We continue the Taurus New Moon this week. We plant seeds that puts emphasis on pragmatic and practical solutions or new solid beginnings.
The week has a lot of action from Venus and Pluto stations retrograde at the end of the week which could get our attention around power issues in the news.
This focus: How are you being practical? If something is in your face and needs your attention, how are you being pragmatic about the solution? We are not into airy fairy we are into being real. Get barefoot and feel the land underneath if you need some grounding. You got this.
Focus on: What are you learning about your siblings? How is your neighborhood and neighbors informing you? What does gossip feel like to hear? What are you learning about facts when they are changing on the ground? What are you learning about the value of pivoting?
Planetary notes:
5/1: Mars exits shadow. Hurray. Seriously, hurray.
Focus on: What actions are you taking that are tapping your passions? How are you exhibiting strength and or courage? Where are you showing your bravery? Where and how are you putting yourself out there? What does it feel like to be a ‘star’? even if it is just for an hour?
Once a year Pluto stations retrograde for five months. This is the first retrograde by Pluto in Aquarius where it will NOT return to Capricorn. It is all Aquarius, baby! Oh, boy.
As an outer planet, Pluto speaks to global experiences and humanity as a mass. In Aquarius we are in a period of deconstruction especially how we socialize. Pluto is about power, and Aquarius is about people. Concentration of power that does not help the people will be perceived as a threat and obstacle to greater good and there will no doubt, be a desire to take it down to rebuild it.
As intense as Pluto is and it is…. there is some optimism around Pluto in Aquarius this summer during its retrograde. I have written a lot about the trines and sextiles in previous reports which will involve Pluto. But in a thumbnail, in July, Uranus the planet of change, lightening, shock and awe along with revolution will enter Gemini which is the most clever and dexterous sign of all. Uranus in super smart Gemini will begin a long dance with Pluto in a harmonious trine. Along with that trine, Neptune and Saturn will be in sextile with Pluto. All of this is between 2 and 8 degrees of Gemini, Aquarius and Aries.
This influence will be felt during 2025-2027, with primary intensity in the summers. The potential of breakthroughs and new ways of doing things in almost every field of humanity is suggesting a new Epoch unfolding equal to man getting on horse for the first time, man harnessing fire, the introduction of the wheel and man in flight. Are you gulping? You should be because this is just that extraordinary. We are in a new era. What it will be, is still to be seen but we are there.
Note: Saturn is closer to earth than Pluto, Uranus and Neptune so it may speak right away to practical application of something new. The aspect will be exact on March 26, 2026 but all eyes are upon Saturn now as it begins its dialogue with Pluto. We all need to wear Tshirts that say, “Watch this Space”
If you would like to go deeper on these sextiles and trines with the three outer planets you may enjoy this interview with Rick Levine and Steve Judd. Give it a whirl.
As the ruling planet of Taurus, Venus deserves our attention and as it is she is pulling a lot of focus. Venus has lots of action to put on our radar. Watch what comes up for us on personal matters and pay attention to news stories that speak of Venusian matters.
Venus exits Pisces on April 30 and re-enters Aries which it left during the retrograde on March 27. Once in Aries, Venus heads for a trine with her best buddy Mars on May 22 which will get Venus up off her satin settee and she calls on Mars for an important assist, maybe a little warrioress as they help build her dreams a reality. Help build some money, beauty or show up for love.... in a big ass way.
On May 2 Venus conjuncts Neptune which will be noteworthy and perhaps give us a hint about Neptune’s new journey in Aries. Watch the news around things we value and god knows stories about money could be in the headlines. Also headlines on May 6 could speak of some kind of universal healing when Venus sextiles Pluto. This aspect occurs a couple times a year but given we are still at the beginning of Pluto’s journey in Aquarius May 6 may be informative as to Pluto's new juju. Perhaps the healing is some new peeps and circles? Brainstorming with friends could be the perfect elixir to whatever is in pain.
