People are asking, what are the stars doing, Val? What is in the planets? A woman said to me recently, this is just like the Twilight Zone. The world has come to a standstill. Life as we know it has changed overnight. (Uranus.) It happened so fast my head is spinning. Everything has been cancelled. When I wrote about the stellium in Capricorn last month I didn’t realize what the impact of Coronavirus would be. I was thinking more about the election and other things.
All events are cancelled or postponed. No air travel outside the US, concerts, graduations, weddings, or even funerals. Schools are closed and that is definitely a reality check. The kids are home and have to be schooled on line or entertained, while the parents are also working from home. No restaurants are open, just take-out and delivery. Many people will lose business. Recession is imminent. The towns are quiet. As I write this, I’m still getting used to the idea that all my plans have changed. Now I have no plans.
Astrologically, the current state of things corresponds to the conjunction (4 planets) in Capricorn in different ways. Pluto brings isolation, death, permanent change and transformation. This could be far reaching. Jupiter, even though he is a benefic planet, expands these conditions, for good or ill. Mars energizes, makes things happen, brings on fevers and starts fights. Saturn is endurance, limitation and loneliness. This might be the key. Suddenly we have to do without a lot of things, like life during wartime.
We are paralyzed. Uranus, which brings unexpected changes and surprises, rules paralysis. When Saturn enters Aquarius, March 22, he will square Uranus in Taurus. The Saturn square has already been operating for a few weeks, and will continue through May, separating when Saturn retrogrades, then again in December. Mars will join Saturn in Aquarius on April 1, so the first two weeks of the month could be a little bumpy.
What about Neptune? Neptune in water sign Pisces (his sign of rulership) is not in an adverse aspect to any other planets. But I still think it has an influence on the pandemic. The Sun just passed through Pisces. Note that Neptune rules infection, drugs, hospitals, quarantine, mystery, enigma and things we can’t see through the mist, like germs for one thing. Food for thought.
Humans have been increasingly insular and solitary for more than a decade, with our faces in our smartphones, always texting, not talking or touching, and because of the pandemic, we are forced to distance ourselves. If you have a husband or family to stay home with, you’re lucky. I often wonder how young people forming relationships today can learn anything at all about intimacy. Social containment = isolation = loss of intimacy = abject loneliness.
We might as well be in our own little bubbles. If you are unmarried, you will really be stuck with yourself. I’ve been lonely and I miss the physical closeness of another human being but there are many others like me. But consider this. Being alone serves a purpose. We have to go through these phases to learn something. To everything there is a season. Don’t take people and relationships for granted. Read about Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, in the CN archives, May 2013. The outer planets, the Transaturnians, represent various ways of being alone in the human condition. We don’t have to be socially isolated to understand being alone.
I looked up September 1918 in the ephemeris, when an influenza epidemic was at its peak in this country. The only thing in common I could find was Jupiter conjunction Pluto (in Cancer). The death rate was astronomically higher at that time than it is now. People didn’t realize the importance of isolation and quarantine. Medical knowledge was obviously not as advanced as it is now. There were no hand sanitizers! Today, so far, only a small percentage have died. But our daily lives have been turned upside down. A lifestyle adjustment is needed.
CELESTIAL ALMANAC: Libra Full Moon April 7, Taurus New Moon April 21, conjunct Uranus.
Generally, the Sun in your sign is a favorable influence. Mercury here on April 11-27 helps communications. The Jupiter Pluto conjunction may affect you in the career department. There are changes in the management. You may get a promotion or conversely, laid off due to powers beyond your control. Many businesses have shut down because of the current situation. You may escape unscathed. Your career could take a whole new direction.
Mars and Saturn have already been travelling side by side for a while. Now they are square Uranus in your sign. I found out about a Taurus lady who just split from her husband, and he didn’t see it coming. Some of you are already picking up the pieces from the changes in the country. If nothing happened to you yet, it still might. If you are stuck, be patient. Work with it. Roll with the punches. Watch the first week of the month. The Taurus New Moon on April 21 will bring a surprise followed by a new beginning.
