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It’s a big week in space with our first eclipse of the astrological year inviting change, purpose, clarity and passion, and our second Mercury Retrograde asking us to reflect, review and realign before moving forward. As the Sun moves into Taurus, we are asked to slow down, bring pleasure into our days, and return to the magic that is our physical existence.

Solar eclipse of the new moon in Aries

This week’s Aries New Moon Solar Eclipse on April 20, 2023 is not only the astrological highlight of the week, but the main theme of April and the main astrological event of the year, as eclipses always are.

A solar eclipse comes to us about every six months, when the Moon reaches the beginning of a new cycle—the New Moon—by being directly between the Sun and the Earth. This blocks light from the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth.

This is the energy of the new moon, and much more. There is also a connection between the Sun and the Moon and the lunar nodes, which in astrology represent destiny, purpose, and soul alignment.

In astrology, eclipses mean opening and closing. They act as a moment in time in which we propose to establish new patterns and ways of being, and to let go of those that have passed. Eclipses create a sense of awakening, alignment, and spiritual movement. They support us in achieving greater clarity about where to go next and greater knowledge of what to let go of on our way.

An eclipse is the entire cycle of birth, death and rebirth in a concentrated form, cutting through all the noise to make sure their impact is heard. Looking back on the chapters of our lives, we can often see important steps taken during eclipse seasons, ones that haunt us for years to come.

In true Aries style, there is a lot of “new” energy under this moonlight. So much so that the fire of passion, potential, courage and purpose that this Zodiac sign represents and that lives within us cannot be extinguished. It is a bold invitation to jump into the transformation that calls our name, desires pull us forward, and dreams pulsate from within.

Taurus season begins

Taurus, ruled by Venus in astrology, invites us to indulge. It reminds us of the beauty that surrounds us, both grand and small, and asks us to enjoy it all. Taurus calls us to inhabit our bodies with greater presence and awareness, taking us out of our minds and grounding us in our physical form. It restores our senses and reminds us of the wonder that can be experienced through them. Taurus brings us back home to our humanity.

Taurus season, which begins on April 20 and runs through May 21, invites us to really get busy with our lives. It invites us to be present with what is real, meaningful, and what really matters as we tune out the noise. And it invites us to take the many ideas, passions, and desires of the Aries season and begin to bring them to life.

As the Sun moves from Aries to Taurus, the collective pace slows. It’s about moving, living and creating in an environmentally friendly way, not about existing in the quick and passionate bursts of fire that Aries represents.

Mercury retrograde in Taurus

Mercury retrograde, like all astrological events, is filled with invitations and opportunities, wisdom and insights, if only we choose to see them.

Retrogrades in astrology represent “again” words such as revisit, rethink, readjust, revisit, reevaluate, repeat, etc. It is one step back that can propel us to many steps forward, a moment in time to stop and gather our actions taken, inviting the greater understanding, perspective and self-awareness that this pause in movement and action allows. Only then, with all the wisdom gained from this pause, can we continue to move forward from a place of deeper self-knowledge, intention, and purpose.

Mercury is the planet of our mind. It is our mental world that represents thinking, communication, processing, communication and learning. Taurus is our sign of pleasure, construction, perseverance and self-esteem. While Mercury is retrograde in Taurus from April 21 to May 15, we are invited to see the value of slow and steady creation, where the voice of constant action is key.

It reminds us that we cannot force progress, growth or creation. Rather, we must first take care of our foundations to provide some solidity, stability, safety and security for our lives, ourselves and creations to thrive and grow.

In the country of Taurus, the focus is on self-esteem. As the Sun shifts in this sign and Mercury begins its retrograde, there is an invitation to take care of yourself in a way that nourishes your sense of self-worth.

Are you making decisions based on the truth of your worth? Is your life a beautiful reflection of your true worth? What would your reality look and feel different if you truly embodied your worth?

Your invitation

Mercury retrograde allows us to see the bigger picture, the missing pieces of the puzzle, the wisdom left behind, the awareness that can only be found through reflection. It gives us the same perspective that is necessary for your journey forward, one that cannot be achieved without this moment in time to stop and review.

Although many astrologers discourage the initiation of new steps and changes during this transit, invite yourself to see the gift that is presented here. As this week begins, this is a great chapter to read. Take the fire and desire born of this eclipse and new beginning and sit with it all. Get it into your body and see. Let the story unfold before you act. See how it makes you feel, not just in your mind, but through all your senses. Take care of the foundation it needs to thrive. And make sure it’s based on your unchanging value for who you are.

The solar eclipse is the beginning of a story that will unfold over the next 18 months. Taurus season and Mercury retrograde are asking you to really think before creating this new cycle, making sure it’s a path you can continue on, a path you truly desire, and a path that comes from your worth and nothing less.

Learn more about how astrology affects your life, including astrological events, moon cycles, your Sun and Moon and rising signs, how journaling can help you connect with current influences, and more with Jordan Marie at Girl and her Moon .

About our contributor

Jordan Marie is the founder of Girl and Her Moon, a platform and community that explores the soul through the lens of astrology, tarot, and energy healing. She is an author, intuitive astrologer, energy and soul guide, and host of Girl and Her Moon, The Podcast. She is inspired daily to be a mirror for you to see all that you truly are, you in all your infinite capacity, in full expansion, in infinite possibility, and in love.