STATIONARY PLUTO: Passionate Pluto is at peak energy now, being virtually at a standstill as it prepares to go retrograde in Aquarius this Thursday, May 2.

Though small in physical terms, the dwarf planet can wield a mighty sword at times, cutting through old paradigms and initiating a process of cleansing and transformation.

Throughout this week, while Pluto's influence is heightened, we are likely to experience certain feelings and urges more viscerally than usual. In particular, we could react strongly if we feel that someone or something is trying to control or manipulate us. Our emotional response can also be extreme if our Aquarian need to be true to self or our rights to freedom of expression are limited in any way.

Although all of us are working with and feeling Pluto's provocative, "thistle-like" influence now, this time is likely be especially impactful for those who have natal planets or points in early degrees of one of the fixed signs (0 to 4 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius). And, if your birthday is during one of these four-day periods – April 19-22, July 23-26, October 23-26, or January 20-23 – you are experiencing deep changes in your basic self-identity throughout this year, with profound insights or shifts occurring around now.

VENUS IN TAURUS: Venus and Mars are in the spotlight this week, as each planet changes signs and then quickly forms an aspect with stationary Pluto. Venus will bear the heavier weight of Pluto's impact as she enters Taurus on Monday and then is exactly square Pluto (and semisquare Saturn) on Tuesday.

The Goddess of Love and Beauty will transit the sign of The Bull from April 29 to May 23 this year, promoting loyalty in personal relationships, encouraging a more conservative approach to financial matters, and helping us appreciate the simpler things in life. However, Venus in Taurus can also be protective or controlling, may feel threatened by spontaneity or a loved one's need for freedom, or could be overly attached to a person, a possession, or an appearance.

Venus barely has time to settle into Taurus before facing the square to Pluto, an aspect that may trigger the planet's more stubborn, distrustful, or jealous qualities. Dramatic displays are possible as some struggle with uncertainty or fears of loss or grasp too tightly to that which can never truly be possessed.

MARS IN ARIES: The God of Action and Desire enters its home domicile, the sign of Aries, on Tuesday. While in the sign of The Ram, from April 30 to June 9, Mars inspires us to take risks, to try something new, and to be direct and confident as we pursue our desires.

In the shadow of Mars in Aries, we find qualities such as impatience, arrogance, selfishness, and impulsiveness. Aries likes to take the initiative, but it is not as keen on doing the unexciting work of stabilizing and nurturing a project once it is started. But, with assist from the Mars-Pluto sextile on Friday this week, we can all tap into a greater determination and focus that will enable us to make significant strides forward, especially in an area of life that we feel is our higher calling.

THIS WEEK'S ASPECTS: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects: 

Monday

Venus enters Taurus: While Venus travels through the second sign of the zodiac, we tend to appreciate more of the simple pleasures of life. We are drawn to beauty in nature and in the arts, and to people and circumstances that feel comfortable and familiar.

Tuesday

Mars enters Aries: Mars renews its batteries as it transits the first sign of the zodiac, energizing and inspiring us to be more courageous in pursuing our desires.

Venus semisquare Saturn, Venus square Pluto: Relationships and financial matters are in the spotlight today. We are challenged to rise above instinctive reactions, and to see a situation objectively.

Wednesday

No major aspects are exact today.

Thursday

Pluto stations retrograde: Pluto will be retrograde from May 2 to October 11 this year. On September 1, the dwarf planet will regress into Capricorn for one last pass of the tenth sign. Once direct, it will then recross the threshold into Aquarius on November 19, where it will journey for the next 20 years.

Friday

Mars sextile Pluto: This aspect helps us eliminate what is no longer working in our lives. We may feel a sense of urgency, and have the courage and energy needed to make important changes.

Sun semisquare Neptune: There is a certain lack of clarity today or we might overidealize a situation, so be sure to be as realistic and objective as possible when making any decisions.

Saturday & Sunday

No major aspects are exact on these two days.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: Overall, you are supported this year in doing the practical work needed for accomplishing your goals, especially in the areas of career or life purpose. However, there may be times when idealism clouds your ability to see what is realistic, versus what you wish could happen. If at times you lose your focus, take a break from the "real" world for a while. Go within and recenter yourself or take a walk-in nature and give yourself permission to forget about your project for a day or longer. If you wait until you regain your sense of groundedness and clarity before taking action or making a decision, you are much more likely to successfully achieve your longer-term objectives. (Solar Return Sun sextile Saturn, semisquare Neptune)

In peace, love, and gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• Monday: Venus enters Taurus
• Tuesday: Mars enters Aries, Venus semisquare Saturn, Venus square Pluto
• Wednesday: No major aspects are exact today
• Thursday: Pluto stations retrograde
• Friday: Mars sextile Pluto, Sun semisquare Neptune
• Saturday: No major aspects are exact today
• Sunday: No major aspects are exact today

"DANCES WITH FIREFLIES": I invite you to join us for my webinar covering May-August 2024, airing live on May 1. Please see the description below, or click here to register: https://pam-may-august2024.eventbrite.com

FIREFLIES symbolize hope, illumination, and enlightenment. They remind us that we each have a self-generating light within us, capable of shining brightly in the darkness. Like miniature stars dancing within arm’s reach, a group of fireflies — called a “sparkle” — evokes a sense of wonder and magic. They stir within us the desire to understand the mysteries of the universe. 
Although the planets will support our dance of light over the next four months, they will also test our ability to fly. During this “Dances with Fireflies” webinar, astrologer Pam Younghans will explain the main planetary influences we’ll be working with from May-August 2024 and share how they may affect us, individually and collectively. 
Here are just a few of the highlights Pam will talk about:
IN MAY: Transformations as Pluto comes to a standstill. A visionary and inspirational Jupiter-Neptune sextile. Jupiter’s ingress into Gemini increases the flow of information and the need to know. 
IN JUNE: An empowering Jupiter-Pluto trine. The search for truth and a deepening desire to fulfill our soul’s mission. A reality check with Saturn at its station.
IN JULY: Strong idealism and an awakening of global compassion as Neptune stations retrograde. Sudden and surprising events, a turning point as Mars conjoins Uranus.
IN AUGUST: Expansion versus contraction as Mars conjoins Jupiter and squares Saturn. A dramatic and fiery Full Moon square Uranus. The first Jupiter-Saturn square tests commitments made at the Great Conjunction in December 2020. The beginning of a long-term reality check of our beliefs and ideologies (completing in June 2025).
PLEASE JOIN US! This webinar is for everyone, whether you are a newcomer to astrology or have spent years in study. Before the class, you will receive aspect calendars for May-August so that you can use them for notetaking. And if you’re not able to attend live, no worries! Everyone who registers will receive links to the replay and all support materials within 24 hours after the class airs.
QUESTIONS? The webinar will run about 90 minutes. If you have any questions about registration or payment options, please contact moderator Elsie Kerns at or call 856.988.7426 (Eastern Time Zone). 

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes the NorthPoint Astrology Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to bring astrology "down to earth" in a way that will help readers navigate current energies, while also utilizing these energies for spiritual and personal growth.
Feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with others who may enjoy it! Please forward it in its entirety, including all contact and copyright information.
To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

NorthPoint Journal copyright 2024 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved.

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