Vedic Astrology Forecast for April 2024
All About the Great North American Eclipse, the Pink Full Moon, and Other Dramatic Monthly Events
April is the cruelest month, but also the most necessary for growth. (Elizabeth Gray)
It’s time to get ready for a month of intense astral energy, upheaval, and change! As March draws to a close and April begins, many of the planets will send powerful energy to our Earth.
Mercury’s impact will be especially strong this month, as this planet will go through a potentially challenging retrograde cycle. Just as Jupiter prepares for its yearly transit into a new sign, it will form a rare conjunction with Uranus. Also, the Great North American Eclipse heralds major changes ahead for the United States and the rest of the world. Fortunately, we’ll also receive some beneficial, healing energy, with the Sun in Aries, the Vedic festival of Navaratri, and a Pink Full Moon!
Here’s an in-depth look at this exciting month ahead:
April 1 to 25 - Mercury Will Retrograde: Get Ready For a Wild Ride
Mercury will retrograde from April 1 to April 25. Mercury moved into Aries on March 25, and will retrograde at 3 degrees of Aries on April 1, at 6:15 PM EDT. Mercury retrograde is notorious for technology and travel disruptions, delays and setbacks, significant seismic events and storms, uncertainty, mental fog, disordered thoughts, problems with communication, or a sense of stagnation.
Mercury will enter Pisces in retrograde motion on April 9, and will continue to retrograde in Pisces until April 25. On this date, Mercury will station direct at 22 degrees of Pisces, and will continue transiting in Pisces until it re-enters Aries on May 10. The shadowy mischief maker Rahu, the Moon’s North Node, will be in cahoots with Mercury as they conjoin, which means that Mercury will certainly be living up to his nature as the trickster-shapeshifter, pointing to some potential for a discombobulated and unpredictable time ahead.
Due to this extended back-and-forth transit in this one section of the zodiac, Mercury matters will have a lot of impact in March, April, and May of this year. Because Mercury will also be combust for much of April (too close to the Sun), further instability is indicated. Other complications will occur as Mercury is transiting retrograde in its sign of debilitation (weakness) in Pisces. This placement will be even more unsteady as Pisces is the sign of the dramatic April 8 solar eclipse (and Mercury rules the nakshatra of Revati where the eclipse will occur).
The energy of Mercury will also be unsteady as it transits through the gandanta, the one-degree sensitive and stormy edge between Aries and Pisces. This is actually happening three times: it already happened from March 24 to 27, and will occur again from April 7 to 10; and again from May 9 to 11. All of this suggests a tendency for things to be quite stirred up in the material realm, as Mercury rules the Earth element! It’s super important for us to focus on staying grounded and steady—not to rock the boat, so to speak.
Certain matters related to the house occupied by Pisces in a natal horoscope may go through some significant changes during April and May. Past unresolved personal issues or unfinished matters involving others may reappear at this time to be dealt with. Ultimately, the beauty of a Mercury retrograde cycle is that it gives us a time to pause and regroup, and to dive deeper into ourselves for reflection, new inspiration, and healing.
Yet, the aforementioned afflictions to Mercury may suggest some tendencies to procrastinate, struggle with self-expression, or to feel indecisive, ungrounded, disorganized, unmotivated, anxious, or depressed. Problems can also occur with electronics, travel, and transportation. Therefore, this will be an important time to access self-improvement tools and practices that can help to secure our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
April 5 to 8 - Balsamic Lunar Phase: Time to Rest, Reflect, and Reconnect Within
The Balsamic lunar phase will occur from April 5 to 8. This phase occurs every month during the Moon’s deeply waning crescent stage, when the Moon transits within 45 degrees behind the Sun. The term “Balsamic" refers to the healing energy of this Moon cycle. The Balsamic Moon is Lord Shiva's Moon, the Moon of Transformation. This is the time for clearing whatever needs to be let go before the "re-birthed" energy of the upcoming New Moon/Vedic Lunar New Year/Solar Eclipse which will take place on April 8.
Twice a year, as now, we have the Balsamic lunar phase leading into a New Moon/Solar Eclipse. These are the most powerful Balsamic Moons of the year, and are extra-important times to reflect, rest, reconnect within, release tension and stress, restore inner and outer balance, and rejuvenate in stillness. This one in particular is the most important of all, as it occurs in the lead up to the Vedic Lunar New Year. Out with the old, in with the new!
