7 minute read
Astrology
by Sarah Lyons - Sirius Systems Astrological Services sarahlyonsastrologer.com | 727.347.4737 “Get Sirius About Your Future”
April 2021 Astrology
Spring arrived when the Sun began its transit through enterprising Aries a couple of weeks ago! On the 3rd, thinking planet Mercury enters Aries too, accenting expression and imagination, however, impatience and sudden changes in viewpoints are likely. The New Moon in Aries begins the lunar cycle on the 11th with a powerhouse of energy promoting adventure and enthusiasm! We are quick now but changeable, a bit temperamental, and mainly focused on our own agendas as we charge forward! Let’s be aware of others’ needs now too and we can get a lot accomplished together! Venus in Aries doesn’t like to wait for love and can spend money fast!
But on the 14th our love goddess visits the earthy, sensual sign of Taurus and is much more thrifty when spending the hard-earned cash! On the 19th we get to slow down mentally and be more deliberate in our decisions as Mercury also moves into cautious Taurus. The Sun also visits Taurus on the 19th just hours later bringing more determined and practical action as we finish the month. Taurus also likes the finer things in life, so a little indulgence is bound to happen, but quality wins over quantity now.
Action planet Mars enters sensitive Cancer on the 23rd pouring his energy into the home and family areas of our life. Disagreements may arise but compassion and understanding can remedy almost any situation. On the 26th a Full Pink Moon in Scorpio lights up the night sky! This stimulating and intense lunation will bring to light what needs to be revealed in the most unpredictable way! Be ready for some surprising conversations and revelations as this powerful energy is activated and released! ARIES: Your new year starts now with high energy and popularity! You are expressive and ready for anything. Mid-month finances and values become important; then the full moon highlights resources; brings transformation.
TAURUS: Private life is busy and health needs balance with work; duties. Mid-month Venus gives favor, and your sign comes alive! April ends with a focus on relationships. There is a theme of freedom and a few surprises!
GEMINI: Your energy stays high with new interests in social life and goals! A bit later you want privacy and reflect on choices. The workplace will take the spotlight later and health concerns that surface ask to be addressed.
CANCER: Career is active, superiors favor you and a new start is likely! Later on, friends and social time become important. You’re ready for action and find recreation, romance, and creative interests taking center stage!
LEO: Travel is on your mind with the desire to learn about something new. Mid-month career is favored; position enhanced! Energy goes into goals and inward. The full moon spotlight shines on home life and family matters.
VIRGO: A new start with financial plans proves to be beneficial. Energy is put into the career. Later, unexpected but enjoyable travel is likely! Full moon focus falls on deep conversations with daily life intense, enlightening! LIBRA: Relationships are accented, and new starts are likely! Others are agreeable; engaged. Your mind is restless; travel if possible. Resources are enhanced and the full moon is focused on values and income options.
SCORPIO: The workplace is active and pleasant. You pay attention to health and wellbeing. Mid-month relationships are accented; exciting! Later, the full moon spotlight is on you; express yourself and be creative!
SAGITTARIUS: Recreation and romance are enjoyable and exciting with new possibilities! Energy goes into relationships. Mid-month the workplace and wellness are your focus. The full moon illuminates your inner world.
CAPRICORN: New beginnings in home life and family matters are pleasant and energizing! Fun and love life become important as mid-month arrives. Friends and future goals are highlighted as the month ends; look ahead.
AQUARIUS: Everyday life has new energy! Conversations are many and enjoyed. Creative energy is strong. Mid-month family and home are where your heart is. Full moon focus is on career or position as you find balance.
PISCES: Finances are enhanced, and new plans present many options! Home projects are quickly tackled. Your everyday life enjoys increased activity mid-month and the full moon signals travel interest near or far!
Sirius Systems Astrological Services www.sarahlyonsastrologer.com | www. facebook.com/sarahlyonsastrologer Office: 727-347-4737 | “Get Sirius about your future!”
