New Moon in Aries Solar Eclipse ~ April 19-20, 2023

My April 2023 Forecast shared:

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.

In addition to the out of sign square, we’ve got an out of sign conjunction with the North Node in Taurus. The North Node is future oriented. In Taurus, the North Node takes that “forge ahead,” “new” Aries energy and tells us to anchor it into something tangible and real.

Under normal circumstances, an Eclipse sets the stage for the next six months, but this one’s influence will last at least through November 2024. That’s due to the intense square from Pluto in early Aquarius, as well as the Eclipse happening in the final (anaretic) degree of Aries. Anytime something crosses 29 Aries to 0 Taurus, it will reactivate the Eclipse. Ditto anything crossing 29 Capricorn to 0 Aquarius, and both spots are key to the next year and a half.

Eclipse chart set for Washington, D.C.

This Eclipse loosely conjuncts Jupiter in late Aries, amplifying and enlarging all the emotions, goals and insights. On May 16, Jupiter crosses the exact Eclipse point as he enters Taurus. Jupiter will remain in Taurus for a year, expanding our ability to ground those energies. When Jupiter conjuncts the true North Node on June 1, we have another highly charged, future oriented day. With Uranus still in Taurus, Jupiter’s foray takes on even more expansive, future oriented energies. Do you sense a theme here?!

On July 17, the North Node crosses from 0 Taurus into 29 Aries–setting the tone for the next 18 months, but also reactivating the Eclipse. Anytime the North Node changes signs, we feel a collective shift, so the April 19-20 Eclipse clues us into what we’ll be working with during the next year and a half.

Moving onto the Plutonian influence, we have four more criss-crosses of that 29 Capricorn to 0 Aquarius point. On June 11, Pluto retrograde re-enters Capricorn, and that action pings the Eclipse again. This preview period from late March to mid-June shows us what sort of things Pluto will dredge up in Aquarius. But it’s just a preview. Pluto re-enters Aquarius in January 2024. Most astrologers are saying that’s it, that Pluto will remain in Aquarius for another twenty years, but wait, there’s more! Pluto stations retrograde in May 2024 and re-enters Capricorn on September 1, 2024, only finally entering Aquarius for the long haul on November 19, 2024. Every time Pluto crosses this transition point reactivates the April 19-20, 2023 Eclipse.

As if all that’s not enough, on May 20 this year, Mars enters Leo. The transition from 29 Cancer to 0 Leo not only opposes Pluto in early Aquarius, but yes, it reactivates the Eclipse with another square. Anytime something crosses from Cardinal Sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) into Fixed Sign (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), the Eclipse energies explode all over again. Libra/Scorpio season will be lit!

The Sabian Symbol for the last degree of Aries and this New Moon/Solar Eclipse is (ARIES 30°): A DUCK POND AND ITS BROOD.  KEYNOTE: The realization of natural boundaries. Although baby ducklings are cute, this symbol reminds us of the fierce protection animals provide their young. We might see more of Mama Bear energy emerge around the time of the Eclipse, as well as the next 18 months. Whether a child or an idea, the inchoate New needs protection. Battles intensify, because we are literally fighting for our future. Which reality do we want to unfold? What will we do to ensure that the New grows to a point where it can stand on its own? What will we do to protect children from predators? These energies are up and will remain up for a long time to come.

Right after the Eclipse, on April 21, Mercury stations Retrograde in Taurus and will remain Rx until May 14. This gives us time to process initial energies released by the Eclipse. The next three weeks ask us to review and revise information related to finances, security, self-esteem, values and the arts. 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.

Keep a notebook handy, because Mercury-Uranus conjunctions drop out of this world ideas into your brain. It’s also important to ground yourself with time in Nature. Mercury-Uranus conjunctions can rile up the nervous system. If you feel overloaded, you might need to ditch the internet for awhile, just to remind yourself what truly matters. The information age offers so much potential, but it’s easy to lose yourself in all that noise. Quiet your mind so that you can receive inspiration from beyond. With all the challenges on Planet Earth right now, solutions want to manifest in tangible form. But we need to hear ourselves think. We also need to pay attention to visceral messages from the body.

Mercury in Taurus can feel slow, especially when retrograde. As they say, “Life comes at you fast.” Use this time to process and reorganize your thoughts. Rapidly shifting geopolitical and inner landscapes require adjustments as we discover new terrain. Some of it’s rocky, so watch your step. If you notice lightning–metaphorical or otherwise–move to safer ground. Situational awareness allows you to navigate tricky territory so you can safely enjoy the journey.

Set for Washington, D.C., the Eclipse chart’s Ascendant conjuncts the Galactic Center–the womb of our galaxy. We’re at the beginning, not the end. Plan accordingly.