IN APRIL, the Moon's four major phases merge childlike creativity, messages, imagination, and trophies of conquest into our consciousness. The first three convey initiating cardinal energy and employ air, earth and fire to balance, consolidate, and vitalize our efforts to generate activity for spring projects. And, the fourth helps channel this highly active energy through relentless fixed fire energy for strength of purpose.

FULL MOON
April's Full Moon, on the 2nd at 10:16am MDT in Libra reveals how simplicity and imagination can assist us to find the best solution. We will be more likely to find pleasure, joy, and companionship in fleeting moments of pleasurable wonder, than we are in the deep and meaningful. Our energy is best spent being creative with children, playing with toys and exploring fantasy drama. However, our Pollyanna attitudes can lead to fun or nowhere with a lack of depth in relating to others ideas, and with little substance behind them.

Home & Garden - If we are building a house, the Full Moon is optimal for laying the foundations. Planting biennials, perennials, shrubs, and fruit trees in this phase allows them to establish slowly and develop long, strong roots.

Mind, Body & Health – The Full Moon brings a symbolic polarization between our head and heart, our inner and outer persona and we may feel emotional instability and indecision. Events or emotions we have been trying to suppress for the last fourteen days can be brought to light. And, we can contemplate how we might bring balance into our relationships; whether we ought to give more or less to others and what requires changing.

Business & Finance – This phase marks the midway stage of the lunar cycle and is when we can start to see results of anything we began at the previous New Moon. It is a good time to assess progress and draw up new agendas.

MOON IN LIBRA
Libra's key idea of relationship and thematic principle I unite gives a strong desire to merge with a partner. Its craving for harmony conveys the lesson to balance "I" with "we" and to pay as much attention to our own development as to others. And, its high sense of social justice brings the desire to inspire large social changes through the art of gracious conflict. The Libra task, accomplished in solitude, is to become fully effective by unleashing ourselves from the constraint of worrying about what other people think.

The Libra Moon's affirmation, I feel safe in giving the gift of my love and joy with another who shares his/her gift with me, reflects the pivotal role reciprocity plays in our sense of relatedness: to the past, to culture, to tradition, to family, to others.

Home & Garden – The Libra Moon's affinity to balance and symmetry can be used to refine our home environment to be more beautiful and pleasing. The Libra Moon's moist semi-fertile nature supports planting pulpy stems like Kohlrabi, root crops, and fragrant flowers - biennials or perennials in this phase.

Mind, Body & Health – The Libra Moon is a tremendous time to bring a balance back to our lives. We can focus our intent on healing power struggles, anger, and wounds with our partner and within our relationships. This Venus influenced Moon is a brilliant time for artistic pursuits such as painting or drawing pictures and writing poetry, to help us unwind and release accumulated stress. When the many facets of our life are unbalanced; we are not clear in relationships; and, not eliminating emotional patterns, our kidneys, the source of energy and vitality, are easily compromised by too much stress, improper diet, and not enough rest. As a result, we are left feeling tired, depressed, and anxious. We can make periods of rest and relaxation a priority; incorporate Nori into our diet; and, consume sufficient water to strengthen, nourish, and flush our kidneys at a core level. Creating a space in our home or life for relaxation and taking our lover out for a romantic dinner can also enhance our sense of wellbeing. However, indulging feelings of loneliness or being unloved diminishes our wellness. And, in addition to kidney ailments, we are more disposed biochemical imbalances, bladder malfunction, and lower back and abdomen problems under a Libra Moon.

Business & Finance – The Libra Moon facilitates negotiations, settling disputes, and disclosing information. Sharing our shopping excursions with a friend can help us decide whether to purchase concert tickets, party food, flower arrangements, perfume, and embellishments or decorations for the house. And, we are best served when we avoid any hint of underhandedness and indecisiveness under this Moon's influence.

THIRD (LAST) QUARTER MOON
The Third Quarter Moon on April 10th at 11:05am MDT in Capricorn emphasizes background voices and quiet worship. When we are receptive to our feminine, intuitive side, there are messages to be heard that may not be readily apparent. And, we may realize that we are not alone, that there are other people who feel the same things. Furthermore, women's voices may be heard through more orthodox venues and could involve redefinition of men, women and the church.

Home & Garden – The Third Quarter is a good time to tackle painting projects and getting rid of clutter. The combination of decreased gravitational pull and moonlight creates a resting period when we can transplant, prune, and cultivate. And, fence posts set in this phase are less likely to heave out.

Mind, Body & Health – This is a transformational time when we can release our fears, worries, and self-judgment thereby freeing ourselves from that which is no longer nourishing for us. It is the best time to detoxify the body - release toxins and refresh, exfoliate, have a facial, and sweat it out in the sauna.

Business & Finance – This phase is well suited to departures and discarding what no longer fits in order to open doors and make room for fresh opportunities. It is an effective time to stand down or resign and downsize or restructure.

