By Sara Bonisteel, Epicurious
Astrologer Rebecca Gordon offers monthly readings -- and recipes for results
Taurus
(April 20-May 20)
After an introspective couple of months, you may begin to emerge much wiser and more experienced than ever before. Let that wisdom trickle down into your diet; take in astringent foods--try pomegranates, buckwheat, quinoa, and turmeric--to help cleanse the body. When action Mars enters Taurus on April 20, it will be your time to lead with all those lessons learned. The lunar eclipse on April 25 will spotlight certain relationships that are no longer in line with your core values. Change will be necessary and your letting go of the old will open up the space for more authentic connections.
Recipe to try: Pom-Ade
Gemini
(May 21-June 20)
Your social calendar will brim with invitations as the April stars nudge you out the door to lavish springtime gatherings and weekend getaways. After such an intense focus on your career and the recent Mercury retrograde, you should certainly welcome these new social engagements. Explore on-the-go foods that boost immunity such as yogurt and almonds, as well as antioxidant-rich grapes and berries. It looks as if you will be making great contacts the week of April 10, when a new moon appears. Go out and mingle as playful Mars and Venus help you remember what it's like to laugh so hard that your belly hurts!
Recipe to try: Popped Amaranth and Toasted Wheat Berry Fool
Cancer
(June 21-July 22)
With a cluster of bright stars at the very top of your chart, you may be considering a big professional move--and a bold one at that. You have undergone profound internal life changes over the past couple of years, and now the time has come to reflect those changes externally in your career path. Step into your bliss with sensuous, inspiring foods like dark chocolate (which is also antioxidant-rich and good for the heart), because it's time to see yourself in a new and more desirable light! Although people near and dear may prefer you to remain in your previous role, courage will help you lead the way and possibly inspire others to do the same. Be daring and savor each moment of it.
Recipe to try: Insanely Good Chocolate Brownies
Leo
(July 23-August 22)
Leos are ruled by the Sun, center of the solar system, so naturally you take the limelight with ease. A new moon on April 10 will ignite the communications (publishing, media, broadcasting) sector of your chart so if you are a Leo in a creative field, now is your time to shine. With lucky Jupiter in your friendship sector, your pals may give you the best leads so have a chat and let them know what you're up to. However, the days around April 28 will be more challenging as Saturn opposes the Sun. Simply put, you may have to fend off the naysayers. Stay bright and boost your energy levels with vibrant-colored tropical fruits that are packed with vitamin C such as guava and pineapple.
Recipe to try: Cornmeal Guava Thumbprint Cookies
Virgo
(August 23-September 22)
Finances seem to be a growing focus for you these days as five planets congregate in the fiscal portion of your chart mid-month. Fennel is especially fitting, as the herb can help ground you. Its antibacterial properties can also help heal the digestive tract. It will be in your best interest to clear up old debts and take care of all money matters by April 20 as wild card Uranus may have an unpredictable influence on your finances. However, this may also be the impetus to redirect yourself to a path of financial freedom so meet with an advisor and you may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
Recipe to try: Barley Soup with Greens, Fennel, Lemon, and Dill
Libra
(September 23-October 22)
The new moon in your partnership sector will be flanked by Venus and Mars. With this sweet planetary pattern, you ought to be more prepared than ever to fall deeply in love. Don't say you weren't warned! A dazzling occasion mid-month will sweep you right off your feet. Attached? A romantic getaway or engagement may be in the offing. April 6 through 19 are stellar days for love and beauty. For glowing skin and hair, incorporate more tomatoes into your diet as the lycopene works to clear your complexion and protect your scalp.
Recipe to try: Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Chickpeas and Feta
Scorpio
(October 23-November 21)
After undergoing such profound transformations in the past year, look to April as the ideal time to revitalize your health. Stick to cleansing foods like watercress, apples, and lemons, all of which work to reduce cell damage and help the body flush out toxins. For promising results, time your new routine to begin with the new moon on April 10. For you, "good health" will encompass your home and work environments, daily routines, diet and exercise, and everything in between. This is the month to focus on what truly nurtures you. Even though making changes may be uncomfortable at first, you will be thankful later.
Recipe to try: Beet, Carrot, and Apple Juice with Ginger
Sagittarius
(November 22-December 21)
You may attract sudden, unexpected attention from a recent creative project as planets congregate in the artistic portion of your chart and generate a buzz around you. While in the limelight, you'll need to sustain your energy levels. A combination of natural fats and grains is an ideal complement; couscous and pine nuts are a prime example. The pine nuts are also rich in manganese, an antioxidant. With lucky Jupiter so well positioned in your partnership sector, a working collaboration will open up new doors in your future. Thanks to your creativity and collaborative spirit, the new project will flourish this spring.
Recipe to try: Saffron-Scented Couscous with Pine Nuts
Capricorn
(December 22-January 19)
Most of the solar system will be situated in the base of your chart, urging you to focus on the foundations of your life, like your family and your home. Now is an ideal time to look for a new place if you happen to be in the market, as Mars will quicken the process and Venus will ensure that your new abode is filled with charm. These active planets also bode well for home-improvement projects. First, though, you need to reel in your workaholic tendencies so you can give your personal life the attention it needs and rightly deserves. Try centering and calming foods like asparagus, a natural de-stressor that's also packed with vitamin B.
Recipe to try: Asparagus Green Onion Sauté
Aquarius
January 20-February 18)
Being naturally inquisitive, you may enjoy this period when a fiery group of planets travels through your education sector. Feeling inspired? Consider teaching a skill that you have been honing for a while or perhaps enroll in a class that's of great interest to you. The April 25 lunar eclipse will not only help to block out anything in the way of your path, but it will also shine a bright light ahead onto a new more luminous path. Originality is your signature as an Aquarian, so be fearless and forge new terrain. A winning combination for sustained energy is peanuts paired with snow peas; together, they're brimming with vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
Recipe to try: Asian Slaw with Peanuts
Pisces
(February 19-March 20)
This month is about honoring yourself and valuing your talents as a golden star cluster sheds light on your income sector. You may realize that your current expertise has exceeded what you are currently earning, and this will call for a need to raise your stakes. As one of the least materially focused signs, acknowledging your worth may be a challenge but know that it will enable you to have more freedom in the long run. Pisces can always benefit from the strengthening minerals found in the onion family. Though spring onions have a relatively delicate flavor, they will still give you the nutrients you'll need to power up.
Recipe to try: Mustard and Spring Onion Mash
Aries
(March 21-April 19)
You are a naturally hot-blooded fire sign and with five planets present in Aries, sign of the fire starter, the heat is on this month. Keep it going in healthy ways by using cayenne, cumin, and potatoes, all of which are good for your heart and digestive tract. There is no better time than the present, namely the week starting April 10, to reimagine your life. This time, though, your wingspan is greater than ever. Follow your instinct and lucky Jupiter will help you meet the right people and be in the right places. The theme is courage and you'll have it in spades.
Recipe to try: Tofu Scramble with Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Home Fries
More from Epicurious: