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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans
Current and previous weeks astrological overviews
Astrological Overview: April 1 - 7, 2024
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.
Monday: Mercury stations retrograde 3:14 p.m. PDT
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Venus conjunct Neptune
Thursday: Mars semisquare Eris, Sun conjunct North Node, Venus enters Aries
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Mercury semisquare Mars, Venus sextile Pluto
Sunday: No major aspects are exact today
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A LAND BETWEEN: At the time of the Lunar Eclipse on March 25, we crossed the threshold into a world that is painted with different colors than we are normally used to. During the two-week period between eclipses, life can seem surreal, events move quickly, and situations may reach a crisis or turning point. We also experience emotions and physical issues more profoundly.
Adding to the intensity of recent days, solar flare activity has been heightened since last Monday's Lunar Eclipse. In the seven days since the lunation, we've had one very potent X-class flare (the highest class of flares) and 17 major M-class eruptions — three of which, at M9+, were "virtually X-class" flares.
Studies by the National Institutes of Health and other scientific organizations have shown that solar flares have a significant impact on our physical, emotional, and mental state. With so many strong flares occurring at the same time that we are managing the heavy karmic load of eclipse season, self-care is especially important right now.
Please be very gentle with yourself and kind to others this week. Drinking electrolyte fluids, connecting to nature, and getting extra rest and sleep are vital throughout this impactful time.
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: The Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 is a powerful one, with strong effects on our individual life path and our collective evolution. The energies of the eclipse will be building throughout the coming week, so life may feel a bit hectic, emotions could be erratic, and people may be more reactive than usual. This is a good time to focus on releasing and forgiving the past, and to cleanse our bodies and our energy fields in preparation for the New Moon.
I'll write more about the eclipse in next week's Journal, of course. In the meantime, the most recent Soul Channel Podcast is now available, where I talked in depth about this eclipse season and its effects. If you've not yet seen the video, here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcxiSMcsCyA Please note: In my enthusiasm, I misspoke about the degrees of planets at the time of the Total Solar Eclipse. It is true that five planets — the Sun, Moon, Chiron, Mercury, and Eris — are all conjunct for the eclipse. However, while the two luminaries and Chiron are at 19 degrees Aries, Mercury and Eris are at 24 degrees of the sign — still closely conjunct, but a few degrees away. My apologies for any confusion!
MERCURY RETROGRADE: Adding another complication to the mix of energies this eclipse season, Mercury stations retrograde on Monday, April 1. This event is a very appropriate addition to April Fools' Day, since retrograde Mercury is often called "the Trickster."
While the Messenger Planet is moving backward in Aries, from April 1 to 25, it is important to take our time with all new projects, decisions, and communications. The weeks when Mercury is retrograde are best suited for review and introspection, to ensure that all actions and plans are in full alignment with our core needs and best timing.
If major decisions must be made or papers must be signed over the next four weeks, be sure to take the process slowly and deliberately. As I've shared with some of my clients, my only major snafu related to a Mercury retrograde period was when I rushed to get legal papers signed and submitted just hours before the station occurred. In my foolish attempt to outwit and outrun retrograde Mercury, I created a mess that took a full year to sort through and remedy.
THIS WEEK'S ASPECTS: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects:
Monday
Mercury stations retrograde: Mercury comes to a standstill at 3:14 p.m. PDT and slowly begins to move backward through Aries. This retrograde period will last until April 25.
Tuesday
No major aspects are exact today.
Wednesday
Venus conjunct Neptune: This is the annual alignment between Venus, representing the human heart and personal love, and Neptune, which symbolizes the high heart and Divine Love. Under this influence, it is easier to be compassionate and forgiving, and to express sympathy and understanding. One caution with this conjunction is to use discernment, since idealism is heightened and we can miss red flags. This is true in relationships and also with potential purchases, resulting in buyer's remorse when the planets move on and the rosy glow fades.
Thursday
Mars semisquare Eris: Mars and Eris are the two warrior planets, and a hard aspect between them indicates potential controversies and quarrels.
Sun conjunct North Node: This alignment highlights the current evolutionary growth path for humanity and also activates the energies of next Monday's Total Solar Eclipse. With the North Node in Aries, we are shown that being true to one's self is a vital part of spiritual growth.
Venus enters Aries: Venus will be in pioneering Aries for the next 25 days, supporting risk-taking in the areas of relationships and creative endeavors. Because of the need to feel more energy in these areas of life experience, we can feel impatient with old routines and are drawn to try something new.
Friday
No major aspects are exact today.
Saturday
Mercury semisquare Mars: We may feel more argumentative than we would like, and eager to express our opinions. However, especially with Mercury now retrograde, it will be very important to weigh our words carefully before sending them out into the world.
Venus sextile Pluto: This aspect can stir excitement and passion about a new project or person.
Sunday
No major aspects are exact today.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK (April 1 - 7):
The theme of healing is strong this year. You may be very aware of your need to receive it, or a desire to give it, or both. Learning to love the wounded self, the inner child who may still feel insecure or fearful, is a significant step in your growth process. As you do this inner work, you gain new courage and self-assuredness that will enable you to shine even more brightly. You are also learning the importance of good personal boundaries, especially with family members or those you usually take care of. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Chiron, square Ceres)
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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CLASSES AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
DAILY INSTAGRAM POSTS: Please check out my daily astrological updates on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit NorthPointAstrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
