It’s not only moving that creates new starting points. Sometimes all it takes is a subtle shift in perspective, an opening of the mind, an intentional pause and reset, or a new route to start to see new options and new possibilities. Kristin Armstrong
March was a month of change due to a solar eclipse in Pisces and a lunar eclipse in Libra. Our spiritual relationship to the world and our close personal relationships were targeted for change. The cosmos asked us to release any stuck areas in our lives. The equinox was a balance and decision-making point. The first week in April is an action week. Put things in motion now. The energy changes next week.
The rest of April is a time to slow down, take stock, revise, re-evaluate and re-structure. It can seem like life is moving at a snail’s pace, especially after Mars turns retrograde on April 17.
Jupiter and Saturn were both in retrograde motion when the month began. Mars turns retrograde on the 17th, Pluto on the 18th and Mercury turns retrograde on the 28th.
Let’s take a look at how Mars retrograde and Pluto retrograde impact your life in April 2016.
Mars Retrograde from April 17, 2016 until June 29, 2016
Mars in your birth chart rules how you act, your energy, your drive, your determination and how you assert yourself. Of course we need to continue our daily routine when Mars is retrograde, but certain activities are not favored when Mars is retrograde.
Actions to Avoid When Mars Is Retrograde
- Refrain from starting new activities, including strenuous exercise programs. If you must start something new, put extra effort into planning for the unexpected. Others involved in new projects will tend to oppose your efforts.
- Mars retrograde is not conducive to lawsuits and mediation matters. Try to get things settled before April 17th or extended until after July 2nd when Mars is once again moving forward. This is not a good time to have “that talk” with your significant other.
- Postpone any elective surgery until after Mars goes direct. If possible, be especially careful not to schedule surgery around the Scorpio full Moon on April 15.
- Mars rules iron and machinery so it is not a good time to buy such items. Make sure all mechanical items are in good repair before Mars turns retrograde.
Actions to Take When Mars Is Retrograde:
- Conserve your energy. Mars retrograde generates a lot of stress. Stress overworks the adrenals and thyroid glands leading to a feeling of tiredness and depletion in your body.
- Monitor your frustration level. Frustrated, grouchy feelings are common when Mars is retrograde because of the lack of progress and movement. Does it really matter if you get through the check-out lane in seven minutes instead of five minutes?
- Do remain calm when others act aggressively toward you. Confrontation is not advised at this time. Retrograde Mars square retrograde Jupiter can turn small issues into out-of-control, dangerous situations. You may be more accident prone—be careful and mindful. Fires can quickly grow out of control; practice care when using fire.
- Spend time planning how you will conquer that job or love search when Mars resumes direct motion.
Pluto Retrograde from April 18, 2016 until September 26, 2016
Most of the time Pluto retrograde won’t be noticed on a daily basis. It is a transformative planet that works powerfully, but quietly, in the background.
Actions to Avoid when Pluto Is Retrograde:
- Do not become overly suspicious of the motives of others. Do not create trouble where there is none.
- Control and power issues can be your downfall under Pluto retrograde. Things to ponder and correct are: “Why do I continually give my power away?” Are you so defensive that you attract attacks from others?
Actions to Take When Pluto Is Retrograde:
- Let go of unproductive attitudes such as rigid emotions, judgments and bias.
- Determine what you really need. What are your true values? Is it acquiring more material asset; is it relationships; or is it peace of mind and a sense of knowing that you are making a difference? You must be true to yourself—think it over.
- Spend time assessing any control issues. What makes you feel out of control? How do you act when you feel out of control? How are you trying to control others? How does your defensive attitude cause others to react negatively or aggressively toward you? Is it worth it to stay with a certain controlling person?
- Pluto retrograde is a stellar time to gain greater control over your professional, financial and health concerns.
- Think “regeneration” in all matters. Regeneration could mean internal cleansings, detox regimens, meditation, tai chi, chi gung, yoga or finding the motivation to seek psychological help for ongoing issues that have kept you stuck.
- Pluto’s retrograde journey is an optimum time to tackle chronic or major health problems. Use Pluto’s ability to ferret out little known information and to find new medical research studies, etc. If your belief pattern permits, it would be an excellent time to visit a medical intuitive.
Mercury Retrograde from April 28, 2016 through May 22, 2016
I discussed Mercury Retrograde in a prior post. Some of the information is outdated, but much of it remains valid.
Use this pause in activity to shift your perspective, open your mind, reset your attitudes and priorities and to prepare for new options and possibilities.
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