April 2018 Newsletter
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April is a powerful time for reflection with four planets retrograde or getting ready to station and retrograde, the new Mercury cycle beginning on April 2 and two very potent lunations.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell
Mobile: 0438 730 133
Email: christinerothwell@outlook.com
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
April begins with Mercury and Jupiter retrograde while Saturn stations retrograde on April 18 and Pluto on the 23rd.
Note: All the dates below are for Australian Eastern Time.
Mercury stations direct on April 15 but does not complete the retrograde cycle until May 4 when it will return to the position where it began its retrograde phase on March 23.
The most chaotic times in the cycle are when Mercury stations – the few days around March 23 and April 15 - as Mercury is hardly moving and the Trickster archetype becomes active.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs. Concerns may arise early in the retrograde phase but around the time the new cycle begins on April 2 is when new solutions and insights may emerge. Sit with your insights until after April 15 when Mercury goes direct. The next few weeks are the time to put new plans into action.
The New Moon in April falls on April 16 at close to 26 degrees of Aries, forming a close conjunction with Uranus. The Aries New Moon is a powerful time to start new projects that require courage and initiative. Aries symbolizes the Warrior archetype which challenges us to define what we want to achieve, make plans and take action. Aries invites us to assert our sense of self directly and openly and have the courage to pursue what we want. The fiery, dynamic energy of Aries calls for conscious channeling of the Warrior Archetype into constructive outlets; otherwise there is the potential for anger and aggression to erupt.
With Uranus conjunct both the Sun and Moon it is essential to beware of our own impulsive behavior and try not to over react to others’ aggression. Uranus is known as the Great Awakener so there is the potential for major ‘ah-ha’ moments if we can give ourselves some space and open ourselves to insight. The challenge is to not fall prey to His shadow energy which can be restless and overstimulating to the point of mania; the Uranian urge for change can also become rebellious and contrary, activating the saboteur archetype. If you feel more wired than usual, see if you can accept the challenge to find a constructive outlet for the energy rather than acting in a way that is reactive and impulsive.
Pluto forms a wide square to this New Moon, challenging us to embrace our fears about owning our warrior energy, stepping into our power and following our bliss while avoiding locking horns in unnecessary power struggles.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell
Mobile: 0438 730 133
Email: christinerothwell@outlook.com
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
- April Overview
- Samhain
- Consultations and Gift Certificates
- 2018 Astrology Classes
April begins with Mercury and Jupiter retrograde while Saturn stations retrograde on April 18 and Pluto on the 23rd.
Note: All the dates below are for Australian Eastern Time.
- April 2: Mercury conjunct the Sun [new Mercury Cycle begins]
- April 14: Jupiter sextile Pluto
- April 15: Mercury stations direct
- April 16: New Moon in Aries
- April 18: Saturn stations retrograde
- April 20: Sun to Taurus
- April 23: Pluto stations retrograde
- April 25: Mercury to Gemini
- April 30: Full Moon in Scorpio: “Wesak”
Mercury stations direct on April 15 but does not complete the retrograde cycle until May 4 when it will return to the position where it began its retrograde phase on March 23.
The most chaotic times in the cycle are when Mercury stations – the few days around March 23 and April 15 - as Mercury is hardly moving and the Trickster archetype becomes active.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs. Concerns may arise early in the retrograde phase but around the time the new cycle begins on April 2 is when new solutions and insights may emerge. Sit with your insights until after April 15 when Mercury goes direct. The next few weeks are the time to put new plans into action.
The New Moon in April falls on April 16 at close to 26 degrees of Aries, forming a close conjunction with Uranus. The Aries New Moon is a powerful time to start new projects that require courage and initiative. Aries symbolizes the Warrior archetype which challenges us to define what we want to achieve, make plans and take action. Aries invites us to assert our sense of self directly and openly and have the courage to pursue what we want. The fiery, dynamic energy of Aries calls for conscious channeling of the Warrior Archetype into constructive outlets; otherwise there is the potential for anger and aggression to erupt.
With Uranus conjunct both the Sun and Moon it is essential to beware of our own impulsive behavior and try not to over react to others’ aggression. Uranus is known as the Great Awakener so there is the potential for major ‘ah-ha’ moments if we can give ourselves some space and open ourselves to insight. The challenge is to not fall prey to His shadow energy which can be restless and overstimulating to the point of mania; the Uranian urge for change can also become rebellious and contrary, activating the saboteur archetype. If you feel more wired than usual, see if you can accept the challenge to find a constructive outlet for the energy rather than acting in a way that is reactive and impulsive.
