By Debra Infante
April is a very busy month with major astrological activity that brings shifts and challenges, motivating us to grow and transform with a new focus. At the beginning of the month is the intense Mars and Saturn conjunction that also aspects the nodes Rahu and Ketu. Two major planets change signs this month, first Jupiter moves to Pisces on April 13, followed by Saturn briefly moving to Aquarius on April 28. The Sun and Venus each move to their powerful exalted signs this month. Finally the spring eclipse season starts on April 30 with a solar eclipse in the sign of Aries.
Mars, planet of action and energy, has been transiting its exalted sign of Capricorn since February 26, 2022 when it joined Saturn there. Saturn is also powerfully placed in Capricorn, a sign it rules. Mars and Saturn are not at ease with each other, so together they bring increased volatility and friction. Mars will exactly conjunct Saturn at 28 degrees Capricorn on April 4 and 5, 2022. At 28 degrees, assertive Mars is at its pinnacle of total exaltation, but with the restrictive Saturn influence we should watch for an amplification of anger, frustration, anxiety, or impulsivity. But if motivated by pure intention and strong will, we can rise above these barriers with greater understanding and vision. Find healthy outlets for this build-up of energy. Know that your actions do matter and have great impact. Be patient, understanding and forgiving with others.
Also on April 4 and 5,while Mars and Saturn are conjunct at 28 degrees, Mars will aspect Rahu in Aries at 28 degrees, and Saturn will aspect Ketu in Libra at 28 degrees too! Mars aspecting Rahu can manifest as a dominating energy, with control issues or power struggles. Instead, channel this amplified, ambitious energy into inspirational or creative expressions. Saturn aspecting Ketu teaches us to detach and let go of the superficial or excess in our lives. Unexplained pressures or uncertainly can arise. We need to be more realistic and practical. Also, Jupiter in Aquarius aspects Ketu exactly at 28 degrees at this time and gives a much needed spiritual focus.
The Sun begins its annual transit through its exalted sign of Aries from April 13 until May 14, 2022. The Sun rules the eastern direction, suggesting the sense of new beginnings and the excitement we feel during this particular time of year. The Sun is the planet that represents the connection to our innermost essence, so this is a positive time for meditation and the practice of self-inquiry. The Sun is a pitta, fiery planet, so watch for being overly stimulated and impatient, which can result in frustrations.
A big shift occurs when Jupiter changes signs on April 13, 2022, moving to its favorable sign of Pisces for over a year. In general, Jupiter stays in a sign a little over a year, so when Jupiter shifts signs it is significant. Jupiter is happy residing in its own sign of Pisces, and this transit can promote a deeper interest in spiritual studies and contemplative practices. There is a greater emphasis on humanitarian and charitable causes. Watch though for exaggerated idealism and lack of boundaries. Jupiter’s generosity, compassion, and sensitivity is apparent during this transit through the water sign of Pisces.
Venus begins its transit through the favorable sign of Pisces where it is exalted from April 27 to May 23, 2022. Venus will be joining Jupiter there. Venus in Pisces brings a longing for greater kindness, love, and peace to alleviate the suffering and challenges we see around us. Venus rules fine art and beauty, so we enjoy being more creative and self-expressive. However, Venus in Pisces needs to learn to discern and have proper boundaries. Adding more devotional and spiritual content to our lives is suggested, as Venus rules the path of Bhakti Yoga.
Venus exactly conjuncts Jupiter at 3 degrees Pisces on April 30, the solar eclipse day. These two teacher planets together create a dwi-guru yoga (Jupiter is the teacher of the gods, Venus is the teacher of the demons). This is a wonderful time to expand our knowledge and promote spiritual awareness. Jupiter and Venus together can increase romantic opportunities, and promote artistic, creative, and healing ventures. But watch for over-doing things.
Saturn, planet of focus and discipline, begins a brief 2 ½ month transit through Aquarius, starting April 28 until July 12, 2022. Saturn will only go to 1 degree Aquarius and then retrograde back into Capricorn on July 12, 2022. It’s not until January 17, 2023 that Saturn fully begins its transit through Aquarius. Saturn in Aquarius prompts us to review our contributions to society and to our planet, with a more humanitarian focus. Saturn in the fixed air sign of Aquarius can be determined or become obstinate and hard to change.
The end of April marks the start of the spring eclipse season. A solar eclipse occurs at 16 degrees Aries on April 30, 2022, at 1:28 PM (PDT) in the nakshatra of Bharani. This eclipse will be followed by a total lunar eclipse next month on May 15, 2022 (PDT). The April 30 solar eclipse is in the fierce nakshatra of Bharani and generates a type of life, death, rebirth energy. We may be ending one phase of life, and beginning a new one. The deity of Bharani is Yama, the lord of death and king of justice, indicates this eclipse brings transformative and purifying energies. Bharani nakshatra is called the “star of restraint,” so self-discipline, patience and true understanding are required at this time. Eclipses are points of change and offer us insights into our own evolution. They carry a spiritual connotation, awakening us to our greater potential. Meditation, retreat, and inner work are remedies for eclipses.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at http://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
