Hi Friends,
We begin a new era this month as Neptune is now in Aries and the solar eclipse from March 29 will be propelling us into a new outlook. In astrology, a solar eclipse is considered a powerful event that can amplify the energy of a new moon, often signaling significant beginnings, changes, or shifts in one’s life. The solar eclipse on March 29, 2025, highlighted the self-directed sign of Aries, Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, associated with boldness, initiative, independence, and self-assertion, so this eclipse may carry themes of personal empowerment and fresh starts.

In astrology, the “effect” of a solar eclipse doesn’t refer to a strict duration of the astronomical event itself (which lasts only a few hours) but rather to the period during which its energetic influence is believed to unfold in your life or the collective. Astrologers generally agree that the impact of a solar eclipse can be felt for weeks, months, or even up to a year, depending on various factors.

Here’s a breakdown of what we expect from that solar eclipse:
New Beginnings with Intensity: Solar eclipses mark potent moments for setting intentions or launching new ventures. In Aries, this could manifest as a strong urge to take charge of your life, start a passion project, or assert your individuality. However, the eclipse energy can make these beginnings feel fated or unexpected, as eclipses often bring sudden revelations or shifts.

Focus on Self and Identity: Aries rules the self, so this eclipse might prompt introspection about who you are and what you want. It could be a time to break free from old patterns or relationships that no longer align with your authentic path.

Emotional Charge: Eclipses are tied to the lunar nodes (points of destiny in astrology), and this one will likely be near the North Node in Aries, emphasizing growth and forward momentum. This could feel like a cosmic push to step into uncharted territory, though it might come with some discomfort or urgency.

Collective Impact: On a broader level, Aries energy could influence global events—think leadership, courage, or even conflict, as Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and war. Eclipses often coincide with pivotal moments, so watch for bold moves or turning points in the world around this time.

Some of these new beginnings may be delayed for a few weeks before Mercury and Venus will start off the month in retrograde motion. Both of these planets are considered “personal planets” which are felt more than the outer planets. Mercury goes retrograde about 3-4 times out of the year, while Venus goes retrograde about every 18 months or so. These are times when we are forced to go into the past and review the choices we made in order to better understand our lives.

Mercury goes direct in Pisces on April 7, 2025, as it marks the end of its retrograde period, shifting the energy from introspection and potential confusion to forward movement and clarity—though flavored by Pisces’ dreamy, intuitive nature. Mercury retrograde is famously associated with delays, miscommunications, and revisiting past matters, so when it stations direct, these issues typically begin to resolve themselves. As Mercury begins to move direct, mental clarity starts to return, though it may still feel softer or less linear than usual due to Pisces’ watery, intuitive vibe.

The theme of relationships and balance will be highlighted on April 12 with the Full Moon in Libra. In astrology, a full moon represents a peak, culmination, or moment of illumination, bringing clarity, emotional intensity, or resolution to matters that have been building. This full moon in Libra will carry the energy of this air sign, which is ruled by Venus and associated with fairness, relationships, harmony, and justice. Occurring just weeks after the solar eclipse in Aries, this full moon is likely to be its lunar counterpart, amplifying the Aries-Libra axis themes of self (Aries) versus others (Libra).

Here are some of the influences of this Full Moon:
Relationships in Focus: Libra governs partnerships—romantic, platonic, or professional—so this full moon could highlight dynamics in your connections. It might bring a relationship issue to a head, revealing where balance is lacking or where compromise is needed. Emotions could run high as you weigh your needs against those of others.

Culmination of Eclipse Energy: Since this full moon opposes the Aries solar eclipse, it acts as a counterpoint, emphasizing the tension between independence (Aries) and interdependence (Libra). Something seeded around the eclipse—perhaps a bold personal move—might now reach a turning point, especially in how it affects your relationships or sense of fairness.

Seeking Harmony: Libra craves equilibrium, so this full moon could inspire efforts to restore peace, whether by resolving conflicts, beautifying your surroundings, or making decisions that feel just. However, if you’ve been avoiding tough choices to keep the peace, the full moon’s light might force you to confront imbalances.

Venusian Influence: With Venus as Libra’s ruler, themes of love, beauty, and values come into play. You might reassess what you find attractive or valuable in your life, or feel a pull to indulge in art, romance, or pleasure. Check where Venus is in your chart for a deeper layer—its aspects could soften or intensify this lunation.

Emotional Clarity: Full moons illuminate what’s been hidden, and in Libra, this could mean gaining insight into how you give and receive in relationships. It’s a time to see if you’re over compromising or if others are meeting you halfway.

Collective Impact: On a broader scale, Libra’s association with justice and diplomacy might spotlight societal issues around fairness, equality, or legal matters. Expect debates or resolutions in these areas to peak around this date.

The ruler of this full moon (Venus) goes direct right after this lunation. When Venus goes direct in Pisces on April 12, 2025, it marks the end of its retrograde period, which began on March 1, 2025. Venus retrograde is a time when the planet appears to move backward in the sky from our perspective on Earth, and astrologically, it’s often associated with introspection, reevaluation, and shifts in matters related to love, relationships, beauty, creativity, and finances.

