NorthPoint Astrology Journal
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Your guide to planetary energies for
April 21 to 27, 2025
By Astrologer Pam Younghans
ACT III: This week, Mars and Pluto are exactly opposite for the third time in six months. This polarizing aspect between these two dynamic planets usually occurs only once every two years, but it is happening three times in 2024-2025 due to Mars having gone retrograde in December. The first Mars-Pluto opposition occurred on November 3, the second perfected on January 2, and the third is exact on April 26.
During the week around the two previous dates, dramatic events occurred that invoked powerful, visceral reactions for many. These are the manifestations we would expect from this tug of war between the gods of War and Transformation. With the final opposition perfecting next Saturday, we are likely to experience another spike of emotional intensity, this week and/or next. Pluto is the Great Revealer, and as it opposes Mars in fiery Leo, it exposes the shadow qualities of that sign: blind ambition, arrogance, a need for attention (even if negative), and aggression through intimidation. To successfully navigate this influence on an individual level, we must remain centered and calm, be aware of our own reactivity, and find ways to channel our assertiveness responsibly. From its end of the tug-of-war rope, Mars the Energizer activates the shadow side of Pluto in airy Aquarius: an all-encompassing desire for power, the use of fear and intimidation to manipulate and control, a feeling of entitlement, and a lack of caring or compassion. For us to work with these energies, we must remain humble and without ego attachment; this enables us to focus on the long-term benefits for all rather than only on the short-term gains for self. FIXED T-SQUARE: The Taurus Sun is square Mars today (April 20) and will square Pluto on Wednesday (April 23). As these three planets interact, they form a configuration called a T-square. This is an indicator that we will be dealing with heightened tension throughout the coming week, perhaps strongest midweek and again next weekend when the configuration is strongly activated by the New Moon. Symptoms associated with this type of T-square, with all three planets in fixed signs, include stubbornness, possessiveness, a battle of wills, a drive to succeed at all costs, and a resistance to change. With the Sun at the all-important "apex" of the T-square (located at the base of the stem on the letter "T"), we are also dealing with undue self-confidence, pride, ego attachments, and a lack of flexibility. The pent-up energy of this fixed T-square, if not given a healthy outlet, can erupt through irrational behavior or aggressive action. TAURUS NEW MOON: A new lunar cycle begins at 12:30 p.m. PDT next Sunday, April 27, when the Sun and Moon align at 07°46' Taurus. Although we typically think of Taurus as being peace-loving and down-to-earth, this New Moon is not likely to fit that stereotype. At the time of the lunation, the Sun and Moon are within only four degrees of being exactly square Mars and Pluto, reactivating and highlighting the effects of the Mars-Pluto opposition that perfected just 18 hours earlier. This New Moon is also aligned with the fixed star Adhil, one of the stars in the Andromeda galaxy. Themes related to Adhil include the use and abuse of power, including how authority is communicated, upheld, or challenged and overthrown. Here is a quote from astrologer Roderick Kidston, in his book The Magic of the Stars: "Bringing this down to the level of more ordinary folk, Adhil is all about how you stand up for yourself, defend your corner if necessary, and do your thing without being interfered with, much less overruled. You can think big with this star, or small if you prefer; the important thing is you think your thoughts your way. It's all about discovering who you are as a person, and manifesting that as freely and fully as you possibly can." WEBINAR REPLAY: If you're wishing you hadn't missed my recent "In the Deep" webinar covering planetary energies for the next three months, please let me know! The video replay, calendars, and slideshow are available. Just send an email with "Webinar Replay" in the subject line to [email protected] and I'll reply with details. DAILY ASTROLOGY: For my daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this Journal, please follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/ ASPECTS THIS WEEK: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important individual planetary aspects, day by day: Monday Saturn conjunct North Node: This alignment invites us to slow down, to contemplate whether we are following our higher path of evolutionary growth or if we are defaulting into old habits and patterns. Specifically, with the North Node in Pisces, we are called to walk our spiritual talk and to let ourselves be guided by higher wisdom. We are asked to let go of fear, worry, and the need to control, and to instead choose to see the bigger picture, to surrender anxiety to the higher self, to free the mind through meditation or self-reflection, and to trust in the Universe—the One Voice. Tuesday No major aspects are exact today. Wednesday Sun square Pluto: People may be especially reactive, pushy, and impatient. Some could abuse power, using fear and divisiveness to manipulate the masses. Circumstances compel us to find our own inner strength and to see where we have been giving our power away. Venus conjunct North Node: As Venus aligns with the North Node today and with Saturn tomorrow, we observe a person or a financial situation with greater objectivity now. The illusion falls away and we are able to see what (or who) supports our values and our collective progress, and what (or who) represents a detour and a return to old ways that we have evolved beyond. Thursday Venus conjunct Saturn: This is the third time that Venus and Saturn have aligned this year, due to Venus going retrograde on March 1. The first Venus-Saturn conjunction was on January 18 and the second was on April 7. Throughout these months, Saturn has been providing a reality check in the areas of our core values, our relationships, our loyalties, and our financial situation. This final alignment brings this testing period to a close and could be a time when important decisions are made. Sun semisquare Jupiter: There may be a tendency to say or to do too much, or we may be experiencing information overload. Some may be especially moralistic or judgmental. Friday No major aspects are exact today. Saturday Mars opposite Pluto: Reactivity and anger are strong today and we tend to feel everything viscerally. It is tempting to act impulsively, on instinct, without pausing to consider potential outcomes. Sunday Mercury semisquare Uranus: The mind may be scattered and nervous energy is heightened. Communications or travel plans could be disrupted. New Moon: The Sun and Moon align at 12:30 p.m. PDT today, when the two luminaries are at 07°46' Taurus. IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: You are moving through a period in which you will uncover aspects of your personality that you may not have known existed. These reveal themselves through intense emotions that feel unfamiliar to the Taurus native, who generally prefers life to be simple, comfortable, and peaceful. Passions that arise will be very strong, guiding your actions and a deeper self-understanding over the coming year. Ultimately, accepting rather than suppressing these feelings will help awaken within you a new level of personal empowerment. (Solar Return Sun square Mars, semisquare Jupiter, square Pluto) In peace, love, and gratitude, Pam Younghans For an audio recording and non-English versions of this Journal on InnerSelf.com, please click HERE. (New week's audio and text are online no later than 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday.) Photo by Konevi NorthPoint Journal © 2025 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved. DISCLAIMER: This NorthPoint Journal is not intended to replace the need for qualified healthcare, mental health, legal, or spiritual consultations. No guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind are given, and as such, Pam Younghans will not be responsible for any interpretation made or used by the recipient of the information and advice provided herein. |
Aspects of Note this Week Times and dates use Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT). MONDAY: Saturn conjunct North Node TUESDAY: No major aspects are exact today WEDNESDAY: Sun square Pluto, Venus conjunct North Node THURSDAY: Venus conjunct Saturn, Sun semisquare Jupiter FRIDAY: No major aspects are exact today SATURDAY: Mars opposite Pluto SUNDAY: Mercury semisquare Uranus, New Moon 12:30 p.m. PDT, 07°46' Taurus Subscribe to the Journal! |