Energy, Beginnings and the Spring Equinox

“In Just
spring     when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloon man

whistles    far     and wee

and eddieandbill  come
running from marbles
and piracies  and its
spring

when the world is puddle -wonderful” e.e.cummings

“Pisces season is good medicine for the heart, it’s the green room that prepares us to step on stage once more as the Aries equinox arrives.” Paetra Tauchert

The week starts out with the Sun in late Pisces still widely conjunct Neptune. Under this influence it bodes well to heighten intuition and clarify dreams and visions to set in motion on the Spring Equinox on Tuesday March 19 at 11:06 PM EDT.

The Sun enters the sign of Aries on the Spring Equinox- Tuesday March 19 at at 11:06 PM EDT. This  is a potent time to turn over a new leaf and make a re- energized start into the future. It’s a time of starting a new cycle and new things.

Mercury will be conjunct Chiron – the asteroid of the Wounded Healer this week. Chiron will be a strong influence for several weeks and during the upcoming eclipses on March 25 and April 8. The Sun, the Moon  and Chiron will be all exactly conjunct at the time of the Solar Eclipse on April 8. Eclipses can be felt before the actual event and this conjunction is an influence now. Under this influence it is likely that old wounds may arise making it a good time to assess  the progress that has been made or needs to be made on the path of growing and evolving. Both personally and globally it’s a good time to look at how we use anger and aggression.

Venus is conjunct Saturn this week – Steven Forrest calls Saturn a “grown up planet.” Saturn is associated with building a strong foundation. It provides a good time to look at  commitments  in  relationship – both in terms of self worth and self esteem as well as our relationships with others.

Mars will move out of Aquarius into the watery sign of Pisces on Friday.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”light breaking into many colors as it passes through a prism.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

Venus in Pisces and the Rainbow Bridge

“Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what’s on the other side?
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So I’ve been told and
Some choose to believe it
But I know they’re wrong wait and see.
Someday we’ll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me.” Williams and Ascher

Venus, the goddess of love and beauty enters the sign of Pisces on Monday this week. She will transit this otherworldly sign through early April.

Venus in Pisces heightens creativity, compassion and psychic ability. This is a very idealistic placement, prone to disillusionment when the world proves disappointing.

There can be a certain emotional wisdom present in people with this placement which reminds me of the recently discovered asteroid, Clariko. Clariko in mythology was the wife of the Wounded Healer, Chiron.  Chiron’s influence is very strong at this time as he has been transiting in close proximity to the North Node which governs fate and destiny. Chiron will also be exactly conjunct the Sun and Moon – by degree and minute (an extremely rare event) at the Solar Eclipse on April 8.

Clariko is also associated with the healing process – a certain part of it. She is known for the ability to hold the space where there is conflict or polarity in order for new ideas or perceptions to emerge – rather than rushing in and trying to solve problems or conflicts.

The orbit of Clariko is circular – unlike that of the other centaurs -and she transits between Uranus and Saturn as does Chiron. Uranus governs the new and the innovative while Saturn governs the traditional ways.

Barbara Hand Clow, who has written about Chiron, calls his transits between Saturn and Uranus as “The Rainbow Bridge,” an interesting way to think about the process of moving from the past to the future.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”Moonlit fields, once Babylon, are blooming white.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

 

 

Insights, Solutions and Progress

“Every beginning
is only a sequel, after all,
and the book of events
is always open halfway through.” Wislawa  Szymborska

During the early part of the week it bodes well to heed any intuitions  that surface that provide new insights or solutions as Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, makes a sextile  to Uranus. It’s a good time to be open.

Mercury is also moving up to a conjunction to Neptune at the same time as Chiron conjuncts the North Node. This presents a good time to be in touch with our higher aspirations for  the future – both personally and collectively.

Mars will also be aspecting the Chiron/North Node conjunction by sextile. Elements that are holding you back from pursuing your life path or life work may become more clear now. There can be energy and ambition to move forward.

Chiron in mythology in addition to being a healer, was a teacher and mentor. Chiron’s influence is very strong this season as the Sun, Moon and Chiron will be exactly conjunct by degree and minute (a rare event) at 19 Aries 24 on the Solar Eclipse on April 8. Eclipses can be felt both before and after the exact event.

Important people can enter our lives around this time.

On Thursday Jupiter in Taurus will form a beneficial trine to Juno in Virgo. Juno is the asteroid of marriage, partnership and commitment. This influence  can be beneficial to partnerships of all kinds and bring abundance and pleasure.

Mars is moving up to a square to Uranus this week. This gives Mars more courage  and daring to take action. But do watch for impulsiveness.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”An empty hammock hangs between two lovely trees.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

A Busy Time in the Starry Heavens

“Mars is the god of desire: eros, feistiness, aggression, heat and action. We draw up on Mars for courage, dynamism, passion and kinship with life.” Caroline W. Casey

“To love is not a state; it is a direction.”Simone Weil

Mars is a strong influence early in the week as the god of desire and action moves up to a square with Jupiter. Under this influence there can be more courage, optimism  and a desire to take action. Just one caveat – it’s wise to watch for overdoing and overextending as Jupiter tends towards excess.

