The Aries New Moon on the 6th kickstarts a month of focus on the masculine archetype. Both men and women contain masculine and feminine energies, it’s just that men tend to have more easy access to the masculine than women (and vice versa). Aries is a fiery masculine zodiac sign with a particular emphasis on motivating us to activate our plans. Since the start of the year, we’ve been encouraged by the cosmos to break free of old life patterns, jobs, relationships or projects that are no longer working. It’s a year for getting on track and following the spark of our passion.
This does not necessarily mean jumping ship too soon. The Full Moon on the 20th in Scorpio reminds us that it’s always worthwhile putting effort into current relationships or circumstances to see whether it’s possible to transform and improve what’s not working. Perhaps everyone involved is ready to go to the next level. Yet if after trying to negotiate, a win-win is not possible – i.e. either you or someone else feels they have to compromise too much – then the New Moon encourages us to break free and move on.
Moving on takes courage as we might have to go it alone for a while, plus experience the grief and sadness of leaving behind people, places or creative pursuits that we love. But as we light our path with our own passion, soon others on similar paths will be drawn towards us and new connections can be made. With both Aries and Scorpio strongly active this month, it’s likely that as we forge our individual paths ahead (Aries) we will need to put extra effort into either transforming (Scorpio) or letting go (also Scorpio).
Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio goes retrograde on 2 April. Pluto has spent the past few months getting used to being in zodiac sign Capricorn, and in going retrograde prods us to spend time reflecting on habits or patterns that block us from reaching our goals (Capricorn is goal-oriented). We particularly need to reflect on how we can either take more or less responsibility in our lives, depending on what our current responsibility patterns are. Some take on more responsibility than is helpful for others, whereas others don’t take on enough. It’s time for better balance with the Capricorn theme of responsibility.
Mars, the ruler of Aries adds extra emphasis to the role of the masculine in our lives, especially from mid-month. Because men are generally more finely attuned to the masculine than women, it’s likely that men will be going through rapid growth experiences this month, and therefore relationships with men will be a focus. Those who resonate with masculine energy are role models to us as we attempt to forge ahead with our passions. Some show negative Mars/Aries energy and possibly role model what not to do (e.g. being forceful, bossy, self-interested or impatient), yet others will express positive masculine attributes (e.g. focus, willpower, self-motivation or courage).
From mid-April to the end of the month, Mars squares Venus, trines Uranus and opposes Jupiter. This rather unstable erratic mix brings difficulties yet also successes. When Mars squares Venus, misunderstandings between the genders can flare up, so do your best to stay calm in relationships this month. Women will need to be especially patient with men who are are pushing boundaries around issues of freedom and adventure. And men will need to do their best to remember the value of commitment and stability and not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
When Mars comes into contact with Jupiter and/or Uranus, the urge for the masculine to break free is irresistible. Women who resonate strongly with their masculine sides will also be chomping at the bit for change and freedom. Remember, do your best to transform a situation by negotiating a win-win, but if you feel you have to compromise too much, it might be time to walk away. We’ll all need to be especially careful with the ‘war’ energy during this time, in that it’ll be easy for anger to erupt and fights to break out. The feminine within each of us will have its work cut out to be patient with the masculine. Stay loving and respectful but also be firm and boundaried. Walk away if conflict begins to escalate but ensure you return to the issue later when things are calmer. It’s not a month for suppression. Issues must be dealt with.
Find some positive exercise outlets to help burn off frustration. Punching pillows, fast aerobic walking or jogging, working out at the gym, dancing or sports can all be supportive. Watch for road ragers or hot head drivers. There’s a rash competitive vibe in the air that requires awareness. Despite the potential for pain and loss this month, there are also incredible opportunities for breaking free of old patterns and forging ahead with a huge energy rush toward the future. Jupiter in connection with Mars brings a positive outcome to any difficulties and opens up pathways for fresh opportunities and luck.
Jupiter is in Capricorn and has our futures in mind. Mars is in Cancer and shows us what we need to respect from the past. Finding a way to honour the past while creating the future is important now. Past difficulties with male family members or relatives, old boyfriends or past close male friends need to be resolved so that we can move forward and build new futures. The feminine within us needs a masculine counterpart that can help us heal hurts from the past without getting bogged in them so that we can create the exciting futures that Jupiter guides us towards.
In broad terms, Jupiter and Mars are encouraging futures where a different, more life-affirming embodiment of the masculine is cultivated in our world. It’s time to let go of a war mentality and instead honour difference. It’s also a time to let go of the ‘first and best’ competitive ‘more deserving’ mentality that predominately drives our culture and instead foster co-operative collaboration. We all have ‘places to go and people to see’. We’re all striving for the best. This month the cosmic energies prod us to develop new skills for ensuring everyone is given a fair chance to achieve their goals.
Wishing you fortunate breakthrough moments in April that see you forging ahead successfully with cherised plans.