April is upon us and so is Mercury retrograde, which starts on the 1st of April and doesn’t budge until the 24th. That spells trouble… but what else can your star sign expect this month? And how can you best navigate Mercury retrograde’s classic problems with communication, travel and technology? Your horoscope is here to help. 

You’ll find your star sign’s specific forecast ahead, but first let’s run through what’s happening in the world of astrology for the month. First, as mentioned, it’s Mercury retrograde. Then, on the 5th, we’re hit with two major transits: the sun conjoining with the North Node in Aries, which will up our motivation, and Venus entering Aries, which will nudge us to turn our dreams into plans. 

On 8 April we have another double dose of intense transits, probably the most intense of 2024. Not only will we have a total solar eclipse in Aries, but the only aspect it will be making is an exact conjunction to Chiron. Talk about intense, in-your-face healing. Solar eclipses are all about huge new beginnings that can totally turn us upside down. This one in particular will bring us new beginnings by challenging our motivations – are we doing what we want to do and following our passions? Take it easy this week, these are tough questions. The Mercury cazimi in Aries on the 11th will bring some clarity, thankfully.

The sun enters Taurus on 19 April, which will push us to focus on practical stability and security. Change will be all around, so doing what you can to stay steady will be key. Keep that energy for another transit on the 21st: Jupiter conjoining Uranus. After that, things should settle down. 

On the 23rd, the full moon in Scorpio will prompt us to dig into our emotions and then, finally, Mercury will station direct. Phew. On the 29th, Venus enters Taurus, which will make us assess our deep desires – and prompt us to let go of any we’ve outgrown. Finally, Mars enters its home in Aries on 30 April. This is a great moment to hit the ground running, using all the plans you’ve been working away on. Everything you learn this month is going to come in handy. 

Ready to dig in to the specifics for your star sign? Read on for your horoscope for April. 

21 March to 19 April

You have a lot going on in April, Aries, and you have an opportunity to transform and rise like the phoenix. This won’t come easy, but who else can do it other than the warrior of the zodiac? Especially during your solar return – happy birthday, April Aries! Watch out for Mercury Retrograde, which will cause trouble with communication and your day-to-day routine. You’ll feel an urge to kick up a fuss, but it’s important to reframe: issues might not be your fault, but what can you do to make them better? If you lean into this way of thinking, you’ll see success this month. 

On 8 April there will be a solar eclipse in your sign, which signals big changes in your life for the next year. On the day, take it easy. This eclipse will be heavy, energy-wise, so this is a time to reflect, let go and rest. Afterwards, prepare for a season of unexpected shifts and opportunities – don’t let them pass you by. 

20 April to 20 May

Throughout April, you’ll feel a pull to read between the lines and understand the unspoken words. You’re an investigative mood, and that’s fine, but make sure you don’t become too watchful. Sometimes it’s worth trusting your intuition and just going for it, rather than digging into every minor interaction. 

On the 19th, Taurus season begins – happy birthday, Taurus! You might experience some uncomfortable adjustments in the realm of work this month. Although frustrating, this will bring growth. Face the changes head-on and make tweaks where necessary. 

Towards the end of the month, you’ll be looking more deeply into your relationships. Something’s not working and you’re ready to let it go. Turn towards self-love at this time. 

21 May to 20 June

Misunderstandings abound this month and you’ll be dealing with the emotional hangover. Consider how you might have played a part in some of these miscommunications… have you unintentionally said something hurtful? Focus on this and consider the other person’s feelings when you move towards patching things up. 

April will also be a good month to resolve any internal roadblocks for your long-term goals. Is there a reason you aren’t going after your dreams? Are you scared of failure? Or even success? Make it a priority to reflect on your aspirations and what’s been holding you back in the coming weeks. Once you have that clarity, you’ll find moving forward so much easier. 

Be warned that Taurus season might leave you feeling a tad overwhelmed. Know that it’s OK to take some time to yourself to get introspective. And don’t hold on to anything that’s no longer serving you – now is a good time to let go of patterns that have overstayed their welcome. 

21 June to 22 July

The spotlight is on you this month – all eyes are on Cancer. The timing can be a bit annoying as you feel that you’re not on your A-game. It is very important that you dot every i and cross every t, especially in the workplace. Take your time in everything that you do and allow yourself to be a great example. 

The reason you’re being so closely watched? There’s an opportunity for growth. Those eyes are sticking around to make sure you’re the right fit. Situations will be thrown at you and you’ll be judged by how you respond. Stay calm and stay true to yourself. Now’s the time to hone your skills in showing your best self during tough times. 

Towards the end of the month, you’ll feel an itch to step out of your norm and experience new things. What entertained and energised you previously isn’t clicking the way it was before. That might feel uncomfortable at first, but embrace the chance to do things differently. You might discover something wonderful.

23 July to 22 August

Ooh, Leo. This month is going to be a real journey of self-discovery. You’ve relied on your cheerful disposition to keep trucking along, but your energy is running out. Now you want to reflect. Lean into that desire – going deep can be frustrating at first, but so beneficial long-term. 

The powerful solar eclipse will ramp this up, unearthing some wounds that haven’t yet fully healed. You’ve been telling yourself these issues have already been addressed and resolved, but that’s not the case. There’s still some work to be done. Be gentle with yourself. 

At the end of April, you’ll be ready to let go of some baggage. As a result, you’ll enter May with renewed hope and optimism. 

