Weekly World Wrap-Up: April 7–13, 2025
Missiles, markets, monarchs, and moonlight: let's break down this week's news from the stars' perspective, and predict what lies ahead.
Hi friends,
Welcome to The Wizard’s Weekly World Wrap-Up - your cosmic cheat sheet for decoding global events through the lens of the stars.
Every Sunday, I take the week’s headlines, run them through humanity’s birth chart, and ask the heavens, “Okay, what is going on?”
World events get a lot less panic-inducing when we see the patterns behind them. The stars speak in cycles, and once we start listening, things make way more sense - including what’s coming next.
This week: tariffs flew, missiles launched, markets wobbled, and Libra lit the fuse on a Full Moon. But it wasn’t all chaos. Some genuinely good stuff happened, too. And if you stick around ‘til the end, we’ll peek at what next week’s skies have in store. (Spoiler: fire incoming.)
Let’s break it down, astro-style.
The Big World Headlines Last Week:
🥇Trump’s Tariff Whiplash: Blink and You’ll Miss the Policy Shift
President Trump initially imposed a 10% blanket tariff on U.S. imports and jacked up tariffs on Chinese goods to a whopping 145%, but within 90 hours, he slammed on the brakes - sort of. After a bond market tantrum that sent the 10-year yield jumping from below 4% to 4.5% overnight, the White House began walking things back. Now, Trump’s team has announced exemptions for key electronics like smartphones, computers, and other tech gear.
Translation: Wall Street panic + global pushback = selective backpedaling.
Turns out Mark Carney (Canada’s former central bank boss), along with Japan and the EU, weren’t exactly thrilled with the tariff bombshell. Word is they threatened to dump U.S. bonds, which would’ve sent borrowing costs soaring and Wall Street into a full-blown meltdown. The message was loud and clear: don’t poke the global financial beehive.
Astro Insight: Jupiter in Taurus is the planet of financial common sense and long-term security - it’s not vibing with reckless economic swings. When the bond market flinched, Jupiter basically said, “Respect the money or pay the price.” And with Mercury just stationed direct in Aries on April 7 - after a retrograde that made logic feel like a half-baked impulse buy - this policy rollercoaster tracks.
That 145% tariff spike? Classic bold Aries move. The sudden carve-outs for electronics? Peak post-retrograde regret. And since Mercury’s still in its shadow phase, we’re only beginning to see clearly again. This wasn’t just a political walk-back - it was a cosmic course correction for acting without reading the financial room.
🥈China Retaliated: When Mars Meets Pluto, Expect Fireworks
First it was 84%. Now China’s slapped a 125% tariff on U.S. goods in response to Trump’s 145% tariff tantrum. Trade war cosplay just went full boss battle.
Astro Insight: Mars, planet of conflict and chest-thumping, is squaring off with Pluto - the cosmic puppeteer of power plays, control freakery, and shadow agendas. This isn’t a disagreement; it’s a global staring contest between emotional overreaction (Mars in Cancer) and strategic dominance (Pluto in Aquarius). As we barrel toward their exact opposition on April 27, expect more drama, more brinkmanship, and more international side-eye. Nothing says “diplomatic progress” like economic mutual destruction under heavy astro-weather.
🥉Markets Freaked Out: Wall Street on a Cosmic Tilt-a-Whirl
The markets plunged, then surged like a caffeinated rollercoaster. Wall Street had a full-blown mood swing. Investors were panic-selling on Tuesday, champagne-popping by Friday after Trump dropped his tariff bomb, then back-pedalled faster than a politician caught on a hot mic. The S&P 500 nosedived 10%, then boomeranged with a 9.5% spike after he hit “pause” on most tariffs (except China’s, which still got the economic middle finger). It was the biggest one-day gain since WWII. Financial whiplash, anyone?
Astro Insight: We’re straddling the Aries–Libra axis, and the Libra Full Moon on April 12 brought the drama. Aries says, “I’ll do it myself,” while Libra replies, “Could we maybe talk first?” That cosmic tension is turning the markets into a battleground of solo ambition vs. collective calm. Add Mercury stumbling out of retrograde, and you’ve got traders making big moves with foggy thinking.
