Mars and Mercury ignite the Great Unraveling as they cross into Aries ~Crystal Wind

Another pivotal week now unfolds before us, a period that astrologically is one of the most significant of 2026. Mars entered Aries last Thursday and Mercury will enter the sign this Tuesday; as these two planets cross the Aries Point (zero degrees), they reactivate the effects of February's Saturn-Neptune conjunction and we experience the next step in the Great Unraveling.

Due to being faster-moving planets, both Mars and Mercury will catch up to and conjoin the two slower-moving planets: Mars is conjunct Neptune today (April 12) and Mercury follows suit on Thursday (April 16). These alignments with the watery planet of ideals and illusions emphasize the disappointment and disorientation phase of the Unraveling.

Embracing the Spiritual Perspective

Ultimately, Neptune aspects ask us to focus on the spiritual rather than the material factors present in any situation. Thus, they require that we choose the higher perspective, that we have faith in the cosmic plan, and that we trust in the unfolding of that which we cannot control.

A Time of Reckoning

A time of reckoning: Next weekend will likely bring the most tangible manifestations in the Unraveling process. Mars will catch up to Saturn on Sunday, April 19, and Mercury will conjoin both Mars and Saturn on Monday the 20th.

Astrologically, the Ringed Planet is known by many aliases: Lord of Karma, Father Time, Judge, Teacher, Lesson Bringer. When we work with Saturn's influence, we usually experience a reality check, where it becomes impossible to ignore the truth of a situation.

As Mercury, Mars, and Saturn all conjoin on April 19-20, we can expect a time of reckoning. Areas of impact could include communications and the media, travel and transport (Mercury); leaders, men, armed forces, and assertive or aggressive actions (Mars); and authority figures, social structures, and governments (Saturn).

Amplified Karmic Power

Plus: Two additional factors tell us that next weekend's three-way planetary alignment will be memorable. First, it occurs at 7-8 degrees of Aries, within one degree of the Solar Eclipse that occurred on March 29, 2025. An eclipse always sensitizes the degree where it occurs, which means that future planetary events at that same degree are likely to have greater impact. Thus, I'm considering next week's Mercury-Mars-Saturn alignment to have some of the qualities of a "mini-eclipse," being very karmic and life-changing.

The three planets will also be at the same degree of the fixed star Algenib, so will be activating its influence. Like all fixed stars, Algenib has both higher and lower vibrational qualities. It supports ambition, the determination to achieve goals, and the courage to stand up for one's convictions. It increases intuition, innovative thinking, and sudden breakthroughs. However, we must also be on the alert for bad judgment, a quick temper, aggressive behaviors, and a lack of morals.

Chiron-Eris Revisited

Chiron-Eris revisited: Also significant this week, the Aries Sun will be conjunct Eris on Tuesday and Chiron on Thursday, reactivating the effects of the Chiron-Eris alignment. This influence, which combines the forces of the Wounded Healer and the Goddess of Discord, has been with us for about a year.

Throughout these many months, Chiron and Eris have been revealing unhealed traumas and "inconvenient truths" that have for the most part been ignored or discounted. They have emboldened those who have been disenfranchised and have exposed the harm caused by the shadow side of Aries: insensitivity, arrogance, the belief that might equals right, intimidation, and aggression.

This week, as the Sun shines its bright light on both Chiron and Eris, we are likely to see even more clearly the hidden motives and agendas behind unsavory activities past and present. Deep emotions and anger may arise as painful truths are revealed; this is a necessary step before healing can occur and true change can be implemented.

Aries New Moon Intensity

Aries New Moon: Yet another potent event on the agenda this week is the New Moon that occurs at 4:51 a.m. PDT on Friday, April 17, when the Sun and Moon align at 27°28' Aries. The chart for the lunation is powerful, with eight planetary objects lined up in assertive, independent Aries: Neptune, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Eris, Chiron, the Sun, and the Moon. This over-emphasis of Arian energy speaks of intense emotions and rapid developments, which at times could feel like a runaway horse—how very coincidental that this rare grouping of planets in fiery Aries should occur during the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse.

The New Moon is very closely conjunct both Chiron and Eris, and thus underscores what I've written above about the Sun activating the Chiron-Eris influence. In addition, the lunation is square passionate Pluto, which adds another layer of intensity to the mix. Hard aspects to Pluto can manifest as combativeness, power struggles, and attempts to control or manipulate.

Aspects This Week

Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important aspects, day by day:

Monday
Venus sextile Jupiter, Venus semisquare Neptune: We may feel more socially inclined today, or be inspired to spend money more freely. Be aware, however, that the old adage may also be true: all that glitters is not gold.

Tuesday
Mercury sextile Uranus: New, inventive ideas are possible. The intuition is heightened and the mind is open to unfamiliar concepts.
Mercury enters Aries: As Mercury moves through Aries from April 15 to May 3, it encourages honest, direct communications. We are eager to debate and are likely to make decisions quickly. Some may need to be cautious about speaking impulsively or not being tactful.
Sun conjunct Eris: Controversies are highlighted today, perhaps regarding issues dealing with women's rights.

Wednesday
Venus semisquare Mars: Some minor tension in relationships is possible, due to an uncertainty about when to be assertive and when to be accommodating.
Mercury sextile Sedna: We may have insights or new ideas about how to fulfill our spiritual destiny.

Thursday
Sun conjunct Chiron: Some may be defensive or angry, due to feeling ignored or belittled.
Mars sextile Pluto: This aspect supports determined action and an ability to focus on our goals.
Mercury conjunct Neptune: The mind is intuitive and imaginative, making it hard to focus on practical matters. This aspect supports meditation, dreamwork, and writing poetry, but is not ideal for making practical decisions. Conversations flow easily but may not lead to clear conclusions.

Friday
New Moon: The new lunar cycle begins at 4:51 a.m. PDT today, when the Sun and Moon align at 27°28' Aries.
Venus semisquare Saturn: We could be aware of a basic need that is not being met in relationship or financial matters.

Saturday
Mercury sextile Pluto: The mind is insightful and eager to investigate. We want to know what is going on beneath the surface, to discover motives, and to learn and speak truth.

Sunday
Mars conjunct Saturn: Actions taken now are deliberate, courageous and determined. However, this conjunction could also correspond with a reality check regarding actions that have been taken. For some, this could be a time of frustration if they feel their desires are being blocked.
Sun enters Taurus: The Sun will travel through the sign of the Bull from April 19 to May 20 this year. During this month, we are encouraged to move at a slower pace, to be practical, and to take the time to enjoy nature and all the pleasures of our five physical senses. However, we could tend to be somewhat resistant to change, preferring situations, people, and surroundings that are familiar and comfortable.

Planetary Aspects This Week
The timing of aspects is based on Pacific Daylight Time. For Universal Time, add 7 hours.

MONDAY: Venus sextile Jupiter, Venus semisquare Neptune
TUESDAY: Mercury sextile Uranus, Mercury enters Aries, Sun conjunct Eris
WEDNESDAY: Venus semisquare Mars, Mercury sextile Sedna
THURSDAY: Sun conjunct Chiron, Mars sextile Pluto, Mercury conjunct Neptune
FRIDAY: New Moon 4:51 a.m. PDT, Venus semisquare Saturn
SATURDAY: Mercury sextile Pluto
SUNDAY: Mars conjunct Saturn, Sun enters Taurus

The Great Unraveling quickens as cosmic truth pierces illusion and demands authentic alignment

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