April 2008 Monthly Forecast

April's planetary themes are fire and earth and a touch of water, which basically amounts to the conditions needed for pottery. But the breakable? Or the porcelain-hard - what's your choice? And after so much harmony for Venus and Mars in March (in water signs), we're now looking at a Venus/Mars/Jupiter "T-square" this month which gets particularly squeaky April 20-26. No one's course of true love is running smooth, if you ask me, and Libra could be at risk for an unexpected lifting of delusions (or - even worse - A Decision). But spring is fully in gear, and all the extra light means you're feeling like a fresh start is easy or that - good lord, when's the last time anyone washed those windows!?

-yours in the cause of a more orderly universe, Symboline Dai

THE NEW MOON IN ARIES, April 5. Great day for a first barbeque, or for making a new friend who might not be in your life for very long ("functional acquaintance?"). Also a time when some signs (Libra, Cancer, Aries, Capricorn) could be super-tetchy.

THE FULL MOON IN SCORPIO, April 20, the day after sun enters Taurus. On a Sunday, so there could be some repentence happening on behalf of the water signs. With the moon and Mercury at odds today, communication about emotions could veer into misunderstandings quickly. But it's a great day for buying sexy or provocative attire, particularly undergarments...

P.S. -some extra appearances this month: look for me Thursday, April 10 and Friday, April 18 At ROOTS! Appointments start at 5 p.m. Astrological tarot readings at Roots, 100 Crawford St., Leominster, Mass. just off Route 2. 978-534 7668. $30 half hour, or $50 an hour (which you can share with a friend or partner). Symboline uses your natal data and tarot cards to help you figure out life/work issues. Gift certificates available.

I'm also teaching "Love and the Stars and Your Horoscope" at the Cambridge Center for Adult Ed., Thursday, April 17, 5:45 p.m: You know your sun-sign, but how can you put your personal astrology to work for your love life? Is there a sign you can't resist? Or one that gets under your skin...and you can't tell if it's for better or for worse? Join syndicated astrology columnist Sally Cragin (locally she the Boston Phoenix as Symboline Dai) for an entertaining and educational seminar on what exactly the Moon and the planets have to do with romance and relationships. After registration please email sally@moonsigns.net with your birth-date, including the time of day and birth-place -and we'll discuss how (and when) you can move forward with your love life. And, oh yes, personal consultations are always on the menu. Visit moonsigns.net for more.

Listen to Symboline every Monday at 10 a.m. on WCRN, 830 AM, on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m. on WEIM-1280 AM

About these forecasts:

I note that the days when the moon is in your sun sign as both difficult AND smooth. But the rule of thumb is that you should view the days the moon is in your sun sign as commencing a new 28 day cycle. Chances are, you'll be unexpectedly emotional - either looking for a grievance, or seeing a situation more dramatically than circumstances warrant. The days when the moon is in the same sign as your sun is when you feel everything, truly, madly, deeply.

Don't forget the 2008 Llewellyn calendar and almanac for sale at my moonsigns.net site. If you want me to stick a little card in that reminds you when your personal easy/difficult days are, include month/day/year of birth with your order.

I'm on WCRN-830 AM on Mondays around 11 a.m. with Hank Stolz, on WEIM-1280 AM Tuesdays at 6 p.m. with Ray C., and on WTAG, 560-AM Fridays at 8:45 am with George ...so lots of opportunities.

ARIES (March 21 or 22 to April 19 or 20).
Smoother Sailing: 5,6
Challenging Days: 17-19
Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Represented by the Ram, Aries are leaders who like followers (but don't need them in a clinch). Courageous and blunt, Aries is a great sign to have in sales or marketing.

Happy birthday to the Rams! Lots of pleasant activities for you starting April 3, and then "souped up" April 7-31 as Venus moves into your sun sign. But the astrological transits aren't as "easy" as they might be as Mars continues its journey through Cancer. Last month: those of you born March 20-25 had trouble March 4-18; those born March 25-31 had trouble March 15-31. If those are your birthdays, expect bumps in the road in April. But it's the April rams who get the challenges. If you're born April 1-7, April 1-14 will be a tricky passage. April 8-15 rams will have challenges April 13-31, and April 15 and after will be challenged April 27 to May 9. Those born April 10 to 12 could be feeling some titanic upheaval. The job's not working, or the domicile, or the stuff that makes other people feel settled and stable. Periodically, the ram likes to mix it up and this month is totally that time for you. Look for help from earth sign folks, particularly after April 18, when their communication skills are better.

