New Moon in Aquarius March 1st The new Moon occurs at 08.00 UT on March 1st at 16 degrees of Aquarius. The lunar day on the 27th leading up to this new month and new Moon is known as Maha Shivaratri in India, or the 'great night of Shiva'. Shiva is the Lord of destruction - a representation of a time when we come back to our true source of power (the Sun), destroying all of our ignorance. Traditionally fasts are observed in India on the day before the new Moon day, and is a fitting practice in order to quieten the mind of all its ignorance. The Sun and Moon have the exact aspect from Jupiter for this new Moon, which sits at 16 degrees of the air sign Gemini. This is a balancing influence to the air element and those who have been imbalanced by the recent increase in air. Jupiter brings a pause to the otherwise fretful. A fast can bring a great sense of release and surrender. Ultimately this brings back balance which is a key word for March. If we can tune into our true source of power, we can go beyond the frustrations and setbacks in achieving any sense of balance over the coming weeks. In another sense we must consider that the new Moon itself is seen as 'airy' in nature, and with all of the strong air influence from other transits, we have seen an imbalance of this element. We experience an imbalance of air through a disturbance to daily routines, stress levels rising and sleep patterns being disturbed. This is all due to an increase in movement on many levels of our being. As we approach the new Moon phase the planets in air signs slow down and we can with them. This is an opportunity for a pause. Mars Retrograde in Libra and Virgo March 1st - May 20th Mars prepares to move backwards against the backdrop of the stars on March 1st, slowing its course as it does so by the end of February. The last week of February and the first week of March requires our patience, as the planet of action slows down to a crawl and stops its forward movement entirely by March 1st. It then begins to move retrograde until May 20th. Once it begins to move backwards from our perspective it may feel counterproductive to some. However, sometimes we need to take a few steps back in order to make headway. It is not unusual to see Mars retrograde, as it does so every two years or so. However, the added influence of Rahu (the north node) whipping it up into a frenzy - while at the same time the planet of action itself stops still - can lead us to feel like we should be doing something even though there is nothing to be done. When Mars moves back into Virgo on the 25th the intensity shifts, but the challenges are of a different kind. In Vedic astrology it is not seen as beneficial to have a planet like Mars backup into a sign it has recently exited. There is unfinished business for the planet of action in Virgo. Is there something you have neglected? Here Mars is asked to look back over recent events and actions we have taken and sort through the details. Mars does not like to sort out the details, let alone re-sift through them. You may wish to use this transit to perfect an action plan. The areas of life that are affected depends on what the sign Virgo represents for you, as well as what Mars represents for you specifically, based on your horoscope. Generally we can see health issues at the fore on a global stage, as we deal with a spring clean in our bodies at this time of year. Whatever the specifics of your own experience may be, we are all being asked to re-invent ourselves in one way or another during the coming months. We cannot count on anything turning out the way we initially had planned and need to remain flexible throughout this period. Saturn Retrograde in Libra March 2nd - July 20th Saturn retrogrades in the same sign as Mars - though thankfully from the other end of the sign - and at the same time. The first week of March becomes a tightly wound period, especially as the Moon enters Aries on March 4th and 5th. Saturn turns around even slower than Mars does, and those with Saturn prominent should pay particular attention to its slow turnabout for the whole of March. This is most relevant to those in a Saturn time period - as viewed in the Vedic timeline - or those who embody Saturn i.e. Capricorn or Aquarius. Saturn's strength in Libra is revisited at this time. We are given the opportunity to restructure that what we have built up in our lives for the past few months. With Jupiter looking on from Gemini, we are granted the grace to achieve long terms goals with the assistance of the most pragmatic of planets. Apart from a cautionary period in early March, and during Saturn's return to direct motion in a volatile July, we can look to this period to get certain aspects of our life right for once and for all. The focus is keenly on the sign Libra and the area of life you experience this sign by house placement in the Vedic horoscope. Generally we can see that the sign Libra represents balance. We may see this as a balance between two people or people's i.e. equality; the balance