April Forecast

The practice of Yoga and Astrology (Jyotish) has been linked together for hundreds of years. In this column we will look at the month ahead astrologically and see what we can learn about our yoga practices, life choices, and how to align and connect ourselves to the cosmic cycles.

This monthly column uses the science of Vedic Astrology (which differs from Western astrology in reckoning the sign position of the planets) as it gives the best results for people on a yogic or spiritual journey. The highlights below reflect the Vedic Astrology sign positions for this month.
    

Planetary Highlights

MOON
April 3, 9:32 AM NEW MOON
April 17, 9:44 PM FULL MOON

MERCURY
Retrograde until April 23rd

VENUS
April 16th enters Pisces

This month:

SUN IN ARIES April 14 to May 14
Aries is ruled by the planet Saturn; the Sun in Aries is influenced by the attributes of Mars.

The Aries Sun Person
If you were born between April 14 and May 14, you are an Aries Sun according to Vedic Astrology. This is the most powerful sign for the Sun to be situated. It is the sign ruled by the planet Mars. Those thus influenced are generally powerful people, both in mind and body, as well as in spirit. These are people that feel born to lead. The usually have good discretion and ideas for material, as well as spiritual, advancement. Goal setters, extremely competitive and quite intelligent, they are unforgettable personalities. They're not afraid to get involved and sometimes they may push themselves too hard. They may earn great wealth, yet, at times, not have much more than they need to keep body and soul together. These people like to travel and may become well known.

The Arian Yogi
The Aries Sun Yogi is independent, self-expressive, courageous, competitive, and can be headstrong and impulsive. They enjoy an athletic approach to yoga. Watch for competitiveness, pushing too hard, and jumping into a practice and then not following through. You will need to develop the ability to stick to what you start. A high-energy yogi that can accomplish much if you don't push yourself too hard.

Mercury In Retrograde
Are you enjoying doing everything and saying everything twice? Good, because with Mercury in retrograde from March 30th through April 23rd you get plenty of opportunities!

For your astrological newbies, the approximate three-week period when Mercury is retrograde typically brings challenges as it seems like we are doing everything twice. During the time of Mercury retrogression, things like communication, travel, contracts and electronic equipment become very challenged. Misunderstandings, misdirected communications, unexpected travel changes, misdialed phone numbers (I never get anyone on the first attempt!), awry contracts, broken computers – well, you get the idea. A good time to revisit projects started and set aside, cleaning out the closets, finding things that were lost, and in general re-doing or repeating rather than initiating new projects. I personally find this an excellent time to go back and do one of my favorite yoga meditations or sets from the past or re-visit an inspiring book.

This particular Mercury retrograde period (it often happens three times a year) can be really vexing. Why? It is wandering around in Pisces (in our Vedic system) and is considered to be debilitated. Kind of like a wandering drunk who cannot find their way to the bus stop. Forget about trying to "figure" things out and making detailed plans. You will become an expert at going with the flow until April ends.

Pisces Everywhere!
And speaking of Mercury stumbling in Pisces, get ready for a Piscean spring! In addition to Mercury being there all month, we have Mars, Jupiter and Venus in Pisces for the last half of April, and even joined by Moon in Pisces the last two days of the month. In fact, the last day of April finds all five of these planets in the moon sign (nakshatra) of Revati. This could well be one of the more pleasant days of 2011, good for initiating activities of a positive nature, including financial dealings, marriage and sex, buying cars, houses, gemstones, indulging in music and drama, spiritual learning, healing, gardening, leisure activities, rest and relaxation. And Mercury will be out of retrograde.

NEXT MONTH:
This is a big month – Jupiter enters Aries for a year and the karmic planets of Rahu and Ketu move into a new sign after 18 months. What does it all mean? Enjoy April first!

HAVE A PERSONAL ASTROLOGICAL READING WITH MEHTAB!
Mehtab is a certified Vedic Astrologer and the founder of Yoga Yoga. He offers astrological readings and consultations in yoga. You can obtain a complete Life Reading with a focus on three major areas in your life, a Yearly Reading for the year ahead, or help with timing events and making major life changes.

For more information, click here or contact Lori at loris@yogayoga.com.