Frank Martin Don LLC - Professional Intuitive & Astrological Consultant

March… in like a lion that grows more ferocious, out with an inspiring and upbeat roar…

This March gives us the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring.

March begins with one planet in a Fire Sign, three planets in Earth Signs, four planets in Air Signs, and two planets in Water Signs. There are two planets in a Cardinal Sign, three planets in a Fixed Sign and five planets in Mutable Signs. Five planets are in positive Signs and five planets are in Negative Signs.

There is a Stellium of three or more planets in Aquarius with Mercury, Venus and Neptune transiting the Fixed Air Sign. By Sign, there is a Mutable Grand Cross with Mars in Gemini, Saturn in Virgo, the Moon in Sagittarius and the Sun and Uranus in Pisces.

With a lack of Fire, an abundance of both Air and Mutability, we are in the mood for change, especially if it is brought to us on a silver platter with the bells and whistles and doesn’t necessitate us doing much of anything. Yes, we want change from our present conditions, would like to fast forward into a far brighter future and we want it all yesterday without demanding much, if any, effort on our part.

Sounds like a prescription for delusion with a heavy dose of escapism thrown in. But our fantasyland may be far better and far more inspiring than the true reality of our daily circumstances and present day conditions. This is a month when we might choose to do our living in Second Life or create Third Life, Fourth Life, all with the ability to avoid accountability, and even responsibility. Virtual reality may be the name of the game for much of this March, even while past situations and outstanding matters are nipping at our heels demanding that we attend to them and not go blithely into virtual reality.

We might also be feeling a heavy dose of the Winter doldrums, wanting this interminable season to be over and to get on with the fun and brilliance of Spring. The ramping up of the energies during this month may feel like the month not merely coming in as a lion, but as a roaring, ferocious lion ready to devour anything and everything that stands in its way of unbridled immediate gratification.

The key to making this month work is to have our feet ready to apply the brake, taking some braking action as we careen down the highways and byways of our life’s journey.

To recount a song from an earlier era, a cautionary note for this month would be akin to Simon and Garfunkel’s 1966 “59th Street Bridge” lyrics:

“Slow down, you move too fast, you’ve got to make the morning last
Just kickin’ down the cobble-stones, lookin’ for fun and feelin’ groovy”

As we begin the month of March, we do have to watch for nervous energy getting the better of us as we try to juggle various things --- past, present, future --- yet feeling slightly out of sorts and ready to lose it without a moment’s notice.

We start the month feeling the dichotomy of the Sun and Uranus in Pisces opposition to Saturn in Virgo. While this time would be a good time to take a visionary perspective and carefully detail our methodology for reaching our intended future, we also have to be aware of the likelihood of unexpected monkeywrenches flying into the spokes of the wheels and any tendency on our part to hurry things along thereby skipping over important details and neglecting some of the specifics.

To begin the month, we also have the Mars Gemini, soon to move into Cancer, and Pluto Capricorn opposition ratcheted up severalfold as the opposition is exact with Mars in Cancer Pluto in Capricorn at the time of the Pisces New Moon on the 7th and influencing the fortnight to the Libra Full Moon just after the Vernal Equinox.

Let’s keep in mind that great Simon and Garfunkel refrain as a way to restrain ourselves, put on the brakes of impulsive actions and bridge over the troubled waters [okay, another S&G reference].

The latter part of the first week and the second weekend of March has a kaleidoscope of energies with Mars entering Cancer on the 4th, the Sun sextile Jupiter and Venus conjunct Neptune on the 6th; the Pisces New Moon conjunct Uranus and Mars opposed Pluto on the 7th, the Sun conjunct Uranus on the 8th, and Mercury conjunct Neptune on the 9th.

This time can be a vivid expression of the mid-60’s song written by Stephen Stills and performed by Buffalo Springfield “For What It’s Worth” which begins with the lyrics:
“There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear”

With so much Neptune, Uranus and Pisces energy influencing this period, our grip on reality may be questionable at best. We could easily be seduced by images and appearances and might fall prey to wish fulfillment.

We know we want change although we may have difficulty clearly delineating the changes we envision or the particular details as to how we could attain change. It is essential that we be judicious in our choices and careful not to accept assumptions without scrutinizing the particulars, checking the conditions and paying attention to the specifics.

While the Mars Pluto influence can trigger violent outbursts, explosions and outlandish actions / reactions even to the point of increased fear about terrorism, it would be wise to be clear about the impelling force that triggered such actions. We have to be vigilant against the trickster, someone or a situation that sings sweetly to us, enticing us, seducing us like a siren only to mislead us, take advantage of us or devour us.

On those quiet nights in rural California when I hear the coyote howl, there is a singing quality, a beckoning quality, as the coyote punctures the still night air with its call. Although the infinity of time-space can be felt in the brilliant star-filled canopy of the night sky in this landlightless sanctuary, that sanctity is pierced by the eerie call of the coyote, often referred in First Nation Peoples’ traditions as the trickster.

During this March, we have to watch that we are not enticed or mesmerized by the appearance without considering the true reality of the situation. It is all well and good for us to be enthused by possibilities but we also have to keep in mind, mantram-like, the question as to whether we are building upon rock or building upon sand.

We may be on edge this March wanting to move on, yet feeling our steps to be tentative as we are pulled between our desires for change and a queasy apprehension regarding the unfamiliar.

One of the key aspects of this month is to allow ourselves to get out of our own way. This month may be a month of surprises, like windows opening up and the floor opening beneath us. Although we might assume that the floor opening beneath us would indicate free fall, it might also open the way for a free ascent. And let’s keep in mind that the latter part of this month celebrates Christian theology’s Easter in tune with the Vernal Equinox. Out of the crucifixion of Christianity’s Jesus comes the resurrection and the ascension.

With the end of Winter, and the end of the zodiac cycle, as the Sun finishes its transit of Pisces the last sign of the zodiac, there is a new cycle beginning as the Sun enters Aries to begin the new year as represented in the rebirth, regeneration, renewal and revitalization that goes on in Spring as nature comes alive with animal births, blooming flowers and barren trees breaking into leaf. Seen in Christian theology, this process of resurrection is also pronounced in mythology with the mythological bird the Phoenix on its funereal pyre rising from its ashes to soar ever higher.

Yes, we are on the threshold of a paradigm shift, stepping back and forth between the old [old patterns, old ways of being and old definitions of self as well as our engrained judgment about the parameters of living] and the new [the unexplored, asequential reality, and a totally new way of being, what we might refer to as a magical, mystery tour].

This back and forth can be confusing and even mind-numbing. But the main thing during this period is to be open --- open to the unexpected, open to the possibility of life being totally different from the way we learned it to be. In that openness, it is also essential that we take everything with a grain of salt. No blind faith now, for that could prove the remedy of lemmings rushing towards the sea, to the cliffs and over the precipice.

Build upon rock or build upon sand.

Many of our institutions, securities, stabilities and things we have entrusted may fall apart or show their frailty as they show wear and tear and seem to be coming apart at the seams. It would be easy for us to fall into fear or anxiety. We have accepted the illusion of constancy, and when that constancy, security and stability is threatened it seems like our reality is but a house of cards ready to fall totally apart.

Attitude… Attitude may prove the determining factor in either falling apart, or merely surviving or fully thriving during these times.

Although this March may increase the sense of volatility that has already entered our consciousness through the booms and busts headlined in our mainstream news media, we also have the opportunity of being open to the magic and wonder of change. Attitude. If we believe that life is going to hell in a handbasket --- and what generation never felt that way at different times in the past? --- then we may as well volunteer to be the carrier of that basket. If on the other hand, we get out of our own way, accept the fact that we cannot ever truly master our universe, then we can take a more productive approach and recognize that we can do what we can do with the conditions and circumstances in which we find ourselves, taking a co-facilitating, co-creating disposition to the dynamic energies of these times.

A Chinese proverb states: ‘May you live in interesting times’.

Some have referred to this proverb as a curse, especially finding ourselves in the midst of ‘most interesting’ times.

The push pulls between old and new, building upon sand or building upon rock, the quick fix or the long-term solution can have us mad as the mad hatter during this month.

Much of the month, virtually the first three weeks of the month, is engaged with the Sun’s transit of Pisces. We are coming to the end of Winter, the end of the zodiac cycle, the end of the astrological year and with it a karmic reaping. This karmic reaping may be old situations rearing up to see if we have resolved the issues associated with them. This karmic reaping could entail a sense of hopelessness, victim to the vagaries of nature and the world and people around us. This karmic reaping may also allow us to expiate that karma, to mark off lessons learned with the realization that once learned we don’t have to go back over them again or learn them again.

While the second weekend of March could have the energies ratcheted up and our selves on pins and needles or pining and needling; the second half of March seems a great deal less frantic. We seem to have more of a handle on things, although that handle might actually be more of a handle on ourselves.

On the 12th, Venus exits Aquarius bringing an end to the Stellium of three or more planets in Aquarius and enters Pisces where it creates a Stellium in Pisces as Venus joins the Sun and Uranus in the Mutable Water Sign. Our sensitivity, compassion and spirituality are enhanced.

For several years we have and will continue to experience a Mutual Reception between Uranus and Neptune with Uranus being in Pisces, a Sign ruled by Neptune, and Neptune being in Aquarius, a sign ruled by Uranus. Our two higher sense faculties --- intuition and revelation --- are engaged. And we should be glad they are. For while the world may be spinning out of control and our rational mind is hard pressed to decipher what is going on since the empirical and old patterns no longer seem to work, we can draw upon our intuitive sense and our inspiration to guide us through the maze of these present times. By getting out of our own way, by closing down the conditioned mind with its automatic responses, we can open up to how things feel to us, the emotional responses we have to situations, people and conditions around us.

We are all having the opportunity of drawing upon our higher sense faculties. One could say, or write, that necessity is the mother of invention. In order to thrive, or merely survive, during these times, it is essential that we give up the old playbook and allow ourselves to be open to the guidance and understanding of our inner teacher, our inner voice. Empiricism and replicated experience may no longer provide the same answers they did before. We are entering a brand new day, a brave new world, and we need to be brave and accept our inner talents to cope and thrive from these changing times.

