March 2017: Spring comes, the Goddess lof love steps back

As we begin the month of March we have two major eclipses behind us, but the energy of both will continue to play out during March and beyond. We are in the Pisces season now, representing the end of winter and before the month is out we will experience the astrological new year- or the Sun at 0 degrees of Aries (the spring solstice) and begin anew!

Jupiter is in direct opposition to Uranus and this will continue to shake up our world, and the two financial planets are both retrograde.

Jupiter opposing Uranus is the most important transit of the month, and it becomes exact on March 2. We experienced an exact hit of this transit December 28, of the past year and we will experience this again in September. This transit is actually part of a t-square that involves Jupiter, along with Venus and Mars as we begin the month.  These are potentially volatile aspects and we may continue to expect surprises that involve governments, laws and general discontent and disruption in the country (US).

Many more things will be revealed about our world and governments around the time of the total solar eclipse at 28 degrees of Leo on August 21. This will be the first total solar eclipse we can see in the US since 1991, and that one was only visible to a small part of the US.

As Jupiter opposes Uranus we will experience change in our world and personal lives. If this aspects your personal chart, you have cardinal planets-Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn at 20-22 degrees. If so, Uranus typically brings unexpected or even shocking change.

Many people will feel restless during this time, and can make sudden changes in their lives, jobs and relationships. This is not all bad, as some things may need to change. I learned years ago that 

Uranus typically cuts out the 'dead wood,' or things that need to change so we may move forward in a new and potentially better way.

This energy can be powerful and exciting. Uranus is the planet of change and Jupiter the planet of expansion. This is basically a 'gamblers transit.'  Some people may do things they never imagined or take chances and make their mark on the world. This transit can represent luck, and unbridled energy, but it should be controlled. In other words, don't go off half cocked, and have a plan in mind if you attempt large undertakings or something new, and proceed with more planning and research than exuberance for a greater chance of success.

Venus stations to turn retrograde on March 4. This occurs about every year and a half, and Venus was last retrograde July 25-September 6 of 2015.

Venus rules our love life, money and values, and it will be these areas of life we will re-access.

As both of the financial planets-Jupiter and Venus are retrograde, money matters and situations connections connected to finance and certain projects may be slowed down during this time.

Relationships will become more dramatic and seemingly karmic events can play out as well. Relationships may seem more difficult and expression of feelings harder.

Some relationships will end, others may get back together. 
Retrograde Venus is a wild card.

A retrograde Venus is not the time to get married, engaged, have plastic surgery, start businesses or major projects.

A new relationship that begins on a retrograde Venus can change when it goes direct,  or end all together. If it lasts, the love energy may never be fully expressed, or it could feel as though something is always held back.

Venus will turn direct on April 15, at 26 degrees of Pisces.

By March 30, and in the weeks before, Jupiter begins its second square to Pluto while in Libra. As Pluto is the planet of change and regeneration, more change will occur at this time, especially in terms of governments, laws and money.  This will be a time of fierce struggles in the government, clashing ideas, and conflicts over money and finance. This transit is at its most powerful the last week of March and into early April. The clash of Pluto and Jupiter has to do with the rise of international terrorism, and/or fights over how to deal with terrorism. We experienced Jupiter's opposition to Pluto in 2014 when ISIS formed its caliphate.

In our own personal lives change can occur as well. This can happen in the area of taxes or finance, or some other area of your life depending on where it falls in your chart. This transit will affect all of those born under Cardinal signs at 18-19 degrees, or have cardinal planets-Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn at these degrees.

As the Sun and Mercury are both in Pisces as we begin the month, each planet will conjunct Neptune and then square Saturn. Neptune is confusing, and Saturn transits typically deal with responsibilities and can be tiring and somewhat depressing. But, they are short lived.

March 1, the Sun conjuncts Neptune, and this is basically a low energy transit. Falling on the heels of the Neptune ruled eclipse, things can seem melancholy or confusing. get the facts correct before you take action. On the other hand it can indicate vivid dreams, creativity, and you could have a déjà vu experience or something of the sort.

March 4, Mercury conjuncts Neptune. As Mercury rules travel and communication we can experience a lot of confusion in either area. Caution is called for, especially while driving and in bad weather conditions. Like any Neptune transit however, this can be a positive for those involved in the creative or metaphysical areas. A good day for a reading. Look over any documents you sign carefully, and I would not consider this a good day to start a new venture.

March 5, Mars trines Saturn.  A good day for any type of accomplishment and you will have the energy to work long and hard. Gardening, perhaps?

