April 17-27, 2026 is one of the most important and intense astrological periods all year. The April 17 New Moon in Aries triggers powerful initiation. Ready or not, here come seven major planets in Aries! April 19-22, we’ll also have a Mercury-Mars-Saturn conjunction–pushing for difficult but necessary conversations and karmic resets. Then, on April 25-26, Uranus enters Gemini for the next seven years, and on the 27th, the March 3 Virgo eclipse gets reactivated by the Moon. This is an explosive ten days.
I made this 23-minute video as a heads up, but also a how-to. There are positive opportunities here, but volatile times warrant preparation. If you’re reading this by email, you’ll need to click through. If you prefer audio only, here’s the podcast link.
April begins with strong emphasis on relationships, partnerships, legal issues, karmic balance, beauty, and the arts. The Libra Full Moon happens at 10:12 p.m. Eastern U.S. time on April 1, which means for much of the world, this is an April 2 Full Moon. Either way, it brings a much needed reset from the runaway train in Aries. There’s a time for rushing ahead, but also a time for having fun with those we love, and life’s much sweeter when we remember that.
The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is “(LIBRA 13°): CHILDREN BLOWING SOAP BUBBLES.” Dane Rudhyar adds, “It is a symbol of IMAGINATIVE PLAY, which foreshadows the idea of ‘global man,’ the man of plenitude.”
The Full Moon axis creates a T-square with Jupiter in Cancer, but even squares can bring blessings. We might need to work hard, but rewards will come. Jupiter is the planet of plenitude, further amplifying these energies. With Mercury in Pisces trine Jupiter, we could learn the truth (Jupiter) about murky deception and gaslighting (Mercury in Pisces). Some of this will involve family dynamics (Cancer), as well as boundaries or lack thereof (Pisces).
Artists, poets, and other creative types could also experience a huge (Jupiter) inspiration and new spiritual understanding (Mercury in Pisces) that beautifies our world. The Libra energy of this Full Moon also emphasizes beauty and love, so we can choose which station we want to tune into. Venus newly in her other home sign of Taurus adds even more love, grace, and beauty to the mix. With Saturn and Neptune in Aries sextile Pluto in Aquarius, spiritual transformation takes root in tangible reality.
Libra Full Moon, April 1, 2026, 10:12 p.m., Washington, D.C.
This Full Moon is very close to the US natal Saturn, so we could see an end to something major. With Libra, it could mean a peace deal ends a war, or it could mean the end of a peace deal. The North Node remains at that critical 8° Pisces, with the nodal axis exactly square the US natal Uranus. There’s an undeniable push-pull like trying to get a car unstuck from the mud. Pushing on the gas and flooding the engine won’t work. Sometimes, we just need to go back and forth in wishy-washy Pisces before all those Aries energies can move ahead. If it’s on the itinerary, we don’t get to skip steps. The Virgo-Pisces nodal axis functions as gatekeeper.
Questions to ponder at the Libra Full Moon:
Which relationships feel playful and innocent?
How can I make my world more beautiful?
Where do I need to address karmic imbalances?
How am I letting old family drama impact my current relationships?
What truths do I know on an emotional-spiritual level, and how do these insights affect partnerships?
Here’s the link to a beautiful essay by Gelareh Khoie, founder of the Kosmos Institute. She lived through the Iranian Revolution in her youth and shares her thoughts, feelings, and insights about yesterday’s bombing of Iran. There’s a lot being said about what is or is not happening in Iran. I was hoping Gelareh would chime in with her wisdom and experience.
I’ve gotten to know Gelareh (pronounced Gell-uh-ray) a little through the courses at Kosmos Institute, and she is lovely, brilliant, artistic, spiritual, edgy, and very heartfelt. If you’re not familiar with Kosmos Institute, do check it out! I’ve loved the courses I’ve taken there, including one on NDEs taught in 2024 by Joshua Cutchin and I’m about to finish a nine-week course with the amazing Richard Tarnas.
There’s a lunar eclipse March 3, 2026, and it’s a doozy. Here’s how to navigate the cosmic soup with Mars in Pisces, plus Mercury Retrograde until Equinox. This 24-minute video notes some important dates and transits in March, including Jupiter Direct in Cancer. If you’re reading this in email, you’ll need to click through to watch the video. If you prefer audio only, here’s the podcast link. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and other platforms, but they may not be up right away.
My sweet friend (most awesome massage therapist) Pamela Hipp just posted some wise words. I’ll excerpt a bit here, but it’s worth a click through to read the whole message:
This is a Pep Talk
Because I know you can face whatever is happening today in your life. Of course you can.
This is a pep talk, but it isn’t sugar coated. You can handle the Big Stuff, but it might not be easy. You might need to face some unpleasantness or invest in upgraded tools. You can absolutely do it if you let your soul lead.