On the 13th, Venus sextiles Pluto. Our interactions with other people can have far greater meaning than the casual discussion of the weather, the increased cost of gas or the latest scores in the sports of recreation, finance, politics or other human games. We want to feel the depth and passion in our interchanges with other people. This desire for authenticity and intimacy can segue into our home, family and work functions as Mars sextiles Saturn on the 14th, the day that Mercury adds to the Piscean Stellium by leaving Aquarius and entering Pisces.

On the 15th, Mercury sextiles Pluto. Our mind and our conversations can be penetrating and to the point. We can devise a best practices approach for our daily activities and find our tongue to speak our greatest truth. We may have an ‘Eureka’ moment whereby we come to a realization of what our life is all about and find a missionary zeal to impel us forward to achieve our goals and our dreams. The 15th also has Venus opposed Saturn. Although we may feel inspired, impelled and ready to brave any circumstances and deal with any consequences, we may encounter people from our past or in our present who are naysayers to our dreams, to our intentions. While we could easily get tripped up by any criticism of our new found enthusiasm, we can also use any such exchanges as mirrors to show us how much we have changed, how much we have transformed and how ready we are to proceed with our journey, even if that journey is now taking us in new directions.

From the 13th through the 18th, we have a tag team of energies as first Venus then Mercury touches base with different planetary configurations, with Mars thrown in for some added spice. Venus sextiles Pluto on the 13th, and Mercury sextiles Pluto on the 15th. Venus opposes Saturn on the 15th and Mercury opposes Saturn on the 17th. Mars sextiles Saturn on the 14th, and Venus trines Mars on the 16th, followed by Mercury trine Mars on the 18th.

This time and planetary mix comes at the end of the Winter season and appropriate for such an ending before the new beginning. We are feeling our juices, our vital life force bubbling inside ourselves, but we are also likely to be reminded of our past and those definitions of ourselves that other people might harbor based upon whom we were then and the definitions based upon past experiences. Similar to the ending of winter, this is a time not only to prepare for the rebirth promised in Spring but also to bring completion those elements of our past that no longer work for us. Like a snake shedding its skin, or more aptly put, like the caterpillar coming out from the chrysalis as the butterfly, we may feel like we are coming out from a hibernation phase, shedding our old skin and ready to fly.

The Vernal Equinox occurs on the 20th with the Sun’s entry into Aries. Spring has sprung and we are ready to move quickly ahead. Before we do so, we have to die to the old and we may experience a deathing process with the Full Moon on Friday the 21st, Christian theology’s Good Friday. And what an appropriate energy configuration for this Good Friday there is. The Libra Full Moon creates a T-Square with the Sun opposed Moon square to Pluto.

Build upon rock or build upon sand. We are likely to find everything in our lives held up to question --- our sense of self, our significant relationships and our life’s work. We may hold all aspects of our lives to a high standard --- that they serve essential meaning and fundamental purpose for our lives. Those found wanting may prove part of this Spring’s cleaning and clearing away. At this time, we might also experience a stripping away of some of the illusions we have harbored just to be nice, to be acceptable, to get along. There could also be the passing of certain significant individuals at this time.

The last week of March seems to evoke pleasant feelings and a desire to experience new territory and a new attitude. We may feel as though all things are possible, which they are.

The 24th has Mercury conjunct Venus. Heart-felt communications can touch us on a soul level. We may have a greater appreciation that we are all ONE --- each unique, each inclusive.

The latter part of March has some surprising events and feelings. As though a cloud has been lifted, we are likely to pierce the veil of maya, the illusion of appearance, and cross into a different dimension of synchronicity and asequential reality.

The 27th has Mercury sextile Jupiter and Mercury conjunct Uranus. The 28th has Venus sextile Jupiter, Venus conjunct Uranus and Jupiter sextile Uranus. Whatever plans we make for these times, it would be wise to include enough ‘free’ time in order to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, wonderful surprises, things coming out of the blue. We may garner some remarkable insights at this time.

The sense of impending doom tapped into us by media of all sorts may drop away as we realize that what the mind can believe, the body can achieve. Our dispositions are likely to be upbeat. Some might cast them off as ‘Spring fever’, but the possibilities of magic and miracles cannot be discounted and certainly not towards the end of March.

Let’s keep our eyes wide open, our ears attuned and our attitude ready to embrace the wonder of it all.

March… in like a lion that grows more ferocious, out with an inspiring and upbeat roar…

This week starts off slowly and then builds into a crescendo as we come to the end of the week. Like a train leaving the station, the early part of the week seems uneventful but builds up steam as we move further into the week.

Apart from the Pisces New Moon on Friday with the Sun Moon conjunction also conjunct Uranus, the most significant event of the week is the entry of Mars into Cancer and its opposition to Pluto on the 7th just prior to the New Moon.

We may be feeling exuberant this week, as though a shroud has been lifted. We do have to watch for extremes. On the one hand, we may be feeling enthusiastic, ready for the warmer weather of Spring and inspired to get out of our own way and be open to what the universe may bring. On the other hand, we have to be wary of people losing it, acting out, blasts and explosions, earthquake and volcanic activity, and even potential terrorist threats or incidents.

Not only does the Mars Pluto opposition contribute to a combative and bombastic atmosphere, but this Pisces Lunation is within orb of an opposition to the Sun at the time of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks on September 11, 2001. At that time, Saturn in Gemini, the Sign of the Twins, opposed Pluto in Sagittarius. At this Lunation, Mars in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn. There is an eerie parallel between then and now.

With Venus conjunct Neptune, the Sun conjunct Uranus and Mercury conjunct Neptune toward the end of the week and over the weekend, we should not be too surprised if we are feeling infatuated, confused and wondering which way is up.

This week starts off slow but then we seem to be in the thick of things. We could easily buy into appearances and presentations without fully considering the facts or the evidence. Without due diligence, we might find ourselves led by the consensus of what is going on, rather than the reality of what is truly happening.

It would be wise for us to suspend judgment, not buy into any [false] rumors but maintain a braking action on our reactions. Now is a time for us to stand back, be an objective observer, detached from the drama happening around us and even in our own lives and recognize that the appearance and presentations may be fantastic images that may not have any substance behind them. Let’s pull back the curtain of the wizard of oz screen and see who’s pushing the buttons before we accept things at face value.

This week is an interesting week during highly interesting times.

Monday, March 3rd – Streamlined Operations – Uranus, Moon Void-of-Course. Today finishes up the Moon in Capricorn and allows us to finish up some of the projects we may have been working on or contemplating over the weekend. In the early morning hours, the Moon sextiles Uranus. We may get one of those ‘Eureka’ moments when everything seems to fall into place and the answer comes readily to us. The more we can think outside the box, the better able we are to blend new streamlined techniques into the structure of our lives. Today is a good day to see where we can pare down, expedite and focus on prioritizing our life’s ambitions. Often, like the clutter in our homes and offices, we tend to accumulate stuff --- projects, people, things --- that keep us from concentrating on the truly important. Today would be a good day to inventory our lives and our activities, making a list to see what is important and what is not, checking it twice and then committing to the necessary sort-out actions. As the day progresses, the energy drops away. Late in the day, the Moon moves into Aquarius. We may start the day with flags flying but end the day just wanting to do something different, not be concerned about our responsibilities but instead seek some diversion from our daily in and out.

Tuesday, March 4th – Waiting for the Change – Mars Cancer. Tuesday continues with the Aquarius Moon which makes no connections to the planets today. We could feel like we are idling, waiting for Godot, waiting for something to happen, waiting for things to change. One change today is the transition of Mars from Gemini to enter Cancer, and the increasing influence of the Mars Pluto opposition which occurs on Friday just before Friday’s New Moon. Like the Jaws theme music, we may feel the stir and increasing apprehension of this very significant opposition. While we may want to rest in our reveries of what can bes, it would be wise for us to keep a heads-up regarding possible outbreaks of intensity. Yes, we are in the sphere of this Mars Pluto opposition and will be through much of this month. Explosions, blasts, eruptions, violent outbreaks, threats of terrorism are among the possibilities under this influence. People may be like powder kegs, ready to explode with the slightest triggering, sometimes without a moment’s notice. Let’s be vigilant and keep on guard for these blasts of energy. If we can work with the energy, then this is a good time for us to start clearing things out, making room for our goals and ambitions, and preparing for our future. The key focus will be home and family matters and our activities in the workplace and in the world.

Wednesday, March 5th – A Brand New Day – Mercury, Venus, Neptune. Wednesday continues with the Aquarius Moon and today conjunct the three planets that presently make up the Aquarius Stellium of three or more planets in one Sign. The Moon conjuncts Mercury, Venus and Neptune today. We are likely to be feeling upbeat, more positive about the future and with a sense that the grinding present may soon give way to a far better and brighter time. Today is a day to get together with friends, appreciate those special people in our lives and discuss our plans for the future. No down day today. We can see the dawning of better times and we’re ready to leave the past behind. While a sense of euphoria may be contagious, lurking in the background is the recognition that we may have to bring certain things to an end before we step across the threshold of a brand new day. It would be important to bear in mind that often we need to have closure with certain situations before we can initiate new projects. Contemplating and conversing about our goals and plans are certainly important aspects of our lives, but let’s remember that we may have to clean up outstanding matters in order not to bring the old baggage into the future. Otherwise, we may be fantasizing about our prospects while in reality creating a scenario of ‘meet the new boss, same as the old boss.’

