Astrology Forecast Apr 12 - Apr 18
- Kat Shaw
- Apr 12
- 14 min read
Last week, Mars came home to Aries after over a year away. Action got direct, courage became accessible, and the fog that's been hanging over motivation since early March finally cleared. Strength appeared to remind you that having power and using it wisely are different things. Channel the lion, don't just unleash him.
This week, Mars immediately runs into Neptune.
Sunday, Mars conjuncts Neptune at the very beginning of Aries; the same 0-2° zone where Saturn and Neptune have been asking you to make dreams real since December. Mars wants direct, courageous action. Neptune wants spiritual inspiration, dreams, and vision. Together at 0° Aries, this is either divinely inspired pioneering OR complete confusion about what you're actually fighting for. Possibly both at the same time.
Then Mercury enters Aries on Tuesday, joining Mars in the fire. Communication gets direct, thinking gets fast, and patience disappears entirely. Friday brings the New Moon in Aries, the first since Mars came home, offering a fresh start for whatever you're brave enough to initiate. Also on Friday, Mercury meets Neptune in the same spot Mars just left, bringing inspired (or confusing) communication right as you're setting new intentions.
Throughout the week, both Mars and Mercury sextile Pluto from Aries, offering opportunities for transformation if you're willing to reach for them. Venus and Jupiter flow together gently on Sunday, at least providing some relief in the background.
The spirits suggest you pay attention to what's being born this week. Between Mars, Mercury, and the New Moon all operating in early Aries while Neptune asks "but is this a real vision or just exciting fantasy?" Something is beginning. Whether it's grounded or just inspiring remains to be seen.
Mars Conjunct Neptune in Aries (Apr 9 - Apr 17; Exact Apr 13)
Almost right away upon entering Aries, Mars is running headlong into Neptune. This conjunction is a lot of conflicting energy, but also something you can harness now that you're aware it's coming.
Mars is the essence of direct action, often at the expense of clear thinking. Run ahead, get the thing done, figure out the details later. Neptune, meanwhile, is a dreamer. Intuition, spirituality, visions; those are his domain. Which is great until you get lost in the dream and forget to act. See where these two could easily get into conflict with one another?
This conjunction could very easily lead to anger toward perceived slights that may or may not be real, or getting passive-aggressive about something you really should be addressing head-on. Mars wants to fight, but Neptune blurs what you're fighting for and whether it's even worth the battle. This is the shadowy, uncertain side of the transit.
However, the other side of the coin is that you can direct this energy into taking action on your dreams; using it for the motivational push every artist desperately needs, and every spiritual practitioner knows they should follow but keeps avoiding. It's also a good time to lean into your spirituality and what moral actions come with it. Fighting for something you believe in, even when the path isn't perfectly clear. Acting on faith rather than certainty.
The curator notes this conjunction is happening at 1-2° Aries, right where Saturn and Neptune have been dancing since December. Whatever you're being asked to pioneer and build, this is part of it. Just make sure what you're charging toward is actually there and not just inspiring fog.
Venus Sextile Jupiter (Apr 11 - Apr 17; Exact Apr 13)
It would seem the cosmos has decided to give us a bit of support with this one. On the same day as the Mars-Neptune conjunction, where action meets confusion and you're not entirely sure what you're fighting for, we get this bit of relief.
Sextiles are gentler than conjunctions, less punch-you-in-the-metaphorical-face energy. But they're still beneficial if you're willing to reach for them. (Which is kind of a longer theme for this week overall, lots of sextiles offering opportunities if you participate.)
This particular instance is Venus and Jupiter doing the dance. Venus in Taurus gives us a sense of stability in the more physical areas of life. Love, finances, our view of ourselves all have better ground to stand on. She's reaching out toward Jupiter in Cancer, who's adding the more nurturing, emotionally expansive side of things. Emotions feel more accessible, generosity flows more naturally.
Their coming together offers good vibes and helps connect with your creative side while staying grounded. This isn't going to solve Mars-Neptune's confusion about what dream you're actually pursuing, but at least while you're figuring that out, Venus and Jupiter are making sure you feel supported, optimistic, and like things can work out.
The curator notes this is excellent timing. Take the gentle optimism where you can get it. Monday's going to need it.
Mercury Sextile Uranus (Apr 13 - Apr 16; Exact Apr 14)
It is at this point that we have Mercury coming together with Uranus in another sextile moment. This will be Mercury's last aspect before moving into Aries late Tuesday night, and in this case it's a very good sendoff.
