Easter eggs are a symbol of fertility and rebirth in many cultures, as well as the empty tomb of Jesus Christ after he has risen. They are decorated and served on Easter to celebrate the Resurrection. The custom of decorating them at Easter supposedly began with the early Christians of Mesopotamia, spreading through Europe, but actually goes back to pagan times, and to the ancient Egyptians. Sometimes the eggs were colored red to symbolize the blood of Jesus Christ. This is still done today in some countries such as Greece. In the Middle Ages eating eggs was forbidden during Lent, then eggs were served on Easter morning.
Here is a festive display of Easter eggs done over the years by myself. I was inspired by the beautiful hand-crafted pysanky eggs made in Eastern Europe. This tradition goes back before Christianity, to pagan times and Slavic cultures. Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Ukraine and Russia. Instead of wax resist, I used commercial food color egg dyes, masking tape, crayons, etc. Some of these go back twenty or thirty years. When I decorated eggs with my children, I saved one or two, blown out, to add to the collection. Sometimes I cracked several before I got one to decorate. It’s a delicate process and requires patience. Eggs are so fragile and unpredictable. This year I ruined four before I got one to save. Scrambled eggs for lunch two days in a row.
Last month Mars, Saturn and Pluto changed signs. Circumstances will change for many people. Mars is the most obvious. The cardinal signs will be affected. Mars is weak in Cancer (the sign of fall) but some good can come of it. Watch your step and don’t rush headlong into things. If you are sidelined because you sprained your ankle, use this time to review your life, or change your plans. If you get lemons, make lemonade. Same thing if you get sick. (Mars can bring on a fever.) You have to rest. Take better care of yourself. There is no right way or wrong way. Just deal with it! Some people may be super sensitive. You either cry a lot, get mad or both. Get it out of your system, then look at the other person’s point of view and meet him halfway.
I promised you more about Pluto, didn’t I? I’ll save that for next month, and also write about Saturn.
Celestial Almanac: Libra Full Moon April 6, Aries New Moon April 20, on the cusp of the sign change to Taurus. Mars is trine Saturn, a short transit, about two weeks in effect the first half of April, but an excellent influence. Practically speaking, a great deal can be accomplished. Celebrate a renewal this Easter. A new season and perhaps a new chapter of life begins!
This is your time to shine. Enjoy the attention. At the Full Moon, a project may come to a conclusion. At the New Moon there is a new beginning. Make a wish. Mars in Cancer affects home life in some way. Put this energy to good use. Do spring cleaning or fix things at home. On April 10-13 the Sun conjuncts Jupiter. Opportunity, money, favors, expansion in business and happy times. In some way you feel pretty good and you benefit. Watch how much you eat or your waistline will expand as well.
While Mercury is here, communications are favored. Check and review your finances. Generally this is a good time for all business affairs. Get your ducks in a row before Mercury stations Rx on April 23. After that, back up a little, stay in the shadows, take a break and clean closets. Re-organize and throw out stuff. You may find something you had lost. Look at projects put aside or left on the back burner. Something can be finished or re-worked.
Saturn in your house of career and public life means a slowing down, a promotion or more responsibilities, among various things. Your ruling planet Mercury stations this month and you know the drill. You may run late, get lost or detoured. Meetings are postponed. This is not the best time to travel. If you do, be patient. Be sure to have plan B ready. If you relax and don’t worry, there won’t be any problems and the three-week retrograde will over before you know it.
When Mars is in your sign, it may be time to stand up for yourself! You may have to defend or assert yourself. Until now you have been too passive. Sweet, gentle Cancer. Speak up. Everyone will be shocked. Who knew? You are a force to be reckoned with. In any case, the way will open, so start your engines. Mars trine Saturn at the beginning of the month is a very good transit for hard work and steady progress.
The Sun in Aries the first half of the month is favorable for travel and exploration. Plan a trip at this time. When the Sun moves into Taurus the focus will be on your career. This is the time to promote yourself. Make new connections. Schedule interviews, have book signings. If you are in the arts, display your work. Fame or notoriety may be on the horizon. With Uranus in Taurus this is even more of a possibility. There are unexpected events, especially next month.
With Saturn now in Pisces, your house of marriage, there are lots of possibilities. If you are married, you may have to take care of your partner because of illness or injury. It could also be the other way around. Patience and unconditional love are required. If single, you may meet an older partner who will be a friend and teacher. Some people marry late in life after a prolonged bachelorhood. If you are planning a wedding, something may hold up your plans. Don’t be discouraged, everything will all work out. With Mercury stationing, you should postpone travel until next month.
Watch both the Libra Full Moon and the Aries New Moon. Both lunations will have some effect. The New Moon brings a fresh start in relationships. You can re-kindle the spark or meet someone new. Mars in Cancer affects your career. You are more ambitious now. You may be angling for a promotion or advancement. You may get it but there is a challenge along the way, such as competition, or problems with higher-ups. Just play by the rules and make a good impression.
Read about Cancer. Mars trine Saturn at the beginning of the month is a very helpful transit. Plan carefully, especially before the Mercury station on April 23. You can get a lot of work done the first half of the month. Finish up paper work and legal matters before that time. Business, building, construction and travel are favored. This is a very good transit for students, especially if you are picking up college again after a hiatus, or going back for an advanced degree.
Venus in Gemini is lovely for marriage and other relationships. Romance beckons. Business partnerships are going well. The Sun and Jupiter together in Aries means good times are coming up. Lots of social events and invitations. Activities with children. Saturn in Pisces may bring some work to do at home. An older relative may need to be cared for but it shouldn’t be a problem. The Sun Jupiter transit makes this a happy period. Party on!
Mars in Cancer will affect your marriage. Sparks will fly. It could be very interesting. You could re-kindle the spark, or there might be a confrontation. If you have to get into it with your partner, have it out. Clear the air. Something needs to be addressed and worked out. The kissing and making up will be worth waiting for. The Mars Saturn trine could favor a more mature and reasonable discussion. Remember, the Mercury station is coming up. Plan accordingly.
Mercury arrives in Taurus, your house of the home fires, on April 3, the Sun on April 20. Lots of visitors at your house or communications among the family. At the station retrograde, on April 23, things might get confusing. For the next few weeks, do spring cleaning and get organized. Finish up things you had put off doing. Something turns up that you had lost. Don’t sign any papers. When lovely Venus enters Gemini on April 11, your social life picks up. Romance is favored.
Mars is trine Saturn at the beginning of the month. The water signs can use this to good advantage. Pisces tends to be lazy and to put things off, but under this transit you can get your act together. Make a steady effort and you can accomplish a lot. This is also good for health and fitness. Take walks, go swimming or go to the gym more. Mars in Cancer favors romance, children’s activities and sports. Venus in Gemini is also very nice for a happy family life.
