Scorpio, April 2017

Venus is retrograde in Aries at the start of the month, making all these themes around health and work feel even more intense than they usually would, but the energy switches up almost immediately: Venus retrogrades back into fellow Water sign Pisces on April 2.

Venus retrograde in Pisces will be emotional as hell. Issues in your love life will be stirred up—things that were "fun and games" in the past will suddenly feel so much more intense and important. Like you, Pisces is a very intuitive, emotional sign, but the downside is that this energy can slip into paranoid territory if you don't keep yourself in check.

Venus is the planet of love and money, but, on a deeper level, it's really about feeling valued, loved, and respected. Do you feel this way, Scorpio? Are you being treated the way you want to be treated? Venus finally ends its retrograde on April 15, so you'll feel the energy start to become more lively then, and Venus reenters Aries on April 28, at which point issues around your day job and your health and habits will begin moving forward, too!

Think back to spring 2009. This was the last time sweet Venus was retrograde in Aries and Pisces, and the lessons you learned then will save you now. Also, expect to run into exes. I know this is an issue you have all the time, since you're so popular and everyone is into you, but running into past lovers (and people you used to party with) is something to definitely watch out for now.

Venus is also the planet of beauty, so if you're not really into your reflection lately, or if you're not feeling super inspired by fashion, don't worry: Venus is just retrograde! Instead of spending time with your mirror, spend time connecting with your senses—take a soothing bath or play some music.

April won't be totally lame; sexy vibes will flow this month, don't you worry! Action planet Mars will trine (an ultra harmonious astrological connection) power planet Pluto on April 5, boosting communication in your relationships. Whether you're sexting or discussing something a little more serious, the energy will be proactive and energized!

That said, watch out for communication issues or scheduling difficulties on April 8 when the Sun clashes with Pluto. Don't let anyone bully you into plans you don't want to make. Control issues will flare up today. Anyone who thinks they have control over you will have another thing coming!

Mercury begins its retrograde in Taurus on April 9, pushing you to reflect on issues in both your romantic and nonromantic relationships. This is an important time to reconsider the give and take in your partnerships. Some warnings for Mercury retrograde you should keep in mind: Don't buy anything expensive, like electronics or travel tickets. Expect miscommunications and delays.

People from your past are likely to come back around—between Mercury and Venus retrograde, you'll have plenty of ghosts to contend with this month, Scorpio! Avoid signing contracts or making commitments. Instead, work on projects that had previously been put on the back burner. Mercury will finally go direct on May 3.

A day to watch out for this month around communication in your relationships is April 19, which is when the Sun enters Taurus and meets retrograde messenger planet Mercury. Taurus's stable, grounding energy can benefit now by helping you and your partners stay in the moment as you talk things through. However, watch out for frustration around feeling like things aren't moving fast enough, or like you're ruminating over the same issues over and over again.

A clearer perspective on situations at work and around your health arrives on April 11 thanks to the full moon in balanced Air sign Libra! Libra is the sign of balance, something you really need at work. You need down time, Scorpio! You tend to push yourself until you collapse—don't do this to yourself.

Scorpios who know how to pace themselves and when to take a break are usually the most successful and at-peace little scorpions in the world. That said, this full moon isn't all about winding down from work—you can also expect some secrets to come to light!

Mercury retrogrades back into Aries on April 20, again illuminating issues around your day job and daily habits. The full moon made you realize a few things, and now it's time to renegotiate your responsibilities or rethink your schedule.

Mercury in Aries can be impulsive; while it was direct last month, you might have agreed to a few things without really thinking them through. Mercury retrograde is your opportunity to adjust your expectations and duties. I know it sucks to tell someone you can't do something you already agreed to, but if Mercury retrograde is good for anything, it's exactly that!

Warrior planet Mars enters Gemini on April 21, activating a very sensitive sector of your chart, but one you're certainly not afraid of. Sex, death and taxes will be on your mind! This is a powerful time for intimacy—but, to reiterate, Mars will be stimulating the sector of your chart that rules sex and death, so a powerful ending could take place. Use this energy consciously, to let go of the past and to purge people, things, and situations from your life that are no longer serving you. Also be mindful about financial issues between yourself and others at this time. This is a powerful time to clear debts!

A new moon in Taurus arrives on April 26, bringing a much needed fresh start to your relationships! Taurus is a sensual, luxurious sign—buy some beautiful roses or some chocolates and share them with someone you care about. This is also a powerful time for love spells, or for any kind of ritual work around partnership.

By May, you'll have a better idea of what your everyday plans will look like going forward—and who you will be spending your days with. Good luck, Scorpio, and see you next month!