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This Month


APRIL THEME: KEEP THE FAITH
by Simone Butler

The March 18 solar eclipse square Pluto, planet of endings and new beginnings, certainly brought change to my life. How about yours? Targeting my career sector, it triggered the unexpected death knell of my freelance job teaching goal setting through "treasure mapping" to guests at a luxury spa. Though unsettling, the eclipse also opened a new avenue--to a Photoshop class that will help me create artistic, individualized Treasure Maps as desktop backgrounds for personal clients (more details on this later!).

Pluto must have known it was time for the switch. Perhaps something has recently ended in your own life, and you're a little nervous about what's next. The next four months is your research and development phase. Jupiter, bearer of good fortune, turns retrograde April 5. This inward plunge in the exploratory sign of Sagittarius signals an intensive period of preparation and weeding out old beliefs to clear the way for success.

This four-month phase happens in my solar sixth house, sector of health and work. And, what appropriate timing-that period encompasses both the Photoshop class and the intensive health regimen I'm undertaking. Jupiter retrograde, strong in its own sign, is an opportunity to prepare yourself for something new and exciting that will manifest after the planet turns forward August 6. Meanwhile, patience and faith are required. Remember, we're in a year of unprecedented spiritual growth--and this is the gestation phase. It helps that Saturn, synonymous with work, turns forward April 19 after a four-month retrograde phase. This is good news for those in business, as the gears of progress slowly but surely begin to crank.

The following forecast will give you clues of how best to use Jupiter's retrograde phase. Check both your Sun and Ascendant, if you know it.

Aries: Jupiter retrograde in your ninth house, the natural Sagittarian realm, is the perfect time to take a class, study a foreign language, write a book or develop a new spiritual practice. Then in August, you can take that trip, find a publisher or impart your wisdom.

Taurus: Jupiter is retrograde in your eighth house of sexuality, secrets and shared resources. Turn over rocks in your psyche and examine the squiggly things underneath, explore Tantric sexual practices and let go of investments that are weighing you down.

Gemini: Relationships are your focus, with the Inquisitor retrograde in the seventh house. Make another try with a former partner or commit to a deeper level of connection with your mate. Releasing old relationship habits could bring a new love interest by August.

Cancer: Like me, you have Jupiter retrograde in your sixth house of work, service and health. It's an ideal time to prepare yourself for a new phase in your professional life through taking classes or doing research. And, health campaigns are bound to succeed.

Leo: Jupiter retrograde in your fifth house of romance, creativity and children suggests that you retrieve your playful inner child, return to romantic practices that worked in the past to rekindle passions in the present, or focus on a creative project to debut in August.

Virgo: Your fourth house, sector of home, family and roots, is highlighted by Jupiter retrograde. Research your ancestry, revisit your place of birth, interview your parents for clues about yourself. Redecorate your house or plan a major remodel to start in August.

Libra: Jupiter retrograde in your third house of speaking, writing, transportation and daily associates asks you to revamp your communication style or brainstorm to find solutions for long-standing problems. Or, get your car fixed, plan a trip, or take a computer class.

Scorpio: Money and self-esteem are your focus as Jupiter backpedals in your second house. Collect old debts, go back to a former method of earning money, examine your deep-seated beliefs about what you're worth and ditch old patterns of self-abuse.

Sagittarius: Your ruler, Jupiter, turns backward in your first house of identity, image and the self. It's time to revamp your physical image. Learn how to present yourself in a more polished way, go on a fitness campaign, throw out old clothes and buy new ones.

Capricorn: You're in deep waters with Jupiter scuba diving in the twelfth house of your chart. Set aside quiet time to salvage old dreams, reconnect to your indwelling spirit, develop your intuition and figure out what unconscious patterns have held you back.

Aquarius: The Gentle Giant is moving backward in your eleventh house of visions, community activities and friendships. Reconnect with groups, pals and business associates from the past. Dust off or develop a humanitarian plan to unveil in August.

Pisces: Career and your standing with the public are highlighted during Jupiter's retrograde phase. A business plan developed during this time, perhaps with foreign ties, stands a good chance of succeeding by August. Good deeds you did in the past pay off.

Good luck to all, and remember to keep the faith!

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