No matter what you become involved with during the first three weeks of April, the real topic underlying everything else will be money. Your eighth house will be a huge focal point, ruling "other people's money." That's a big umbrella covering the money that comes in, usually in sporadic chunks to you, outside of your regular salary.

This eighth house money also rules money that you send out, in terms of obligations you have to pay others, but usually relates to the big commitment that you had agreed to some time ago. It may represent payments for a mortgage, college tuition, or a business loan, as some examples.

The new moon, April 5, brings these types of financial matters into focus. Here are more areas that this house rules: venture capital, sponsorships, and bank loans. You may have to deal with a matter concerning a credit card, an inheritance, prize, bonus, or severance package. Alimony and child support fall under this house as do grants, scholarships, or financial aid. It may be that you are thinking about a pension, Social Security money, or an insurance company payout.

Finally, it is tax time, so you may negotiate with the government on a payment plan if you can't pay in full, or you may be anticipating a tax refund.

All these types of topics will dominate your thinking, and being that the April 5 lunation will be a new moon, you will get a chance to reorganize and restructure financial agreements in a way that makes you feel better.

Options will arise at the new moon, April 5, so you'd be wise to make applications and arrange meetings in the days that follow. All new moons are operative for two weeks, but the new moon's energy is always strongest in the first part.

The problem is, this month Mars will challenge this new moon from your eleventh house of hopes and wishes. You may feel blocked or stymied in some way, but if so, keep plugging. As a temporary measure, you may have to trim down the scale of the budget for a venture you wanted to launch, or delay a purchase of something you wanted to buy, because of a shortfall of funds.

Don't be blue. You may get a chance later to buy the item you want. This month's aspects simply indicate a need to be resourceful and determination to overcome a few roadblocks that might come up, that is all. A hard aspect simply reflects the condition - not the outcome, for that will be up to you. And yes, you can prevail!

As you get to the full moon, April 20, you will enter the part of the year that comes under Taurus, a highly compatible fellow earth sign. At this time you'll begin to feel better, for aspects are coming round to support you in a much bigger way.

This full moon will fall in compatible Scorpio, in your third house of short travel. On the full moon April 20, treat yourself to a little relaxation. You may go out of town to see a friend or a member of your family, such as your sister or brother.

This same part of your chart rules formal agreements and contracts, so this full moon may relate to a financial deal you had crafted earlier. If so, at the full moon April 20 you'll be able to settle the matter. This full moon will send a terrific beam to both Saturn and Pluto, so let's see how this may work out for your benefit.

Saturn is now in Virgo, in your first house of personality, suggesting the power of your determination will be strong. Saturn solidifies everything it touches and helps you make ideas tangible and lasting. If you have worked on a creative project or on a project for children (your own children, or for the children's industry as a whole), you will find Pluto's support to be quite helpful, too. As you see, although the month starts off difficult and possibly tense, you seem to maneuver events to your satisfaction by the full moon.

If you were born on or within five days of August 24, you will enjoy the effects of this full moon, April 20, even more.

If you were born on September 13 or close to this date, you've been handling Uranus opposed to the Sun, a very difficult aspect that comes once in a lifetime. Uranus takes 84 years to revolve around the Sun, so this is a rare aspect that brings on completely new events that you have not had any experience with prior to this. Some sort of separation appears to have just happened or is in the making, and chances are, you know what it is. You may be leaving your marriage, a long-term relationship, or a job. Or, you may leave a way of life if you move across country. On a positive side, you may reverse a difficult health condition ("leaving it behind," so to speak) or marrying for the first time (leaving behind single life.) You would not feel all these areas - just one - and there may be some I have not listed here.

Uranus often brings a sudden trigger point that makes you feel shocked or suddenly enlightened. This awakening would be considered fortunate, for you will instantly know what you have to do once it occurs.

Other Virgos who were born earlier in the sign, in August or in early in the month, prior to September 12, already dealt with this aspect. Those born later in the sign will feel this aspect later, between 2009 and 2011. (The later in September you were born, the farther away the aspect is for you.)

Uranus will make you very independent and ready to state your decision, even if you feel a bit nervous about doing so. Uranus' visit to this part of your chart may leave a scar - physically, mentally, financially, or emotionally - but it's a scar that you will wear like a star on your label. Your experience from this episode will make you wiser and stronger, and more importantly, it will set you on a far firmer, more productive course.

Uranus will turn retrograde on June 26 and go direct on November 27, so if you were born on or near September 12-13, this planet will hover over the precise degree of your Sun for several months as it moves back and forth. When a planet retrogrades over a degree three times, as it will for those born on or near September 12-13 and for the surrounding birthdays, it is said to create a complete life transformation. This is actually quite exciting.

As the Great Innovator, Uranus will strip away anything that it deems "not useful" to you and help you rebuild in a new future for yourself. It will be a future that will be more relevant to your personality and goals. Uranus requires a great deal of adjustment, but you are a flexible soul and being adaptable is one of your strongest fortes.

Virgo has not had it easy because simultaneously with Uranus' opposition to your Sun, you are also dealing with Saturn on your Sun. If you were born in August, specifically within five days of August 26, you are coping with the heavy responsibilities of Saturn. (Fortunately you are done with Uranus!)

Chances are, you chose the obligations, goals, and commitments that Saturn coaxed you to take on because everything you are doing is new - it is taking a lot of thinking, so at times you may feel exhausted by all life is asking of you. It is a bit like being top chef in a kitchen with many pots boiling on the stove at the same time. You've got to watch all the pots, without becoming distracted, so that none of the food burns - not easy!

On top of all this, you just went through two years of eclipses in Pisces and Virgo (March 2006 to February 2008), which were also difficult placements that also required stiff adjustments. Those eclipses are finished and this series won't be back for nine years. Whew!

The job of an eclipse is to shed new light on a situation. Often after an eclipse has occurred, it seems as though someone switched on the floodlights, and it may all seem quite blinding at first. It's hard to ignore the truth and irrefutable evidence that eclipses bring to light, and often this truth causes a severing of ties.

The eclipses, Saturn and Uranus - all very rare planetary tests, all coming at once - have been a lot for you. So, you might ask, why all this stress? Why does the universe do this to us? Does it serve a purpose? Why does the universe pile on so much?

I have thought about this question a great deal. It seems to me, the people who try the hardest to create things of value in this world and who try to be most helpful to others are invariably the ones that feel these cosmic tests the most. These same people also feel the greatest rewards - the spectrum is simply enlarged. You have had some terribly down days, but have (or soon will) experience some great highs as well. It's all a matter of proportion. People who live within very tight perimeters don't risk anything, don't learn anything, and don't earn many rewards. It all comes together in the same package. Life can be messy, but things really do go toward the good, and we must have faith in that.

These aspects, although difficult, are meant to be your friend, for they reveal others' true motives and help you keep the circle of people around you strong. These testing aspects will show you the identities of those who may have not have been as truthful to you as you may have hoped. Perhaps one person had a hidden agenda. If so, you don't need those types of people around you.

If you now know that the people around you are strong and good, but that you, yourself, made a bad or self-destructive decision (outside of anyone's prompting), then you will see the need to correct it. We all make mistakes. The eclipses, Saturn and Uranus, will show you where you need to back out of the cul-de-sac, turn around, and travel forward down a more productive, happier road.

If you feel you've not had any stress at all, it may be because Saturn, Uranus, and the eclipses have not had anyone or anything to correct. Your relationships have been strong.

If you suffered a challenging health problem under these recent aspects (possible), view these aspects as this: The universe is trying to get you to seek the help you need. There is nothing fated here - you can get well. The fact that you don't feel well shows the stress you've been under, but the outcome can be very, very positive as long as you take proactive steps.

The universe has not forgotten you, dear Virgo. In fact, just the opposite - you are one of the universe's favorites. These tough aspects are partly there to test the decisions you've made in the past and to push you into new and better situations for the future. The universe wants you to use your time well, and to be happy. You will see the truth of this in time.

