The sun stays in Taurus until the 21st, so still plenty of time to complete projects and get practical plans moving. Think about your practical world. Do you need to look at your diet, your physical addictions, or a new fitness regime? Do you want to change your image or spring clean your home, move house, or change your car? If you want to develop your career plans, whatever they may be, think about changing how you earn or attract money. Taurus is there to support you.

Use, don’t abuse, the full moon in Scorpio on the 6th, known as the Buddha Moon, which is deeply spiritual and powerful. It may be a dramatic moment, but go with its flow and the outcome will bring you peace. Think about what you need to let go of or dramatically change. You are being urged to break free of something. It could be that you suddenly get to the bottom of something—you are given the missing link.

The new moon eclipse in Gemini on the 20th is a whole other ball game—light, fast, and takes no prisoners. It’s important that you work through the full moon to get the real benefit of the new moon. Life will then go up a notch as the pace quickens.

Venus, going retrograde on the 15th, asks us to reflect on what really brings happiness, love, beauty, and peace into our lives. It urges us to make shifts in order to enhance its presence. Maybe some deep conversations need to be had with loved ones but they don’t have to be heavy. Venus wants life to be gracious and loving. Its position here is only trying to help, even though it may be a little tricky.

All in all, a good month to make progress, but don’t skimp on the detail. Work toward balance and harmony for yourself and the world around you. If we all do this, imagine what we can create…

 STAR OF THE MONTH—GEMINI

We move into your sign on the 21st and until then, it being the end of your year, symbolically, you need to slow down. Before our birthday (our rebirth) we may be out of gas, emotionally as well as physically. You should feel a surge of hope, energy and optimism as we move into Gemini, but take it easy in the first part of May. This is not easy for a sign ruled by “The Winged Messenger.”

Use Taurus’s practical, solid energy early on to ground yourself, clear the decks, and clear the lists ready to enter your new year ready for action. You are so full of ideas, your plan for the year ahead is to get them heard and get them happening.

This could be a great year for love and don’t ignore Venus retrograde from the 15th until the 27th of June. It’s just asking you to reflect and not be afraid to adjust or make changes in your personal life. Intuitively, follow your heart and you will arrive where you want to be.

Your career and finances don’t seem to be too affected by the global recession. You have both luck and your sharp brain and wit with you. Bonuses, opportunities, and positive career moves could all come your way. Just watch out for, as we say here, “dodgy” deals and proposals. Use your intuition to avoid “get rich quick” schemes. Integrity is your middle name and using it will bring all the success you deserve.

Travel and embracing a more international set of friends is also in the cards. No matter your age and lifestyle, be open to change and sudden opportunities. They will keep you young and happy. You need to be compassionate to those who are struggling through the year. Showing compassion is the final piece of the jigsaw and will make you feel complete in the year ahead.

The month opens with the Sun in Aries bringing hope to the most difficult situations. Keep the flame alight with faith and focus. When we move into Taurus on the 20th support could be coming from the most unlikely source to help you sustain your own efforts and bring stability to your circumstances.

Some plans will evaporate whilst others will take hold. Put energy into the flow of what’s working. Don’t put energy into a dying flame.

Mercury goes direct on the 4th, which also eases the pressure. Ideas that seem to have faded may resurrect themselves with no help from you. In order for them to work, you must listen to your intuition and act. Interfere and you will miss the opportunity that is trying to present itself to you. Help may come from another person—a chance meeting, a chance comment…be vigilant and open minded.

Be sensitive to other people’s needs and listen carefully to what is actually behind their conversations. Don’t take anything at face value. Be compassionate and look for creative solutions. Certainly don’t provoke arguments that you will later regret. At the same time, don’t repress strong feelings. Release them healthily. Stay balanced. It will all become clear by the end of the month.

STAR OF THE MONTH—TAURUS

The Sun moves into your sign on the 20th and you are reborn. All the false starts can be forgotten. History can be observed more objectively now that you have some distance on it. Through the difficulties you have grown and learnt a lot about yourself and life itself. Your tenacity as a bull will keep you grounded. If you have any doubts about this, the new moon in Taurus on the 21st will point you in the right direction and even inspire you if you stay sharp and open. Your brilliant negotiating skills could be put to good use where others have failed. Own the stage.

Planetary shifts early in the month can work to your advantage if you turn resistance into resilience and rigid patterns into flexible action. You can be charming and witty, often spotted by your warm, cultured voice. Use this to your advantage as abundant Jupiter travels through your sign.

Continue to work on individual projects until the 14th, when others may be willing and able to bring them under the spotlight and thus you, too. Be ready for your leading role. Own it.

Continue with a health regime that integrates mind, body, heart, and soul. Make your outward journey, using your inner, revised map of life and you will reach your destination wiser, happier, and filled with inner peace.

We are still in dreamy Pisces until 20th when we enter Aries. Until then, continue to work on your dreams and aspirations. Don’t hide from big opportunities because of fear of failure. You’ll only regret it later. Don’t ignore the small, everyday signs that are trying to help you move forward in the right direction. An exacting emotional moment is on the 8th when we have the full moon in Virgo. Tempers may flare and people may be over-demanding. Step back and wait for the storm to pass. Caution is the word as Mercury goes retrograde on 12th. Try and get to the bottom of what the problem really is. It’s a great month to encourage all of you who are studying.

The new moon in Aries on the 22nd may bring romance into your life or rekindle an old flame. You have to make sensible choices during this emotional period and if you listen to your body, you will do so.

Travel can be a true adventure as can be visitors from abroad who may widen the horizon of your life. Be open and spontaneous—be instinctive yet intuitive and you will gain a lot from the month’s planetary activity.

STAR OF THE MONTH—ARIES

Although you are generally positive and upbeat you can also be impulsive rather than instinctive. As Mercury goes retrograde in your sign on the 12th, be careful of what comes out of your mouth. Prepare for this retrograde action before this date. Look forward to the Sun entering your sign on the 20th, followed by the new moon on the 22nd. You will be full of love, bonhomie and enthusiasm for life.

Saturn has been making its presence felt in your area of relationships for a while but you have learned your lessons well and you should grow happier and more content as the year progresses. Reap the financial rewards in the first six months of 2012 as finances are challenged later on. Networking will bring you positive opportunities and possible career changes. Travel and visitors from abroad will bring joy and excitement. Seize all chances to travel—Maybe you should be brushing up on your languages. Don’t leave it to the last minute to learn a language. You are a fast learner. This could be a busy month so don’t let lack of preparation overwhelm you. There may be cause to change your mind more than once so your physical and emotional foundation needs to be stable. In spite of all this, it is an auspicious time for you.