Gemini, April 2017

Venus in sensitive, psychic Pisces is usually a very go-with-the flow energy, but when Venus is retrograde, shit gets real. The atmosphere is going to be intense, and you're not fucking around anymore. Pisces energy can be passive—but you're not one to stand by and watch your life's work be disrespected or unappreciated. Expect to feel very passionate about these issues early this month!

Venus ends its retrograde on April 15, and until then, it would be smart to reflect on what was happening in your life in the spring of 2009, which was the last time Venus was retrograde in Aries and Pisces. Has history repeated itself?

The full moon in fellow Air sign Libra arrives on April 10, illuminating the sector of your chart that rules creativity, your love life, and having fun. Exciting! Full moons can be draining, though, so take extra care of yourself, Gemini. Stay hydrated while you're having all that fun.

Full moons often bring a climax; if tension has been building in your love life, this full moon is one to watch. Nearly done with a creative project? This full moon could bring a resolution to that as well.

Mercury begins its retrograde in Taurus on April 9. Soon after, the Sun enters Earth sign Taurus and meets Mercury on April 19, encouraging you to slow down and spend some time alone in quiet reflection. Deep understandings will arrive if you do!

Mercury is the planet of the mind, and it's really important that you're not distracted by the world during this time so you can go within and really get in touch with your inner truth. You're one of the most social signs in the zodiac, but don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to spend much more time alone.

During the time that Mercury is retrograde in Taurus, you will find that you'll look at the world in a less logical way than you usually do. You're going to be foggy-headed—but you'll also see the world in a more poetic, non-linear way. Like the Hanged Man in the tarot, you'll feel stuck and uncomfortable hanging upside down, but you'll get some wonderful perspective on life that you never were able to tap into before.

Some practical advice for Mercury retrograde: You're going to be super forgetful and probably very sleepy, so set extra alarms and plan on running late. Don't sign any important documents or buy anything important or expensive, like tickets to travel or electronics. Expect for things to break and for miscommunications to happen.

Mercury retrogrades back into Aries on April 20, activating the sector of your chart that rules friendship and community, as well as your hopes and dreams—it's time to rethink these issues, Gemini! Venus retrograde, which began in Aries last month, stimulated this same sector of your chart, so none of this is new to you. You've been reevaluating these issues for a while, and you're realizing that you just can't have people who don't believe in you in your life anymore!

Mars enters your sign on April 21. This will give you exactly the energy boost you need during slow and sensual Taurus season and Mercury retrograde. Mars will bring just the fire you need to get shit done. But do watch out—people may be more intimidated by you than usual. You rarely lose an argument, Gemini, but with Mars in your sign you could be more cutting than usual!

Your ruling planet, Mercury—which, again, is retrograde in Aries—trines (an easy, harmonious connection) Saturn on April 24, bringing good vibes to your relationships. Saturn's energy is stable and supportive, making this a great day to check in with your partners to see where their heads are at.

Mercury retrograde means that things can feel really up in the air, but that doesn't need to mean that the cohesion in relationships totally slips away. This is a great time to touch base. Just don't plan on making this a day to make commitments or come up with solid ideas; instead, focus on sharing your reflections and brainstorming possibilities that can be pursued after the Mercury retrograde ends on May 3.

A new moon in Taurus arrives on April 26. This is a great time to catch up on rest and down time. Use today's energy to get grounded—take a nap on the grass in your yard, zone out by a river, or meditate with some obsidian or onyx in your hand. (If meditation is hard for you because your inner voice won't shut up, try a guided meditation instead!)

This is a powerful new moon for processing your emotions and for healing. New moons always bring fresh starts, but this one in Taurus will be especially potent for helping you let go of the past. Because such a psychic sector of your chart will be activated at this time, definitely pay close attention to your intuition and to any interesting dreams that come your way.

Venus re-enters Aries on April 28, bringing blessings to the friendship sector of your chart. This year's Venus retrograde has been huge for you figuring out who you want your friends to be, and, on an emotional level, for figuring out what your hopes for the future are. You need friends who believe in your vision and who can support you as you pursue your passions. Venus in Fire sign Aries will help you connect with those people.

An exciting meeting is sure to take place at the end of the month, Gemini: Your ruling planet, Mercury, meets wild Uranus on April 28. This is a wonderful time to connect with others; the energy is electric, and brilliant ideas and conversations are happening around you.

Because Mercury is retrograde, and retrogrades are all about revisiting the past, you may run into someone (or a group of people) that you previously missed out on connecting with, or that you haven't have the chance to spend time with in a while.

Retrogrades are frustrating, but in the end, they always bring more clarity. See you in May, Gemini!