April 2021 Newsletter
his month I have focused on some reflections about the astrology behind the rise of female voices in Australia,. I have also added some information about the recent Superior Conjunction of Venus as it seems relevant to this discussion.
Both the April lunations are powerful and act as catalysts for the two major transits for 2021: the April New Moon for the square between Pluto and Eris and the April Full Moon for the square between Saturn and Uranus.
This is a much longer Newsletter than I anticipated [and I had to restrain myself from writing more] so the potential for typo’s is greater. Please forgive me as I do not have the luxury of writing and rewriting these monthly newsletters.
Hope it all makes sense…
May Goddesses Bless You
Christine
Christine Rothwell
Email: christinerothwell@outlook.com
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
April begins with NO planets retrograde, but Pluto stations retrograde later in the month.
Note: All the dates below are for Australian Eastern Time.
Reflections on the Collective Transits
Last month I reflected on the Saturn Uranus square that is active throughout 2021 and ithe inherent tension it symbolizes between the desire for change and freedom [Uranus] versus the need for stability, responsibility and clear boundaries. I also spoke about the shadow of these two planets which are both very apparent in our world today: the libertarian push to the right from Uranus versus an authoritarian backlash from Saturn.
I will keep reminding you [and myself] that our challenge is always – personally and collectively – to not fall into polarized positions but engage in a meaningful dialogue when confronted with any challenging aspect.
The square aspect is one of tension and conflict but if we re-imagine this aspect as a trine or sextile, we could say that what we need is responsible change that looks at the big picture and is socially inclusive rather than exclusive. It could also manifest as the desire for greater freedom that is socially responsible.
Recently the issue of sexism - and the often-silenced voices of women who have been abused and marginalized - has hit the headlines both internationally and here in Australia. Women are also owning how they have silenced themselves because of their fear that their words would arouse more abuse. Fortunately, we are now seeing women across Australia demanding change [Uranus] and accountability [Saturn]. It looks like change may now come, but without the very public horrific abuse becoming public [square], this potential would not have presented itself.
Why has this become such an issue now …and why are women speaking up and more importantly, being heard?
Saturn square to Uranus as well as in the transits of both Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius, plus the Great Mutation in Aquarius [the shift to the next 200 years of conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn taking place in air signs] are all highlighting the Aquarian archetype: the desire for fairness, social justice and equality. This is a global phenomenon that is not restricted to sexism; there is something else that has really focused the issue on women’s concerns for their safety here in Australia.
The current transits of Saturn and Uranus have been activating the charts of both Australia and our Prime Minister and suggest why the women of Australia have found their voices are not going to quieten down, and why this is undermining the popularity of the Prime Minister.
The tri-wheel below has the chart for Australia in the middle, the secondary progressed chart in the middle and the transits for April 1 round the outside.
You will see that Australia’s progressed Sun and Venus are both at 10 degrees of Taurus [Scott Morrison’s natal Venus is at 12 Taurus] and that Uranus and Saturn are both currently activating these points; Uranus by conjunction and Saturn by a square aspect.
In a mundane chart like one for a nation, the Sun symbolizes the leader[s] of the nation and of course Venus symbolizes women, arts and the values of the nation. As Taurus is the sign connected to the Earth and agriculture I sense there will also be a major shift around carbon emissions.
Our values as a nation are changing to heed the voices of women and also our Mother Earth and our leaders are challenged to change [Uranus] and are being called to account [Saturn]. Uranus will make its third [of four] conjunction to these points in Australia’s chart during April while Saturn will square them three times: around late March, late July/ early August & the latter half of December. Uranus will come back to this point January/ February 2022. The pressure will definitely stay on during this time frame.
I had wondered if the virus might be re-activated at this time as there is also a suggestion of a sudden turn of events that calls for change and accountability, but then transits of Uranus rarely act out in ways that we expect them to.
Both the April lunations are powerful and act as catalysts for the two major transits for 2021: the April New Moon for the square between Pluto and Eris and the April Full Moon for the square between Saturn and Uranus.
This is a much longer Newsletter than I anticipated [and I had to restrain myself from writing more] so the potential for typo’s is greater. Please forgive me as I do not have the luxury of writing and rewriting these monthly newsletters.
Hope it all makes sense…
May Goddesses Bless You
Christine
Christine Rothwell
Email: christinerothwell@outlook.com
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
- April Overview
- 2021 Astrology Classes
April begins with NO planets retrograde, but Pluto stations retrograde later in the month.
Note: All the dates below are for Australian Eastern Time.
- April 4: Mercury to Aries
- April 12: New Moon in Aries
- April 15: Venus to Taurus
- April 19: Mercury to Taurus
- April 20: Sun to Taurus
- April 23: Mars to Cancer
- April 27: Wesak: Full Moon in Scorpio
- April 28: Pluto stations retrograde on April 28.
