ASTROLOGICAL SNAPSHOT

This is the 98th day of 2023
74 days until the Summer Solstice
13 days until Mercury Retrograde
267 days until 2024

Sun is in Aries
Moon is in Scorpio
Mercury is in Taurus*
Venus is in Taurus
Mars is in Cancer
Jupiter is in Aries
Saturn is in Pisces
Uranus is in Taurus
Neptune is in Pisces
Pluto is in Aquarius
Chiron is in Aries
Ceres is Rx in Virgo
Node is in Taurus
Lilith is in Leo
Fortune is in Virgo
Ascendant is in Aries
Midheaven is in Capricorn

*Mercury is in the pre-shadow phase of its retrograde motion that begins April 21st.

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DAILY SPIRIT ANIMAL
ELK SPIRIT

Native Americans widely believe that each animal can teach us about the ways of life—values, culture, hunting, family, etc. The elk teaches pride, strength, stamina, and agility. The Shawnee called the elk “wapiti” which translates into “white rump.” The wapiti is a symbol that it’s time to take the next step in life and do it with courage.

To the Lakota, the elk was an important part of their spiritual beliefs. When a male Lakota was born, he was presented with an elk tooth representing longevity of life. Later in life when a male was ready to find his “other half,” if he had an elk sighting in a dream, he would paint an elk on his courting clothes, indicating a high sexual prowess. To the Lakota, the spiritual elk represented strength, power, and virility.

The elk also serves as the official state animal for Utah and he adorns both the state seal and flag of Michigan.

The Norse people of Scandinavia believed that by observing and listening to animals they could adopt and develop their traits in themselves. For the Norse people, who called the elk “King of the Forest,” the elk was a symbol of inner strength, wisdom, and grace, and having a white elk sighting was a sign of divine protection.

If life were a race, your ability to pace yourself would not necessarily mean you’d be the first to cross the finish line, but you would certainly arrive there with the same strength you began with while others burned out. You are confident in your endeavors, and meeting your goals is far more important than just being the first to accomplish them. You also probably prefer to do things in groups rather than alone, and it’s likely that you work at keeping your body strong and healthy by eating good food, which may not include a lot of meat, if any.

Elk spirit means you are likely someone with many friends and close family who care for you and who see you as a special person in their lives. You are courageous and unafraid of the obstacles others see as daunting. In other words, you don’t give up easily.

Because elk can be susceptible to infectious illnesses, Elk spirit may be a way of suggesting that you need to look to your physical and mental health. This is particularly true if you are in a position where you could potentially spread a physical illness to others.

Another thing to consider is that Elk spirit may also be a gentle reminder that we are connected to others, even if we don’t wish to be or never planned to be. Keep in mind that negative attitudes and moods can, if kept unchecked, spread to others. Don’t be the person who brings down office morale or who leaves your club in disarray after an important meeting.

Just as viruses and bad attitudes can be contagious, so can gossip. Elk spirit could be a reminder that spreading gossip or negative news can get out of control, harming others and yourself. Focus on the positive aspects of the elk: a strong, powerful, steadfast creature that does not need to use trickery or tall tales to get ahead.

On a different note, because the elk’s antlers are prized by some, elk have been the target of hunters. Watch what you let people see about you: maintain appropriate boundaries and be aware that not everyone who has an interest in you is necessarily concerned about your interests.

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DAILY ORACLE CARD
IX. NINE OF WANDS

The Nine of Wands tarot card is one that symbolizes great hope even when one is faced by many problems that threaten to make them lose their balance. The Nine of Wands symbolizes one’s life, which has undergone too many trials but through their determination and will, they were able to overcome them. These won battles are symbolized by the eight upright wands; however, there are still more trials that the person may face. This can be one major trial or challenge that they are supposed to face for them to reach their goals or be successful in their quest. The card is a sign of hope and encouragement that you should face your trials with courage so that you may attain success.

The Nine of Wands symbolizes a life of someone who has undergone many trials, but through determination and will, they were able to overcome them.

