After a long winter, we've reached the first full month of spring. April, with its soft sunshine, rainy days, and sprouting blooms, often feels as though it's brimming with both showy hope and quiet optimism—two emotions you might be striving to hold onto now more than ever. That's because April 2020 is marked not only by showers that will hopefully bring new life, but also by a global pandemic and the ensuing social distancing that will hopefully slow its spread and save lives.
The world's aggressive and steady push for physical wellness and inner peace is underscored by April's astrological seasons. Until April 19, the sun travels through competitive, impatient, fitness-minded Aries, urging you to take dynamic action—be that through daily, stress-busting runs or aggressive spring cleaning. Then, until May 20, it makes its way through grounded, steady, comfort-loving Taurus, encouraging a slower, more deliberate and pragmatic perspective that can lend itself to projects or efforts requiring more patience and a love of life's simplest pleasures. (You know what that means? Time for more self-care.)
Aries and Taurus seasons—the first focused on fresh starts, the other lending itself to indulging in the luxurious, sensual side of life—come together to make April fertile ground for outer and inner change. This is a time for passionately pushing forward, then doing your best to be present and grateful in the moment. The fire-to-earth energy is all about making moves, getting organized, and planning ahead. April is tailored to experimentation, allowing your curiosity to run wild, and then coming up with concrete, step-by-step game plans for turning your most fiery ambitions into a reality.
Aries season and Taurus season are far from the only notable movements happening in this month's skies. Here's what else you should circle on your calendar. (And guess what? No Mercury retrograde this month!)
- April 3: Venus, the planet of love and beauty, moves forward through super-social, communicative air sign Gemini until its retrograde begins on May 13, bringing lighthearted, playful vibes to our closest relationships. The same day, communicator Mercury pairs up with dreamy Neptune in rational thought–clouding, artistic Pisces, enhancing imaginative endeavors.
- April 4: Expansive Jupiter pairs up with transformative Pluto in industrious Capricorn, amplifying effort and luck. The same day, romantic Venus in Gemini forms a harmonious angle to taskmaster Saturn in progressive Aquarius, encouraging us to get more serious and committed when it comes to relationships and creative projects.
- April 7: Go-getter Mars in Aquarius forms a negative angle to gamechanger Uranus in Taurus, setting the stage for rebellious behavior and striking out on your own. The same day, the full moon in beauty-loving Libra forms a harmonious angle to Mars, amplifying our courage, desire for balance, ability to take the initiative, and connecting with loved ones and friends in a spirited way.
- April 11: Information-gathering Mercury enters fighter sign Aries until the 27th, bringing a more direct, fiery, forward-thinking tone to communications.
- April 14: The confident sun in gung-ho Aries squares off against transformative Pluto in nose-to-the-grindstone Capricorn, setting the stage for power struggles.
- April 15: The image-conscious sun in Aries forms a tense angle to expansive Jupiter in Capricorn, boosting the potential to take on more than you can realistically handle, so a measured approach is best.
- April 19: The sun shifts into earth sign Taurus, where it remains until May 20, bringing a loyal, pragmatic, resolute, sensual energy.
- April 21: When the sun and taskmaster Saturn clash, meeting your responsibilities is a must.
- April 22: The new moon in Taurus encourages us to set practical intentions, ideally around financials or other aspects of our material world. It's also an ideal time to lean into relationship- or creativity-related pursuits.
- April 25: Powerful Pluto begins its retrograde, encouraging you to seek inner transformations to prepare for external ones, until October 4. The same day, information-gathering Mercury in Aries forms a negative angle to Pluto in Capricorn, upping the potential for intense, even coercive communication.
- April 26: The confident sun pairs up with revolutionary Uranus in Taurus, laying the groundwork for sudden change and pursuing independence.
- April 27: Mercury moves into Taurus, where it remains until May 11, bringing an earthy, sensual, if not stubborn tone to communication.
- April 28: Mercury in Taurus squares off against taskmaster Saturn, and the more you can pay attention to detail and prioritize your responsibilities, the better.
- April 30: Mercury pairs up with game-changer Uranus, setting up quirky, inventive conversations and brainstorms.
Want to know more about how April's astrological highlights will affect your health and wellness, relationships, and career? Read on for your sign's April horoscope. (Pro tip: Be sure to read your rising sign/ascendant, aka your social personality, if you know that, too!)