April 8 - The Great North American Eclipse and Vedic Lunar New Year: Pointing to a Year of Upheaval and Change
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This event is called the Great North American Eclipse (or the Great American Eclipse), and you can find out more about it on the the Great American Eclipse website..
The eclipse chart is identical to the Vedic Lunar New Year chart, which I recently wrote about at length in an article titled The Astrology of the Great North American Eclipse and the 2024 Vedic Lunar New Year. In this article, my analysis of the Vedic Lunar New Year chart is applicable to that of the solar eclipse chart.
Eclipses impact the whole world, not just the areas where they are visible, though the latter are definitely more intensely affected. Eclipses can trigger events in our lives. These events can be favorable and/or challenging depending on a multitude of factors which can be discerned in a Vedic Astrology consultation.
An eclipse may impact the health and life of those born with their natal Sun in the same nakshatra as the nakshatra of the Sun and Moon in the solar eclipse chart (in this case, it is Revati nakshatra). This is a complex topic beyond the scope of an article, but one that I can assess in a professional astrological session with you.
The Sun and Moon in the New Moon/eclipse chart will occupy 25 degrees of Pisces in Revati nakshatra, with Rahu very close by, at 21 degrees. Through my research of previous Rahu solar eclipses occurring in Pisces (and at the beginning of the Vedic Lunar New Year), I found a trend of terrorist events, political upheaval and assassinations, rebellions and riots, militarization and wars, financial crises, and issues with floods, waterways, and oceans.
These events could occur within a time range of six months before or after the solar eclipse, but as we move closer to the eclipse season, there will be a stronger chance of these things happening.
Astromap of the Great North American Eclipse and Path of Totality
In the Vedic tradition as well as some indigenous spiritual traditions, we are advised not to view an eclipse, as this is believed to create mental disturbance and magnify negative energy. Instead, we should turn within and meditate, pray, or chant during the time of maximum eclipse, when the positive results of our spiritual efforts and intentions will be amplified immensely. You can consult TimeandDate.com to find the time of maximum eclipse for your location.
It is recommended that we avoid making important decisions or significant life changes in the days around an eclipse. This is because the eclipse energy can have a disruptive impact. In the case of a solar eclipse, according to the classical principles of Muhurta (Vedic Elective Astrology), one should avoid initiating or deciding anything of material consequence for three days before, the day of, and three days after the eclipse.
April 9 to 17 - Vasant or Chaitra Navaratri: Nine Nights of Mother Divine
Vasant Navaratri (or Chaitra Navaratri) will occur from April 9 through 17. Navaratri commemorates the allegorical battle of good versus evil. This is symbolized by Devi Durga’s defeat of the demon Mahishasura. This festival culminates at Vijaya Dasami, the tenth Day of Victory after the conclusion of the nine-night celebration. This epic battle is memorialized in the Vedic text called Devi Mahatmya. During the nine days and nights, excerpts from this thirteen-chapter book are often read aloud, acted out, or discussed in homes, temples, and ashrams.
Navaratri has profound esoteric meaning and significance for devotees who fast, pray, meditate, chant, bathe in holy rivers, offer seva and charity, and participate in other kinds of specific ancient rituals during this time. During the nine nights, Devi Durga is worshiped in various forms. She is said to walk among us to bring blessings and healing during this time, to transmute some of the evil of the world, and to assist her devotees in overcoming their own personal demons.
There are many ways to celebrate Navaratri. One simple way is to propitiate three aspects of the goddess for three days and nights each (with fasting, prayer, meditation, mantra, offerings, and puja):
The first three are devoted to Durga Devi, the personification of power and purification.
The second three are devoted to Lakshmi Devi, the essence of compassion and beauty.
The last three are devoted to Saraswati Devi, the embodiment of wisdom and grace.
April 10 - Mars-Saturn Conjunction: A Time to Turn Challenges Into Opportunities
On April 10, Mars and Saturn will conjoin at 20 degrees of Aquarius near the beginning degree of the intense and fiery Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra. This aspect will be within a five-degree orb from April 2 to 18. This conjunction is a prominent feature of the Vedic Lunar New Year/solar eclipse chart which I discussed at length in my previous article.