Chiron, the asteroid of the Wounded Healer is in Aries  now – a sign ruled by Mars. Chiron entered Aries in  2019  and will leave this fiery sign in 2027. Under this influence  it bodes well to consider how we direct our energy, anger and aggression – both personally and collectively.

At the Solar Eclipse of April 8, the Sun, Moon and Chiron will be exactly conjunct at 19 degrees 24 minutes of Aries.  If you have cardinal (Aries, Cancer Libra or Capricorn ) placements around this degree, it could be a very significant time for you in terms of healing, awakening or finding a mentor. The mentor could be a person who is alive or someone like a philosopher who has passed over who influences your thinking and direction in a significant way.

This conjunction on the Solar Eclipse is in general, an important time for everyone and  threshold time when important people can enter our lives. Check the house in your chart where 19 Aries falls – this is the area of life which will be energized for you.

This week on Wednesday, Saturn, Mercury and the Sun form a conjunction at 9 degrees of Pisces. Saturn in Pisces has many meanings but among them- rebuilding our dreams or taking steps to create a stronger, pragmatic  foundation under our initiatives or aspirations.  It is a good day for serious thinking, conversations, planning and intention- setting.

On Thursday  Mercury  and the Sun will form a harmonious alignment with Jupiter, ushering in a time  of optimism and expanded thinking.  This is a good day to do something inspiring.

Friday Venus in Aquarius will form a harmonious sextile to Chiron. This aspect can shed light on healing relationship issues and issues related to self love and self worth.

Venus in Aquarius will also sextile the North Node in Aries. Venus in Aquarius is cool headed and can take an objective perspective about  how to go forward in an evolved way in relationships  (of all kinds.)  It can open the door to new and different kinds of partnerships/relationships.

Venus will move up to a challenging alignment to Uranus  at the end of this week. Uranus is the planet of  awakening and there can be sudden insights about self love, self care and how we manage the financial side of our lives.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”People traveling a narrow path, seeking illumination.’

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

Open Doors, Revelations and Mercury in Pisces

“Mercury in Pisces encourages you to look at what’s unspoken. The half glimpsed figure,the whisper, the tug towards a transcendent energy-there’s an opportunity to become a conduit for something higher.This is a brief transit (Mercury enters Aries on March 9) but sometimes that’s all you need to dissolve a barrier that’s been preventing you from seeing what’s possible.” Nadia Gilchrist

According to traditional astrology, Mercury is very weak in this sign (it’s the opposite of Mercury ruled Virgo.) But that weakness can open doors that have been locked by rigid logic, analysis and precision- when you let go of what you think you know, you’d be surprised at what emerges.

This is a brief transit (Mercury enters Aries on March 9) but sometimes that’s all you need to dissolve a barrier that’s been preventing you from seeing what’s possible.” Nadia Gilchrist

Venus and Mars the Cosmic Lovers Align

“Why did you do all this for me? ” he asked,”I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.”
“You have been my friend,”replied Charlotte,”That in itself is a tremendous thing.” E.B.White from Charlotte’s Web

“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest forever waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”A.A. Milne

The Cosmic Lovers, Venus and Mars are traveling together this week. The exact conjunction is on Feb 22 at six degrees of Aquarius but the influence will be in effect from Tuesday the 20th through the 23rd.

Chiron is on the North Node now in Aries with the South Node in Libra – the signs ruled by Venus and Mars.

These influences bode well for socializing of all kinds – dating, get togethers with friends  and/or starting a new romantic relationship.

With Mars and Venus in Aquarius it’s wise to keep originality and authenticity in mind as well as cooperation and collaboration.

We’re living in rapidly changing times and the Chiron/North Node conjunction speaks of being able to enter into relationships  with a new or fresh perspective based on lessons learned through an evolving personal journey.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is, “A masked figure performs rituals in a mystery play.

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

 

 

 

 

Love, Power, Equilibrium and This Weeks Astrology

“Be of love a little more careful than of anything.” e.e. Cummings

There’s a lot of activity in the starry heavens this week. Today (Tuesday) Mars leaves the steady, traditional sign of Capricorn for the innovative sign of Aquarius and moves up to a conjunction with Pluto. This provides good timing for getting a lot accomplished – just watch for overdoing. It’s also good for taking care of tasks that require physical energy.  This influence will be in effect for a few days. It’s  wise to keep equilibrium in mind as  issues related to the use/misuse of power may be more visible this week.

The Lunar Nodes, which govern life path and destiny, are an active force in the heavens this week. Chiron is conjunct the North Node at 16 Aries and Mercury in Aquarius is forming a favorable alignment to it.  It’s wise to raise awareness and heed any information that surfaces related to what needs to be evolved in your life as you move forward on your life path.

Mercury will be forming a challenging aspect to Uranus indicating that there can be sudden unexpected events or communications. It’s best this week to provide extra downtime to integrate the meaning of fast moving events.

Venus will move out of Capricorn and into Aquarius – joining Pluto on Friday. This alignment can bring up issues of scarcity and loss.

