APRIL 2023 FORECAST
On the surface, April 2023 seems calmer than March, but don’t be fooled! We need this time to process all those seismic shifts, and Mercury Retrograde makes sure we take it. Use this month to heal and tap into other realms. Rest, relax and reposition yourself for bigger shifts again in May.
April 3 Mercury enters Taurus. Communication slows down and grows more deliberate. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we plod our way through information so that we learn the lay of the land before racing onto the next level of understanding. Mercury in Taurus provides a gentle pause between speedy Aries and Gemini. This year takes a longer pause due to Mercury Rx. Mercury will remain in Taurus until June 11. Use this time to learn new, practical skills, and to say what you mean and mean what you say. An excellent time for editing in “Hemingway style.” People will resonate with anyone who addresses their basic needs or brings more beauty into the equation.
April 5 Sun conjunct Chiron in Aries. Today’s spotlight shines on old wounds to our personal agency, ego, and willpower. People with natal Chiron in Aries will be especially affected, but this point also conjuncts the start of Watergate and is only a few degrees from the US natal Chiron. In that regard, it affects the entire world as current and past wounds in the US continue to spill into other areas around the world. Today is a good day to move beyond codependent behaviors. Have courage to move in whatever direction you know you need to go, regardless of worn out obligations. This is “me first” energy that reminds us to tend to our inner wounds so that we stop passing along victim/abuser patterns and repression. Practice kindness, and realize that people around you might feel extra raw or extra vocal about their own healing today.
April 6 Full Moon in Libra, 12:34 a.m. Eastern US time, and Mercury conjunct North Node. This Full Moon in Libra opposes Jupiter and Chiron. Pay attention to healing insights that arise, especially if these deal with money, individuality, partnership, and your desire to forge ahead. Destiny level messages come through. Explore implications, even if the information seems farfetched. The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon point is: (LIBRA 17°): A RETIRED SEA CAPTAIN WATCHES SHIPS ENTERING AND LEAVING THE HARBOR. KEYNOTE: The capacity to gain an objective and calm understanding of human experiences in which one was once deeply involved.
April 11 Sun conjunct Jupiter in Aries and Venus enters Gemini, trining Pluto in Aquarius. This is a big opportunity day, especially in the area of finances. If you’ve lost money, today’s energies assist your comeback. Pay attention to big ideas that could translate into larger gains. Venus in Gemini brings extra grace to negotiations, and she helps us to express ourselves in pleasing ways. She remains in Gemini until May 7. Use her energy to enhance friendly gatherings, underground networking, and to beautify thought, word and deed. A fabulous time for affirmations!
April 15 Vesta enters Taurus. I don’t often include Vesta in monthly forecasts, but this ingress squares Pluto in Aquarius. We will need to dig deep (Pluto) to honor and reclaim that which we hold most dear (Vesta). This is a highly spiritual day that reminds us of the sacredness of our own bodies and sensuality (Taurus). The Pluto square emphasizes taboo and shadow aspects that might go against politically correct rhetoric (Aquarius). Tensions arise when we compromise our values (Taurus) too much in order to get along with the crowd (Aquarius). What sacred flame (Vesta) in your life needs tending?
April 19-20 New Moon in Aries and Solar Eclipse, and then Sun enters Taurus. This is the second New Moon in Aries this year. Not only is it a Solar Eclipse, but in very late Aries, it squares Pluto in early Aquarius. Intensity skyrockets. This happens at 12:13 a.m. Eastern time on the 20th. We can use this New Moon in Aries and Solar Eclipse as a preview of the North Node shifting into Aries in July. Since the North Node moves backwards, this very late Aries New Moon/Solar Eclipse conjuncts the entry point that sets the collective goals until January 2025. This energy pits the individual vs. codependency (Libra South Node). Take note of anything that comes up during the eclipse, as you’ll likely be working with that energy more in the future. Taurus season brings a slower, more sensual pace. Inertia can be difficult to overcome, but once we begin something, that inertia works in our favor: we just keep going. Slow and steady wins the race.