Things will improve. Saturn will remain in Virgo until October 2009, but August-born birthdays will only feel Saturn's direct pressure until mid-August 2008. Astrology is about mathematical cycles and only when the planet hovers within a certain number of degrees from your Sun or other planets do you feel the planet's direct "heat." No one feels the full effects of Saturn or Uranus in the same way the whole time the planet tours the sign (or opposes it, as the case may be). In the case of Saturn during its two-year orbit in Virgo, each Virgo may feel the effects on the Sun on and off for about nine or ten months, not the entire two years. (Saturn first entered Virgo in early September 2007.)

Here is a very key point to take away. Saturn in one's own sign always shows that one major condition in your life has irrevocably changed, but that it probably got that way gradually and perhaps almost imperceptivity. As they say, things are either getting better or worse all the time.

Then, suddenly, something will happen and we come up to speed very rapidly. It becomes apparent something must be done. So on the surface, the event may seem to arrive suddenly, but in fact, conditions were leading in that direction for a long time. Alternatively, something in a person's character could have predicted this proclivity, but we didn't notice it, or feel any need to look, prior to the episode that changes everything.

During Saturn transit (like you have now) the first response is usually to try to apply old formulas to the new situation, but much to our surprise, we soon find that the tried-and-true fixes won't work anymore. The secret about Saturn is that Saturn always demands a completely new approach. Saturn in Virgo is telling you that it's time to experiment with new solutions!

It's been my experience that even a slightly wrong solution will almost instantly stop Saturn's pain, for Saturn will immediately reward you for your new ideas. It's Saturn's way of encouraging you to keep it up - keep thinking outside the box! Once you set in place a new course, even if the solution is not yet perfect, the path will lead you to the right one. Saturn wants to break you of old patterns, and he can be very stubborn in his insistence to do so!

Is all this pressure and effort you are going through worth it? Yes, it is. You are giving birth to a whole new way of life, one that is meant for you, and one that you will enjoy more than the old one you are leaving.

Saturn is now toughening you up so that you'll be ready for anything life throws your way. As you walk across the creaky old bridge to your new life, don't look to your right or left and by all means, as you go across, don't look down. Just keep looking forward, putting one foot in front of the other. This is a process that requires concentration.

Under these very isolating and testing aspects, at times you will feel a little lonely, as if you are swimming in the middle of the ocean in high seas in a perfect storm. That's the way Saturn and Uranus tend to work - to isolate so that you will choose the remedy that feels right for you. Saturn and Uranus want to teach you to rely on yourself and not to ask others to make the decisions or other actions for you. You need to be present in all actions and to take the final responsibility for all decisions.

The feeling of isolation that you may experience is only an illusion - you will see evidence of this during April's last week, for instance. (More about that later.) Your friends, loved ones, and colleagues really do care about you and want to help you!

It is imperative that you keep your health strong. You need an abundance of sleep, exercise, fresh air, and good nutrition these days. Skimp on any one of these and you will feel frayed around the edges. Under ordinary circumstances you can get by with too little sleep or a few skipped meals and keep on functioning. That won't be true now. Under stressful aspects like these, you can't quite fool Mother Nature. Be kind to yourself. Fortunately as a Virgo you are excellent at taking care of yourself, now more than ever. If you are to stay in the ring and keep boxing, you need to be in top condition.

The position of Jupiter, planet of generous gifts and good fortune, always provides a clue to the route out of the briar patch. Jupiter is your golden shield, your protector.

You currently have Jupiter in your solar fifth house of new love, children, and creativity. In these areas you will be fiercely protected. If you have broken up with a sweetheart, it will be good to know that your children will likely bounce back. Perhaps Jupiter's position in your fifth house points to the careful care you have always shown them.

If you are single and have left your partner recently, you can now find someone new. If you are in a business venture, you may be forming a potentially very lucrative and successful business catering to children. Jupiter's position in your solar fifth house indicates your creative work is strong and will protect you. Use these clues to make your own associations, for Jupiter's position points to where the golden nuggets lie.

Let's now get back to April, for this month there will be reasons to remain optimistic, especially as you get to month's end.

