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Astrology with Alice: April’s Eclipse is Going to Shift Things in a Big Way

Come ride the cosmic wave with JoySauce's new resident astrologer

Words by Alice Smith

Astrology with Alice: Welcome to Astrology with Alice, a monthly astrology column aimed at helping readers understand the vibes of the month ahead in plain English. As a Taiwanese immigrant who grew up in Los Angeles, I specialize in combining western astrology with eastern philosophy. I’ve taught modern astrology through the lens of Buddhism and Taoism, and I also draw from the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Knowing the movements of the planets can help us make decisions around our careers, relationships, family. As the planets move around in the sky, they shift the energetic vibes we experience on Earth, and I believe in flowing with energy instead of fighting it—to work smarter, not harder. So join me on our monthly planetary lowdowns and learn how you, too, can ride the cosmic waves!


The eclipse is coming! The first eclipse of 2023 is happening this month. And while it won’t be visible unless you’re in Central America, it still has the power to affect our lives and year ahead.

If you’ve felt that the new year has been a bit blah so far, you’re not wrong. Astrologically, the new year didn’t really start until the spring equinox last month in March, and these eclipses will really propel some serious energy forward.

Eclipses occur when either the Earth or moon block the sun from each other. When the moon gets between the Earth and sun just right, it casts a shadow on the Earth, and that’s a solar eclipse (think “moon sandwich”). And when the Earth gets in between the sun and moon in perfect alignment, a lunar eclipse occurs (think “Earth sandwich”).

Solar eclipses represent new beginnings, while lunar eclipses are believed to herald endings. Eclipses inform us of the vibe of the upcoming year’s energy.

All kidding aside, eclipses are astrologically significant. Solar eclipses represent new beginnings, while lunar eclipses are believed to herald endings. Eclipses inform us of the vibe of the upcoming year’s energy. Unlike transitory planetary shifts that come and go, eclipse energy leaves an energetic imprint. My own mentor likened the sun to a celestial radio, always broadcasting its energy continuously upon us. And when the moon blocks the sun, it changes the frequency of that station. The energy changes, and so does our energy here on Earth. 

This year, the station is changing because the eclipse axis is shifting. We’ve been listening to the Taurus-Scorpio station since 2022, and now we’re turning the dial to the Aries-Libra eclipse station. We’re getting two solar eclipses in Aries and Libra, and two lunar eclipses in Taurus and Scorpio, so it’s truly a year of transition. We’re ending the old and moving into new evolutionary territory.

When the eclipses were fully in Taurus and Scorpio last year, we were figuring out issues related to our worth, our jobs, and our money. Things associated with Taurus, like real estate, agriculture, and food production, got weird(er). (It also didn’t help that super-disruptive Uranus was also in Taurus, but I digress.) 

We chewed on questions of safety, security, money, and power. We saw Roe v. Wade repealed (reproduction is ruled by Scorpio), the invasion of Ukraine (which also affected food supply, which is ruled by Taurus), and saw inflation rise. Abuses of power were also dealt with, as we saw with Harvey Weinstein and the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial.

In 2023, we’ll start to focus on how we show up and assert ourselves both in our own lives and in our relationships. It’s going to be less about our stuff, our work, our money, our power, and more about our identity and our people.

What do toddlers do? They explore and pioneer. They leap and bound onto the scene without fear, going about life like an avatar you just created in a new video game, clicking on everything you come across in the game’s tutorial without fear of consequences.

The April 19 eclipse is a solar eclipse in Aries. Aries is the sign of the warrior, but I also call Aries the sign of the toddler. (Before you hate—I’m an Aries. We Aries must admit that we have some…tendencies.) And what do toddlers do? They explore and pioneer. They leap and bound onto the scene without fear, going about life like an avatar you just created in a new video game, clicking on everything you come across in the game’s tutorial without fear of consequences.

Solar eclipses mark new beginnings and new opportunities to change course, and this is right up Aries’ alley because it likes to start new things. With this solar eclipse, wherever Aries is in our birth chart will be activated by a burst of pioneering spirit. It’s where you’re going to feel some major yayas to express your will and autonomy. The eclipse will have you asking yourself, “Why not?”

Furthermore, this Aries eclipse is close to Jupiter. And if there’s a planet that represents the concept of extra, it’s Jupiter, so it’ll make this eclipse extra. Instead of asking yourself a simple “Why not?” Jupiter adds a lot of exclamation points and turns the question into, “Why not?!!!!!!!!!!!” 

Furthermore, this Aries eclipse is close to Jupiter. And if there’s a planet that represents the concept of extra, it’s Jupiter, so it’ll make this eclipse extra.

