April Begins With a New Moon on Steroids

April Begins With a New Moon on Steroids
April Begins With a New Moon on Steroids

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As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is the most excitable — and the most innocent. And when you think of how the early days of springtime make you feel — beyond ready to, perhaps even impulsively, leap into something fresh, new, unexpected — it's no wonder that the first day of Aries season is aligned with the spring equinox. As we move into the heart of the Ram's annual moment, we get a lunar event tailored perfectly to this tone: an initiative-spurring new moon in the cardinal fire sign.

From Thursday, March 31 into Friday, April 1, exact at 2:24 a.m./ET/11:24 p.m. PT, the Aries new moon is a chance to act boldly, courageously, and dive into a new undertaking with pioneering spiritedness.

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The new moon in Aries lays the groundwork for a passionately fresh start.

New moons — which happen when the confident sun pairs up with the intuitive moon — always present a monthly opportunity to get clear on which new chapter you want to write over the course of the next two weeks (up until the next full moon) and next six months (when the corresponding full moon occurs). While most new moons are considered opportune times to kick off a bold new chapter, this Aries new moon offers up that feeling on steroids. That's owed, in great part, to the fact that the Ram — ruled by Mars, the planet of energy — is so dynamic, action-oriented, and always raring to go.

In turn, you could be feeling more fired up, self-reliant, playful, impulsive, and driven to get after your most ambitious dreams.

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Mercury's involvement makes this moment about action and talk.

One of the main planetary aspects of this new moon is a close conjunction between the moon and Mercury. The planet of communication moved into Aries on Sunday, March 27, bringing a more straightforward, unfussy, and heated — possibly even combative — tone to the way we deliver our thoughts. And on the day of the new moon, cerebral Mercury will pair up with la luna, combining emotion and self-expression in a fearless, direct Aries way.

It'll be easier to own your voice and share a bold game plan with friends and colleagues or to speak right from the heart with a loved one. At the same time, there may be a tendency to steer a bit too far into argumentative territory, as Aries is innately competitive, has a penchant for debate — and, occasionally, fierce verbal aggression. (I mean, did you see the Oscars?)

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Mars and Saturn push for a commitment to hard work.

On the day of the new moon, the planet that's basically the showrunner of the whole operation — Mars — will be coming up on a conjunction to taskmaster Saturn in future-minded, fixed (aka stubborn) Aquarius. (It's exact on April 4.) Together, these power players send the message to not only initiate courageous action (Mars) but commit to it (Saturn).

Ruling the first house of self, Aries tends to be most concerned with what's best for, well, themselves. Aquarius, on the other hand, defaults to what they can do for the greater good — community above all else. Because those energies are especially highlighted now, this new moon could present a push-pull between pursuing your own desires versus showing up for others.

Either way, Mars and Saturn reward hard work, so once you've set your new moon intention, the impending conjunction can inspire you to put your nose to the grindstone to see it through.

Jupiter and Neptune step up the imaginative vibes.

On the day of the new moon, Jupiter, the planet of fortune, and Neptune, the planet of spirituality, are closing in on a conjunction in dreamy, ethereal Pisces, which will be exact on April 12. This aspect, which hasn't occurred since 1856 and won't again until 2188, marks the beginning of an emotional, empathic, and mystically-charged cycle. Its effect will heighten intuition, spirituality, and a longing to move through life wearing rose-colored glasses.

While other aspects around this new moon are so action-oriented, this pairing can infuse the moment with more creativity and a desire to swim in your emotions a bit before diving into your next adventure.

Here, how this Aries new moon will affect you, based on your sign. (Pro-tip: Be sure to read both your sun and your rising sign, if you know it. If you don't, you can find it on your natal chart or via this CafeAstrology calculator.)

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Your annual new moon has you all fired up to pave a bold new path. Because the moon will pair up with communicative Mercury, researching and talking through your ideas can make them a reality even faster.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Falling in your twelfth house of spirituality, the new moon could be sleepier for you than for most people, but it's also an incredibly productive time for rest and healing. Pay special attention to your dreams and any emotional issues that come up while zeroing in on self-reflection.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Landing in your eleventh house of networking and pairing up with messenger Mercury, your ruler, this is a super-social new moon for you, Gem. Kick off a group project or new approach to an ongoing team effort.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

With the new moon falling in your tenth house of career, Cancer, you have the opportunity to step into — and command — the spotlight. With Jupiter and Neptune pairing up in your ninth house of adventure, you're ready to take a chance to make your mark.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

The new moon falls in your ninth house of adventure and higher learning, Leo, and with messenger Mercury there as well, you could be pumped to research — and possibly even book — a long-distance trip. Embrace any impulsivity — if only for the sake of broadening your horizons.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

With the new moon — and your ruler, messenger Mercury — falling in your eighth house of intimacy, consider setting a bold intention related to your nearest and dearest bonds. Voice your sexual needs or discuss a shared financial goal.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Falling in your seventh house of partnership, the new moon presents the chance to start a new chapter in your one-on-one relationships. Consider reciprocity, and if you're experiencing a problematic imbalance, now's the time to talk it through.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

This month's new moon is occurring in your sixth house of daily routine, so this moment lends itself to pinpointing a spirited wellness goal, boosting work-life balance — or simply checking a lot of nagging to-dos off your list.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

With the new moon in your fifth house of romance, you may finally begin to experience that magical, spontaneous, playful vibe you've been wishing for in your love life. In the midst of more spur-of-the-moment date nights and flirty banter, be sure to get clear on what you truly want — and express it in that signature Sag unfiltered way.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

With the new moon in your fourth house of home life, you can begin a new cycle in your inner world, which includes your family and living arrangement. You could be considering — or actually in the midst of — a big move or kicking off a new phase of emotional growth.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

With the new moon falling in your third house of communication and forming a conjunction to your ruler, messenger Mercury, your curiosity is soaring now. It's time to embrace a whole new vision for satiating your appetite for more knowledge.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

The new moon — and messenger Mercury — are in your second house of income, so discuss your financial goals with friends and colleagues and gather information that could lead to an even more impressive resume and job apps.