In the mundane sphere, this conjunction can indicate financial tensions, economic crisis, relationship conflicts, diplomatic disputes, concerns over agriculture, labor, or mines, sudden explosive events, national calamities (like floods, airline disasters, or earthquakes), or just intensified political and social upheaval.
On the personal level, Mars conjoined Saturn can manifest in impatience, tension, frustration, anger, resentment, and violence. Domineering and tyrannical attitudes can also ensue, triggering conflict, especially in relation to those in positions of authority.
In its more constructive expression, this conjunction can be inventive, productive, and solutions-oriented, and can be especially good for solving longstanding problems. Saturn symbolizes discipline, concentration, realism, and hard work, whereas Mars represents goal-directed energy, focus, courage, and passion. If we can harness what Mars and Saturn generate when they are acting together in harmony, this conjunction can be a powerhouse for good.
April 13 - The Sun’s Aries Ingress (Mesha Sankranti): A Wonderful Day for Prayers, New Intentions, and Affirmations!
On Saturday, April 13 at 11:34 AM EDT ( 3:34 PM UTC), the Sun will enter Aries, known as its Aries ingress. It will transit in Aries for the next month, until May 14.
According to the Vedic tradition, this event is known as Mesha Sankranti. It is observed as the Solar New Year in Vedic astrology and in many of the rich and varied cultural traditions of India. Mesha Sankranti is an inspirational day for prayers, pujas, mantras, celebrations, new intentions and affirmations!
The Sun represents our confidence, life force, soul purpose, and direction in life. The Sun exalts in Aries, meaning that it is powerful here. It may manifest in increased vitality, clarity, creativity, motivation, and courage.
April 16-17 - Ram Navami: Victory of Light over Darkness
Ram Navami will be celebrated on April 16 in North and South America, and on April 17 elsewhere in the world. This event always occurs on the ninth and last day of Navratri. Ram Navami is the precious day of Lord Ram’s birthday which is celebrated as the victory of light over dark.
Celebrants in certain parts of India often enjoy this day with a re-enactment commemorating the epic Ramayana. This is a heroic legend about the exploits of Shri Ram (Lord Rama), a great avatar or divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ultimately, the Ramayana is a universal tale about the human condition and the battle between good and evil. The Ramayana also has deep esoteric significance for yogis who view it as an allegory about the awakening of kundalini shakti.
April 20 to May 13 - The Vedic Pushkara Festival: Spiritual Nourishment Abounds
Every year, Jupiter transits into a new sign, and this year, on May 1, Jupiter will enter Taurus. According to the Vedic tradition, the twelve days preceding and twelve days following Jupiter’s entry into a new sign comprise a sacred period of time known as the festival of Pushkara or Pushkaram. This year, Pushkara will occur from April 20 to May 13. This ancient Indian festival honors the sacred rivers of India and is marked by spiritual rituals and cultural celebrations along their banks. This is a deeply meaningful tradition because the rivers of India are personified as deities.
Pushkaram is based on the allegorical legend of a boon that Lord Shiva granted long ago to an ascetic and pious Brahmin. The boon was that the Brahmin would be able to live in the holy rivers, and that his presence would purify them. The Brahmin came to be known as Pushkara, "the one who nourishes.” Lord Brihaspati (Jupiter) asked Pushkara to enter one of the twelve sacred rivers every year as he (Brihaspati) entered a new astrological sign.
So, celebrants will take holy baths, meditate, perform pujas and prayers, and make offerings along one of the twelve sacred rivers in India during Pushkara. This year, the river is the Narmada in Madhya Pradesh. In my understanding, the spiritual purification of the rivers is also carried into the atmosphere and into the oceans across the whole wide world to bring forth empowerment, cleansing, and divine healing. Pushkaram also helps to usher in the new transit cycle for Jupiter, who is the planet of dharma. (Note: please stay tuned for my forthcoming article about the transit of Jupiter in Taurus)!
April 20 - Jupiter-Uranus Conjunction: Revolutionary Changes, Sudden Windfalls, and Surprising New Developments
On April 20, Jupiter and Uranus will conjoin at approximately 28 degrees of Aries. They will be within orb of aspect from April 2 to May 7, meaning this conjunction will have a strong influence for most of April and into the first week of May. They conjoin like this every 13-14 years but not in the same area of the zodiac. The last time they conjoined in late Aries was in 1098, during the Battle of Antioch and the beginning of the First Crusade. They also conjoined in 1015 during the Viking Era.
