Cancer, April 2017
Illustration by Nicole Ginelli

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horoscopes

Cancer, April 2017

April is a busy, social month for you.

Because you're so nurturing, you have this reputation for being a softie who only cares about home and family. This is kind of true, but there's so much more to you, dear crab. You very much care about your professional goals, your public persona, and, of course, your legacy! April opens with Venus retrograde in Aries, activating the sector of your chart that rules worldly success and fame, so these issues are squarely on your mind.

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You're rethinking how important certain goals are to you, and you're wondering if the reputation you've been building is getting you where you want to go. Venus is the planet of love and beauty, but it also rules over money—issues around finances and whether you're being paid what you're worth are definitely on your mind!

The energy shifts on April 2, when Venus retrogrades back into fellow Water sign Pisces. Expect this part of the Venus retrograde to be especially emotional and weepy (yet ferocious and passionate). Pisces energy is usually very go-with-the-flow, but during Venus retrograde, you're not so sure if the direction things are flowing really matches your goals. This is a time to reroute, Cancer!

Venus ends its retrograde on April 15. Like with many astrological events, it can be hard to really understand how a retrograde is affecting you while you're in it—there's no perspective. Think back to spring 2009. This was the last time Venus was retrograde in Aries and Pisces. What did you go though then? What lessons did you learn? Similar threads are running through your life now!

Venus isn't the only planet going retrograde this month: Mercury begins its retrograde in Taurus on April 9, stirring up issues in your social life. Do you feel like you fit in with the groups and communities you're associating with? Friends from the past are likely to reenter your life at this time. This will either be super fun for you, since you can be so nostalgic, or it will terrifying because your past is a shady fucking place (even though you seem so wholesome, my crab friend).

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Mercury begins its retrograde in Taurus on April 9, stirring up issues in your social life.

Please keep all the usual Mercury retrograde tips in mind: Don't sign any important contracts or make any expensive purchases. Expect things to break and for miscommunications to happen. People are going to run late, and things are going to feel upside down. Use Mercury retrograde's energy to your advantage by consciously slowing down, working on old projects instead of starting new ones, and taking time to reflect instead of pushing forward.

The full moon in Libra arrives on April 11, illuminating issues in your home and, on an emotional level, around security and the boundaries you set in your relationships. This full moon is activating a very personal sector of your chart, one that rules over your early life, your upbringing, and your ancestors; making time to connect to your past is a wonderful way to work this energy.

Full moons are usually exhausting (and emotional) for everyone, but they're especially so for you, Cancer, since you're ruled by the Moon. Be especially gentle with yourself around this time. If you're currently moving or working out issues with roommates or family members, expect these issues to reach a climax.

The Sun meets Uranus in Aries April 13, bringing some exciting shake-ups to your career or to your public life. Surprising news around these same themes will arrive at the end of the month, when retrograde Mercury meets wild planet Uranus on April 28. Things may be feeling slow for you professionally at the start of the month, but by things will be very exciting by the end of the month!

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The Sun enters Taurus and meets with Mercury (retrograde!) on April 19. Taurus season wastes no time in letting you know that you have to reconsider whom you're spending time with. Taurus energy is grounded and stable—which means it's not well suited for being flexible, and it's not easy to sway. Work with this energy by standing up for yourself rather than trying to change someone else's mind.

This full moon is activating a very personal sector of your chart, one that rules over your early life, your upbringing, and your ancestors.

For example, if there's a cause that you really believe in—and I hope there is, because Taurus season will be an amazing time for you to affect change, Cancer!—simply tell your friends, "I can't support that brand/person/idea" instead of trying to convince them to behave differently. Lead by example. Understand that no one will want to be told what to do, but that everyone is inspired by someone who sticks to their guns. Lead by example.

Mercury retrogrades back into Aries on April 20, again stirring up issues around popularity and your professional goals. Again, focus on old projects instead of signing on to new ones. This spring is all about you getting super clear on what your professional goals are and what you want to be known for, between the Venus retrograde and the Mercury retrograde, plus March 27's new moon in Aries, which brought a fresh start to your career!

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This isn't a time to go out and "do." Instead, it's time to sit, meditate, and reflect. Look through old papers. Think about the mistakes you made in the past—and your successes, too. Think things over. That's all Mercury retrograde wants from you! Review, reconsider, renegotiate, and, most importantly, relax.

Also on April 20, power planet Pluto will turn retrograde in Capricorn, the sign opposite you on the zodiac wheel. The power dynamics in your relationships will be highlighted, but this won't be anything new to you. You've been working out these issues in your relationships for nearly the last decade. Have you learned anything yet? Seriously, I want you to consider your love life (actually, all your relationships, platonic or otherwise) since 2008. What shady issues have you been working with? Maybe something involving love triangles, manipulation, secrets, or obsessions?

What shady issues have you been working with? Maybe something involving love triangles, manipulation, secrets, or obsessions?

Again: Have you learned anything yet? Hard changes need to be made. Fortunately, you do have a few years to figure this all out: Pluto will be in Capricorn until 2024. When you are able to make these changes, you'll see an unbelievable transformation around the relationships in your life. Pluto is the planet of death and rebirth—let things go so new life can come, Cancer!

Warrior planet Mars enters intellectual Air sign Gemini on April 21. This transit will definitely boost your intuitive abilities, but it may also mess with your sleep schedule. Gemini loves to multitask, and Mars wants to get shit done; however, it's wise not to pile on too many responsibilities during this time because Gemini rules a very dreamy, sleepy, and private sector of your chart.

A new moon in Taurus arrives on April 26, wiping the slate clean in your social life. Watch out for the new people you meet at this time. On an emotional level, this new moon asks you to connect with your inner self and get clear on what your hopes and dreams are for the future. This is a wonderful time to make a vision board!

Venus enters confident Fire sign Aries on April 28, again reactivating that fame and fortune sector of your chart. If you're not the CEO of whatever by the end of the month, Cancer, I don't know what to tell you. This time, Venus won't be retrograde—instead, it will be moving forward, bringing you new opportunities and blessings! Good luck, Cancer, and see you in May!