March 6, the Sun conjuncts Mercury. There will be a great deal of communication, but this is a 'willful transit.' Ego energy can be high.

March 8, Mercury sextiles Pluto and this is a positive transit good for getting to the bottom of any issue or situation.

March 9, the Sun sextiles Pluto. Much like the previous day, and many people will be engaged in deep thought. People will seem direct today, but not in a negative way. Good for getting to the bottom of any issue.

March 9, Mars leaves Aries and enters Taurus. Taurus is a fixed sign and as Mars rules our action we will be much more determined.  Mars in Aries was forceful and action oriented and Mars in Taurus will be slower, more determined and perhaps not as harsh. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Mars in Taurus is the turtle, but eventually it will get there on its own terms.

Venus and Mars are now in mutual reception. This means Venus is in Mars sign and Mars is in Venus's sign. The tow sexes can gain a greater understanding of each other at this time.

March 12, Mercury squares Saturn. This is a difficult and tiring transit not prone to good news. You may be focused on responsibilities. This is all about work. Don't take things too seriously. With work, it could be a good day for getting things done but it won't be light or frivolous.

This month's full moon, the companion moon to the February 26 solar eclipse, falls at 22 degrees of Virgo. This Moon peaks at 10:54 AM, EST.

Virgo is about work and health, along with details.  This can be a time of critical decision making, and any details left undone will be an issue at this time.

Virgo is an earth sign dedicated to practicality and work. Some people may seem overly critical at this time, and this could include you. While a Virgo moon works well for the Earth signs, it could seem more worrisome to Fire, Water and Air signs.

This Moon falls dead on Neptune in the US chart 9th house ruling foreigners, laws, publishing and ideals. As it will square Mars in the 7th house of 'open enemies,' expect to see major events unfold in the country and a great deal of anger in the general populace.  As this Moon falls on Neptune, the situation may not be immediately clear, or we could see or hear of scandals and deception.

March 13, Mercury enters Aries. This Mars ruled sign will insure that speech becomes more forceful. Many people will have a determined attitude in their communication. This is not all bad, but slow down your mind, before you act. Mercury will retrograde April 9, at 4 degrees of Taurus, then move back into Aries. So whatever we do now, may be re-done on the retrograde of Mercury in Aries that will occur April 21-May 4. The shadow period of the retrograde will begin on March 27.  Wrap important things up before this time!

March 17, the Sun squares Saturn. This is a tiring and limiting influence, and some people may feel drained. This is not the day for fun, or things of this nature, but used wisely you can accomplish a great deal. Remember, Saturn is about work and responsibility. If you can accomplish the most important things on this day, you have done well.

March 18, Mercury conjuncts Venus. This is a nice respite from the previous day. Plan some fun, communication will flow much easier and feelings may be expressed with ease.

March 20, the Sun enters Aries. This is the first official day of spring and as the Sun begins again at 0 Aries, and starts its 365 day journey through each sign. It's the astrological New Year!

There can be a strong desire to start new things. I'm not discouraging this, but remember that retrograde Mercury will soon make us reconsider our plans. Plan carefully!

March 23, Mercury squares Pluto. This is an obsessive and argumentative transit. Watch how you speak to others as to not encourage power struggles and disagreements. People may become determined to get what they want and not let go. We could be controlled for the day by a single idea.

This is also a transit of propaganda. We will see this in the world and it could take form in our personal lives. People will be trying to convince others of the validity of their ideas, and at times we can find out new information. It's important not to be obsessive.

Travel can be difficult and be careful of accidents. This is not a good day for travel, especially driving. Watch the road.

March 24, Mercury opposes Jupiter. This is far more positive than the transit of the previous day. Communication and thoughts can come at a fast pace, and many things, good or bad, can be blown out of proportion.

March 25, the Sun conjuncts Venus. This is a pleasant transit good for any social activity. It can however bring low energy, and be careful not to indulge to the point you have to pay the piper the next day. Enjoy!

March 26, Mercury is conjunct Uranus. Thoughts and communication can fly at a rapid pace. If you get a brilliant idea, write it down as it may quickly disappear from your consciousness. this transit is a double edge sword-you can experience brilliant and creative ideas, or the mental energy can make you nervous, and we can mentally change on a dime. We could also hear unexpected news.

March 27, Mercury sextiles Neptune. This is basically a creative transit that can inspire. As it involves Neptune however, make sure your ideas are grounded in reality.

March 27, the New Moon falls at 7 degrees of Aries at 10:57 PM. This Moon will conjunct Venus which should be pleasant but by early the next morning, this Moon squares Pluto and conjuncts Uranus. If you are up in the early morning hours difficult situations can sometimes present themselves and you may experience changeability.

The few days before the New Moon are referred to the dark of the Moon as the sky has little light. This can be a low energy period for many.

March 29, Mercury trines Saturn. This is stable energy and a positive day for accomplishment.

March 30, Jupiter squares Pluto

March 31, Mercury enters Taurus and for a short time speech and communication will be slower and more deliberate. The word stubborn also comes to mind, and ideas and opinions once put into effect will be hard to change if at all. Mercury retrogrades at 4 degrees of Taurus on April 9.

Jupiter opposes Uranus: expansion versus unpredictability

Jupiter is opposing Uranus at this time and this major transit will be exact on March 2. The energy has been with us all winter but it will reach a peak at this time, and in the days after March 2. It will repeat a third time in September.

This is actually part of a larger transit, a t-square, that involves Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto.

When Jupiter opposes Uranus we can expect the unexpected. While Uranus rules things that are unique, it also rules aircraft, revolts and coups, explosions, the electronic media, rebellions, lightening, weather and a host of other things. Typically when astrologers see Uranus we think revolts, freedom, change, explosions and unexpected events that are sometimes shocking.

Astrologer Nicholas Champion writes, "it combines aspiration and effort and as such relates to the possibilities of progress and furthering the evolution of man. It encourages perception of deeper potentialities, poses questions, opens up possibilities.'

He states, "This seems to be both one of the key cycles of the free-market economy, and as such Barbualt considers it one of the predominately capitalist oriented cycles. In a society in crisis it can cause highly volatile situations to erupt without warning and an atmosphere of acute tension. In this state it has a particularly war-mongering potential."

Jupiter is in Libra and Jupiter rules governments, laws and legal situations, foreigners, travel, money and finance, and in Libra it deals with relationships. While romantic relationships can be affected and change, it concerns all kinds of relationships including the kind governments have with each other, or even the kind of relationships we have with neighbors or co-workers or boss. Relationships of all types can become changeable at this time, good or bad.

We can expect to see changes in government and major push back. As Jupiter is retrograde situations may be changed, reconsidered or delayed. This can of course include travel and foreign individuals, but is not limited to this either in the world or our personal lives.

As Jupiter rules money we could see changes in finance or the stock market. While the market is at record highs at the time of this post, now that Jupiter is retrograde this could change. Venus is the other financial planet and it retrogrades on March 4. That puts a focus this spring on money and finance. Jupiter-Uranus is basically a gamblers transit. 

Things are less likely to work out f you take a gamble with the financial planets retrograde but that does not mean impossible. Things can go up or down without warning.

The Jupiter-Uranus opposition meets up with Mars as it conjuncts Uranus and opposes Jupiter on February 26, along with the solar eclipse in Pisces. This increases the energy of this transit and we will see major events occurring in our lives and the world. This will also 'set off' the Jupiter-Uranus opposition.

This transit demands freedom and many people will want to be free on many different levels. This is a time to expand our horizons and look at new possibilities. Many people will not want to be tied down and feel extremely restless.

Events can involve foreign people, accidents, young men, governments, laws, relationships, and explosive situations. Aircraft, weather or the internet could even be involved.

 In your own life things may get blown out of proportion, change can occur suddenly (Uranus) and some people may act in an egotistical or selfish manner. This is not the time to issue ultimatums or bring up on controversial subjects. The combination of Mars and Uranus works quickly and is surprising in nature. This combination can change things quickly, especially with the solar eclipse in Pisces.

By March 6, Jupiter will begin to retrograde away from Uranus and this transit will slowly lose energy. It will peak again at 27 degrees of Libra-Aries in late September.

Mars squares Pluto: choose your battles carefully

Mars squares Pluto and this transit is exact February 22 at 18 degrees of Aries/Capricorn. We will feel the energy of this in the days before and a few days after.

Mars-Pluto is an obsessive and volatile transit capable of producing conflict, anger rage and abuse on many levels. 

Some things may end, and we are also in an eclipse season so events can be large.

This is not the best day to bring up issues that you know will turn into conflict or to issue ultimatums.

Mars/Pluto transits deal with obsessiveness, sex, anger, violence, conflict and agitation, as well as issues over joint finances.

You will experience this transit to a greater degree if it is aspecting your personal natal chart. If this is the case you have a Cardinal planet-Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn at 17-19 degrees.

Mars-Pluto transits at their worse are indicative of physical violence, anger, jealousy and rage. I would avoid bad areas, and people you know who will aggravate and agitate. 

Now is not the time to press an issue unless you are prepared for a fight.

This transit can amp up your determination, ambition, and relates to the elimination of old conditions and the creation of new ones, but even if this is the case, nothing comes easily.

At its best, this transit may transform something to a different situation, place or level. For example, and issue may finally be resolved one way or another and this can include relationships, business, and they way you approach things.

On the other hand with Pluto involved, simmering issues can emerge, and Pluto transits have a feeling of events beyond your ability to control, as well as obsessiveness.

This transit will play out in our personal lives and in the world. Mars-Pluto transits typically deal with violence and aggression, the abuse of power, media, the bullies in the world and nuclear incidents/talks.

We can expect to see or hear of major events in the world at this time. This transit falls close to Saturn (structure) in the US natal chart. In mundane astrology Saturn represents the state and its institutions, the legal system, and it governs authority and tradition.

  

Mars-Pluto hits Saturn in Vladimir Putin's chart in the 12th house of things secret and hidden and there a potential of revelations on this day or before. It also aspects Jupiter (governments, money, foreign powers and persons, laws) in Donald Trump's chart as well so there will be news here.

Venus retrogrades March 4: the bitch is back!

Venus turns retrograde March 4-April 15. At the time of this post (2-15) we have already entered the shadow period of the retrograde and Venus is moving slowly through Aries. During a retrograde period a planet appears to be moving backward in motion.

  

Venus is associated with money, love, beauty and attraction and values. Typically it is associated with love and changes in relationships as we re-access our love lives, but in reality it is so much more.

Venus will be the second planet to retrograde after Jupiter turned retrograde on February 6. This means the two financial planets are retrograde for the next six weeks, and this could affect the ebb and flow of finance and money between now and April 15. Jupiter doesn't turn direct until June 8.

In a general sense when Venus retrogrades love energy becomes more intense and drama sometimes begins. It is a period when seemingly fated events occur, sometimes appearing to be beyond the control of the parties involved.

As Venus is in the sign ruled by Mars people may seem more aggressive, or as Venus retrogrades, passive aggressive, more needy and overly intense.

Relationships can slow down or end. Sometimes those from our past can reappear. It is a time of reviewing and re-accessing your love life. Changes occur, and people can switch their affections and partners. The karma (karma=the universal will, what will ultimately be) of the relationship can play out during this period, especially if there is conflict to begin with. Unresolved issues come to the forefront to be resolved one way or another, but if a commitment exists with work it can become stronger.

If Venus turns stationary retrograde on a planet in your personal chart you may experience a change or slowdown in something, depending on what planet it is aspecting. Alternatively, if it turns direct aspecting a planet in your chart in a positive angle, significant events can occur, or you could meet someone new. 

For some the retrograde direct period can be very significant and positive.

A retrograde Venus is not the time to get married, have plastic surgery, buy art, jewelry or items ruled by Venus. It is better not to spend money on things that are questionable. Do you really need it?

Venus retrogrades about every 18 months. The most important period is the stationary retrograde period when Venus is starting to retrograde and the stationary direct period when it is about to move forward again.  The last retrograde of Venus occurred July 25, 2015-September 6.

If you begin a new relationship on a retrograde Venus the love energy may never be fully expressed or when Venus goes direct the relationship may change or end. It's a wildcard. Sometimes the relationship doesn't take off until Venus turns direct.

I always tell clients that during this time, the ‘karma,’ of their relationship often plays out. Retrograde planets often have to do with events that are ‘fated’ to some extent, or otherwise outside of our ability to control.

Sometimes during a retrograde you can re-connect with those from your past, and other relationships may end during this period. Love energy seems more difficult.

Relationships that are tottering on the edge may end completely at this time. Situations often become revealed for what they are and secrets can come out. Some couples will decide to divorce or split and decisions will be made as to the future of the relationship. Other couples will reunite or take things to a deeper level.

Art and creativity can be affected in a positive way at this time. Retrograde planets can mean finding a deeper and more profound energy to work with which can affect those in the creative arts in a positive way.

Venus retrograde is a process. The shadow period when we first began to feel the effects of the retrograde started on January 30. Venus officially retrogrades on March 4, and goes direct on April 15. Another shadow period follows where things are not quite back to normal until May 18.

And remember, Venus is about more than romantic love. It's about other relationships, our values, money and those things that are important in life. Many significant changes can occur depending on where it falls in your personal chart.

Retrograde Venus may bring about changes but it is part of the natural cycle. It is important to re-evaluate our priorities from time to time so we may continue to move forward. Good luck!