Friends and your committed sweetheart, spouse, or business partner will be VERY helpful on April 22, a lovely day for everyone, of every sign. Considering all the tense wheeling and dealing you'll be doing in the first half of the month, you'll appreciate the support you'll feel from others. This day will be more than a sweet day - Mars will be in perfect angle to Uranus, bringing some sort of surprise shot of near-miraculous news!

And wait - there are more days to look forward to in April!

Your very best part of April comes at month's end, near April 26-27 and extending to April 29, when love, creativity, and help from a caring business or personal partner will set your spirits soaring. The aspects that come now will show you that you are NOT alone and that people near you are willing to go out of their way to help. Mercury, as your ruler, speaks to you in a very direct way.

Mercury will be unusually active this month. While Mercury will be in a bad mood in the first half of the month, adding pressure to you on April 3 and 10, you seem to be able to get beyond any impasse you encounter, because that period mentioned, April 26-29, will be superb.

Mercury will first contact Uranus and then Jupiter on your behalf on April 27 and 28, and since the conversations will be so friendly, you'll see an opening or opportunity to set things right. On or near April 27 and 28, you may get a fantastic breakthrough in regard to a legal matter, and it may be just the stroke of luck you need. Your career will be on fire, bring all sorts of excellent news, too.

You may get a great offer to travel unexpectedly too near April 26-29, and if you go, luxurious surroundings await you. There would be something different about this trip - outstandingly successful, happy, and profitable - and it's all so very special. On April 29, Mars will support Mercury, and fun will again be on the agenda.

In love, as said, Jupiter's position suggests that you will have chances to meet lots of new romantic partners. Your very best day to socialize will be April 26-29, when it would be hard to mess up! These are due to be truly outstanding four-star days.

Married? You won't miss out. Take a trip to the mountains with your lifelong love, to a place with a grand, sweeping panoramic view. Leave all the mundane details of life behind. Choose the weekend of April 19-20 or 26-27. Indeed, on April 27, if you have a partner, you're likely to love the surprises this person has for you.

On your runner up day, April 22, love, fun, and friendship will mix perfectly. It's a grand day for a club event, charity ball, party that you throw, or just about any event you can think of. Add a "come as you are" party to the list as well.

The month ends on a happy note. Venus will enter fellow earth sign Taurus on April 30 to stay until May 24, giving you a peek at just how sensational next month will be for you! Dear Virgo, this month (from the second half on) will be good, but May will be downright GREAT!

Most romantic evenings: April 7, 11-12, 15-16, 19-20 (four stars), and 25-30.

Summary

It's April and while your friends may become Johnnie-come-lately when it comes to filing their annual taxes, not you. As a Virgo you probably have everything in apple pie order all year, and come the new moon April 5 in your sector of "other people's money," you hand over all your notes and receipts to your accountant, feeling relieved that this is over and done. Everyone should be like you - organized!

This new moon will put a spotlight all your financial needs, obligations, and desires, so if you need a bank loan, mortgage, scholarship advance, venture capital, sponsorship, or other infusion of cash, this would be the time to fill out applications. Be aware however, that the bank will set up a high bar, and you'll have to deal with quite a bit of paperwork and scrutiny in the process. This will be particularly true in early April. You can get your wish, but whether you do or don't will depend on your past financial history and how buttoned up your paperwork will be this month. Be ready to answer tough questions and you'll win, but this means no blinking!

The full moon, April 20, will give you a nice balance to what otherwise could turn out to be an all-too-financial month. Travel to a nearby city over this stunning weekend, when the air will be infused with the faint and bewitching scent of lilies, roses, lilac, hyacinth, and other spring flowers. Love is in the air too, and by traveling near or far, you'll be able to strike all the right notes for a fateful first meeting. With Jupiter shimmering in your true love sector all year, you're in good hands. Have faith that this is your year to find the love you deserve.

Finally, this month, Mercury, the planet that rules Virgo, will be in remarkably friendly shape on April 27, 28, and 29. In these extraordinary three days, your career could bring reason for true celebration. Save these dates for your most important meetings, or give the party of the year during this glamorous, lucky week.