(Reprinted in part from The Eclipse Cycle of Spring 2005 - Intense Change and Rapid Growth by Bob Hoffman, Sacred Pathways Magazine, Apr/May 2005)
The specific energy of April of this year is archetypical. By that I mean that it exemplifies the true meanings of the Sign. April will see a real, sudden bursting out of energy, unlike some years where it is more subdued. I believe that is because the outgrowth for this year will be the continuation of the previous year of intense change and rapid growth. Even gas prices are growing rapidly! Social and business issues are changing even more rapidly and definitively than previous years. If you want to make changes in your life, please get on with it because the universe is working with you. As I have indicated in previous articles, the Jupiter/Saturn social and cultural cycle is in a rapid directional change and growth period. That means you can quickly move right along with it in your chosen direction.
The New Moon of April 8 is a Hybrid Annular-Total Solar Eclipse, and consequently extra powerful and more meaningful. It is a hybrid because in some parts of the world, it is a partial eclipse, and in others it is a total eclipse. The chart of that day indicates that this new cycle will have a lot to do with business and humanitarian goals. On the business end, there is a chance that by the 13th, people may become somewhat unrealistic about just how much they can accomplish. Jupiter’s opposition to the New Moon Eclipse will exaggerate things—perhaps we will be too optimistic. On the other hand, it indicates that creative vision can be very helpful in the long run. Since it is Aries time, I think it will take a realistic viewpoint to counteract the impetuousness and recklessness of Aries—perhaps when the Sun goes into Taurus on the 19th. The humanitarian aid to the tsunami victims will continue to pour in. Other social issues are making Americans looking more closely at legal “business as usual” and are poised to make changes.
The chart for the beginning of Taurus on April 19 indicates that people will feel somewhat divided in their efforts. There will still be a nagging persistence urging us to clean up our acts. At the same time, our personal relationships will need attention. The impetus will be to keep working on business while our loved ones are craving for attention. I suggest you pay more attention to relationships because they are the foundation from which everything else flows.
If you have ignored relationships up to the Full Moon (and Penumbral Lunar Eclipse) of April 24, you will now pay the price for it. Business will suffer, and personal relationships will become more detached, leaving you emotionally stranded. The chart of that time shows a lack of integration, and a continued lack of realism about what we can accomplish is a short time. On the other hand, if you have paid attention to both areas of life, you will be rewarded by an increased awareness of how valuable a resource you actually are. Keeping focused and enthusiastic about the direction you are going will align you to your purpose and activate karmic help that is there to help you. Try to get as organized as you can even though it may be difficult, because when Mars enters Pisces late on the 30th, you will wake up on May Day to a new energy cycle that may not be as helpful.
Aries
Renewal - This is your time of year. Don’t worry about making a big splash; just decide which pond to swim in. Later you will move forward rapidly, for now plan where you want to go and you will be propelled in that direction.
Taurus
Release – Let go of outcomes. Reconnect with your spirit and let it guide you for the upcoming year. If there are last minute details to clean up, now is the time to do them. Don’t put it off any longer.
Gemini
Friendship – Spend as much time with like-minded people as you can. They will become very helpful to you in the not-to-distant future. This is a good action oriented month because of the Mars placement in Aquarius, so go for it.
Cancer
Consciousness – Your work has culminated and you can see what you have built. If the results are not great, you still have time to rectify them, so do that now. Reconnect with your loved ones who may have been ignored lately–they will appreciate it.
Leo
Travel – Go as far as you can inwardly and outwardly. Your spirit is wishing to fly, so let it. This is a good month to let others know how you really feel. Just say things without any arrogance and it will be understood as you really mean it.
Virgo
Intensity – Rationalize less and get into the true feelings you have. Don’t be so practical about things. It’s time to get to the depth of your feelings about others and situations. If you feel like you will crash, just know that you will rise higher from the ashes.
Libra
Fulfillment – Realizations will come through strongly this month. If you have been looking for guidance, you will find it everywhere right now. You know the answers to your questions; you just have to let go of justifications and condemnations, especially about yourself.
Scorpio
Organization – Get things cleaned up, particularly on the physical level. Put everything back the way it belongs so you can move forward rapidly later. Get back to, or begin to think “healthy”.
Sagittarius
Creativity – Your creative gifts will shine, be they artistic, verbal, or any kind. Don’t hold back for a better time to show your stuff, because there isn’t a better time. This month can propel you quickly.
Capricorn
Action – Take a tack towards better results in all avenues of life. You are being urged to undertake new directions that will make for success. Pay attention to your home life a bit more, for both family, and structural and design matters.
Aquarius
Environment – Revamp your work and play environments to get the most out of them. Communicate your needs to those around you and you will be taken more seriously. Make long and short range plans now.
Pisces
Finances – Pay attention to your money and how you will finance your new and expanded goals this year. Get out in nature where you belong and breathe new life into your lungs. Shake off the accumulation of physical and mental debris.