Mercury in Aquarius March 1 - 18 The planet of communication moves into Aquarius in March, and things start to get a little weird. It joins the Sun and the south node, while placed opposite to the north node and Jupiter in Leo. The Moon is placed in Scorpio just as Mercury moves, joining Saturn and Mars placed therein. Venus will join Mercury in Aquarius a week later, as the Moon comes around to Aquarius to create a full solar eclipse on the 8/9. This creates a stressful environment during the month. There is a huge emphasis on the fixed signs; Leo, Scorpio and, in particular, Aquarius. Seemingly fixed and stable aspects of our lives go through changes as a result. However, these same areas of life feel stuck or we are unwilling to change. It may be that we change our opinions about them. No doubt, those with these fixed signs prominent in the their horoscope, especially Aquarius, will experience these changes more intensely, but whatever areas of your life you experience stability will feel the need change and grow. There may be growing pains, but remind yourself that you are due a growth spurt! The beginning of March is quite unstable and explosive, but some dams need removing, while others could do with strengthening. The situation at borders is becoming dire. Once there is an explosive event, whether physical or emotional, the disturbance created only serves to obscure any clarity about such an event afterwards, as we wait for the smoke to clear or the storms to subside. It may leave us at a loss for words at times but a saying which I like to use on such occasions is: 'nothing happens, all is'. Remind yourself of this is you're finding it hard to adapt to the changes you are experiencing. Venus enters Aquarius March 7 Venus joins the Sun, Mercury and the south node, Ketu in Aquarius on March 7, just as the Moon enters Aquarius. This places all of the planets (including the luminaries and nodes of the Moon) in the fixed signs between March 7 and 9. The emphasis is particularly felt in Aquarius, a fixed sign, ruled by both Saturn and the north node, Rahu. Aquarius is a complex sign, representing rigidly held opinions, while persuading new and innovative thinking. Saturn represents boundaries, such as being held back by limiting thoughts, while Rahu represents a breakthrough, as a result of new and exciting ideas. This combination of the old and the new, creates an interesting environment in Aquarius. Old ways must let go for the new. Our deeply entrenched ideas about how things should be done, must give way if we are to grow. Humanitarian concerns have reached a critical juncture. Venus in Aquarius is about pushing boundaries in love, and this occurs while we push our own personal boundaries with Mars and Saturn joining in Scorpio. The resulting influences on the planet of love can be, in equal measures; illuminating and confusing; frustrating and rewarding. Venus is exactly opposite Jupiter by March 25, by which time Jupiter is exactly aspected by Saturn from its position in Scorpio. Any ideas we have of overdoing it are curtailed by the reality of certain situations, and although I would not discourage anyone from thinking big at this time, I would offer a word of caution while things are in flux and uncertain leading up to the new Moon and solar eclipse: perhaps it would be best to wait for things to settle before making any major decisions. New Moon and Full Solar Eclipse in Aquarius March 8/9 The new Moon occurs at 01.54 GMT on March 9 which is also a full solar eclipse. The eclipse begins at 23.19 on March 8. It is at its maximum at 01.57 on March 9 and ends at 04.34. All times are GMT. This places the Sun and Moon at 24 degrees of Aquarius, in the lunar sign Purva Bhadra. This lunar sign is ruled by Jupiter and is a gracious sign. However, its first three padas, or 'feet', are placed in Saturn's sign Aquarius in which this eclipse is placed; bringing a sense of outer contraction along with an inner expansion. The new Moon itself is a more contracted period, at any rate, as the energy dips in the dark phase of the Moon and we withdraw into ourselves to hit the restart button. The Sun is placed alongside Ketu, the Moon's south node which represents a need to let of a personal agenda if we are to ease our way into the subsequent sign, Pisces and the experience of union with all-that-is. Saturn exchanges signs with Ketu in Aquarius, and Mars aspects the eclipsed Sun in Aquarius. On the other side of the zodiac, Jupiter and Rahu are joined in Leo. Jupiter is at the exact opposite degree to the Sun and Moon during this eclipse, which are placed in a sign co-ruled by Rahu. This is a powerful linking of all of the fixed signs; Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. In fact, all of the planets are placed