Reflections on the Collective Transits
Last month I reflected on the Saturn Uranus square that is active throughout 2021 and ithe inherent tension it symbolizes between the desire for change and freedom [Uranus] versus the need for stability, responsibility and clear boundaries. I also spoke about the shadow of these two planets which are both very apparent in our world today: the libertarian push to the right from Uranus versus an authoritarian backlash from Saturn.
I will keep reminding you [and myself] that our challenge is always – personally and collectively – to not fall into polarized positions but engage in a meaningful dialogue when confronted with any challenging aspect.
The square aspect is one of tension and conflict but if we re-imagine this aspect as a trine or sextile, we could say that what we need is responsible change that looks at the big picture and is socially inclusive rather than exclusive. It could also manifest as the desire for greater freedom that is socially responsible.
Recently the issue of sexism - and the often-silenced voices of women who have been abused and marginalized - has hit the headlines both internationally and here in Australia. Women are also owning how they have silenced themselves because of their fear that their words would arouse more abuse. Fortunately, we are now seeing women across Australia demanding change [Uranus] and accountability [Saturn]. It looks like change may now come, but without the very public horrific abuse becoming public [square], this potential would not have presented itself.
Why has this become such an issue now …and why are women speaking up and more importantly, being heard?
Saturn square to Uranus as well as in the transits of both Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius, plus the Great Mutation in Aquarius [the shift to the next 200 years of conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn taking place in air signs] are all highlighting the Aquarian archetype: the desire for fairness, social justice and equality. This is a global phenomenon that is not restricted to sexism; there is something else that has really focused the issue on women’s concerns for their safety here in Australia.
The current transits of Saturn and Uranus have been activating the charts of both Australia and our Prime Minister and suggest why the women of Australia have found their voices are not going to quieten down, and why this is undermining the popularity of the Prime Minister.
The tri-wheel below has the chart for Australia in the middle, the secondary progressed chart in the middle and the transits for April 1 round the outside.
You will see that Australia’s progressed Sun and Venus are both at 10 degrees of Taurus [Scott Morrison’s natal Venus is at 12 Taurus] and that Uranus and Saturn are both currently activating these points; Uranus by conjunction and Saturn by a square aspect.
In a mundane chart like one for a nation, the Sun symbolizes the leader[s] of the nation and of course Venus symbolizes women, arts and the values of the nation. As Taurus is the sign connected to the Earth and agriculture I sense there will also be a major shift around carbon emissions.
Our values as a nation are changing to heed the voices of women and also our Mother Earth and our leaders are challenged to change [Uranus] and are being called to account [Saturn]. Uranus will make its third [of four] conjunction to these points in Australia’s chart during April while Saturn will square them three times: around late March, late July/ early August & the latter half of December. Uranus will come back to this point January/ February 2022. The pressure will definitely stay on during this time frame.
I had wondered if the virus might be re-activated at this time as there is also a suggestion of a sudden turn of events that calls for change and accountability, but then transits of Uranus rarely act out in ways that we expect them to.
Below is the chart for Australia's Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. I can’t find a time of birth, so I have used a noon time and Solar Sign houses. My sense is that he is probably born a bit earlier as I see him as having his Moon in Scorpio rather than Sagittarius. What is significant now is the placement of his Venus at 12 degrees of Taurus. During 2021 and 2022 he is having the Saturn Uranus square activating this point three times with the first exact square from Saturn around April 11 and the first exact conjunction from Uranus around May 25. As Morrison also has a Taurus Sun, Venus has special significance as the ruler [actually the dispositor] of his Taurus Sun, suggesting that this transit will be life changing.
In any natal chart Venus symbolizes the feminine principle, women and most importantly …our personal values. It seems like Australia and our Prime Minister are both being challenged to make some life altering shifts in their values and relationship to the feminine.
In any natal chart Venus symbolizes the feminine principle, women and most importantly …our personal values. It seems like Australia and our Prime Minister are both being challenged to make some life altering shifts in their values and relationship to the feminine.
Venus Combust / Superior Conjunction with the Sun
With Venus so prominent for Australia at the moment it is interesting to note that She is currently combust, lost in the blaze of the Sun, but undergoing a powerful transformation from Goddess of War to Goddess of Love.
Venus is currently at the half way point in Her [approximately] 585 day Synodic Cycle which charts Her time from one inferior conjunction to the next. She has just passed Her Superior Conjunction with the Sun, this occurred on March 26. Venus began Her ‘combust’ [invisible] phase around the middle of February and She will remain invisible for most of April, after which She will reappear in the western sky, renewed as the Evening Star and Goddess of Love setting soon after the Sun.
Now, when Venus makes her Superior conjunction She is actually behind the Sun and undergoing a symbolic rebirth that has several levels of symbolism associated with it.