Additionally, the Venus sextile with Uranus exact on April 20, was still in effect in the new moon chart which ripens this lunar month for out-of-the -blue opportunities. They may seem odd and weird but could be part of the bigger story of strengthening our values and our creativity down the road.
And finally, Venus exits her shadow on May 15 (24 Aries) and this long journey that began in January finally wraps. Thank goddess.
Brittanica Taurus, illumination from a Book of Hours, Italian, c. 1475; in the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City (MS. G.14)
Taurus New Moon
April 27, 2025
12:31pm PDT
7 Taurus 46
Oh, friends, I think we are all going to welcome today's Taurus new moon. Yes it is being influenced in a tough T square with Mars and Pluto but seriously, we all really know we need to get grounded. Things are changing so fast it is hard to get our bearing. We welcome the slow downess of a 29 day Taurus lunar cycle. Yeah, we MAY have moments of jealousy and resentment along the way but news alert we are going to need to come up with some practical solutions to whatever fear or anger that has got those icky feelings stirred up and finally get past it. A lot of good is in the future in the next three years, let's be ready to receive by making some practical changes now. And practicality is all about Taurus.
My friend Vivi Henriette has brought together some of the freshest astrology voices in and to Los Angeles for an inspired, fun, informative, dynamic astro weekend. It's all happening in LA. Yep. Right here in our beloved Highland Park.
Go check out the schedule. Come for one day, come for two days, your choice. I am looking forward to hearing so many new takes on various astrological signatures and chart analysis.
Also there are two workshops that will be live stream. So for those of you who do not live in LA these workshops are available to you, too! Diana Rose on Saturday. Sam Reynolds on Sunday. Here is the link to their workshops! You know them both from Chris Brennan at The Astrology Podcast. Come to these intimate workshops and hear Diana and Sam's thoughtful and seasoned approaches to Astro. It's not your grandma's astrology workshop anymore. :)
Also for a discount please use this code that Vivi put together for all my friends! TRACY10
How is your energy? Last week, Mars returned to Leo on Thursday April 17. Between January 6 and April 17, Mars was futzing around in Cancer. Kind of emotional, kind of angry because there was a patina of negativity on every thing we felt. Now in Leo, Mars is good to party, good to be generous, good to be a hero. In short our energy has spiked up. It might feel like a cloud has lifted. Or if the cloud is still there we are planning on how to navigate through the unknown. Bit by bit.
The week starts with last quarter moon which formed on April 20.
Last Quarter moon: Now we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense. And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action. It is a time for living “The serenity prayer”
God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.
Focus on:
What actions are you taking that tap your networks? How are friends supportive of your goals? How are cyber groups in sync with your goals? What actions do you need to take to find perhaps new groups? Or double down in your long-time circles and friends?
Special focus
4/21: Saturn conjunct N Node (26 Pisces 50) Practicality and sustainability around matters guided by intuition.
4/23: Sun square Pluto (3 AQ 47) Tension between stubborn and revolutionary. Rock meets hard place. Boom!
4/23: Venus conjunct N. Node (26 Pisces 54) Our intuition is guiding us to find our values. Deep values. Even if it hurts, we find our values.
Balsamic Moon Phase
April 24, 7:23am PDT
Balsamic: We let go. By releasing we can prepare for the new.
Focus on:How are you releasing unrealistic ideas? How are you releasing fears that may not be rooted in reality? How are you releasing powerlessness?
Special focus:
4/24: Venus conjunct Saturn. Is love, money and values sustainable? Tapping measures to strengthen all of them is accessible.
4/25 Moon conjunct Neptune (00 Aries 55) Observe fresh aspect. Emotions are connected to intuition. How do they activate vitality and the will to ‘be-here-now’ ?
4/26: Mercury exits shadow
4/26: Mars oppose Pluto (3 AQ 48) This is the third out of three oppositions that started last year. Nov 3: Mars oppose Pluto (29 Cap 46) Jan 3 : Mars oppose Pluto (1 Aq 08) and now this final round which is again Aquarius/Leo. Who is the showboat? Who is for humanity? How is humanity strengthened when it allows for multiple leaders? Where are bold actions important? Where is the voice of the everyman?