Thursday, March 6th – A World of Possibilities – Sun, Jupiter, Venus, Neptune, Mars, Pluto, Saturn. Our upbeat attitude continues on into Thursday. The Sun sextiles Jupiter and Venus conjuncts Neptune. We may be feeling optimistic, confident and with a sense of manifest destiny. Even our relationships can be close to idyllic, at least from our perspective. Where a problem could arise is the fact that we might be looking at the world, our world, through rose-colored glasses. Attitude is everything and today our disposition can be on a high note, but such a high note that we are looking at a world of possibilities without acknowledging present realities. The Moon in Pisces trines Mars, sextiles Pluto and opposes Saturn. We may be geared up for action, feel led by our angels, and assume that nothing can go wrong. Where a problem arises is with the Moon Saturn opposition. While we could use this energy to blueprint our plans and then come up with a best practices approach to realize our goals, we could also get carried away with our enthusiasm, neglect certain details and skip over important points with a blind faith belief that everything will work out to our advantage. Arrogance needs to be watched for today. We could suggest, or others might indicate, an ability to walk on water. With the right equipment we could do so, but a tendency towards inevitable luck might lead us into deep water. Not to dampen the possibilities of this day, but it would be wise to keep a grip on reality. And to keep in mind that we are nearing tomorrow’s Mars Pluto opposition. Things can turn on a dime, change dramatically without a moment’s notice, so let’s maintain vigilance, keep alert, all the while that we’re enjoying the good times.

Friday, March 7th – Never the Twain Shall Meet – Mars, Pluto, Pisces New Moon, Jupiter, Sun, Uranus. This Friday gives us the Pisces New Moon and the signature imprint for the next fortnight. By itself, the New Moon is pretty spectacular with the Sun Moon conjunction also conjunct Uranus and all three sextiling Jupiter. We are stepping into a new paradigm, a time of synchronicity, where asequential reality and non-linear reality hold play. Yes, we’re now in magic times, times when things don’t follow in a sequential manner but rather things come out of the blue and can easily turn on a dime. Now is a time to expect the unexpected, to be open to the magic and miracles of the universe, and to allow ourselves to be co-facilitators of our reality rather than trying to master reality. We are likely to feel energized, ready to explore new realms and take advantage of wonderful surprises that present unexpected opportunities. This period, today and for the fortnight to follow, can also provide a time of technological advances, both in regard to Information Technology and Biotechnology. Major advances can be made now. Like a David and Goliath scenario, we are likely to see small companies and situations that weren’t given much credence a short while ago catapult onto center stage. Even for ourselves, we can streamline operations and focus on what works best for us. We’re ready for exploration and self-discovery and the more autonomy we can create for ourselves the better we shall like it. Now is a time when we can work smarter rather than harder, be more effective with less expenditure of energy and come up with innovative ways to deal with our daily reality. That’s the good news. The less than favorable news is the fact that on this Friday we also have Mars opposed Pluto exact. There is a saying that states: ‘adapt or die’. And this saying may be especially true today and for the following fortnight. If we can’t let go of things and situations that are no longer productive for us, the universe may step in and do it for us. Infrastructures could be found to be weak, hazardous or falling apart. There could be geophysical phenomena with an increase of earthquake and volcanic activity. And with this Lunation being at the opposite point of the Sun’s position at the time of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks on September 11, 2001, there could be threat of terrorist activities. While the energies are calling for change, change for many is not an easy thing to come by. Too many of us are accepting of the complacency of discontent, complaining about our situation but not doing anything about it. The energies now can be quite intense, but no matter whether we go with the flow in the rapid currents of these times or not, things they are a’changing.

Saturday, March 8th - Taking a Different Course – Sun, Uranus, Lunar T-Square, Pluto, Mars. Saturday reinforces both the Uranian energy of emphasizing our individuality and the Mars Pluto opposition which raises the question as to whether we have built, and are building, upon rock or upon sand. The Sun conjuncts Uranus today, and the Moon is in Aries. We want to discover new aspects of ourselves, stretch into new parameters, and explore different activities. And we want to do so without any prescribed plan or schedule. We want to be free to do things spontaneously, in the moment and without either expectations or conditions placed upon us. We may not know where we are going. We’re far more interested in the movement and the sense of freedom. The Aries Moon creates a Cardinal Sign T-Square as the Moon squares Pluto in Capricorn and squares Mars in Cancer. We may be a law unto ourselves, willing to break all rules without considering the consequences. We may want to tear things apart, break things down, and we might even seem to be exhibiting signs of throwing a temper tantrum if we don’t get our own way. This day could prove intense, but the intensity would be ratcheted up by any sense of limitations or restrictions placed upon us. This Saturday is a day to do our own thing, test the waters and not feel obligated to commit to the long-term or feel the need to carve our plans in stone. This Saturday is one to be open to the vagaries of life right now, but also to recognize that something is impelling us and the world to make radical changes.

Sunday, March 9th – Talking Heads – Mercury, Neptune, Jupiter. Sunday has Mercury conjunct Neptune. We’ve had a great deal of Neptune since mid-week and it continues on this Sunday. What we have to be careful about is not to get overly rigid in our beliefs or our assumptions. There may be a level of confusion now regarding what is truly going on in the world and in our world. It would be wise to suspend judgment and allow the dust to settle before coming to a definitive opinion regarding what is truly going on. That may not be the way it happens though. Today we could have various talking heads pontificating on their analysis, evaluation and critique of what is going on. Aaargh! Let’s take it all with a grain of salt, or a boulder of a salt lick. The Aries Moon squares Jupiter and sextiles Neptune. We have to be wary of any knee-jerk reactions today. We could go overboard and dig ourselves a deep hole from which it might be difficult to extricate ourselves. Let’s engage in the round robin discussions that are likely to go on but with an air of bemusement remembering that when five people are gathered together there are likely to be six opinions. Time for meditation and quietude would offer an opportunity of grounding ourselves and focusing on the truly essential rather than the mindless drivel that might be circulating today.

This week is the last full week of Winter, officially. This week sees two Sign changes as first Venus then Mercury move out of Aquarius and move into Pisces. By so doing, these planets end the Stellium of three or more planets in Aquarius and create a Stellium in Pisces as they join both the Sun and Uranus in the Mutable Water Sign and the last Sign of the Zodiac wheel. Yes, Winter may soon be officially ending but its energy and influence linger on.

We are still feeling the influence of last week’s Mars Pluto opposition that brought us various incidents and activities typical of the Mars Pluto interplay. The killing of rabbinical students in Israel reminded me that the Mars Pluto adverse aspects often parallel issues associated with assaults, war-like actions and suicide bombings involving Israel. This configuration also indicated increased geophysical activity and warning signs have been noted in Mexico, Oregon and the Aleutian Islands regarding a possible significant geophysical event. We also had a call from various Democrat leaders in the US for the two frontrunners for their party’s Presidential nomination to stop the sniping at each other. Headlines also blared the news of the devastating accounting of foreclosures in the US housing market. Both by means of its influence through the New Moon and by its orb, this Mars Pluto opposition continues on through next week.

We have to maintain caution and vigilance to be careful not to allow some insignificant event, or significant event, be a trigger for unleashing wrath or ire. It would be wise to avoid knee-jerk reactions assuming that an immediate response will stop the bleeding or avoid the pain.

Although we may be feeling the impact of Mars Pluto, this week has some pleasant energies. We can begin to move ahead with plans and can come up with a best practices approach. We do have to be careful not to get suckered into believing either that everything is turning in a more positive direction or falling prey to dire forecasts. The roller coaster continues its ride with some ups and downs, but this week mostly has some up qualities associated with it.

An element of conservatism regarding our finances, perhaps seen as an exercise of how we can stretch our dollars, will make us feel more on top of things and less at the vagaries of inflation, increased costs and less disposable income for us to work with.

Interactions with others can be deep and meaningful as long as we stay detached and objective and not allow our emotions get entangled with other people’s issues or problems. I often remind clients that misery loves company and not to make it their company.

Compassion and caring are one thing but dysfunctional codependency is a lose-lose scenario for all concerned.

This is a good week to get our house in order, financially and environmentally, get together with good friends and have meaningful discussions about the importance of those special people in our lives and brainstorming some of our plans for the future.

Monday, March 10th – It’s a Beautiful Day – Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Lunar Grand Trine, Pluto, Mars, Saturn. Monday can be one of those primo days. We start the day with the Aries Moon sextile the three planets in Aquarius --- Neptune, Mercury and Venus. We have a burst of energy and are looking towards our future and how we can implement our plans. Nothing may seem impossible, and it never is. Conversations with others might prove good sounding boards in honing and refining our ideas and plans. People may make us aware of options and alternatives that we don’t see for ourselves. The more we can be open to greater understanding and more information, the more we can focus our dreams and consider the ways to make our dreams come true. As the day progresses, the Moon moves into Taurus where it sextiles Mars and creates an Earth Grand Trine by trining Pluto in Capricorn and trining Saturn in Virgo. From the thrust of energy with which we began the day, we can now neatly fit the pieces into the puzzle. We can devise the most effective means by which to structure and execute our plans. We could find ourselves being incredibly resourceful and determined. No matter what the world might be doing, or what the headlines may be blaring. We’re determined and prepared to take on the world. We’re aware that we have the tools, the capability and the resources, no matter how limited, to pull off our goals. We may need a little help from our friends, but we have able supporters to assist us and provide a more objective perspective regarding a best practices approach.

Tuesday, March 11th – Moving Right Along – Jupiter, Uranus. Tuesday keeps the energy and focused determination on Monday moving right along. Today, the Taurus Moon trines Jupiter and sextiles Uranus. We can broaden our perspective, widen our sphere, all the while that we are adjusting and shifting our technique as things go along. We are likely to feel upbeat, open to the challenges, and able to think outside the box and come up with streamlined ways to get things done. If we could get off the track, do something out of the ordinary, then we might come up with one of those ‘Eureka’ moments when sudden realization gives us an innovative way to deal with things. We are looking to stretch and be more effective with less expenditure of energy. Let’s be certain that we allow ourselves to be spontaneous and to try things differently or try different things. If we go out shopping, we could come up with interesting bargains or discover that item we’ve been ever searching for. There is an element of the miraculous today that can be uplifting and have us feeling that not everything is going downhill.