It’s not all fun and games, however. The asteroid Chiron and dwarf planet Pluto are also making contact with this eclipse, so the purpose of this bubbly pop of energy is actually part of a greater healing process. It’s helping us create cathartic release from the hurt we’ve endured by conforming to “the system” and caging our inner child. We’re being called to finally step out of survival mode and do something for ourselves.

What this eclipse is telling us is that it’s not enough to just survive—we must also thrive.

So if you’ve suppressed your pioneering, adventurous spirit for the sake of the status quo—and, let’s be honest, who hasn’t?—this Aries eclipse invites you to experience spring again and feel the metaphorical sun on your face.

Come back next month in May for a more granular overview of the month’s astrology. For now, though, find your sign below to learn what area of your life the eclipses will activate in the year ahead.

(Be sure to read for both your sun sign as well as your rising/ascendant sign. If you don’t know your ascendant, get a free birth chart here to find out!)

Aries: It’s always a glorious thing when a total solar eclipse lands in your home sign, and that’s what’s happening to you this month. This is the time when the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis in its new form, ready to fly and take on the world. Step into the year with confidence and courage. Revamp your wardrobe, change your style, and show the world who you are.

Taurus: Your relationships were tested last year, and those tests were meant to help you confront fears of loneliness. They prepared you for this year’s inner journey. Start thinking about your spiritual hygiene and mental wellness. Meditate, dream journal, begin therapy. This will help you maintain your center as you finally put some lingering relationship drama to bed, once and for all.

Gemini: Oh, Gemini. The beginning of the calendar year was not easy for you. But don’t worry—you’re not stuck anymore, and it’s time to get out and mingle. This will be a social year for you, and opportunities will come to you through your communities and friend groups. Network and socialize.

Cancer: Buckle up, Cancers, because this eclipse is lighting up your career. Cancers catch a lot of flak for being emotional, but they don’t get nearly enough recognition for their hustle. It’s time to remind everybody that your house of career is ruled by Aries, the god of war, and it’s a mistake to underestimate Cancers at work! It wouldn’t be a bad idea to update your résumé (just in case).

Leo: It’s a year for travel, writing, publishing, and broadcasting. Go experience the world, and let the world experience you! Visit other countries, taste other cuisines, experience other cultures. Expand your mind through learning. It’s a good year to learn new skills or to even go back to school.

Virgo: You and Pisces are both looking to change the way you make money this year. Whether it’s a career switch or a business venture, you’re going to make important first steps in that direction. Decisions may not finalize this year, but change is afoot. You may also make or receive investments.

Libra: There will be a new beginning with relationships. Either you’ll find a new relationship, or you may realize an old relationship doesn’t work anymore and that it needs to end to make room for something new. Or a growing relationship evolves into something deeper. It’s also a good year to find a business partner.

Scorpio: This is the year to start the new health regimen, a new exercise routine, and overall build healthier life habits. Hydrate, sleep, and get more fresh air. And if you’re one of those on-brand Scorpios who likes to push their limits, your health lesson this year is to learn the art of la modération.

Sagittarius: Are you ready for love? Fun? This is the year when Sagittarius gets its groove back. If you swore off dating, it’s time to reconsider. If there’s a creative hobby that you’ve ignored, it’s time to pick it back up. Have fun and open yourself up to love and the creative spirit. (P.S.—It’s also a good year to try to have a baby, if you’re into that. Meow.)

Capricorn: This is the year to make your home the place you’ve always wanted it to be. Whether you’re selling, buying, or renovating, this is a good year for domestic upgrades. You’re also beginning a new family chapter. Perhaps you’re starting a family or you’re going to be an empty-nester.

Aquarius: Share your ideas with the world. Write. Blog. Vlog. You have thoughts and opinions about the world, and it’s the year to share them. Media is your friend, and it’s also a great year for exploring your local community. You’ll also enjoy learning new skills and gobbling up new information.

Pisces: This is the year to focus on the dollars, Pisces. You’re beginning a new chapter when it comes to your assets, and that tells me that you’re changing the narrative when it comes to your money story. You’re experiencing a shift in your worldview, and that’s changing how you see your relationship to your job and finances.

Published on March 31, 2023

Words by Alice Smith

Alice Smith has loved astrology ever since she read her first horoscope as a kid. She’s a certified, professional astrologer who reads birth charts for clients all over the world and has spoken at events throughout the Pacific Northwest. Alice learned to write horoscopes from her mentor Rebecca Gordon who was herself mentored by the grande dame of horoscope writing, Susan Miller. Alice has a degree in sociology from the University of Washington and is (too) obsessed with her “Furgo” (furry Virgo) cat, whose birth chart she often interprets on social media.