NorthPoint Astrology Journal by Pam Younghans April 20 to 26, 2015

NorthPoint Astrology Journal by Pam Younghans
April 20 to 26, 2015

Highlighted Aspects:MON: Sun enters Taurus 2:41am PDT, Jupiter square Mercury; TUE: Pluto trine Mars; WED: Pluto trine Mercury, Jupiter sextile Venus, Mars conjunct Mercury; THU: Saturn quincunx Sun; FRI: Chiron sextile Mercury, Pluto quincunx Venus; SAT: Chiron semisquare Sun, Sun square Ceres; SUN: Uranus sextile Venus

YESTERDAY'S NEW MOON (on Saturday, April 18) was in Aries, establishing this lunar cycle as a time when we can begin anew, and supporting us with the courage we need to enter new territory. We may be pioneering for ourselves, or leading the way for others, or a combination of both.


It is an exciting time, that perhaps will lead to some sleepless nights this week, due to our over-active minds. Even though we may gain some stability when the Sun enters placid Taurus on Monday, there are many planetary indicators of heightened mental activity throughout the rest of the week.


ONE OF THESE indicators is also on Monday, when Jupiter in Leo squares Mercury in Taurus. With this aspect, our enthusiasm may be running ahead of our planning. We may wonder if we really have enough things figured out on a practical level to make it all work, especially since it seems like we're adding more items to our "to-do" list every few minutes.


But, Mercury and Mars are heading for their annual alignment on Wednesday, supporting us in taking action on our ideas. It's nice that this alignment occurs in practical, earthy Taurus, since it will help us keep our feet on the ground even if we're feeling a bit breathless over life's rapid pace.


PLUTO forms helpful trine aspects to Mars on Tuesday and to Mercury on Wednesday, adding to the power behind their conjunction. Trines do not force us into action, but they help open doors so that what we are doing feels like "the natural next step" rather than a break from our path.


Pluto can be a powerful ally, especially when involved in trine aspects. The trine to Mars puts us into high gear as we become even more passionate about pursuing our desires, while the trine to Mercury adds to our determination to see our plans through to fruition.


WE MAY HAVE a reality check on Thursday, as Saturn makes a quincunx to the Sun. Quincunx aspects usually call for an attitude adjustment, and with the Sun in Taurus receiving the energy of Saturn in Sagittarius, we may become more aware of the changes that will need to occur if we actually take the new trajectory we're considering (or may have already chosen).


With a Pluto-Venus quincunx on Friday, we may also realize that adjustments are needed in how we prioritize our time. This will require that we look closely at what we really value, and restructure our lives accordingly.


WE CONTINUE to confront our resistance to change on Saturday, through challenging aspects between the Taurus Sun, Chiron, and Ceres. With Chiron in Pisces, we may need to ask ourselves, "Can I have faith in the Universe and in positive outcomes, even if they are outside my conscious control, and I cannot yet see them?" If the answer to this question is "No," or even "Maybe," this is a perfect time to express love and compassion for the small fearful child within who is not quite sure about all this "faith in the Universe" stuff.


The Sun-Ceres square, also on Saturday, is a challenge to any remaining lack of self-esteem that could interfere with our chosen course of action. We will benefit from remembering that with Ceres in Aquarius, we find self-worth and self-acceptance when we claim our individuality and follow the path we internally know is right for us, even if it will require us to make choices that seem impractical, and even it means that we are no longer opting to do what someone of our age or situation "should" do.


With those inner conflicts to start the weekend, it's lovely that we have a Uranus-Venus sextile on Sunday! This aspect can help reinvigorate our excitement about what's next, and connect us with like-minded others who can support our new directions.
In peace,

Pam

Photo: Amazing auroras fill the sky over Bergen, Norway on April 17, 2015 (credit: Rune Askeland, posted on SpaceWeather.com)