Wednesday, March 12th – Bumps in the Road – Sun, Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Venus Pisces. If life were strictly a smooth autobahn, we could slide quickly and easily through life. Nice concept perhaps, but it would also mean that we weren’t learning from the glitches or the road bumps along the way. Wednesday could provide some of those bumps in the road. Although we start the day with the Taurus Moon sextile the Sun, continuing our nary a worry in the world attitude that we have embraced the past two days, we do hit some glitches as the Taurus Moon squares the three planets in Aquarius --- Neptune, Mercury, Venus. While we had people praising and cheerleading our intentions on Monday, Wednesday could have our supporters turning into naysayers. We may have skipped over details or now realize that the execution is far more difficult than the conceptual manifestation in our minds. Wednesday is a day when we might have to re-group, reconsider and find that the resources we thought were available are a great deal less than we had imagined. The sense of wrong calculations could be reinforced by the Moon moving into Gemini where it squares Saturn. Responsibilities and neglected details could put monkeywrenches into the spokes of our wheels. Instead of falling into depression, feeling bummed, or accepting a victimized role, let’s realize that re-tooling and re-defining are always important characteristics for us to get things right. Late in the day, Venus moves into Pisces ending the Stellium of three or more planets in Aquarius and creating a Stellium in Pisces as Venus joins the Sun and Neptune in the Mutable Water Sign. Our emotions are being highly sensitized. We may feel greater compassion for other people, but we do have to watch for being the dry sponge taking to water, soaking up the energies, emotions and vibes of our surroundings and the people around us.

Thursday. March 13th – The Depth of Passion – Venus, Pluto, Uranus. Thursday has Venus sextile Pluto and the Gemini Moon square Uranus. Our relationships can go to a deeper level as we question who we are, why we are here and the intimacy of our personal connections. We’re not interested in superficial interactions. We want depth, passion, intimacy and authenticity. While we want to go below the surface and see what is truly going on, it is by means of how things feel to us that we will come to a judgment and not by means of the reasoning mind. Although we are feeling deeply, such depth can also be a little scary. If we feel swept up by our emotions or consumed by our passion, we could find ourselves bolting from the situation. Today is a day to give everyone some slack, suspend judgment and recognize that each of us may be trying to stretch beyond our comfort zone. Once beyond our comfort zone, a sense of the emperor with no clothes could set in and, feeling violated or too fully revealed, we could run swiftly from the arena. No judgment, no opinion as to how we do, let’s allow ourselves to feel more deeply and embrace the depth of passion today.

Friday, March 14th – All Over the Place – Mars, Saturn, Neptune, Sun, Mercury, Pluto, Venus, Mercury Pisces. Friday could prove exhausting. There is a great deal of energy that could have us fixing up, reworking, moving ahead, stepping back and going beyond the Texas two-step --- all over the place. Mars sextiles Saturn and early in the day the Gemini Moon trines Neptune, trines Mercury and squares the Sun. We may be making plans for the night, for the weekend, for the week ahead, months ahead, ad infinitum. Our tendency to overschedule could be strong today. We may feel that we have to meet certain obligations all the while that new interests and new proposals grab our attention and draw our interest. We may be trying to cover so much ground that by the time the latter part of the day arrives, all we want to do is go home and catch our breath. Nice concept but we may have already scheduled ourselves for the evening hours, for the next day, next week, and on and on. Although the Moon moves into Cancer, the Moon then opposes Pluto, trines Venus, sextiles Saturn and conjuncts Mars. Even if our plans change for the evening, the only change is likely to be the venue and not the participation list. This Friday could prove an exhausting day where we are going from one thing to another, trying to cover all bases and adding more bases for us to eventually cover. Judiciously spreading out our commitments would be wise, for otherwise we could be on overload this Friday. Mercury moves into Pisces late in the day adding to the Pisces Stellium of three or more planets in the Mutable Water Sign as Mercury join Venus, the Sun and Uranus. Our intuitive sense can sharpen but our attention to details could be less strong.

Saturday, March 15th – Brilliant but Belligerent – Mercury, Pluto, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter. Saturday has Mercury sextile Pluto which can strengthen our intuition, give a piercing intellect and provide the ability of coming up with the right answers for any problem. Heart-to-heart talks can get to the core of a situation. But we do have to be careful to maintain diplomacy and considerate of other people’s feelings. Our straight from the heart approach can be on-target but also strike to the heart. With Venus opposed Saturn we have to be careful that people aren’t too sensitive regarding what is being said, misconstrue the words or misinterpret the intention. Past relationship issues can get in the way and there could be a tendency for people to go through their files and bring up past cases of inappropriate behavior or unintended hurts. We may have to walk the balance beam today between what we say and how we say it. The more we can see things from the other person’s perspective, the less likely we are to fall into a gnarly pit of brambles and briars. The Cancer Moon opposes Jupiter. There could be a tendency towards the too muches --- saying too much, going too far or trying to resolves too many things.

Sunday, March 16th – Those Magic Moments – Venus, Mars, Uranus, Sun. No matter what havoc we might have caused or may have been entangled with over the intensity of the past few days; the frenetic energy dies down and we can catch a breather and even enjoy some special moments. Venus trines Mars today. We are far more considerate of other people, able to see their perspective, and far more interested in creating win-win situations rather than winning our point or being numero uno. The Cancer Moon trines Uranus and the Sun. We’re feeling more motherly, wanting to comfort and nurture. Even Type A personalities can take a breather today. This Sunday can be a special day of enjoying a respite from our everyday lives, taking a leisurely walk out of doors or enjoying a meal and chatting around the table. This day is also a good fix-up day when we take care of home projects, move things around or do a pre-Spring cleaning. We may enjoy time with our family or extended family of good friends. As the day progresses, the Moon goes Void-of-Course and we might just take the time to nap on the couch or sit back and watch the world go by. In the evening hours, some form of recreational fun would be a good way to prepare for the week ahead.

This week has the last few days of Winter and the beginning of Spring. We may be preparing for a Spring holiday, Easter or Spring projects around the house. This is a week to blend pleasurable activities with addressing details and outstanding matters. The more we can tie up loose ends, the less encumbered we shall be as we come more into the Spring period and look to start up new projects and try out new interests.

Apart from the beginning of Spring on Wednesday – Thursday, we also have the Libra Full Moon on Friday, Good Friday in Christian theology. The symbolism of the crucifixion of Jesus may not be lost on any of us, no matter our religious beliefs. This Full Moon has the Sun Moon opposition square Pluto in Capricorn. Once again, we may be asked to question whether we have built upon rock or built upon sand. The potential fall from grace, already evidenced recently in a public humiliation and forced resignation, is strong now. We can become increasingly aware that things can change without a moment’s notice.

The issue of ‘adapt or die’ may force us to look at the characteristics and aspects of our lives and determine those that we want to maintain, reinforce and focus on and those that we are ready to let go during a good Spring cleaning.

Just as Easter represents in Christian theology the resurrection and ascension following the crucifixion, the Vernal Equinox offers the sense of renewal, rebirth and regeneration. Aided by the Pluto energies, we have the opportunity of inventory taking and discerning what is truly meaningful to us and that which is merely a distraction or dross to be cleared away.

The week can be intense so it would be wise to be certain to incorporate periods, moments, events of celebration and joy at the beginning of a new year, for the Vernal Equinox does speak to the beginning of a whole new cycle.

Monday, March 17th – Oh, Danny Boy – Mercury, Saturn. Monday is St. Patrick’s Day and while we have a Leo Moon prodding us toward fun activities and creative venues, the day also has Mercury opposed Saturn. Our desire for enjoyment today could be marred by our feeling of overwhelm, slightly disheartened and bogged down by outstanding matters or delays in moving forward. If we don’t feel victim to circumstance, we could use this day to productively blueprint our plans and blend a visionary sense with a practical approach and methodology. Such a tendency would be a best case scenario. What we have to watch for is having expectations or being a little too critical either in our self-evaluation or in the standards we choose to hold others to. Today is one of those days to keep in mind the old saying: ’Life’s too mysterious. Don’t take it serious.’ But serious we might take it and then we are likely to feel at the mercy of the ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’. Let’s focus on having some fun times, not overdoing any partying in which we might choose to engage, and not hold high standards demanding perfection in an imperfect world.

Tuesday, March 18th – Home Projects – Mercury, Mars, Neptune. Tuesday continues with the Leo Moon, which today opposes Neptune. We also have Mercury trine Mars. We may still be feeling the somewhat depressing effects of yesterday’s Mercury Saturn opposition and we could have great expectations today. Our interactions with others could prove difficult if we do not cut other people some slack and try to see things from their perspective. With Mercury trine Mars, today is a far better day to tend to things around our own home rather than gathering rocks to throw at other people’s homes. We can make plans regarding how we might want to make changes around our home, contact family and close friends, and look at both tying up loose ends and preparing for the Spring period. Taking time to think things through, considering our possibilities without launching ahead and envisioning what we want to create would all be good ways to use this day. We may find that we are sorting through potentials, getting enamored by some or many but the key disposition to keep in mind today is to look before we leap. Let’s take time to reflect on where we want to go and how we want to get there.

Wednesday, March 19th – Taking Care of Business – Pluto, Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Venus. Wednesday has the Moon moving into Virgo where it trines Pluto, conjuncts Saturn, sextiles Mars and opposes both Mercury and Venus. Today is a day to get real, to evaluate with a critical eye our activities and our intended plans. We can accomplish a great deal if we keep our eye on the ball and focus on what needs to get done. While distractions might grab our attention and attempt to gain our focus, it would be wise to attend to the daily routine and the specific details of our projects. Let’s keep in mind that the journey is a series of steps. Today is a day to take things step by step. We can look up, stare off at the horizon and even engage in wishful meanderings. But in so doing, let it be a brief interlude from our responsibilities and everyday obligations. This is the last day of Winter with Spring around the corner and coming in later today or early tomorrow morning, depending upon where we are on the planet. Let’s use this day to wrap up loose ends of this Winter period and even the year ending. Remember, in astrology and in nature in the northern latitudes, Winter brings closure to the natural year and Spring begins the new year. By concentrating on taking care of business, we can bring things to completion and be ready to take advantage of the new beginnings that Springtime offers us.