Mercury is sitting in Pisces, leaving our communication still a bit muddled and feeling-based rather than logical. But pairing up with Uranus in Taurus, things get more grounded. Sudden insights about practical matters. Intuitive downloads that actually translate to material reality. At this point it seems like the best plan of action is to ride the wave. Use the intuitive energy from Pisces to catch those ah-ha moments that seem random but make perfect sense when you think about them.
The curator notes here that the spirits say to pay attention to the things you hear today. A song that gets stuck in your head for no reason. A snippet half-heard in a grocery store. Maybe something random in your playlist that just feels right when it comes on. Dig into that. Look for the message. Tuesday is Mercury's last day operating on intuition and emotional intelligence before he enters Aries and everything gets direct and fast. Use the fog while it's still useful.
A sextile means you need to participate to get the full effect. Listen actively. Write things down. The breakthroughs are there, but they're polite, they won't announce themselves loudly.
Mercury Enters Aries (Apr 15, 11:21pm EDT)
Last week we talked about Mars coming home to Aries and how action became clearer, more direct, more courageous as a result. Well, late Tuesday night Mercury comes to join the party.
The planet of communication is moving out of the Pisces fog and into the more direct, clear, and not-particularly-patient Aries. This is something of a double-edged sword. On one hand, we'll have the clarity and focus of mind to make decisions we've been avoiding, to say things that needed saying, to think through problems with speed and directness instead of emotional meandering.
On the other hand, communication is likely to be a bit on the sharp side. We may find ourselves being more impatient and thoughtless with how we speak to others. Mercury in Aries says exactly what it thinks the moment it thinks it, without considering whether the delivery is kind or the timing is appropriate. It's honest, yes. Efficient, absolutely. Tactful? Not remotely.
Mercury joins Mars in Aries, which means there's a lot of fire building toward Friday's New Moon. Communication and action both operating at high speed with minimal patience. This is excellent for getting things done and cutting through confusion. Less excellent for maintaining diplomatic relationships or thinking before you speak.
The curator notes that keeping a stress ball within arm's reach can save a life. Or at least prevent you from saying the thing you'll regret in three hours when Mercury calms down slightly. Maybe.
Mars Sextile Pluto (Apr 13 - Apr 20; Exact Apr 16)
Mars is still pretty fresh in his own home and already we're getting an opportunity like this one. Again, this is a time when you'll need to pay attention. It's not going to outright hit you with a brick. Sextiles are polite. They offer but don't demand.
Mars and Pluto are cooperating to bring you the courage to make some of the big changes you've been pondering for a while. Likely things you've been uncertain about or completely overthinking until you've overwhelmed yourself into inaction. Thursday gives you the combination of Mars's direct courage and Pluto's transformative power. Use it to actually take the step instead of just thinking about taking the step.
This is also a time to look at the larger picture. Not just what serves you and your own needs, but what can you do for the larger collective? Mars in Aries wants independence and self-focus. Pluto in Aquarius wants evolution that serves the group, the community, the future. The sextile says you can have both; courageous individual action that also contributes to collective transformation.
The curator notes that this particular aspect brings transformation you need to participate in. Pluto isn't just going to hand you anything, even with Mars in your corner. The power is available. The courage is accessible. But you have to reach for it and use it. Thursday is the day to do that, because Friday brings the New Moon and whatever you initiate Thursday gets planted then.
New Moon in Aries (Apr 17)
A New Moon in Aries. Can't think of a better sign of a new beginning than this. Mars just moved here last week. Mercury joined him Tuesday. We're still in Aries season. Everything is pointing toward movement, action. Get up. Get going.
All the planning, all the thought we've been giving everything while the planets were in Pisces for the past month. Well, this is the moment to take that energy and push forward. What is it you want to be doing for yourself? Not for anyone else, not to keep the peace or meet expectations. What do YOU actually want to start?
Now, this doesn't mean everything around these dreams needs to be done right now, even if it feels like it. And believe me, with all the Aries energy going around, it is going to feel like it. The New Moon isn't demanding you finish, it's asking you to begin. Any movement forward is good movement, no matter how small. It's more a matter of getting the momentum going rather than reaching the end immediately. Something, anything to get you started on these dreams you've been holding onto.
Plant the seed Friday. Whatever requires courage, independence, or pioneering spirit. This is your green light. Mars gives you the will. Mercury gives you the clarity (or at least the speed). The New Moon gives you the fresh start.
The curator notes that Aries New Moons are excellent for initiation and terrible for patience. Use it. Start the thing. The rest will follow.