Aries (March 21–April 19)
Health: Thanks to social Venus' move through your third house of communication from April 3 to May 13, you'll want to research and enjoy even more interactive activities and workouts, ideally with friends or colleagues. Coordinate your schedule so you can take your favorite online workout classes together, or commit to a fitness challenge that you can trade notes on. Moves like these can keep you feeling connected and motivated.
Relationships: Your most intimate bond is likely to be your focus around April 7 when the full moon is in your seventh house of partnership. Finding a way to strike a balance between your needs and those of your significant other or a dear friend can make you feel more at peace with your dynamic. Speaking your truth and following through with correlated actions is empowering to boot.
Career: Around April 22, when the new moon is in your second house of income, you'll do well to pinpoint a specific, concrete financial goal. Getting more organized and setting up practical new ways to save or to budget (think: doing your best to rein in the impulsive Postmates orders in lieu of getting groceries delivered) can have you feeling more centered now and in the months ahead. (Try these budgeting apps to stay on track.)
Taurus (April 20–May 20)
Health: Around April 7, when the full moon is in your sixth house of wellness, you'll be focused on elevating your work-life balance as best you can. It might be that you've taken on even more responsibility lately, causing you to put self-care on the backburner. Finding ways to infuse your day-to-day with more breathing, stretching, and your favorite rejuvenating workout (like yin yoga) can keep you feeling like you can handle whatever curveballs life ends up throwing your way now.
Relationships: You could be itching to take the first steps toward a personal transformation around April 22 when the new moon is in your sign. You'll be reflecting on the way you present yourself to others in the world and wanting to make any moves that enhance that feeling of comfort in your own skin. Opening up to those who know you best, like your partner or best friend, can help you get even more clear on how to make the most of this moment, while simultaneously strengthening your bonds.
Career: While social Venus moves through your second house of income from April 3 to May 13, you'll get a bright green light to pitch moneymaking plans. Trading notes with friends and colleagues comes even more naturally, and you'll organically impress those around you with your positivity and pragmatism. The more you can tap into your personal and professional connections to launch your game plan, the more potential for success.
Gemini (May 21–June 20)
Health: Adhering to social distancing practices might be especially challenging for you. Luckily, it's easy to find new ways to tend to your wellness routine while enjoying the company of your friends and colleagues from April 11 to 27, thanks to communicator Mercury (your ruling planet) in your eleventh house of networking. Whether you go for more frequent walks while catching up with your BFF on the phone or find out about a can't-miss online barre class through your coworkers, building your relationships through fitness elevates your vitality.
Relationships: While relationship-oriented Venus moves through your sign from April 3 to May 13, your focus is on stepping up pleasure, flirtation, and romance wherever and whenever possible. This could look like scheduling weekly one-on-one time to share what's in your heart with your S.O., if you're attached, or, if you're single, planning a Zoom happy hour with an app match you've hit it off with. Prepare to be met with all the heart eyes emojis, as you're sure to come off as charming and magnetic without much effort at all. (See: How the Coronavirus Is Changing the Dating Landscape)
Career: Feel like you've had to keep your head down and tend to the same mundane professional tasks? That might take a toll around April 7, when the full moon is in your fifth house of creativity and self-expression. You'll want to tap into your playful side and infuse your daily work with a greater sense of wonder, curiosity, and artistry. Approaching higher-ups with diplomatic enthusiasm can set you up for a win.
Cancer (June 21–July 22)
Health: You could be drawn to quiet, meditative, restorative wellness routines as beauty-loving Venus moves through your twelfth house of spirituality from April 3 to May 13. Whether you hone your deep breathing practice, start working your way through the various levels on a meditation app, or read that self-care book you've been meaning to dive into, practices that address your heart, soul, and body now can feel the most satisfying—and the easiest to incorporate into your day-to-day.
Relationships: While transformative Pluto is retrograde in your seventh house of partnership from April 25 to October 4, you'll be reflecting on the ways you might need to shift the power dynamic in your romance (if you're attached) or regain control of your desires (if you're single). This is a time for considering and initiating inner change, maybe even spending time doing self-work to be more in touch with your mental and emotional needs. Then, once you better know who you are and what you want, you can take action that will morph your closest bonds.
Career: Initiate that meeting you've been wanting to have with higher-ups while communicator Mercury is in your tenth house of career from April 11 to 27. You'll be fired up to propose ambitious ideas and to step up your game in an effort to impress and, ideally, receive recognition. Making it clear that you're open to taking the most competitive, boldest direction possible could be particularly appealing to your teammates now.
Leo (July 23–August 22)
Health: Thanks to transformative Pluto moving backward through your sixth house of wellness from April 25 to October 4, you'll be meditating on the ways you might be clinging too tightly to set patterns and routines related to your health and fitness goals. You might realize that letting go of certain habits would actually be more conducive to achievement in the long-run. Allow yourself space and time to tune into your intuition, and by fall, you'll have a better sense of the exact changes you want to make.
Relationships: Whether you're connecting through scheduled FaceTime chats or revisiting the art of letter writing, your platonic bonds are sure to thrive from April 3 to May 13 while social Venus is in your eleventh house of networking. And if you're missing parties and double dates, schedule a virtual dinner with friends for you or you and your S.O. The group dynamic can bring you a sweet, lasting sense of joy.
Career: Around April 22, when the new moon is in your tenth house of career, you'll be down to get disciplined and organized with your long-term career goals. Polishing up an old proposal you'd previously backburnered, allowing your artistic impulses to fuel a new project, or picking a mentor's brain with Qs about your best next steps could feel enlivening and set the tone for major, gratifying professional growth.
Virgo (August 23–September 22)
Health: Though it's not quite like you, you'll be itching to toss your tried-and-true fitness plan out the window in order to start something entirely new and, ideally, thrilling on April 7. This is thanks to go-getter Mars in your sixth house of wellness forming a tense square to gamechanger Uranus in your ninth house of adventure. If you can adopt skills (think: learning bodyweight moves you can do without equipment) along the way, even better. Diving into a bold, unusual routine without overthinking can feel all sorts of liberating.
Relationships: You'll feel emboldened to broaden your horizons and share an extraordinary experience with your significant other or a potential partner while the confident sun is in your ninth house of adventure from April 19 to May 20. This could mean taking a virtual tour of an art museum you've always wanted to visit or researching exciting overseas travel you'll book down the road. Learning and exploring together can set the stage for rom-com-level sparks to fly. (Related: What You Should Know About Astrocartography, the Astrology of Travel)
Career: Around April 7, when the full moon lands in your second house of income, give yourself some time and space to think about how your work could better reflect your values. It might be that you've been focused on your daily hustle and doing everything you can to appease higher-ups and colleagues for so long that you'll do well to revisit your long-term needs. And as you hold those factors in mind, you'll be more prepared to manifest your vision.
Libra (September 23–October 22)
Health: Your imagination and spirituality could feel amplified on April 3 when communicator Mercury pairs up with dreamy Neptune in your sixth house of wellness. Applying this to your health and fitness efforts can feel inspiring, leading you to explore new ways to manage stress and keep your mind and body in balance (like checking out an online meditation class or doing teletherapy).
Relationships: Once the confident sun is in your eighth house of emotional bonds and sexual intimacy from April 19 to May 20, you could find yourself wanting to take your relationship to the next level—or connect with someone new who lights up your mind, body, and heart. Surface-level conversations just aren't cutting it right now, and that's OK. Being forthcoming about your desires is the first step to making them real.
Career: You'll be craving new, eye-opening experiences in your work while social Venus is in your ninth house of higher education from April 3 to May 13. Now's the time to check in with colleagues, peers, and higher-ups about the types of online courses, research, or long-term projects you can take on to satisfy this urge. What you learn could ultimately set up your ability to level-up in your career.
Scorpio (October 23–November 21)
Health: You'll be driven to research simple, everyday, social distancing-friendly ways to keep working toward your fitness goals while communicator Mercury is in your sixth house of wellness from April 11 to 27. Think learning alongside friends and loved ones—think checking out a celeb trainer's online program or clean eating cooking demo. Getting your mind buzzing can amplify your motivation and progress.
Relationships: You'll be especially focused on one-on-one bonding with your S.O. or making a soul mate-like connection around April 22 when the new moon is in your seventh house of partnership. The moves you make now can set a particular tone in the months to come, so be sure to check in with your intuition and heart, and allow what you have to say to accurately represent your desires. Alongside someone special, you can nurture or manifest that reciprocal, deeply intimate bond you're dreaming about.
Career: You could find you're drawn to long periods of solo work around April 7 when the full moon is in your twelfth house of spirituality. But ensuring you have downtime is key, as you could feel like you're on the edge of burnout. Plus, finding ways to strike a balance between self-care and your diligent efforts on the job keeps you firing on all cylinders and prepared to possibly step up and into the spotlight in the weeks to come.
Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)
Health: Thanks to the confident sun's trip through your sixth house of wellness from April 19 to May 20, you'll feel a burst of gung-ho energy you can apply to tackle an ongoing health stressor that's almost begun to feel normal (like sleep difficulties or struggling to eat clean). Researching new ways to improve your Zzzs or meal prep for the week might seem minor in the grand scheme of things, but it could actually serve as a building block for your overall well-being—while keeping you feeling vital and centered.
Relationships: Spending time one-on-one with your S.O. or someone special will likely feel more fulfilling than usual while romantic Venus moves through your seventh house of partnership from April 3 to May 13. If you're single, you could surprise yourself with how creative you can get planning Zoom or FaceTime dates. If you're attached, you could find it's bond-bolstering to get back to basics with your partner (think: playing games or watching shows you both loved as kids).
Career: If there's an artistic moneymaking project you've had your heart set on pursuing, you could feel fired up to take the initiative on it come April 15 when the confident sun in your fifth house of self-expression forms a tense square to lucky Jupiter in your second house of income. That feeling of optimism and confidence is unmistakable—and totally worth harnessing in this moment. Just be sure not to take on more than you can feasibly handle.
Capricorn (December 22–January 19)
Health: You've already been trying to switch up your fitness routine and allow yourself to be more playful with it, but while social Venus moves through your sixth house of wellness from April 3 to May 13, you'll do well to infuse your schedule with more collaborative efforts. Pick your BFF's brain to find out which trainers they're enjoying on Insta, or organize a weekly, happy hour resistance band workout on Zoom with coworkers. Teamwork makes you feel even more fired up.
Relationships: You'll be looking for any excuse to celebrate, flirt, play, and connect in a lighthearted way with your love or someone new around April 22, when the new moon is in your fifth house of romance. Though you might be inclined to brush this urge aside in order to focus on work, try to lean in and see what happens when you let your imagination run free. You could set a sweet new tone for your relationships that delivers emotional satisfaction.
Career: It could be time to step up and into a leadership role or to assume more responsibility around April 7 when the full moon lands in your tenth house of career. Because the full moon forms a positive angle to go-getter Mars in your second house of income, it'll be even easier for you to make bold, courageous moves to get after what you've been envisioning for yourself. Higher-ups can't help but be impressed by your confidence and initiative.
Aquarius (January 20–February 18)
Health: You'll want to switch up your existing routine in a way that feels expansive emotionally and educational mentally around April 7 when the full moon in your ninth house of higher learning forms a harmonizing angle to go-getter Mars in your sign. You might decide to work one-on-one with a mentor (like a personal trainer, a Reiki teacher, or health coach) or self-teach (think: checking out videos and reading up on stretching and soft tissue work to bolster your recovery practice). If you're getting out of your comfort zone, you're doing it right.
Relationships: Your magnetism, charm, and ability to express what's in your heart will be on another level while relationship-oriented Venus moves through your fifth house of romance from April 3 to May 13. You might even be inspired to show your S.O. or a potential match how you're feeling in an innovative way (by making them a funny, heartfelt social media tribute or sending them a quirky gift). The more creative you allow yourself to be, the more self-assured you'll feel making these heartfelt moves.
Career: You'll do well to be especially observant while meditating or daydreaming around April 3, thanks to a meet-up between communicator Mercury and spiritual Neptune in your second house of income. Your intuition, or even psychic ability, is extra heightened in this moment, allowing you to get a better sense of the direction you should move in when it comes to moneymaking plans. Trusting yourself will be key.
Pisces (February 19–March 20)
Health: You'll have extra energy to take on those everyday to-dos that have a way of piling up while the confident sun moves through your third house of communication from April 19 to May 20. But not losing sight of your self-care routine in the mix. Experiment with bringing the two together (think: squeezing in an extra walk with your pup to break up your workday or foam rolling while doing that weekly FaceTime catch-up with your BFF) has you feeling productive and energized.
Relationships: Around April 7, when the full moon lands in your eighth house of sexual intimacy and emotional bonds, you'll be doing a self-check on what you need to feel most comfortable and secure in your closest relationships. If it feels like you need to broach a tough topic with your love, or you need to get clear on your dealmakers and dealbreakers from a future partnership, now's a promising time to do that tough but rewarding work.
Career: You'll be driven to talk through your most ambitious professional plans with mentors, colleagues, or close friends while information-gathering Mercury is in your second house of income from April 11 to 27. Your conversations could lead you to an app that could prove useful in helping you get organized or an exciting lead for new business. Basically, there's no such thing as too much communication around your moneymaking strategy in this moment.