Let's break down the energetic opportunities at hand and what to be mindful of on our daily journeys…
The Sun shifts into Taurus and aligns with the New Moon in Aries creating a rare and potent Solar Eclipse
The Sun shifts from Aries into Taurus initiating a season focused on balance, stability, and doing what we need to do for increased pleasure until May 20.
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, money, and relationships, and it represents the second astrological house, so this season will put a collective spotlight on our money, work, daily routines, priorities, habits, and values. It will also feel like a cool breeze to the fire that we felt during Aries season, and for some, a balm for the burns sustained while under Aries’ influence.
Considering how each astrological season blends together, in Aries season we're presented with ideas that could create a spark, and if we're able to sustain that spark, then we have a fire to work beside during Taurus season.
“What if I don't have a spark to take with me into Taurus season, Mel,” you ask? Everyone's journey and story is different, and everyone's spark is different, but I guarantee you that all of us have one. For some, your spark may be something very concrete, an idea that you've fleshed out and you're ready to tackle. For others, the lack of your spark may be your spark. You may need to dive into what you need to change in your life in order to feel more creative. Overall, let your curiosity for increased balance carry you through, and show up to listen to how the Universe answers all of your questions. Then take your newfound clarity and put in the physical effort to make your life better. Simpler said than done maybe, but we're being supported in doing so.
The Sun moves into Taurus on Thursday, but in the meantime…
The Sun aligns with the last of two New Moons in Aries. The first one initiated Aries season and aligned with the Spring Equinox, bringing in a new astrological and energetic year for us on March 20. This New Moon, however, is a Solar Eclipse. Eclipses are extra powerful New and Full Moons that occur when the planes of the Sun, Moon, and Earth meet at two specific points in space called the Lunar Nodes.
Over the past year, the South Node (which vibrates energy in the areas where we must release) has been in Scorpio, while the North Node (rerouting us to be in alignment with our true path) has been in Taurus, so we’ve experienced many a transformational eclipses in these signs. The final Scorpio eclipse will occur on May 5th, and the final Taurus eclipse will happen on October 28th, 2023.
This eclipse in Aries is initiating major change in us and also giving us a taste of what’s to come because on July 17, the North Node will shift into Aries and the South Node will shift into Libra. This will start a completely new series of eclipses in these signs, and unique cycles of radical transfiguration.
Let's list the pros and cons of this energy.
This Aries eclipse and those to come will blast us with courage, an air of independence, and the fire that [can] set our plans, goals, and intentions ablaze. We’ll feel equipped to say yes more quickly, to start or complete the projects that we’ve been lulling over with fear or apprehension, and the drive to choose and go for what we want for ourselves.
The cons: Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and war, and represents the first astrological house of the self, so in its shadow it can be aggressive, competitive, and selfish, disregarding others for its own benefit and advancement.
The path to hell was paved with good intentions. We might want to do it all and do it all without question, but it’s important that we’re extra conscious of how and why our thoughts are manifesting into actions under these energies. It could be very easy to block our own blessings and/or create unnecessary drama for ourselves and others.
Astrologer Chani Nicholas says, “The Aries eclipse on April 19th is a solar eclipse, which means the light of the Sun temporarily dims. The Sun is traditionally exalted in Aries, so it holds a place of honor in this sign. When the Sun gets blotted out during this solar eclipse, it signifies a literal “fall from grace.” On the global stage, we might expect leaders to come under scrutiny around this date, or for their sway to be punctured on some level. In our own lives, it could manifest as an ego bruise, or a reminder that it’s crucial to consider other people’s needs alongside our own. The easier it is for you to win in a circle and support those coming up behind, the softer this lesson is likely to be for you.”
As the Sun shifts from Aries to Taurus, consider the security of your money, your relationships, and and your connection with yourself, and ask yourself:
- Where am I lacking?
- What foundations can I take the opportunity to rebuild during this time?
- What luxuries am I looking forward to indulging in?