MOON IN CAPRICORN
Capricorn's key idea of building manifests in its thematic principle of use and helps create this sign's reputation of pragmatic ambition. It's the life energy in all of us that uses patience and perseverance to reach the top, despite many obstacles. In its evolved expression, the spiritual seeker in us all is able to ascend the heights. And, once we embrace its lesson that to reach our goals we must acknowledge something higher than ourselves, we can allow the Capricorn part of us to be a teacher of wisdom, who incorporates discipline and responsibility in manifesting ultimate faith.

The Capricorn Moon's affirmation, With confidence, discipline, and dedication, I can achieve my ambitions and fulfill my destiny. can guide us to climb solitary heights, where no one else can go, and to offer a vision of what we might create together.

Home & Garden – We can capitalize on Capricorn Moon practicality to implement efficient work patterns; to make improvements; to go on an economy drive; and, to undertake DIY projects. The Capricorn Moon's semi-fertile dry nature is productive and encourages strong hardy growth. Potatoes and other root crops flourish when planted under its influence and grafting and pruning to promote healing is more successful during this time.

Mind, Body & Health – The Capricorn Moon can be a good time to build and strengthen the core of the body and spirit as we use our prayers and intentions for setting our will and using discipline to accomplish goals. We are more likely to overcome obstacles and move through difficulties if we bend our knees (physically or metaphorically) and serve and surrender to Spirit and a greater process. When we are too set in our thinking, crystallization may develop in our body and we may manifest symptoms such as arthritis and rheumatism. We can envision our body strengthening and building and utilize yoga or martial arts to build strength in the foundational structures of our body, skin, bones, knees, spine, joints, ligaments, teeth, and nails. We might also support our health when we talk about our ambitions and tell our lover how we feel. And, we are well served when we avoid worrying about money, position or status, and being all work and no play. We are generally more vulnerable to toothache, skin abrasions, joint problems - especially the knees, arthritis, and rheumatism under a Capricorn Moon.

Business & Finance – The Capricorn Moon can be an effective time to entertain our boss; ask for a promotion; work overtime; and, for high finances. We must focus on practical items if we go shopping and our purchases can include good quality clothes, professional tools, office equipment, DIY materials, hardware, uniforms, and items for our elderly relatives. And, inflexibility, a lack of compassion towards our colleagues, ruthless ambition, and frivolous purchases are best avoided.

NEW MOON
The New Moon on April 17th at 4:37am MDT in Aries offers renewed hope and second chances. We can use our inner creative energy to revitalize an idea or opportunity that seems lost. We must believe that it is possible and create a new image in our mind in order to succeed. And, we may take heart that our creative imagination and visualization has the energy to recapture something that seemed to be lost. However, if we go over and over lost opportunity or rely on self-pity, we are unlikely to notice solutions to problems and deny our imagination to recover the situation.

New Moon Visualizations:

Home & Garden – We may be moving house to put down new roots and April 17th to May 1st is the optimal period to do so this lunar cycle; April 17th & 18th are the best days in this phase. Increasing moonlight creates balanced root and leaf growth making this an auspicious time to plant annual crops such as lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and grains; and, annual flowers - particularly frost resistant varieties like pansies.

Mind, Body & Health – The New Moon beckons us to listen to our dreams and waking inspirations for answers to what we desire to grow, create or transform in our lives during this lunar cycle. We must listen, honour, and trust the inner to guide our health promoting efforts during this productive time.

Business & Finance – This quarter blesses new beginnings and invites us to take a chance. It is a suitable time to begin projects, generate ideas, and interview people or hire staff.

MOON IN ARIES
Aries' key idea of the individual and thematic principle of I am carry the archetype of leadership. As the initiator of action and processes, it governs new beginnings and is related to aggressive, impulsive actions. Aries job is to be catalyst; to make trouble and test the limits. Its lesson requires that we recognize that many of our conflicts with others are projections of our battles with our own inner demons.

The Aries Moon's affirmation, I have the strength inside me to stand on my own two feet and the courage to explore the unknown. can help to stimulate an exuberant, full on, confident embrace of life.

Home & Garden – We can utilize Aries Moon energy to tackle DIY projects, to move furniture in preparation for decorating, and to clean out closets. Its dry semi-barren nature favours planting pungent vegetables, mowing, and soil cultivation.

Mind, Body & Health – The Aries Moon is an appropriate time to work with anger and frustration, which when ineffectively expressed; repressed or too frequently released, can become damaging and destructive both to ourselves and our community. This lunar energy facilitates our ability to release and vent anger to avoid liver toxicity that lowers our energy and leaves us feeling tight and constrained. It is a great time to renew and strengthen our vitality; to burn out toxins; and, to strengthen the adrenal system. We can set ourselves a new challenge and begin a new health regime to positively impact our wellbeing. And, we impair our wellness when we fail to avoid rashness, driving too fast, and rushing a job. In addition to liver toxicity, we are vulnerable to headaches, migraines, scalds and burns, cuts, and accidents under the Aries Moon's influence and it is an excellent time for us to focus our attention on the desire to heal or take action to restore health to these areas.