In Pisces, a mutable water sign ruled by Neptune (and traditionally Jupiter), Venus takes on a dreamy, compassionate, and idealistic tone. During the retrograde, these themes might have felt muddled or turned inward—relationships could have faced confusion, boundaries might have blurred, or creative projects may have stalled as people reassessed what truly matters to them emotionally and spiritually. When Venus stations direct on April 12, this energy shifts forward again, bringing clarity and momentum to these areas.

On April 16, Mercury re-enters Aries as it marks a shift in mental and communicative energy. Mercury began its retrograde on March 15, 2025 in Aries, and then backtracked into Pisces on March 29, 2025, bringing a period of foggy thinking, intuitive leaps, and possible miscommunications. After stationing direct around April 7-9, Mercury retraces its steps through Pisces before crossing back into Aries, the cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars.

Here are some of the general themes of Mercury in Aries:
Mental Shift: Mercury in Aries is bold, direct, and fast-paced, a stark contrast to Pisces’ introspective and meandering style. Thoughts and decisions that felt muddled or hesitant during the retrograde and post-shadow in Pisces will sharpen. You might notice a surge of mental clarity and assertiveness.

Communication: Expect conversations to become more straightforward, even blunt. Aries doesn’t mince words, so people may speak their minds with less of a filter, which could lead to both refreshing honesty and potential arguments if tact isn’t applied. Any delays or confusion in communication from the retrograde should start to resolve.

Action-Oriented Thinking: Aries is a sign of initiation, so Mercury here sparks quick ideas and a desire to act on them immediately. This could be a great time for brainstorming, starting projects, or tackling tasks that require courage and decisiveness.

Impatience: The downside! Mercury in Aries can make people restless or prone to jumping to conclusions. After Pisces’ slower, more reflective pace, this fiery energy might feel jarring, leading to impulsive decisions if not tempered.

Since Mercury will still be in its post-retrograde shadow (the degrees it retrograded over) for a few days after re-entering Aries, some residual retrograde themes—like revisiting past conversations or fixing earlier misunderstandings—might carry over briefly. By late April 2025, once it clears the shadow period, Mercury in Aries will be in full swing, pushing forward with fresh, unencumbered energy.

And speaking of energy and motivation, on April 18, Mars re-enters Leo marking a period of decisive action, pursuing desires, and expressing ourselves dramatically, infused with a self-expressive flair and confidence. Mars will be in Leo from April 18th to June 17th, 2025. Mars first entered Leo on November 3rd, 2024, and then went retrograde on December 6, 2024. It returned to the sign of Cancer on January 6th, 2025, and has been in Cancer since then. Today, Mars enters Leo once again, and this time, it will transit the sign through to the end.

In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have lofty goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and we take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

Mars in Leo can awaken a competitive spirit or drive. We’re more willing to take risks to get what we want. We also tend to make a splash, and we want to be in the driver’s seat. This transit is passionate, ardent, and theatrical. We seek to appear strong and prefer to be in the lead or the center of attention. We can be particularly angry if we feel disrespected or are in an undignified position.

We get back to the basics on April 19, when the Sun enters easy-going Taurus. In Taurus, the Sun is methodical, sensual, and receptive. The Sun in Taurus is most active when it is defending or resisting! As the Sun moves through Taurus we plant roots and our determination and security needs are strong.

Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar and values longevity. The shadow side of Taurus is possessiveness and bullheadedness. The Sun in Taurus is the connoisseur and sensualist. It’s patient, stubborn, earthy, stable, and rooted. The Sun-in-Taurus cycle is a good one for maintaining or building, as well as enjoying and appreciating what’s already in place.

While the Taurus Sun is slow to warm up, it’s stable and persevering once it does. We value what’s long-term, strong, and lasting during this phase. During this transit there is an appreciation for the finer things in life—good food, luxurious surroundings, and sensory experiences like music or art. Taurus enjoys indulging in physical comforts.

Taurus is a fixed sign, so when the Sun visits Taurus we tend to be steadfast, patient, and determined. Once Taurus sets its mind to something, it’s in it for the long haul. Taurus energy is grounded and realistic. Sun in Taurus individuals often approach life with a pragmatic mindset, focusing on what’s tangible and achievable. Taurus is also deeply linked to the natural world. People with this placement might feel drawn to gardening, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the beauty of the earth.

On the flip side, Taurus can sometimes cling too tightly to people or things, leading to possessiveness. Their fixed nature can also make them resistant to change or overly stubborn. Taurus rules the second house in astrology, which governs money and possessions. Sun in Taurus is a time for managing resources or building wealth steadily over time.

