Spring 2016: legal issues, psychics and glamorous illusions

Astrologers construct a chart for the moment the Sun enters Aries, known as the Aries ingress chart, and this will show us events and themes that will be relevant for the next part of the year -spring into summer.  This chart is cast for the spring equinox and as it has a mutable ascendant so it will be good for six months. (for the US)

This Aries ingress chart shows a theme of anger, disruption, potential military or terrorist action, discontent, restriction, financial fear,  lawsuits, and  even questions over free speech.

The ascendant is at 3 degrees of Sagittarius, and 6 of the 10 planets are mutable, meaning the energy is changeable, but there is no clear destination apparent as to  where all the change will take us. There will be many twists and turns during this strange period of time and it shows clearly in the chart.

The Sun is trine Mars from the 4th house of the common people (opposing the house of government), and has energetic movement in this direction.

Mars falls at 3 degrees in the first house (along with Saturn) which shows us the country and its inhabitants as a whole, and our national self image. Mars shows a stirred up population that is angry  along with the potential for military action and violence.  Mars is in its post retrograde shadow period and will turn retrograde making it even angrier and more volatile.

Saturn in the first house represents a population prone to fear and paranoia and as Saturn rules the second/third houses, and this centers around financial fear, and even dislike of one's own neighbors during this period. This is a polarized nation.  Saturn in this sign is about ideas, philosophies, laws and foreign affairs. As Saturn is in the sign ruling Jupiter there will be a focus on money and shortages of money and fear of such.

This will be period of harsh political rhetoric that will inspire fear, distrust, depression and anger that will shout much more loudly than positivity and hope. It is important to note the rhetoric we hear is not necessarily based on truth or facts, and herein lies a major problem.

Neptune  lies next to Venus in the third house which rules telephones, postal services, school, language, education, expression and even free speech which can be called into question.

Neptune and Venus together in Pisces is a confusing transit, indicative of dreams and ideas that are not be founded in reality: just the opposite. There could be cloudy issues concerning women, or outright lies, and we will likely see scandals that come to light.

Venus is the other financial planet (along with Jupiter) and Venus conjunct Neptune reveals a cloudy financial picture. There could be financial losses, or financial scandals. We could hear news of secret plots, fraud and swindles, bogus companies and loss.

For some this could be an unusually romantic combination full of glamorous illusions and period indicative of great artistic effort and success, and a good period for psychics and others in the metaphysical realm. There will be a greater interest in psychics, dreams, mediums, spirituality and things of this type and it will be reflected in media and movies. Some may develop a deeper faith, and show great compassion toward those less fortunate, while others remain angry and buy into the negative rhetoric. Again, this is a polarized country on many levels  and nothing will change anytime soon.

Saturn is square Jupiter, the second house ruler in the ninth house, and this shows financial limitation, and small gains, and as Jupiter is retrograde, little confidence of gains in the immediate future.  Saturn/Jupiter transits affect the global markets and this is considered one of the most significant aspects affecting the world.

Saturn-Jupiter can represent trade agreements and things can come to a culmination.  As this post is written the Obama administration has just loosened rules on travel to Cuba and the US dollar. This transit can bring positive events as well as negative. Relations with the US and Cuba were normalized in 2015 on the Saturn-Jupiter square.

Saturn-Jupiter  also shows us the potential for major litigation, disputes over laws, and lawsuits that can include issues in the Presidential election, the Supreme Court, or other major issues of significance Americans will be watching.

You can rest assured debates over nominees for the Supreme court will be filled with rhetoric as harsh as the political overtones that we hear every day.  This does not however, mean there will be no new Supreme Court Justice in spite of the Senates vow to block any nominee.

We could also hear news about medicine concerning disease, the spread of disease and cures. It shows concern over international trade and foreign trade among the public in general.

The ninth house rules courts, laws, religion and foreign people and affairs and a desire for restrictions concerning foreigners, religion and a divided country along these lines, along with everything else of a political nature.

The moon rules women and tells us where the attention of the country rests, and in this chart it falls in the ninth house of courts, religion, medical affairs, litigation, foreign affairs and people, as well as universities and international commerce. Make no mistake, women will vote on health care issues that affect the female population.

