ON MARCH 19, THE SUN had its yearly initiation of the Spring Equinox, and entered Aries, symbolically beginning the astrological “new year”. A cardinal fire sign, Aries brings bountiful energy for new adventures, but can lack the staying power to see things through unless there is sufficient continuing challenge. Naturally goal oriented, people with the sun, moon or rising sign in Aries thrive on challenges and need ongoing stimulation to keep their interest. Most Aries are strong leaders and creative innovators. When wisdom has been developed, they can courageously provide a guiding light into uncharted territory for others to follow.

The sun journeys through Aries this year from March 19 until April 19, with a full moon in Libra opposite the sun in Aries occurring on April 5. Each month, the full moon illuminates a particular area of our life, depending on where it falls in our natal astrological chart, and it brings with it a unique theme. With the exception of a tendency to rash behavior and sudden changes of sentiment in love relationships, the energy at the full moon is extraordinarily positive. Communication flows easily and innovative ideas come readily, with the power to sustain and ground creative work available to all. The full moon is poised in a grand triangle with Neptune, Venus and Mars, bringing new spiritual inspiration and the drive to take our creativity forward in the world.

On April 6, Mercury, the planet of communication, turns retrograde (apparent backwards motion) in Taurus. This happens periodically, and symbolizes a time to review the recent past and get caught up on uncompleted projects and communications. While Mercury is retrograde in Taurus, from April 6-11, we take another look at our values and may take stock of our current financial situation. Mercury continues retrograding from April 11-30 in Aries, bringing our attention to a review of what we have initiated and created in the recent past. This gives us an opportunity to refine our thinking and perhaps redefine our proposed course of action, if necessary. Once Mercury is direct again at the end of April, we are ready to go into action with greater clarity and energy available.

We have a new moon solar eclipse on the last day of Aries, April 19. Eclipses bring significant changes along our life’s path, and solar eclipses signal internal changes that may take some time to be expressed externally. Occurring at the very last degree of Aries, this eclipse offers the challenge of finding a unique way to express our viewpoint and higher vision so that it will be most accepted in society. The impulse to bring transformation to our world is ignited at this eclipse, and the passion with which we embrace this goal attracts the wisdom and guidance needed to fulfill it. The subtle changes and internal shifts initiated by the solar eclipse will find their expression over the next three to six months.

Hours after the eclipse, the sun leaves Aries, entering the sign of the bull, Taurus. A fixed, feminine earth sign, Taurus takes the creative impulse of Aries and grounds it with a practical, step-by-step approach. During the last ten days of the month, Venus and Mars travel together in Gemini bringing a spark of attraction, new ideas, and great communication. The planet of advanced spiritual principles, Neptune, forms a favorable triangle with Venus and Mars, adding a higher vibration and attunement to the more sublime aspects of human interaction. Transformative Pluto in Sagittarius opposes the Venus-Mars mix, challenging the way we communicate and asking us to go to a deeper level of connection in our interactions with others.

As the month draws to a close, the planet of communication, Mercury, resumes direct motion, and will begin to pick up speed again in May. Our focus in April has been to receive the vision and inspiration of Aries, yet wait to implement new ideas until everything related is brought current and we are truly well prepared. The eclipse offers us the challenge of finding our own unique voice with which to express our higher wisdom in a way that will be practical and applicable in worldly terms. The retrograde period of Mercury has given us time to fully prepare, and next month, we will begin to ground our creative vision in the world.

Sun Signs for April 2004

	Old patterns of self-undoing may surface as tension in relationship increases in the first part of April. You have been working steadily to build a strong foundation in your home and family life; avoid making rash decisions now that you may later regret.
	Creative inspiration is flowing at a faster rate than the funds needed to bring your ideas to fruition. Your plans and dreams are well founded; trust in universal timing to bring the right ingredients.
	Romance and passion run high this month, but may conflict with the time you must spend at work and with family. Stay focused on your goals, and also put creative thought into how you will spend smaller increments of quality leisure time.
	The restructuring of your outlook on life continues to occupy much of your attention. New perspectives and spiritual realizations help to reshape your way of being in relationships, and this can bring greater harmony into your life. Allow time for spiritual renewal.
	You may have added one too many things to your social agenda, and find yourself pressured and tense. Clarifying your priorities and establishing boundaries will assist you to regain balance. Career and financial opportunities continue; choose wisely.
	Your grand plans for expansion may be working well, but have you spread way too thin. Plan to take a vacation before you wear yourself out. This may also help you restore much needed balance in your most treasured personal relationships.
	Your great communication skills will be an asset this month as complex issues arise in your personal life. A shift in philosophical perspective will assist you to resolve past hurt, freeing you to establish a new depth of connection with loved ones.
	New dietary habits and health routines give you increased vitality and stamina. Shared assets may be a source of tension with partners, and positive changes in long term goals may occur suddenly, precipitated by creative breakthroughs.
	Romantic and partnership affairs are highlighted, and sudden realizations or changes early in the month lead to greater clarity. Creative avenues of expression open up in the coming weeks, and your social life blossoms. Wise financial decisions made now will bring much future benefit.
	So much internal change has been happening in the past six months that none of your old reference points are meaningful. This month is good for grounding and centering, building a new foundation for the future. Allow your inner guidance to lead you.
	New insights from educational experiences and philosophical searching result in a flood of energy for creative pursuits. Refraining from spending and making good long terms financial decisions will assist you to stay balanced while you implement healthy lifestyle changes.
	Uranus has opened the gates to higher awareness since it entered your sign in January, but is also bringing changes that may be temporarily de-stabilizing. People closest to you are still adjusting to your new frequency; give them time.

© Carolina Eastwood-Parkyn, 2004

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolina Eastwood-Parkyn is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carolina has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carolina is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose. For more information, or to schedule a session with Carolina, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@greencafe.com.
You can also visit Carolina's website at www.earthstarconsulting.