TAURUS (April 20 or 21 to May 20 or 21).
Rewarding: 7,8
Challenging: 20-22
Taurus is a fixed earth sign, practical and, for the most part, steady. Ruled by Venus, Taureans like comfort and aesthetic beauty. Famous Taureans include: Barbra Streisand and Shirley MacLaine. Despite this stellar line-up, they're team players, and lead only if they absolutely have to. Represented by the bull, Taureans are slow to anger, but once riled make formidable foes.

April has some dire astrology for the cardinal signs, Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn ...and for Taurus, things continue smoothly. March had some positive astrological transits and you may have received some kudoes, or a bonus or enjoyed a productive new friendship. This month, as a prelude to your birthday, Mercury moves into Taurus April 18, which will improve your ability to communicate positively and forcefully. Those born on or around May 13 and 14 will continue to have some creative visions - anything's possible - but for hecks' sake don't be taken in by sham gurus. Those born May 11 to 15 are having some really helpful financial assistance (or insight into this), and yes, I know those two things contradict each other to some degree. This is why it's helpful to actually SPEAK to an astrologer now and then, because May 11-15 birthday people are getting conflicting messages from the universe. Don't see red when all that happened is that some idiot put a red sock in with the whites in the laundry (i.e., don't spazz over trifles).

GEMINI (May 21 or 22 to June 21 or 22).
Rewarding: 9-10
Challenging: 22-24
Gemini is a mutable air sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Twins (or Janus, the two-faced figure), appealling Geminis with at least two well-defined personalities are Elizabeth Hurley (forgiving girlfriend/dedicated movie producer), John F. Kennedy (humanitarian/party animal), and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (gruff regal paterfamilias/sensitive environmentalist). Gemini charms everyone with nonstop talk and fanciful ideas.

Finally - some useful astrology. Fire and earth may be the dominant planetary themes, but there's plenty of space for air signs to maneuver. Your challenging days also include April 1-5 and all month, for those born June 8 to 12. useful activities include getting your financial act in gear or making sure you don't get sucked into others' dramas. The Libra, Cancer, Aries, Capricorn folks are the ones who're stirred up, particularly mid-month when all the fire gets activated in the charts. But sometimes Gemini gets restless when the focus isn't on them and ch-ch-changes. We've got Jupiter and Saturn, the fat, hairy, grumpy, lovable uncles of the solar system marching through earth signs, telling everyone not to be so careless with their money. Need another hint? In March, your fellow Gemini disgraced New York guv Eliot Spitzer had his comeuppance (or godownance) . Why? They traced the wire transfer! So maybe there is something to be said for a careless and cash-rich economic environment. My dear old departed Dad, a classic Gemini used to talk about "walking around money," and he did all his Christmas shopping from the pushcarts on Washington Avenue because it was just too overwhelming (and took too much time) to go into Filenes' and Jordan Marsh. Plus, he always got the trainee cashier which always pissed him off. Yes, Gems can be signs that need a lot of fast-moving stimulation. This month, you may find others aren't so forthcoming about serving YOUR needs, if you get my drift.

CANCER (June 22 or 23 to July 22 or 23).
Rewarding: 11-12
Challenging Days: Actually, this could be any day (see below).
Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the moon. Represented by the crab, Cancers can be home-loving, deeply domestic, fiercely loyal and self-protective and prone to stomach upsets when life doesn't go their way. Cancers feel everything very deeply, but won't necessarily tell you about this. Well, they will, but on their time. They prefer to move sideways -- frequently. Henry David Thoreau was a Cancer, and a quirky version of the breed -- he turned Walden into a home, but what a home...Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford are also Cancers. So was the Princess of Wales and the current Duchess of Cornwall. "Well-defended" is what we find in many crabbies.

Cancer, it's a hectic month. Mars continues moving through your sun sign which will be more intense for some of you than others. For example, those of you born in June will find April 1-5 a bit of a "hangover" from any conflicts or problems in March. Those of you born July 1 through 7 will be wild to be heard during April 1-10. Those born July 8-15 will have big stress April 8 to 21. Those born July 16 and after will feel this April 18 through early May. Mars has been retrograding through your sign and you've probably felt big changes are afoot since the fall. If you've expanded a business or received more responsibility - good. If relationships never cohered, that's probably for the best because if you can't be with someone when times are tough, you sure can't when it's easier. And you should all know there's a Venus square in Aries, ouch! From April 6 through the end of the month, but it will be particularly tough on July 14-18 crabs, especially after April 15. Expect irrationality from yourself.