Taurus New Moon Sunday April 27 12:31pm PDT (7 Taurus 46)
I bring you a gift! Well, actually the gift is from Rick Levine. Rick is a talented, seasoned, beloved astrologer. I used to read his articles on his website with Jeff Jawer in the late early 2000s and found his Youtube channel several years ago. He has been on Chris Brennan's Astrology Podcast many times as well as Astrology Hub. He is on Patreon of which I am a member and I usually try to listen to his monthly forecast and his mid month forecast. Normally, his mid month is only for members but occasionally when the astro is super intense he will open it up to world. Such is the case with this back end of April.
For those of you who read my blog, a lot of what he talks about may sound familiar but how Rick talks about it is very interesting and I always think we should listen to other astrologers for their own style and nuances and analysis. Rick is terrific. Give it a watch.
I have also included Rick's text that came with the email and the Youtube link.
“Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clean your path.” —Paulo Coelho
NOTE:I have made this mid-month update publicly available because of the importance of this time. Please help by sharing this on your social media. Thanks, as always, for your support. YouTube Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1vhA4q33xY
The primary difference between the first and second half of April has to do with planetary motion. Mercury and Venus are both moving direct now with Mercury gaining nearly 15 degrees in the second part of the month after only moving forward one-and-a-half degrees in the first two weeks. Venus lost ground through mid-month but gains seven degrees by May 1. Even Mars is moving 50% faster during this period when compared to the beginning of April. Aside from any other planetary aspects or sign changes, this forward progress gives us the unavoidable sense that a profound transformation—for better or worse—is finally happening. It’s as if the captain of the ship has commanded, “Full steam ahead!” Nevertheless, it will still take time to figure out which way we are traveling with the mists of Neptune preventing us from seeing reality clearly. One thing is certain: the status quo no longer exists, and historic change is inevitable.
The shift from receptive water to volatile fire becomes more apparent with interactive Mercury and irresistible Venus blasting into impulsive Aries on April 15 and April 30, respectively. Additionally, Mars moves from its defensive or even passive position in emotionally self-protective Cancer into dramatically expressive Leo on April 17. It feels as if everything is heating up too quickly, like a flame from a small cooking stove is turning into a raging inferno.
The Sun’s entry into earthy Taurus on April 19 could be the source of some much-needed stability, but its harsh squares to Mars and Pluto on April 20–23 only throw more fuel on the fire in the form of fear and anger. The growing tensions reach a crescendo on April 26 when red-hot Mars forms its third-and-final opposition to domineering Pluto, creating a retrocausal connection back to their first opposition on November 3, 2024. Events that magnified the social polarization of the American presidential election, triggering unrest all around the world, must now be addressed out in the open. Although there is an instinctual urge to burn it all down, it is imperative we take a deep breath and be very intentional in our actions. Choosing the side of love requires the willingness to stand up and fight for the soul of humanity.
Meanwhile, value-conscious Venus conjoined karmic Saturn on April 7, maintaining the connection through the entire month, culminating with its third exact conjunction on April 24. This aspect is a mixed blessing, devaluing the finances of many while simultaneously minimizing some of the burn. Although gratification may seem far away while cold Saturn restrains the riches of Venus, this planetary combo can ameliorate the potential collateral damage of the raging political fires just enough to help us through this complex nexus of cosmic energies. We should note that prior to the Venus retrograde phase (March 1–April 12), the first of three Venus-Saturn conjunctions was in play on Inauguration Day on January 20.
April is a month of dynamic change that continues to intensify through the Taurus New Moon on April 27 at 12:31 pm PDT. Although this New Moon is square the Mars-Pluto opposition, there may be a cooling of tempers if we can individually and collectively avoid the unconscious expression of aggression. Messenger Mercury forms a semisquare just hours prior to the New Moon, suggesting that constructive communication is the key to successfully navigating through these dangerous currents. Fortunately, we can win this battle if we understand the current circumstances are a direct call to action. The shift of planets into pioneering Aries reminds us that necessity is the mother of invention and enlightened creativity can lead to brilliant new solutions.