within these signs during the eclipse, and are so intricately linked to one another through exchanges and aspects, that the complexity of entrenched situations has reached a sort of stale mate. Things need to be completely scrapped and re-worked if a negotiation cannot produce the same types of change these transits are asking for. This is known as a Shoola Yoga in Vedic astrology, which is represented by a sharp weapon, traditionally Shiva's trident. In modern times the weapon of choice is the gun, of course, but at any rate this combination placed in the fixed signs is one to be mindful of. Your weapon may be your sharp tongue, if you attack others with harsh words. So, chose your battles carefully and only fight for what is worth fighting for; that which is right and just. Maha Shivaratri महा शिवरात्रि This new Moon phase is also celebrated by Hindus as Mahashivaratri, or the 'great night of Shiva'. This is actually observed on the night before the new Moon, on the 14th lunar day of the waning phase of the month on March 7. Although Shiva, the Lord of destruction, is celebrated every 14th lunar day - as we create space for a new beginning by clearing out the outdated - this waning phase is particularly special in the Hindu calendar. Prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, and fasting is observed. The Mahamrityunjaya mantra and Om Namah Shivaya are chanted and any offerings to the Lord of endings are enhanced during this time. The image of the waning crescent Moon itself is associated with Shiva, bringing a necessary ending into our lives so that we can make way for something new. This is happening at every level of our being. Mahashivaratri is traditionally seen as the night on which Shiva married his consort, Shakti, and celebrated the Tandava, a divine dance of destruction, creation and sustenance; the forces which govern the universe. We are reminded, on the nights leading up to this new Moon, that we must be willing to let the process of renewal take place through all of the necessary stages. Use this time to be still; to tune into the changes you are personally experiencing. Steady yourself on the breath and in your body, knowing that the way forward will come to you at just the right time if you are awake to what is actually happening, not losing your mind in what you think may, or may not, happen. The Sun enters Pisces March 14 The Sun enters Jupiter's sign, Pisces as spring begins to truly blossom in our lives by mid-March. The Sun in Pisces, exchanges signs with Jupiter in Leo for this transit, strongly linking the Sun and Jupiter; our identity and purpose. This brings a need to take all of our recent experiences;our hopes and dreams, our mistakes and failures, our ambitions and any sense of achievement, and experience oneness with all that is. By letting go of the struggle for self aggrandizement we experience a communion with others by opening our hearts and minds. This type of union is achieved in various ways. It may occur through a disciplined meditation, or spontaneously while at work or at play. Nature provides this union as we connect with the unifying forces of the universe. This may come in the form of the vast oceans, or by contemplating the depths of space; both representations of the sign Pisces, and our ability to dissolve into the oneness of simply being. Being by the ocean helps us in this process, as if by osmosis we are plunged into unity with all-that-is, and can once again sense all-that-we-are in the process. Mercury enters Pisces March 19 Mercury enters its sign of debilitation, Pisces from March 19 and is placed in combustion at this time, being too close to the Sun to be observable. Therefore, until the end of March and into the beginning of April, our minds are cast adrift, as if searching aimlessly for a missing link, an appropriate word, a sense of order. Good luck with that, by the way! Mercury in Pisces is better spent in awe at those things in life we find hard to explain, and actually have no need to explain, anyway. While we are constantly bombarded with information to process, it does us the world of good to be left with a sense of reverence by something which cannot be so easily explained. Stop. Listen. Observe. These can be mystical and 'other worldly' experiences, or simply acknowledging the presence of beauty and cosmic unity which we do not need to process intellectually. Albert Einstein was born when Mercury was transiting Pisces and he was a great visionary and mystic, capable of using his mind in ways which we are taught not to in regimented and orderly learning. That is realm of the opposite sign Virgo. That has its place, of course, but without a sense of awe and bewilderment we loose a lot of the magic life has to offer. Equinox March 20 The days and nights