.
But: She’s finally here. And honestly? Not to parrot overused terminology that was completely co-opted from Black LGBTQ+ communities, but I fear I did, in fact, slay. So maybe it was worth the wait. I’ll let you be the judge. (Compliment me / call me out in the comments?)
Buckle up, babes, ‘cause April contains some bumpy astrology.
Monday, April 1: Mercury stations retrograde in Aries
Nope, that’s not a belated April Fool’s joke: Mercury really did station retrograde earlier this week. Maybe you’re already feeling like your brain is on fire; maybe the heat hasn’t quite reached you yet. But now through April 25, you can expect all the classic (but infuriating) trappings of Mercury Rx. I’m talking missed texts, substantial subway delays, and your favorite headphones epically malfunctioning (and maybe all three at the same time, if you’re lucky! This is not based on personal experience at all!)
With Mercury in brash, self-oriented Aries, communication can easily venture into prickly or defensive territory. The retrograde of it all just ups the potential for impatience or irritability — or, in true Aries style, flat-out fighting. Watch what you say, and don’t be surprised if struggling to get your point across makes you want to scream.
Friday, April 5: Venus enters Aries
Mother has traded the oceanic depths of Pisces for the fire-starting kindling of Aries, which is a very flowery way of saying that Venus is now burnin’ the fuck up. The vibe, in short: horny…for love. Or something close to it. Get the hot but impulsive haircut; write the salty poem about your ex. Chase whatever sparks a fire in you with reckless abandon. Will you get burned? Maybe. Or maybe it’ll all work out. You won’t know unless you just go for it.
Monday, April 8: Solar Eclipse in Aries
April’s Solar Eclipse in Aries is the climactic end of eclipse season, which kicked off with the Lunar Eclipse in Libra two weeks ago. It’s also part of a larger, longer, very karmic story that, in the immortal words of Natasha Bedingfield, is still unwritten. Really, what you need to know about this eclipse is that a pivotal change or new beginning is on the way. It might not be a change you want, but it’s probably one you need, even it if hurts in the moment.
With Aries involved, themes of autonomy or leadership might be topical. Where are you being pushed right now to self-actualize or to blaze your own trail? Is there a relationship that’s been holding you back from reaching your highest potential? (Look to the Aries- and Libra-ruled houses in your birth chart for clues.)
Wednesday, April 10: Mars conjoins Saturn in Pisces
If you’ve been physically or emotionally depleting yourself lately, April’s Mars-Saturn conjunction in Pisces could be a bit of a rude awakening. When action-oriented Mars hits restrictive Saturn, it’s like the astrological equivalent of encountering a big stop sign or running a red light. Slow down for a sec: Do you really need to be moving through life at this pace? Or are you running yourself ragged in the name of empathy? Much to think about (and maybe even angry-cry about).
Friday, April 19: The Sun enters Taurus
Happy Taurus season! The Sun’s month-long stay in this Venus-ruled earth sign shines a light on material delights, sensual pleasure, and our connection to the natural world. This is your time to be stubborn about protecting your peace. Eat some pasta, touch some grass, and maybe even enter the Smoke Hour? If that’s a thing you like to do? Look, just because Kacey Musgraves took a weed break doesn’t mean you have to.
Sunday, April 21: Jupiter conjoins Uranus in Taurus
April’s Jupiter-Uranus conjunction is a truly rare event: These two planets only connect once every 14 years. (I loved Nylon’s coverage of this event.) And the last time they linked up in Taurus was more than 80 years ago (!!!) Uranus represents innovation, rebellion, and nonconformity; Jupiter is all about abundance, religion, and any experiences that expand our horizons. Their unions are fertile ground for big ideas and radical shifts in perspective, even about mundane stuff. I’m not saying you’ll feel God in this Chili’s tonight, but I’m not not saying that.
Jupiter also tends to amplify whatever he touches. On a personal level, this transit might dial up the volume on your most rebellious urges. That’s neither good nor bad. It’s just something to notice.
Tuesday, April 23: Full Moon in Scorpio
Another month, another Full Moon. (But, blessedly, not an eclipse.) When the Moon is in Scorpio, our feelings run deep. Expect: heightened emotions, mediocre sleep, and perhaps a secret or two made known. Whatever happens around this date might also be connected to the New Moon in Scorpio last fall or the lunar cycle that began two weeks prior with the Solar Eclipse in Aries.
Thursday, April 25: Mercury stations direct in Aries
As of April 25, Mercury retrograde is officially over! Well, technically. After this date, we’ll still be in the post-retrograde shadow (where Mercury re-re-treads their steps as they begin to move forward) for the next few weeks. Regardless, all those minor retrograde-y inconveniences — the communication breakdowns, the travel delays, the technological snafus — will finally ease up.
Monday, April 29: Venus enters Taurus
Toward the end of the month, Venus joins the Sun over in sensual Taurus. This is a sign our girl truly loves: Taurus’ grounded, luxurious vibe perfectly meshes with Venus’ impulse to connect and indulge. The next few weeks are a beautiful stretch of time for making art, making food, or making love. Really, the potential pitfall here is overindulgence (in a material sense or in regards to our romantic whims). By all means, savor the good vibes, but maybe keep an eye on your bank account. Letter of recommendation: letting men buy you things? Has anyone tried this?