Thursday, March 20th – To Begin Again – Vernal Equinox, Sun Aries, Jupiter, Uranus. Thursday, Wednesday evening in some locales, gives us the Vernal Equinox, the beginning of the Spring season, as the Sun enters the Cardinal Fire Sign Aries. We are at the beginning of the zodiac year, the natural new year in the northern latitudes. We may feel a burst of energy and the sense of breaking out from the doldrums and wanting to initiate new activities and develop new interests. The Moon in Virgo contributes to the sense of expansion thanks to its trine to exuberant Jupiter. Today is a good day to expand our perspective and broaden our reach. We may find that we want to do more, that we are looking to take on more activities especially with the weather inevitably warming up as we come more into Spring. The Moon also opposes Uranus, so we should we aware that unexpected situations might arise for us to address or deal with. We could be feeling our oats wanting to stretch and do things differently. A little experimentation, testing the waters, finding something that appeals to us, even if only an impulse buy or a spontaneous action, would be good ways to kick off Spring. Let’s remember that the season we are moving into is one when we want to express ourselves, focus on ourselves and not necessarily with a great deal of finesse as much as the primal scream of self-assertion. Let’s make this Thursday a ‘me’ day and allow ourselves some special time just for ourselves.

Friday, March 21st – Transition Points – Libra Full Moon, Sun, Pluto. Friday has the Moon moving into Libra and the Libra Full Moon. This Libra Full Moon can be especially powerful due to the Sun square Pluto and the Sun Moon opposition square Pluto. In Christian theology, this day is Good Friday and we may all feel on the cross or at the crossroads. We are being asked to get real with ourselves, to strip away the non-essentials and concentrate on the fundamentals, the core, the heart and soul of any and every matter. Although it may seem as though the security of living is slipping away beneath us, we are having the opportunity of doing a serious inventory taking of our lives, see what is truly important and what has been either a distraction or fluff, and then determine whether we get rid of the superfluous. Let’s remember that if we don’t eliminate the dross from our lives, the universe could well do it for us. This day and period could be quite intense and extreme in its actions. People could be acting out today, significant individuals could step off the stage and the potential for explosive actions can certainly not be counted out. Geophysical activity of earthquakes and volcanoes could be happening today, and it would be wise for us to keep in mind that life and living is a dynamic always in flux and not a stasis of a fixed status quo.

Saturday, March 22nd – Preparations and Get-Togethers – Mars. Saturday continues the intensity of yesterday’s Full Moon with its square to Pluto. Like a massive underwater eruption, the ripples can continue on into today. Not only are we feeling the influence of yesterday’s major energies but today has the Libra Moon square Mars. The Mars Pluto opposition that we have been feeling for a while and which was exact at the time of the New Moon back on the 9th is being re-enforced now both by yesterday’s Full Moon and today’s Moon square Mars. This Friday and Saturday could prove over the top. Nothing is likely to be done in half measure and we have to be especially careful that we don’t get sucked into the whirlwind of intensity that could have people lashing out verbally or physically and the eruptions that might be evident. We don’t have to run for cover, but it would be wise not to be overly reactive to the things going on around us or in the world at large. With tomorrow being Easter and with the Libra Moon, we might want to use this day either in preparation of social gatherings tomorrow or enjoy get-togethers today with those special people in our lives. We may have a sense of endings going on, whether people moving out of our lives, or projects coming to a close. Such situations remind us of the cycle of endings which turn into new beginnings. We are now into the Spring season, a time of new beginnings but with the recognition of orbs and spheres of influence we have to realize that we’re still on the threshold between Winter and Spring.

Sunday, March 23rd – Awaken and Rise Up – Jupiter, Neptune. This Sunday is Easter Sunday, one of the major holy days in Christian theology. While this day speaks of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to become the Christ, Easter Sunday also gives us the symbolic indication of our own individual resurrection, renewal and rebirth which occurs with the promise of Springtime. Today the Libra Moon squares Jupiter and trines Neptune. Today is a day for social engagements, some of which may be obligatory that we do only because it is socially correct for us to do so or because we have commitments to keep. Other get-togethers can be fun times of gatherings with friends and the opportunity of discussing plans and considering possibilities. For each one of us, no matter what our religious or philosophical beliefs, we can use this Sunday to enjoy the beauty of our lives and the prospects for our future. Today is a great day to gift ourselves and gift our friends. We are looking at throwing off the shackles of bondage of the past and far more interested in the promise of our future. Let’s awaken, rise up and realize that we can start anew with a disposition of gratitude and an appreciation for the opportunities we have to express ourselves and realize our potentials.

This Spring begins with the Vernal Equinox and the Sun’s entrance into the Cardinal Fire Sign of Aries on March 19th – 20th. At the time of the Vernal Equinox, there is one planet in a Fire Sign, four planets in Earth Signs, one planet in an Air Sign and four planets in Water Signs. There are four planets in Cardinal Signs, one planet in a Fixed Sign and five planets in Mutable Signs. There are two planets in Positive Signs and eight planets in Negative Signs.

A sense of start and stop, shifting and changing seem a large part of this Spring period. We may want to start things up but may not have the energy or the confidence of follow-through. The season begins with a Stellium of three or more planets in one Sign: Mercury, Venus and Uranus in Pisces. We might feel that we have to take a reactive approach to life rather than an assertive, proactive approach. Certainly the volatility that we have experienced recently, whereby things can turn sharply without a moment’s notice, is en vogue. It would be wise for us to keep in mind the nursery rhyme and be nimble and be quick. Everything we do may have to take on a tentative, probationary disposition. Let’s see ourselves testing the waters, evaluating and reviewing, before launching our boats fully into the waters.

A key configuration of this beginning of the Spring season is a Cardinal Sign T-Square as the Sun moving into Aries squares Pluto on the 21st at the time of the Good Friday Libra Full Moon, and then the Sun squares Mars on the 30th. The Mars Pluto opposition that was exact at the time of the Pisces New Moon back on March 7th and which has seen continued economic deterioration and significant political leaders stepping off the stage, continues to be felt and re-enforced both throughout March and especially on the 21st when the Libra Full Moon creates a Cardinal Sign Grand Cross with the Sun in Aries, the Moon in Libra, Mars in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn.

A good Spring cleaning could be part of our early Spring as we do an inventory taking of our lives and see what works for us and what no longer serves us. Significant transformations can go on now with extreme tidal changes to circumstances and conditions.

During this Spring period, two people who may be impacted by the energies in a challenging manner would be US President George W. Bush [thanks to the transiting Uranus square his natal Uranus, ruler of both his 7th and 8th Houses] and US Senator Barack Obama [thanks to the Libra Full Moon impacting his natal Venus in the 8th and transiting Pluto opposing his natal Venus]. Both individuals could come under attack and their personal popularity under assault.

Unless we are totally oblivious to the changing circumstances in the world around us, it would be wise that in our inventory taking we consider those areas of our lives that need to be cleaned up with parts eliminated and figure out how we can best do more with less. The more we strip away, get lean and mean, and focus on the truly important; the better able we shall be to deal with these changing times.

Although the beginning of Spring could prove rather intense, both in our personal lives with people feeling at their wit’s end and in the world with economic volatilities and extreme storm systems; there are some pleasant energies as well. If we feel blocked or stymied by the way things have been or are going, then we have the opportunity to consider options and alternatives. By thinking outside the box, ridding ourselves of any sense of victimization and embracing the attitude of gratitude, and by considering options and alternatives we might not otherwise take into account; we can create better ways for brighter days.

In these times, I am often reminded of the sage saying: ‘we never get more than we can handle’.

Despite the fact that we are being asked to rid ourselves of the dross, the superfluous and extraneous in our lives, we can also focus on what is truly important to us, what aspects of our lives can enhance the quality of our living. We may discover it is not the amount of toys or distractions we are able to surround ourselves with. We might also come to realize that we don’t have to have all the answers, conquer the world or master the universe. On the contrary, we might recognize that by our intentions and by our integrity we can draw things to us --- that the universe works and that we are co-creators of our destiny by means of our choices or by adeptly playing the cards dealt to us.

Like a rebuilding process, this Spring allows us to remediate the soil, plant new seeds and tend to new interests that are more in line with whom we are and whom we are becoming.

Even though we’ll be feeling the Mars Pluto opposition through March, this influence raises the question as to whether we have built upon rock or built upon sand. The last week of March also provides the opportunity of embracing Springtime fever with Mercury conjunct Venus on the 24th, Mercury sextile Jupiter and Mercury conjunct Uranus on the 27th, and on the 28th Venus sextile Jupiter, Venus conjunct Uranus and Jupiter sextile Uranus. It may seem as though the storm clouds are parting and a bright sunny day revealed. We are likely to feel upbeat, interested in exploring new contacts and new activities, and we may sense that the worst may well be behind us. Although wonderful surprises could be in store, it would be wise to remember that we are in times of great volatility and a period very much akin to Charles Dickens’ writings in A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...”

So too for ourselves. It is important that we neither be carried away by the euphoria of irrational exuberance nor become despondent over the apparent state of affairs. What we can do is to experiment, allow this time to be one for self-discovery and also be aware of the daily synchronicities, those mini-miracles that occur every day in our lives.

It is essential that we recognize life as we have known it is not the way it is or the way it is likely to be. While that could be scary, even terrifying, we could also look at the opportunity it presents --- a whole new paradigm with means and ways that are totally different from those before and possibly with journeys and itineraries that we could not have earlier imagined for ourselves.

As we come into April, Pluto turns retrograde on the 2nd widening the separation of the opposition to Mars as Mars continues its transit of Cancer. Even the housing crisis and declining property values can seem less dire with various solutions being offered. Let’s always keep in mind the importance of thinking outside the box, being creative in considering our alternatives and recognizing that we are on the threshold of a major paradigm shift with conditions and circumstances and even the effective methods being far different than those to which we are familiar.

The 2nd of April also has Mercury entering Aries, followed by Venus entering Aries on the 6th, at which time there is now a Stellium in the Cardinal Fire Sign as Venus joins Mercury and the Sun in Aries. Although the entry into Aries will trigger squares to Pluto, Mercury square Pluto on the 3rd and Venus square Pluto on the 6th, we are now ready to initiate our new projects and new plans for the Springtime, all the while that we’re still clearing away the irrelevant and outmoded. Our thoughts can be perceptive and penetrating, focusing on the core fundamentals. Our communications can be to the point and without a great deal of window dressing or diplomatic consideration. Our interactions with other people must have purpose and be soul satisfying, otherwise we may close the door on some of our connections.

