Capricorn, April 2017

Venus retrogrades into Pisces on April 2, which will put a huge focus on rethinking communication and how you express your needs and desires. Pisces is a psychically sensitive and emotional Water sign, and when sweet planet Venus is retrograde in the sign of the fish, the energy is definitely intense—you'll feel high on love, but can just as easily slip into an ocean of sadness.

Watch out for moodiness, and especially watch out for how you speak to people during this time. When it's in Pisces, Venus will be activating the sector of your chart that rules your siblings and local neighborhood, so watch out for issues around these themes to play out.

Venus is the planet of love and money, but, emotionally, it's all about worth: the value we place in ourselves and others. Expect to think and talk a lot about these themes during April. This is a poignant time to have a conversation with someone who you need closure from, or to reassess where you feel like you fit in. Think back to spring 2009, which was the last time Venus was retrograde in Aries and Pisces—the lessons you learned then will be useful to you now!

Venus squares your ruling planet, Saturn, on April 8. This won't be an easy day for communication, so don't plan any cute dates or important business meetings. People are going to be in a sensitive mood, and rejection is in the air. Venus is all about harmony, but it's retrograde right now, and Saturn is all about saying "no." The energy basically sucks: We're all already wondering what our worth is (Venus retrograde), so having Saturn come and point out all our flaws and fears will not be fun. Work with the energy effectively today by taking time for yourself, trying to avoid paranoid thinking, and writing in a journal instead of sending "that" e-mail.

Venus and Saturn clash not once, but twice, this month! The second clash will take place on April 21, but this time, Venus will be done with its retrograde, so the energy won't feel quite as dismal. It will still be shitty, but not like the world is ending! Again, don't expect your boss to give you a perk you've been working toward or expect to have a sweet, romantic cuddle session with your lover during this time.

Will there be any good days this month? Yes! The Sun and Mercury will both make an ultra harmonious connection with Saturn (April 17 for the Sun, and April 24 for Mercury), which will bring you some much needed emotional support and comfort. Comfort might not be the right word—Saturn isn't cozy or cuddly, but it is reliable and responsible, so if "comfort" means "dependability and feeling grounded," then this should do it for you!

Repressed emotions, ideas, and dreams will have a chance to safely come out—you'll have a chance to process the feelings that no longer work for you and let them go, or to use the Mercury retrograde energy to find a way to rework them into something that makes more sense for you. For example, if you've been wishing for a way to contact a friend whom you lost touch with, you'll either be able to let it go, or you can use this energy to find a great way to start a dialogue!

Venus isn't the only planet that will retrograde this month: Mercury begins its retrograde in fellow Earths sign Taurus on April 9, stirring up drama in your love life and within your creative endeavors. What kind of drama are we looking at? The usual Mercury retrograde issues: miscommunications and delays. Don't buy anything expensive, like electronics or travel tickets; Mercury messes with commerce as much as it does communication.

Is Mercury retrograde good for anything? Yes! Giving us a chance to slow down and reflect—retrogrades are all about the "re-" words: rethink, renegotiate, redo, and so on. You're one of the more cautious signs in the zodiac, so this totally works for you.

Watch out for running into exes or people you have collaborated with artistically in the past. The Sun enters Taurus on April 19, and it will meet Mercury retrograde on that date. Pay close attention to what issues come to the surface then.

Mercury will retrograde back into Aries on April 20, during which time reconnecting with your roots and your family will be major. On a mundane level, dealing with issues that pop up at home will also be on your mind. Remember, Mercury retrograde is tough for communication, so watch out for misunderstandings between yourself and your neighbors, roommates, or landlord.

Wait until after May 3, when Mercury goes direct, to sign any important documents—especially if they concern your living situation. Emotionally, this will be a powerful time to reflect on your early childhood family dynamic and to revisit the past. Perhaps take a stroll past your childhood home or call a relative you haven't connected with in a while. Family secrets may be revealed!

The full moon in Libra arrives on April 11. This will highlight issues involving your professional goals and your reputation. If tension has been building around your work, expect there to be a climax during this full moon. Air sign Libra is all about balance and compromise, so do your best to be diplomatic, Capricorn!

Mars enters Gemini on April 21, igniting the sector of your chart that rules your daily routines, your day job, and even your health. Gemini loves multitasking, so expect to get a lot done! If there's a fitness routine you've been slow to get started on, Mars will help encourage you. Ditto for any projects that you've been procrastinating on.

A new moon in gentle, sensual Earth sign Taurus arrives on April 26, bringing a fresh start to your social life, and also around romance and creativity. This is a magical time to find creative inspiration and to connect with your intuition. Make a point to spend time with fun people during this new moon—the more you laugh and enjoy yourself, the more magical its influence will be!

Venus re-enters Aries on April 28, but this time, Venus is done with its retrograde, so the intense energy that you were feeling around your private life at the start of April will be clearer and easier to work with—in fact, it will probably be pleasant! Venus is the planet of love and money, after all. Sweet Venus is a little clunky in Aries, the baby ram, but the energy is still bright and confident. See you next month, Capricorn!