"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe."

—Dalai Lama

Venus begins to pick up more 'speed' this week. Now past the 'fog' of last week's Venus-Neptune conjunction, Venus begins to take center-stage. However, Venus is still in the 'shadow' of the last retrograde period (March 1st through April 12th), keeping us focused on actively expressing the new perspectives that we have developed. This week's Venus-Pluto sextile (the third of 3) suggests a determined intensity, showing off the assertive energy of Venus in Aries. The sextile's assertive intensity is boosted by Pluto's retrograde station on Sunday. Nonetheless, the importance of establishing or maintaining connection with others is also extremely important and must be [...]

"My life is my message."

— Mahatma Gandhi

Tension builds this week, despite the fact that the Moon is waning in light. The message of the current lunar cycle, culminating with the last Full Moon in Libra (April 12th 5:21 PM PDT 23° Libra/Aries), has put our focus on sharing our insights — our individual, personal message — with others. Libra's desire for balance inspires engagement with differing viewpoints but seeks to maintain order and adherence to protocol. This week's building tensions demand a great deal of awareness in order to maintain the ordered balance that was encouraged by the last Full Moon. The Sun in Taurus stirs the building tension with squares to both Mars in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius as they [...]

"Like the pine trees lining the winding road
I've got a name, I've got a name…
…Oh, I know I could share it if you want me to
If you're goin' my way, I'll go with you"

— I've Got A Name - Jim Croce

Mercury stations direct at the beginning of this week and Venus stations direct — ruling Saturday's Libra Full Moon (5:21 PM PDT 23° Libra/Aries) — at the end of the week. Mercury almost gets back to complete a trine to Mars this week but races ahead before Mars catches up to make the connection. Essentially, we are feeling ready to communicate new perspectives but connecting our words with actions demands focused awareness and strong connections to those around us. There is rising optimism and idealism this week, fostered by the Sun's sextile to Jupiter at the beginning of the week. The Sun also heads towards a conjunction with Chiron which will complete right before [...]