“We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” ― Albert Einstein
The Libra full moon launched on Saturday early evening. It’s a potent full moon as we navigate finding balance and acknowledging the need for independence.
During the three-day full moon
4/15: Mercury re-enters Aries. Mercury is at zero Aries. It was here before on March 3 and March 29 what was going on then with your thinking? How is your thinking and communication centered on independence and breaking free then and now?
We are meandering through fresh aspects with Neptune in Aries. The Moon squared the fresh Aries Neptune on April 3, then opposed it on April 10 and now it will square it again on April 18. Consider those dates and see if there are any themes in your days. Let’s enjoy Mars trine fresh Neptune on April 19. That could put some faith and action in a lot of people’s efforts especially for anyone with early degree Aries planets 😊
Mars finally returns to Leo after having it enter Leo on November 3, leaves on January 6 and now re-enters on April 17. Mars the planet of actions and energy, wants to get out there and do something and will be so relieved to return to Leo. A little fire in Mars’ belly will activate a lot of folks. Heroes may appear in their Leo cape. Then on April 20 the Sun in Taurus gets into it with Mars in Leo. Forcefulness, tension, puts some people between a rock and a hard place is an earthquake fault. Stories around the 20th may have tie ins to Mars oppose Pluto on April 26. We’ll see.
Disseminating
April 16, 8:24pm
Focus on: How are you sharing your ability to bridge groups that are ‘foreign’? How are you able to share your opinions in a way that takes care of self but does not implode on others? How are you sharing your religious beliefs without blowing up other’s faith?
Special focus:
4/16 Mercury conjunct Neptune (00 Aries 38) observe fresh aspect. How is self-agency feeling confused? Thoughts that are dreamy and fuzzy around more independence?
4/17: Mars re-enters Leo. We are revisiting November 3 – Dec 6 when Mars first went into Leo before the retrograde. What’s coming back up for you from that period? How are you being bold? How are you being brave? How are you licking any wounds?
4/18 Moon square Neptune (00 Aries 41) observe fresh aspect. Do career, worldly matters, responsibility feel in conflict with self-interests?
4/19: Sun enters Taurus
4/19: Mars trine Neptune (00 Aries 44) Fresh aspect. Observe. Actions that feel faith or intuitive driven. New adventures that line up with a ‘calling’.
4/20: Venus sextile Uranus (25 Taurus 45) (see above)
4/20: Mercury sextile Pluto (3 AQ 46) deep conversations and thoughts bring innovation and creativity.
4/20: Sun square Mars (1 Leo 12) What actions are bold but perhaps too disruptive? What’s breaking?
Above is a clip from the movie “The Money Pit” where a conductor, played by Alexander Gudunov, returns to his orchestra whom he has not seen in a few years. His entrance is grand, his removal of debris effortless, his command of the room powerful. The scene speaks to this year’s full moon in Libra.
This is our first Libra Full Moon since 2022 that is NOT an eclipse. Libra has learned a lot in the last two years about the power of letting go, finding independence and relating to others in new ways. It can engage in a new manner and with a self-assured force (think our conductor from the clip). During this three-day phase, there could be opportunities where we test our new relationship skills.
Adding to the liberation of this full moon is Libra’s ruling planet Venus which has been retrograde for 40 days. Just thirty minutes after the launch of the full moon Venus stations direct. To that, Libra says, “Finally! Now let us begin.”
This is all potent.
In addition, the mix has combustible warrior Mars and his sister Eris. Mars has been slowly working its way out of the shadow since it turned direct (Feb 23) along the path it has had a few helpful and thorny aspects with other planets. Now it is zeroing in on its final square with Pluto which is exact on April 26. But before we get to that date it is triggering a T square with Sun/Moon and Pluto on this full moon. Gulp. Mars is ready for battle every day. Feelings direct where Mars in Cancer wants a battle versus a Mars in Gemini whose intellect direct its battle. Home, family, apple pie this is all Mars in Cancer. Fights in the kitchen for sure. Watch your energy and see how it is pushed by your feelings. And note, anything that comes up may have an echo around April 26.
