With the sun moving into the fiery, combative Aries, the world experiences America’s bombing campaign and it separates itself into polarities around war. Since 9/11 there has been a build up of powerful energy to destroy those structures, governments and organizations that don’t serve transformation into a broader consciousness of who we are. Unfortunately this need has translated itself through the illusions and manipulations of leaders (Jupiter in Leo opposes Neptune). Caught up in waves of collective feeling, forming a swirling vortex of differing realities, like a tornado, this vortex has found a place to anchor and to focalize its destructive and intense energy. With Uranus in Pisces electrifying into energetic interchange many different realities, many of us participate in emotionally charged reactions. Layers of destiny and karma are both moving us forward in evolution and pulling us into darkness. The key at this time is to see the drama unfolding with compassion and clarity, taking the actions we must take, all the while knowing that the extremes of view will eventually show where there is deception and where there is truth. Continue to hold the vision of one humanity.

The challenge of the Aries sun is aggressive, impulsive, a highly reactive and competitive energy. With Mars in Capricorn, which makes the warrior, as strong as it can be (last time coincided with the start of Afghan war) the intensity continues through April. In our personal lives patience, calmness, clarity is extremely important. What is it we really want?

With the nodes changing this month from Gemini/Sagittarius (last year and a half) to Taurus/Scorpio, (through the end of 2004), there is a shift of focus from communication interchange and gathering info to focusing on what is truly valuable and releasing power struggles.

Mercury enters Taurus and goes retrograde on April 26. As Mercury retrogrades through an earth sign we must reevaluate on a practical basis, our values and our relationship with the financial and material realm.

The sun enters Taurus on April 20 harnessing the intensity of Aries with persevering energy. Mars continues to square the Sun through April, continuing conflict and aggression.

The Twelve Opportunities;

Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): You feel strongly about achieving your goals and aims. Perseverance and patience are needed. Focus on the intersection between life purpose and hearts desire to set your course. Reevaluate resources, use of talents and money issues.

Taurus( Apr 20-May 20): Take time to retreat. Long desired goals and accomplishments can be anchored. Watch the tension around holding your course as you will be pulled by other’s needs. Trust inner guidance and instincts leading you to new beginnings in career.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): You are accomplishing change, though tensional, hold to course. Allow some flexibility inorder to achieve goals. Focused energy will greatly benefit you now. Review underlying values to manifest outcome.

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): It’s a good month to start a public project/ class etc. Relationships with strong determined people may cause some tension in work. Let it fine tune your communications.

Leo (Jul 22- Aug 22): Do you feel pulled between what you want to accomplish and what others want or need. The new moon in May brings in more enjoyment and connection with the love of learning. Something that you have worked on for some time is coming to fruition.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Though you hold dearly to your routine and habits, make a change. This is a transition month. Give up, let go of a way of being. Look at what you really value in your life and plant a new way of responding. Be patient with children for best results.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): You are taking more risks in both personal and public relationships. This is a transformative time for you in expressing more of yourself. There is some tension in the home, with a feeling of duty or accommodating another’s desires. It is a good timing to discuss and review goals and plans and use of shared finances.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): There’s a strong desire to communicate your truth, especially at work. Don’t act with haste. Relationship is very accentuated. You are reviewing how you communicate and how others communicate with you. There is a tendency to make things more dramatic than they need to be, unless of course you are creating for performance.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Take a bit of time out to drink in what you love. Postpone for a bit your intense involvement with the world situation. Balance responsibility with enjoyment. A kind of deep grounding is happening through your daily life. Bring your loving spirit into the routine duties at this time.

Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): With Mars in Capricorn your energy is heightened and you can be very directed now. You do feel challenged by life circumstance and people around you. It is a balancing act that you are involved with in attuning to all that is around you. Give special attention to your children or creativity.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): This month brings a focus on your home life. You feel where it frustrates you, yet there is a transition under the way for you. A new clarity surfaces for you about what’s next. You begin to feel and have more energy. Follow your desire.

Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Making changes are keywords for Pisces. With the sun in Aries, your instincts and impulses are stimulating you to act. Take your time to make clear decisions about what you will be responsible for as regards to the group. You may feel like you are holding up the vision and the world. Trust that you are a part of a much larger bridge. With Mercury retrograde review on the most practical of levels.

Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 20 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Indian Vedic astrology, tarot and Qabalah in her integration of astrological wisdom. For info on classes and personal consultations, call 831 476-5787.