in our bodies and our hormonal system; or the balance found in beauty and nature. This is a time to revisit prominent issues of the last two years for us all. Jupiter Stations Direct in Gemini March 6th Jupiter prepares to move forward in Gemini and is held motionless in the days following Mars and Saturn's turnabout in Libra. This transit affords us a strong intuitive nudge if we can drop below the noise of the other more stressful stations. Jupiter's retrograde period in Gemini has brought up many issues in relation to our interests and interactions in our social spheres. We may look to the sign Gemini to see where we have benefited from Jupiter's presence, taking the time to assess these issues. We can use these insights to propel us forward into a more hopeful and optimistic future. Mercury in Aquarius March 12th - April 4th Mercury re-enters the sign Aquarius on March 12th, after a period of review and reorientation in the sign Capricorn. While Capricorn has been a more challenging transit for Mercury - due to Mars's influence from Libra - Aquarius sees Mercury become more flexible and playful again. The results will be seen in our communication with each other. However, we cannot ignore Saturn's retrograde motion in March, as this will keep Mercury in check somewhat. We need to think more carefully as we venture forth. Mercury represents our practical day-to-day concerns. Our business dealings, as well as all of our communications will need to be in order during this transit, as and when Mercury moves into Pisces in April, it places more emphasis on the imagination and a dreamy-like state. This is not conducive to dealing with more practical matters. Mercury is strong in Aquarius and moving forward with the help of a determined Saturn. Take care of your contracts and projects which need to be completed in the short term in March, as Mars and Saturn's retrograde transits asks us to rework and reform many interests in the long run. Use the days before April 4th, while Mercury moves swiftly through Aquarius, in order to say what you need to say and sign what you need to sign. After April 4th we find ourselves in deeper waters, and will need our full attention navigating them. Sun in Pisces March 14th - April 14th Pisces is Jupiter's watery sign and represents the need to find balance with our more detail orientated lives on a day-to-day basis. We do this by looking at our lives in a more imaginative way, seeing patterns we may normally miss. The need now is to tune into the greatness of the whole of creation, in order to see the perfection in everything, especially when our egoistic plans fail us in March. This transit is asking us to tune into the perfection of how things really are - not necessarily as we would like them to be. This would be an opportune time to let go and let the universe handle it from here. Full Moon in Virgo March 16th The Moon is at its fullest in March on the 16th at 17.09 UT. This occurs at the 1st degree of Virgo and in the lunar sign called Uttara Phalguni. This lunar sign is ruled by the Sun which transits in the opposite sign Pisces for the month following this full Moon. During this full Moon we must balance our need to look at the bigger picture, with dealing with the details of our day-to-day experience. We may also take this balance and focus it on all of the aspects of our current life, as we look back over recent changes in our lives and take stock of these. A pause may be especially valuable at this time, as we move into the waning phase of the month and prepare to let go and move on with restructuring and reorienting our lives. New Moon in Pisces - New Lunar Year March 30th The second new Moon of March is an important new Moon, as it marks the lunar new year in the Vedic calendar. The new Moon occurs at 15 degrees of Pisces on March 30th at 19.45 UT. This occurs in the lunar sign Uttara Bhadrapada which is ruled by Saturn. A new Moon is a good time to pause and return, but this becomes even more relevant as Saturn backtracks in Libra. With so many influential changes having already begun to transform our lives in March, we may well need to take a break to consider these by the end of the month. A new Moon chart is calculated for each country to see the influences upon that country for the coming year, marking it an important new beginning at this time of year. Venus in Capricorn Feb. 26th - Mar. 31st & Aquarius Mar. 31st - Apr. 27th
