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Home / Blog / Astrological Forecasts / April 16-30 2016 Astrology Forecast: Mercury, Mars & Pluto Retrograde!

April 16-30 2016 Astrology Forecast: Mercury, Mars & Pluto Retrograde!

April 14, 2016 by Benjamin Leave a Comment

Scorpio GlyphMars, Mercury and Pluto all turn retrograde in the second half of April. This doesn’t have to stop us in our tracks, but it does give us a lot to reflect on!

We also have a Scorpio Full Moon aspected exclusively by asteroid goddesses, a Venus-Uranus-Pluto square, the Sun entering Taurus, and more!

Click astrology graphics to see larger images.

4/16 (Sat)

There’s plenty of energy available for relating and creating with Arean Venus quincunx Jupiter (14°1′ Aries-Virgo). Quincunxes can be a bit awkward, so be prepared to make appropriate adjustments.

4/17 (Sun)

Mars Retrograde

Mars turns retrograde today at 8°54′ Sagittarius. He backpedals for about two and a half months, then turns direct again on 6/29 at 23°3′ Scorpio.

Planetary retrogrades are ideal for reflection. Any Mars retrograde is a good time to contemplate how you’re working with the energies of:

  • Assertiveness,
  • Win/win sexuality,
  • Initiation, and
  • Entrepreneurship.

Also note if any of Mars’ darker influences are showing up in your life:

  • Anger,
  • Violence,
  • Impatience,
  • Impulsiveness, or
  • Inappropriate sexuality

The sign that Mars is in during its retrograde will provide further opportunity for reflection.

Mars will retrograde through Sagittarius 4/17 through 5/27. Sagittarian Mars can fire up your enthusiasm for higher learning, religion, and philosophy. It can bring out the adventurer in you, and spur desire for foreign travel or adventures in consciousness. Meditate on these themes and feel out which ones to energize after Mars turns direct.

Mars will retrograde through Scorpio 5/27 through 6/29. This placement fires up transformative inner work, occult practices and sacred sexuality. Mars in Scorpio can also fuel research, investigation and joint ventures. Scorpio is the sign of great wealth, so this placement can also be great for making money! Reflecting on these themes should show you which of these areas merit more of your attention.

T-square Peaks: Mars-Jupiter-Neptune

A Mars-Jupiter-Neptune T-square began on 4/9, peaks today (4/17) and ends on 4/24. As I wrote on 4/9 and repeat here for your convenience, this energizing aspect pattern has lots of possibilities. You could:

  • Dive deep into religion, spirituality, philosophy and the meaning of life,
  • Venture into foreign cultures,
  • Step out and share your wisdom with others,
  • Enjoy the bliss of sacred sexual connection,
  • Practice “doing but no doer” by letting the divine guide your actions, and/or
  • Party hearty!

It’s easier to dig down and get to the bottom of things with Mercury trine Pluto (17°29′ Taurus-Capricorn). This smooth, supportive aspect can also help with occult studies, learning about sacred sexuality, and getting clear on how to create practical transformation. More broadly speaking, your thinking can enjoy greater focus and endurance.


Service to a higher cause is smoothly amplified by a Pluto-Vesta trine (17°29′ Capricorn-Taurus). This aspect is part of a Vesta-Jupiter-Pluto Grand Trine in effect through 4/27.

4/18 (Mon)

Pluto Retrograde

Pluto turns retrograde today (4/18) at 17°29′ Capricorn, then starts moving forward again on 9/26 at 14°55′ Capricorn.

Outer planets are retrograde about five months each year. I haven’t noticed any appreciable difference in their effects because of their direction. While it’s not realistic to put Plutonian activity on hold for five months at a time, Pluto retrograde is still a good time to reflect on death and rebirth, transformation and psychology.

Pluto and Scorpio carry the same archetypal meaning. So the Scorpionic themes mentioned in yesterday’s Mars retrograde interpretation also apply to Pluto. Contemplation on occult practices, sacred sexuality and wealth is supported, as well as research, investigation and joint ventures.

Planets are most powerful when they station, and Pluto is extra powerful anyway! Sensitive natal points between 14° and 21° in the cardinal signs — Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn – will be strongly affected. The things in your life represented by these points that are in alignment with your higher purpose will be empowered. Whatever isn’t in alignment will be challenged so that you have the opportunity to transform or release it.

The more you cling to something that has outlived its usefulness, the more suffering you’ll experience. The more you go with the Plutonian flow, the more you’ll enjoy increased wealth (which could be anything of value) and power!


A Venus-Saturn trine (15°55′ Aries-Sagittarius) can provide smooth stability and long-lasting energy for relationships, creativity and finances.

4/19 (Tue)

Venus-Uranus-Pluto Square

Venus is cozying up to the Uranus-Pluto square. There’s a Venus-Pluto square today (17°29′ Aries-Capricorn), followed by a Venus-Uranus conjunction on 4/22.

This brings the opportunity for revolutionary transformation into your relationships, creativity and finances. Anything in these areas that’s in alignment with your higher purpose can take a quantum leap to the next level. Whatever’s out of alignment will be destabilized – and with Uranus and Pluto involved, it probably won’t be subtle! When something’s out of alignment, let your intuitive flashes guide you as to whether release or repair is the best strategy.