Then there is Eris. In the full moon chart the sun is on top of Eris, the dwarf planet discovered in 2005 at 24 degrees Aries. Eris is just as much of a fighter as her brother Mars. Her issues are frequently around unfairness. She can have concern about social justice matters but she brings a feminized battle. She is not afraid of tapping anger and using her emotions to disrupt things where she sees a wrong. Her fierceness should not be underestimated. For those who have not spent much time researching Eris, you can read more about Eris at Refinery 29 with internal links to find your natal Eris placement.
Another component to the full moon is Chiron which conjuncts the Sun in Aries (exact in the morning) and then is exact opposition to Moon just before the full moon. Chiron moved into Aries in 2018 is pointing how we are healing our need for stronger self-agency, independence and authenticity. The full moon adds more emotional connection to the importance of healing and breaking free in some manner. Obviously, Eris & Mars are in play with Chiron suggesting there is a healing that comes from a battle. It could be internal on a personal level and the news may have stories of a fight for independence or the need for that fight that could heal an old wound.
In all this landscape, which is potent for battle, there is a lovely Moon trine Jupiter which is layered upon the Sun sextile Jupiter from April 6. We could be expanding our world by educating ourselves. Is it reading a different news source? Is it going someplace we normally do not go from a store, a church a restaurant in a different corner of our town? Did we learn something from the trip? Did we reach out to a new friend? Jupiter brings opportunities and in Gemini these could be new neighbors or neighborhoods or fresh media sources.
This full moon could be transformative in relationships. Some people may become aware where they have off shored their self-agency to their partner or others and now, they are changing the rules. Maybe they are tired of being treated in a manner that only comes in some relationship barter agreement. How does our relationship only work if we are THIS person so the other person can be THAT person? After two and half years of eclipses in the Aries-Libra axis, we now are popping up on the Libra full moon perhaps raising our hand and saying, “not so fast.” Or maybe our partner reaches out to us in a manner that seems out of character, and we feel something inside us that goes, “Hmm, that is different”. Do we welcome it? Do we fear it? Do we take the opportunity and run with it? Whatever it is, we will be acting on this full moon given Mars, Eris and Chiron are at play.
At the end of the day, with Libra we are seeking balance and these last few years with the eclipses have caused a wear and tear of things that are out of balance. This could have been dragging some people down. This full moon could bring the insights of where we need to make some changes. Pick up your baton and be your own conductor.
On April 26, we have the third round of Mars oppose Pluto. Last year, November 3 was round one at 29 Cancer/29 Capricorn. Then on January 3, was round two at 1 Leo/1 Aquarius and now this final round will be at 3 Leo/Aquarius.
Obviously, the first opposition contact on Nov 3 was a major astrological influence for the USA general election where Donald Trump won the popular vote, the electoral college and the GOP won both chambers of congress. The second round of Mars oppose Pluto was the final days of the Biden White House and the announcements of President Trump’s cabinet choices including secretary of state and secretaries of transportation and treasury. At least two of those secretaries have been in the news quite a lot lately. This final opposition may speak to Trump’s cabinet and or Congress.
Pulling out wider from the USA.
Mars is the warrior planet. Pluto is the higher octave of Mars and speaks to transformation. Pluto can give Mars the drive to do what it needs to do to accomplish its task. When they are in conflict, the Mars force can be great, but the depth of Pluto’s power is mindboggling. What do soldiers at battle look like when an earthquake shakes the land under their feet? This is Pluto’s power.
Pluto in Aquarius is masses of people brought together in some form. Mars in Leo is strength and will power. In opposition there is tension. Who is the showboat? Who is for humanity? How is humanity strengthened when it allows for multiple leaders? Where are bold actions important? Where is the voice of the everyman? Who is powerful and what are they doing with their power? How is it being viewed? Who is there for others? Who has skills and creative talents and how is it speaking for masses?