☢️ Nuclear Déjà Vu: Iran & U.S. Are Talking Again (Sort Of)
In a surprise diplomatic twist, Iran and the United States resumed indirect nuclear talks in Oman this week. Both sides are calling the dialogue “constructive,” which is diplomatic code for “We didn’t storm out.” Another round is set for next week, but don’t expect a love fest - major sticking points remain.
Astro Insight: Pluto in Aquarius is all about reworking power structures, especially the kind with global implications. Meanwhile, Mars in Cancer adds emotional heat to national interests - this isn’t just policy, it’s personal. As Mars inches closer to its opposition with Pluto on April 27, expect negotiations to get more intense, more secretive, and possibly more volatile. This is the kind of astro-weather where old enemies test the waters again - not out of trust, but necessity. And with Jupiter in Taurus pushing for stability, the cosmos might just be nudging the world toward a detente… or a dramatic plot twist.
💣U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen: Defensive or Disastrous?
America’s back on the missiles. After the April 7 strike that killed eight, the U.S. has doubled down with fresh airstrikes across Yemen—including hits on the capital, Sana'a, because apparently diplomacy is so last season. The official line? Targeting Houthi rebels. The unofficial vibe? Escalation with a side of déjà vu.
Astro Insight: Mars in Cancer is emotionally reactive and fiercely protective, especially when it feels cornered. But it’s also moody AF and doesn’t always think things through. Cue military drama with a side of shadow work. You can’t bomb your way to emotional safety, but try telling that to Mars.
⚖️Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza: Tensions Boil Over Ahead of Libra Full Moon
At least 35 people were killed this week, and that was before Israel bombed Gaza’s al-Ahli Hospital on April 13, forcing doctors to evacuate patients. It’s one of 35 hospitals targeted during the war so far. “Brink of collapse” barely covers it. Peace talks? Nonexistent. Ceasefire? Still stuck in diplomatic purgatory.
Astro Insight: The Libra Full Moon (April 12) shines a spotlight on injustice, imbalance, and the relationships we refuse to repair. Libra wants diplomacy - but when the scales stay tipped, the cosmic ledger starts demanding payback. This isn’t just geopolitical tension - it’s karmic reckoning under lunar floodlight.
🧱 Tragedy in the Dominican Republic: A Nightclub Collapse Shakes the Nation
At least 221 people died when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live show. One of the deadliest non-weather-related disasters in Dominican history.
Astro Insight: The Libra Full Moon (April 12) often reveals imbalances and unsafe structures - literally or metaphorically. With Mercury just turning direct and still disoriented, the potential for oversight or structural failure was heightened. Sudden loss under a Libra moon reminds us that balance isn’t just philosophical - it’s physical.
⚖️ South Korea’s President Impeached
On April 4, South Korea’s Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office. A major shift in power.
Astro Insight: Pluto in Aquarius digs deep into systemic change. This ruling happened just as Mars in Cancer (linked to national identity) was building pressure toward Pluto. This transit supports the dismantling of outdated or corrupt authority structures - and the ripple effects may extend far beyond Seoul.
🚨 Hungary Withdraws from the ICC
Following a visit from Netanyahu - who is under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court - Hungary announced its withdrawal from the ICC.
Astro Insight: Jupiter in Taurus is shining a spotlight on values: national, legal, and moral. As countries reassess their alliances and principles, Pluto’s influence adds weight to decisions around justice and global accountability. This isn’t just politics - it’s a global values check.
🗳️ The SAVE Act: Voting or Vetting?
On April 10, The House passed the SAVE Act, requiring hard-proof citizenship to vote in federal elections - cue a flurry of lawsuits and debates about disenfranchisement vs. democracy.
Astro Insight: Mercury just went direct in Aries, and now lawmakers are sprinting like it's a policy triathlon. Aries energy moves fast - but it doesn’t always think things through. This bill? Peak “act now, clarify later” vibes.
⚖️ Trump Accuses Former Officials of Treason
President Trump has ordered investigations into ex-DHS official Miles Taylor and former cybersecurity chief Chris Krebs, accusing them of disloyalty and ordering political investigations into their actions. He also revoked their security clearances. Both had previously criticized Trump's administration.