The Sun enters Taurus on 4/19. This broadcasts stability, perseverance, and productivity. It also encourages sensuality, connecting with nature and “just being.”

4/20 (Wed)

No major astrology events.

4/21 (Thu)

No major astrology events.

4/22 (Fri)

Scorpio Full Moon

4 22 16 Full MoonApril’s Full Moon shines forth at 1:24 AM EDT (2°30′ Scorpio). Any Scorpio Full Moon is good for reflecting on where you stand in your personal journey of evolution and transformation. What needs to be adjusted or released in your occult practices, sacred sexuality, intimate connections and shared resources? Does something need your attention in matters relating to taxes, insurance, investments or inheritance?

Aspects: Asteroid Goddesses Only!

This Full Moon only makes meaningful aspects to asteroid goddesses.

  • A conjunction to Juno asks you to take a close look at your committed partnerships, romantic or otherwise.
  • A trine to Pallas Athena asks if you’re standing in your feminine power and being sufficiently strategic.
  • And a quincunx to Ceres suggests that adjustments might be needed due to sorrow and temporary loss – or because of newfound wealth!

Sabian Symbol

This Full Moon’s Sabian Symbol is, “Neighbors help in a house-raising party in a small village.” This ties in with the Scorpionic theme of shared resources: everybody pitching in on a project that’s too big for one person alone.

For many, it’s easier to imagine themselves as one of the helpful neighbors. But I’ve had so many clients tell me that they don’t ask for help, even when they really need it. Think of the pleasure you’ve received from helping out someone else. Why would you want to deprive someone else of that great feeling when you truly need a hand?

I already interpreted today’s Venus-Uranus conjunction (21°11′ Aries) as part of the Venus-Uranus-Pluto square on 4/19.

4/23 (Sat)

No major astrology events.

4/24 (Sun)

No major astrology events.

4/25 (Mon)

No major astrology events.

4/26 (Tue)

Inspiration and creativity are in the air as Mercury quintiles Neptune (23°25′ Taurus – 11° 25′ Pisces). With Mercury in Taurus, these gifts from your Muse can lead to helpful and practical outcomes.

4/27 (Wed)

An undirected Sun-Mars quincunx (8°12′ Taurus-Sagittarius) can result in irritability or impulsiveness. Used consciously, it can give you long-lasting energy and consistent productivity!

4/28 (Thu)

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury turns retrograde today at 1:19 PM EDT (23°36′ Taurus). The winged messenger will turn direct again on 5/22 at 9:19 AM (14°20′ Taurus).

Any Mercury retrograde is great for reflection and planning. Make repairs and finish projects that were already underway.

The usual cautions also apply. If possible, avoid signing important contracts, beginning major projects or making major purchases. Double-check travel arrangements and back up important data. Make sure that you’re understanding and being understood.

This Mercury retrograde takes place in Taurus. So also reflect on the state of your resources, including money and possessions. In addition…

  • Are you making time to nurture yourself with sensual pleasures?
  • Are you letting chill time in nature return you to a state of harmony?
  • Are you making time to “just be”?

4/29 (Fri)

Venus transits Taurus today through 5/24. This can help stabilize relationships, enhance sensual pleasure and empower financial opportunity.

4/30 (Sat)

As Mercury backpedals through its retrograde, it will repeat many of the aspects it made before stationing. The first of these happens today, as Mercury repeats the quintile it made to Neptune (23°30′ Taurus – 11° 30′ Pisces) four days ago. The interpretation remains the same: inspiration and creativity are in the air, with these gifts from your Muse pointing to helpful and practical outcomes.

Void-of-Course Moons

It’s best to avoid starting important new projects or making major purchases during void-of-course Moons. “Business as usual” is the optimal strategy. Void-of-course Moons occur when the Moon has made her last major Ptolemaic aspect, but has not yet moved into her next sign.

4/16, 1:48 pm – 7:23 pm (Virgo)
4/18, 8:29 am – 4/19, 7:24 am (Libra)
4/21, 2:13 am – 8:17 pm (Scorpio)
4/23, 5:46 pm – 4/24, 8:46 am (Sagittarius)
4/26, 11:51 am – 7:54 pm (Capricorn)
4/29, 3:07 am – 4:47 am (Aquarius)
4/30, 10:56 pm – 5/1, 10:33 am (Pisces)

Whatever your Sun Sign, AstroShaman’s forecasts can help you make the best use of the current astrological energies.

All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone. Events are most powerful on the dates listed, but their influence will be active for at least several days before and after.

Everyone is affected by these global transits. However, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate sensitive points in your natal chart.

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Filed Under: Astrological Forecasts Tagged With: Mars retrograde, Mercury retrograde, Pluto retrograde, Scorpio Full Moon

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About Benjamin

I offer the soul-level insights of astrology, the healing power of shamanism, and the life-transforming support of life coaching. My podcast won a Top 10 Astrology Podcast Award, and I was a Best Astrologer winner three years running. After 10,000+ sessions, I can help you master challenge, embrace transformation, and enjoy a more wonderful life! Click for more detailed bio.

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