The Aries New Moon on the 5th of April could propel us forward with a sense of inevitability and invincible destiny. This New Moon squares Jupiter while we are still feeling the magic of pulling the rabbit out of the hat, thanks to the influence of the Jupiter sextile Uranus. During early April, we have to be careful of overconfidence and assuming that we can make things happen solely by our determination and our intention. The Sun squares Jupiter and Mercury squares Mars on the 10th. Checking the signposts and dropping back now and then to re-evaluate and take an objective check on our actions should be considered.

The middle of April allows us to engage with friends, blueprint our strategies and clarify our goals. There are various energy patterns that contribute to our confidence and our desire to realize our greatest dreams. And if we take the time to plan our methods, we can find the most effective and expeditious means of achieving our aims. On the 13th, the Sun sextiles Neptune and Mercury squares Jupiter. On the 14th, Mercury sextiles Neptune. Mercury conjuncts the Sun on the 16th. Mercury exits Aries and enters Taurus on the 17th and on the 18th Mercury trines Pluto and trines Saturn. The Sun enters Taurus on the 19th just prior to the Scorpio Full Moon at which time the Sun trines Pluto.

During this period, we can make rapid advances in regard to those projects and activities that have true meaning for us. We are energized and may feel as though the dark night of the soul that we have recently experienced may be behind us. Like the biblical admonishment: ‘get thee behind me, Satan’, we may either feel that solutions are at hand for even the gravest of situations or we are far less reactive and more willing to do our journey with vigor and determination no matter the backdrop of what might be occurring around us.

With Mercury on the 17th, the Sun on the 19th and then Venus on the 30th entering Taurus, we have a Stellium in the practical and focused Fixed Earth Sign. We also have a Grand Trine in the Earth Element as the entry into Taurus creates by Sign a trine to Saturn in Virgo and a trine to Pluto in Capricorn. We can truly be manifesters, putting down the foundation stones of a future that speaks to the quality of living and quality for our lives.

Although we may be feeling the wind to our back propelling us and easing our way, we do have to watch for the sense of extremes. This feeling could be exacerbated around the 23rd and 24th of April when Venus squares Mars and squares Jupiter on the 23rd, followed by Mars opposed Jupiter on the 24th.

On the one hand, we might assume that we have ended a recent nightmare and have
entered a time when nothing can go wrong. On the other hand, we could become catatonic after our recent turmoil times and unable to move forward or take advantage of new opportunities. Planting our seeds, all the while watching the conditions around us, can keep us focused and adaptable in case we need to make quick and nimble changes as shifting circumstances warrant.

Our mind is likely to be sharp and perceptive during the latter part of April as Mercury sextiles Uranus on the 27th, trines Jupiter on the 28th, and sextiles Mars on the 29th. We should watch that we don’t buy into appearances or our good feelings without some reality checks since the Mercury square Neptune on the 29th could have us buying into wish fulfillment or taking things at face value.

May has Saturn turning direct on the 2nd and Jupiter turning retrograde on the 9th. Delays we might have experienced since the Autumn may drop away and we are likely to see new structures taking shape to deal with the new demands of these times. The latter part of April through mid-May provides the opportunity of laying down solid foundations. We can work smarter rather than harder as long as we are willing to embrace new technologies that allow us to streamline operations and be more productive with less expenditure of energy. There may be times when we want to fall back into familiar patterns but in so doing we could discover the so-called ‘tried and true’ have been tried but no longer true.

Mercury moves into its own Sign of Gemini on May 2nd and by Sign we have a T-Square in the Mutable Signs with Mercury now in Gemini, Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces. We might start scurrying around, going from one thing to another, taking on more but spending little time with any one activity as we seek to be constantly on the go.

Mars moves out of Cancer and enters Leo on the 9th of May. The Mars Pluto opposition that has dogged us since the Fall is gone and we may feel more energized, more on top of things, and seeking to express our creative side.

The third week of May ends the Grand Trine in the Earth Element as the Sun leaves Taurus to enter Gemini on the 20th, followed by Venus doing the same on the 24th. With Venus entering Gemini, we now have a Stellium of three or more planets in the Mutable Air Sign. Juggling is the name of the game, and we could have many things in the air.

On the 26th of May, Mercury turns retrograde, the second of three Mercury retrograde cycles this year. This Mercury retrograde continues on into the last day of Spring on June 19th when Mercury turns direct. The more we can accomplish prior to Mercury retrograde, and we can certainly achieve a lot between mid-April and the latter part of May, the better it would be. With Mercury retrograde it is far better to go back over things, review and re-check instead of moving forcefully, and possibly blindly, ahead. Any important contracts or significant decisions are better made prior to a Mercury retrograde or after a Mercury retrograde.

Much of June can offer family gatherings and fun get-togethers with friends. Travel is likely to be in the air. The Gemini New Moon on June 3rd has both the Stellium in Gemini and the Lunation sextile to Mars in Leo. We want fun, enjoyment and means of re-creation and recreation. Our relationships can be exhilarating, and we are likely to be infatuated with the new, the different, the quirky and those people who are marching to their own drummer and real characters. We don’t want anything heavy or serious, but would prefer to allow our thoughts and our actions to meander into possibilities and brief interludes of thrills and excitements. The desire for good times and pleasurable activities can be strong in June, but as we come towards the
end of the season, the intensity is likely to ratchet up again.

The end of Spring has Pluto retrograding back into Sagittarius on the 13th and the Sagittarius Full Moon on the 18th has the Moon Pluto conjunction opposed the Sun Venus conjunction. Either - or situations can grab hold once again and we may feel shaken from our Springtime reveries by the intrusion of reality and potentially explosive events. Also on the 18th, Venus moves into Cancer. We may spend more time with home and family, especially as we move into the early Summer season. Spring ends with Mercury turning direct on June 19th.

This Spring seems to be a season of two extremes. The beginning and the ending are times of intensity that demand patience and avoidance of jumping to conclusions or knee-jerk reactions. Yet they also allow a sorting through, throwing out and focusing on what are truly essential elements to our lives.

The mid-April through mid-May period is a time of reveries, accomplishments and successful actions. During the mid-part of this Spring season is a time to achieve, to manifest, to give shape and form to those situations that truly call to us but to also consider all possibilities, including the seemingly impossible. Increasingly, we shall become aware that life has far more aspects and far greater characteristics than those we have become accustomed to.

Like life itself, this Spring shows the process of completions, eliminations and endings. After dying to the old, we are born to the new as we seek to express new aspects of ourselves, explore new opportunities for ourselves, and discover new formats for our talents. From this thrust of energy and manifestation, we can hone, refine and re-formulate. This Spring allows us endings, beginnings and clarifications. It would be wise for us to look to the horizon while being mindful of the steps that we are taking. This Spring allows us to see the interactions and interchanges between the micro world of our personal selves and the macro world of society at large. While we are in a global community of humankind, we do not have to be solely dependent or controlled by what is occurring in the macro. We may come to a better appreciation that the more we change ourselves, the more likely the world at large is likely to transform… like a pebble in a pond with its ripple effects.

Yes, this Spring may be like Dickens’ writings in A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...”

Spring 2008… be nimble, be quick…

This week, the first full week of Spring, has some really pleasant energies. With the Vernal Equinox and the Christian holy day of Easter this past week, we may feel as though life is born anew. And with the energies this week, we may be feeling like there’s a new bounce in our step with interesting surprises awaiting us. Especially toward the latter part of the week, it would be wise for us to work with peripheral vision, keep our ears and eyes wide open and look for the magic.

The week starts with the Moon in Scorpio and various sextiles and trines. The early part of the week is a good time for us to clear out the debris of the past, all the while that we are considering a rebirthing of our activities and blueprinting our plans for the future. The latter part of the week has various Uranus energy configurations. Things can come out of the blue. We might have a good reminder of the paradigm shift on which we are in process of crossing the threshold. We may get some strong reminders to get out of our own way and allow the universe to do its work. Unexpected situations and some wonderful unanticipated events can crop up. We are likely to find that spontaneity and acting on impulse are far more rewarding than following the same old script.

Yes, this week is a week of excitement and thrilling adventures. We just have to be open to the magic and the miracles and not overly schedule our week or plan things down to the most minute detail. We may feel caught up in a whirlwind of activities and possibilities. And why not? The weekend takes on a more grounded approach and we could find that we need to take care of certain responsibilities or prior commitments all the while that we want to further explore some of the incidents that occurred during the latter part of the week.

This week offers another indication that we are in process of stepping onto the magical mystery tour. En joy the ride.

Monday, March 24th – Inspired to Focus – Mercury, Venus, Pluto, Saturn, Mars. Monday has Mercury conjunct Venus in Pisces. Our thoughts can be highly spiritual in nature with a desire to help those less fortunate or those having a difficult time during this tumultuous period of transition. Our sensitivity is likely to be turned up severalfold. We also have more Water with the Moon in Scorpio trine Mars in Cancer. By Sign, today gives us a Grand Trine in the Water Element with all three of the Water Signs being transited. Our emotions are strong, passionate and we may have a great determination to clear certain things from our pathway. The Scorpio Moon also sextiles Pluto and sextiles Saturn. We might use this day to focus on a best practices approach, figuring out the most expeditious and effective ways to get things done. We could have a reservoir of strength, a reserve of persistence and fathomless determination today. It’s time for us to ‘git ‘er done’, and we can accomplish more today by our force of will and our focused attention than we might even imagine. The energies allow us to strip away, restructure and rebuild and start from a stronger position than we had before now. We may realize that the Teacher, Savior, Rescuer is none other than ourselves.

