Queer Kentucky Horoscopes: StarGazing for April
photo by Bearykah Shaw
4/1- Mercury in Retrograde in Aries
4/5- Venus Enters Aries
4/8- New Moon in 19° Aries
4/19- Sun Enters Taurus
4/23- Full Moon in 4° Scorpio
4/29- Venus Enters Taurus
4/30- Mars Enters Aries
Go ahead and let out your groans because this month begins with the dreaded Mercury in retrograde in Aries from the 1st until the 25th.
Aries is getting a lot of attention at this point with both the retrograde and a solar eclipse happening within its sign. This makes for a rowdy kind of energy and is honestly perfect for both the retrograde and solar eclipse in my opinion.
I know I know but hear me out- the spiritual nature of both of these cosmic occurrences is meant to re-evaluate and restructure through “taking things away” or putting things off (the solar eclipse being the more intense phenomenon) and in combination with the impulsivity of Aries, we probably need this.
The intimidation and apprehension surrounding retrogrades in particular can be smoothed out by acknowledging the process that things take and the cycles we go through. The natural destruction and delay that happens during this time can help us and push us in a positive direction if we are willing to learn patience. While I admit that is no easy feat for Aries energy, I also feel that on the flip side, it’s a sign that knows how to be tactical when it comes down to it. Aries is a warrior at heart. It knows how to prepare for battle and combat.
It’s not just about being careful, watching what we say, or how we move in this world. Aries will not be stagnant. But it can learn to be more concise, stealthy, and purposeful through the influence of the Mercury in retrograde.
On the 5th, sensuous planet Venus enters Aries and no lie, Venus doesn’t love it within the sign of Aries.
It’s considered in detriment which means it is not in its most comfortable placement. Aries is unabashed. Unapologetic. Yet it finds itself squirming in the Venus position, a planet known for its ability to bring delicacy and softness. Aries is ruled by polar opposite Mars, the planet representative of aggression, and Aries finds that its natural inclination towards passion and action does not thrive in Venus.
Thus lo and behold, a feeling that Aries thinks it will never have to deal with…hesitation.
The gusto that Aries is usually comfortable with displaying threatens to become mute when its love and effort are not met with the same overtness. Its heart is not certain of where to go or how to show the depths it feels inside without trampling others with it. Never mind if it comes out clumsily, it doesn’t feel awkward to an Aries. It will play anything off because charm knows no bounds underneath this placement. It’s a flirt but through showing you just how much it desires. It’s tactile. Physical. Venus in Aries romances by laying it all on the line. Relentlessly in pursuit. Chasing until the ends of the Earth.
Now, that’s some raw vulnerability.
We won’t feel the need to hide during this time. Our love is robust and wild. There’s something primal that wants to come out and taking advantage of creative spurts feels easy. Doing the hard work because you care feels easy. Loving immensely feels easy. Dedicating not just the mind and soul but body feels necessary and intuitive. We express ourselves directly. No, it’s not always pretty but at least it will be honest.
The new moon in 19° Aries will happen on the 8th and it will have us in full-blown release.
This will be some intense energy and not the most opportune time to manifest or even perform any sort of rigid ritual. We are not in the state to exert energy to tame or control. We are a wildfire. A flame that dances and darts around as a form of flow. Magic happens when we let go.
If we are going through a particularly rough moment in life or are experiencing worry over things out of our control, we could benefit from grounding ourselves or moving our bodies. Swaying, deep breathing, feeling into, and then letting the thoughts that come up drift out of us. Freeing us.
This moon has no qualms with tearing and ripping us away from whatever is feeding our false egos or sense of safety. This moon will burn through and melt away whatever illusion we may have had about a situation or person, revealing a certain illusion that we ultimately have about ourselves and who we think we are. Consider it a godsend. An awakening into a new truth.
The sun crosses over into the sign of Taurus on the 19th and here is where we can feel a little more settled.
We can graze and frolic. Play in the new skin we’ve developed. Get to know our natural state wherever that may fall. When the Sun shines in Taurus, the fruit starts to bear itself, and the labor it took to get to where we are was worth it.
A Taurus Sun is the most hardworking placement there is. I’ve seen it many times. There is often not a smidge of bravado that comes from them even when they deserve to boast from the rooftops. Bragging is not in their DNA. They reject it and those who revel in it vehemently. They can sniff out a facade. Taurus has no time for foolery because they’re too busy toiling away, crafting ideas, and pursuing them. They’re dedicated and aren’t afraid to get dirty. It truly is a salt-of-the-earth type of energy. They pop off and dazzle everyone only to then quietly soak in all that they’ve worked for in a corner somewhere. Its dichotomy is fascinating.
Having the Sun in this placement is a moment to remind yourself that you didn’t make it to where you are without doing the hard work. If you’ve made it look effortless, kudos to you but try not to let the imposter syndrome set in when everything starts to feel okay and opportunities come your way. Because you worked for it. You really did that.
It is not the time to distance yourself from a path that seems clear or a chance to show off yourself a little bit. We can begin to see when and where we can confidently show out and when is the right time to be humble. We live in gratitude and appreciation for the effort and time it took to be here.
On the 23rd, we will have the moon illuminated in the sign of Scorpio at 4°. This is where life’s mysteries come forward.
With the Moon in its fall, this is a moon that doesn’t mind distance. It is not like a Capricorn moon where it must learn closeness and tenderness. That is not the lesson for a Scorpio Moon. They don’t ask or beg for intimacy. They draw it in and those who can withstand being caught in their auric web are welcome to stay. There is no yearning as there is an abundant amount of love that is already cultivated inside of this placement.
Sometimes they feel alone in this but don’t mind it. Suffering becomes sweet and comfortable for Scorpio. They will wait until something or someone comes along and proves itself to them, that they are willing to work just as hard as Scorpio. As Taurus’s sister sign, they too know what hard work is. Its energy is less earthy and more murky though. Black and inky like it slinks from some sort of cosmic swamp or misty lake. Scorpio knows the depths of emotion. They have died and come back again lifetimes before. For them, to deconstruct and then rebuild from the ground up is intrinsic.
At this time our power is unmistakable. We are magicians. Through this moon, we can alchemize the difficult things in our lives. Find the strength deep down to transform situations or emotions that seem fixed or permanent.
By sitting quietly in the mud, we can rise through like a lotus in bloom.
Venus will move into the more comfortable sign of Taurus on the 29th making our hearts and souls feel more full.
A natural nourisher, Taurus loves to take care. It has the magic touch, caressing all that it cares for with lithe and delicate fingers. It is not forceful or harsh but sweet and golden like honey. A grasp so gentle you don’t mind to be in its possession. It’s an energy that coos you into being theirs. Forever.
Venus moves within the sign of Taurus elegantly. An earthy lover, it shares its time and energy generously because love is an act of service. An act of doing. Love is a verb and to provide is the ultimate pleasure. The way it upholds its values is with a strength unmatched. Here, there is a hierarchy. A right and wrong way to do things. It will only seek out and provide the best for itself and its loved ones. Venus in Taurus finds beauty in the orderly and the genuine. Its totem is one of truth and nature.
We are more inclined to indulge in our senses and feel ourselves. It doesn’t matter what shape we are taking at this time, we move within this world with sensuality and with motive. Slow and steady.
How do we win the race? By creating and showing love through intentionality.
By giving and sharing our expression and joy with others as a form of building safety and family regardless of whether it is chosen- especially if it is chosen. Because Taurus does not chase willy-nilly. The things and the people in your presence have their purpose. The opportunities that may be revealing themselves to you at this time have the potential to reside deep in the reservoirs of your heart for years to come. It is time to relish in the artful way that life can come together.
Then closing out or month, Mars will enter Aries on the 30th where, as I mentioned before, it thrives.
There are no restraints once Mars is within the constellation Aries. Everything is game and everyone can get it. But this is healthy competition. Sport for the sake of moving bodies and energy. For proving oneself to the self. Mars in Aries isn’t often in direct competition with others. It genuinely is only in the game for its spirit and wants others to join in if they are willing to play hard and honestly. Sit on the sidelines if you care to because Aries does not.
It wouldn’t mind if you watched and admired though.
Aries wants to get hurt. Thrash its vessel until divinely pulverized. It takes life and squeezes until every ounce of juice has dripped through. This placement is thorough in the sense that it will exhaust itself for the things it wants to put effort towards. Even if you want it to chill out, it won’t. You can’t make it. Mars in Aries is desire in its essence. In love and war.
We could be feeling lascivious in a multitude of ways as subtly has no place within this placement. Even through the hiccups and pause points that the energy earlier this month may put us through, we charge through- not in a pushy, messy way but like a skilled hunter. Willing to wait and pounce when the time is right.
Go ahead and pursue your goals without holding back. After a period of shedding and letting go, it’s time to embrace life with delight and dive into the things that bring us contentment.