Astro Insight: Mars in Cancer opposing Pluto in Aquarius is bringing out the big emotional weapons. It’s not just petty - it’s personal, and it’s power-hungry. The kind of astro-weather where political grudges get turned into government memos.
🇦🇺 Australian Election Campaign Heats Up
As the May 3 federal election nears in Australia, Prime Minister Albanese is pitching education and healthcare reforms, while opposition leader Dutton is talking economic revival. Meanwhile, a teen was charged in a terror plot against Dutton - a stark reminder of rising political tensions.
Astro Insight: Mars in Cancer stirs up emotions around national identity and leadership. And with Pluto looming in Aquarius, the election isn’t just about policy - it’s about the soul of the system. Expect bold promises, sharp pivots, and shadowy undercurrents.
🇬🇧 Greenpeace Dye Protest at U.S. Embassy in London
Greenpeace activists turned the pond outside the U.S. Embassy in London blood-red (with dye, not drama - although both apply), protesting arms sales to Israel. UK Greenpeace head Will McCallum was among those arrested.
Astro Insight: With the Full Moon in Libra shining a floodlight on justice, diplomacy, and international entanglements, this stunt wasn’t just rebellious - it was lunar-timed performance art. Mars in Cancer adds emotional charge, while Pluto in Aquarius is demanding accountability from the power players.
🔥 Unseasonal Heatwave and Wildfire Warnings in the UK
It hit 24°C in London - 10° above normal for April. The UK’s facing extreme dryness and early wildfire risk after its driest March since 1830.
Astro Insight: Solar flare activity + Aries Sun = hot, volatile, and dry. When the Sun’s flaring and Mercury’s still stumbling out of retrograde, we get mixed signals from nature, and climate patterns become less predictable, more extreme.
✊ 36,000 Attend Bernie & AOC Rally in L.A.
On April 12, an estimated 36,000 people gathered in Los Angeles for a “Fighting Oligarchy” rally headlined by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The event marked the largest turnout so far on their national tour, and one of the biggest progressive rallies in recent years. The focus: wealth inequality, campaign finance reform, and social safety net protections. While not record-breaking by national protest standards, the rally’s scale was notable - especially in a non-election year - and reflected growing momentum among progressive organizers.
Astro Insight: The Libra Full Moon lit up themes of justice, fairness, and collective voice - right on cue. With Mars stirring emotion in Cancer and Pluto intensifying power shifts in Aquarius, mass mobilizations like this signal deeper currents rising through the political landscape.
🛂 Supreme Court Orders Return of Wrongfully Deported Man - Trump Admin Digs In
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador despite legal protections, must be brought back. The deportation? Admitted “administrative error.” The response? Bureaucratic dodgeball. Garcia is still sitting in El Salvador’s notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), and despite a federal judge ordering daily updates, the Trump administration’s replies have been vague, delayed, and increasingly defiant. Now there’s talk of a presidential meeting with El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, but no word on whether Garcia’s return is even on the table.
Legal experts are warning: when the executive branch shrugs off the Supreme Court, it’s not just one man’s life on the line, it’s the entire judicial system’s authority.
Astro Insight: The Libra Full Moon demands justice and balance, and this saga screams imbalance. It’s not just about one man wrongfully deported - it’s about a government testing how far it can go before the scales snap. And if legal justice doesn’t hold the line, cosmic justice is waiting in the wings, clipboard in hand.
And Now, The Good News (Because Not Everything is a Dumpster Fire)
🌎Prince William’s Earthshot Prize Heads to Brazil
The planet got a little love this week as Prince William announced that the 2025 Earthshot Prize will be held in Rio. Brazil’s prepping to host the next UN Climate Conference, and this move says, “Hey, let’s put money where the rainforest is.”
Astro Insight: Jupiter in Taurus is backing long-term, practical environmental gains. Real progress, not just PR.
🦋Monarch Butterflies Made a Comeback
The eastern monarch butterfly population nearly doubled this winter. Yep, these tiny winged wonders are out here thriving - and honestly, it’s the hope we didn’t know we needed.
Astro Insight: The Sun in Aries brings resilience, rebirth, and survival against the odds. Nature’s comeback is written in the stars.
🏀LeBron James Got Turned into a Barbie
Barbie made LeBron James into a Ken-doll tribute - a “Kenbassadors” - reminding kids everywhere that greatness comes in all forms, and sometimes plastic.