Venus in Gemini all month is lovely, and I’m glad I can at least give somebody happy news. You attract lovers, friends, money and favors. You look good in the mirror. You are more creative now. The Libra Full Moon on April 7 will be a good day. Romance is favored. You may plan to travel but watch the Mars Saturn conjunction during the first two weeks. You may run into difficulty, and anyway, most travel is prohibited right now. Stay close to home and divert your adventurous energy into virtual learning of new subjects.
Because of Jupiter and Pluto, some of you will experience changes in relationships either personal or in business. A partner may try to dominate or he may leave. Or nothing at all may happen and you will go with the flow like everybody else. Tighten up your belt. Learn to live within limitations. Cancers are practical and good at making do with very little. And they don’t mind working from home. The Sun in Aries may bring a moment in the spotlight. If you are lucky enough to still be employed, you may be successful in some way.
The Sun in your travel house would ordinarily indicate a trip but this time around, research, books, films, virtual tours of art museums and spiritual studies are suggested. Expand your mind. Mars and Saturn in your marriage house may bring a hiccup or two, during the first week. You’ll get through this. Try to get along with your partner. Be patient. Some Leos will see unexpected career changes, so keep your eyes open. While you are stuck at home, pamper yourself. Leos would love this. Do a make-over, play dress-up and make a gourmet meal.
This is not a favorable time to travel, with Mars and Saturn square Uranus. Hopefully you are not stuck in Peru or somewhere. Don’t take any chances. The Taurus New Moon on April 21 is a good day to start a project or a different course of study. You may experience spiritual growth and a new perspective on the world. If you are not so cerebral or ambitious, well and good. Stay home, take it easy, Face Time with your family and take care of each other.
Venus in Gemini would ordinarily bring a pleasure trip or a cruise but better come up with alternatives this time. Virtual tours of museums and historic places are great if you can access them. Also films and other streaming programs. Mars and Saturn bring challenges, such as with children. Stuck inside, they might get in your hair. You have to find new ways to entertain them. You may meet someone new but romance and social activities will be shelved temporarily.
Mars and Saturn will affect your home life this month. For some people, being stuck at home presents certain challenges. Family members will get on each other’s nerves. Or not. Be patient. Try to find activities to do together, like cooking or games. Try some new recipes. Use your imagination. Because of Neptune in your house of fun and leisure time, you may be more creative. Do some drawing, painting, write poems or jokes, take out your old flute or guitar and practice. (That’s what I’m doing!)
The Sun in your house of romance and leisure time brings some happiness. Maybe you’ll be Face Timing with a new sweetheart. Also, Mercury in Aries helps communications so you may hear from your friends. After all, you are a social animal. Have some fun at home with your children. Games, blanket forts, hide-and-seek, making dinners together. Teach the kids how to cook. Venus in Gemini is very nice for romance and marriage. Bundle at home, New England style, with your lovie. I predict a baby boom in nine months.
Watch the Taurus New Moon on April 21, with Uranus. This is in your house of romance. A surprise love affair could happen. How can this be if we aren’t going out to meet anyone new? You never know. There might be an unexpected pregnancy, depending on your situation. The Jupiter Pluto conjunction may bring expansion or change. Don’t freak out, just take a few steps back and look at the big picture. There might be an opportunity in disguise. Remember, even though everyone is stuck inside, life still goes on.
Mars and Saturn here may present a challenge. The quarantine is part of the problem. You are blocked from doing what you want. Watch your health, and watch your step. A Mars Saturn transit might bring broken bones, but only if you are careless! Mars is in a high energy cycle for you so use it well. Find a project that requires focus, patience and concentrated effort. If you are stuck at home, fix some things. And don’t worry, it is a short transit, just the first week of April. Venus in Gemini is nice for romance and socializing, even if only with Face Time!
You may handle this social distancing stuff better than most people. With Venus in Gemini, your home life should be pleasant. Everyone is getting along nicely. Towards the end of the month, Venus will square Neptune and you will be prone to fantasies and look at life through rose colored glasses. Try not to expect too much of a new sweetheart. He may not be all you thought he was. Enjoy the moment but keep both feet on the ground. You can still have fun with this transit. Creativity is favored. Watch some good movies.