Why this could be a (cosmically) crazy week

Astrologer Jennifer Racioppi is here to offer up a weekly dose of celestial wisdom—with a wellness twist. This week there are some powerful forces at work that may be, ahem, challenging. Here’s her best advice on how to align with the stars to make your best love, career, fitness, food, and self-care choices for the next seven days. 

Monday, April 2

More than usual, this week, a focus on your breath goes a long way. Meaning, deep inhalations and complete exhalations root you in your power now and become a vehicle of focus. Mars, the planet of action, meets up with Saturn, the planet of discipline, at 9 degrees of the earth sign, Capricorn—signifying that this is not the time to make hasty decisions. Execute prudently, and lean in the direction of well-thought-out ideas instead fly-by-the-seat of your pants solutions. Do not rush through your day sloppily; focus on the details instead. When it comes to your workout, prioritize form. Pay attention to posture and alignment; particularly your feet and knees. Slow your roll, and move with intention.

Tuesday, April 3

With the moon waning in Scorpio, meeting up good luck Jupiter and sextiling powerhouse Pluto, it’s easy to connect to your power now. Yesterday’s Saturn and Mars conjunction remains active today, meaning serious but productive overtones prevail. So tune in and connect with your core; let your choices reflect your most heartfelt desires. Additionally, with Mercury, the planet of communication, in retrograde, and no planets in air signs, conscious breathing creates ease and movement where things feel stuck and heavy. To that end, try a new pranayama (or yogic breathing) exercise and emphasize your exhale. Don’t forget the power of your neti pot, too. Cleansing nasal passages with salt water can open up your psychic pathways and facilitate a deeper experience of your breath.

Wednesday, April 4

The moon moves into Sagittarius today, emphasizing blunt, bold, and direct communication. But before you let your communication veer in the direction of “say like it is,” take caution. Retrograde Mercury makes a harsh angle to Mars in Capricorn. In English? You might find yourself stirring a pot instead of positively uplifting others if you are not cautious with your words. To offset any negative potential here, practice mindful communication. Use your morning meditation practice to train your brain to stay observant rather than reactive. Keep your focus on your breath, and expanding your abdomen with an inhale before reacting. Embody intention as you speak. Words have power and create your reality so use them wisely.

Thursday, April 5

Retrograde Mercury continues on the path of harsh angles today, as it makes an exact square to Saturn, the planet of discipline and structure. However, fear not. This awkward connection between Mercury and Saturn might lead you to the exact answers you seek. To optimize this, spend time introspectively asking yourself tough questions. Journal and explore the workings of your mind. Not much of a journaler? Turn your attention inward via meditation and step into the seat of the observer. When it comes to your fitness plan, despite the moon traveling in the fire sign Sagittarius, prioritize yin, and restorative workouts. Instead of sweaty, go-big-or-go-home expenditures of energy, let your movement feel nourishing, as opposed to depleting. This will help you call upon patience and strength so you can stay intentional with your thoughts, words, and actions.

Friday, April 6

As the moon moves through the last degrees of Sagittarius this morning, it makes a trine to Uranus, the planet of breakthrough and surprises. Because of this, you may have an intuitive awareness beckoning your attention. So as you wake up, grab a piece of paper and jot down your thoughts; an answer might present itself in the process. As the day moves on, so does the moon. Entering into Capricorn at 2:01 p.m. EDT, the moon’s shift reinforces many of the week’s themes; prudence, attention to detail, integrity, mindfulness, and breath. With the workweek coming to a close and the weekend ahead, it might be tempting to check out early today. But before you do, reflect. What did you learn? How did you grow? Then take a few deep conscious breaths and integrate what you experienced.

Saturday, April 7

Venus, which currently travels in Taurus, makes a perfect trine to Saturn, offering support to create and live a life you love. Carve out time today for inspiration. Attend a workshop or class that lights you up. Say yes to you. If you have the time (and motivation), consider possibly making a vision board, too. As the moon moves through Capricorn, meeting up with Saturn and Mars, you may find yourself arriving at a whole new level of self-confidence. With Mercury in retrograde, now’s an excellent time to revise what you think is possible for yourself. Open up to new potential and stay curious. (P.S. If you are single and looking, today’s a great day to say yes to coffee or dinner.)

Sunday, April 8

With the moon in its waning quarter phase, now’s the time to let go of what you no longer need. I vote for releasing perfectionism. An impossible standard to meet, reaching toward perfection comes at a very high price. Remember, you can achieve excellence without things being perfect. Putting physical, emotional, and mental pressure on yourself to achieve the impossibility of perfection sends your adrenal glands into overdrive and your stress response through the roof. So today take time just to be. You are enough. You have nothing to prove. Recuperate. Enjoy time to rest.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success. 

For another perspective on what’s to come for the whole month of April, check out “RockStar Shaman” Alyson Charles’ energy predictions.