By Nanette Wiser
April and May (and an extra hour of daylight) make it the perfect time to daytrip or vacay. On my spring bucket list is a drive to St. Augustine’s historic Lightner and Villa Zorayda Museums and the World Golf Hall of Fame; mermaid mingling at Weeki Wachee Springs with a stay at Plantation Inn on Crystal River; and sipping Wild Buck Whiskey and Mermaid Rum at Chassahowitska’s NJoy Spirits Distillery. Might even stop in Brooksville to zip through the treetops at FLGX Adventure Course. Want more? Gas up and go to these three cool spots. VENICE BEACH
ECO-TOURISM – FOR THE BIRDS
In honor of Earth Day, we’ve embraced birdwatching this spring and hung a birdfeeder outside our window. More than 500 native bird species or strays have been recorded and more than 70 natural communities support this diversity from Apalachicola National Forest to Everglades National Park. Exclusive to Florida are the Florida Scrub-Jay, Mangrove Cuckoo, and Snail Kite. There is even a Florida Birding Trail website so you can explore each county on their website. www.floridabirdingtrail.com
Here in Pinellas County, bird watching clubs, park treks and the Audubon Society can help you and your binoculars to a free and fun excursion. Best of show are Boca Ciega Millennium Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Brooker Creek Preserve, Caladesi Island State Park, Clam Bayou Nature Park, Fort De Soto Park, Hammock Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, John Chesnut Sr. Park, John R. Bonner Nature Park, Sand Key Park, Sawgrass Lake Park, Shell Key Preserve and Weedon Island Preserve. In Largo, John McGough Park houses an eagle, owls, hawks and classes/demonstrations. I love the sharks at Mote Aquarium and searching for shark teeth at Venice Beach. Although the April 2021 Shark Tooth Festival is cancelled due to COVID-19, Venice is still the shark tooth capital of the world. Millions of fossilized black and white shark teeth end up in the Venice coast area, which sits on top of a fossil layer that runs 18-35 feet deep. The best place to look is south of the picturesque Venice Jetty as well as Casey and Manasota Keys. On the Venice Pier, you can buy a Venice Snow Shovel (or bring a kitchen strainer) to help you search for these toothy treasures, or just stroll in the water on the foot-high drop off ledge.
Dining in the Venice and nearby Nokomis area ranges from amazing seafood (Fins at Sharky’s, Cedar Reef Fish Camp) to Florida flavors (Blu’ Island Bistro, Paradise Grill, Abby’s on Miami) and Café Longet for French fare. If you plan to stay over, check out the Inn at The Beach or Venice Beach Villas. Explore downtown’s oak and banyan-lined streets, old Florida feel, historic 1920s Mediterranean-style architecture, parks and arts scene including the Venice Art Center and Clyde Butcher gallery. Enjoy yoga on the beach, Friday historic strolls and concerts or Saturday’s Farmer’s Market and Carillon outdoor concert series. www.visitvenicefl.org
The Pinellas County Audubon Society hosts frequent walks with expert birdwatchers, including 4/17 and 4/28 at Fort De Soto Park where you can meet up at the Headquarters’ Flagpole ($5/vehicle). The St. Petersburg Audubon Society meets at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club on the 3rd Tuesday of the month; meet and greet is at 6:30pm and programs begin at 7pm and are free and open to the public. www.stpeteaudubon.org/2021-spas-calendar
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
GAMBLING ALONG
Over the Sunshine Bridge on your way to Ellenton Outlet Shops, plan some extra time to visit Gamble Plantation Historic State Park followed by lunch at Woody Roos overlooking the Manatee River. Open Thurs.-Mon. from 9am to 5pm, the Gamble Plantation House (3708 Patten Ave. off 301) is one of the last authentic antebellum mansions, with unique Greek Revival Vernacular architecture and an ingenious freshwater collection system. www.gambleplantation.org
If you love Florida fresh produce, stop in Parrish at Gamble Creek Farms, where you can stock up Sat.- Sun. from 10am-2pm on amazing organic veggies, fruits and pies.