Pluto forms a wide square to this New Moon, challenging us to embrace our fears about owning our warrior energy, stepping into our power and following our bliss while avoiding locking horns in unnecessary power struggles.
Saturn stations retrograde on April 18 at close to 9 degrees Capricorn, marking the beginning of its annual 4 month retrograde phase cycle.
Saturn’s annual retrograde phase always heralds the need for a reality check, especially regards the area of life symbolized by the house that it is transiting. Saturn is at its closest to Earth when retrograde and its house position can highlight where we need to take more responsibility for our lives and do some ‘housework’. Saturn’s station and retrograde motion invites us to reflect on boundaries, authority and ambition… what they mean for us and how we go about achieving them. As part of this reflection we may encounter our fears and insecurities through the voice of the inner critic … the internalized negative voice of authority. Saturn used constructively is always authoritative while the negative polarity can be authoritarian and controlling. Saturn challenges us to claim our authority in a positive way and not give it away to either those who seek to control us or the negative inner voice that tells us we are inadequate.
The effects of Saturn’s station will be experienced most strongly in the houses where § is transiting and the house with Capricorn on the cusp. Constructively owned, Saturn’s retrograde motion is an opportunity to:
Pluto stations retrograde on April 23 at close to 21 Capricorn, heralding its annual retrograde phase which falls just before the full moon in Scorpio, giving the last part of the month a strong Plutonic. The times when a planet stations are when it is said to be most powerful… it is as if the God is standing still and demanding we take notice. Pluto always invites us to engage in deep soul searching, confront our fears and own our shadows. The danger here is resorting to manipulative or controlling patterns or other destructive behaviours / attitudes that are motivated by fear.
The Full Moon in April falls on April 30 at 9 degrees of Scorpio, 38 minutes. The Scorpio Full Moon is known as WESAK, Festival of the Buddha. It honours both the physical birth of the Buddha and his spiritual birth or Enlightenment. In esoteric literature this Festival is the time when the Buddha returns to remind us of the possibility of awakening or enlightenment.
Wesak invites us to refocus on our spiritual lives and look at what needs to be released or let go, so we can become more compassionate and awakened. The days either side of Wesak are potent times for inner work, reflection, meditation and letting go.
Wesak is also the Full Moon in Scorpio, which is an annual challenge for us to explore any emotional blocks, especially blocks to intimacy and sharing in both our personal relationships and on a global level. The Scorpio Moon is highly charged and emotionally intense; it can constellate fears of rejection as we may prefer solitude to risking the pain of intimacy and possible loss. This conflict can lead to times of deep grief and loneliness, whether we are in a relationship or not. This Full Moon asks us to open our hearts and reflect on what loving kindness means, both for our relationship with ourselves and with others.
Saturn’s annual retrograde phase always heralds the need for a reality check, especially regards the area of life symbolized by the house that it is transiting. Saturn is at its closest to Earth when retrograde and its house position can highlight where we need to take more responsibility for our lives and do some ‘housework’. Saturn’s station and retrograde motion invites us to reflect on boundaries, authority and ambition… what they mean for us and how we go about achieving them. As part of this reflection we may encounter our fears and insecurities through the voice of the inner critic … the internalized negative voice of authority. Saturn used constructively is always authoritative while the negative polarity can be authoritarian and controlling. Saturn challenges us to claim our authority in a positive way and not give it away to either those who seek to control us or the negative inner voice that tells us we are inadequate.
The effects of Saturn’s station will be experienced most strongly in the houses where § is transiting and the house with Capricorn on the cusp. Constructively owned, Saturn’s retrograde motion is an opportunity to:
- Become more grounded, pragmatic & responsible
- Create new forms and structures
- Develop a stronger sense of personal authority and mastery.
- Create clearer boundaries that enable you to function more efficiently.
- Develop a more conscious relationship with your inner critic.
Pluto stations retrograde on April 23 at close to 21 Capricorn, heralding its annual retrograde phase which falls just before the full moon in Scorpio, giving the last part of the month a strong Plutonic. The times when a planet stations are when it is said to be most powerful… it is as if the God is standing still and demanding we take notice. Pluto always invites us to engage in deep soul searching, confront our fears and own our shadows. The danger here is resorting to manipulative or controlling patterns or other destructive behaviours / attitudes that are motivated by fear.