This rare conjunction of Uranus and Jupiter can indicate a revolutionary event of some sort, sudden changes in fortune, or a new invention, discovery, or understanding. This is especially true as it will be occurring in fiery and warlike Aries, and in Krittika nakshatra, the abode of the great Vedic warrior Kartikeya (Mars).
Symbolized by a sharp instrument and also known as “the cutters,” Krittika nakshatra is ruled by Agni, the ancient Vedic fire god. Agni represents human consciousness and intelligence, life-giving energy, and the power to destroy negativity.
Therefore, this event could possibly represent a breakdown-breakthrough moment in history. It might have an explosive or dangerous quality, especially as it will occur in the first pada (section) of Krittika which is Sagittarius. This indicates the potential for military action that could lead to swift changes or sudden endings.
If this conjunction is influencing your own natal chart (if you have planets or chart points from 26-30 degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn), then you may be affected in some way. This combination may be largely positive, suggesting a sense of being divinely inspired and protected.
You might also experience a sudden windfall, blossoming of optimism and faith, a brand new initiative, and a blast of grace that brings an opportunity for new expansion and growth. It is likely that any new growth that develops will first depend on “cutting off” or letting go of something that has outworn its purpose.
April 22 to June 1 - Mars in Pisces: A Time to be Mindful of Safety and Security
Mars represents our energy, strength of character, and the capacity to resolve problems and conflicts. Mars has been transiting in Aquarius since March 15, where its lower expression could reflect heightened anger, conflict, bizarre events, and criminality.
Mars will transit into Pisces on April 22 at 11:08 PM EDT, and will remain in Pisces until June 1. The lower expression of Mars in Pisces can also point to heightened criminality, as well as melodrama, irresponsibility, and laziness. In its higher expression, Mars in Pisces is the archetype of a spiritual warrior. This placement can be full of wisdom, passion, generosity, creativity, and a powerfully aligned will center.
Mars in Pisces can be associated with political plots, surprise military attacks, ideological battles, crime and fraud, disasters involving chemicals or drugs, and floods and water disasters. This is even truer as Pisces is the sign of the recent Rahu solar eclipse.
Also, even more significantly, Mars will be in range of a conjunction with Neptune during the last eight days of April, and their conjunction with be exact on April 29. This aspect intensifies the potential for danger. It is an important time to be extra-aware and mindful in terms of safety and security.
April 23 - Pink Full Moon in Libra: Time to Light Up Your Heart!
The Pink Full Moon will occur on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:49 PM EDT (11:49 PM UTC). Use the World Time Buddy to convert the time if your location is different.
The day leading up to the culmination of the Full Moon every month is called the purnima tithi in Vedic Astrology. It is the most auspicious day of the Full Moon cycle, when spiritual and healing energies are at their peak, and sacred practices are most beneficial. This month’s purnima cycle is called Chaitra Purnima, and it is the first Full Moon of the Vedic New Year when the exalted Sun is in full aspect to the Moon in Libra, balancing “head and heart.”
The purnima tithi begins around 24 hours before the Full Moon, so Monday night in North and South America will be the most auspicious time for Full Moon rituals and practices. In Europe, the best time will be either early morning or late evening on April 23; in Asia and Oceania, the best time will be during the night of April 23 into the morning of April 24.
The Full Moon will occupy the harmonious and lovely Venus-ruled sign of Libra, which signifies cooperation and diplomacy. The Full Moon will occupy Swati nakshatra, which is ruled by Vayu, lord of the winds who represents the Earth’s atmosphere as well as our own life force (prana). The Swati Full Moon is generally auspicious for purification practices (especially sacred breath healing), heart chakra healing and meditation, social activities, and educational and business matters.
The Full Moon in April is called the Pink Full Moon not because it's pink (it isn't really), but because it heralds the appearance of one of the earliest spring flowers known as moss pink, or wild ground phlox, at least in some areas of the world. That said, I personally connect to the soma emanating from this month's Moon as a heart-centered pink color, since the moon is in Libra, ruled by Venus, whose color is pink and who symbolizes love.