The Nine of Wands may also mean that a person has been betrayed and has thus become mistrustful towards others. This may be because of something that has happened a number of times, and might on first glance seem hopeless. But there is also hope and courage here, and the belief that this outlook is about to change. Someone or something may come into their life that will change their whole view of their past struggles. It encourages one to take that risky move because they may be surprised.

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APRIL 2023 LUNAR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, APRIL 13: LAST QUARTER MOON IN CAPRICORN

You might have a strong need for being useful to the society and you look for justification in the outside world. You may underestimate what you want from yourself and for yourself. Shyness may be accompanied by resentment of the fact that others ignore you. Do not seek approval from the outside, it will not help you get rid of your doubt and it is harmful to you. You have to trust your inner values.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20: NEW MOON IN TAURUS

The feeling of uncertainty can make you solve problems faster then is natural. Do not rush as if there was a deadline. Try to slow down so that you can decide what you want to do and proceed at your own comfortable pace.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27: FIRST QUARTER MOON IN LEO

You feel safe in moments when you can impress others and get praise and admiration. Yet, when you get into the spotlight, you may find yourself at a loss. Maybe you should admit your fear of criticism and your inability to accept criticism. It is very important to accept feedback and use it for improvement.

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April 2023 Astrological Events

08

Mercury in Taurus Sextile Mars in Cancer

There can be extra mental energy, and you can get excited about your ideas and plans. You may be more open with what’s on your mind and more excitable.

Waning Gibbous Moon in Scorpio

09

Moon Enters Sagittarius 

You may feel like getting out there in some way and doing a little exploring, even if it’s only in your own head. You can enjoy new experiences and take in new knowledge.

Waning Gibbous Moon in Scorpio/Sagittarius

10

Moon in Sagittarius Trine Jupiter in Aries

Expansive energy can surge, and you can focus on what will help you expand in new ways. You can be optimistic and focus on the big picture.

Waning Gibbous Moon in Sagittarius

11

Venus Enters Gemini

Mental connections in love can become more important with Venus in Gemini, and you can work on improving the lines of communication with the people in your life. This can help you feel closer, and you may be more open with your thoughts and ideas and enjoy flowing conversation.

Venus in Gemini Trine Pluto in Aquarius

Passion can be strong in your relationships, and you can feel more dedicated and loyal to the people you care about. You can work to transform your connections for the better, which can make you feel better.

Sun in Aries Conjunct Jupiter in Aries

There is so much out there for you to experience in life, and you may keep your eye on something specific that you want to explore. Keep an open mind, an open heart, and a healthy dose of realism.

Moon Enters Capricorn 

The goals that are most important to you at the moment can get more attention, and you can feel more stable and secure if you’re making progress or feel you will be. You can hit your stride in some way, and this feels good.

Waning Gibbous Moon in Sagittarius/Capricorn

12

Moon in Capricorn Trine Uranus in Taurus

If there’s something that has been vexing you lately, being innovative and unconventional may be the right approach. Let yourself entertain the unusual and see if that might work best.

Waning Gibbous Moon in Capricorn

13

Last Quarter Moon in Capricorn

Letting go of old responsibilities that are no longer good for you to be doing may be a focus over the next week. This can free you up from old restrictions and help you feel more open.

Moon Enters Aquarius

Your friends may be of help to you, and you can show your appreciation and be there for them. You may feel more open to new people as well and expand your social circle.

14

Venus in Gemini Square Saturn in Pisces

Responsibilities in relationships may feel stifling, and you may want to run away. This rarely solves the problem, so try to get underneath the surface of the problem and figure out what the right approach would be.

Waning Crescent Moon in Aquarius

15

Moon Enters Pisces

Intuition can be strong, and taking time to reconnect to your intuitive self can help. Use intuitive exercises, and gain a little more trust in your instincts.

Waning Crescent Moon in Aquarius/Pisces

16

Moon in Pisces Sextile Mercury in Taurus

Your schedule may be busy, and you can tackle a variety of projects and commitments. This variety can satisfy your mental demands.

Waning Crescent Moon in Pisces

17

Moon Enters Aries

There can be extra energy for you to access, and you can focus that energy on whatever excites you most. You can be enthusiastic and ready to take action.

Waning Crescent Moon in Pisces/Aries

18

Moon in Aries Square Mars in Cancer

Something may get under your skin, and you can lash out as a result. Work on the root issue, and try to have a healthy outlet for frustrations.

Waning Crescent Moon in Aries

19

Moon in Aries Conjunct Jupiter in Aries

There can be more opportunities around you than you realized, and you can get excited by what’s possible. You may want to focus on new experiences, explore new places, and take in new knowledge.

20

Solar Eclipse in Aries

The Aries Solar eclipse is full of high energy, and both Aries and Solar Eclipses are times of new beginnings, so this is extra strong now. This eclipse, in particular, has even more energy than usual, so you can feel extra pushed to take action, start anew, and embark on a new beginning quickly.

Sun Enters Taurus

Getting grounded and improving stability and security can be important during Taurus season, and you can work on giving yourself permission to slow down. Work on your confidence levels, and focus on greater self-respect.

Sun in Taurus Square Pluto in Aquarius

There may be fights for power and control, and this can feel like it comes out of nowhere, but it’s likely triggering something deep within you. Focus on that, and try to find some middle ground.

Moon Enters Taurus

Sensual energy can be stronger than usual, and you can connect more to your body and to the physical world around you. You may want to take more time to relax and indulge.

Moon Enters Taurus

Sensual energy can be stronger than usual, and you can connect more to your body and to the physical world around you. You may want to take more time to relax and indulge.

21

Mercury Retrograde Begins in Taurus

Mercury retrograde begins now and lasts until May 14, and this retrograde occurs entirely in Taurus. With Mercury moving backward in Taurus for almost a month, this can kick up stubborn, inflexible, and proud energy, and we have to work to be more open, ground ourselves and stay humble.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Taurus

22

Moon Enters Gemini

Keeping busy may be easy as there seems to be a lot you want to focus on. Try to avoid keeping yourself too busy, and becoming frazzled and scattered.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Taurus/Gemini

23

Mercury in Taurus Sextile Mars in Cancer

It can be easier to control mental energy or to at least take action with some of your ideas and plans. You can get extra excited about one idea or plan, in particular, and this may be a new one or it may be something you’re digging back up to give another chance.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Gemini

24

Moon Enters Cancer 

Staying in your comfort zone, and sticking to the people who support you, might be a good idea, as it helps you feel more emotionally secure. Try to tend to your emotional needs and strengthen yourself internally.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Gemini/Cancer

25

Sun in Taurus Sextile Saturn in Pisces

Ambition can run high, and you can be more disciplined with what you want to achieve. You may focus on new goals or pick back up old ones.

Waxing Crescent Moon in Cancer

26

Moon in Cancer Trine Neptune in Pisces

Imagination can be strong, and you can focus on creative projects or hobbies. You can feel dreamy but have control over it.

27

First Quarter Moon in Leo

There may be adjustments required over the next week that allow you to have more fun and get more time away from work and chores. You may be creative with the adjustments and take a positive approach to them.

Moon Enters Leo

Make time for the people you love, the places you love, and the things you love to do most in healthy and positive ways. This can help you connect more to your heart.

28

Moon in Leo Sextile Venus in Gemini

It can be easier to deal with other people, and you can find the right words and actions that get people on your side. You can be pleasant and charming.

Waxing Gibbous Moon in Leo

29

Mars in Cancer Sextile Uranus in Taurus

Change can be easier to focus on, and you can take action to create the changes you want and hope for. This can get you closer to your dream future, and you can embrace doing things unconventionally.

Moon Enters Virgo

Extra chores and tasks may need to be done, and you can focus on being as efficient with your time and energy as possible. You don’t want to waste time, and you can improve your approach to ensure you don’t.

Waxing Gibbous Moon in Leo/Virgo

30

Moon in Virgo Trine Mercury in Taurus

Sorting through your ideas and plans can be easier for you to do, and you can tweak your plans, so you’re ready to take action when you get the chance.

Waxing Gibbous Moon in Virgo

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