Astrological Forecast for March & April 2021

Late winter and early spring this year have less dramatic astrological weather than we’ve seen for a long time – although that doesn’t mean things will be calm. We already have quite a few issues on our plate, crises and dilemmas that we need to chew and digest.

Patience is frayed and frustration mounts as we enter the second year of the pandemic, and the resulting tension spills into our political, social, and economic lives. If the astrological energy of March and April offer few new problems, it doesn’t mean that we won’t need to work on existing matters.

The line between ‘personal’ and ‘collective’ has been nearly dissolved in the Covidian Era, as we’ve all been affected by the virus. Political and social issues are also past the boiling point, and many of us have seen friends and family members turn against each other in what may well be a new kind of civil war. Lest we forget, economic polarization has increased, and some folks are thriving while hunger becomes commonplace. Environmental catastrophes have left many homeless – a story that is often buried beneath other traumatic news of the day.

I don’t mean to be a downer, but we all know that things are pretty tumultuous now, and it’s better to be aware and proactive than to pretend that everything is fine. It would be lovely to say that things are going to turn around quickly and that we’ll go back to normal in an instant – but you know that’s not the case.

In fact, we never go ‘back’ to normal. Even in easier times, we are constantly creating new normals, evolving our present into the future. Over the past decade (or longer), we’ve made some questionable choices, and have walked ourselves into the spot we’re in. Finding our way out of this alley is going to take some time.

If things move a little more slowly in March and the first part of April, take it as an opportunity to focus your energies. None of us can effect major changes alone, but we can each contribute in a positive way. Things will amp up again as April draws to a close, so if you can get a little respite beforehand, do so.

March

March begins with Mars moving into Gemini on the 3rd, as Mercury meets with Jupiter and Venus connects with Uranus. It’s a verbal – possibly downright chatty – period for socializing and sharing ideas, if only online. This is an opportunity for coming to decisions and reaching consensus. We might be a little over-optimistic, especially with the last quarter moon in Sagittarius, but there are worse things than too much enthusiasm.

A less intellectual vibe prevails as we approach mid-month. The Sun meets with Neptune on the 10th, before the Pisces New Moon on the 13th. That new moon is accompanied by a romantic, but not necessarily realistic, meeting of Venus and Neptune. A few days later, on the 15th, Mercury dives into the waters of Pisces, adding to the dreamy feel. From the 9th through the 16th, it could be time to step back from practicalities and let your energy flow into creative projects, fantasy, and romance. It’s a great time for meditation and spiritual exploration, and – less demandingly – binge-watching your favorite shows.

Once again, the mood shifts rapidly as we head towards the solstice on March 20th. The Sun is quickly joined in Aries by Venus, and Mars begins a very active period, culminating at the Libra Full Moon on the 28th. This full moon has the Sun closely conjoined to both Venus and Chiron. The end of March is likely to be a time when folks are eager to assert themselves. Relationship is important, but we’ll want it on our own terms. Compromise is not always a good thing, and we’re exploring the limits of cooperation. Exercise some healthy selfishness, as doing right by yourself is a prerequisite for doing right by others.

The fog rolls in just after the full moon, suggesting that we may have an extra dose of lunacy, as Mercury has his annual meeting with Neptune on the 29th. Although the full moon pushes us to act, Mercury/Neptune could mean that our wires are crossed, messages are distorted, or communication short-circuits in some way. With luck, the astrological weather in the coming days will help us sort things out, but keep in mind that the 28th – 30th is not an ideal time for making practical decisions, although it’s fine for implementing them.

April

The first half of April is charged, with lots of Fire and Air in the skies. By the 4th, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, Ceres, and Chiron are all in energetic Aries. The first week of the month is a great for pulling out of any winter blues and starting the real activity of the year. Keep an eye on the 7th, when the Sun meets Ceres – we’re likely to be getting messages about the environment and climate change.

A bit of a hiccup comes around the 9th, as Mercury meets Chiron and Mars squares Neptune. There could be a ‘hurry up and wait’ feel at this time, and some folks will act out due to feelings of despair and issues of self-worth.

Venus is square to Pluto at the Aries New Moon on the 11th, setting the table for significant changes in relationships and finance. Whether this is a time to hit the internal reset button or to make an active move will depend on individual circumstances, but for many this new moon will not seem quiet.

The next few days, from the 13th through the 17th, offer an energetic period when communication is key. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto form aspects with each other. It’s time to speak your truth – but be sure you are speaking the truth.

There’s an oscillation between tension and release that moves quickly throughout the last twelve days of April. Saturn and Pluto are prominent, and they’re known for putting on the pressure. Yet Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars also have a say in late April and early May, and they tend to encourage freedom and change.

After the Sun and Mercury move into Taurus on the 19th, a more Earthy tone dominates, so that things may seem to proceed a little more slowly: yet like a locomotive, there’s power behind the slow chugging of Taurus.

Venus, already in the sign, meets with Uranus on 22nd. All else being equal – and it ain’t – this would be a time of openness and experimentation in relationships. We may be inclined to try something, or someone, new, and the break out of our partnership routines. This year, Covid is likely to limit our options (Saturn and Pluto contain, Uranus tries to break free), but it’s still a good time to step outside of our comfort zones. For some of us, the gist of this time will be a desire to be alone and dance to the somewhat erratic beat of our own drummers.

Mars steps into Cancer on the 23rd. At the very first degree of Cancer, Mars triggers last year’s solar eclipse, resonating and reverberating with events from last June. The Cosmic Warrior at the very beginning of the sign of the crab always has a rather volatile energy, and he leans towards tradition, home, and clan. There’s a potentially reactionary movement to his placement in this sign that could manifest in politics and social justice issues.

On the 24th, it’s Mercury’s turn to meet with Uranus. Brilliant ideas may emerge, and in the sign of Taurus they should have some practical application. One potential danger is saying too much, or blurting out things that you might otherwise want to keep to yourself.

Venus and Mercury quickly square Saturn on the 24th and 25th. The freedom and openness of the Uranian aspects have to answer to the demands of Saturn, who prefers that we color within the lines. In our relationships and communication, we may thus find that we’re moving back into the box, rather than out of it.

While much of the above are likely to play out on the personal level, the last few days of April are especially charged in the collective. The Scorpio Full Moon is on the 26th. Always somewhat emotional and unsettling, it is given extra power by Pluto’s station to go retrograde a day later. The explosive/implosive energy of this full moon is hard to predict beyond saying that it will be powerful for all of us.

On the last day of April, Pluto goes on to square Ceres, and again environmental issues may be prominent (the pandemic itself is something of an environmental issue). The Sun meets with Uranus on the same day, an aspect that could detonate the potential of Pluto/Ceres.

The cosmic winds blow hard at the end of April, but by now we’re pretty good sailors, and hopefully compassion and love will prevail.

Armand Diaz, Ph.D., is an intuitive astrologer who also uses Tarot in his consultations with clients. He can be reached via his website, www.ArmandDiaz.com