April 21 Mercury stations Retrograde in Taurus and remains Rx until May 14. The next three weeks ask us to review and revise information related to finances, security, self-esteem, values and the arts. How can your message become more beautiful? What steps will you need to take (or re-take) based upon new information you’ve acquired? In what ways does backing up help to release stuck energy? Mercury stations Retrograde very close to Uranus, which adds to the liberating effects of this review.
April 24 Sun conjunct North Node in Taurus. Light shines on our collective destiny to get grounded, establish more security and make slow, steady progress. With all the trauma drama being pumped across the airwaves and internet these days, it helps to remember where we’re headed. The collective North Node is in Taurus, not Scorpio. Keep going, and keep that catastrophizing in check. Yes, things take time, but we are moving ahead.
April 29 Mars in Cancer sextile Uranus in Taurus. Emotions provide rocket fuel for quantum leaps. A sextile offers a more subtle experience of volatile Mars/Uranus transits. Look for opportunities to break through emotional blocks and golden handcuffs. Your feelings matter–as in they create matter. Pick your battles, and enjoy the rocket fuel.
How April’s sky weather affects you will vary, depending on your entire natal chart, but your North Node Horoscope transcends monthly sky events. That’s because your North Node reveals what your soul came here to do. By midlife, the soul starts longing and pressing us to live our true purpose. At first, it whispers through intuition. Then it knocks a little louder through “coincidences” and external events. When not heard and honored, the soul’s longing can show up as health crises, marriage or work issues, or wondering “is this all there is?” If you feel a need to reinvent yourself, following North Node guidance helps you do that authentically — for you.
Unlike generic Sun Sign horoscopes, which ignore so many other aspects, following North Node guidance will always lead you in the right direction. Doors open, healing happens, relationships improve, and life gets more magical. This quarterly column will help you tap into your personal North Node Mojo. When you start living your North Node purpose, we all win, because you not only begin to light up your own life. You light up the world.
You can find your North Node sign here which is often different than your Sun sign. If you’re right on the cusp, consider both possibilities or book a reading for more clarity.
SECOND QUARTER 2023 NORTH NODE HOROSCOPES
ARIES NORTH NODE: April through mid-May offer the last six weeks of Jupiter in Aries until the next Jupiter cycle twelve years from now. Use this energy to dream big and bold before the collective North Node moves into Aries in July. Pay special attention to events or messages that arise around the April 20 New Moon in Aries/Solar Eclipse. Venus offers relationship support from Gemini between April 11-May 7, then squares from Cancer until June 5. The rest of the quarter offers fiery support from Venus in Leo. Pluto in Aquarius brings supportive transformation to early degree Aries North Node natives. Those with late Aries North Node degrees continue to feel friction from Pluto in early Aquarius. Themes of death and rebirth dominate. Overall an empowering and satisfying quarter, so long as you embrace the need for change. When in doubt, go for it!
TAURUS NORTH NODE: We enter Taurus season, and it’s the last quarter the North Node remains in your sign. It won’t return to Taurus until August 2040, so git ‘er done while you have extra energetic support. On April 6, 2023, Mercury conjunct the North Node in Taurus brings potent, yet grounded messages about collective and personal destiny. With Mercury in your sign until June 11, you’ll have extra time to process any big downloads. On April 24, the Sun shines more light on destiny, and on May 16, lucky Jupiter enters your sign for an entire year! Uranus continues stirring the pot, as well. Depending on the degree of your North Node, Second Quarter 2023 could solidify recent progress, or push you past old limitations. If you feel overwhelmed, get grounded. Imbibe or create beauty whenever you can. Remember to honor your creature comforts: “Better to have and not need than to need and not have.”