LEO (July 23/24-August 23).
Smoother Sailing: 13-14
Challenging: 1,2, 27-29
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun. Represented by the lion, Leos are happy being the center of attention and don't feel fully alive without an admiring audience to applaud their activities. The ready smile (but not laugh) is thers -- this is the sign of kings, or those who would be. Political Leos we enjoy include that big old tomcat Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong.

A weird month for some, but with Venus in fellow fire sign Aries, you're in fine shape this month. Confusion with communication likely after April 18 - others could misinterpret your tone. Those born August 15-17 are totally open to explosive new ideas. Next month, and June is your time to shine as Mars moves through your sun sign. Put the preparation into place NOW. Make sure you know who's on your team. Bear in mind that the Venus/Mars square April 15 and after is going to make life difficult for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, so if you're having dealings with those signs, they're going to be in a mood to "fail" or have things mess up. This could throw off your sense of pride and self-esteem - what someone is questioning kingly Leo???

VIRGO (August 24-September 22/23).
Rewarding: 15-17
Challenging: 2-4, 30 Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Virgin, many Virgos are classic compulsive perfectionists whose eye for detail may delight an actuary, but annoy the rest of us. Famous Virgos aware of perfectionism, yet oblivious to how this plays out in their own personal lives include Hugh Grant, Roald Dahl and Virginia Woolf.

This month brings fresh starts to many signs, but for you, continuity is key. August Virgins continue to be challenged on the "personal endurance" front. I've been telling you for months that the next two years are a time of increased stress and productivity, responsibility and ability to withstand the storms. This month, that focus is acute on the cuspiest Virgos. But those born on or around September 13-15 could be having some financial benefits, or opportunities to save money. As critical as a sign that you are, excellent with details and nuance, sometimes you miss the boat when it comes to the big obvious things. Your linear Virgo thought-processes will be operating well this month - even if the Libra, Aries, Cancer and Capricorn people you know are losing it!?

LIBRA (September 23/24-October 23/24).
Rewarding: 17-19
Challenging Days: 5,6 but frankly most of the month (sorry!), thanks to Mars blundering around in your chart. See below.
Libra is a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus and represented by the Scales.Opinionated Libras include Simon Cowell, who has that bland Libra manner of saying appalling things and countering with, "This is only an observation, mind you." Eminem is in the same family tree, although a little less-evolved. The atavistic Simon, although the little blondboy has been strangely absent from the world's stage. Libra needs to bail periodically.

If March had gruesome derailing moments, particularly for September Libras, April brings more of the same and real risks to normally even-keeled scales. March 5, when Mars moved into Cancer, signalled the beginning of an 8-week period where things MIGHT go your way but NOT as you intended. This month, with Venus in Aries joining the crabbie, those of you born around October 13 and after will find your relationships completely unreadable, unbelievable, and preposterous from tax day forward (and especially the last 10 days of the month). Here's some specifics: (I take special interest in Libra!). April 1-10, difficult for those born September 28-October 7. April 8 to 20, ditto for October 8-15. Much caution is urged, particularly for those of you born after October 9 through the end of the sign. It's a great time to break up and stay broken up. It's also a time when Capricorn and Aries may also be stressed out, so there could be comfort in numbers. Ain't that something?

SCORPIO (October 24-November 22).
Rewarding: 20-22
Challenging: 7,8
Scorpio is a fixed water sign formerly ruled by Mars, now by Pluto, which astrologers still consider a planet, thank-you-very-much, represented by the Scorpion. Zealous and principled Scorpios include Robert Kennedy and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Scorps mystify more people than any other sign, mostly because the themes of sex, death and other people's money rule the 8th house, Scorpio's natural home. Charming but not overly sociable, your typical Scorps are charismatic, occasionally devious with an ethical compass all their own.

Overall, the planets are monkeying with the other people - Capricorn, Libra, Aries and Cancer, in descending order of "being-made-crazy." Since Scorpio is one of those signs that cuts to the chase sooner than everyone else, you may find it difficult to negotiate with those signs, or Virgo, who are having Saturn move through their sun sign, poor things, because this is a month about fresh starts, and easy (come, easy go) money. Also, when Mercury moves into Taurus on April 20, you'll be less-understood than usual and will probably have to depend upon semaphore signals or an interpreter to get your point across.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 22 or 23).
Smoother Sailing: 22-24
Challenging: 9.10
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22). Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Represented by the centaur (half-man, half-beast), Sadge loves justice, and is keenly interested in philosophizing. Finding them at home is difficult -- they're happiest on a long trip, or 'trip.' Well-travelled Sadges include: Osbert Sitwell, Bette Midler and Emily Dickinson who somehow visited other planets while still living in Amherst.