Tuesday, March 25th – Moving the Pieces – Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune. Tuesday continues with the heavy emphasis on the Water Element, as the Moon continues its transit of Scorpio. Today the Moon trines all three planets in Pisces: Venus, Mercury and Uranus. The Moon also sextiles Jupiter but squares Neptune. Today is one of those days when we can get an Archimedes moment, the ‘Eureka’ of awareness gained by our intuition and insight. We are likely to be looking at the changes we want to incorporate in our lives, changes that allow us greater freedom of movement and more autonomy in our actions. We no longer want to be held down or held back by circumstances beyond our control. We want to do the dance of life and we are far more cognizant of the changing rhythms. ‘Victim no more’ may be our call out to the world today. While we can come up with some brilliant ideas regarding how we can make necessary changes, we also have to be careful and take things one step at a time. The steps may not be sequential or linear. Our actions can supersede the linear reality of the past and enter a world of possibilities, the asequential reality that offers things coming out of the blue. Let’s be open to changing our perspective, a broadening of our viewpoint and be receptive to the possibilities. It would be wise to keep our cards close to our chest, not reveal all that we are either considering or planning, for we could have some naysayers warning us that to divert from the ‘tried and true’ could prove disastrous. While it is important for us not to get carried away by change for the sake of change and essential that we take moments to evaluate and check our movement, it is equally necessary that we not assume the old program will benefit us in the future, much less the present. Let us go bravely into uncharted waters but with vigilance and awareness. Change beckons. It is a question of how we decide to move the various pieces. Like a chess game, after each move we might consider the permutations of what could come next.

Wednesday, March 26th – The Nickels Drop – Saturn. Wednesday is often referred to as ‘hump day’, for it comes in the middle of our workweek. This Wednesday is likely to feel very much of a ‘hump day’. After the energy and even euphoria of the past two days, when we might have felt committed to ridding ourselves of the outworn past and willing to experiment for our future; Wednesday could have us pulled up short, back to our responsibilities and even to the point of putting our desires for shifting things on hold. This Wednesday has the Moon moving into Sagittarius where it squares Saturn. While the Moon in Sagittarius could reinforce our sense of adventure and willingness to expand our reach, the Saturn square could be a bit of a dampener. We could feel constricted, blocked, as though our desire for changing things in our lives were merely idle mindless meanderings with no hope of real possibility. We might feel a little down, depressed as if the wind had been knocked out of our sails. We could go there… or we could use the energy to fine tune our recent thoughts and see what are truly practical and those that held no substance to them. Like a ‘hump day’, this Wednesday could also serve as a bridge day between the past two days when we started to clear the clutter, both physically and figuratively, to prepare for our new days ahead, and the next two days which are bound to open up a world of synchronicity, those times of magic when it is not what we do that makes things happen but rather being receptive to things coming out from the blue. We could use this Wednesday to balance our enthusiasm and insistent desire for change with a thoughtful, best practices approach. Let’s deal with what needs to be done, consider the practical means by which we can get from where we are to where we want to go, and commit ourselves to effecting the changes we feel necessary in our lives. This Wednesday is a day when the nickels can drop and we become fully aware of how we want to restructure our lives.

Thursday, March 27th – Crossing Dimensions – Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, Sun. Even if yesterday took a bite out of our Springtime exhilaration, this Thursday is likely to find it back again and with increased vigor. The energy of Monday and Tuesday may be exponentially increased on this Thursday. For Thursday has Mercury sextile Jupiter and Mercury conjunct Uranus. And the Sagittarius Moon trines the Sun. We may be operating on all eight cylinders today, feeling energized, upbeat and ready to put the pedal to the metal. We do have to be careful not to get ahead of ourselves, and let’s remember that increasingly the energy is not so much what we do or our control over situations. Rather, our greatest benefits will come from being aware of the energies operating around us, the shapeshifting of circumstances and conditions, and being ready to jump when it’s time to jump. This Thursday can have us stepping across dimensions, moving out of the physically dense realm of duality into a space-time continuum of limitless possibilities. In other words, it is not a question of what we do but rather having our antennae up, our eyes wide open and being in the right place at the right time. Today has an element of magic about it, so let’s note those surprises and unexpected situations that may arise. Things can easily flow today if we allow them to unfold according to their own natural rhythm. We may hear from people we haven’t heard from in a while. We could make contacts that could be truly advantageous and provide opportunities we might never imagine. We are feeling inspired, upbeat and with that kind of attitude pieces to the puzzle can fit neatly together without our having to force them, control them or even direct them. This day can be one of those mind-blowing days when everything seems to be going our way… as long as we are not determined to control the way it’s going.

Friday, March 28th – Believe it Or Not, the Magic Continues – Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Mercury, Neptune, Moon Void-of-Course. Thursday had Mercury very much in play with its interactions with Jupiter and Uranus. This Friday now has Venus sextile Jupiter and conjunct Uranus. And for added amusement Jupiter sextiles Uranus today. We may have felt so inspired yesterday, so at the top of our game, that we might have assumed that the rug was about to be pulled out from under us. With the volatility of these times, with extremes being more than extreme, and our sense of stability continually rocked, it would not be surprising for us to assume that if things get really good then they can get equally as bad further down the road. We could start this Friday waiting for the other shoe to drop. The early part of the day has the Sagittarius Moon square the three planets in Pisces: Venus, Uranus and Mercury. Although we would like good things to continue, we might fall back into a victim mode and believe that the heavens are going to open up and strike us dead. Aaargh. Enough already of the old conditioning of the patriarchal finding disfavor with us and punishing us mercilessly! Even if we go there, the Sagittarius Moon also sextiles Neptune, so we can hold out a flicker of hope that such fears don’t become a reality. And why should they? The Moon then goes Void-of-Course making no further connections as it finishes its transit of Sagittarius and before entering Capricorn. The energy drops down and our early morning anxieties can also drop away. There may not be a great deal of energy to get things done. And that may be the beauty of this day --- that it is not what we do or what we try to do but rather the universe taking hold and allowing the magic to continue. For today’s Venus sextile Jupiter and Venus conjunct Uranus and Jupiter sextile Uranus can be especially pleasant. Things may occur on their own accord and not by means of our controlling them. We could have some wonderful interchanges with other people, bumping into people or meetings with remarkable individuals. The mirror of possibilities with a kaleidoscope of characters can be both intriguing and liberating. Let’s keep our antennae up, work with peripheral vision, and allow ourselves the time to take advantage of situations that could come out from the blue. This Thursday and Friday are special days. They don’t occur everyday but they are likely to provide indications of how the future, our future, can be lived. The old paradigm is breaking down, the new paradigm yet to be fully revealed, but the hints along the way can make us aware that we are moving into exciting, liberating and abundant times. Yes, believe it or not, the magic continues and eventually becomes the modus operandi of our lives.

Saturday, March 29th – Ground Control – Pluto, Saturn, Lunar T-Square, Sun, Mars. Saturday provides a sense of grounding to the whirlwind energies swirling around this past week. The Moon is in Capricorn where it conjuncts Pluto and trines Saturn. The Moon in Capricorn also creates a Cardinal Sign T-Square with its square to the Sun in Aries and opposition to Mars in Cancer. Although this Saturday may ask us to sort through the various experiences and new interests of this past week, we can do so in a focused manner, considering those situations that truly have meaning for us and ridding ourselves of those that might have been merely exciting diversions. We can get a lot done today. Some of our involvements may be necessary errands, taking care of matters we put aside as we enjoyed the synchronicities of this past week, and starting to build the basics for our new endeavors. We may feel as though we had taken on too much this past week. By clearly evaluating and paring down to the fundamental essentials, we don’t have to feel on overload. If we try to do everything, then we’re likely to be back in the old pickle of overwhelm. Let’s give ourselves some time to weigh the pros and cons of our different activities. We don’t have to be deliberate in discarding the cons, but it would be wise to prioritize and concentrate on those matters that call to us without spending time on those affairs that may be socially appropriate or what is expected of us but have no real purpose for us.

Sunday, March 30th – Off to the Races – Sun, Mars, Uranus, Jupiter, Venus. Sunday could be ratcheting up the energies again. With the Sun square Mars we might feel conflicted between what we want to do and what we need to do around our home or with our family. We would probably far prefer to be off and running, free as the wind, and as fast as a cyclonic force. If we aren’t impetuous, this Sunday could be one of those days when we can have it all. The Capricorn Moon conjuncts Jupiter and sextiles both Uranus and Venus. We can do what is appropriate and gain some points for being attentive and taking care of what needs to be done. And we can also find time to do our own thing, explore new terrain and enjoy special moments with those people who matter to us. The key to this day is to plan but to keep time periods open for us to fill according to what is going on at the moment. The idea for us, today and especially during these times, is to be more effective with less expenditure of energy. Today we can handle our responsibilities and other people’s pulls on us and also carve out time to do whatever we choose to do. We might have the opportunity of learning to use time in a qualitative manner rather than just a quantitative manner. The quality of time is figuring out what our productive time cycle is, whether it be five minutes, ten minutes, half an hour, an hour, two hours or whatever works best for us. Whatever our productive time cycle is, during that time we can be at our optimum, focused and effective in dealing with our responsibilities, thereby freeing up more quantitative time that we can do with as we choose. Let’s remember that in changing paradigms, the parameters also change. One of the key shifts is from a sequential, linear, objective and quantitative reality to an asequential, non-linear, subjective and qualitative reality of synchronicities. The more we work with the energies and not try to control matters, the more productive we can be. In other words, we can allow the universe to do its work, and we can become co-creators of our destiny rather than trying to force the energies to our will, exert control and attempt to master the universe.

This week is an energetically active week with a high degree of intensity as we focus on our personal interests and look to open the starting gate of new projects and activities. Our actions may be far more spontaneous rather than well thought out. We might be feeling impulsive, wanting to get on with it, and leaping before we look. There is a tendency to shoot from the hip, or from the lip, so it would be wise to restrain our impulsiveness until we have considered the possible consequences of our intended actions.

A great deal of movement with the planetary configurations occurs this week. We have two Sign changes as Mercury then Venus exit Pisces to enter Aries. As they do so, the Stellium of three or more planets in Pisces ends to create a Stellium in Aries with the Sun, Mercury and Venus in the Cardinal Fire Sign. On the weekend, we have the Aries New Moon and the triggering of a fortnight of new beginnings. This New Moon has a Cardinal Sign T-Square with the missing Element being the Air Sign of Libra.

Relationships could be under strain. We may be looking out for number 1, ourselves, and far less considerate of other people’s interests or their perspective. We could become so focused on what we want to do that we might be self-absorbed and even downright selfish.