GEMINI NORTH NODE: Love, grace and harmony are on the menu as the Love Goddess moves through Gemini from April 11-May 7th. Pluto also starts trining Gemini from early Aquarius. Early degree Gemini North Node natives will feel this surge of creative alchemy all quarter. Mid- to later-degree Gemini North Node natives won’t feel direct impact from Pluto for many years, but you’ll notice a shift in zeitgeist that supports your sign. You feel less alone, whether through friends, partnerships or social media. You can use this quarter to diversify in ways that secure your future. Allow yourself to daydream, and don’t get hung up on any one particular idea. As chaos swirls around the world, Gemini North Node natives benefit through resilience and curiosity. You can dance your way through change, knowing that everything’s negotiable. Emphasize better boundaries in conversation and correspondence. Make time to play!
CANCER NORTH NODE: This quarter starts slowly with continued friction from planets moving through Aries. By May and June, energies turn more harmonious. Jupiter enters Taurus on May 16, and he’ll offer easy support and expansion as he sextiles Cancer for the next year. The Moon rules your North Node sign, so you’ll want to pay special attention to New and Full Moon energies, especially eclipses. More than most signs, yours works best when aligned with natural ebb and flow. Venus moves through Cancer from May 7-June 5. Relationships improve, and some of these seem orchestrated from above. Trust your instincts, and honor your need to retreat and recharge. Keep an open heart, though! Your Capricorn South Node tends to withdraw for too long, confusing people who would benefit from your loving care. On June 21, the Sun enters your North Node sign. How can you improve family and home life? What do you need in order to feel more comfortable and loved?
LEO NORTH NODE: This is a big quarter for Leo North Nodes, as Pluto just entered Aquarius, your South Node sign. Only those with very early Leo North Node’s will receive a direct hit, but these Pluto/Aquarian energies bring huge power for letting go. Any group think or idealism that stands in the way of your own success and growth will more easily fall away now. Mars adds destiny level activation as he moves through Leo from May 20-July 10. Uranus and from mid-May onward, Jupiter, announce opportunities from Taurus, but those will take some work to manifest. Pay attention to frustration and practice shifting it to determination. That small move will carry you far. You’ll feel quite a bit of friction this quarter, and how you approach the energies makes a huge difference. If you use irritation as motivation, it could light a fire that transforms your life. Change is on the horizon. Coming or going: you won’t stand still for long.
VIRGO NORTH NODE: Second Quarter 2023 brings a mixed bag. On the one hand, Uranus and–from mid-May onward–Jupiter trigger positive opportunities from fellow Earth sign, Taurus. On the other hand, Saturn entered your Pisces South Node sign on March 7. As karmic taskmaster, Saturn demands accountability and firm foundations. Illusions and delusions dissolve, but this takes time. In the face of endings or loss, look for silver linings because they will appear. Saturn is also a trouble shooter who helps you build something solid and real. Daydreams come true with consistent effort. When you get overwhelmed, you might feel tempted to zone out with sugary foods, alcohol or other substances. We all need to take breaks, but you benefit more from natural endorphins released in exercise and meditation. Yoga and Tai Chi help you to ground your expansive spirit and emotions into your mind and body. Be here now. Analyze, focus and discern. Music helps you to relax and shift gears as needed.
LIBRA NORTH NODE: Mark your calendar for April 6’s Full Moon in Libra and April 20’s New Moon in Aries/Solar Eclipse. These events will affect Libra North Node natives more than most. This is the last quarter before the nodal axis shifts to Aries/Libra, and these Moon’s give you a heads up for issues that might arise in the next 21 months. If you don’t like what you see, look for partnerships and alliances that make you stronger. You don’t need to walk alone. In addition to people, you’ve got support from Pluto’s foray into Aquarius, as well as anything moving through Gemini. Venus rules your North Node sign, and she wants you to open your heart with love and connection. In challenging times, your Aries South Node knows how to lead, but you’ll move faster if you share leadership with others whose talents you discover. Have patience and seek win-win options rather than only looking out for Number One. Relationships are a destiny level priority!