In Ancient Sumer, the planet Venus was called Inanna, Queen of Heaven, and Synodic Cyle was believed to mark the key moments in the myth, The Descent of Inanna. At this point in Her cycle, Inanna/Venus, was said to be in the Underworld, having been killed by Her sister, Ereshkigal, who was Queen of the Underworld. Inannna had felt compelled to visit Her sister to offer her compassion for the loss of Ershkigal’s consort, but Ereshkigal’s grief was expressed through a rage that nothing could soothe. Fortunately Inanna had taken precautions as She knew the journey was risky and help was soon to arrive in the form of the Mourners, little creatures whose compassion for the pain of Ereshkigal lead to Her releasing Inanna.
How can we work with this imagery?
Simply, we are all – personally and collectively – challenged to have more compassion for the pain and suffering of ourselves and others. This is huge at the moment, not just for women but for many marginalized groups. We are also challenged to LISTEN and really HEAR the pain and suffering behind the anger and rage.
This is certainly incredibly relevant at this moment for Australia. It really seems as if the Goddess is talking to us through the astrological imagery, but of course this is a universal image that has collective and personal resonance. Venus / Inanna is asking us ALL to attend to the grief and rage within us and others.
As the Superior Conjunction took place at 5 Aries you may like to observe the house where this occurred, and any planets found in the first 10 degrees of cardinal signs that may be feeling wounded [Chiron is part of this and / or angry [Aries], and open to a shift in awareness. Are you ready to heal, forgive? This is an opportune time to ask for healing and a deeper understanding of your pain.
From my perspective, the Cycle of Venus is always challenging us to open our hearts and value the feminine, both within ourselves, and of course in others, whatever their gender. A powerful and extremely timely reminder.
The April New Moon on April 12 falls at 22 Aries
The New Moon is always a powerful time to start new projects that require courage and initiative, especially so when it takes place in the sign of Aries, the first sign in the zodiac. 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 channelling of the Warrior Archetype into constructive outlets.
This New Moon is part of a stellium formed by Mercury, Ceres, Moon, Sun, Eris, and Venus with all planets except Mercury being square to Pluto. This is an intensely powerful combination that requires consciousness to not to fall into destructive and /or self-destructive reactions and responses. These aspects demand that we face our fears and insecurities along with any feelings of alienation or rejection and avoid the urge to blame [others and Self] and seek revenge {Eris is in a very tight conjunction to the New Moon].
Owning these powerful aspects suggests the potential to face our shadow [Pluto] and the underlying patterns and complexes that may lead to reactive and destructive patterns, especially when engaged in conflicts where we feel our freedom, self-expression and will [Aries] are being blocked.
With Venus so prominent for Australia at the moment it is interesting to note that She is currently combust, lost in the blaze of the Sun, but undergoing a powerful transformation from Goddess of War to Goddess of Love.
Venus is currently at the half way point in Her [approximately] 585 day Synodic Cycle which charts Her time from one inferior conjunction to the next. She has just passed Her Superior Conjunction with the Sun, this occurred on March 26. Venus began Her ‘combust’ [invisible] phase around the middle of February and She will remain invisible for most of April, after which She will reappear in the western sky, renewed as the Evening Star and Goddess of Love setting soon after the Sun.
Now, when Venus makes her Superior conjunction She is actually behind the Sun and undergoing a symbolic rebirth that has several levels of symbolism associated with it.
In Ancient Sumer, the planet Venus was called Inanna, Queen of Heaven, and Synodic Cyle was believed to mark the key moments in the myth, The Descent of Inanna. At this point in Her cycle, Inanna/Venus, was said to be in the Underworld, having been killed by Her sister, Ereshkigal, who was Queen of the Underworld. Inannna had felt compelled to visit Her sister to offer her compassion for the loss of Ershkigal’s consort, but Ereshkigal’s grief was expressed through a rage that nothing could soothe. Fortunately Inanna had taken precautions as She knew the journey was risky and help was soon to arrive in the form of the Mourners, little creatures whose compassion for the pain of Ereshkigal lead to Her releasing Inanna.
How can we work with this imagery?
Simply, we are all – personally and collectively – challenged to have more compassion for the pain and suffering of ourselves and others. This is huge at the moment, not just for women but for many marginalized groups. We are also challenged to LISTEN and really HEAR the pain and suffering behind the anger and rage.
This is certainly incredibly relevant at this moment for Australia. It really seems as if the Goddess is talking to us through the astrological imagery, but of course this is a universal image that has collective and personal resonance. Venus / Inanna is asking us ALL to attend to the grief and rage within us and others.
As the Superior Conjunction took place at 5 Aries you may like to observe the house where this occurred, and any planets found in the first 10 degrees of cardinal signs that may be feeling wounded [Chiron is part of this and / or angry [Aries], and open to a shift in awareness. Are you ready to heal, forgive? This is an opportune time to ask for healing and a deeper understanding of your pain.
