We kick off April in a noticeably different headspace. Mars is newly in the water sign Cancer, after seven months of limbo in air sign Gemini, so there’s bound to be some adjusting—additionally, we’re a month into Saturn in the water sign Pisces, after three years in the air sign Aquarius. There’s a real element of landing our planes and switching to traveling by boat. The fact that planets like Mars and Saturn have been in air signs for so long means many of us feel dried out and mentally exhausted; rehydration happens through allowing ourselves to deeply and fully feel joy, grief, and everything in between. Those looking to travel this month might find comfort and healing in water, from spas and lakes, to waterfalls and the ocean.
In contrast to the collective softening we experience in April is the blazing, enthusiastic energy of the Sun and Jupiter in Aries. The fire element is associated with the spark of life, the undying light within us all, and the passion, bravery, and zing that gets us out of bed and motivates us to do what we do. On Tuesday, April 11, the Sun and Jupiter make their annual exact alignment which tends to be an auspicious day every year as it brings what we’re most grateful for into focus. The following week on Wednesday, April 19, a solar eclipse in Aries further underscores these themes and marks the beginning of eclipse season (a two-week period of back-to-back eclipses that happens every six months). This is the first eclipse in Aries since 2015, beginning a new cycle that will last until late 2024.
Taurus season begins immediately following the eclipse on April 20, shifting us once again to a slower, more tempered pace. Taurus is a sign ruled by Venus and is associated with love, beauty, nature, and our senses. In Taurus season we’re invited to slow down and enjoy the sweet parts of life. Prioritize pleasure and things like good food, music, and comfortable surroundings. That’s what makes life worth living, right? Mercury stations retrograde the following day on Friday, April 21, leading into a messy weekend for travel—stay closer to home from April 20 to 23 as transport and communication are bound to be slower than usual. This Mercury in Retrograde lasts until May 14, so do your best to plan around those days, but don’t sweat it if you can’t! Just give yourself more time than you think you need on travel days, triple check your belongings, itineraries, and documents (and expiration dates!), and you should be fine.
Here’s everything else to expect this month, according to your April 2023 horoscope.
Astrologer's note: Below we refer to your signs as “rising” signs, also known as your ascendant sign. Horoscopes are more accurate when read this way—using your birth time and location, you can quickly find your rising sign online (it takes less than 30 seconds).