SCORPIO NORTH NODE: This is the last full quarter of the North Node in Taurus, which means you’re tying up loose ends related to past relationships and perspectives that need to transform. Since January 2021, you’ve been 180 from society, and this can feel lonely. There’s light at the end of this introspective tunnel. Just a few more months until July 2023 when the North Node moves into Aries with the South Node in Libra. Uranus and Jupiter still trigger major shifts from Taurus, but the good news is that the stark contrasts between you and the rest of the world will begin to ease in July. Use Second Quarter 2023 to plow through any karmic ties that present for transformation. You’re stronger and more resilient than you imagined you could be. Mercury’s long stay in Taurus will give you another opportunity to wriggle out of karmic contracts that no longer serve. Use the May 5 Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio as rocket fuel for change. You got this!
SAGITTARIUS NORTH NODE: April through May 16 continues expansive support as your North Node’s ruler (Jupiter) moves through fellow Fire sign Aries. You can seize breakthroughs in healing, relationships, finances and overall vision for your life path. From April 11-May 7, Venus moves through your Gemini South Node sign, bringing old relationships, lack of focus, and too much small talk up for change. Do you really need to keep so many irons in the fire? This can be a positive time for you, as you re-evaluate old habits that no longer serve. Pay extra attention to insights that arise on the June 3 Full Moon in Sagittarius and the June 17-18 New Moon in Gemini. You’ll make faster progress if you focus on the big picture and overall alignment rather than trying to cover all the details. There’s simply too much information to process, and you don’t need to imbibe it all. You’ll feel this more when Mercury enters Gemini on June 11. If you suffer from FOMO, step back and reevaluate. What brings you most satisfaction? Commit to that.
CAPRICORN NORTH NODE: Most of Second Quarter 2023 feels like a relief as heavyweight Pluto leaves your sign alone for the first time since 2008. Whew! Life finally feels like it’s coming into balance with new opportunities and the blessings of prior hard work. Pluto returns to Capricorn on June 11, so use this quarter to strategize and plan for your future success. Although people fear and sometimes even hate Pluto, he helps us change and regenerate more than any other planet. Instead of clinging to worn out relationships and unhealthy patterns, look at life as an investment. Do your energy expenditures make sense? If someone or something expands your horizons and leadership potential, consider that a good investment. If someone or something drains you and makes you crawl inside your Cancer South Node shell, that needs to go. Or at least transform. Capricorn North Node natives must learn to embrace the positive side of being ruthless. Tough editing makes a better book or video. Correctly pruning a tree yields more fruit.
AQUARIUS NORTH NODE: This is a time of rapid change for Aquarius North Node natives. You’ll feel Pluto’s presence in your sign even if he’s far away from your North Node degree. This brings huge opportunities to release that which no longer serves and to upgrade into Aquarian Age ideals. The energies from Aries, Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius all play well with Aquarius and your Leo South Node, making this quarter ripe with positive potential. You benefit from social media, online networking and joining group efforts to improve our world. When you combine your skills with others, everyone’s life improves. If you’ve had minimal success doing everything yourself, foster connections with friends and colleagues. You are not the product this time, but you can become an important part of a carefully selected team. You’re among the visionaries of our times, and you came here to support this massive shift on Planet Earth. If you feel discouraged, flip your perspective and look at the bigger picture. How might your individual struggles and triumphs open portals for all of humanity?
PISCES NORTH NODE: If you lean into your mystical, spiritual side, Second Quarter 2023 brings solid opportunities your way. If you insist on perfection, you’ll feel more frustrated and blocked than usual. You’re not here to “get everything right.” You’re here to recognize how beautiful and perfect you already are. Saturn’s move through Pisces helps you build a strong foundation for your dearest hopes and dreams–especially the ones your Virgo South Node dismisses as “impractical.” You can have your pie in the sky and eat it, too. You just need to align with forces you don’t understand. Squares from Gemini and Sagittarius alert you to internal blocks. If you find a boulder in your way, make like water and flow around it. Instead of stressing and trying to figure out every last detail, practice trusting a Higher Power. Prayer is practical action for Pisces North Node natives. Mantra meditation eases inner conflict by giving your monkey mind somewhere else to focus. Your first and most important task each day is to “tune in” to higher guidance. Whatever time you “waste” in prayer and meditation, life returns to you through magical means.
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