Neptune rules socialism, and Nicholas Champion writes the Saturn-Neptune square (Saturn squares Neptune in 2016) coincides with periods of growth in socialism, hence the rise of Bernie Sanders who has styled himself as a Social Democrat.

As the 10th house (Virgo) rules government, Mercury, its ruler,  shows the current outgoing President in the late degrees of Pisces indicative of endings.  

 Democrats are in a better position to win the White House, as Jupiter (which rules the Republican party) is retrograde moving away from the 10th house (government), showing us a Republican President will not occupy the White House this election year. Jupiter retrograde also shows the Civil war that rages in the Republican party itself which will contribute to a Democrat winning the White House.

As Mercury is at its fall in Pisces (4th house of Democrats) the win could be by a slim margin, or it could be a case of voting against rather than for.

Eclipse in Libra: Love me, love me not

The second of two eclipses occurs this month on March 23, and this is a lunar eclipse falling at 3.17 degrees of Libra, peaking at 8:01 AM, EST. Libra is the natural ruler of the 7th house of marriage and partnerships, and well as courts, and those we consider 'open enemies.'

The energy of this eclipse will focus on relationships-the good and the bad. Are you getting what you need, or is it time to move on?

Eclipses are powerful astrological events and often reveal things previously unknown, or we change course in some way. Typically endings occur on lunar eclipses and new beginnings on solar eclipses but it can the other way around.

While an eclipse hitting a sensitive point in your chart can bring negative situations to light, eclipses can also bring positive change. An eclipse is like a light post in the dark, showing us the way, and the path of what it's to come. This energy can go for months, and in some cases years to come, revealing what our focus will be not only during the eclipse but over a longer period of time. An eclipse is a wild card in many respects and can usher in dramatic events. Some things end and new things begin. An eclipse can bring an unexpected event, or things outside your personal control that can coincide in a new or different direction. A lunar eclipse is like a full moon on steroids. The energy of an eclipse begins at least 30 days before the eclipse occurs, becoming more powerful in the days before the eclipse.

Eclipses are not always negative, sometime they coincide with positive situations and things we have been working on come together during this period.

This eclipse opposes Mercury, showing the propensity for agitation, arguments and a tremendous amount of communication, issues concerning young people and/or work associates or immediate family members. This is also indicative of danger while driving, or issues around travel or transport.

A lunar eclipse occurred close to this degree on March 24, 1997. If you can recall this period it might give you an idea of what you may expect this time.

As Libra rules the 7th house we can expect issues to crop up relating to relationships one way or another, and this is not limited to romantic relationships. If your relationship is solid, don't expect the worse. It is those relationships that are unhealthy or tottering on the edge that will be the most likely to end.

Jupiter squares Saturn and it is exact on the day of the eclipse. At times Jupiter/Saturn squares can be a culmination of events we have been working on, especially concerning business, start up companies, money matters and financial situations. Many things can end or come to a conclusion during this time.

Now is the time to take a realistic approach in all of your affairs and be conservative in your outlook, actions and planning. This is not the best time for expansion and if you go in this direction you may feel as though you are swimming upstream.

Typically however, Jupiter-Saturn squares seem a bit restrictive and in many cases situations can end. This transit can coincide with legal and financial matters or restrictions, problems in professional affairs, conflicts with professional responsibilities, or with supervisors, and those in positions of authority.

This transit will play out in the world in a major way. Jupiter and Saturn rule the two political parties and we can expect (in the US) major clashes. Ethical or moral issues will be called into question one way or another and religion could pose questions as well. As Jupiter rules foreign countries and people we will see issues arise relating to foreign situations, and circumstances, even the chance of terrorist activities.

 This transit relates to the financial markets on a worldwide basis.

Summer of 2015 Jupiter squared Saturn in Leo/Scorpio. We saw the normalization of US relations with Cuba, and China devalued its currency.  The eclipse will amp up the energy of this powerful square bring important events and situations to our attention both in our lives and in the world.

Donald Trump:Cracks in the foundation

August of 2015 I wrote that after a period of time and a stretch of luck with Jupiter in Leo/Virgo Donald Trump would encounter serious obstacles to his candidacy.

While Trump appeared to be made of Teflon for months, until now his chart showed little signs of major obstacles that could challenge his position as frontrunner.

Last year, I wrote, "Pluto will square his Jupiter in his second house of money/income and Jupiter-Pluto transits can coincide with lawsuits and certainly monetary losses. These transits often make a person ambitious, and at times believe they can operate at a different level from others. Religious, financial and other power plays can occur along with the potential to use dishonorable means to achieve status."

"Jupiter rules the Republican party and as Pluto is squaring it there will be an increased powerful (Republican) backlash against him. He will make many enemies during this time, and could leave the Republican party if he becomes frustrated enough. He could potentially destroy the Republican party, at least in terms of having an electable candidate for 2016."

"Unexpected events will arise, possibly lawsuits or money obstacles, and this will be a period of struggles and surprising twists and turns, that may determine the outcome of his candidacy. "

At the time I wrote this I was looking at both Uranus and Pluto aspecting Trump's Jupiter, and Jupiter also rules  expansion, morals, and foreign people and affairs and at times unbridled optimism. In the early part of the year Uranus opposed his Jupiter and this laid the foundation for what is occurring now as Pluto squares his Jupiter, becoming exact March 6-June 3. This transit shows those who oppose Trump's ideas and plans, and it could eventually involve money, his taxes and even lawsuits, connected with his opponents in the Republican party or others. Individuals with this transit often become arrogant, and believe they are above the law, acting as though their views are the only ones that matter, and herein lies the problem that comes as a result of clashes with others.

Pluto represents some very powerful enemies at odds with Trump.  On March 3,  former Governor Mitt Romney gave an anti-Trump speech calling him a phony and a fraud and appeared to endorse the idea of a brokered convention, followed by a similar statement from Senator John McCain. Romney previously called for Trump to release his taxes to the American Public. There will be many others who publicly oppose him.

While Trump's supporters are vehement in their support, his enemies and those who oppose him are equally vehement. Trump has the ability to polarize people much like Newt Gingrich did.  It will be those in the Republican party itself that have the power to cost Trump his candidacy.

Saturn is opposing Trump's Uranus March-mid April. Saturn-Uranus transits can cause reversals in fortune at their worst, and unexpected obstacles at the very least.

Uranus falls in Trump's tenth house of career and reputation and shows a unique career that involves media and television. Uranus represents the ability in life to keep your perspective free, unfettered and moving toward new possibilities. When Saturn opposes it, structures or people will interfere with plans and this can result in a complete change of circumstances.

The April solar eclipse fell in Trump's 7th house of open enemies, and squares Uranus, along with the Sun, bringing sudden and unexpected disruptive circumstances. The eclipse actually becomes part of a grand cross, which is a difficult aspect (a grand cross is two oppositions at 180 degrees each that form an x in the chart and four 90 degree squares) that will involve all of the cardinal houses in the chart that are most important.

 Jupiter in the first house will oppose the eclipse/Sun in the 7th (enemies), and Saturn in
the 4th house (foundation) will oppose Uranus in the 10th.(career-reputation). The Sun/eclipse in the 7th (enemies) squares Uranus in the 10th,(media, reputation, career) which squares Jupiter in the first (self) which squares Saturn in the 4th.(restrictions to basic foundation). This transit activates the most important house in his natal chart.

A grand cross involving Uranus is like a keg of gunpowder that can explode at any time. Each house and planet is engaged and you are generally fighting on more than one front. As this grand cross is mutable, events and situations can become changeable as it moves along.

March 8-25 is pivotal as Jupiter squares Trump's Uranus, and forms a square to transiting Saturn.  Many things can change during this time. Once again he will have to fight on several levels.

As we move through March and into April, Neptune becomes prominent in Trump's chart opposing his ascendant. Neptune transits like this are extremely discouraging, and actions can become confused and unclear. As the 7th house rules both close partnerships and open enemies (along with courts), it is here problems and obstacles can occur. Those who were once close can reveal themselves as an enemy and use underhanded tactics. With Pluto square his Jupiter the opposition will be fierce and it will not be what Trump may anticipate. Nothing can be taken at face value. Lawsuits could even crop up, but luck may not be on his side.

I look for the Republican convention in July to be brokered or in some way different from the norm, and for those who oppose Trump to create fierce opposition both before the convention and during that will seriously undermine his campaign. If he attends as the  Republican convention as frontrunner there is nothing in his chart that is anywhere close to a guaranteed outcome for Trump's success, and his astrology shows it is doubtful he is the nominee.

This is a strange year with  Saturn square Neptune. Many issues that include the Presidential election will change and not be what we anticipate. Expect the unexpected and do not assume anything is what you think it is. Look at the changes in frontrunners that have already occurred. Stay tuned, there is more to come!

March 2016: the eclipse season and the Jupiter-Saturn square

During the month of March:

2 eclipses occur in Pisces and Libra

The Sun moves from Pisces to Aries and spring equinox occurs March 20.

Mercury (communication) moves through three signs-Aquarius, Pisces and Aries.

Venus (love and money) moves from Aquarius to Pisces.

Mars (Men, action) moves from Scorpio to Sagittarius.

Jupiter (luck, money) retrogrades around the middle of its cycle in Virgo and clashes with Saturn but makes a positive aspect to Pluto.

Saturn (restrictions, stability, lessons) turns retrograde and squares Jupiter.

Neptune in Pisces moves closer to a powerful T-square with Jupiter and Saturn that occurs in May.

Pluto crosses the mid-point of its long decade plus cycle in Capricorn.

First the eclipses: Eclipses are powerful astrological events and often reveal things previously unknown or we change course in some way. Typically endings occur on lunar eclipses and new beginnings on solar eclipses but it can the other way around.

While an eclipse hitting a sensitive point in your chart can bring negative situations to light, eclipses can also bring positive change. An eclipse is like a light post in the dark, showing us the way, and the path of what it's to come. The energy of an eclipse can go for months, and in some cases years to come, revealing what our focus will be not only during the eclipse but over a longer period of time. An eclipse is a wild card in many respects and can usher in dramatic events. Some things end and new things begin. An eclipse can bring an unexpected event, or things outside your personal control that can coincide in a new direction.

The first solar eclipse falls at 18.56 degrees of Pisces, the natural ruler of the 12th house.

The Pisces eclipse opposes Jupiter and things can get blown out of proportion. Jupiter rules expansion, money, the law and foreign people and affairs. As it squares Saturn we may feel engaged in responsibilities or overwhelmed. Pisces/Neptune rule 12th house matters-things secret and hidden, what lies in our deep subconscious and drugs, addictions, and creativity. It is important to view things in a clear and logical manner at this time.

The second lunar eclipse falls at  3.17 degrees of Libra on March 23, peaking at 8:01 AM, EST. Libra is the sign ruling relationships, marriage and partnerships of all kinds. This eclipse opposes Mercury which rules communication, travel, young people and pets, and the Sun is conjunct Mercury as well. This creates an agitating energy ripe for debate or arguments.

Jupiter is square Saturn, exact on March 23. Jupiter squares Saturn for the first time this year March 19-26. This transit can seem restrictive, especially if it aspects something in your personal chart. This transit can bring lawsuits or legal difficulties, endings and changes, and can represent a poor time to expand affairs. Business situations or other matters may reach a culmination during this time. There could be missed opportunities if you aren't careful. This transit is most important in mundane astrology (the study of world affairs through astrology) as typically it represents a downturn in economies. Jupiter squares Saturn again the latter part of May, becoming part of a mutable t-square with Neptune, which will indicate another major shift in the world and the way we view situations.

Jupiter-Saturn is one of the ten Major planetary cycles. This cycle goes from conjunction to conjunction, and the last cycle began in May of 2000, in Taurus, the natural ruler of the second house of earned income, possessions and money.  Since that time we have seen massive changes in the financial world. In June of 2006, Jupiter was in a square to Saturn at 9 degrees, Scorpio/Leo and at this time many analysts were pointing to a bubble in the housing market that would become the crash of 2008. Another square occurred in October of that year at 23 degrees. In 2011, (March) Jupiter opposed Saturn at 14 Libra-Aries, and it was at this point that Greece was feeling the debt crisis and the International Monetary Fund was  signing off billions of Euros to Ireland Portugal and  Italy. Greece agreed to extreme austerity measures once again on the eve of the Jupiter-Saturn square of 2015, driven by Germany, and this situation will be played out between now and when the next conjunction occurs in 2020, when we will begin this cycle again in Capricorn.

The Jupiter-Saturn cycle has been considered of greatest importance in shaping history and these two planets have been called the 'chronocrators of the ages.' Nicholas Champion wrote, "There cycle can be considered the ground base of human development, which makes the interaction between perception of human ideas, potentialities, possibilities and their manifestation in the concrete material world. As noted under the interpretation of the conjunction this pair has a great deal to do with the development and evolution of social structures and a sense of corporate national identity. Barbault makes a compelling case for the dominance of this cycle in the unfoldment of European history so that each phase of this cycle appears to mark out a relatively clear pattern of development year after year."

Case in point to the above is the recent and continuing financial turmoil in Greece that escalated in 

 2015. When Jupiter squared Saturn (summer 2015) China devalued its currency.

In 2015 on the eve of this powerful square we saw the normalization of relations and raising of the US flag once again in Cuba, which the US has had no relations with for nearly 50 years.  

 Many important events will occur during this cycle and we will see major clashes between political parties, and the potential of violence and recession  around the globe. All in all many situations will be re-accessed that include foreign relations, laws, and finances. As this is an election year friction between parties will become even greater and the economy will play a role in the election. We could see issues concerning terrorism.

Jupiter will square Saturn for the second time late May, but this time it will become part of a t-square with Neptune. A T-square involves the energies of three planets instead of two.

Saturn retrogrades March 24-August 13, and this is part of its annual cycle. If Saturn retrogrades at a critical point in your chart, this can indicate major change or challenges if it is making a harsh aspect. If it is a positive aspect you can see a slowdown in expansion, or adopt a more conservative attitude at this time.

As Saturn is the planet of karma major events can play out in your life while retrograde. Saturn retrograde is typically more difficult, and Saturn usually makes three passes when it aspects a planet in your personal chart. I always tell clients the retrograde period is the most difficult in a harsh aspect.

Retrograde Saturn is not the ideal time to start a business. We may feel more restricted in whatever area Saturn is transiting through our chart, or more anxiety and fear.

Saturn retrograde can double up our determination however, and for some it's a great time to lose weight!

Now, for the daily transits!

March 2,  Venus sextiles Uranus and love or social activities can be more exciting. You may crave exciting adventures, and it can greatly help in financial and business matters.

March 5-6 Mercury squares Mars. First March 5, Mercury squares Mars in Aquarius-Scorpio and as Mars changes signs  along with Mercury it will square Mars again in Pisces-Sagittarius the next day (6th). Be careful driving and you could experience problems in communications, hear unwelcome news or get into an argument if you aren't careful Watch kids, pets and driving.

March 5, Mercury enters Pisces. As Mercury rules speech and communication its placement in the most ethereal of signs can cause misunderstandings or unclear communication. Keep good records, back up your computer and re-read what you write. Great for creative types and psychics!

Also on March 5,  Mars, the planet of action and ego enters the sign Jupiter rules: Sagittarius. If you are a Sagittarius you will become very busy. As this is a fire sign you may feel compelled to move things forward in a big way, or things can get overblown. Bear in mind however, that Mars will retrograde next month and changes can occur. As Mars is moving very slowly now, Mars transits that occur in your personal chart can take on greater significance.

March 6, the Sun squares Saturn. This is a tiring and somewhat negative transit, and you may feel overwhelmed or pressured, or even overworked. The effects will be felt more Saturday night than all day Sunday. this may not make Saturday night the time for fun, but it will pass by Sunday afternoon.

Also on March 6, the Sun sextiles Pluto as the Sun square Saturn moves on.  This is a positive transit for getting things done and working with others. Pluto is never superficial.

March 8, the Sun opposes Jupiter. This is overall positive although things can be blown out of proportion.

March 8, solar eclipse occurs at 18.56 degrees of Pisces.

March 11, Mercury conjuncts Neptune. This can be a confusing transit, discouraging or low energy for some. Be clear in all communications, and at times things and situations can be revealed with this aspect.

March 12, Venus enters Pisces. This is a romantic transit and works well for water and earth signs. Venus here is much softer than in Aquarius, and is a great time for Pisces. Venus only transits your personal sign once a year.

March 14, Mercury squares Saturn. This can be a negative, depressing and argumentative transit. Sometimes we get bad news if it aspects your personal chart. It is good for reaching conclusions, research and making decisions if your don't get too negative. Sometimes it's best to ask advice before making far reaching decisions with this aspect.

Also on March 14, Venus squares Mars. This is indicative of trouble between the sexes. If you can channel the energy it can be an exciting or romantic time, but this transit leans toward jealousy, and upsets in relationships more often than not. Be careful as the above mentioned transit can make this a day where you say things you could later regret.

March 15, Mercury sextiles Pluto. This transit is good for research or getting to the bottom of a problem. Communication will not be superficial.

Also on March 15, Mercury opposes Jupiter. This is basically positive but be careful about over-doing, or blowing things out of proportion.

March 16, Jupiter trines Pluto. The effects of this transit will begin several weeks before and after. This will help with the square Jupiter makes to Saturn. Jupiter-Pluto transits relate to accomplishment. There can be an interest in self regeneration, or it could be along the spiritual realm. You could benefit from higher education, finances, or recycling something in some way.

March 20, the Sun enters Aries at 12:31AM, EST Spring is FINALLY here!

Also, Venus conjuncts Neptune. While this can be romantic for some it is prone to daydreaming. Communications in love or even socially can be unclear, and misunderstanding can occur. Be careful with money matters.

March 21, Mercury enters Aries. Communication will become faster, bolder and more impulsive over the next few weeks with the planet of communication in this sign.

March 23, a lunar eclipse occurs at 3 degrees of Libra.

Also on this day, Jupiter squares Saturn, exact.

The Sun conjuncts Mercury. This can create o lot of communication but it can be willful and ego driven. Be careful driving.

March 24, Mercury trines Mars This is positive for communication, but if you aren't careful it can become a little argumentative or forceful. While positive watch how you say things.

March 25, Saturn begins its retrograde at 6:01AM, EST

March 25, the Sun trines Mars. This is energetic and positive

Also, Venus sextiles Pluto. Communication, especially in love is never superficial with this. This can help some in financial matters and important communications.

March 29, Mercury trines Saturn. Positive for deep thinking and communicating.  Good for getting down to business and accomplishment.

March 30, Mercury squares Pluto. This is prone to arguments, finding things out, and obsessiveness. With a transit like this it is hard to let certain thoughts go.

March 31, Mercury conjuncts Uranus. Be careful driving, and check who your email is addressed to before you hit send. Sudden, intuitive thoughts, solutions and answers to problems, but prone to feeling scattered and thoughts may leave as quickly as they come. This can make you nervous and restless. Sometimes we receive unexpected news, or change plans and directions.

March solar eclipse in Pisces

The year's first solar eclipse occurs at 19 degrees of Pisces, March 8, (in US) peaking at 8:54 PM, CST. To see the eclipse path view NASA's website.

Eclipses are powerful astrological events and often reveal things previously unknown or we change course in some way. Typically endings occur on lunar eclipses and new beginnings on solar eclipses but it can the other way around. 

While an eclipse hitting a sensitive point in your chart can bring negative situations to light, eclipses can also bring positive change. An eclipse is like a light post in the dark, showing us the way, and the path of what it's to come. The energy of an eclipse can go for months, and in some cases years to come, revealing what our focus will be not only during the eclipse but over a longer period of time. An eclipse is a wild card in many respects and can usher in dramatic events. Some things end and new things begin. An eclipse can bring an unexpected event, or things outside your personal control that can coincide in a new direction. A solar eclipse is like a new moon on steroids. The energy of an eclipse begins at least 30 days before the eclipse occurs, amping up in the days before the eclipse occurs.

This Moon is also considered a Supermoon, the first of 6 this year making it even more powerful. A Supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to earth in orbit, about 225,000 miles from Earth, making it look larger and brighter. Astrologer Richard Noelle coined the phrase 'Supermoon,' and wrote, "Supermoons are noteworthy for their close association with extreme tidal forces working in what astrologers of old used to call the sublunary world: the atmosphere, crust and oceans of our home planet - including ourselves, of course. From extreme coastal tides to severe storms to powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the entire natural world surges and spasms under the sway of the SuperMoon alignment - within three days either way of the exact syzygy, as a general rule. SuperMoon solar eclipses tend to have a wider sphere of impact, extending roughly a week before and after the actual event. And other lunar extremes can extend the geocosmic stress window by a day or two here and there in any case."

A solar eclipse occurred at this degree on March 9, 1997. If you can remember what was going on in your life around this time, you may get an idea of the types of things this eclipse can bring.

This (total) solar eclipse is in Pisces, the natural ruler of things secret and hidden, and in the sign ruling the 12th house. We may be concerned with things in our subconscious mind, things secret and hidden, and the realm of the unknown. As the eclipse in the sign of Pisces we look to the things Pisces rules: the spiritual side of life, religion, spirituality and compassion, psychics, creativity and the subconscious mind. Pisces (and Neptune) also rule drugs, water, especially salt water and the seas, the seamy side of life as well as the art and cinema and many other realms. Neptune rules what is buried in our unconscious mind and illusion, delusion, confusion and lies. Heavy Neptune transits often cause us to confuse the issue, or interpret it in an incorrect way.  

Clarity of thinking is most important at this time. Now is not the time to ignore issues or sweep them under the rug, nor is it the time to go down a path of negative or depressed thinking that will stand in our way of accomplishment.

Neptune is prone to sacrifice and self sacrifice or even martyrdom. Sometimes sacrifice can be called for, but make sure the cause is worthy, and you are clear in your idea or concept before you automatically sacrifice yourself or your time for an idea, or more to the point, someone else and their goals and ambitions. Will the sacrifice serve you well in the end, or is it a useless sacrifice for someone who doesn't appreciate what you are doing? Don't let anyone have the control to play God in your life or determine your own course, either knowingly or unknowingly.

This Moon is conjunct the Sun and both oppose Jupiter. Jupiter rules religion, or that which poses as religion in the world. Some may have a true spiritual or religious awakening that transcends the rational mind. Dreams may be vivid, epiphanies can emerge out of nowhere, and spiritual and emotional healing can occur. We could explore the concept of divinity itself.

On the other end of this spectrum, the world is full of things, situations and people that cloak themselves under the guise of religion and especially in this election year in the US. Discernment is called for at this time.

With an opposition to Jupiter things may be blown out of proportion or appear bigger than life. Moving through Virgo, Jupiter can increase ambition, overt criticism, organization, analysis, audits and moral causes. This transit can indicate issues with financial markets and money so take nothing for granted as you could regret it later. Watch overspending on things you don't really need!

Narcissism can be rampant among certain types and so can the lies they tell. Charity can be given, only to be thrown back in the givers face. Ego's can be overblown and huge and the term 'blowhard' really comes to mind here. Others (or yourself) may appear as a drama Queen or King.

The moon conjunct Neptune and this is an ethereal if not haunting type of energy. Now is the time for big dreams and later you can make sure they are grounded in reality-don't forget this. Spiritual experiences can occur along with the mystical and this is very powerful energy. Moon-Neptune is both psychic and delusional. It is the stuff dreams are made of and your worst nightmare at the same time. It is deep, eternal and impossible to truly understand. It is a deep knowing beyond anything rational.  It can stimulate the imagination and enhance your feeling of a connection with others, and Neptune likes to merge. It can bring up deep emotional reactions, fantasy, memories of past lives, and at times can connect one with hospitals, asylums or institutions (in rare cases.) Moon-Neptune is the thin gossamer veil between this world and other worlds.

Mercury is within a three degree orb of being conjunct Neptune and will be exact March 11. This further amps up the psychic energy (or delusional/depressing/compassionate) of this transit. While this is a great time for creative individuals once again clarity is needed in thinking. Mercury-Neptune transits can reveal delusions, lies and deception.

This Moon squares Saturn, and this eclipse will set off the Saturn-Neptune square that will dominate the sky this year. Saturn-Moon transits can deal with depression, responsibilities, revelations, the past and Saturn is the planet of karma.  Responsibilities and limitations may seem paramount at this time.

There is very much a Jupiter-Neptune theme to this eclipse. If you can use discernment in your thought, reach for the stars. If you can't do this remember that all things may not be as they appear. Jupiter-Neptune transits coincide with religion (or even the breakdown of religion) and philosophy, creativity, psychics and the metaphysical and otherworldly ties and events, as well as misjudgment, misdirection , faulty thinking and deception that can be intentional or unintentional.

Epilog

This is an unusual eclipse in Pisces as it rules the hidden, unknown, and things that are not normally seen to include the spiritual realm, compassion, the spirit world, creativity and that which is locked away in your own subconscious. This is a time for getting in touch with what lies in your own deeper mind. This is the positive side to this energy and I have written about the negative side which would also include drugs, addictions, compulsive action and delusions about things, situations and people. The effects of this eclipse could see like a waking dream to some. With Saturn in the mix we may too busy fulfilling responsibilities to enjoy the time as we would like. Healing and deeper understandings are possible as are misunderstandings, revelations and change of all types. It all depends on where this eclipse falls in your personal chart. It will be unique to each individual.

World Events

This eclipse will play out in the world as well. Women may come into focus one way or another, either in politics or some other way. We could hear news of a 'power couple'. Looking at the eclipse chart for Washington, DC we see 5 planets in Pisces in the house that rules young people as well as children and entertainment. As Mercury, Neptune the Sun and Moon all oppose Jupiter we could hear of issues related to politics, the law (issues of concern among young people) and entertainment. But, there will be a major focus on young people one way or another.

The fifth house also rules fun, pleasure, love affairs and children. There will be a focus on entertainment and pleasure. This is a time of high creativity and creativity taking solid form whether in terms of entertainment, or new inventions or even medicines.

There is rise for concern for the spread of disease at this time or sickness.

Pisces rules the water, especially salt water. Wet conditions can occur or conditions that affect the ocean.

We will hear news about religion or that which poses as religion. As Mars in Scorpio opposes the malefic fixed star Algol the first few days of March it is likely we will hear of terrorist activities like those of the past that will stir the public.

As the 4 planets are in Pisces we can hear news of the Pope or Vatican and/or other religious groups. Once again the question will come up, 'who will help those who can't help themselves.' As Neptune in Pisces shows large groups of disenfranchised people, we must ask who will help the Syrian refugees and others who flee war torn countries. Astrology shows us this problem will not go away soon, but will get worse. We have not seen a flood of refugees like today since the rise of Hitler's Germany. Some will focus on compassion, others fear mongering and blowing facts out of proportion. We could also see real compassion play out in the world at this time.

Then, there are 'those who cloak themselves in religious disguises" These are the fundamental extremists who commit murder in the name of their religion, and I fear we will hear news again of atrocities or threats.

Jupiter rules foreign individuals and countries. There will be news about relations abroad, and foreign concerns. This eclipse squares Mars in the US chart house of 'open enemies,' and opposes Neptune in the ninth house of travel, foreign relations, long distance communication and medicine. People will be angry and situations confused. Lies and confusion may be rampant and there will be news about foreign issues.

Be careful who you believe. Politicians are known for swaying the masses by invoking the word of God, regardless of who their God really is.  Other political-religious factions can come into focus besides terrorist groups. Religious and Philosophical issues and major differences of opinion will arise. 

How many wars or atrocities have occurred throughout human existence in the name of God?

As Pisces rules drugs (this includes marijuana) we could see changes or hear news of medical marijuana in legislation or questions about changes in legislation over the next few months. It is no surprise Australia legalized medical marijuana  February 24 on the eve of this eclipse.

At the end of the day your eclipse experience will be unique, depending on what it aspects in your personal chart. Good luck!