2024: Second Quarter

Perhaps the most significant celestial event during this period is an eclipse of the Sun, which occurs on 8 April and is visible over most of North America. The path of totality passes across northern Mexico, through the centre of the US, emerging into south-eastern Canada and out into the Atlantic. This is one of the most important eclipses we’ve had for some time and comes, appropriately, during a period of great unsettlement and, indeed, what seems to be chaos in so many contexts. We must not expect things to run smoothly for the next few months, but eclipses do trigger changes, so their effects can be welcome as well as challenging. This one happens to aspect significant points in several of the most important national horoscopes too.

Later in April, Jupiter conjoins Uranus, which is likely to magnify the effects of the eclipse but is also helpful for breaking through problems and releasing tension. We should expect the unexpected, but this is not a forecast of gloom and doom by any means; forecasting, anyway, is a well-nigh impossible – and not always comfortable – process, as any meteorologist will know! In human life, that impossibility is due to the fact that humanity has freewill; it is how that freewill is used that creates the future. This period is a particularly useful time in giving us greater opportunity, individually and collectively, to work towards a better future. This will mean different things to different people, of course, but Jupiter always helps to bring a more optimistic outlook to almost any situation.

Mars and Saturn also form a conjunction, around the time of the eclipse; this is a tougher and more challenging combination, with a tendency to signify  frustrating conditions and, often, indecision; the aspect itself does not last long, but its effects may linger for a while. Acceptance of what we are unable to change will help us not to be dragged down by it.

Simon Bentley, Head of Astrology