The theme I’m seeing in my work and my corner of the world is a perpetually-thwarted desire for peace. We want peace and look around at the chaos, catalog it all, store it in our bodies, and wonder why we don’t feel peaceful.
This stress remains alive in you until you digest it. I don’t mean you need to make the stressful situations stop. (Although, any step in this direction will earn compound interest.) I’m talking about taking action to metabolize the stress that you carry rather than continuing to carry the ever-accumulating burden. (read more here …)
This 2010 portal door feels “up” again right now. I already reblogged it years ago, so I’ll just leave a link here. The quote at the bottom of the door came through after this morning’s dream: “The sky, the sky beyond the door is blue.” ~Ryan Stiles
Oddly–or just normal synchronicity overlay–I’ve been paused while working on a chapter involving Jupiter conjunct Chiron, which is like The Astrology of NDEs equivalent of this door. Jupiter the King as the co-ruler of Pisces (King of Cups), and Chiron the centaur and great healer and teacher of medicine.
The back of the King of Cups Door features this poem by Hafiz:
Dropping Keys
The small man Builds cages For everyone He Knows While the sage, Who has to duck his head When the moon is low, Keeps dropping keys all night long For the Beautiful Rowdy Prisoners.
–Hafiz
I had already chosen to use this poem on this door, so it was quite a fun synchronicity that this door actually contained a key!
I know many people feel paused, blocked, or dramatically slowed down right now. It’s the pea soup of Neptune and Saturn in late Pisces being squared by Mars moving through late Sagittarius, followed by a powerful New Moon on December 19. Other phrases that came through in hypnagogic state:
“Hurry up and wait.”
“Embrace the suck.”
“The sky, the sky beyond the door is blue.”
The first two are military terms. The combination of these statements seems relevant to the collective right now. Despite appearances, there’s been lots of action behind the scenes. When you get nudged to act, follow that nudge. If you do what you needed to do and then hit a roadblock, that’s probably Saturn in Pisces, squared by Mars in Sagittarius. (I initially mistyped Saturn Retrograde in Pisces, but Saturn–Father Time–stationed Direct on November 27. It’s still square Mars and still slogging in Pisces.) Neptune stations Direct today in the final degree of Pisces–and Neptune’s the other co-ruler of Pisces. This crisis degree–29°–is not just the last degree of Pisces. It’s the final degree of the entire zodiac!
Endings are “up” right now, as we make our way through this sometimes bumpy, confusing, and bizarre transition into the vastly new energies of 2026. “The only way out is through.”
My advice? Look for positives and beauty, which are available for those with receptors and a willingness to embrace it all. Be gentle with yourself and others. If necessary, remove yourself from the equation–at least for a little while. So many people keep expressing concern about not moving forward right now. In most cases, it’s just not time yet. No amount of pushing or “should-ing” will change the astro weather. This might be the calm before the storm, or maybe it’s just time for a nap because soon enough you won’t be able to hit “snooze” anymore.
In any case, if you feel stuck, confused, or covered in molasses, you’re not alone! This is the most common theme I keep hearing, and I’m hearing it from some of the most tapped in people I know. It’s not you. It’s the energies. Learn to embrace uncertainty. Practice trusting in a higher order, a higher power. Another thing that came through this morning’s dream: timing and order are related. The order of events matters, but there’s also another kind of order–like following orders. It’s no accident that very concept is being debated in the collective right now, but consider how it applies to your own life.
The most important orders from on high appear to deal with the order of events–aka timing. We’re in the final phase of an incredibly long journey, not just our own lives but for humanity at large. Aristotle’s definition of a good ending seems relevant here: “surprising but inevitable.” We have influence in some areas, but probably not in terms of timing, at least not right now.
Late on November 7 or early November 8, depending on your timezone, Uranus reenters Taurus for the final round in the slowest sign. Anytime a planet stations direct or retrograde–or changes signs–its energies magnify. If you’re feeling zippy zappy neurological weirdness, bizarre blood sugar spikes, or generally ungrounded, blame it on the cosmic weirdo doing his thing.
Between now and April 25, 2026, the revolutionary, liberator, and general rabble rouser will shake things up. Big time. Uranus has an 84-year cycle, and he’ll make his time there count. Long delayed projects could return for actual breakthroughs, and we’ll need to assess which old things really stand the test of time. Many familiar traditions will shift during this time, so lean into the energies if you’ve wanted change.
If you don’t want change, pick at least one area of physical life where you can channel that fresh, disruptive, but potentially innovative energy. Expect the unexpected, but things often go easier if you make token changes aligned with the energies on offer.
Just a heads up, because things could feel unsettled and uncomfortable. If they do, step back and observe before overreacting. Maybe your prayer is being answered through unusual means.
The Full Moon in Aries happens at 11:58 p.m. Eastern US time on October 6, which means for much of the world, it occurs on the 7th. Aries is a sign of action, courage, and sometimes war, so let’s focus on harnessing the positives without getting aggressive.
This is known as the Hunter’s or Harvest Moon, with emphasis on things coming full circle or into a new phase of culmination. It initiates one of several major turns of the Great Big Wheel in the Sky during the rest of 2025. Gears click in, and things can (finally) begin to move forward.
The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is “(ARIES 15°):AN INDIAN WEAVING A CEREMONIAL BLANKET.” Dane Rudhyar adds a “KEYNOTE:Projecting into everyday living the realization of wholeness and fulfillment. … We are told by it that the FULFILLMENT OF DESIRE is a possibility, at whatever level and in however incomplete a manner it may be experienced.”
The Sabian Symbol for the Sun point is “(LIBRA 15°):CIRCULAR PATHS,” which reminds us of cyclical opportunities. Sometimes old things come up, and they seem like repetition, but if we work with those memories, we might find them less sticky than they used to be. We’re on a higher or deeper level of the spiral, not just circling the drain or running around the same race track over and over again. Dane Rudhyar elaborates in a “KEYNOTE:Coming to terms with the inevitability of establishing steady rhythms of social activity.“
In the Aries-Libra axis, we explore tensions between what “I” need (Aries) and what “we” need (Libra). Re-balancing previous relationship patterns can free up a lot of energy! On the higher levels, we could see courage, power, and action (Aries) to create the most beautiful, harmonious forms of justice and partnership (Libra). Beware of wishy washy indecision and too much mental energy at this time. When in doubt, pause, breathe, and feel into that sparkly new reality trying to manifest in the direction you already feel led to walk.
Aries Full Moon, October 6, 2025, 11:58 p.m., Washington, D.C.
I pulled the chart for Washington, D.C., and you can see Saturn and Neptune straddling the Midheaven at 27° Pisces and 0° Aries. On the political level, that puts the focus front and center on accountability (Saturn) for deception (Neptune). The Full Moon happens in the 10th house, meaning a public shift. With Neptune and Chiron in Aries, too, some of that shift could feel confusing (Neptune) or painful (Chiron)–but on a higher level, we get beautiful spirituality and a chance to heal old wounds. Uranus in the 11th house indicates surprising changes with regard to groups–friends, political parties, and alliances could shift in ways that unlock American hopes and dreams.
That’s specific for Washington/the U.S., but in general, we find more energy for action related to situations that used to feel victimizing (Black Moon Lilith conjunct Mars in Scorpio). With Venus conjunct the South Node in Virgo, we could also hear from old lovers or relationships, as well as reassess our values. This plays into the ongoing trine between Pluto at 1° Aquarius and Uranus at 1° Gemini–both outer planets in Air, both retrograde, so the shifts happen internally on the mental realm, as well as outside in collective events. We have an opportunity to throw off old, toxic restrictions and group think (Pluto in Aquarius) and liberate ourselves with new information (Uranus in Gemini).
Although radical change can feel stressful, it doesn’t have to feel bad. Many of you have longed for these shifts for years, perhaps even gave up that they would ever happen. It probably won’t all happen in an instant, but we’re likely to find rapid, systemic change both in ourselves and in the collective. This is the time we’ve been preparing for since early 2020, and in some ways, it may go all the way back to pre-9/11. Think of the collective trauma foisted upon humanity and realize we now have the opportunity to reset. We can retain the lessons of the trauma, but a lot of that PTSD will slough off.
Jupiter in Cancer squares Chiron in Aries, so we can expect more issues and healing around “family” or “motherhood.” That might include biological family, but it could also involve internal shifts in how we understand family dynamics. Expectations trip up so many people in this area, because the idea of family often looks so different than the behaviors, gaslighting and abuse. This Full Moon in Aries invites us to align more with healing (Chiron in Aries), and focus on the truth aspect of Jupiter. More family, more obligations, and more food are not always the best solutions. You do you, and when you do, don’t turn around and punish yourself five minutes later!
Everyone’s on their own journey. Some of us will walk together the whole way. Others will come and go, and some will fall away. It feels easier to spend time with people roughly in your same frequency. Too much divergence creates static and can grow painful if we try to force ourselves into worn out situations or relationships. Aries offers us an extra dose of courage to stay the course and welcome in something new and more expansive, wonderful and healing than we’ve allowed ourselves to imagine.
Neptune at 0° Aries and Uranus at 1° Gemini both point to Mercury at 0° Scorpio, forming a Yod–a Finger of God pointing to deep, hidden truth (Mercury in Scorpio). Shadows come to light, leading to spiritual and intuitive breakthroughs with cosmic implications and support.
Questions to ponder at the Aries Full Moon:
What do I need or want in order to move forward?
