April Astrology Report 2005

by Roxana Muise

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Interpretations of current shared energies are based on a holographic
analysis of the view of our Solar system from the perspective of the
Earth, specifically from Pacific and Eastern time zones.

April hosts 15 dynamic aspects: 3 oppositions, 3 squares, 3
ingresses, 1 conjunction, 1 direct station, 1 occultation, 1 ESP
(ending shadow point), 1 Solar and 1 Lunar eclipse.
Energies during the month include the potential for creating
balance between stability and adjustability via fine-tuning during
the first week, again on the 13th and 29th. Powerful flow of energies
on 4/8-4/12, 4/19, 4/24 allow mutual help and assistance from others,
each contributing to the strength of the group. Interest in self-
validation peaks on 4/22 and 4/27; these are good days to set goals
and support values.

4/2 Inner values allow you to gain a true perspective of your
potential for growth. Use only ethical methods to reach your goals.
The use of visualization techniques can help. Avoid excess and
extravagance in outer experiences. Self-discovery and self-awareness
leads to self-mastery. Venus opposes Jupiter Rx 3:52 PM PST, 14:03
Aries/Libra.

4/3 Use your creative power to reach new awareness of your
abilities to grow your potential. Be aware of those who have
different opinions, and extend them the courtesy of dialog. Sun
opposes Jupiter Rx 8:30 AM PDT, 3:58 Aries/Libra.

4/8 You may be called upon to choose utility over appearance, or
duty over pleasure. Time to honor your common sense. With wisdom and
patience, you can combine the two. Venus squares Saturn 12:45 AM,
20:40 Aries/Cancer.

4/8 Take advantage of an interruption in the flow of time and
light to begin a quest for inner harmony - this depends upon your
ability to transform old patterns. Your feelings can be blended and
balanced with your sense of self. West coast emphasis is on
communication and action in personal and peer relationships. East
coast: shared values and transformation of attitudes can benefit from
your attention and analysis. Solar Eclipse 19:06 Aries, West coast
1:32 PM, East coast 4:32 PM.

4/8 When confronted with limitations, emotions tend to hide true
values. Take special care to communicate honestly with loved ones. A
playful interaction can lighten up a serious situation, if you
display a loving heart. Moon occults Venus 21:33 Aries 5:50 PM.

4/10 A dilemma may arise as a result of new awareness regarding
previous serious emotional struggles. Feelings of insecurity
challenge your sense of integrity. Help from unexpected sources can
help to smooth your road. Difficult decisions can be successfully
made through relying on your inner strength. Sun squares Saturn 5:36
AM, 20:44 Aries/Cancer.

4/12 The need to take action seems very strong, but be deliberate
in your next step. Gather up the experiences of the past 5 weeks and
put them in perspective during the next 2 ∏ weeks. Moral support
from
others can be helpful, but ultimately, you must call on your inner
resourcefulness and courage to complete your process. Mercury turns
Direct 12:46 PM, 1:45 Aries.

4/13 Use the power of belief, and invoke the path of your inner
wisdom-warrior. Base your actions on a blending of faith and the
power of the mind. Others may begin to recognize your artistic
abilities, and provide links for sharing. Mars conjoins Neptune 6:13
AM, 17:15 Aquarius.

4/15 Open your eyes to new teachings to help you develop or affirm
stable and enduring values. Emotional issues may attempt to divert
your mission to discover your self-worth. Be open to the plight of
others, and offer assistance through your special talents. Venus
enters Taurus 1:37 PM.

4/19 You may enjoy the company of others of like mind. Temptations
can divert you from your goals, but you can find the endurance to
complete unfinished projects with a sense of vitality by taking good
care of yourself and avoiding over-indulging. Sun enters Taurus 4:37
PM.

4/22 You may momentarily lose sight of your goals. Taking risks
without consideration for all the possible outcomes can place your
relationships in an awkward position. Your generosity and outgoing
nature can ingratiate you with others. Support your need for success
with a positive attitude and optimism. Moon occults Jupiter 10:06 AM,
11:37 Libra.

4/24 The survival of a project is hoped for, but the form it takes
may make you question its success. Trusting yourself rather than
counting on those who are less than committed to your goals may ease
inner tensions. An interruption in the continuity leading to
completion gives you time to reevaluate and correct possible errors.
West coast: Be sure that your inner values and your outer
presentations are in harmony. Premature action can delay your plans.
East coast: Be extra aware of the real intentions of those who you
are counting on for support. Be clear in expressing your real needs
and values. Lunar Eclipse 4:20 Scorpio West coast 3:06 AM, East coast
6:06 AM.

