Mercury is retrograde until April 15 between 12°33' and 4°47' Aries. Its shadow period will remain until May 4. The degree it turns direct on is represented in the Sabian symbols by "a triangle with wings." The first two weeks of April will prove particularly challenging. Mechanical problems could abound, and we should be extra careful when driving. Repressed anger, impulsiveness, and aggressive behaviors are likely to flare suddenly in intense ways. The best way to use this period is to return to a physical exercise regimen we have abandoned and to rekindle our enthusiasm for a project we initiated long ago.

Jupiter remains retrograde until July 11, and its shadow period continues until October 7. The degrees traveled this month (22°25'_19°29' Scorpio) are represented in the Sabian symbols by "a rabbit metamorphoses into a nature spirit," "hunters shooting wild ducks," "obeying his conscience, a soldier resists orders," and "a woman draws away two dark curtains closing the entrance to a sacred pathway." Much toxicity — both moral and physical — could surface during this time. It is necessary this month to purify our bodies, be financially transparent, and reevaluate our actions based on our true values. Moral and spiritual integrity are the ultimate requirements for ascension.

Saturn turns retrograde on April 17 until September 6. Its shadow period will last until December 13, 2018. The degree traveled this month (9°08' Capricorn) is represented in the Sabian symbols by "an albatross feeding from the hand of a sailor." Standing in our mastery with peace, serenity, and authority enables us to do the seemingly impossible: inspire the trust of benevolent beings who normally would not approach humans and communicate with other realms of consciousness. This is a time to accept what we know and remember who we really are in our beauty, intelligence, strength, and power.