Aquarius, April 2017

Venus doesn't stay in Aries for long; it retrogrades back into Water sign Pisces on April 2, stirring up issues around finances and about self-worth. Venus is the planet of love and money, but it also symbolizes value. Getting clear about your self-esteem issues is major at this time, Aquarius. Reflect on self-worth and demand that you be treated with respect in all your relationships! Venus retrograde in emotional Water sign Pisces will definitely bring up some complicated feelings for you, and this is certain to be the most intense, potent time of the Venus retrograde (which began on March 5 and will end on April 15).

On a mundane level, Venus retrograde in Pisces will be about your finances: how well you're able to budget and how much cash you're bringing in. An issue about a possession is also likely to come up. But, spiritually, Venus retrograde in Pisces will push you to reconsider if you've been asking for enough—enough in your paycheck, and enough from other people.

Conversely, are your expectations of others way too high? Take time to reflect on all these issues now. When Venus reenters Aries at the end of the month—April 28, to be specific—opportunities to communicate about your needs will arrive!

Venus retrograde in Pisces is a perfect time for you to engage in rituals that reconnect you to your five senses. Astrologers often call you a space cadet, but now it's time for you get grounded in your body and in reality. Spend some time in nature, take a magical bath, or go dancing with friends (just remember that Venus is retrograde and no one feels especially cute right now, so don't stress about your outfit!).

Venus squares (a tense astrological aspect) your ruling planet, Saturn, on April 8, which is definitely not the day to plan a sexy date or request a meeting with someone you're trying to impress. Everyone will be in a shitty mood, and rejection is in the air. Watch out for what drama pops up—the outer world is a reflection for what's going on in your inner world, and you could learn an interesting lesson about your sense of self-worth today.

Venus isn't the only planet that will retrograde this month: Mercury begins its retrograde in Taurus on April 9! Light and flexible Mercury is already kind of awkward in solid and stubborn Taurus, so expect this retrograde to slow things down even more than usual. Mercury retrograde is famous for creating delays and miscommunications, so don't buy anything important or sign any contracts at this time, especially if it's anything related to your home and family. Looking to move? Perhaps wait until after Mercury retrograde ends on May 3 to make any commitments. Mercury retrograde is also known for bringing people from our past back around—this time, expect people from your deep past!

A positive way to work with this Mercury retrograde is to slow down, focus on completing old projects instead of starting news ones, and reconnect with your past. Break out the photo albums and connect with your ancestors, whether that's through prayer or picking up the phone. The Sun will enter Taurus on April 19, meeting with Mercury retrograde on the same day, so expect some interesting realizations to take place around then!

A full moon in fellow Air sign Libra arrives on April 11, which will bring a confrontation and an opportunity to find compromise. Again, communication has been rough because of the Venus retrograde in Aries, but now that Venus is wading through Pisces's emo-as-fuck waters, you're starting to get a clearer idea about what's important to you, and this full moon is going to reveal plenty more information.

Supportive vibes flow your way when the Sun in Aries trines (an easy astrological aspect) Saturn in Sagittarius on April 17, creating a sense of stability in your life, especially within your friendships and communities. You have some solid friends to lean on, Aquarius, and they're here for you this month!

Mercury retrogrades back into Aries on April 20, clearing up some old miscommunications but bringing you new puzzles to solve and riddles to answer. Don't plan any important conversations, do complicated paperwork, or mail any important letters now. Do expect to receive old text messages that have been lost in the ether and to run into old friends. You're going to be forgetful during this time, but whatever—so will everyone else! That's what Mercury retrograde does. Slow down and take a break.

Warrior planet Mars enters fellow Air sign Gemini on April 21, revving up the sector of your chart that rules fun, romance, and creativity. Expect to feel way more motivated to have a good time when action planet Mars rolls through the sign of the twins—but there's another date this month that you shouldn't plan any cute dates for, my lovely water bearer:

Remember when Venus squared Saturn earlier in the month, putting everyone in a crap mood? That will happen again on April 21, except this time Venus is moving forward. This (hopefully) means that we'll feel a little less helpless, unlovable, and rejected than we did earlier this month—our skin has thickened! Rejection will still burn, and your reflection might annoy you, but it won't feel as brutally devastating as it did when Venus was drowning in Pisces. My one piece of advice for you: If someone said "no" the first time these two planets clashed, they'll probably say "no" again now. Don't make the same mistake twice!

Mercury retrograde in Aries trines Saturn on April 24—remember how, earlier in the month, you'll get support from your awesome friends? More of that is coming your way when communication planet Mercury mingles with solid, reliable Saturn. Mercury is retrograde, so don't expect commitments at this time, but do take advantage of the positive vibes for networking and meeting new people (or for running into people from your past, who could actually be helpful to you now!)

A new moon in Taurus arrives on April 26, creating a fresh start in your home and family life. This is a wonderful time to do some spring cleaning—and maybe some energetic cleansing in your home, too. Make time to spend with close friends and family. Emotionally, this new moon is a great time to reflect on issues around boundaries and feeling safe. Much of the confusing April opened with will be healed by May. Good luck, Aquarius, and see you next month!