The intensity level will be off the-charts on April 26, when Mars Opposes Pluto. Mars opposing Pluto is a potent and forceful astrological event, as this alignment pits two powerhouse planets against each other. Mars, the planet of action, drive, and aggression, will be in Leo, while Pluto, the planet of transformation, power, and the subconscious, will be in Aquarius. This opposition occurs at around 2-3 degrees of these signs, marking the final of three exact oppositions in a series tied to Mars’ retrograde cycle (the prior ones being November 3, 2024, and January 3, 2025).

Here’s an overview of what we can expect:

Power Struggles and Confrontation: Mars opposite Pluto often brings tension between personal will (Mars) and deeper, transformative forces (Pluto). This could manifest as conflicts—either internal or external—where issues of control, dominance, or resistance come to a head. With Mars in bold, expressive Leo, you might see people asserting themselves dramatically, while Pluto in Aquarius could push for collective change or challenge individual egos with broader, systemic shifts.

Intensity and Transformation: This aspect tends to unearth hidden emotions, desires, or fears. It’s like a pressure cooker—things that have been simmering beneath the surface might erupt. The Leo-Aquarius axis suggests a clash between personal pride or creativity and impersonal, revolutionary ideals. Expect transformative moments, whether through breakthroughs or breakdowns.

Courage vs. Ruthlessness: Mars in Leo brings bravery and a desire for recognition, but when opposed by Pluto, there’s a risk of this tipping into obsession or destructive behavior. Pluto in Aquarius might amplify this by exposing where personal actions conflict with the greater good, forcing a reckoning.

Emotional Volatility: This could be a day of high passion—anger, ambition, or even sexual energy might surge. Channeling it constructively (like through art, exercise, or advocacy) will be key to avoiding unnecessary blowups.

Social Dynamics: With Pluto in Aquarius, themes of technology, community, and societal power structures are in focus. Mars in Leo opposing it might spark bold resistance against oppressive systems—or, conversely, ego-driven leaders clashing with progressive movements. Given this is the final opposition in the series, it could signal a culmination of tensions that began in late 2024.

Global Events: Historically, Mars-Pluto oppositions have coincided with intense events—think power struggles, crises, or decisive actions. The November 2024 opposition tied to the U.S. election season suggests this April 2025 hit could resolve or escalate earlier conflicts, especially with Pluto now settled into Aquarius, a sign tied to innovation and upheaval.

How to Navigate It:
Stay Grounded: The energy could feel overwhelming, so focus on what you can control. Avoid power trips or petty fights—Pluto doesn’t mess around, and Mars in Leo can be exaggerated.

Transform, Don’t Destroy: Use this as a chance to shed old patterns or stand up for something meaningful. The Leo-Aquarius polarity encourages balancing self-expression with collective awareness.

Watch the Date: The exact opposition peaks on April 26, but its influence will be felt within a few days before and after, especially if it hits sensitive points in your chart. In short, Mars opposing Pluto on April 26, 2025, is a cosmic showdown—expect intensity, revelations, and a push to evolve, whether you’re ready or not. How it plays out depends on how you wield that fiery Mars energy against Pluto’s unrelenting depth!

On April 27, the New Moon in Taurus will be asking us to get back to the basics. The New Moon in Taurus is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Bull. It’s time to enjoy life’s simple and physical pleasures–savor good food and enjoy activities that bring us in touch with nature and with our bodies. It’s time to stop and smell the roses and to become more aware of what makes us feel comfortable and secure.

This is a solid cycle for re-evaluating our relationship with money and possessions and discovering what truly makes us happy and fulfilled. Unfortunately, this New Moon forms a square to Mars and another to Pluto, occurring not long after Mars and Pluto exactly opposed one another. The tension or frustration created by this opposition could, at least in part, motivate our new beginnings. There can be some obstacles to clear as we wrestle with our impatience, fears, hidden agendas, and ambitions.

With this potent Taurus energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. It’s time to make some solid and realistic plans and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs.

April 2025 Monthly Aspects, Transits, and Lunar Cycles:
Apr 04 – Saturn sextile Uranus
Apr 04 – Mars sextile Uranus
Apr 04 – Mars trine Saturn
Apr 06 – Sun sextile Jupiter
Apr 06 – Venus Rx trine Mars
Apr 07 – Venus Rx conjunct Saturn in Pisces
Apr 07 – Mercury Direct in Pisces
Apr 08 – Venus Rx sextile Uranus
Apr 12 – Full Moon in Libra
Apr 12 – Venus Direct in Pisces
Apr 16 – Mercury re-enters Aries
Apr 17 – Mercury conjunct Neptune in Aries
Apr 18 – Mars re-enters Leo
Apr 19 – Sun enters Taurus
Apr 19 – Mars trine Neptune
Apr 20 – Venus sextile Uranus
Apr 20 – Mercury sextile Pluto
Apr 20 – Sun square Mars
Apr 23 – Sun square Pluto
Apr 24 – Venus conjunct Saturn in Pisces
Apr 26 – Mars opposite Pluto
Apr 27 – New Moon in Taurus

April 2025 Video Horoscopes
Coming Soon!

Have a great month folks!
Joseph P. Anthony