April 23 - Hanuman Jayanti: Celebrating the Birthday of Lord Hanuman!
Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated this year on April 23. This special day commemorates the birth of Sri Hanuman, the servant of Lord Ram and the personification of bhakti or spiritual devotion. Sri Hanuman is the embodiment of karma yoga.
For me, karma yoga and the power of Hanuman were best described by the great guru Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaji to his disciples), who once said, “Whoever works for God, his work will be done by itself." As the essence of service (seva), Lord Hanuman is an exceedingly courageous super-hero whose greatness lies within his single-pointed devotion to God (Ram).
April 24 to May 18 - Combust Venus Will Transit in Aries: Time to Cultivate Equipoise and Compassion
Venus—the planet of wealth, values, love, beauty, peace, and harmony—will transit in the fiery and feisty sign of Aries from April 24 to May 18. Venus in Aries is considered to be in its detriment, where it becomes overheated, and can sometimes reflect self-absorption, strong opinions, belligerence, and immoderate behavior. When functioning in a higher state of manifestation, Venus in Aries can be daring, with great passion, charm, fun-loving energy, charisma, and creative flair.
Venus will begin to combust the Sun two days before it enters Aries (transiting within ten degrees of Aries), which further heats up all things Venus. This state of Venus’ combustion is known as Shukra Asta in Vedic Astrology. It is aggravating and can deplete ojas, the nectar of life (vigor). Venus will remain combust until early July.
Venus combust in Aries can further translate as a lack of decorum and civility, and also, issues with boats, ships, automobiles, and airplanes. When Venus is combust, we may need to explore and reevaluate some of our core values. This will also be a time to cultivate equipoise and compassion, especially because Venus in Aries may emphasize discordant relationships, struggles with finances, discontentment, challenges making important life decisions, or diminished stamina.
The planet Venus has been transiting as the Morning Star since August 2023. It will soon begin to disappear from view, sometime in mid-April (or a bit earlier or later depending on the observer’s latitude). Venus will remain hidden from us until late June (or early July depending on your latitude), when it will re-emerge as the Evening Star. It will remain in the Evening Star apparition until March of 2025.
When Venus becomes invisible to us, Shamanic Astrology describes it as traveling in the underworld and undergoing a metamorphosis. This suggests that various Venus matters will be going through changes during this time. These will be related to the areas of life that Venus symbolizes generally (such as relationship and finances), and also to what it specifically represents in an individual horoscope.
In addition, the transiting aspects of Venus will point to areas of potential challenge, growth, and opportunity. As an example of the latter, Venus will square Pluto in the last days of April, which for some could indicate some power or control issues surfacing in a relationship.
April 25 - Mercury Will Station Direct: Forward Momentum and Positive Energy
As mentioned earlier, Mercury will station direct (appear to stop and move forward) on April 25, and at 22 degrees of Pisces. Mercury will remain transiting in Pisces until it re-enters Aries on May 10. Some may start to feel a bit of relief, new forward momentum, and positive energy around the day of the direct station.
If you have any important planets or chart points around 22 degrees of Pisces, or in the angles (squares) to that point (at 22 degrees of dual signs), you may especially feel this shift. In contrast, others may have to wait a while longer to experience it. Yet, Mercury at its direct station will conjoin Rahu near the degree of the April 8 solar eclipse, so certain concerns emphasized during the previous eclipse season may start to be ironed out by the last week of April.
When Mercury stations direct, you should pay attention to any messages you are receiving from the inner planes through your thoughts, meditation, and dreams. Mercury is said to be returning from the Underworld now, and may be bringing some important gifts and new revelations that can help us improve in our lives, especially in regard to the house that Pisces occupies in our own birth chart.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading my monthly update about April! As you can see, we will have a busy month ahead, with major moves by Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus. We will also celebrate several significant Vedic festivals, experience the Great North American Eclipse, and soak in the healing energy of the Pink Full Moon.
As spring continues to bless us with renewal and new beginnings, I hope that you are able to seize the beneficial energy of these cosmic shifts and have a peaceful and productive April!
Thank you! Your forecasts are invaluable in planning my activities!
Thank you so much for this detailed and thoughtful substack!