are of equal length by March 20. This is experienced as the Spring Equinox on the northern hemisphere and the Autumnal Equinox on the southern hemisphere. This is a time of year that those of us further away from the equator can find more balance in our lives; between our inner and outer lives; our public and private self, as the lightness and darkness are on an equal footing. With so many of the planets in fixed signs, we may feel like we are balancing on a stone pillar, trying to negotiate our deep rooted blocks with a need to fly. Full Moon and Partial Lunar Eclipse in Virgo March 23 The Moon reaches the opposite degree to the Sun's degree in Pisces (9 degrees of Virgo) on March 23, and although the luminaries are placed in the signs adjacent to the nodes of the Moon, they are close enough for a partial lunar eclipse to occur. This partial lunar eclipse begins at 09.36, with the maximum eclipse at 11.47, and ends at 13.57 GMT. While we delve into the vast oceans of Pisces, sensing the undertows and the sometimes unnerving experience of being able to think and feel in opposing ways simultaneously, our minds reach for order out of the chaos, as we attempt to join the dots. If we can step back far enough we can see that the chaos has an order. Although, sometimes we have to be able to step back very far indeed. Saturn Stations Retrograde March 25
Saturn is slow for the month of March, stationing on March 25, as it prepares to move backwards from our perspective against the background of the sign Scorpio. It does so for the next few months, before stationing direct in August. This places Saturn at 22 degrees of Scorpio for the latter half of the month, leading to an intense scrutiny on the sign and this area of our lives, as we dig our heels in and knuckle down. This marks a period of reckoning, as Saturn begins to move back to where it will meet up with Mars in August. They both come head-to-head at 15 degrees of Scorpio on August 23. Scorpio represents those aspects of our lives we would prefer to keep to ourselves; the fears we have, the secrets we hold. Saturn asks us to look at them more objectively and to see if in fact there is anything to actually fear. Mars' influence gives us more courage to deal with the situation as it is, and is placed in Saturn's lunar section of Scorpio called Anuradha, powerfully linking our need to proceed, with a need to do so cautiously. Now it's time to face the reality of the situation. You've got to be cruel to be kind. Saturn is known as a cruel planet in astrology, and for good reason. It points to the truth. If you've hiding from the truth, then this transit will be a challenge for you. However, if you've dealt with the situation as it is, not how you would like it to be, then March onward marks a period to simply be more acutely aware of the reality of the situation. Some may find this a challenge, while others may find it tedious. Either way, we all have to be make peace with what is. OM TAT SAT New Moon in Capricorn Feb. 8 The Moon reaches the Sun's degree - 25 degrees of Capricorn - by the end of the new Moon phase on February 8 at 14.38 GMT. This new Moon takes place in the lunar sign of Dhanista which is ruled by Mars. Mars aspects the new Moon, along with Saturn, bringing pressure to the mind to deal with situations as they arise. The new Moon is a time to pull back from too much activity, as the mind withdraws and the energy dips so that we can meet with our internal process, before moving out into the world with the waxing Moon cycle in the coming days. Mercury re-enters Capricorn Feb. 8 Mercury re-enters Capricorn on the new Moon day, and receives the aspects of Saturn and Mars while transiting the sign. Our minds are prone to worry and frustration due to these influences, but at least we are looking at the reality of the situation, and making any necessary adjustments. Saturn' s aspect to its own sign, Capricorn, is a time to deal with the situation as it is. It is not a time for escapism or retreat, in the sense that Mercury is asking us to plan ahead and deal with the situations in a practical manner. Venus enters Capricorn Feb. 12 Venus enters Capricorn just before Valentine's Day and is a time to bring commitment and passion back into loving relationships. This may take the form of a bunch of flowers, of course, or any expression of love which is backed up with committed actions. Saturn supplies the pragmatic approach, while Mars' influence supplies the passion. Valentine's Day could be expressed in this practical manner, by purchasing something useful for a partner, for example, or setting a date for the wedding, or perhaps expressing how you really feel about that special someone. Mars insists that both of you inject some heat into the relationship. Be sure that