- What self-care practices can I prioritize that boost my connection to my sensuality?
As for the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aries' energy, create space in your life to take heed and expect the unexpected, but don't disregard the boost that's available to you now. Look at what astrological house Aries rules in your birth chart, and consider what this energy is lighting up for you. Ask yourself:
- What parts of my identity are being eclipsed?
- What areas of my life can I take more agency over?
- What projects or processes that will increase the value of my life can I use this boost of energy to dive into?
- What relationships, connections, and habits can I use this energy to confidently close and/or override with healthier patterns?
What it means for us: The Eclipse is squaring Pluto in Aquarius.
Astrologers all over the globe have been talking about Pluto’s shift into Aquarius for years because its sign changes are always significant. A Pluto shift always ushers in major change and the start of a new era for human beings. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius, a sign that's about progression through collective revolution, was from 1778 to 1798, otherwise known as the Age of Reason or the Age of Enlightenment.
Realize what an age of reason and enlightenment could mean in our modern times, and how we might already be receiving opportunities to become more enlightened, both personally and as a society.
If you’re telling yourself that neither you or the world feels like it’s on the path towards enlightenment, stop to consider if you’re disregarding the “hard and bad” stuff, the situations, occurrences, and relationships that have or are currently making you feel stuck. Consider that perhaps that’s where you’re being called to revolutionize, to change your output in order to receive a different input. Recognize that, most times, a spark of enlightenment occurs only in response to complete darkness.
As the Eclipse is in tense aspect to Pluto which already can be intense planetary energy, tap into the Divine alchemist within, listen intently to your inner stirrings and to the stirrings of community, and to what changes are necessary for a better experience for all. Don't engage in power struggles and manipulation. Do expect radical shifts and remember, whatever happens is happening for you, not to you. Lead through Pluto’s push towards rebirth with Aries’ courage and Taurus love of reconditioning for stronger and more solid foundations. Fight it and stay behind, but be gentle with yourself through its catapults and go farther than you could imagine.
What it means for us: Jupiter in conjunction with Eris.
I touched on Jupiter and Eris in the previous Cosmic Insights because they were two of many cosmic bodies aligned with fiery Aries. Just three days after the eclipse on Sunday, they come together in a conjunction of their own.
Eris is a dwarf planet that represents chaos, strife, and discord, and Jupiter is the planet of expansion. Are they coming to bring us chaos, strife, and discord? Not necessarily, but they do create an energy of amplified friction that will seem to push us over the edge and into action. Think of it as it giving us the fortitude we need to move forward and make the decisions that we need to make for increased healing and evolution. For a better human experience for ourselves and others. When you come to a moment of frustration in the coming week, ask yourself: How can I make this energy work for me and not against me?
What it means for us: Mercury stations retrograde but first, it gives us some clarity.
Right before Mercury stations retrograde (slowing it down in the cosmos), it's at a standstill in Taurus just a hair away from Uranus, planet of awakening.
Mercury rules our thoughts, intellect, logic, and communication, so as it makes this pitstop during the Eclipse and so close to Uranus, we can tap into a source of mental and emotional clarity just before it retrogrades. Specifically, we're poised to gain some clarity on if how we're doing things the way that we are is working. Ask yourself in what areas of your life does this question hold the most weight right now?
Mercury stations retrograde in Taurus on Friday, April 21 and will be until May 14. As a reminder, Mercury's retrograde energy can cause chaos in communication, leading to mishaps in various areas. It's essential to plan ahead, be meticulous, and have contingency plans for all of the “just in case” scenarios.
In addition to technical hiccups, human communication is also inevitably affected. Show compassion, take the time to express yourself intently, and listen carefully to others. Ask questions, read everything multiple times, and avoid signing contracts if possible. This includes forming energetic contracts with others. Pause before committing to new relationships, responsibilities, or jobs. Mercury's retrograde affects everything around us, so it's crucial to be practice extra mindfulness during this time.
