Turning the Corner: Mercury and Venus Station Direct
Inner planet retrogrades, particularly those of Mercury and Venus, often take us into periods of introspection, reassessment, and recalibration. They can bring periods of greater self-consciousness. It’s the shower moments where we replay arguments in our heads or die a thousand deaths remembering our first school dance. It’s all the cringe, as my teenager would say. However, April brings a resolution point to these moments. As Mercury stations direct on April 7th in Aries and Venus follows suit on April 12th in Pisces, we are entering a phase of forward motion after weeks of review, frustration, and sometimes confusion.
During the past few weeks, you may have noticed feelings of mental fog or frustration as Mercury retrograded in Aries since March 15th. Communication breakdowns, missed messages, or misunderstandings could have been a common theme, while thoughts and plans might have felt disorganized or delayed. It could also be about how you got your point across with Mercury in Aries. Your tone might have been off, or you weren’t as direct as you could have been. Venus, which stationed retrograde on March 1st, likely stirred up deeper reflections about love, personal values, and creative expression. You may have revisited old relationships, experienced nostalgia, or questioned your personal desires and aesthetics.
As both planets now station direct, the energy shifts. Mercury’s direct motion clears the mental fog and brings a surge of clarity and confidence. Decisions that were put on hold can now move forward, and the impatience of Aries can turn into decisive action. You may feel a sense of mental refreshment as ideas that seemed stalled now begin to fall into place, offering new pathways for communication and progress.
With Venus turning direct in Pisces, emotional clarity returns in matters of love and connection. Where there was confusion or disillusionment, there’s now the potential for deepening emotional understanding and letting go of past wounds. Relationships can now move toward healing, and creative projects that stalled may find new inspiration. Venus in Pisces speaks to compassion, empathy, and the ability to see things in a more idealistic light, and now that Venus is moving forward again, it’s a time to act on those dreams with a clearer heart.
However, the shadow periods of these retrogrades still linger, meaning that the changes won’t be immediate, but will gradually unfold throughout the rest of the month. Mercury’s shadow period extends until April 20th, and Venus’ shadow lasts until April 29th. So, while the way forward may feel clearer, there’s still a need for careful thought and adjustment as you navigate the after-effects of these retrograde periods. It’s a time to embrace new opportunities, but also to proceed with awareness and patience as the full effects of these shifts unfold.
Fixed Force: T-Square Tension Between Mars, Sun, and Pluto
I’m not in love with the third week of April. A powerful intensity begins on the 19th, kicking off a high-stakes cosmic standoff. A t-square forms between Mars, the Sun, and Pluto, all in fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius). This is when two planets oppose one another, and a third planet is at 90 degrees between them. Fixed signs are reliable and determined, but also stubborn. When pushed, they don’t back down; they double down. With three powerhouse planets in a tense aspect, expect standoffs, ultimatums, and a refusal to yield.
A t-square is like a three-legged table. It’s unstable. Mars and Pluto face off, while the Sun is caught playing mediator. This configuration feels tense, exhausting, and unrelenting, exposing cracks in structures that seemed unshakable.
There’s a way through, which is to look for the missing leg of the table. The missing piece is Scorpio, the balancing force in a t-square. Scorpio invites you to dig deeper, seek truth, and embrace transformation. Crisis reveals both danger and opportunities for resilience. You may find that you gravitate towards Scorpio people or rely on your own Scorpio placements to be the grounding point. If you have Mercury in Scorpio, writing may help. If Venus is there, be intentional about becoming vulnerable with others.
This tension builds from April 19th as the Sun enters Taurus and lasts until April 29th, when the Moon shifts into Gemini after the New Moon. The most volatile moment? Mars opposing Pluto on April 25th.
Mars in Leo is bold and dramatic, while Pluto in Aquarius is strategic and ruthless. When they square off, power struggles peak. Rules will be tested, boundaries pushed, and loopholes exploited. This is the third and final pass of this aspect in Mars’ retrograde cycle, following November 3, 2024 and January 4, 2025. The previous two aspects correlated with global conflicts (notably Gaza and Ukraine), U.S. election drama, and rising tensions around control and information.
On a personal level, this transit brings an internal reckoning. Your actions may not align with your desires. This is a moment of awareness, breakthroughs, and final straws. Where have you resisted change out of fear? Where have you clung to control? Mars and Pluto don’t just challenge power, they redefine it. By the end of this cycle, what once felt immovable may suddenly crack open.
Dates of Note:
April 1: Venus conjoins the North Node. You might think about past relationships today. This is a good day to revisit old patterns in how you love or want to connect with others. It is a good day to close chapters. Don’t confuse nostalgia with growth. This aspect will repeat in three weeks after Venus stations direct.
April 4: Mercury conjoins the North Node + Saturn sextiles Uranus + Mars sextiles Uranus + Mars trines Saturn. You can’t help but communicate today and you want to make sure your words matter. Practical solutions carry innovative breakthroughs to fruition. Occasionally, disrupting stability is necessary to ensure a strong foundation. Habits begin small and bring lasting change. Be creative in your process and put the work in now.
April 6: Sun sextiles Jupiter + Venus trines Mars. Confidence and creativity take the helm today. Take the time to connect with others as emotions flow freely. You may be the one to link powerful people, so make the introductions and watch the magic unfold. This is my pick for a date night with a playful Leo Moon.