Business & Finance – We can employ Aries Moon energy to start a business; to implement tough measures; to launch new schemes; and, to take advantage of situations. With our energies and enthusiasm at a peak, this can be an excellent time to shop for, a car; sports clothes and gear; DIY materials; sunglasses and spectacles; and, anything red or made of metal. And, we undercut our efforts if we skip over essentials, go in with all guns blazing; and, buy or act on impulse, whereas, we benefit where we are able to temper our aggressiveness and impetuous behavior.

FIRST QUARTER MOON
The First Quarter Moon on April 23rd at 11:37pm MDT in Leo illuminates the pitfalls of needing to prove our animal instincts for the benefit of society or social position. We are reminded that achieving something and displaying our achievement is not the same thing and that our urge to impress others with our trophies of conquest may very well impress some and leave others distinctly unimpressed. We are reminded to think carefully of the effects before we do anything. And, we are cautioned about the consequences of viewing things as objects to be conquered; the ravages of warfare; and, trying to dominate the elements of nature with power.

Home & Garden – April 25th is the best day to move house this quarter and, along with April 29th & 30th, is very favourable for interior design projects. First Quarter conditions foster strong stem and leaf structure and we can plant vining annuals - melons, beans, tomatoes, etc - at this time. And, mow lawns while the Moon is waxing to increase regrowth.

Mind, Body & Health – The First Quarter signals a period of accelerated growth in our lives; we feel organized, powerful, and enthusiastic with the drive and influence to build a framework to support our dreams. It is a superb time to gain sudden insight about the way to manifest our goals and to explore, through contemplation and meditation, which areas of our life could benefit from focus and attention.

Business & Finance - This phase brings expansion and we can drop hesitation to allow realistic and achievable plans to become physical action. It is conducive to announcing mergers and launching advertising ventures.

MOON IN LEO
Leo's key idea of I express functions through its thematic principle of I create to use pageantry and ceremony to celebrate everything born of love, whether offspring of the heart, the mind, the body, or the spirit. It represents strong individuality and will. And, its lesson stresses the importance of being the master of our instincts and desires. Evolved Leo expression is generous, magnanimous, and courageous.

The Leo Moon's affirmation, My accomplishments fill me with pride and satisfaction; and, I recognize my own achievements and I do not require praise from any other source. can produce enlightened understanding that glory emanates from offering to ignite the spark of the marvelous in all rather than aggrandizing the struggling child ego.

Home & Garden – A house purchased during a Leo Moon is sure to be filled with love and laughter. And, we can revitalize our home with an interior design project. The Leo Moon's dry barren nature has little affinity for growing things and if we feel we must be active in our garden we can prune.

Mind, Body & Health – Leo Moon energy is a wonderful ally to combat our feelings of being dull, lethargic or tired and engage in play, music, and romance to stimulate our creativity; recharge our battery; strengthen our sense of adventure; and, rekindle our fire. And, dancing will raise our heart rate, throw off toxins, and transform depression into joy. Yogic Sun salutations assist us to connect to our heart, the centre of our emotional wellspring. We can nourish our wellbeing and express our warmth, openness, and kind heartedness when we spend time with our partner; buy someone a present; and, are creative. However, if we get caught up in jealousy, fear, greed, and hatred, we block our love and generosity; our heart chakra starts to close down; and our vitality is reduced. Backache, heart and circulatory problems more often manifest under this Moon's influence.

Business & Finance – The Leo Moon supports leasing or renting property; money deals; taking control of situations; and, lucky breaks. Although we might be prone to overspending and in an extravagant mood, if we have saved up for it a shopping expedition can involve purchasing jewelry, champagnes, caviar, anything gold, silk lingerie, theatre tickets, leisure wear, children's clothes and presents, and items for our hobbies. However, we must make an effort to avoid a domineering attitude and forming intimate relationships with colleagues, and people's indiscretions.

The Moon represents our soul's imperative in this lifetime. Each lunar cycle has a unique character blending cosmic energy and pulsing pressure to subtly motivate, nudge, and guide us through dreams, emotions, and hungers that surface from the darkness of our unconscious.

Each cycle builds upon the last to create a spiraling dance of unfolding purpose and consciousness. And, in the light of awareness, we can learn about the Moon's nature in our own lives as we move toward becoming the architect of our reality and the gardener of our soul.

© Yvonne Hanson, 2007

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yvonne Hanson is a freelance writer from Edmonton, Alberta Canada. In creating this column, Yvonne draws on fifteen years of astrological study and a desire to empower people. If you would like to sign up for Yvonne's free newsletter, which details the movement of the moon more closely, please contact her by email at starfire777_7@hotmail.com.