Cancer, April 2016

March was extreme, Cancer. Extremely awesome? Extremely brutal? I don't know—only you can tell me that, but what I can tell you is that April will be way smoother, despite the three planets turning retrograde at the end of the month (Mars, Pluto, and Mercury).

Why was March so much? The eclipses are to blame, Cancer; because you're ruled by the Moon, eclipses are especially life-changing for you. Does March feel like it was a turning point for you? It may still be too soon to say, since you're still coming down from the energy. Until it all sinks it, let's take a look at how April will feel for you:

On April 5, your focus turns to both your career and your social circle. Themes around popularity, your connections, fame, and fortune will all come up for examination. This is thanks to Mercury entering Taurus and Venus entering Aries.

First, let's talk about lovely Venus entering confident Fire sign Aries, where it will light up the part of your chart that rules your professional goals, your public life, and success. Venus famously rules love and beauty, but it also rules cash—material success is certainly on your mind now, and you're feeling ambitious.

You're usually pretty private, Cancer, but showing off will turn you on during this transit. Venus is Aries is helping you turn on the charisma, and this is a fantastic time to schmooze, especially since chatty Mercury will also be entering Taurus.

Mercury in Taurus will be activating the sector of your chart that rules friendships and community, as well as your hopes and dreams. Mercury is all about communication and conversation, so this is a fantastic time to make connections! Your goals, professionally and in your social scene (and the point at which these two parts of your life meet), are big themes for you this month.

Later in April, on the 19th, the Sun will also enter Taurus, further illuminating this area of your chart and bringing even more opportunities to socialize. Venus also enters Taurus at the end of the month, on April 29, which will make you even more charming and attractive to the people you run into.

On a final note about career and popularity: The new moon in fierce, fearless Aries on April 7 will be the perfect time for you to create a fresh start in your professional or public life. If you're not quite sure how to proceed, creating a vision board containing images of what success means to you is a very powerful way to use the new moon's energy. Do you know exactly what your goals are? You're the most tenacious sign in the zodiac, and this new moon has your back—you'll get your way!

The retrogrades begin rolling in during the second half of the month, the first of which is Mars retrograde on April 17. Mars' retrograde begins in Sagittarius and reenters fellow Water sign Scorpio in May (which we'll cover next month).

Mars is the planet of war, and "retreat" is not a word you probably want to hear when you're out on the battlefield. Mars retrogrades are times to put down arms, take a break from battle, and review strategy. Mars in Sagittarius is energetic and powerful, but, retrograde, some of this energy could feel pent up and frustrated. In your own life, you'll notice that you might feel a bit tied up or boxed in, but you can totally work with the energy.

Sagittarius occupies the sector of your chart that rules health and wellness, as well as your daily routines. If you're feeling pent up, go for a jog or start dancing wildly in your bedroom—your body needs it! If you've been ignoring your health or giving into bad habits, this Mars retrograde is a great time to figure out why you've been indulging in bad behavior. At work or around your daily chores, this Mars retrograde will find you reconsidering your responsibilities. Is this really shit I want to do every day? you may ask yourself.

On April 18, power planet Pluto turns retrograde in Earth sign Capricorn, intensifying the power dynamics in your relationships. Capricorn is a devilish, lusty energy despite its polished, outward demeanor; however, it is a practical energy. If you're managing some difficult partnerships, pointing out that arguing is wasting energy, time, and money could be a good way of moving past the bullshit and actually being able to have a meaningful, head-on discussion about what's going on.

The next day, April 19, Venus in impulsive Fire sign Aries will challenge Pluto in Capricorn, creating some more tension in your relationships, especially with how they tie into your professional or public life. If you're doing super well, note that your partners, lovers, or coworkers may feel jealous. The vibe today is intense—watch out for suspicious, manipulative people (and for these feelings within yourself), but also note that super hot sex could go down tonight.

Speaking of hot sex, more is on the way on April 22, during the full moon in Scorpio. So much focus this month is on your friendships, both social and professional, and you can't make out with those people! Scorpio is an intimate, emotional energy, a fellow psychic Water sign just like you. Full moons are times of culmination, but also of balance. You can't just hang out with friends or kiss up to bosses all month—you also need some time to snuggle.

Not in the mood for romance? No worries, this full moon will also bless you with plenty of creative inspiration. The Moon's movements have a special effect on you, so no matter what you're in the mood for, the full moon in Scorpio should be a special, revealing time for you.

April 28 brings Mercury retrograde in Taurus: Mercury retrograde is so overhyped, and I know you're over it, Cancer, but we have to talk about. Mercury retrograde is famous for being a horrible time to sign contracts or make agreements, buy electronics, plan a trip, or basically do anything a person does in a day. Mercury rules communication and information, which is a part of pretty much everything in our lives.

You know all the socializing and schmoozing you did earlier this month? Because Mercury retrograde will be going down in Taurus, which occupies that social sector of your chart, many of the conversations and connections you made—specifically relating to friendship and future plans—will come up for reconsideration. Maybe you actually don't want to be in that clique you joined, or perhaps someone you weren't so sure about will become a better friend during this retrograde period! Whatever it is, expect to revisit and reexamine your social circle during this time. Acquaintances from the past, people you partied with back in 2010 or friended on some now defunct social media app, may reappear to say hello, remind you of a lesson, or show you something new.

People like to make a big deal about retrogrades. Don't worry, Cancer—if you could make it through March—when your ruling planet, the Moon, got totally rocked—you can get through this! You crabs like to walk from side to side anyway, and you enjoy reviewing and taking your time, so a little change in direction by Mars, Pluto, or Mercury doesn't scare you. See you in May!