We may get a flavor for this opposition during the Libra full moon given Mars is forming a T square with the Moon in Libra, the Sun in Aries with of course out of sign Pluto zesting it. There could be a component to the full moon seen again on round three of Mars oppose Pluto.
Whatever takes place this back end of April will be what it will be. But on May 2 we finally get some relief from the tension we have been experiencing when Mars leaves its shadow which it entered last fall on October 4.
For those people who have any planets at 2 -4 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, you no doubt are feeling the tension. You no doubt are getting some real time lessons on how little control we humans have by ourselves. We all need someone or someones and for sure a connection to our higher power or however we find our greater resource. Look to the planet at those degrees and signs and consider if you are still stuck and consider what you still need to release. Letting go may be the only option.
I was bopping around on Youtube and saw SJ Anderson’s report on Mercury & Venus direct and he pointed out that once Venus turns direct on April 12, the personal planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars will finally all be in direct motion. Yep, he is right. I had totally missed that important fact of which I blame Neptune who is pronounced in my chart these days 😊
As we know we started getting into the muck and mire last fall when Mars was in its shadow and then retrograde followed by Venus and then Mercury. Mars station direct on Feb 23, Mercury April 7 and on the 12th, Venus. Now all three of them will be direct until July when Mercury retrogrades. This is a decent runway of forward motion by the planets that rule our communication, values and action. Brain. Heart. Fierceness will be free of retrograde lessons. To that we should all say, phew!
As for the transpersonal planets, Saturn and Jupiter are direct and the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto –are also in direct motion until May 4 when Pluto stations retrograde. So that means after April 12, ALL the planets are flying straight for almost a month.
I think we will all be feeling an uplift that we have not had in at least six months. Maybe we will even soar a bit. Heart be still at that concept.
It is not too late to make your Treasure Map. We are still in the waxing phase that began with the Aries new moon, and you have up until April 12 at 5:22pm PDT to make your all-important Treasure Map!
Some of you have probably been running fast since March 29 and have not taken the time to focus, which is fine. But now that Mercury is direct, hopefully things have settled, and you can take a moment and make a map.
A Treasure Map is a vision board made at the Aries waxing moon. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and carries the power that launches the whole zodiac. It is the first sign of the zodiac, and it connects to seeds of our goals. Harnessing that Aries energy is vital.
Can you take a few hours today (Wednesday) or tomorrow (Thursday) or Friday or Saturday before 5:22pm to make your map?
If for some reason you are reticent to make a map because you felt the last couple years did not bring the results you hoped, please watch my video with Amanda Walsh on Astrology Hub. The Total Eclipses of 2023 & 2024 impacted many people’s maps, including mine and Amanda’s. Luckily, the new moon on March 29 was a partial eclipse and I believe will not be as wonky this year. Our maps will, I believe, be clearer and more on-the-nose manifestations. Please make a map,
If you have never heard about Treasure Mapping but you have made vision boards at other times of the year (not at Aries Waxing Moon) and you did not get many results, that is because you were missing out on the full gift and power that comes with Aries. You can watch my full video where I go into the history of Treasure Mapping and the significance of the Aries New Moon at my February presentation at the Philosophical Research Society (In LA). Please make a map.
If you have never made a vision board and you sort of know astrology and maybe understand the significance of new moons and waxing phases but never applied big goals and dreams in this manner. Please make a map.
Why do I keep harping on making a map? Because we are in extraordinary astrological time. This is not itty bitty. It is big. It all is daunting, but you know who knows how to navigate this complicated time? Your higher self and your psyche. When you make a Treasure Map you are tapping into both of those resources, which are only available to you.
Please make a map.
If you find yourself on April 12th after 5:22pm PDT with no map. Then this is the year you don’t make a map. Your next opportunity will be next year on April 17, 2026
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