4/27 Principles must be expressed in communication and contracts
with others, especially when dealing with organizations, businesses
or government. A good time to plan ahead for education or travel. Do
your research so that when the time comes to pursue it, you will be
informed and ready. Mercury opposes Jupiter Rx 9:37 PM, 11:01
Aries/Libra.

4/29 Your spiritual awareness may be challenged by physical
attachments. Use your sensitivity to overcome the need for self-
indulgence. Plan a romantic outing with your partner for a weekend
getaway. Venus squares Neptune 5:35 PM, 17:30 Taurus/Aquarius.

4/30 Use your unusual ideas to encourage others in new ways of
thinking. The past month has brought forth lots of different
perspectives, and now is the time to test their validity. Own your
own thoughts instead of unquestioningly following dogmatic
perspectives. Mercury ESP 14:06 Aries.

4/30 Fascination with spiritual questions is great, and call for
informed views. Life and death issues may divide public opinion. The
application of spiritual values is becoming an increasingly important
issue. Mars enters Pisces M/P to Sun/Pluto & Neptune/Uranus 7:58 PM.

April 2005 Symbolism

(Correction for March report: Albert Einstein was born on March 14,
1879, not March 1.)

April is named in honor of Aphrodite (Venus), daughter of
Zeus (Jupiter) and Dione (Greek nature goddess). The word April comes
from the Latin aperire, meaning, "I open." Some say that it refers to
the opening of the soul, and the yearly reawakening of our
relationship to Mother Earth. April is the month of openings ˆ
the Earth opens up to receive seed, the leaves of growing plants unfold,
and flowers open to the Sun. Venus brings our inner values into the
open so that we may compare them with our outer lives. April was once
called Ostermonth: the month of the Ost-end wind (wind from the
east).

April's gemstone is the diamond, associated with purity, innocence,
healing and promises. The traditional engagement ring promises
faithfulness, and identifies the bride-to-be as pure and protected.
The diamond, also called adamas (indomitable) in biblical days, being
the hardest of crystals, symbolized aspiration to the stability and
commitment of marriage. A ring of precious metal, such as gold is
symbolic of protection and timelessness. Diamonds are like spiritual
vitamins. They enhance and amplify the energy of the soul. Diamonds
aid in the opening of the two high chakras, and can be worn anywhere
on the body in this regard. Faceting a diamond is like developing and
perfecting the different characteristics of the mind, intellect and
spirit. As man's nature is perfected, so it parallels the beauty of
the diamond.

April first is dedicated to Venus' half-brother Hermes (Mercury), son
of Zeus and Maia, (Greco-Roman fire goddess) in the form of the
trickster. All Fools Day originated in ancient days when the king's
jester could tell him the truth in humorous form without risk of
punishment, as the court jester was considered a voice from the gods.
In the Norse tradition he is known as the mischievous god Loki,
brother of Odin. He was the personification of fire and lightning,
and of recreation, stressing the human need for pleasure and
merriment. This also marks the Hindu festival of Huli (the Hindu
version of the Trickster), wherein people are sent on fruitless or
pointless errands, or given difficult riddles to solve (this may be
where the scavenger hunt originated). These ordeals taught
individuals about themselves. The Trickster teaches us lessons in the
form of tricks and pranks. The antidotes or solutions to his puzzles
are hidden within the challenge, and can be discerned by putting
yourself in the place of the challenger. All fools day operates only
from morning until noon.

April has a recurring theme that has to do with joining
together. It's interesting to note that both the zipper and the
safety pin were patented, and Velcro was invented -- during the month
of April.

On April 8 the Hana Matsuri (Kambutsu-e), or Festival of Flowers, is
annually observed in Japan's Buddhist temples as a nativity
celebration of the Buddha's birth. Buddha was born in the garden of
Lumbini in what is now southern Napal, and he immediately took seven
steps, and pointed up with one hand and down with the other, and
stated: "I am alone in heaven and on Earth". Immediately, nine
dragons came down from heaven and baptized him with pure water. Part
of the annual ritual observance includes decorating a temple garden
or hall (hanamido) with flowers, and serving a sweet tea (amacha)
from dried and boiled hydrangea leaves. The tea is sprinkled on the
head of a statue of the baby Buddha who points heavenward and
earthward (also symbolic of the I Ching), symbolizing the legendary
birth of the Buddha. After the ceremony, festival visitors take the
magical amacha home to share with family members. They also use the
tea to create a spell to keep the home safe from snakes, and unwanted
insects and animals. The Buddha's birth, illumination, death and
transcendence are venerated in a month-long festival culminating at
the Wesak full Moon in May.

