Photo of the nighttime sky in Yosemite Valley by Mike L on Unsplash
Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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Astrological Overview: April 24 - 30, 2023
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 7 hours.
MON: Sun conjunct North Node, Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto
TUE: Sun sextile Saturn, Venus sextile Chiron
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: Mars square Chiron
FRI: No major aspects are exact today
SAT: Mars sextile Uranus
SUN: No major aspects are exact today
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BETWEEN ECLIPSES: As we begin the last week of April 2023, we are moving through that surreal Neverland between two eclipses, when it may seem as if our feet are never truly touching ground. Increasing that sensation of being partly in another world, Mercury is now retrograde as well.
The transformational effects of Pluto are also very apparent throughout this eclipse season, both because the dwarf planet was strongly activated by last week's solar eclipse and because it is moving very slowly in anticipation of stationing retrograde next Monday. I liken our experience of a planet's station to standing on a wooden platform as a train arrives at the depot. As the train comes closer and closer, it moves more and more slowly, and we feel its vibration and hear its engines more and more loudly. When the train is finally at a standstill in front of us, the vibration beneath our feet and the sound in our ears are at their height. After a brief pause, the train reverses direction, pulling slowly out of the station but then picking up speed, and our sensory awareness of the vibration and the sound gradually diminish.
PLUTO THE CATALYST: Pluto is the god of the underworld, the psychotherapist, the catalyst in a process of death and rebirth. These next two weeks, before and after Pluto's exact station on May 1, are a time of purging or detoxification. The urge may be especially strong to divest ourselves of anything that is no longer in alignment with us, or with who we are becoming.
The impact of Pluto's station is being felt by everyone, but may be felt most profoundly by those with natal planets or sensitive points on the cusp between a cardinal sign and a fixed sign. This includes the last degree of Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn and the first degree of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius.
This is a powerful time in which to eliminate what no longer works, to cleanse on physical, emotional, and mental levels. As we embrace the detoxification process with conscious intention, we then are able to handle any emotional residue that may arise as a sign of progress being made, much like detox symptoms when taking cleansing herbs.
DAILY ASPECTS: Here are this week's most important planetary aspects, with my brief interpretations of each.
Monday
Sun conjunct North Node: Our evolutionary path is highlighted with this alignment. We are reminded that spiritual growth is enhanced by being grounded and centered, and by focusing on inner calm and peace.
Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto: Honesty and integrity are central themes in relationships today. The urge to get to the heart of interpersonal issues is strong.
Tuesday
Sun sextile Saturn: This calming influence enables us to focus on practical concerns today.
Venus sextile Chiron: After yesterday's stormy conditions, healing is possible today, as we become aware of how underlying insecurities – our own or those of a loved one –have affected our relationships.
Wednesday
No major aspects are exact today.
Thursday
Mars square Chiron: People can be defensive today, due to taking issues very personally. Some may respond passive-aggressively if they are afraid to directly express anger.
Friday
No major aspects are exact today.
Saturday
Mars sextile Uranus: We are inspired to take independent action today, based on a strong awareness of our deeper needs. This could be a good time to try new activities that enhance our emotional well-being.
Sunday
No major aspects are exact today.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: There is an introspective tone to this year for you, Taurus. It may be a good time to find activities that use words to increase your sense of peace and well-being, such as journaling or keeping a gratitude diary. The planetary energies support a stronger commitment to a mindfulness practice or another meditational or creative outlet that enhances a calm mental state. Writers could find this year very productive for creating a first draft, with the intent to finalize or publish after their birthday in 2024. (Solar Return Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, sextile Saturn)
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THE QUANTUM SHIFT ACCELERATES: I hope you can join us for my upcoming webinar! "A Quickening: The Quantum Shift Gains Momentum" will be airing live and recorded for replay on May 4 ~ the day before the Scorpio lunar eclipse. During the class, I'll talk about the upcoming Jupiter-Pluto square and other dynamic planetary influences we'll be working with from May through August 2023. For details and to register, go to https://events.humanitix.com/a-quickening.
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
