Sun Signs—April 2018
The soft underbelly of last month’s romantic Piscean tone gives way to a harder-edged, pragmatic approach. Point this no-nonsense energy toward spring cleaning. With four planets in retrograde this month (taskmaster Saturn and intense Pluto both joining speedy Mercury and jolly Jupiter in the backward shuffle later in the month), it’s a good time to take care of old business, complete unfinished projects, and refine your goals before pushing ahead. In other words, spring hasn’t quite sprung—it’s coiling.
By Lisa Lisa and the Star Jam
ARIES (Mar 21-April 19) Not so fast Aries. You’re in the midst of a slow, long-term process of transforming your life’s purpose. You’re eager to take action and move forward, but the timing isn’t right. Instead, use this impasse to get up to speed with all things concerning self-definition. Maybe it’s time to slip into ninja mode. Crouching tiger and hidden dragon skills get you farther than the samurai way. You’re gearing up for a marathon, not a sprint.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) The bull’s steady pace is just right this month. You’re looking pretty, and the universe is setting you up to attract what you need. As you amend the fertile ground and uproot your belief system, you refine and build a truly beautiful self. A new moon in your house of imagination calls you to examine your dream life; consider what’s hidden within, and it just might power your next move. This month you are far less a bull in a china shop and much more Ferdinand in a field of blooms.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You talk a good game, but you really are chicken when it comes to going deeper, and downright slippery with intimacy. Still, you’re working on it and getting clearer about your weak spots. With sleeves rolled up, you have great potential shimmying through your unconscious and plumbing the depths this month. There is a ripe vein waiting for your sharp blade to strike. Refining your tribe and who you want to go the long haul with is also a focus. If you invest, make sure it’s in long-term stocks and solid partnerships.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) You’ve scampered to the top. Now, you’re taking in the view and making the necessary adjustments to feel more at home in the workplace. Your new role requires some innovative ideas and you’re up for it. While you’re shining brightly in the public sphere, the pressure is on in your relationship. You may need to take a cold, hard look at your partner, assess the long term, and consider what you’re willing to put up with and what’s non-negotiable. You’re getting your contingency plan in order and that’s a good thing. On the brighter side, date night at the end of the month reminds you why you fell in love in the first place.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) The sun never sets on the Leo empire. It doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you go; after all, adventure feeds a Lion’s spirit. Go ahead and buy the plane tickets or plan an excursion. That is, once you’ve heeded the reality check around your health and daily habits. Hunker down and get serious about honing your diet and exercise regimen. Just remember to keep the focus on conserving your energy resources. Don’t overdo it at the gym. As you flow physically, you’ll find the rest of your life flows along with you.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22) You can put a lot of mundane things in order this month, from combing over your taxes to balancing your shared checking account. Spinning your passion for details into practical magic works wonders. Meanwhile, a focus on your pleasure house prompts you to take a serious look at creative projects. You may agonize that things don’t feel so fun, but once you get into it you can make steady progress. Try to pace yourself around work; burnout is a real thing, travel may be the antidote. While the Amalfi coast probably feels too extravagant, a weekend retreat at the local Zen Center fits the bill.
LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22) Famous for not wanting to rock the boat, this month, Libra, you finally know what you want. According to the astrological omens, it looks like that’s a partnership that allows you more say and space, and stimulates you mentally. Single Libras out there, a door could open and somebody new (and different) could walk through it. Meanwhile, the pressure and focus is on your home and family life. Whether you’re renovating, moving, or working from home, Libras everywhere are busy feathering their nests.
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21) Tidying up your desk is a first step toward cleaning up your daily habits. Organizing your workspace, defragmenting your hard drive, and employing time management skills to break your day down into 15-minute chunks improves productivity and boosts energy. At the same time, make sure your personal planning tool includes a fitness tracker, reminding you to hydrate and pinging you to pop a multi. Humming like a well-oiled, stealth machine, this more efficient, healthier (and happier) you is ready to rumble in the relationship jungle.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21) If the secret to life was as simple as mythologist Joseph Campbell once said, following your bliss would have led you to happiness a long time ago. But doing what you love isn’t enough, Sag. For a sign who’s not afraid to wrestle, you’ll be energized to roll up your sleeves and apply your creative talents to increase your ROI. Later in the month, you discover novel ways to wrangle your labors of love to work for you. Freewheeling Archers are buckling down and blazing trails around how to turn passions into a gravy train.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19) Your living situation is due for a makeover. You’re motivated to declutter, get rid of useless stuff, or even make a change of address. Simplifying frees up energy for some serious tactical, long-term planning. Right up your ally. On the 18th your ruler, Saturn, turns retrograde so guard your vitality, try not to overwork, pace yourself, and don’t bump that noggin. By month’s end, you’re hot stuff; attractive and alluring, the leader in you comes forward. Take advantage of it and invite people over. You’re ready to loosen up and have some fun; get a crew together and go to a show.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) Use the slowdown in your house of communications to revise your manuscript, but don’t send it out yet. By mid-month, your yen for the unusual turns to learning something new and perhaps slightly off the wall. It’s also a great time to head off to a yoga retreat, meditate, and draw your energy inward. Mid-month, be spontaneous and pack your overnight bag for a mini-break. It’ll be good to get that dash out of town in because, towards the end of the month, you want to stay close to home, pick up paint chips, and redecorate; hit the art gallery scene for inspiration.
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20) An emphasis on money this month urges you to reevaluate your finances, put your assets in order, or open an IRA. Initiating new behaviors around material resources, starting a gratitude list, draws abundance and builds self-esteem. By mid-month, a sweetness lights up your social network; you’re out meeting and mixing with people, and your words are enchanting. Use your legendary finesse to serenely swim around any ruthless office politics. You’re drifting away from alliances that no longer resonate. Toward the end of the April, make a soft landing at home and reflect on a month well-navigated.
If you know your rising sign, read that, too; it’s often relevant.
*Lisa Awrey and Lisa Carroll
Illustration by @boccaccinimeadows
