Capricorn, April 2016

April opens with the Sun in Aries, a sign you may be surprised that you have a lot in common with. You're both totally driven and straightforward, and you're both absolutely not people to fuck with. Aries is obsessed with being number one, while you're forever fixated on your climb to the top. The big difference between you two? Aries is the naive baby of the zodiac (the very first sign!) while you, Capricorn, symbolize maturity and wisdom.

Perhaps all you are, energetically and cosmically speaking, is a grown-up Aries? Either way, reconnecting with your inner child and exploring your connection to home and family, or reflecting on what security and stability mean to you, is a great way to use the energy of the Sun in Aries. Connecting with your roots (or planting new ones!) is also a good thing to focus on now.

The Sun in Aries will connect to your ruling planet, serious Saturn, which happens to currently be in Fire sign Sagittarius, on April 5. This will be an awesome day for emotional release, especially around old wounds that you've hidden away in dark areas of your psyche for a long time.

Lovely, kind Venus will also enter Aries on April 5, bringing sweetness to themes involving home, family, and security. On a practical level (I know you can only dwell on feelings for so long before you get antsy, Capricorn), redecorating your home is a fantastic way to work the Venus in Aries vibes, as is connecting with your inner domestic deity or working out issues with your landlord or roommates: Venus knows how to charm everyone. If you're moving, you'll also get some love from Venus.

Are you desperately in need of a fresh start around your home and family? No worries: New moons bring new beginnings, and there will be a new moon in Aries refreshing this sector of your chart on April 7.

Before we get ahead of ourselves: Also on April 5, logical Mercury enters fellow Earth sign Taurus, which will be super creatively inspiring! Taurus is a luxurious, sensual sign, so you'll definitely have indulgence on your mind. This is also a fantastic time to hit up a crush because chatty Mercury will be in a flirty mood.

Mercury will be in Taurus for quite a while, thanks to the retrograde that begins on April 28—so in addition to refraining from planning trips, signing contracts, and buying electronics, do take notes on whatever happens in your romantic or creative life, because Mercury will have to deal with some unfinished business with these areas next month!

One of the biggest features of April is the three retrogrades that begin during the second half: Mars, Pluto, and Mercury! The Mars retrograde kicks off on April 17, starting in philosophical Fire sign Sagittarius and eventually dipping back into Scorpio in May. Mars is a warrior, so changing direction can feel a little awkward for it—especially since it will be in Sagittarius, a centaur that's not easy to rein in (ask anyone who has ever dated a Sag).

Because you're a materialistic sign (I mean this in the best way, I promise! You're an Earth sign, so dealing with earthly, material things is your jam), untangling intangible emotional and psychological issues can be frustrating for you, but that's exactly what this Mars retrograde in philosophical Sagittarius wants you to do. Process your feelings. Don't overcomplicate things: Grab a notebook and write down one word about how you're feeling. Then, honor that feeling. That means not judging yourself or immediately coming up with a plan to fix the problem.

Let's say you feel like shit. Sit there, and honor that feeling… then forgive yourself. Forgive yourself for whatever you did that made you feel like shit, or forgive the person who made you feel like shit. Sagittarius is an optimistic, generous energy, but Mars has a way of stirring up anger.

During this Mars retrograde—which will be stirring up such a sensitive, private sector of your chart and will be intensifying your feelings—forgiveness and letting go is definitely key to working well with the energy. So is being kind to yourself. Holding on to anger while the warrior planet is in reverse is not recommended. You don't want to explode, do you?

If you've been lacking sleep, down time, or alone time, this Mars retrograde will also push you to examine why. Your dreams will be especially active during this time. Suppressed emotions and secrets will bubble to the surface, so meeting with a therapist during this time is definitely a fantastic idea, as is beginning a meditation practice or journaling.

On April 18, power planet Pluto stations retrograde in your sign, which makes it the perfect time for you reflect on the power struggles going on your relationships. Pluto is the lord of the underworld, and it can be a freaky planet to work with; however, if you're willing to embrace change, huge evolutions and transformations could take place in your life.

Also on April 18, sweet Venus will connect with your ruling planet Saturn (again, they're both in Fire signs, Aries and Sag), which will be a beautifully healing energy— even the wildest Capricorns appreciate stability, and this cosmic combination will create a strong, solid vibe. Lately you've felt like you can't rely on much, but the tides are beginning to turn.

More sweetness enters your life when the Sun begins shining down on the creativity and romance sector of your chart, entering sensual Earth sign Taurus on April 19. You may feel some pressure today due to a clash between sweet Venus and dark Pluto; however, this combination can be just as sexy as it can be stressful! Watch out for jealous or manipulative vibes, but do break out your favorite leather underwear.

You've been in your own head for much of April, but the Sun in luxurious Taurus will definitely bring some fun to your life, as will the full moon in sexy Water sign Scorpio on April 22, which will find you focusing on your friendships. Full moons are times of illumination and culmination— what will you learn about your social life today?

Expect another boost in creativity and flirtation when love planet Venus enters Taurus on April 29. After such an emotionally intense month, this transit will definitely feel great. And by feel, I don't mean feelings, I mean your fives senses: Taurus rules over the senses, so prepare to indulge yours. Both Venus and Taurus are energies that love to lie around eating bon-bons in silk robes. I know your schedule is always packed, Capricorn, but please make time to be lazy and decadent at the end of the month— you deserve it!