iVillage

Transits

April, 2008

ASTROLOGY.COM'S MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

IN THIS ISSUE:
** Note from Astrology.com:
--Free Samples: Numerology One-Year Forecast, Medicine Wheel Reading, Maya-Aztec Reading
--Free Fun: Celebrity Birthday of the Month, Spring Cleaning by the Signs, Astro-Beauty Quiz, Mother's Day by the Signs
** All about Taurus
** Your Starcast for April 19 to May 19
** Astrolesson: The Second House

Do you know how to stand your ground? In a world with so many conflicting opinions and agendas, the invaluable gift of steadiness is the birthright of every Taurus. Each year as the Sun transits this determined sign, you too have the opportunity to plant yourself and tend to whatever needs your attention -- whether it's a creative project, a business or even a stronger sense of self. One thing is for sure: this is a perfect time to make your life more secure and stable. Most natives of this Earth sign dislike surprises and would much rather know what is coming. Perhaps you too would like to get a peek at your future? Look no further! Our free sample Numerology One-Year Forecast will clue you in to the most important upcoming events, giving you that head start for all your planning.

Did you know that you have a personal animal that represents you? Explore our free sample Medicine Wheel reading, based on Native American traditions, and find out all about the creature that symbolized you, the realm it inhabits and how it can assist you throughout your life.

Are you ready to try something different? In our free sample Maya-Aztec reading you will discover information about your inner self and find out about the hidden forces that drive you. This ancient form of astrology will tell you what the most important dates are for you in the next five years. Talk about a head start!

Jessica Alba, born April 28, 1981, not only has her Sun in Taurus, her Mercury, Venus and Mars occupy the sign of the Bull as well! Jessica has all of the quintessential Taurus traits: She is steadfast, patient, loyal and determined. Happy birthday, Jessica! With so many transiting planets in Earth signs this year, we know the heavens are smiling on you. Find out more about Jessica -- and her Hollywood colleagues -- in our Celebrity Section. Then, get an even deeper astrological take on famous folks in StarStories!

Spring has sprung, and the weather is getting warmer for many of us. Open up those windows -- and closets and drawers! It's time to clear out the clutter. Have you ever thought about how each Sun sign approaches this task? Does a Virgo need help, ever? Can an Aries finish dusting in record time? Go to Spring Cleaning by the Signs and see what the cosmos has to say about your housekeeping style.

Then it's time to beauty up! The way you dress and how you decorate is very influenced by the four elements, Fire, Earth, Air and Wood. Whether you're a name-brand only person or you enjoy picking up unique finds in out of the way places, take out Astro-Beauty Quiz and see which of the elements has the most to say about your personal style.

Don't forget that Mother's Day is upon us! To help you create a perfect celebration for your mom and/or other maternal figures, check out Mother's Day by the Signs, where you can input your mother's sign to find out about her desires, hopes and wishes.

Keep reading for your Starcast, which will take you through the month's astrological events, and prepare you for all the interesting happenings ahead. And be sure to check out this month's Astrolesson: The Second House.

Happy Birthday, Taurus! With all of the craziness in the world these days, we need your steadiness and practicality. Or, if you're not a Bull, let your favorite Taurus know just how much you appreciate them by sending a free astrological e-card!

** All about Taurus

All those rumors about Taureans being stubborn? They're true. But lest you begin to think that stubbornness is a bad trait, consider the way people talk about those who don't stick to what they believe in: wishy-washy, scattered, distracted. Isn't stubborn better? Of course, there are other words that suit the average Taurus quite well and have a nicer ring to them: focused, grounded and stable, to name just a few. In other words, if there's an important task to be accomplished, you'll want a Bull for the job.

But there's a lot more to that Taurean nature than the ability to make a decision and keep to it -- innate sensuality, for example. These folks are the touchmeisters of the zodiac; so if it smells, tastes, looks, sounds or feels good, they're there. Just step into the home of the nearest Taurus for ample proof. You may not find the Mona Lisa on the living room wall or a bottle of Dom in the fridge, but you'll come across something that looks just as elegant and tastes just as good -- and you're in luck, too, because the Bull is more than happy to share, as long as the company is of equal quality.

When it comes to relationships, in fact, the one thing a Taurus absolutely insists on is that they have something to share. They're very big on getting a return on their investments, no matter what they've invested or how -- and that goes for time, energy and resources. If you're involved with a Taurus on a one-on-one basis, it's not just unbelievably pleasurable -- it's also a tremendous compliment! With Venus as its ruler, this sign settles for nothing less than the best of everything; if a Taurus isn't sure their partner answers that description on many levels, they wouldn't waste their time. So if you're a Bull yourself, those thoughts might go through your mind every time you and your sweetie get into an argument that leaves you trying to decide whether or not to walk out and stay gone. You know that you wouldn't be with them for this long if they weren't the best -- just be true to yourself, and your decisions are sure to be as solid as you are.

Learn more about sensual and reliable Taurus, or look into any other sign at our Sun Sign Central.