23 August to 22 September

You’ve got a lot on your mind this month, Virgo, and you don’t feel ready to talk about it. With Mercury, your planet, in retrograde, you’d rather keep it hush-hush than make any mistakes. You’ve been feeling the transformative energy around you rerouting you to the direction you’re supposed to be in. You respect it, but it doesn’t make this uncomfortable moment better. However, you are Virgo – there is nothing that revised routines and healthier habits can’t fix. You’re just getting yourself ready for the task.

However, there are times in which we have to dig deeper to get to the root of the problem. This eclipse will show how you tend to hold your cards close to your chest when it comes to your motivations, passions and excitement, as if you were to get too excited then something would go wrong. Come on, Virgo: you know that’s not the right approach. Let yourself believe that good things can happen. 

As the sun enters Taurus, you’ll feel a push to believe in yourself more. Make this a month of empowerment, of honing your routines to feel like your best possible self. It’s a good time to shake things up a little; seeing a new perspective can be uncomfortable but will prove immensely helpful in your journey. 

23 September to 22 October

Brace for irritation, Libra – the people closest to you are getting on your nerves this month. Mercury retrograde means misunderstandings are at an all-time high, and while you’re trying to keep the peace, your patience is running thin. The way through this? Keep an open mind and do your best to clear up any confusion. 

That irritation might start to morph into an itch to break free, but try not to make any rash decisions. Take a moment to think things through and have a conversation with the person at the heart of the issues to see how you can move forward. And have a ponder on what’s going on internally that makes you want to run for the hills. Fear of emotional intimacy, is that you? As the month goes on, you’ll find it easier to open up. 

23 October to 21 November

Usually your vibe is all about being cool, calm and collected. That’s not the case this month. You’re flustered, accident-prone and aggravated. The best way to deal with this is to slow down. What can you do to restore your inner balance? How can you adjust your routine to better handle the ups and downs? Make tranquillity your focus word for April.

Towards mid-month, there will be a focus on the important relationships in your life. Whether romantic or platonic, you will notice that there may be a disconnect between you and the people you care about. Your mind is on some issues at home, with your family or some personal emotional frustration. Scorpio, you can’t avoid dealing with this situation. If you’re having a hard time working through this, ask for some help. 

22 November to 21 December

You’re in the mood to explore and have fun this month. Go for it! Try new things, follow your interests and do what brings you joy. But try to be considerate of other people in your life at the same time; don’t bulldoze, no matter how tempting that might be. Compromise and collaboration are key. Remember, Sagittarius: it doesn’t always have to be your way or bust. 

The full moon towards the end of the month will bring situations that have been under your nose to your attention. Don’t be alarmed: tune back into the routines and rituals that keep you steady and remember the end goal. It’ll all be worth it when you get what you’ve been hoping for. 

22 December to 19 January

Your home life is chaotic right now. Breaking glassware, plumbing issues, annoying housemates… you name it, you’re experiencing it. A lot of this is coming from clumsiness and bad communication, but it feels like a rain cloud is perpetually over your home space. You probably feel this way because you know it’s more than just bad communication and absent-mindedness causing this chaos. There’s an emotional blockage. We know getting vulnerable isn’t your thing, Capricorn, but sometimes it’s necessary. 

The solar eclipse will push you on that need to dig deeper emotionally. Ever heard of the quote “as above, so below”? Often when the exterior world feels hectic, it’s a reflection of inner turmoil. We get so distracted emotionally that we cause mayhem in our lives by being snappy, clumsy, forgetful. What’s really eating you up inside? Get to the root of your feelings and you’ll notice all the other stuff starts to smooth out – plus, you’ll be better equipped to deal with all the ups and downs. 

As Taurus season arrives, you’ll be ready to let your hair down. Go for it, Capricorn. Fun is important, especially when you’re holding on to stress. A touch of spontaneity at the end of the month can bring some luck and opportunity your way. 

20 January to 18 February

Be warned, Aquarius: miscommunication is going to be a big theme for you this month. Your words and actions are being misinterpreted; your power is being read as intimidating; people are taking offence where none was intended. Work as hard as you can on communicating clearly, but try to give other people the opportunity to do the same. You’ll need to listen this month. As in, actually listen. Drop the defensiveness and hear what others are trying to tell you. 

This mess will encourage you to ask where that tendency to put a wall up comes from. You’ll ask how you can start to take the wall down, brick by brick. Be patient with yourself and lean into this energy of self-realisation. 

As you heal your inner self, you’ll want to heal your home life and closest relationships, too. There’s been a disconnect there, right? Taurus season is a great time to work on that. This won’t be an easy process, but it’s well worth it.  

19 February to 20 March

Pisces, you’re usually so great at going with the flow. So why are you so rigidly holding on to certain ideas and beliefs that you’ve now outgrown? Doing this could be holding you back from exciting opportunities. It’s time for you to accept that people grow and change – including you. 

Do you doubt that you’re ready for big things? Do you worry you’re not worthy? April will be a moment for you to realise you are equipped for it all. Once that realisation hits, security can settle in. Let yourself believe in your ability and good things will happen. The 11th is looking like an especially great day for big ideas – keep a notepad handy to write any down. 

Once you’ve done that deep emotional work, it’s time to live it. Think about ways to integrate this new mindset into everyday life. Communicate with others about your ideas and do it comfortably. Connecting with like-minded people will make this process super enjoyable. 

Images: Getty