Venus in Saturn's signs from February 26th to April 27th is a time to be pragmatic in affairs of the heart. Even though Venus has Mars's influence while in Capricorn - creating a passionate impulse - this is tempered greatly by Saturn's sobering and determined influence, as it moves retrograde in Venus' sign Libra. By March 31st Venus moves away from Mars's influence and into the sign Aquarius, where it continues to feel Saturn's strength and determination, and now has the added exaggerated influence of Rahu, creating many desires. The kind of strength from Saturn is conducive to taking a long, hard look at what and who we hold dear, not necessarily indulging, as Rahu would have it. Whether your indulgences are food, sex or whatever pleasures you seek in life, the exchange of planetary energies between these planets leads to a more realistic period in all of our lives - a good time for a spring clean of our minds, bodies, relationships and environments. However, be mindful of life becoming too dry in March and April, balancing this with some measure of pleasurable activities. OM TAT SAT Venus Direct in Sagittarius Jan. 31st - Feb. 26th Venus changes direction in the heavens on January 31st and prepares to move forward again in February. The insights into values and relationships can now be put to good use, as we move forward with more definite ideals. Though we may not be completely clear in these and other Venusian concerns (including money, agreements, art and creativity) until March 4th, when it leaves its shadow phase. Venus moves forward opposite to Jupiter in Gemini, which continues to move retrograde until March 6th. We are asked to balanced our more carnal desires and need for gratification, with finding meaning and depth in our interests and interactions. Venus spends most of February in Sagittarius and this balance, along with the need to distance ourselves from our desires, continues into the month. Saturn's gaze makes sure we remain somewhat sober in this regard. Mars's impact on Venus continues as it moves into its sign Libra on the 4th and we would do well to remember others feelings as we forge ahead with the insights gained in our relationships. While this turnabout occurs we may experience a turnabout in how we feel about a certain person or a certain situation. Use the first week of the month, before Mercury begins to move retrograde on February 6th, to express how you truly feel. After this date misunderstandings make effective communication tricky. When Venus moves into the more practical and sombre sign Capricorn by February 26th, we can find a way to direct our passions towards our long term goals, as we take all that we have found to be of value and meaningful into our lives together. Mars in Libra Feb. 4th - Mar. 25th (Retrograde Mar. 1st - May 20th) Mars slowly marches into an already precarious balancing act in Libra on the 4th and upsets any remaining harmony. This transit does not bode well for the world at large. Having three of the most malefic planets in one sign creates a volatile situation. Libra represents our ability to harmonize our concerns with others. Mars has a selfish impulse. Together with greed and fear (Rahu and Saturn) stoking the fire, we are set for some turbulent times. With the aggressive Mars slowly advancing on the erratic Rahu in Libra, we can expect some disruption to events and in our natural world from February. This influence intensifies in March when both Mars and Saturn begin to move retrograde in Libra. This slow back and forth transit of Mars alongside a slow and retrograde Saturn and Rahu is a challenging transit. One thing Mars represents is sports. The Russian Olympic games will more than likely experience disruptions from the outset or, at the very least, experience a continued threat of these throughout the games, leading to a tense environment. We can also see the influence on the sign Libra and equality issues becoming a more heated topic from February. This may be in relation to gay rights or freedom for the enslaved. Many Middle Eastern countries continue to experience the upheaval as a result of a fight for freedom. Health concerns which lead to debates as to whether the world is responding responsibly will be a major issue during Mars's transit to Libra and its subsequent return to Virgo. These health concerns return with more intensity once Mars returns to Virgo by the end of March. More on Mars retrograde in Libra and Virgo in next month's forecast. Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius & Capricorn Feb. 6th - Feb. 28th Mercury's retrograde period does not help matters in February, as communications are put to the test with other, more tense, transits occurring at the same time. With so much influence from air signs and the fiery Mars getting so close to the exaggerated wind of Rahu (north node), we will likely see many a misunderstanding and the resulting tension in our everyday lives. While Mercury is transiting Saturn's signs Aquarius and Capricorn, we must be prepared to review our lives in relation to our our outer objectives and our inner resources. Mercury represents something specific for each of us, as do the signs Capricorn and Aquarius. However, in general terms we can see Mercury's retrograde period as a time to review and retreat in order for us to move forward with new insights gained. As Mercury comes together with the Sun on February 15th we experience a 'new Mercury' and an insight into how we can move forward. This is not necessarily a time to actually make the move, as the continued retrograde motion of Mercury asks us to continue our review until