The Full Moon in April falls on April 30 at 9 degrees of Scorpio, 38 minutes. The Scorpio Full Moon is known as WESAK, Festival of the Buddha. It honours both the physical birth of the Buddha and his spiritual birth or Enlightenment. In esoteric literature this Festival is the time when the Buddha returns to remind us of the possibility of awakening or enlightenment.
Wesak invites us to refocus on our spiritual lives and look at what needs to be released or let go, so we can become more compassionate and awakened. The days either side of Wesak are potent times for inner work, reflection, meditation and letting go.
Wesak is also the Full Moon in Scorpio, which is an annual challenge for us to explore any emotional blocks, especially blocks to intimacy and sharing in both our personal relationships and on a global level. The Scorpio Moon is highly charged and emotionally intense; it can constellate fears of rejection as we may prefer solitude to risking the pain of intimacy and possible loss. This conflict can lead to times of deep grief and loneliness, whether we are in a relationship or not. This Full Moon asks us to open our hearts and reflect on what loving kindness means, both for our relationship with ourselves and with others.
Samhain [or Halloween]
Samhain, better known as Halloween or the Celtic Festival of the Dead is celebrated at the end of October in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere we honour the Spirit of Place by celebrating this festival the end of April/ early May when we are at the mid-point between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. Astrologically this mid-point occurs on May 6 when the Sun comes to 15 degrees Taurus but the Sabbat is most often celebrated on April 30.
Samhain is the eighth and final Sabbat in the Great Wheel of the Year and marks the time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It is a time of endings, releasing and letting go in preparation for the new life and new potentials that await birthing with the Sun at the Solstice. It is also the time to honour the dead and that which has died in our life. Samhain calls us to release the dead wood of the last cycle so we do not carry it into the new cycle that will begin in several weeks when the Sun is reborn from the darkness at the Winter Solstice.
A Samhain Supper
[Ring Lucy on 0418 382 924 if you would like to attend a ritual to honour Samhain in Melbourne.]
Traditionally a midnight supper was held at Samhain to honour the dead. A place was set at the table for the souls of the dead and lights were left burning in the windows to guide the souls of those who had died in the last year in their journey to the Other-world, found in the Aurora Borealis, home of the Great Goddess Arianrhod. The veil between the worlds was envisaged by the Celts as a turning silver wheel and Arianrhod was the keeper of this wheel. It was said she wove the fates of humanity as she wove her magical threads. At Samhain the veil opens and Arianrhod calls home the spirits of those who have died in the last year so they can await rebirth when the time is opportune.
You may conduct your own special supper with a place set for loved ones who are no longer with you. At some point in the meal everyone present will speak the names of loved ones who have died and share any memories that come to mind. Or you may choose to have a few minutes silence to each remember those who have moved beyond the veil into the realm of Arianrhod. You may light a candle for each loved one that has passed away. If you are comfortable you could
A Simple Samhain Ritual
Samhain is also a time for consulting the oracles; it can be powerful to open to the wisdom of your higher self through vision / meditation, tarot or any other method of divination that you are familiar with.
Samhain, better known as Halloween or the Celtic Festival of the Dead is celebrated at the end of October in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere we honour the Spirit of Place by celebrating this festival the end of April/ early May when we are at the mid-point between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. Astrologically this mid-point occurs on May 6 when the Sun comes to 15 degrees Taurus but the Sabbat is most often celebrated on April 30.
Samhain is the eighth and final Sabbat in the Great Wheel of the Year and marks the time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It is a time of endings, releasing and letting go in preparation for the new life and new potentials that await birthing with the Sun at the Solstice. It is also the time to honour the dead and that which has died in our life. Samhain calls us to release the dead wood of the last cycle so we do not carry it into the new cycle that will begin in several weeks when the Sun is reborn from the darkness at the Winter Solstice.
A Samhain Supper
[Ring Lucy on 0418 382 924 if you would like to attend a ritual to honour Samhain in Melbourne.]
Traditionally a midnight supper was held at Samhain to honour the dead. A place was set at the table for the souls of the dead and lights were left burning in the windows to guide the souls of those who had died in the last year in their journey to the Other-world, found in the Aurora Borealis, home of the Great Goddess Arianrhod. The veil between the worlds was envisaged by the Celts as a turning silver wheel and Arianrhod was the keeper of this wheel. It was said she wove the fates of humanity as she wove her magical threads. At Samhain the veil opens and Arianrhod calls home the spirits of those who have died in the last year so they can await rebirth when the time is opportune.
