Astrology is an attempt to understand the dimensions of time and space - the navigation points of human experience. The first astrologers' meditative watchfulness of the heavens uncovered the circular movement of both dimensions, i.e. they came to see that all things come round.
As we whirl and circle through space, an intricate pattern of circling planets dances around us, bringing to every moment a familiar but unique pattern. This allows the possibility of a growing wisdom, the possibility that we might "arrive where we started/ and know the place for the first time." (T.S. Elliot)
With Saturn leaving wise-but-weary Pisces and entering buoyant Aries on April 7, this is indeed a Spring among Springs. Saturn, the Cosmic Teacher, has made a full cycle of the zodiac over the last 28 years and now is reborn in the Springtime sign of Aries - full of vigor, ready to outwit the cynic in us all. Her urgent message is: The wonder of innocence is possible. All we have to do is begin again.
Just remember that Spring, like love, is shy. The more we hanker for her, the more she hides herself behind the clouds. But once we drop our anxious greed, we find her blossoming everywhere.
Paradoxically, over the next months, we are also moving into a strong retrograde pattern. Pluto turned retrograde on March 5, Neptune turns on April 29, and by late May, six planets will appear to foxtrot backwards around our planet. Under Saturn's guidance to see all things new, this abundance of retrograde energy will urge us to make peace with old stories by responding to them in fresh ways.
It seems a very compassionate universe is preparing us for the dawning of the new millennium and its new humanity. Rest assured that gratitude is the best response to whatever we are given now.
With Saturn, the Benevolent Teacher entering your sign on the 7th (your houseguest for the next two-plus years), this will be a special solar return (happy birthday!) for all you Arians. Keeping upbeat should be easier than usual as the sun is lighting your house until the 20th. And there is no shortage of energy with dynamic Mars by your side all month. Just resist that strong temptation to make Grand Canyons out of potholes. A seeming failure in communication around the 6th clears up by the new moon on the 17. A new door opens around the 28th.
Things are moving right along for you, Taurus, as the inner planets (Mercury and Venus) travel through your sign making Trines with the outer planets in Capricorn (Jupiter and Neptune.) As the river of your life swells to a rush, better learn to go with the flow. You'll not only get "There" sooner, but you'll enjoy the ride - some of the scenery will likely blow your mind! On the 20th, the sun will be in your house, so you might as well put on the music; there should be much to celebrate!
You can sigh now, Gemini. For this year, at least, the worst is over. Beginning with soft, romantic Venus waltzing into your sign on the 3rd, you can begin to soften too. By June, you will wonder what those heavy clouds of self-doubt were all about. Try to remember, Gemini, it is your job to gather and store the sunshine so you can share it with us all next winter. This is more important than any "Work" you can do.
Most of your growth is still taking place underground, hidden from view of the rest of us. But surely you are aware of your dreams (both day and night) becoming more colorful and your vision of what is before you becoming more clear. Be alert from 23rd - 26th - here comes an opportunity to make a favorite fantasy real.
Remember, Leo, all things being cyclic, your times in the limelight will always be followed by "chill time." The secret to being a happy Lion is to enjoy being in the audience between starring roles. With the exception of a pretty loud wake-up call around 26th - 28th, this is neither a month of high peaks nor of low valleys. Just spread some of that famous warmth of yours around and you'll not be bored.
All your demons are mysteriously vanishing like shadows in the sun. The moon is in your house twice again this month, trining with outer planets in Capricorn and inner planets in Taurus: the only problem you might have this month is embarrassment at how easily it all flows. Especially after complaining so loudly over the past few months. Oh well, forgive yourself and always remember that being embarrassed is getting caught doing what you always wanted to do.
With the full moon inside your house the 4th, you may feel more self-trust than you have in quite a while. Alas, much planetary energy is in Aries, your opposing sign, so you may also feel deeply alone these days. The magic is this: If you stand up and speak your truth no matter what "the others" think, you will be heard like you have never been before. Not necessarily right away, but around the next couple of bends.
You are absorbing all kinds of impressions as the real question of your life incubates (Some might say "fester," rather than incubate!) But the key to your liberation is in that question. With lots of action in Taurus, you have the most to learn from your challenges toward the end of the month. In early May you may get a sense of what exactly is incubating.
This is not a good time for guarding your secrets as Pluto, the Exposer, went retrograde in your sign on March 5. The fact is now underlined: There is no place to hide. May as well show up BIG. On the 28th, Saturn will join hands with Pluto in your sign. It has never been a better time to turn over a new leaf. Back-sliding will be almost impossible, so take a giant step forward. Your life will never be the same again.
For many years, you have not been able to afford the luxury of complacency - and you are not off the hook yet. It's just that now you are being showered by opportunity. Perhaps because of shell-shock, you might mistake the roses being thrown for rocks. Look again. The Universe is mad about you. It may take humanity a little time to catch up, but trust yourself and your life. The 18th is a good day to set things in motion.
I have said before that the World is not ready for your coolly compassionate eye, but we are all warming up to it slowly, slowly. The 3rd and the 8th are examples of times when your understanding will be greatly needed. The key to your inner life this spring is to be open to surprise, especially in the romantic realm. It is highly unlikely that you are going to get where you thought you were going. But look without fear and you might be "blissed out" at where you've landed.
