Easter, a holiday that represents resurrection and rebirth, typically occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon that follows the northern hemisphere spring equinox, when the sun is due east of the Earth. At this time of year, the Earth’s position relative to the sun allows for a near equal length of day and night. As we move closer to the summer solstice on June 20—with days growing longer and night shorter—we embrace a time of resurrected daylight along with spiritual and religious connotations.
The Earth’s journey around the sun creates our annual cycle dictated by the seasons; the moon’s cycle around the earth creates the monthly cycle via the moon’s phases; and the Earth’s daily rotation on its axis creates the 24-hour cycle that comprises night and day. As these three cycles align at this time of year, the theme of rebirth emerges. Yet, given the intensity of the coronavirus pandemic we currently face, it’s easy to feel like we are in an extended version of winter, especially with social distancing and self-quarantining guidelines keeping us all inside for the most part.
Undeniably, grief is an emotion many of us wrestle with now. As we settle into the second quarter of 2020, it’s essential to recommit to your goals for this year. For many if not most, daily life has shifted dramatically in response the COVID-19 crisis, so our expectations will likely need to pivot, too. So as we commence this week, and honor the religious holidays associated with this time of year (Passover and Ramadan, in addition to Easter), take a moment to let go of expectations that no longer serve you. As the moon wanes, she invites you to acclimate your desires right now—not as you imagined they would be at the stroke of midnight on January 1.
On Easter Sunday, Mercury, now in Aries, squares the nodes of fate, pushing you toward your evolution. This aspect asks you to highlights the tension you might feel between habits that stem from your past and who you are asked to become, presently, to achieve your future dreams. Hint: choose your future self.
Lean into your Aries anger this week
On Monday, the sun conjoins Eris, the dwarf planet of discord. Eris represents feminine rage, and if you feel angry this week, know that it’s okay. Aries season correlates with anger, as does spring, according to Chinese medicine. Anger is a helpful emotion because it shows us where our boundaries have been or are being violated. It’s a catalytic force that inspires us to change. It often asks for healthier boundaries or the expression of our truth. Tuning into anger, and finding a healthy outlet for it—like screaming into a pillow, or letting yourself sink into the rhythm of a song as you dance—can create the experience of emotional liberation.
Aries season correlates with anger, which is a helpful emotion because it shows us where our boundaries have been or are being violated.
Experiencing this kind of catharsis is extremely important this week, especially since as the sun conjoins Eris, both the sun and Eris square the Pluto-Jupiter conjunction in Capricorn, asking for emotional maturity. These aspects give you permission to feel and experience your anger. The upside here is that this is high-octane combination that will indeed mobilize action.
Similar to the length of the Christian cycle of Lent, which is 40 days, Venus’ retrograde lasts 42 days, during which she’ll temporarily disappear from the sky as she conjoins the sun, moving from her evening-star position (when she rises at night) to her morning-star position (when she’ll rise in the morning). This transition from evening star to morning star, especially since it happens during her retrograde cycle (Venus only goes retrograde every 18 months), indicates that we are embarking on a journey to understand our values better, and more importantly, what we must do with our lives to honor them. While Venus won’t station retrograde until May 13, start paying attention now to the themes emerging as Venus is in the shade of her retrograde cycle, because those learnings will support you later.
Tune into the power of the waning quarter moon on Tuesday, which perfects at 6:56 p.m., EST, to release that which you no longer need. The waning quarter moon occurs at 25 degrees of Capricorn, conjoined to Jupiter and Pluto (so, therefore, also squaring Eris, who conjoins that sun as well), and invites a deep release. So carve out time on Tuesday evening to consciously consider what you can shed to find more peace. If you haven’t yet reorganized closets and cabinets to combat clutter, you may find yourself doing just that this week, as organizing is one way we can process chaos. If you’re into rituals, it’s also a great time to list what you wish you release, and safely set that list on fire or tear it up and throw it out.
If you feel your Aries anger strongly right now, simply find a healthy outlet. Remember, grief is exhausting and takes time. So please don’t try to rush your process. And, remember to reach out to your friends and family for support and to check in on them. Find ways to stay connected and active however you can. Come next Sunday, April 19, the sun leaves Aries, entering into Taurus, so take advantage of the Aries anger inspiration now.
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.
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