You may conduct your own special supper with a place set for loved ones who are no longer with you. At some point in the meal everyone present will speak the names of loved ones who have died and share any memories that come to mind. Or you may choose to have a few minutes silence to each remember those who have moved beyond the veil into the realm of Arianrhod. You may light a candle for each loved one that has passed away. If you are comfortable you could
- Encourage recently departed loved ones to move forward into the light and release the ties that may keep them earth bound.
- Open to memories and messages that may come through from beyond the veil. Samhain is a time for medium-ship and you may find a loved one communicates with you via your intuition or your dreams around this time.
A Simple Samhain Ritual
- Centre yourself and invoke your highest inspiration.
- Light a black candle to honour the dark and the process of death and rebirth.
- Meditate briefly on what you need to release to move forward. It may be a relationship, job, a habit or pattern but it will always involve an old belief that no longer serves your conscious intent.
- Write down what you are choosing to let go /sacrifice to the dark and reflect on how this may have served you in the past.
- When you have a deeper understanding of this process, offer it up for transformation by burning the paper. Use the candle to set it alight and have a fireproof dish at hand to contain the flames.
- Ask for guidance to help you with this transformation.
- Give thanks and open yourself to a vision of the future.
- Light your candle whenever you feel your self slipping back into old patterns and reaffirm your commitment to the future.
Samhain is also a time for consulting the oracles; it can be powerful to open to the wisdom of your higher self through vision / meditation, tarot or any other method of divination that you are familiar with.
May the Goddess & God Bless You All
Christine
www.christine-rothwell.com
christinerothwell@outlook.com
2018 Astrology Classes
Please contact Christine for more information
First Year/ Beginners’
Tuesday evenings beginning March 6
Second Year / Intermediate
Thursday evenings beginning February 8
Advanced Group
Second Saturday afternoon each month, beginning February 10
Calculation Exam Study Group
First Saturday afternoon of the month from March to August
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. These classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
Classes can be taken on a term by term basis and sound files are provided for any classes you miss.
First Year covers all the basics that you need to begin to understand a birth chart.
Second Year goes deeper into horoscope and looks at predictive techniques.
The Advanced Classes gives you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives.
Please ring or email for a brochure.
christinerothwell@outlook.com
Or
www.christine-rothwell.com
Consultations & Gift Certificates
Are available as:
Personal Consultations
Mail readings
Skype Readings
Telephone consultations
All consultations are recorded and will be sent to you via an email link.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced in order to realize this potential.
Other readings available include
In-depth Consultation: Two one hour sound files exploring both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead: Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child: A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials and challenges.
Relationship Analysis: Helps explain the dynamic between two people to facilitate their understanding of each other and their relationship.
Relocation: Explains how a different location may impact on your psyche. This can be helpful if you are thinking of re-locating and can be included with any of the above consultations.
Christine
www.christine-rothwell.com
christinerothwell@outlook.com
2018 Astrology Classes
Please contact Christine for more information
First Year/ Beginners’
Tuesday evenings beginning March 6
Second Year / Intermediate
Thursday evenings beginning February 8
Advanced Group
Second Saturday afternoon each month, beginning February 10
Calculation Exam Study Group
First Saturday afternoon of the month from March to August
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. These classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
Classes can be taken on a term by term basis and sound files are provided for any classes you miss.
First Year covers all the basics that you need to begin to understand a birth chart.
Second Year goes deeper into horoscope and looks at predictive techniques.
The Advanced Classes gives you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives.
Please ring or email for a brochure.
christinerothwell@outlook.com
Or
www.christine-rothwell.com
Consultations & Gift Certificates
Are available as:
Personal Consultations
Mail readings
Skype Readings
Telephone consultations
All consultations are recorded and will be sent to you via an email link.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced in order to realize this potential.
Other readings available include
In-depth Consultation: Two one hour sound files exploring both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead: Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child: A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials and challenges.
Relationship Analysis: Helps explain the dynamic between two people to facilitate their understanding of each other and their relationship.
Relocation: Explains how a different location may impact on your psyche. This can be helpful if you are thinking of re-locating and can be included with any of the above consultations.