Aries, April 2017

April opened with Venus retrograde in your sign, and it re-enters Pisces on April 2—shit is about to get even more intense and emotional than it's been! Blame it on the emotionally mushy, martyr complex–ed, paranoid-yet-visionary fish of the zodiac. Pisces is a trip.

While Venus was retrograde in your sign, the universe was encouraging you to reflect on the image you put out into the world: your looks, your style, and the first impressions you give off. Venus retrograde also inspired you to reconnect to your body, and to remember what feels good—and to reflect on how you intellectualize your response to pleasure.

You're likely itching for a makeover right now, but don't do it: Wait until Venus goes direct on April 15 before you make any permanent changes. You're ready to alter your look, but let it marinate first, you impulsive ram!

Venus being retrograde in your sign has also inspired you to reflect on your needs and values in relationships. You know you have a lot to offer others—but what do you need? Also, watch out: You will likely run into some people from your past during this transit. Even if you choose to ignore them, take time to reflect on how seeing them made you feel. There's a lesson to be learned here; don't miss out on an opportunity for growth.

During your meditations this month, think back to spring 2009. This was the last time Venus was retrograde in Aries and Pisces. What were you dealing with then? Similar issues are coming up in your life now—but this time around, you are older and wiser.

Venus retrograde in Pisces will bring some of the most heartache-y, horny, angry vibes of the season. That said, I don't think Venus retrograde in Pisces will be totally terrible: Some good vibes will flow around feeling valued and appreciated on April 16, when Venus makes a harmonious connection to your ruling planet, Mars, which is currently in solid, stable Earth sign Taurus. Venus retrograde is all about getting in touch with what's important to you and what feels good to you, so some clarity is likely to arrive during this time.

Pisces is very emotional, but it's also super psychic. Expect your dreams to be very active during this time, and don't be surprised if feelings you've been ignoring come to the fore—you can't ignore your emotions any longer!

You're going to feel very private while Venus is retrograde in Pisces. You're usually loud and proud of whatever you do, whoever you're dating, or how successful you are, so don't feel weird or start questioning yourself if suddenly you want to be tight-lipped about all these things. That's a totally normal reaction during Venus retrograde in Pisces!

Venus finally ends its retrograde on April 15, and it will reenter your sign at the end of the month—on April 28, to be specific—boosting your confidence and making you feel even more desirable and charismatic than you usually do. (Which is saying something!)

Mars, in Taurus, will connect with power planet Pluto, in driven Earth sign Capricorn, on April 5: Expect good vibes on the financial front and around your career goals and reputation. This is amazing time to show the world what you can do! (And to get paid for it!)

Mercury begins its retrograde in Taurus on April 9, which will find you reconsidering issues around finances (budgeting and earning), as well as around self-worth and value. Even though you'll be thinking about these themes a lot, don't sign any contracts or many any important decisions just yet. Be careful of delays and miscommunications, too.

Take extra care to think before you speak when Mercury retrogrades back into your sign on April 20! Mercury will finally go direct on May 2—until then, take things slow and make time for quiet reflection. Mercury retrograde sucks, but you can use it to your advantage by moving at an easier pace, taking time to think, and picking up old projects instead of starting new ones.

The full moon in Libra arrives on April 11 (if you live on the East coast, that is), activating the relationship sector of your chart. The Sun has been in your sign, focusing all the attention on you, but this full moon wants you to look at your partnerships. You might be the sign of independence, Aries, but that definitely doesn't mean that you don't treasure your relationships.

Full moons are always intense and emotional, and during the full moon in Libra, you'll find that there are only two ways things can work out: confrontation or compromise. And, honestly, you're happy doing both! While you love a good fight, you really consider it a win when everyone can be happy.

The Sun meets Uranus in Aries on April 14; later this month, on April 28, Mercury will meet Uranus, too. Who is Uranus and why do we care? Uranus is the planet of shock and rebellion. It's the inventor and innovator of the zodiac, and it also brings surprises. When Uranus is around, we know unexpected things are going to happen.

Like you, Uranus does things its own way, and because Uranus is in your sign, you've been acting even more unpredictable (and genius) than usual. Expect to feel impulsive during these dates. You're going to be aching for freedom, and you will not be able to deal with anyone who is making you feel tied down.

The Sun enters Taurus and meets with communication planet Mercury on April 19. Taurus's energy is grounded and peaceful. It's a totally zen sign—unless it's in an indulgent mood and acting like a total diva. Taurus, as anyone who's into astrology knows, can also be stubborn as hell. This can be a good quality, especially when it comes to standing up for your values and self-worth. Expect conversations about money and value to come up during this time. A fresh start around these themes is on the way at the end of the month, on April 26, during the new moon in Taurus.

Your ruling planet, Mars, enters quick-minded Air sign Gemini on April 21. Mars in Gemini loves to multitask (the sign of the twins does have two sets of hands between them). This appeals to you, Aries, because you love to get things done as quickly as possible. But remember: Swiftness does not always mean efficiency.

Gemini is the sign of doubles—be prepared to do things twice, unless you're able to settle down and focus. Luckily, Mars will be igniting the sector of your chart that rules your mind, so if you can commit to slowing down just a little bit, you could come up with amazing ideas at this time!

The Venus and Mercury retrogrades want you to pause and reflect—two words you're not very well acquainted with. You're more of a doer and a mover. Everything will get going after you take time to reconsider some pressing matters this month. See you in May, Aries!