From my perspective, the Cycle of Venus is always challenging us to open our hearts and value the feminine, both within ourselves, and of course in others, whatever their gender. A powerful and extremely timely reminder.
The April New Moon on April 12 falls at 22 Aries
The New Moon is always a powerful time to start new projects that require courage and initiative, especially so when it takes place in the sign of Aries, the first sign in the zodiac. 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 channelling of the Warrior Archetype into constructive outlets.
This New Moon is part of a stellium formed by Mercury, Ceres, Moon, Sun, Eris, and Venus with all planets except Mercury being square to Pluto. This is an intensely powerful combination that requires consciousness to not to fall into destructive and /or self-destructive reactions and responses. These aspects demand that we face our fears and insecurities along with any feelings of alienation or rejection and avoid the urge to blame [others and Self] and seek revenge {Eris is in a very tight conjunction to the New Moon].
Owning these powerful aspects suggests the potential to face our shadow [Pluto] and the underlying patterns and complexes that may lead to reactive and destructive patterns, especially when engaged in conflicts where we feel our freedom, self-expression and will [Aries] are being blocked.
April Full Moon on April 27 at 7 Scorpio
This full moon is opposite Uranus [which is conjunct the Sun] and squared by Saturn, acting as a trigger for the Saturn Uranus square. It will be a powerful activator for both Australia and Scott Morrison and anyone with planets being transited by Saturn and Uranus this year. This means planets a few degrees either side of 10 degrees of fixed signs: Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio.
With Uranus conjunct the stellium in Taurus and Saturn forming the apex of a t-square to all the planets - Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury and Black Moon Lilith – the tension may build to a point where the need to act becomes overpowering. Remember that the constructive outcome of this tension can lead to responsible change but the shadow can lead to polarization into the destructive potential inherent in each planet: the Uranian/ libertarian desire for freedom at any cost that can also manifest as running away, versus the need to clamp down on any change due to fear, and potentially become the bully. Big stuff.
The Scorpio full moon also marks the annual Festival of the Buddha, known as WESAK. It honours both the physical birth of the Buddha and his spiritual birth or enlightenment. Wesak is the time when the Buddha returns to remind us of the possibility of awakening and 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.
This full moon is opposite Uranus [which is conjunct the Sun] and squared by Saturn, acting as a trigger for the Saturn Uranus square. It will be a powerful activator for both Australia and Scott Morrison and anyone with planets being transited by Saturn and Uranus this year. This means planets a few degrees either side of 10 degrees of fixed signs: Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio.
With Uranus conjunct the stellium in Taurus and Saturn forming the apex of a t-square to all the planets - Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury and Black Moon Lilith – the tension may build to a point where the need to act becomes overpowering. Remember that the constructive outcome of this tension can lead to responsible change but the shadow can lead to polarization into the destructive potential inherent in each planet: the Uranian/ libertarian desire for freedom at any cost that can also manifest as running away, versus the need to clamp down on any change due to fear, and potentially become the bully. Big stuff.
The Scorpio full moon also marks the annual Festival of the Buddha, known as WESAK. It honours both the physical birth of the Buddha and his spiritual birth or enlightenment. Wesak is the time when the Buddha returns to remind us of the possibility of awakening and 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.
May the Goddess & God Bless You All
Christine
www.christine-rothwell.com
christinerothwell@outlook.com
2021 Astrology Classes
Please contact Christine for a brochure.
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
During 2021 all classes are on Zoom. Video files are provided for any classes you miss and it is possible to enrol for video content only at any time..
First Year/ Beginners’
7pm on Thursday evenings in 2021
…focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope
Second Year / Intermediate
at 7pm Monday evenings in 2021
…focuses on dynamic [predictive] techniques.
Advanced Group
Second Saturday afternoon each month.
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skill. Our first topic of study for 2021 is Synastry: the study of relationships.
Please ring or email for a brochure.
christinerothwell@outlook.com
Or
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom
and are still recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
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 to realize this potential.
Other readings available include:
In-depth Consultation
Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 supplementary e-booklets.
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.
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
2021 Astrology Classes
Please contact Christine for a brochure.
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
During 2021 all classes are on Zoom. Video files are provided for any classes you miss and it is possible to enrol for video content only at any time..
First Year/ Beginners’
7pm on Thursday evenings in 2021
…focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope
Second Year / Intermediate
at 7pm Monday evenings in 2021
…focuses on dynamic [predictive] techniques.
Advanced Group
Second Saturday afternoon each month.
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skill. Our first topic of study for 2021 is Synastry: the study of relationships.
Please ring or email for a brochure.
christinerothwell@outlook.com
Or
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom
and are still recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
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 to realize this potential.
Other readings available include:
In-depth Consultation
Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 supplementary e-booklets.
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.
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.