Communication, travel, and trade challenges escalate in April as Mercury and Mars enter Pisces. While we try to maintain an even keel, we may be at a loss. Though Mercury is weak in Pisces, it exchanges signs with Jupiter in Gemini. This lends itself to a deeper understanding than might be apparent at first glance.

But you must take the rough with the smooth in April, as Mars’s conjunction with Saturn and Neptune, which coincides with Mercury’s conjunction, may leave you unsure how to respond. Things may feel like they’re speeding up and slowing down at the same time.

Mars conjunct Neptune alone makes things unclear. Best keep your interpretation of events wide open. It is a more creative time, although some would use this time to be creative with the truth.

Venus spends much of the month in Aries before moving into Taurus. You must be mindful of potential tensions when it seems harder to get along. Together with Mercury in Pisces, conjunct Mars, Saturn, and Neptune, you may indeed say the very thing that gets you into trouble. Tap into the discernment of Jupiter in Gemini.

Peace negotiations are likely a significant theme, given the ongoing wars that exacerbate problems in global structures. As tensions escalate, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a level head and respond rationally.

Together with Mars, conjunct Neptune and Saturn in Pisces, the most obvious manifestation is the blockage of oil in the Middle East, likely due to increased fighting. This is likely to create disruptions in the economy and energy infrastructure, which is a larger story that must unfold in the coming months.

Though these transits may feel disruptive, they also bring the changes many of us are ready to embrace. By the end of April, Venus enters Taurus, and we become more appreciative of life’s simple pleasures, perhaps because many in the world are without even the basics.

As the planet of love and beauty moves through its home sign, there is much to be grateful for. However, one important caveat: Venus conjoins Uranus in Taurus, once again shaking up resources and relationships, whether personal or global.

April sees all the visible planets gathered on one side of the Lunar Nodes, creating a more pronounced sense of imbalance and a divisive atmosphere. Weather patterns may also be more extreme. The coming months are likely to be more extreme in various unusual and unpredictable ways. When everything is this polarised, events often push us toward one side or the other.

Fortunately, the Sun’s yearly exaltation in Aries from mid-April to mid-May restores a sense of confidence and initiative. It reminds us that we still have the strength to confront whatever challenges the month may bring, of which there are likely to be more than a few.