Your horoscope for the week ahead: A new moon in Taurus brings joy

This week the Moon will complete another full orbit around Earth and line up straight between the Sun and our beautiful planet. In other words, it's a New Moon and the start of another 29.5-day Lunar Month. It will take place on Wednesday in the sign of the Bull, Taurus. So, get your ducks in a row and get ready for a fresh start. It's time for planting seeds and new beginnings. 

Taurus is what's known in Astrology as a fixed sign. It marks the central point of the seasons which at this time is the spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Blossoms are blooming, birds are joyfully singing, and bees have resumed their precious work of feeding on nectar and producing honey. 

Saturn, aka Cronos, the planet of boundaries and restrictions, is meeting up with the Sun in a tough square alignment on Tuesday. The energy of this configuration also involves Pluto, the enforcer and ruler of repression. That sounds rather ominous, but don't let that worry you. Use this energy in a constructive way in your own life by focusing on the meaning and purpose of your life. 

Is there a higher purpose to your existence? Saturn and Pluto are no-nonsense energies that are compelling you to look deep into yourself. They will inspire you to work hard and dig into whatever task or mission you wish to accomplish.

The week concludes with tiny Pluto turning retrograde on Saturday. Pluto was demoted in 2006 from a planet to a dwarf Planet, but in astrological terms it becomes more powerful than ever. Pluto brings renewal and regeneration. This is a case where size doesn't matter.

Be ready for delays, glitches and unexpected twists and turns as Mercury meets up in a square with Pluto on Saturday. Secrets will be revealed. Be cognizant of an air of subterfuge and surreptitious activity. 

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, April 20, 2020.

Aries

There's a lot to be said for getting it right. An important process is taking its sweet time to bring results. You're wondering if you've made a bad decision. It's crucial to not let your spirits dip. That will only make things worse. The New Moon this week will activate a series of strong astrological indicators supporting your cause. And they're set to get even stronger, so stop doubting yourself. Certain people in your world who lack sensitivity are covering up their fragile egos by criticizing you. There's no need to feel intimidated or to compromise your own integrity. Despite all your concerns, you are handling everything like a pro. 

Taurus

If things are not working out the way you want them to, it can only be because a hidden source of guidance is taking care of you. It's likely that you are being steered away from gaining what you think you want so that, instead, you can be given what you really need. So, take it easy. Relax. Breath in lots of that life-sustaining oxygen. Disappointments are blessings in disguise. The truth is that the New Moon this week will amplify powerful astrological factors that are working entirely in your favour. It will soon be irrefutably clear that you are moving closer to a certain happy outcome you have been longing for.

Gemini

There are times in life that make us feel disillusioned and despondent. Help is on the way. We are approaching a New Moon this week that will make you aware of new horizons. You will be ushered through a door that will bring blessings. All your doubts and misgivings will rapidly evaporate as a series of positive developments and change everything for the better. Despite all the annoying delays and frustrating setbacks everything is going to work out fine. The Universe is a lot more benevolently disposed toward granting your wishes that you may imagine. You are in the right place at the right time to do the right thing. 

Cancer

The New Moon this week will reveal an opportunity to take a gigantic step forward. You have been chomping at the bit to make a brave decision for some while. That time is rapidly approaching. You're certainly not lacking in motivation and drive. Neither are you short of opportunity. Any restrictions you feel are not so much backing you into a corner as ushering you toward a most appropriate place. The changes that are happening all around you now are happening for a reason. As you start to see what that reason is, it will become abundantly clear that you are being guided to a happy conclusion.  

Leo

If you feel there must be more options and alternatives to follow up on than the ones you currently see, do a little research. Use your intelligence and imagination. Create a series of interesting possibilities. Some will fall apart with closer inspection, but others will hold up wonderfully well. Every problem, no matter how great, has a resolution. You're on the verge of discovering a clever stratagem. This week's New Moon will bring a development with very promising ramifications. It will make you feel substantially more optimistic. Remain open-minded and willing to entertain new ideas. You can make miracles happen. 

Virgo

You've managed to get some pressure off you, but you don't know how long this will last. Keep your level of commitment high. The greater your passion, resolve and determination, the more quickly you will achieve success. You may wonder if you've maxed yourself out. Just the idea of relaxing seems terrifying. Give your mind a long overdue rest. We all need you to be well. The New Moon will make it clear that the sacrifices and compromises you've made will prove worthwhile. You'll get to grips with an issue that needs intelligent attention. You'll fix everything that is now making you feel insecure. 

Libra

When the going gets tough, it is easy to become disheartened. Don't let anything drag down your spirits, because most of the issues that are troubling you will prove easy to beat in the end. Prepare to undergo an uplifting process with a pleasing outcome. Something is due to give way in a big way. You need to stop doubting yourself. Be the boss. Hold the tiller with a steady hand and steer your ship toward the destination of your heart's desires. The New Moon this week will show you how to put your foot firmly down if you find yourself needing to uphold a standard or protect a principle. Do it gently and diplomatically. 

Scorpio

There doesn't appear to be a shortcut available to get you to where you want to be. You have a lot of energy and enthusiasm for an exciting idea, but you continue to feel blocked. Far be it for you to allow anything to slow you down. Your bravery under difficult conditions will pay off. This week's New Moon will inspire you to cobble together an effective strategy that will expedite your plans. Do your homework. Complete your chores. And pay less attention to thoughts that undermine your hopes for success. Your time is too precious to waste in endless doubts and worries. Believe in yourself and you'll get to where you want to be. 

Sagittarius

It would be nice to think that by concentrating on that which fires up your passion for adventure, you could obviate the need to work full time in the mundane world of paying bills. The world has so much to offer, and you have all it takes to succeed, like intelligence, resilience and determination. So, why the hold up? Work at getting your mind off your complaints even if they do ring true. The New Moon will help you focus your attention on your source of ingenuity. An inspiring notion will pop into your awareness seemingly out of nowhere. The Universe is coming to the rescue with concrete and positive developments.

Capricorn

Many different paths lie before you. Some lead to happiness; some lead to a pot of gold; some lead to love and others, well, they just lead to sinkholes. All these paths need to be carefully scrutinized. You need to judiciously select the ones that will lead you to where you want to be. Invisible forces are guiding you to make the right choice. Think less. Fear nothing! While it's always wise to recognize one's limitations and work within them, it's even wiser to recognize them and overcome them. This week's New Moon will fill your life with new potential. You will find the golden path to success.  

Aquarius

Experience has taught you that life requires us to be tough when faced by tough situations. You've learned that challenges demand impeccability. Concentrate on centring yourself and finding equilibrium, perspective and objectivity. This week's New Moon will encourage you to explore, to experiment and to be open to all opinions even if they seem ridiculous. Think of it as an act of courtesy to those who lack your objective vision. Resist taking disputes or points of conflict too seriously. Establish your most important priority and move toward it without being dogmatic or dictatorial. That way you will garner respect and admiration. 

Pisces

Get four people together and you'll get four differing opinions. Everyone feels a need to assert their own identities by expressing their thoughts. It's a way of celebrating their independence and individuality. This week's New Moon will guide you toward expanding your vocabulary and nurturing your ability to succinctly express yourself. You'll be delightfully surprised with your newfound talent. And there will be more surprises lining up to greet you. Where life has been lacklustre and wearisome, rejuvenation and renewal will become the order of the day.