Mercury Conjunct Neptune (Apr 15 - Apr 18; Exact Apr 17)
This one feels like a kind of joke on the part of the larger universe. We just got a few days of clearer, more direct communication after Mercury entered Aries on Wednesday, and then boom! Mercury runs right into Neptune. Bringing back all the foggy, uncertain, "am I being inspired or just confused?" energy we just left behind in Pisces.
Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing in its entirety, but as always it's good to be aware of all aspects of the energy going on so we know how to direct it best. This aspect is coming on the same day as the New Moon, which means whatever intentions you're setting Friday might be divinely inspired OR beautifully delusional. Possibly both.
Neptune's dreams help us understand what moves us, what inspires us, what we're actually meant to pursue beyond logic and strategy. Mercury in Aries wants to speak it directly and take action on it immediately. Together, they can give you the vision AND the courage to articulate it. Or they can give you a fantasy you mistake for a plan.
Really, just stay aware of when you're making actual plans of action and when you're just daydreaming. Both are useful. But only one gets you anywhere.
Setting New Moon intentions while Mercury conjuncts Neptune is like planting seeds in fog. You might be planting exactly what needs to grow, or you might be three feet off from where you think you are. Check your compass. Trust your gut. But maybe write things down so you can reality-check them on Saturday when Mercury sextiles Pluto and things get clearer.
Mercury Conjunct Neptune (Apr 15 - Apr 18; Exact Apr 17)
This one feels like a kind of joke on the part of the larger universe. We just got a few days of clearer, more direct communication after Mercury entered Aries on Wednesday, and then boom! Mercury runs right into Neptune. Bringing back all the foggy, uncertain, "am I being inspired or just confused?" energy we just left behind in Pisces.
Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing in its entirety, but as always it's good to be aware of all aspects of the energy going on so we know how to direct it best. This aspect is coming on the same day as the New Moon, which means whatever intentions you're setting Friday might be divinely inspired OR beautifully delusional. Possibly both.
Neptune's dreams help us understand what moves us, what inspires us, what we're actually meant to pursue beyond logic and strategy. Mercury in Aries wants to speak it directly and take action on it immediately. Together, they can give you the vision AND the courage to articulate it. Or they can give you a fantasy you mistake for a plan.
Really, just stay aware of when you're making actual plans of action and when you're just daydreaming. Both are useful. But only one gets you anywhere.
Setting New Moon intentions while Mercury conjuncts Neptune is like planting seeds in fog. You might be planting exactly what needs to grow, or you might be three feet off from where you think you are. Check your compass. Trust your gut. But maybe write things down so you can reality-check them on Saturday when Mercury sextiles Pluto and things get clearer.
Mercury Sextile Pluto (Apr 17 - Apr 20;Exact April 18)
Saturday brings the clarity Friday might have lacked.
Mercury sextiles Pluto, offering you the opportunity to reality-check whatever intentions you set at the New Moon while Mercury was conjunct Neptune and everything felt inspired but possibly delusional. Pluto cuts through fog and fantasy. Mercury in Aries wants direct truth. Together, they're asking: what did you actually plant on Friday? Was it a real vision or just a beautiful idea?
This is a good day for deep, honest conversations; with yourself or others. For looking at Friday's commitments and asking which ones are grounded and which ones were just Neptune whispering pretty things you wanted to hear. Pluto doesn't lie, and Mercury in Aries doesn't soften the delivery. Saturday tells you the truth.
The curator notes this is excellent timing. Plant seeds Friday, check them Saturday, adjust accordingly. If what you initiated Friday was real and transformative, Pluto will support it. If it was fog, Pluto will show you that too. Either way, you'll know by Saturday evening.
Sextiles require participation. Have the honest conversation. Do the reality check. Use it.
What is a Void of Course Moon?
Think of the Moon as the cosmic "Project Manager" of our daily lives. As it travels through a zodiac sign, it "talks" to other planets (making aspects). The Void of Course period begins the moment the Moon finishes its last conversation in one sign and lasts until it enters the next sign.
It’s a time when the "weaver has dropped her thread." Because the Moon isn't making any new connections, the energy is "adrift."
What to do:
Rest and Routine: Perfect for chores, cleaning, or mindless admin.
Reflection: Excellent for journaling or meditating.
Finish what’s started: Wrap up old projects rather than launching new ones.
What to avoid (if possible):
Big Launches: If you start a business or launch a product now, it may "go nowhere."
Important Signatures: Contracts signed in the void often need to be revised later.
First Dates: The "vibe" might be hard to pin down.