Sagittarius may have had some misunderstandings and blow-ups in March and I can't say the same thing won't happen in April but . . . with Venus in Aries, at least your hair will look good! Heh. Seriously, though, love will have no limit for you this month. Even if it would make sense for you to want some (useful, healthy) boundaries in your love and friendship activities. It's nearly half-way to your birthday, a time to take stock of your year and decide (usually) to accelerate the pace. Sagittarius could also need some strenuous outdoor activity. You're an "all or nothing" sign and if you do yoga, you get the clothes, the mat, the shoes. You may find yourself eyeing bicycles and lightweight hiking boots this month. Which is a good thing. Remember my motto: Money spent on travel and education is an investment not an expenditure.

CAPRICORN (December 22 or 23 to January 20 or 21).
Rewarding: 25-27
Challenging Days: 11-12
Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn represented by the goat. Caps are dogged, responsible, occasionally blunt, reliable, long-lived and prone to gloom, although admirably steady. Famous initialized self-effacing charismatic Capricorns include J.D. Salinger and J.R.R. Tolkien. Capricorn is having a wonderful Jupiter transit this year, which could help your mood enormously.

Read Libra if you want some misery-loves-company, but those Scales people always have a harder time dealing with things getting out of balance that goats who love that grim-trudge-up-hill. So here's the deal - Venus and Mars are totally snubbing your sun, so if you're supposed to do some razzle-dazzle to get some attention, or add to power-base, this is not quite the month, unless you're born on or around January 10-12, in which caes Jupiter is literally screaming: invest! Invest! Invest! April 18 and after, Venus and Mars are totally square to one another so you may be surrounded by warring parties ( and realize the only way to distract them is by making a huge stinky scene). I can promise you that May will be easier, particularly after May 10.

AQUARIUS (January 20 or 21-February 19 or 20).
Rewarding: 1,2-27-29
Challenging: 13-14 but really none of this is very dire, particularly in the first two weeks of the month, with Venus on your side, enhancing your allure to others.
Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) is a fixed air sign ruled by Uranus. Represented by the water carrier, Aquarians are dreamy, methodical, and humanitarian to an extreme. Ruled by the planet Uranus, Aquarians surprise us all with the unexpected move, but they're usually ahead of the curve. Need investment advice? Call an Aquarian, and find out where the money goes (usually not to them, but that's ok -- air signs can swing with that). Famous Aquarians include: Lewis Carroll, Norman Rockwell and Franklin Roosevelt.

Aquarius, you can operate under the radar right now. And I'd suggest you take action, because Venus is not your friend next month and that irresistible Aquarian persuasion and visionary-thing doesn't play well that month. This month, you can be very frank with all up to April 20. Aim for doing things in a new way (yeah, I know, when do you NOT?), but perhaps not as quickly as you're used to. Lots of fire sign action in planets makes for impatience with those who dally.

PISCES (February 19 or 20 to March 20 or 21).
Rewarding: 2-4, 30
Challenging: 15-17
Pisces is a mutable water sign ruled by Neptune. Represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, some Pisces, like some Libras thrive in indecision, especially of the emotional-quandary kind. Well-adapted Pisces realize they need plenty of art/music/poetry in their life to stave off the blues. Frequent company helps too. Pisces rules the 12th house (secrets, institutions), and though they'll take the spotlight if you ask them, they're perfectly happy behind the scenes. And if they are in the spotlight, they'll be inimitable and memorable, and slightly strange (Karen Carpenter and Lou Reed are both Pisces).

You're probably up for a rest, but the first half of the month finds you in some kind of spotlight, thanks to Mars continuing its cruise through Cancer. Those of you born on or around March 10-13 could be totally susceptible to new ideas, systems, ways of doing things, eccentric new friends, explosive new situations. An interesting month for fishie - lots of encouragement to take "the plunge" (however you define it), particularly those born on or around March 6 to 10. Mars in Cancer is opposing Jupiter (generosity), so you may want to avoid Aries and Libra companions if you think they'll need stuff from you.