But it is also a good time to get in touch with the deeper meaning of love and its transformational powers.

The Sun will leave the sign of Aquarius for Pisces on Sunday heralding a time that bodes well for creativity and spiritual growth. As the Sun transverses this sometimes otherworldly and sensitive sign it’s  good time to bring more inspiration into your life if needed.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”An ancient pottery bowl filled with fresh violets.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

Venus, Chiron, and This Week in Astrology

“You have not grown old, and it is not too late
to dive into your increasing depths
where life calmly gives out its own secret.” Rilke

“You can wander into the wrong classroom,
And hear great poems lovingly spoken
By the wrong professor. And you find your soul.
And greatness has a defender , and even in death you’re safe.” Robert Bly

The week starts off as Mercury – the winged god of communication and travel moves from Capricorn into Aquarius joining Pluto, recently entered into Aquarius as well. Mercury conjunct Pluto favors deep and transformative thinking and conversation. This duo is often found in the charts of private detectives and people involved with research.

There are significant Chiron aspects at the beginning of the week also as Venus in Capricorn squares Chiron, the asteroid of the Wounded Healer. This alignment can bring up issues related to self esteem, self worth as well as issues related to love and abundance. With Mercury and Pluto together it is possible to have a new level of understanding and healing of issues like this.

Venus in Capricorn likes the old, traditional ways of thinking and can generate fears about changing or changing too much. But Mercury in Aquarius is an innovative change maker and can find new approaches and solutions beyond the fear and doubt.  Chiron is in Aries now so there is more courage for the process.

Venus continues to be busy through the week – squaring the Lunar Nodes and trining Uranus. It’s a good opportunity to evolve relationships and to bring innovative ideas into the realm of work and finances.

Mars in Capricorn will be making a favorable alignment with Neptune – the planet of dreams and creative visions. This is a good week to work on creative projects.

The Sun will form a Sextile to the North Node this week. This bodes well for collaboration and cooperation with like minded people  or groups. Taking action is key.

The week may have its sudden and surprising events as the Sun moves up to a square to Uranus. It’s a good week to stay grounded and provide extra downtime for the integration of events.

The New Moon at 20 Aquarius is on Friday. The Moon will be squaring Uranus at this time. There’s an old expression in astrology to “expect the unexpected” when Uranus is strong in the sky. It’s a good week in general to nourish the nervous system.

Mercury will be moving up to a square with Jupiter this week – making it a good week to strive for equilibrium as this duo is known for excess.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is , ” a large white dove bearing a message.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

Courage, Equilibrium and the Year 2024

Based on numerology, there is a Tarot Card for each year which speaks of the tone and tenor of the year – what kind of challenges we are likely to encounter and how best to meet them.

Determining the Year Card is a simple process – for  example for 2024, it’s 2+2+4 = 8.

The number 8 in the Tarot deck is the Strength Card.  In A.E.Waite’s deck there is a painting of a maiden in a white dress. She holds a lion’s leash with one hand and with her other, is  gently  closing  the lion’s mouth. She wears a white robe with a sash of red roses, the symbolizing that she has balanced the masculine and feminine forces within her. She has befriended and tamed the instincts within her which when not properly tamed, could get out of control.

It is a card that speaks of  equilibrium, taming forces and courage in the face of fear. There is a lemniscate, (the number eight turned sideways) over the maiden’s head. The lemniscate is a symbol for eternity and for the interconnectedness of all things.

Every year a good friend gives me the gift of a Many Moons Lunar Planner for the upcoming year. It has many talented  astrologers, Tarot Card readers, herbalists and others who contribute their writing.

In the calendar there is always a section on the Year Card.  This year there was a paragraph that particularly caught my attention.

“The Strength Card usually shows up when we need it most :it is a reminder of our own reserves and capabilities in times of upheaval as well as shiny new endeavors. It is a reminder that hard, impossible times are the ones that show us what we are truly made of. To be able to stay open-hearted and open-minded -full of grace and generosity -through betrayals, cruelty and impossible moments.It is a reminder that play, pleasure and creativity or part of a well lived life. This card asks you to stop turning away from that which you desire.

This is the year to do things that will develop your strength and stretch outside your comfort zone.” The Many Moons Lunar Planner

 

 

Creativity, Innovation and This Week’s Astrology

“We need to remember that we are all created creative and can invent new scenarios as frequently as they are needed.” Maya Angelou

“Work is love made visible.” Kahlil  Gibran

The week starts off with a  beneficial trine from Mars and Mercury in Capricorn to Uranus in Taurus.  With this alignment there is the opportunity in  pragmatic matters to see innovative approaches or solutions that were not apparent before.

Mars- the planet of energy and desire – is making a challenging aspect to the Lunar Nodes. This is a bit like Mars at an important crossroad. It is a good time to look at how you are using your energy and power  to accomplish your aspirations.  Can the work or project be done more efficiently or with an innovative approach? If so, this is a good time to start..

Mercury in Capricorn  is moving up to a sextile to Neptune – the planet of dreams, visions and creativity. This provides a  good time for tangible work on creative projects.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A hidden choir singing during a religious service.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill