with Bob Makransky
Almanac for April 2011
The purpose of this almanac is to list the most important astrological events each month to help you plan your life in harmony with cosmic currents. You can easily select the best times each month to advance, hold back, confront, avoid, accept, refuse, yield or stand your ground, in order to enhance your chances of success.Mutual transits are points of inflection, or moments when things could go one way or the other. Often on these days something is discovered, some truth revealed, or a new door opens to us. There are days with favorable times to begin new ventures, to approach others for favors, to initiate healing, to pray or cast spells, to energize amulets and crystals, and so forth. Conversely, in the case of inharmonious aspects, avoidance of these activities is recommended.
What we are trying to do is to tune into the ambient rhythms of the cosmos. We tend to be alienated from the universal harmonies because of our stressful life styles: we feel disconnected, isolated, powerless, adrift and alone in an uncaring universe. We have lost our sense of being part of an eternal, ongoing process.
Astrology can help us to regain our sense of connection to the universe and to the earth by teaching us how to look at our daily lives as a series of lessons. Astrology teaches detachment: we learn that by paying attention to and adapting to the cosmic rhythms, we can come to a deeper sense of connection to the universe and a greater sense meaning and purpose in our personal lives.
The table below includes transiting conjunctions and oppositions of the planets other than moon; Stationary Retrograde and Stationary Direct positions; and the Greatest Western and Greatest Eastern Elongation positions of Mercury and Venus. If the zodiacal degree of the transit conjoins or opposes a planet in your own natal horoscope within two degrees orb, then be alert to what happens this day (and the day before and after). This is a time when the universe sends you important new information. The nature of the event is symbolized by the transiting planet(s); the nature of your response is symbolized by the natal planet(s) at or opposed to the longitude of the transit.
For example, on April 3, 2011 at 4:52 pm, Mars Conjunct Uranus at 1 AR 18 which is square Barack Obama's natal Venus at 1 CN 47 (note that I don't usually put as much faith in squares as in conjunctions and oppositions, but I needed an example here). This might bring the President a SURPRISING, FORCEFUL event in an INTIMACY relationship.
4/03/2011 @ 10:33 = 13 AR 30 = new moon
4/03/2011 @ 16:52 = 1 AR 18 = Mars Conjunct Uranus = Sudden, surprising events - either a breakthrough or turmoil - forces a major change of plans or thinking. You are bold, decisive, even reckless; and while this is a good day to make a stand or take risks, you should avoid provoking conflicts and feeding anger.
4/03/2011 @ 19:57 = 13 AR/LI 53 = Sun Opposition Saturn = This brings conflict, opposition, frustration; however it is a good time to call something quits, or make prayers or cast spells to banish negative people or situations. This should be done during a Saturn hour. Light a black candle, take a deep breath, and throw your arms outward forcefully and decisively as if to cast off the oppressive person or situation. You don't visualize something bad happening to the person, but rather feel how happy and light you feel now that person is gone or that situation is behind you!
4/06/2011 @ 10:41 = 16 AR 27 = Sun Conjunct Jupiter = An excellent day to approach men for favors or ask for a raise (sun hours); and to borrow/lend/invest money (Jupiter hours) and launch new projects generally. Also to make prayers or cast spells for money: use a Jupiter hour, and, if possible, a time when sun-Jupiter cross an angle.
4/09/2011 @ 0:06 = 7 CP 30 = Pluto Stationary Retrograde = May bring a turning point of a disorienting, transformative nature. You have to take command, rise to the occasion, get on top of things. A good day to get down to it and take care of unfinished business.
4/09/2011 @ 15:37 = 19 AR 37 = Mercury Inferior Conjunct sun = Something that was hidden comes into plain view, giving you deeper insight and understanding about a current problem or relationship. You realize that you must go it alone, make it on your own, not depend on or rely on other people. Decisive action on your part may be required to be true to yourself and hold your own. You may have to get something straightened out with someone – use a sun hour for this if it is a matter of enforcing your own will, or a Mercury hour if the person's collaboration is sought.
4/11/2011 @ 23:59 = 17 AR 48 = Mercury Conjunct Jupiter = You're bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and in good spirits and humor. New ideas and inspiration now; also helps in reaching agreement and accord. You can take a positive, bright, optimistic view and thereby win the support and encouragement of other people. This is a good time to travel or visit / join with others, particularly during Mercury and Jupiter hours.
4/17/2011 @ 22:45 = 27 LI 44 = full moon
4/18/2011 @ 12:03 = 12 AR/LI 46 = Mars Opposition Saturn = Conflicts, obstacles, frustration, betrayal, anger. Avoid conflict if at all possible, and if not try to arrange it for a Mars hour (not a Saturn hour); but best avoid making forward moves or contacts now. On the other hand, this is a good day to do a Scat ritual to rid yourself of a person or situation which is oppressing you. Use a Mars hour – light a black candle and visualize yourself decisively and unhesitatingly taking the bull by the horns and telling the person exactly what you think. Then shake your whole body vigorously to shake off the oppressing agent; turn your back, shake the dust from your feet and hands, and walk away.
4/19/2011 @ 10:59 = 13 AR 30 = Mercury Conjunct Mars = A good time to get things straight with other people (Mercury hours) or confront them forcefully (Mars hours). Sharp tongues may occasion actions which will be regretted later on. Best to avoid confrontation and to ignore provocation now.
4/22/2011 @ 22:29 = 2 AR 20 = Venus Conjunct Uranus = You may feel unexpected attractions or receive sudden creative inspiration and new ideas. It's a good time to make prayers or to cast spells to bring romance (Choose a Venus hour for this).
4/23/2011 @ 5:58 = 12 AR 53 = Mercury Stationary Direct = A new departure or new outlook on your current affairs. You may get past a blind spot or something that was hindering you, or launch new projects or relationships which become important later on. You are able to take things in stride, let go of a hang-up, lighten up and be joyous. Use Mercury hours to reason with other people.
4/30/2011 @ 20:15 = 11 AR/LI 55 = Venus Opposition Saturn = Conflict, disappointment, separation, or betrayal in an intimate relationship. Avoid being too trusting, or bringing up problems now on your own account – you can't win. Good day to do a Scat ritual to get rid of someone undesired (Choose a Saturn hour for this and follow instructions in the BOS in the Magic 101 folder http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MagicalAlmanac/files/How%20to%20use%20Magical%20Almanac/