Astro Insight: Venus in Taurus is shining a spotlight on meaningful beauty, representation, and cultural icons.
💉The UK Opened Its First Drug Consumption Room
In a move that might actually save lives, the UK launched its first supervised drug consumption space. It’s a massive step toward harm reduction and compassion-based public health.
Astro Insight: Mercury in Aries is bold enough to say, “Maybe let’s stop punishing people and start helping them?” Innovation meets empathy.
🚢Germany is Turning Sewage into Shipping Fuel
No, seriously. German scientists figured out how to turn poop into clean fuel. It’s sustainable, it’s genius, and it proves that even waste can be transformed (same, honestly).
Astro Insight: Uranus in Taurus continues to shake up our relationship with resources. Innovation is in the air - and apparently, also in the sewers.
The Week Ahead (April 14–20):
🌍 Global flashpoints to watch
Mars Opposing Pluto (exact April 27, but heating up now): This is peak “don’t poke the bear” energy - except everyone is the bear. We’re entering a stretch of extreme tension where diplomacy may crack, military moves escalate, and global players flex just to prove they can.
Specific predictions:
Military escalations or threats in hotspots like Gaza, the Taiwan Strait, and the Russia–Ukraine front, where Mars’ emotional defensiveness meets Pluto’s shadow power.
Cyberattacks or covert ops may surface - Pluto loves a secret war, and Mars in Cancer retaliates when it feels exposed.
Leadership shake-ups, scandals, or resignations where trust is eroding. Think leaks, legal drama, or behind-the-scenes power plays spilling into the spotlight.
Economic chess moves - nations threatening to pull funding, weaponizing trade deals, or shifting alliances (a ripple effect from this week’s tariff chaos).
Social unrest and flare-ups in countries where emotions run hot and power runs deep: the U.S., Israel, France, China, and Iran. Mars in Cancer stirs national identity, Pluto in Aquarius challenges control, and the Libra Full Moon's echo is still ringing the global justice bell.
Astro Note: This transit pushes emotional buttons and tests who’s really in control. The stakes feel personal, but the consequences will be global. Watch for ultimatums, sudden policy shifts, or leaders getting publicly called out…and not taking it well.
💰 Midweek money moves
Venus in Taurus stabilizes what it can: Venus is in its happy place here, bringing a little bit of financial balm to a bruised economy. While markets may still wobble, Venus in Taurus brings opportunities for quiet financial diplomacy, trade renegotiations, and subtle behind-the-scenes peace offerings.
Specific predictions:
Market correction or mini-rebound midweek (April 17–19) as investors shift from panic to pragmatism - expect less drama, more "wait and see."
Potential announcement of economic aid or stimulus, especially in response to cost-of-living pressures or tariff fallout.
Trade negotiations resume quietly - we may not get headlines, but whispers of re-engagement could surface with China, the EU, or South American partners.
Luxury goods or arts/culture industries get a spotlight moment - Venus loves beauty, and in Taurus, she supports tangible art, music, food, and anything sensory.
On the micro level? It’s a good week to invest in what brings you peace - whether that’s better budgeting, a cozy sweater, or saying “no thanks” to more chaos.
Astro Note: Venus is trying to hold the cosmic line while Mars and Pluto throw cosmic chairs across the room. Don’t expect miracles - but do expect a softening, especially around finances, values, and partnerships.
🗣️ Messaging chaos continues
Mercury Direct in Aries (but still in shadow): Yes, Mercury is technically moving forward, but it’s still shaking off retrograde brain fog like a hungover intern in a press briefing. Aries wants action now, but Mercury’s still picking up the receipts from all the miscommunications and impulsive decisions made over the past few weeks.
Specific predictions:
PR nightmares, political gaffes, or badly phrased statements could hit headlines, especially from impulsive or ego-driven leaders.
Walk-backs and “clarifications” of policies or statements made during the retrograde (watch for economic, military, or legal pivots).
Tech glitches or transport disruptions may still pop up, especially in government systems, digital infrastructure, or communications networks.
Legal reversals or re-litigations: rulings could be challenged, documents retracted, or new information brought to light that forces a reframe.