April 7: Venus conjoins Saturn + Mercury stations Direct + Venus sextiles Uranus. This is a busy one in the skies today. If you need to draw compassionate boundaries, this is the day to do it. The planet of communication moves direct today in Pisces. Venus, the planet of love and values, having a dialogue between consequences and individuation. She wants stability in choices, but recognizes that everyone needs to forge their own path. Voice what you need and give others the room to decide if they can meet your expectations.
April 10: Mercury conjoins North Node. This is the third time the planet of communication moves across the head of the dragon since March 1st. This aspect can feel like a hunger to keep mentally busy. It’s a great day to break out the puzzles, journal, or reach out to old friends for a deep conversation. This may be a time to wrap up loose ends on projects that have been lingering during Mercury’s retrograde. Send the email and make sure things are wrapped up with a bow.
April 12/Passover Begins: Full Moon in Libra + Venus stations Direct. Stationary Venus in Pisces rules this lunation. Routines and daily responsibilities in a relationship may have been off balance for a while and this moon requires accountability. You may need to bring attention to the work needed to balance the “I” and the “We”. With a hard aspect to Chiron, be aware that oversensitivity can become a factor. Actively reflect on how your past experiences are contributing to your current state. This very powerful Venus just wants to know she is making a difference in the relationship and guides everyone towards the ideal of emotional connection.
April 16: Mercury ingresses into Aries + Mercury conjoins Neptune. Mercury’s ingress into Aries brings a surge of direct and assertive communication for the next 3 weeks. This can bring a talking style that is off the cuff, a bit controversial, and sometimes argumentative. While it can be playful, others can be quick to misjudge and react. Today, Mercury meets up with Neptune. This can add some confusion and potential misunderstandings, so make sure you lead your message with empathy.
April 17: Mars ingresses into Leo. This marks the end of Mars’ detriment and the tonal shift will be drastically different. While fall and winter were dominated by periods of Cancer’s moody motivation and indirect action, Leo’s fire seeks to infuse optimism into the ethos. Grand gestures, reassurance, and stability take over as primary drivers for the next 2 months. Be aware that criticism will be a button for everyone’s irritability during this transit. To capitalize on Mars in Leo, take on new leadership roles or spread your wings creatively.
April 19: Sun Ingresses into Taurus + Mars Trines Neptune. The Sun moves into Taurus today, encouraging you to slow down and enjoy the simpler pleasures of life. This transit invites you to indulge in daydreams and embrace a more relaxed pace. With Mars trine Neptune, there’s a gentle flow of creative energy, making it a good time to let your imagination wander. However, Neptune’s influence can also bring confusion or distractions, so stay alert to avoid getting lost in illusions. You might feel frustrated by others’ stubbornness, so it’s wise to double-check your information before reacting to avoid unnecessary conflict.
April 20/Easter + Passover: Venus Sextiles Uranus + Mercury Sextiles Pluto + Sun Squares Mars. Today’s energy brings a mix of tensions and breakthroughs. Venus sextiles Uranus and Mercury sextiles Pluto, offering opportunities for unexpected insights and deep conversations. However, with the Sun square Mars, ego clashes and struggles for independence may take center stage. Sometimes, the best solution is to let everyone go their own way. Difficult conversations, especially with authority figures, may deliver unpleasant messages, but these messages clarify the path to sound decisions. It’s best to take a moment to pause, let the dust settle, and reflect before taking action.
April 21: Saturn conjoins North Node. Today’s energy has everyone reflecting on the long-term goal. Take the steps to achieve mastery and independence. Structure is key.
April 23: Sun Squares Pluto + Venus Conjuncts North Node. Today, the Sun squares Pluto, bringing tension between your sense of self and the forces of transformation. Power struggles are likely to feel intense and change seems inevitable. This is not the day to challenge authority. If you can, lean into Venus conjunct the North Node. This aspect, which also occurred on February 1 and April 1, encourages you to connect with people who truly support and value you. It’s a reminder to surround yourself with those who uplift you, as these relationships are key to navigating today’s challenges.
April 24: Venus conjoins Saturn. The planet of relationship aligns with Saturn once more, reinforcing themes of commitment, responsibility, and maturity in relationships. Be realistic about what you can achieve together. It’s ok to ask for what you need so you feel less alone.
April 26: Mars opposes Pluto. Great ambition can abound today, but be aware there can be a tunnel vision that can feel ruthless or brutal. Competing demands feel unavoidable today. If you begin to feel like your heels are digging in, that is your cue to take a step back. Navigate the intensity with awareness rather than force. Try to actively avoid conflict today when you can.
April 27: New Moon in Taurus. There is an emotional hangover with this lunation, where new beginnings feel inevitable. Venus in Pisces rules this New Moon. where hopes and dreams feel pinned on where you belong and where you feel like a fish out of water. Every familiar routine always begins with discomfort. The Moon is traveling from the Sun to Uranus asking you to be open to new opportunities where your authentic independence is valued.
April 30: Venus ingresses into Aries. Venus moves back into her detriment where she has to attract what she desires by making the first move. It’s not that she needs you; she wants you. There is a big difference. Over the next 5 weeks, spontaneity and courage are favored where honesty plays a big part in how you relate to others.