On first glance, it doesn’t look like there’s much happening this week astrologically. But the energy is decidedly different than it has been, and most of you likely are feeling more energetic.

I forgot to mention in last week’s forecast that Mercury entered the pre-retrograde shadow period on Wednesday, April 22. Over the past few years, many of you have written to say that you begin to experience Mercury retrograde in the shadow period, well before he goes into reverse. (A planet is said to be retrograde when, due to its relative orbit with the earth, it appears to move backwards in the sky from one day to the next.)

Sigh. Just when we were getting over retrograde Venus.

Still, I think this will be a good thing, as we’ll have a chance to reflect on recent events and to process all the new information. Mercury enters his own sign of Gemini on Thursday, but he won’t get even 2 degrees into it before backing up into Venus-ruled Taurus, where he’ll spend most of his retrograde phase. A good bit of what we process may have to do with issues we confronted while Venus was retrograde and, more importantly, when she was stationed at 29 Pisces. Relationship issues continue to take center stage in our hearts and minds.

Speaking of which, it was my turn to do the Saturday Extra! this past weekend, and since I’d been contemplating the meaning of the Susan Boyle phenomenon, I wrote a long post with my observations. I mentioned that Venus and Mars will remain in proximity until the end of June. At the same time, Jupiter, Neptune, and Chiron will form a conjunction at 26 degrees Aquarius, just as all three are about to turn retrograde.

Mercury’s retrograde phase will be an important part of the deep healing process that will continue to work its magic on us for the next two months. Susan’s burst into the collective conscious was just the beginning.

Even though the activity level has shot up and you’re probably going to be too busy to stare out the window with a cup of coffee, do take time for quiet contemplation this week. The Moon in Cancer on Tuesday forms a cardinal T-square with Pluto in Capricorn and Venus and Mars in Aries. Events Tuesday and Wednesday may be the kick in the pants you’ve needed to tend to projects you’ve been putting off. There’s no point in sulking; just do it.

Mars squared Pluto last week, and Venus has her go on Saturday. Venus-Pluto squares can be very sexy, and Venus in Aries certainly can be fiery. But I think Pluto in Saturn-ruled Cap is going to make her cool her heels, and this could lead to the darker side of Venus-Pluto squares, where power plays and manipulation take over. Remember that sex is sacred and not to be used as a weapon.

Love and blessings,
Pat

Image: Morning, by Maxfield Parrish, 1922.