Not a Taurus? Look beyond your Sun sign and find out where the Bull might appear in your own birth chart with a free sample Astro Identity Reading.

** Your Starcast for April 19 to May 19

Moving from the new beginnings of Aries to the stabilization of Taurus, the Sun enters this security-oriented sign on April 19, giving everybody a chance to slow down. Yet this period is quite dynamic and much busier than usual with two planets turning retrograde. Emotions heighten with the Scorpio full Moon on April 20, when it will be important to let go of something. The Sun's trine to Saturn on April 21 gives plenty of support, yet Venus in feisty Aries squares Mars on April 23 while Mars opposes Jupiter on April 24 indicates that you'll have lots of energy. Still, you'll need to be extra considerate of others to be successful in your endeavors. When Venus enters her home sign Taurus on April 30 practicality reigns, while Mercury's transit into Gemini on May 2 brings an abundance of information. You are likely to feel overwhelmed unless you make a point to take everything slowly. Saturn turns direct on May 2 just as Mercury's reaches a square to Saturn on May 3 when keeping silent may do more for you than just about anything else! With the Taurus new Moon on May 5, do something that helps you to feel materially or physically comfortable. On May 9 Jupiter turns retrograde for the first time in Capricorn, allowing you to review and to see if the ways you're growing still suit you. On the same day, energetic Mars enters leadership Leo -- so be bold! You get plenty of help with the Sun trine Jupiter on May 12 and Venus' sextile to exciting Uranus on May 18 and her trine to optimistic Jupiter on the same day. We end this solar month as we began, with the second full Moon in Scorpio on May 19 giving you a double dose of intensity and passion!

April 19: Sun enters Taurus

Taurus is the sign that rules the material world, which includes everything from the earth itself to your financial life to your possessions. The Sun's transit of this sign means it's time to reflect on your values, open up a savings account or strategize how you can make your life more stable. You'll have all the stamina you need to delve into this task. Taurus is known for being thorough!

April 20: Full Moon in Scorpio

No sign is more passionate than this intense water sign, and when combined with the emotional full Moon, expect to feel strongly about everything! What did you begin at the new Moon on March 7? Figure out what you need to let go of during this time of culmination. You'll get plenty of help with the Sun and Moon forming beautiful, harmonious aspects to Saturn in hardworking Virgo and Pluto in achievement-oriented Capricorn. The world rewards your strength and passion now, so take advantage of this time.

This full Moon will most affect those born October 22-26, January 19-23, April 18-22 and July 21-25.

April 21: Sun trine Saturn

You'll see some real progress now as the Sun in grounded Taurus reaches a supportive trine to retrograde Saturn. Saturn is slow, so it's a great time to weigh your responsibilities. What would you like to manifest? You probably have a good idea about where you want to go, and how to get there. People and events provide you with the support you need, but make sure you don't act prematurely. Take your time and move with deliberation.

April 23: Venus square Mars

The square between the planets of relationship (Venus) and desire (Mars) indicates that these two concepts are not exactly on speaking terms! Sometimes the person you like is not the person you desire. Venus in Aries is fiery and impulsive in love, while Mars in Cancer is emotionally driven and a bit more cautious when it comes to acting on desires. This square can spice things up or cause problems. You'll see which one it is for you by the end of the week.

April 24: Mars opposite Jupiter

You may feel that you drank a glass of rocket fuel today as energetic Mars is amplified by its contact with Jupiter, the planet of expansion and excess. The good news is that you'll get more done today than you did all month! Just make sure that your enthusiasm doesn't cause you to stop paying attention to where you're going. This is a classic aspect of over-doing and over-extending.

April 28: Mars quincunx Neptune

What are you doing and why are you doing it? As Mars advances in emotional Cancer, the contact with illusory Neptune is enough to make you tread water while you get your bearings. Not everything is being revealed right now and it will be impossible to get all of the data you may feel you need. However, this is an important time to regroup. Next month you will feel like you are on a forward track. For now: dogpaddle.

April 30: Venus enters Taurus

It's time to talk about money as Venus, the planet of relationships, moves into Taurus, the sign of values and finances. Sometimes money can be a difficult subject but now, since both Saturn and Pluto are in earth signs, there is great potential for thoughtful and beneficial discussions about this important topic. Whether you want to open a savings account or set aside money for a child's education, this is a great time to plan for the future.

May 2: Mercury enters Gemini and May 3 squares Saturn

Mercury in its home sign Gemini usually likes nothing better than to chat, read the paper, and run around doing errands. However, with the immediate square to serious Saturn in analytical Virgo, you'll have to stop in your tracks and think through everything you say. Do yourself a favor by being silent unless you have something worthwhile to add.

