Pisces, April 2017

Venus is the planet of peace, love, money, and beauty, but on an emotional level it's all about feeing valued and understanding what's valuable to you. What makes you feel beautiful? What pleases your spirit? Do you feel respected, and do you treat your relationships (and even your belongings) with respect?

Venus retrograde in Aries is major for your finances, but shit gets really real when Venus enters your sign on April 2. This is seriously a time to get clear on issues around self-esteem, feeling valued, and understanding what's really important to you. Don't be surprised if you feel extremely intense during this time. Difficult feelings around jealous and envy will bubble up, and your desires will feel overwhelming.

You're going to want to do something drastic to your look while Venus is retrograde in your sign, but don't do it, Pisces! Wait until after Venus goes direct on April 15. You'll also notice yourself acting out in unusual ways in your relationships; if there are things you usually say (or do) in your head, you'll feel like doing them real life. You might even decide to pull the plug on a partnership—but, again, it's probably best to wait out the retrograde.

Think back to spring of 2009. That was the last time Venus was retrograde in both Aries and Pisces, and the experiences you had then can help you today. In fact, this whole month will be easier for you if you take time for reflection. April is all about reviewing, between the Venus retrograde and the upcoming Mercury retrograde, which starts in Taurus on April 9.

You know the Mercury retrograde drill: Don't make any important plans, because they'll probably be canceled or delayed. Don't sign any contracts, because the terms will probably change later (but if any sign could find a way to turn this into an advantage, it's you, Pisces!). Travel will be a total drag due to delays and the issues around commerce Mercury retrograde tends to create.

And, of course, watch out for miscommunications. This Mercury retrograde will be especially tricky for your communication, Pisces. Please triple-check that it's not your boss that you're about to accidentally sext!

Between the Venus retrograde in your sign, and the Mercury retrograde, you can bet that you will be running into people from your past this month. If you feel comfortable doing so, strike up a conversation with these ghosts of yesteryear. We have just as much to learn from history as we do from new experiences. And whose history is more exciting than yours, Pisces? You've seen some weird shit.

The Sun, in Aries, opposes your ruling planet, Jupiter, on April 7. You have two ruling planets, Pisces: Neptune is your modern ruling planet (appropriate considering your dreamy, artistic side) while Jupiter is your classical ruling planet, a symbol for your deeply philosophical and abundant nature.

Oppositions create tensions between planets, which usually means you can expect a confrontation, but also a chance for compromise. This opposition will activate the sectors of your chart that rule "your stuff" and "their stuff": your own financial (and emotional) resources and what others are able to offer you. This will be an interesting time for figuring out the give and take in relationships!

Oppositions can create an energy that's extreme—in this case, too much generosity or too much greed. Find the middle ground! Jupiter is the planet of luck, but the only way you'll get some lucky vibes to flow your way is if you keep your ego in check.

The full moon in Libra arrives on April 11, and this will be an especially poignant time for letting go of the past and processing emotions. If you're dealing with grief or trauma, Libra's balancing, harmonious energy will help clear some of the air—or it could at least help illuminate some ways for you to heal and move on. Not a bad full moon for a month so heavy on revisiting the past!

If you're having issues around debts, taxes, inheritances, or other complicated financial concerns, this full moon will bring a climax to any of those situations. This is also a very powerful full moon for your sex life, so go pick up a candle (many occult supply stores sell them in the shape of genitals, FYI), smother it in some oil, and light it—it's time to get closer to your lovers and for the intimacy to deepen!

More conversations will take place around worth and value when Mercury retrogrades back into Aries on April 20. Again, retrogrades are all about revising, so a renegotiation could be on the table. Perhaps you should ask that friend who owes you a drink to take you out?

But, seriously, Venus retrograde is huge around helping you realize what you're worth, so if you're not being compensated fairly for your talents, or if you feel like people in relationships are taking advantage of you, Mercury retrograde in confident Fire sign Aries will assist you in reworking these terms. More good vibes around will flow your way when Venus enters April on April 26, helping you get what you deserve!

Mars enters Gemini on April 21, igniting a very domestic sector of your chart. This transit will give you a lot more energy for dealing with issues concerning your home and your family. If you're looking to move or to redecorate your space, Mars in Gemini will encourage you. Because Mars will be activating such a private, sacred sector of your chart, expect to feel a little more sensitive or defensive than usual. Use Mars in Gemini's energy to help set firm boundaries between you and others.

A new moon in Taurus arrives on April 26, wiping the slate clean around communication issues and bringing some news your way! Plenty of difficult conversations likely came up this month, between the Libra full moon and all the retrograde energy, but a new way of thinking about things will arrive at the end of the month. See you in May, Pisces!