This week has some strong Plutonian energies with Pluto turning retrograde and squares from both Mercury and Venus as they come into Aries. The Pluto retrograde will have Pluto moving back into Sagittarius in mid-June. The inventory-taking, restructuring and rebuilding from the essence of the fundamentals that we’ve been experiencing since Pluto entered Capricorn at the end of January may be lost but certainly not forgotten. Whatever stripping away and cutting off the excess that has gone on since the end of January should be noted, for when Pluto comes back into Capricorn at the end of November for its multi-year transit we may be back to the question of whether we have built upon rock or built upon sand.

There can be explosive energies this week. People may be short with one another. Conversations can become heated and relationships stretched thin even to a breaking point. It is suggested that this week we all find a diversion or distraction to vent any level of frustration that we might be feeling. Trying out new things, testing the waters and finding avenues of re-creating ourselves would all help temper the boiling point we could otherwise be feeling. A new day is dawning, and it is time for us to stretch our wings, to fly, even soar, without going to the extreme of flying too close to the sun.

Monday, March 31st – A Land of Possibilities – Mercury. Monday begins the week and ends the month of March. Late Sunday night, early Monday morning the Capricorn Moon sextiles Mercury. Before we start our day on Monday, it would be wise for us to list those things we want to accomplish this week. The energy this week could easily knock us off center at times, so it would be wise for us to have our ‘to do’ list in order to remind us what we have scheduled for ourselves and what we are seeking to accomplish. Early in the day on Monday, the Moon moves into Aquarius and our thoughts can turn to future plans, various possibilities and discussions with friends used as sounding boards regarding our prospects and our plans. We could easily get carried away by distractions or doing anything other than that which we’ve planned for the day. Spring fever is a natural now and this day would contribute to such a feeling. Our ‘to do’ list will at least draw our attention back to where we want to go on the short term, during this week, and may provide a ballast from any tendency to go floating off onto the air currents. Today is a day to have our head in the clouds but to keep our feet on the ground.

Tuesday, April 1st – Don’t Suffer the Fool – Sun. Tuesday is the first day of April and often referred to as April Fool’s Day. No suffering the fool today. We are likely to feel far more integrated today thanks to the Aquarius Moon sextile the Aries Sun. We’re looking to put our mark on our activities and our future involvements. If things don’t speak to us and have meaning for us, we are less inclined to engage them. We may be feeling energized, although with the backdrop of changing parameters as we come into tomorrow. Tuesday is a good day to blueprint our plans and give thought to what we want to do. We all have responsibilities but they do not have to be the ties that bind. We can begin to consider new activities, new projects, new involvements. Today is a day to appreciate the magic of intention --- that it is not so much getting caught in the ways or means of doing something as much as having the passion and commitment of seeing our dreams and goals realized no matter the method or the steps along the way. Although today is a good day to be a daydream believer, we might also want to keep our intentions to ourselves, for other people could be naysayers if we speak of our dreams or changes we want to make to our lives.

Wednesday, April 2nd – Eruptions Boiling Over – Neptune, Moon Void-of-Course, Pluto, Saturn, Pluto retrograde, Mercury Aries. Wednesday begins with the Aquarius Moon sextile Neptune and conjunct Pluto just as Pluto is turning retrograde. We may still have our hearts set on some goal, a goal that if revealed to others they might consider quixotic. Like the New York Mets slogan goes: ‘You gotta believe’. Increasingly, we are likely to find that the new paradigm allows for the asequential realities of what we would in olden days refer to as magic and miracles. Although we are on the threshold of this paradigm shift, this Wednesday could see changing conditions that could bring our dreams into question. No matter, it is all part of the birthing process with its consequent labor pains. The Pluto retrograde can trigger eruptions, blasts and intense acting out. Although we start the day with high ideals and our ambitions largely intact, the energy changes dramatically with heightened intensity and likely anxiety. The Moon goes Void-of-Course for almost twelve hours making no further connections to the planets before entering Pisces later in the day where it opposes Saturn. Suddenly, we could feel as though the wind has been knocked out of our sails, especially if we are feeling dependent upon other people or the circumstances of the world at large to easily pave the way for us. Old matters could demand our attention and we might feel as though we have to put our hopes and wishes on the back burner as we deal with our responsibilities and outstanding situations. Mercury exits Pisces ending the Stellium of three or more planets in the Mutable Water Sign and enters Aries. Although the wind may have been knocked out of our sails, we may have gotten a good lesson from any comeuppance by realizing that we need to rely upon ourselves. We might recognize that no one is going to do it for us but instead we have to be the ones to make our dreams come true… with a little help from the universe and this new paradigm of asequential reality.

Thursday, April 3rd – Tilting at Windmills – Mercury, Pluto, Mars. Thursday has Mercury square Pluto and the Pisces Moon trine Mars. This is a day when we may brook no interference to our goals or our opinions. We want what we want and we’re willing to move mountains to achieve our purpose. Where a problem is likely to arise is the fact that we may be drawing more upon our brawn than our brain. We have the determination to push through any opposition, and there could be a tendency towards belligerence to support our position. Discussions could easily turn into arguments. We might easily gloss over details, neglecting the specifics of a situation and just assume that by our will we can make things so. If we would restrain our impulse to conquer, control and master, then we might be able to use our mind to focus and penetrate on a best practices approach to advance our interests. Otherwise, we could go blindly into the night, moving in directions that might not serve our best interests with an itinerary that is more likely to take us off track with the need of redoubling our efforts later on. We are dealing with explosive energies. Our thoughts can be incisive but our tongue sharp and divisive. Thursday is a day to plan our actions, consider the best practices approach and then take things one step at a time.

Friday, April 4th – Opening New Doors Resourcefully – Uranus, Jupiter, Venus, Pluto. If we didn’t step in it yesterday and create greater turmoil for ourselves, then this Friday seems a great deal easier sailing. Let’s keep in mind the keyword of these times: VOLATILITY. There are times when things are good, very good, and other times when things are bad, very bad. Today can be one of the good days. The Pisces Moon conjuncts Uranus, sextiles Jupiter and conjuncts Venus. No matter what our plans might be for the day, there could be some interesting and unexpected surprises in store for us. Today is a good day to try out new things, do something different and take some time to be in contact with good friends. We want to be free, able to do what we want the way we want to do it. We’re looking at broadening our reach, expanding our scope. We are in the dark side of the Moon, so let’s consider our alternatives and options without necessarily laying the foundation stones for our new activities. Today is a day to take free and easy. In so doing, we could also discover that we are able to streamline our operations, be more effective with less expenditure of energy. Today is a good day to note those mini-miracles in our lives, even if such miracles seem to be silly things like finding a parking space in a hectic traffic grid, bumping into an acquaintance and taking the time of having a coffee or tea with them, or discovering a means to get more things done in a shorter period of time. Toward the latter part of the day, the Moon moves into Aries where it squares Pluto. Friday evening we need to watch for impulsiveness whereby once again we could be pushing the envelope, doing what we please without considering the possible ramifications of our actions. Some forethought would go a far way to getting what we want without stepping on other people’s toes.

Saturday, April 5th – New Beginnings Out of the Gate – Mercury, Mars, Aries Lunation, Sun. Saturday has the Aries Moon conjunct Mercury, square Mars and then conjuncting the Sun and giving us the Aries New Moon. While the earlier part of the day could have us wanting to do our own thing all the while that family issues and home projects are pulling at us, the latter part of the day gives us the Aries Lunation and the opening of the starting gate for all those Springtime projects we have envisioned and planned for. This Lunation does create a Cardinal Sign T-Square by the Aries New Moon squaring Mars in Cancer and squaring Jupiter in Capricorn. The missing Element is the Cardinal Air Sign of Libra. We might be so self-absorbed, self-involved and downright selfish not to take into account the wishes or needs of our significant other[s]. We might be feeling somewhat regal, a law unto ourselves, and pushing our own interests forward with no regard to the impact upon other people. Although we’re champing at the bit to get on with our projects and our own personal interests, it would be wise to keep in mind the adage about karma: ‘what goes around comes around’. We could easily be setting into motion the groundwork of a battle royal with some of the special people in our lives. If we go there, then we might have hell to pay both in losing certain friendships and in creating greater turmoil for our lives. And with all that is going on in the world at large, isn’t there more than enough turmoil to deal with?

Sunday, April 6th – Ratcheting Up, Settling In – Venus Aries, Venus, Pluto, Jupiter, Neptune, Moon Void-of-Course. Sunday has Venus leaving Pisces and entering Aries, a Sign of its Detriment where Venus is not comfortable. From the Pisces Stellium of three or more planets in the Mutable Water Sign of a few days ago and the latter half of last month, we now have a Stellium in the Cardinal Fire Sign as Venus joins Mercury and the Sun in Aries. We may think highly of ourselves right now, be focused on our own personal interests with little regard for other people’s interests or opinions. As Venus enters Aries, Venus squares Pluto. This week has had a great deal of Pluto energy, first with Pluto turning retrograde, then Mercury square Pluto and today with Venus square Pluto. Our interactions with others could be intense today, especially in light of the fact that we’re coming off the Aries New Moon and have today the Moon in Aries square Jupiter and sextile Neptune. Our expectations for other people might be great with a tendency for us to hold others to a higher standard than that to which we hold ourselves. We have to be careful that we, or other people, don’t draw lines in the sand and create a potentially adversarial relationship. Our interactions can be passionate but also strident. If we go there, we could find some of our relationships are severely tested even to a breaking point. We may carry illusions of other people and today would provide the opportunity of seeing things from their core scenario and the fundamentals of the relationship. As the day progresses, the Moon moves into Taurus where it trines Pluto. Any relationship stresses could be smoothed over later in the day. This Sunday is a good day to note the energies operating and how they are manifesting in our lives. For this Sunday could be an encapsulation of the month whereby the first half of the month seems to emphasize impetuousness and self-focus and the latter part of the month allows opportunities of putting the abstract into manifestation, taking our dreams and creating the best practices approach to make them real and come true. So too for this Sunday. From the passion of our self interests we can use the latter part of the day to line our ducks up in a row and focus on the particulars regarding how we plan to achieve our planned intentions.