the end of the month. Look to the same time last year to see where you were reviewing your life in order to reacquaint yourself with Mercury retrograde in Aquarius in particular,until it moves into Capricorn on February 18th - backtracking in this sign until February 18th. Sun in Aquarius Feb. 12th - Mar. 13th The Sun enters Saturn's air sign Aquarius on the 12th, placing even more emphasis on the air signs. The Sun's transit is weakened as a result of being in Saturn's sign (Saturn represents our weaknesses) and this is accentuated by Saturn's position at the very end of the sign Libra during this transit. Saturn moves all the way to 29 degrees of Libra by the end of February and it s threat to world order and the establishment when other transits are taken into account. Those who have fought for freedom do not fair any better due to Saturn's weakness. We can see the inevitable result of a collapse of any systems which have been in place for so long, and the chaos that ensues. The Sun's entry into Aquarius highlights our need to look out for others less fortunate. Any concerns you express can be utilized by this transit in whatever form this takes. Rahu in Chitra Feb.13th - Dec. 8th 2014 (True Nodes) Mar. 9th - Nov. 15th 2014 (Mean Nodes) Rahu (the north node) leaves its own lunar sign, Swati, on February 13th (the mean nodal position does not move until March 9th). Rahu then enters Mars's lunar sign known as Chitra. This lunar sign is represented by a dazzling jewel and has the ability to be sharp and orderly just like Mars. Rahu is chaotic. With Mars slowing its pace in preparation to move backwards, we need to remain flexible, as our plans are subject to change. Chitra connects the signs Virgo and Libra, two signs which have an inordinate amount of attention this year, with Rahu and Mars coming into exact conjunction on the cusp of these two signs in the middle of July. We also have the solar eclipse on October 23th/24th placed at the degree which Rahu is currently transiting (6 degrees of Libra) and this points to sweeping changes which are occurring in our lives at this time and throughout the year. Look to see if you have any planets, your Sun (birth-date around October 23) or your Moon, between 23 degrees of Virgo and 6 degrees of Libra according to the sidereal zodiac. If so, then this year brings some major changes. Rahu's transit to Mars's lunar sign is explosive, due to Mars's presence in the sign, as it slowly advances on Rahu from the other direction. As they come closer together over the month of February, especially once Rahu moves into the sign after the 13th, we are likely to see many explosive events worldwide. This is confirmed by other transits at this time and guarantees a tense environment at the very least. Rahu exaggerates whatever it influences. It would benefit us all to cool down Mars which has a tendency to overheat when placed with Rahu, and to keep things in perspective during these few months. With so much influence from the air signs and a gathering of the three most malefic planets in Libra; representing greed, fear and anger - we could all do with a release from their grasp by staying in the present moment and by focusing on daily routines. Full Moon in Leo Feb. 14th Valentine's Day sees the full Moon at 2 degrees of Leo. This is a passionate and dramatic full Moon on Venus's day, Friday. Leo is a warm and generous sign. However, the Sun is looking on from a more detached placed in Aquarius. This should balance the full energy of a Leo full Moon. The full Moon in Leo brings a warmth and vitality in relations and connections. The full Moon phase occurs in the lunar sign called Magha, which is represented by a throne and proudly sits in the flamboyant sign Leo. Wear your heart on your sleeve for Valentine's Day. However, be prepared to roll your sleeve back down in order to protect yourself in the days which follow. Be aware of a possible fallout subsequent to this full Moon, as the Moon then wanes into the signs Libra and Scorpio by the 19th. The days between the 19th and 24th are ones to watch carefully this month as the mind and emotions get caught up in the tense transits that have been mentioned. Venus in Capricorn Feb. 26th - Mar. 31st
Venus enters Saturn's sign as Saturn comes to the very end of Venus' sign Libra. This places Saturn in a weaker position and exchanges its weaker energy with Venus. At the same time we have Mars influence both Saturn and Venus by transiting through Libra. This does not bode well for our relations in February and March in general. Be mindful of how you interact with those around you. These are challenging transits and need our discernment. Luckily Jupiter is on hand to bring us just that, as it looks to Libra from Gemini. This brings some balance to the intensity of the air signs at this time in our lives. Venus in Capricorn promotes a more sober approach to life's pleasures, but we must plan some frivolity if we are to deal with the harshness of the other, more intense transits. OM TAT SAT |