Void of Course Times: Apr 5 - Apr 11, 2026 (EDT times)
Apr 13 - 03:42 until it enters Pisces at 04:56
Apr 15 - 09:06 until it enters Aries at 10:04
Apr 17 - 07:51 until it enters Taurus at 11:58
Tarot Card of the Week
The Fool
"I trust the journey ahead, even without knowing where it leads. I am brave enough to begin."
The Fool shows up this week standing at the edge of a cliff, one foot already in the air, ready to step off into nothing. He doesn't know what's below. He doesn't have a plan. He just knows it's time to go, so he's going.
This is New Moon in Aries energy distilled into a single card. Pure beginning. Pure potential. Pure "I have no idea what I'm doing but I'm doing it anyway" courage. The Fool is numbered 0 in the Major Arcana. The blank slate, the fresh start, the leap of faith before anything has been proven or planned.
Mars entered Aries last week and gave you the will to act. Mercury entered Aries this week and gave you the speed to communicate and decide. Friday's New Moon asks what you're brave enough to start. The Fool appears to say: you don't need to know how it ends before you begin. You don't need all the answers. You just need to take the first step.
This isn't reckless, though it might look like it from the outside. The Fool trusts. He trusts the universe, the journey, his own ability to figure things out as he goes. Mercury conjunct Neptune on Friday asks you to plant seeds based on vision and faith rather than certainty. The Fool says that's exactly right. Sometimes holy foolishness is the only way forward.
The curator notes that the Fool carries very little with him. Just a small bag, a white rose, and a dog at his heels. He's not weighed down by preparation, overthinking, or fear of looking stupid. He's free. This week asks if you're willing to be that free. To start something without knowing if it'll work. To leap without a net.
Be the Fool. Step off the cliff. The ground will meet you, or you'll learn to fly. Either way, you'll have started.
Weekly Herbal Allies
Ginger - Pure Mars/Aries energy - courage, initiation, heat, action. Perfect for New Moon intentions that require bravery. The Fool's herb for taking the leap. Activating, energizing, gets things moving.
Dragon's Blood - Power, protection, courage for new beginnings. Supports The Fool stepping off the cliff while Mars and Mercury charge ahead in Aries. Protective during bold action and risky starts.
Cinnamon - Speed, success, courage, pioneering spirit. Very Aries. Supports Mercury in Aries (fast thinking/communication) and New Moon intentions. The Fool uses cinnamon for holy foolishness that actually works.
Weekly Crystal Allies
Carnelian - THE Aries/Mars stone - courage, vitality, bold action, confidence. Perfect for New Moon in Aries and The Fool's leap. Supports starting things without overthinking.
Clear Quartz - Clarity and amplification for New Moon intentions. Helps distinguish Mercury-Neptune inspiration from delusion. The Fool's crystal - pure potential, blank slate, all possibilities.
Red Jasper - Grounded courage, sustained action, brave beginnings with endurance. Supports The Fool's journey with stamina. Mars energy that won't burn out immediately.
Bloodstone - Traditional Aries stone, courage with protection, warrior energy. Supports bold new beginnings (The Fool, New Moon) while keeping you grounded in reality (Mercury-Pluto Saturday reality check).
Closing Reflection
Last week, Mars came home to Aries and Strength reminded you that having power and using it wisely are different things. This week immediately tests that lesson by throwing Mars into Neptune on Monday, asking if you're acting on real vision or just exciting fog.
Mercury followed Mars into Aries on Tuesday night, joining the fire. Communication got direct, thinking got fast, and patience disappeared. Thursday, Mars sextiled Pluto, offering you the courage to make transformative changes if you were willing to reach for it. Then Friday brought the New Moon in Aries - the first since Mars came home - asking what you're brave enough to begin.
Also on Friday, Mercury conjuncted Neptune in the same spot Mars hit on Monday. Setting New Moon intentions while communication is foggy and inspired means you might be planting exactly what needs to grow, or you might be three feet off from where you think you are. Saturday's Mercury-Pluto sextile offers the reality check. Use it.
The Fool appears this week standing at the edge of a cliff with one foot already in the air. He doesn't know what's below. He doesn't have a plan. He just knows it's time to go. New Moon in Aries, Mars and Mercury both charging ahead, Neptune whispering dreams; this is Fool energy. Pure beginning. Pure potential. Holy foolishness that might be divine guidance.
The curator notes that Aries season doesn't wait for you to be ready. The New Moon doesn't require certainty before you plant seeds. The Fool doesn't need all the answers before he steps off the cliff. This week is asking: are you brave enough to start without knowing how it ends? Can you trust the leap?
Plant the seeds Friday. Reality-check them Saturday. But plant them. The ground will meet you, or you'll learn to fly.
Either way, you'll have begun.
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