May 2: Saturn turns direct

Sure, things are moving slowly-- but don't hang back or go to sleep! Saturn's change in direction will bring some forward movement to your projects and plans. You'll gain traction by the end of the month, so plan well. Decide what you want to be responsible for, as well as what you need to let others do. You'll reap plenty of rewards by taking your time and being thoughtful now. May 5: New Moon in Taurus The new Moon is always a time of beginnings, so whether you pursue a dream goal or launch into a project -- start something! The Moon increases in light between waxing and waning, so put energy into things that you want to become stronger and more important in your life. Because this new Moon is in earthy Taurus, do what you can to feel physically comfortable, whether you make a plan to save money, vow to treat your possessions more kindly (how clean is your car?), tune in to nature, or formulate values that accurately reflect where you are now in your life. Making a tangible, practical investment in your life can really pay off this month.

This new Moon will most affect those born May 3-7, August 6-10, November 6-10, February 3-7.

May 9: Jupiter turns retrograde

Ever since Jupiter entered ambitious Capricorn last December 18, you've been expanding your sphere of influence and paying attention to what you want to achieve with particular focus on those areas of your life that you want to build. Your hard work is paying off and you may even have come to someone's attention, perhaps a benefactor who is helping you? Now Jupiter turns retrograde in Capricorn, giving you a chance to review how you're building, and to see if the ways you are growing still suit you. The momentum is slowed during this retrograde period, which will last until September 7. Don't worry about plans that are delayed during this period. This is an important cycle, and whatever was held back will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. In general, money tends to be stagnant, so you might want to think twice about maxing out your credit cards or assuming that money will just magically just show up.

May 9: Mars enters Leo

You're probably quite familiar with Mars in Cancer energy since Mars has spent an enormous amount of time in the sign of home, family and security because of its recent retrograde in Cancer. Now that you have your family and property issues more settled, it's time to get back to you! The energetic planet moves from the emotional nature of Cancer to things being more motivated by dignity and respect. So plan to hear a lot about those two words in the coming month! Treat others the way you would like to be treated and you'll do fine with this transit. Leo is also a sign of leadership, so step into that role. May 12: Sun trines Jupiter and May 14: Sun squares Neptune

The Sun traveling through earthy Taurus forms a supportive trine to ambitious Jupiter in Capricorn and a square to Neptune in Aquarius. While the Jupiter/Sun brings support for your projects, Neptune challenges you to keep an eye on the bigger spiritual picture. Not a bad combo when you think of it: an earthly and spiritual in balance!

May 18: Venus sextiles Uranus and trines Jupiter

The love planet Venus traveling through earthy Taurus forms a harmonious trine to ambitious Jupiter in Capricorn and an opportunity-laden sextile to inventive Uranus in Pisces. Both Uranus and Jupiter are interested in freedom and independence and with this particular combo you may be thinking about how to incorporate these values into your relationships in a way that offers you more room to breathe. If you have been waiting to bring this topic into your discussions, don't hesitate a moment longer!

May 19: Full Moon in Scorpio No you are not having a deja vu! Last month's full Moon was in the first degree of Scorpio and this month's is in the last degree of Scorpio. You're getting a double dose of intensity and passion. Where do you want to express it? Full Moon times are always extra emotional, and watery Scorpio has its own sensitive feelings. Sometimes it's extra important to feel deeply -- and now is one of those times. Because this full Moon is in the Taurus/Scorpio axis (the signs of money and values) this is a good time to tune into your financial life. Keep in mind that Saturn squares this full Moon, urging you to evaluate your financial responsibilities.

This full Moon will most affect those born November 18-22, February 17-21, May 18-22 and August 20-24.

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Taurus!

** Astrolesson: The Second House

The sign Taurus has a natural association with the Second House, making this a great time to deepen your knowledge of this important area of life. Traditionally, this is the house of income and planets; therefore, this section of your birth chart says something about how you make money and how you go about contributing to your material stability.

For example, those with transformative Pluto in the Second House may equate power with money or may amass great amounts of money. Wherever Pluto is located is an area where we meet issues of power and where we feel a great need to direct and control our lives. Those with spiritual Neptune in the Second House may have difficulty determining the value of their work-product. This is a placement well known for people under-charging for their services or those who have a difficult time asking for a raise. On the other hand, some with this placement have a natural sense of the law of attraction, and money shows up just at the time it's needed! Jupiter in this house may indicates that the person may be a big spender or possibly have an innate optimism when it comes to finances, which in turn tends to help them make money. Saturn here shows a hard worker. Since Saturn shows where we're meeting challenges and where we need to learn our lessons, these folks do well when they address their financial fears and contribute to their material stability.

When learning astrology, it's often helpful to put sentences together of planet, sign and house. So, when analyzing the meaning of planets in the Second House, go to your keyword list of planetary meanings and match them up with the themes of money and income. Here is an example: Mercury in Aquarius in the Second House. I make money (Second House) through communicating or writing (Mercury) for groups and organizations that support humanitarian causes (Aquarius). That reads like a perfect match for a grant writer! Or this could be a great placement for a motivational speaker.

Hungry for more? Go to our insightful Astrology Lessons, and study your heart -- and house -- out!