March is a fairly active month, with two New Moons and three planetary stations. Mercury in Aquarius turned direct on February 28, bringing more order into our daily lives. Mars goes retrograde on March 1, and Saturn goes retrograde the following day. The Spring Equinox on March 20 signals the Sun’s entry into Aries, which represents new beginnings.    

          The New Moon occurs at 11 Pisces, on either February 28 or March 1, depending on where you live.  This lunation aligns with both Chiron and Neptune (ruler of Pisces), making the energies even more dreamy, diffuse and other-worldly. Activities that could flourish this month include healing, dream work, meditation, creativity, service and nurturing self and others.  It would be wise to keep a journal of any significant dreams, visions and imagery appearing at this time. We may also experience increased sensitivity, boundary issues, a need to surrender, and more urges to escape. A harmonious trine to Jupiter may help us create inspirational visions for ourselves and the world. It would be beneficial to ground oneself this month by connecting with nature through walks or gardening.  The Sabian symbol keynote for this degree also reflects these spiritual themes: “The capacity inherent in every individual to seek at whatever cost entrance to a transcendent realm of reality.”

          Also on March 1, Mars turns retrograde at 27 Libra 31.  Mars rules how we project our ego energy into the outer world. This period (until May 19) will help us to reevaluate our methods and their results.  A main challenge with Mars in Libra is in achieving a healthy balance of independence and dependence in our relationships, along with lessons in conflict resolution.   

          Saturn turns retrograde on March 2, at 23 Scorpio, for the next five months.  This period may call for re-structuring agreements and projects, or doing more research to provide a more solid foundation for our plans.  The slowing down of Mercury, Mars and Saturn this week and next favors more reviewing, patience and introspection.  Also today, Venus in Capricorn makes a square to Mars in Libra, which encourages us to look at equality issues in relationships.  Venus’s entry into Aquarius on March 5 brings more detachment and independence.

          On March 6, Jupiter turns direct at 10 Cancer, ending a retrograde that began on November 6, 2013.  During this period, we have been learning and revising our beliefs about inner and outer foundations, security issues, home, family and feminine energy.  Now we can move forward with confidence that our actions and improvements will bring positive results.   

          The Full Moon occurs on March 16 at 26 Virgo. It closely squares the Galactic Center at 27 Sagittarius, giving this lunation more transformational potential.  Virgo traits emphasize being efficient, pragmatic and health-conscious. Virgo can provide us with the discernment to avoid negative Pisces traps that include guilt, shame and playing a victim/martyr role in relationships.  Its shadow side includes being overly critical, exacting and finding flaws.  The trine from Saturn brings more discipline for making changes in one’s daily life, such as starting a new diet and exercise program.  The Sabian symbol keynotes for these degrees suggest the importance of maintaining high standards: “The ability to carry on a revered tradition in order to perpetuate cultural standards of excellence,” and “The light of fulfillment that blesses work well done.”    

          The Spring Equinox occurs on March 20, which represents the beginning of the astrological New Year when the Sun enters Aries.  This is a favorable time for setting new intentions and planting new seeds for the coming year.  These are more easily facilitated by any inner insights/visions from the earlier Pisces lunation, along with Mercury’s entry into Pisces on March 17 and alignment with Neptune on March 22.  Mercury favorably trines Jupiter on March 26, which favors higher learning, creativity, prosperity and spiritual growth. 

          The second New Moon occurs on March 30 at 10 Aries.  This is a dynamic lunation that aligns with Uranus, and squares Pluto and Jupiter. It sets off the ongoing cardinal cross pattern, which represents a main theme for this year of transformational change and renewal.  This month is a potent time for energetic new beginnings. However, it is best to keep from overextending oneself and to exercise caution when necessary.  The Sabian symbol for this degree, “A teacher gives new symbolic forms to traditional images,” suggests that we consider new evolutionary ideas and concepts for our own growth in these changing times. 

          April brings a Lunar Eclipse in Libra and Solar Eclipse in Taurus. Blessings for a joyful and prosperous spring! 

 

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          Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience, offering birth chart and transit/progression readings.  Donations to support this column are always appreciated. For more information, contact Dorene at dorenea5@yahoo.com. 

          All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.

          Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events, people, trends, etc.