you don't experience this heat in an argument over that forgotten gift! And as the Sun is about to move into Aquarius for Valentine's Day, we are reminded that our hearts are big enough, not just for our near and dear ones, but for others outside of our comfort zone too. Sun enters Aquarius Feb. 13 The Sun enters Saturn's air-dominant sign, Aquarius on February 13 and joins Ketu placed therein. This begins a period of eclipses next month. The Sun is totally eclipsed by March 8 and into the 9 (more on this next month), as it transits closer to Ketu. The Sun represents rulers, leaders; those in power. It rules the opposite sign of the zodiac to Aquarius, i.e., Leo, and while transiting in the sign Aquarius it highlights the need to deny ourselves in order to be of assistance to others, and our world at large. At the stage of Aquarius we begin to become more aware of our place in the grand scheme of things and must negotiate our way with others in mind. Those with the sign prominent in their horoscope are known for putting others' needs before their own, but leaving themselves at a loss in the process. Balance must be achieved through the signs Leo and Aquarius, of course. Ketu represents our sense of disillusionment with worldly affairs. For anyone strongly influenced by Ketu this is surely the case. Disillusionment is understandable considering where events are leading the world. We can always become more spiritual in the process. This is not some mystical, unobtainable state of being (as some would have us believe), but simply a recognition of our true nature; the empty awareness in which everything arises, whatever we may label it. While Ketu transits Aquarius, and exchanges with Saturn in Scorpio, our sense of disillusionment is strongly tied up with our fear. One example, would be the doomsday scenarios which are prevalent at this time. It is no wonder so many seek to check out of the situation entirely, and indulge in 'end of days' types of scenarios. But what if you didn't have the option to even think of checking out physically from this world? Would you eventually find your way to meet with the void that you are at your center; your spiritual nature? Leaders, and potential leaders, feel the full force of the public's disillusionment which can eclipse their personal need for recognition. In other words, leaders who do not have the public's needs in mind - only there own personal ambitions - will feel the effects of this transit in February and in March during the eclipse itself, which will have a subtle impact on the state of affairs. The subtlety of this impact is what makes it our most important consideration moving forward in 2016. Otherwise, we can get too carried away with the 'real life' dramas unfolding. Mars in Scorpio Feb. 20 - Sept. 18* (retrograde between April 17 and June 29) *Except between June 17 - July 11, as it transits Libra. Mars enters its water-dominant, feminine sign, Scorpio from February 20 and things begin to heat up on the world stage and in our personal lives. How you experience the heat will depend on many factors expressed in your unique horoscope, of course. But from a global perspective we can expect to see more fighting and tensions being played out on our screens, whether in real life events such as war, or natural disasters, or indeed through the many forms of art. Pressure will increase at a country level and personal boundaries will be tested over what is perceived as dwindling resources. Mars joins Saturn already positioned in Scorpio, even though they do not come to exact conjunction (due to Mars' retrograde period between April and June) until August. The possibility of using the strengths of these transits is available if we can negotiate our way through the many pitfalls of such a conjunction. Those pitfalls could be anything from a personal physical injury or illness, to a need to slow down, to feelings of anger and resentment, to feeling exposed and vulnerable, or facing one's fears head on and dealing with our weaknesses. On a global scale, this could mean anything from war, to tighter border controls, to earthquakes and extreme weather, epidemics and sexual scandals. Scorpio is the natural 8th house of the zodiac which represents obstructions, illnesses, joint resources, sexuality, intrigue and mortality. This conjunction is a tense one. Saturn represents our weaknesses, while Mars represents our strengths. When they come both together in Scorpio, the battle between the weak and the strong is more obvious. Our hidden fears come to the surface, as we seek to strengthen ourselves, while destroying our weaknesses. This creates many dramas in our lives which we need to be mindful of. War and natural disasters are likely to increase due to this conjunction. You may experience it