Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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The great unraveling is no longer subtle. A rare Aries alignment brings confrontation, truth, and a collective turning point. As pressure builds across systems, emotions, and leadership structures, what has been hidden begins to surface. This moment is not just disruption. It is a test of direction. Will reaction dominate, or will awareness reshape the path forward in ways few are consciously anticipating?
In This Week's Astrological Overview:
- Why the great unraveling is entering a more visible phase
- What the Aries alignment reveals about power, control, and truth
- How illusion and confusion play a role before clarity emerges
- Where conflict and emotional reactions are most likely to surface
- What this moment quietly asks of individuals and societies
Previous weeks' astrological overviews
Astrological Overview:
April 13 - 19, 2026
Each week, astrologer Pam Younghans offers perspectives on the planetary influences currently at play. Consider this overview a compass to help you navigate both opportunities and challenges as they arise. Her insights are intended as guidance for reflection and empowerment, not as predictions. Your personal experiences will always be uniquely shaped by your birth chart and current transits.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours;
Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT).
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: Venus semisquare Saturn
SATURDAY: Mercury sextile Pluto
SUNDAY: Mars conjunct Saturn, Sun enters Taurus
Overview: April 13 - 19, 2026
THE UNRAVELING QUICKENS: 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.
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: 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).
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: 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. The Chiron-Eris effect has 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: 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.
DAILY ASPECTS THIS WEEK (April 13 - 19, 2026):
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.
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If Your Birthday Is This Week (April 13 - 19):
This year is a very significant one in terms of your personal healing journey. Issues may arise that trigger anger or awaken old wounds that have not yet been resolved. It is important not to ignore these emotions, but to consciously use these opportunities to employ self-care practices. Most useful at this time are those techniques that help you accept your feelings as valid, that enable you to feel understanding and compassion for the child within who has been hurt, while also strengthening the aspect of your consciousness that has the perspective of a wise elder. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Chiron, conjunct Eris)
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EVENTS AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
DAILY ASTROLOGY: For my daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this Journal, please follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit NorthPointAstrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
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Article Recap:
The great unraveling reaches a critical stage as the Aries alignment intensifies pressure across systems and individuals. While confusion and conflict rise, this period exposes underlying truths. The outcome depends less on the events themselves and more on how they are met, creating a subtle but decisive opening for recalibration and long-term change.
#GreatUnraveling #AriesAlignment #GlobalShift #AstrologyForecast #CollectiveChange #SpiritualAwakening #TurningPoint #CosmicForces