April 15 was the midpoint of CEREA´LIA, an eight-day festival
celebrated at Rome in honor of Ceres (aka Demeter), whose wanderings
in search of her lost daughter Proserpine (aka Kore) were represented
by women clothed in white, running about with lighted torches.
Proserpine was kidnapped by Pluto, god of the underworld while she
sat in a field with a lap full of daffodils. Some think that she was
immobilized or entranced by the toxic aroma of the daffodils.
Proserpine became queen of the underworld for half the year, and
returned to her mother for the other half. The festival was completed
with entreaties to Ceres, goddess of the Earth and its fruits for
successful crops.

As the Sun moves into the earth sign, Taurus (April 19), Loving
values may more easily emphasized in our outer activities, including
the significance of our shared responsibility for the environment.
Earth Day, April 22 is a celebration of the home that we all share,
and the Earth goddess, Gaia. The first Earth Day was organized in
1970 to support recycling, tree planting, and community commitment to
the future. It continues to encourage respect for life on earth, and
encourages methods to ensure quality of the soil, air, and water.
Earth Day is now observed in more than 140 nations
April 22 is the equivalent in the Islamic calendar of 12 Rabi-ull-
Awwal, 1426, the birthday of the prophet, Muhammed.

Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) begins this year on April 24. It is
the eight-day celebration of the ancient Jews' liberation from
Egyptian bondage. Pesach also means, "the hobbling," which refers to
the ancient ceremonial spring dance of the partridge, and symbolizes
the spiral dance of the Minotar's maze. An inner theme of April is to
call upon your inner values and strength to help overcome obstacles
and restrictions to your life path.

St. Mark's Day, April 24/25 coincides with the old Roman festival of
the Robigalia. They share the purpose of asking for heaven's blessing
for the growing of crops. St Mark's day heralds the return of
migratory birds from the south to nest and raise families.

Beltane, the Celtic start of the summer season, begins at
sunset on April 30th. The patron of Beltane is Diana, goddess of the
hunt, of wealth, wisdom, and tender affection. Beltane means "bright
fire," and is the fire festival that begins the yearly spiritual
cycle. Nine, the sacred number of endings was the basis of this
festival in 19th century Scotland. Nine teams of nine married men
gathered logs from the nine sacred trees of the Celts. At sunset all
fires were extinguished, and at sunrise a new fire was kindled
without the use of metal. All the people danced around the bonfire in
a sunwise direction, and jumped over the flames and through the
smoke, which purified and transformed their spirits. After the flames
had died down, farm animals were driven over a path cleared through
the smoking coals, to ensure their fertility. The people then danced
around a Maypole that pierced the Earth as a phallic symbol of co-
joining and fertilization. Dew was collected, and the people drank of
it and washed their faces with it. The people then took coals home to
re-kindle their hearth fires. They had all partaken of all four
elements, and the alchemical process was complete. They were assured
that the community was again whole and blessed by their divinities.
We continue to search for meaning in all parts of our lives. We find
significance in the simplest of ideas or concepts. Those ideas have
their expression in symbolism and symbols. The same basic symbols pop
up in many places and in many different philosophies and religions.
If we search with an open mind, we often find places where our
meanings agree, often in what was previously perceived as rivalry.

April 30 is dedicated to St Sophia in Russian Orthodoxy,
where she is sometimes called Mokosha, or Moist Mother Earth. Sophia
is venerated as the goddess of Wisdom and Spirit. Known as Hohkma in
Hebrew, Sapientia in Latin, and the Celtic goddess-figure Sheela-na-
gigs ˆ all these words mean wisdom. In Jewish lore, God's female
side, source of his true power is Sophia. Sophia is mentioned
liberally in the Bible: in Proverbs, I Kings, and the Song of
Solomon. Wisdom is seen to be the basis of the alchemical process:

"Water from Earth = dew, distilled from the female alone ˆ the
moist matrix of life.
Air from water = steam, distilled from the female by the male ˆ
the energy of creation.
Fire from air = gas, distilled from the male alone ˆ the life-giving breath.
Earth from fire = a forged metal or fired mould, wrought by the
female from the male ˆ the child or offspring of union."
From the Aurora Consurgens, an alchemical manuscript
attributed to Thomas Aquinas