as feeling attacked by others who are out to fight their own demons, and may inadvertently include you in their battle. Those with Scorpio as their rising sign need to be especially aware of the possibility of attacking others or being attacked, as is the case for those who deny their own need for a fight. Find strength in yourself, not in taking advantage of others' weaknesses. Scorpio deals with our deep-seated fears and insecurity in the face of a perceived threat. There are very real threats to deal with, of course. But, from Mars' perspective, it is more important how one feel's about these threats and whether we find strength in the process. Water signs are predominantly based on feelings, so in Scorpio, Mars is on a mission to build emotional strength. This is often achieved by dreaming up the worst case scenario to prepare for the worst, and a fierce determination to see things through, leaving little room for frivolity. Do this, if you must, but a better solution may be to do the best you can in any given situation, knowing that you did your best with what you've got at your disposal - and then let it go. When Mars enters Scorpio we are more willing to do what it takes to find strength. There is no burying your head in the sand in 2016. We do not have the luxury of checking out of the reality of the situation by visualizing utopia. With Ketu, Mars' ally transiting alongside Neptune in 2016, it is time to cut away those illusions to see the reality of what we have created for future generations. With Mars and Saturn coming together for a large part of the year, the good, bad and downright ugly are exposed for us all to see. Those strongly influenced by Mars, i.e., those with Aries or Scorpio as their rising sign, will get a boost from Mars' transit, as if taking an iron supplement. If you can discipline this energy, you can achieve a great deal. Do not expect it to come easily, however. Effort is required on your part. If you took an iron supplement, you would not simply sit around and wait for things to get done, would you? Mars is strong in Scorpio, but tempered by the presence of Saturn. There is a very real possibility of finding the strength you never thought you had, by facing your fears and tackling your weaknesses, but this could just as easily play out with you holding back through fear of the repercussions. During Mars' retrograde period between April 17 to June 29 - spending a brief period in Libra from June 29 to July 11 - Saturn will also be retrograde, bringing a tense environment between April and June. Imagine one foot on the accelerator and one on the break, driving in reverse! This will be most intense leading up to their exact conjunction in August; an extremely volatile month leading up the the next solar eclipse on September 1. There may be many who buckle under the pressure. Hold tight, and stay the course and all your hard work will be rewarded. Saturn transits between 15 and 22 degrees of Scorpio in 2016, stationing direct at 15 degrees in August, with Mars joining it in that month also. This makes the middle of the sign a sensitive juncture, but one which is strong at the sign's epicenter. Mars initially moves to 14 degrees of Scorpio by April 17, before backtracking through the first half of the sign until the end of June. It then re-enters Scorpio on July 11, before it comes into exact conjunction with Saturn on August 23 at 15 degrees. If you have any planets, or important degrees, in your horoscope, at 15 degrees of Scorpio then these are transits for you to be aware of, and to work with more skillfully in order to make the necessary adjustments. Full Moon in Leo Feb. 22
The Moon reaches the exact opposite position to the Sun in Aquarius - 9 degrees of Leo in the lunar sign Magha - on February 22 at 18.19 GMT. The lunar sign, Magha is represented by a throne and signifies strength and power. It is ruled by Ketu which is placed opposite Aquarius at this time, signifying an idealistic stance which may, or may not, live up to one's expectations. Although expectations are high during this full Moon phase, realism does not allow for too much 'pie in the sky' ideas because of Saturn's influence. The Moon's transit alongside Jupiter and Rahu, represent an exaggerated and extorted sense of self which may lead to risk taking and bad judgement. Saturn's influence brings with it more sobering thoughts which keep one's feet on the ground. Once others' concerns are addressed with the Sun transiting Aquarius, there comes a time when... well, you may ask: What about me? Leo is all about 'me', after all; the need one has to fulfill a desire which is selfish, but no less relevant. During this Leo full Moon we are required to find balance between others' needs and our own heart-felt desires. OM TAT SAT |