What do I fear, and why?
Is it exciting/expansive fear, or contracting fear?
The Full Moon in Aquarius happens on August 9, 2025 at 3:55 a.m. Eastern Daylight time. Aquarius is a sign of innovation and technology, so it’s a great time to reevaluate your relationship to tools and screens. For some of you, that might mean simplifying your routine and spending less time in the virtual world. For others, it could mean adopting new support systems and tools that streamline your efforts. Which option you decide is less important than choosing authentically–for you. Who cares if you rock the boat? Co-ruled by Uranus and Saturn, Aquarius invites us to break free from “should’s” and create new structures and systems that revolutionize our lives.
Aquarius is also a sign of groups and friendships, so issues could arise regarding team or party memberships, clubs, and work environments. The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon adds nuance to these themes. “(AQUARIUS 17°): A WATCHDOG STANDS GUARD, PROTECTING HIS MASTER AND HIS POSSESSIONS.” Dane Rudhyar adds a “KEYNOTE: The development of the capacity to protect one-self and to safeguard one’s individual rights under complex social pressures.” The overall message involves insulation from too much external noise and intrusion:
“…[U]nder present-day social conditions the individual person needs protection against the ever-growing encroachments of society upon his theoretically recognized right to lead a private life free from public interference. … At a deeper occult level of interpretation it also reveals the need to protect oneself against ‘astral’ intrusions and perhaps ‘black magic,’ the more so as one ventures into supernormal states of consciousness.” Rudhyar links this protection to Guardian Angels and Elemental magic.
“At this second stage we see the individual able to master natural energies which he enlists in his service, so he may pursue his individualized work of destiny in security. … The more creative the person, the greater his or her NEED FOR PROTECTION.”
Indeed, this is a highly creative time! Both of this Full Moon’s co-rulers are involved in a rare “Kite” formed by a Grand Trine (equilateral triangle) in Air made up of Uranus at 1° Gemini, Mars at 1° Libra, and Pluto at 2° Aquarius, along with Uranus and Pluto each sextiling (60 degrees) Neptune and Saturn, both at 1° Aries. In layman’s terms, Mars activates harmonious energies for innovative communication and writing (Uranus in Gemini), new spiritual practices (Neptune conjunct Saturn in Aries), and deep, systemic change (Pluto in Aquarius).
Aquarius Full Moon, August 9, 2025, 3:55 a.m., Washington, DC
Although Mars typically feels week in Libra, at this time, he’ll help people find ways to beautify our world. We could also see big shifts in legal matters, relationships, and the arts (Libra). Mars opposite Saturn and Neptune challenges us, but more like the grain of sand that makes a pearl. Mercury remains Retrograde in Leo until the 11th, so progress will likely involve review and revamping of old ideas, facts, or drafts. The Full Moon quincunx the South Node at 18° Virgo adds to this energy of letting go. If you struggle to release things that no longer serve, Aquarian detachment can also help. Seriously, if it doesn’t light you up, let it go. Something much more resonant wants to come on board.
I pulled the chart for Washington, D.C., and all those placements on the angles suggest big moves and countermoves related to the United States government, as well as how people view the US. With Black Moon Lilith opposite Chiron, that pesky Epstein list might finally see the light of day. Sooner or later, Lilith in Libra demands both sovereignty and justice, and Chiron in Aries brings healing to the Self. On personal and collective levels, healing from abuse usually means recognizing it existed in the first place. This month and next month bring extra courage and energy to level up beyond the old stories.
In particular, I keep hearing about people seeing through illusions and gaslighting by family members. Talk about a lot of “should’s”! The idea of family often brings so much pain when compared to reality. The combination of Saturn bringing a dose of realism to Neptune’s fantasy, plus Jupiter (Truth) in Cancer (sign of the family), seems to be egging Uranus (the liberator) to revamp understanding (Gemini) and break free of toxic relationships (Mars in Libra as part of that magical kite). If you feel a need to take action, you’re not alone. Really! I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve already had this week with people reevaluating what “family” means for them.
If your family relationships feel good, wonderful! You do you. That concept is VERY Aquarian, but a seismic shift seems in progress for lots of “black sheep” suddenly realizing they feel more at home with soul family members than biological ones.
Questions to ponder at the Aquarius Full Moon:
Which areas of your life crave liberation?
How’s your relationship to computers, phones, and other screens?
Which friendships and groups feel resonant or toxic?
What action can you take to improve your situation?
Which creative projects or life goals would you like to empower?
How would life look beyond the worn out status quo?
What systemic changes do you need to make right now?
What, if any, legal paperwork can you complete in the coming month?
UPDATE: Oops! I forgot to mention the 8/8 Lion’s Gate portal the day before the Full Moon. Extra powerful manifestation energies to help you shine your brightest light …
Laura Bruno's Blog 