Journalists, press secretaries, and diplomats: triple check your notes, your quotes, and your tone. A misplaced word could ripple globally.
Astro Note: Mercury in Aries is bold, direct, and sometimes a little too spicy for its own good. If you're making big declarations or signing anything official, read it twice - and maybe let a Virgo proof it.
⚖️ Justice served...or subpoenaed
Full Moon Fallout (Libra, April 12): That Libra Full Moon lit the match, and this week, the smoke’s still clearing. Full Moons bring revelations, endings, and big emotional energy, especially when they land in Libra: the sign of justice, balance, and relationships. If something felt like it came to a head last week, it probably did - and this week, we deal with the fallout.
Specific predictions:
Ongoing court rulings, legal appeals, or diplomatic stalemates will dominate headlines (watch international courts, the ICC, and any pending extraditions or impeachment fallout).
More exposure of power imbalances - within governments, partnerships, or global alliances.
Public opinion backlash against perceived injustices - expect social media outrage cycles or organized protests, particularly in response to war, inequality, or corruption.
Breakups or shifts in global relationships - countries reassessing treaties, agreements, or allies (Libra loves a good contract... until it doesn’t).
Astro Note: This Full Moon was about cosmic karma, not just for individuals, but for institutions. It didn’t come to whisper. It came to say, “Let’s rebalance this mess, or I will.”
Zodiac Vibe Check:
Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn):
You are the main character this week - and the universe has you in a full spotlight moment. Libra is hosting the Full Moon, Aries just got Mercury direct, Cancer’s hosting Mars, and Capricorn is getting squared by everyone. Translation: pressure, plot twists, and potential for transformation. Stay centered, stay hydrated, and try not to burn any bridges you’ll need to cross next week.
Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius):
You’re the support squad, but if you're an Aquarius, you're holding the line and the existential dread. Pluto's camped out in your sign, and Mars is coming in hot with opposition energy. Translation: you're in the pressure cooker. Everyone else? Keep your armor polished and your boundaries firmer than a Capricorn’s retirement plan.
Mutable Signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces):
You're not under fire, but you're absorbing the vibes - and it's a lot. With Mercury still in shadow, Gemini and Virgo are on edge, trying to sort signal from noise. Pisces and Sagittarius? You're caught between idealism and the urge to escape. Breathe through it. Stay curious, not reactive. And yes - mute the group chat.
Solar Spotlight (and Why You Might Feel Weird)
In addition to all the planetary drama, our literal star has been having a moment. Solar flares and geomagnetic storms have been spiking recently - and yes, that actually affects us. So what does solar activity do?
On a physical level, it can disrupt satellite systems, navigation tools, and tech (hello, glitchy apps and weird Wi-Fi).
On a personal level, many folks feel it as fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, headaches, or heightened emotional sensitivity.
On a global level, it can stir up impulsive energy and amplify conflict - think of it like a cosmic caffeine hit with side effects.
This week, we’re still within a window of solar storm activity, which might explain the extra frizz in your aura or the general vibe of short fuses and emotional turbulence.
Astro Angle: The Sun rules vitality, leadership, ego, and visibility. When it’s flaring up, so are we. It’s like the Universe turned the brightness (and the drama) up to 11. Take care of your nervous system. Ground yourself. Drink water. Maybe don’t fight on the internet.
If you want to read more about this, I wrote a whole piece about it below.
That’s the wrap-up for this week!
In these wild times we live in, if you're determined to watch the news, you might as well watch it with one eye on the skies. Because none of this is random. Every headline, every ripple, every uprising and unraveling - it’s all unfolding under the influence of the stars.
The cosmos influences everything that’s happening down here. It nudges us, shapes us, and occasionally shoves us straight into the next plot twist.
If the news makes you fearful, it’s a good idea to look away from your screen and look up instead. The stars are here to remind us that there is rhyme and reason to all of it. When we remember that the universe is holding us, guiding us, and weaving meaning into the madness, we can face whatever comes without fear, and with as much love as we can muster.
In these dark days, our task is to remember our light. (hence, my Daily Lighthouse reminders for centring ourselves and sending our light into the world).
Let us not be afraid.
Let us be the light.
See you next Sunday - until then, stay kind, calm and curious.
