By Dorene Carrel

March is highlighted by a total Solar Eclipse in Pisces and a Lunar Eclipse in Libra.  Eclipses are extra potent new and full moons that can have a powerful effect in our lives if they align with personal planets or angles.  These current eclipses encourage us to get more in touch with our visions and ideals. The Spring Equinox on March 19 appears only four days before the Lunar Eclipse, making the mid-month period a very dynamic time.  Saturn in Sagittarius turns retrograde on March 25, which indicates that during the next several months we can reconsider and revise our goals and plans.

The New Moon, Solar Eclipse occurs on March 8 at 19 Pisces.  Eclipses can mark significant beginnings, endings and important shifts of direction. This eclipse aligns with Ceres, Chiron, and the South Node in Pisces.  The Pisces theme brings a greater sense of spiritual connection that can come through meditation, intuition, dreams and visions. It opposes Jupiter in Virgo and squares Saturn in Sagittarius, reminding us to be discerning in all areas and maintain healthy boundaries.  The Sabian symbol for this degree, “A Master instructing his disciple,” suggests this is a favorable time for being receptive to a lineage of higher wisdom teachings.

Mercury aligns with Neptune in Pisces on March 10, which is beneficial for a spiritual or creative retreat near a water source, such as a lake, waterfall or even a hot tub.  Meditation, visualization, art and journaling are especially favored activities.

On March 14-15 Mercury squares Saturn and opposes Jupiter.  Some challenges may appear that can create mental roadblocks, although we may be able to resolve them by expanding our thinking to include higher perspectives.  This is assisted by a harmonious trine of Jupiter to Pluto on March 16, which can bring new prosperity to those who have prepared for it. Mercury aligning with Chiron and the South Node on March 17 may bring new healing to an older situation or connection.

The Spring Equinox occurs on March 19, which is the start of a new astrological year.  This is an excellent time for rituals and the planting of new resolutions and intentions.  They will be extra powerful this year as this date falls only four days before the Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse.  Venus aligned with Neptune on March 20 brings in the themes of romance and creativity.

The Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse occurs on March 23 at 3 Libra. It opposes Mercury in Aries and favorably sextiles Mars in Sagittarius.  Libra themes revolve around how well we can balance our needs in close relationships vs. our personal needs.

Striving for improved communication is favorable. This eclipse could signify a turning point in our relationships, perhaps due to a new realization or an unexpected event.  There is a connection to events from last September, which featured an Aries eclipse that opposes this one.  The Sabian symbols for these degree areas, “Two lovers strolling on a secluded walk; the progressive polarization of energies needed for fulfilling one’s life function,” and “Around a campfire a group of young people sit in spiritual communion; the necessity to unite with kindred spirits as one enters unbeaten paths illumined by the still- insecure light of a dawning intuition of new values,” remind us of how we can learn and evolve from the lessons provided by our significant relationships.

Jupiter in Virgo makes the second of three squares to Saturn on March 23, challenging us to broaden our outlook around current issues and see how they might be an opportunity for greater growth.  These issues may relate back to the first square aspect in August 2015, while the last square aspect will occur on May 26. On March 25 Saturn turns retrograde at 16 Sagittarius, moving backward until August 13. On the same day, Venus opposite Jupiter awakens our desire for pleasure, but the square to Saturn may reveal financial difficulties.  Use this time to identify and revise your goals as well as how you can create the necessary structure to achieve them.  Creative ideas can surface when Mercury aligns with Uranus on March 31.  Now we can be more open to alternative perspectives.

In April Pluto, Mars and Mercury all turn retrograde.  Blessings for a peaceful spring.

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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience.  Donations towards this column are appreciated.  Paypal accepted. Please use my email, dorenea5@yahoo.com as reference.

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.