Astral Meanders April 1-7th

In General: Pluto turns retrograde on the 4th; Venus turned retrograde on March 6th and turns direct on April 17th. So we are in an interesting period where looking back and re-evaluating reign supreme! Venus retrograde signals a period of slowing ourselves down and rethinking our values and priorities in the realms of love and finances. Pluto retrograde pressures us to release the old, and obsolete in our lives. It is a good time to look deeper into ourselves and our motivations in order to determine exactly what we do or do not need. Financial and romance issues are particularly highlighted and when connected as they are under this configuration expect some problems regarding shared resources to come to light. For those celebrating their birthdays this week it heralds a year ahead full of changes and re-evaluations. Discovering new directions is highly likely. On the world scene we can expect some more physical earth upheavals and odd weather patterns. Revisiting of old issues is of course also likely to be on the political agenda! Locally we should practice compromise.

Astral news: Right now Venus is invisible, moving backwards - 'retrograde' and so close to the Sun we can't see her beaming glow. On April 5 she will reappear pre-dawn as the Morning Star, which begins her new cycle. However she will be hard to spot until the middle of the month when it she will be rising 2 hours before the Sun. if you are a lover of this romanticized planet than try the following web site for some great 3D screensavers: http://www.cnet.com.au/downloads/soa/Venus-3D-Space-Survey-Screensaver/0,239030384,10643558s,00.htm

Aries
March 21- April 20
Romance may seem to be at a standstill this week! There’s just not much happening on all levels this week! You need to wait until the 7th for things to change and to feel that familiar creative and energetic spirit rise up within you! Take a new attitude and look at things differently and you will be surprised!

Taurus
April 21-May 21
Too much reticence or caution will lose you opportunities this week. You need to make quick decisions and trust your feelings! Being alone will help you to sort out what your real values consist of and redefine some of those long term goals that have been troubling you of late. Let go of old ideas. Embrace the new!

Gemini
May 22-June 21
The week begins with some fortunate interactions and fodder for your intellect. It closes with opportunity to use your original and far thinking ideas! New friends are likely to arrive and they can help open up new vistas of opportunity for you. Doing something altruistic serves you well this week too.

Cancer
June 22- July 23
There seem to be some power struggles for you guys this week. Try to compromise and keep a low profile for the best results. You have an inner feeling about where you should be heading so do things to put this into practice. Take action now! What you visualise now will most certainly be yours.

Leo
July 24- August 23
Overall a good week but be careful around the 4-6th and do not believe all you hear. Be aware also of how you appear to those around you, what you are saying and doing is all important to your public face at this time. A new journey is opening up for you and it’s time to embrace it and cut your losses!

Virgo
August 24- September 23
Try to listen to others this week and give some credence to what others are saying. Believing you alone have the answers will only cause friction where you would least like it! Your experiences and feelings at present seem much deeper than usual and are making you take stock. Some things obviously need to be let go.

Libra
September 24- October 23
Be careful as you choose between love and money this week, it can be a fine line to happiness! The 7th starts a new and beneficial cycle all round. The effect of others opinions are becoming more apparent and it’s time to be careful about who you spend your time with. There are new and refreshing relationships to embrace.

Scorpio
October 24-November 22
Family and family connections take up most of your time this week. Revising how you do things can be helpful in opening up new work opportunities that will actually bring you some measure of enjoyment. Don’t make assumptions about those you love. Its best to try communicating and find real answers.

Sagittarius
November 23- December 21
Be wary of over dramatizing issues around the 5th and 6th because by the 7th you will see that all is really in your favour! Taking the initiative at this phase of your journey will give you the most rewarding results. Don’t be afraid to try to something new and out of your comfort zone, it just might be very satisfying indeed.

Capricorn
December 22- January20
There is some conflict of interest midweek and this is best handled with diplomacy. Think before you speak in other words! In other areas being less stuck in your old habits and old ways of thinking will serve you now. It’s time to break out the fun you! Family can bring some positives to your life now.

Aquarius
January 21- February 19
Health and energy levels continue to improve, especially after the 5th. There can be some testing times this week too however, it’s all about knowing what to ask for. Family relationships are under scrutiny and may need some revising. Let go of past issues and try to remain in the moment.

Pisces
February 20 March 20
There is a small danger that you will drag up old issues on the 4th-6th and there is really no need for this! Try to focus on the now and get all the pleasure you can from your moments. Communication is all important and paying attention to how you do this can help you in the long haul.

Astral Peeks: April fool’s Day.....
Ancient folk, including the Romans and the Hindu, celebrated New Year's Day on or around April 1. It closely follows the Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (March 20th or March 21st.) Under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1. Some folk, however, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1. These folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fool’s errands" or were made the butt of other practical joking. This harassment evolved, over time, into a tradition of prank-playing on the first day of April. The tradition eventually spread to England and Scotland in the eighteenth century. In Scotland, April Fool's Day is actually celebrated for two days. The second day is devoted to pranks involving the posterior region of the body. It is called Taily Day. The origin of the "kick me" sign can be traced to this observance.