Winter gives way to spring each March, and this month there is more than enough fire in the skies. We have a mix of subtle harmony and obvious tension this month, as opportunities waiting to be discovered hide behind problems demanding to be dealt with.
The first day to watch is the 4th, when Mars enters the sign of Cancer. This is usually no big deal, but this point is opposite to the beginning of Capricorn, which Pluto entered back in January. Mars going over this point should "trigger" some of the Pluto-in-Capricorn themes we’ll be seeing over then next fourteen or so years, such as power struggles involving governments and corporations. Mars opposes Pluto himself on the 7th, creating more opportunity for these themes to emerge into our collective consciousness. This is also the day of the New Moon, which can add a sense of either the promise of new beginnings or of foreboding.
Between these two tension-filled bookends, the 6th promises to be a day when possibilities seem limitless. Among the aspects this day is the meeting of Venus and Neptune, an annual celebration of the higher aspects of love, if you’re lucky. Rather than focusing on personal melo-dramas, Venus/Neptune gives us the opportunity to feel connected to everyone, and to the divine. This is the love of agape, not eros. For those not on that page, Venus/Neptune can signal some kind of deception in a relationship, like finding a partner that really is "too good to be true."
On the 8th, the Sun meets up with unpredictable Uranus, favoring the new, different, and experimental. Use this energy to get projects moving, and especially to introduce new ideas. Quirkiness will be tolerated more than usual on this day.
Just one day later, on the 9th, Mercury conjuncts Neptune, making for the equi-valent of a one day retrograde. Facts and figures might be bent out of shape and communication is likely to be unclear. At the very worst, this day will favor con artists and others with poor intentions. Try to hold off on making any decisions until the energy of the last couple of days has passed off.
We can see that the beginning of March has kind of a "split personality," with energy favoring both spiritual retreat and forceful action, with no real clear separation in time. This means that we’ll be feeling all of these energies, in any combination, through the first week or so of the month. The best attitude towards this, I think, is one of noting what we see and feel and do, while maintaining a kind of meditative detachment. Just observe, and see what’s going on as part of the vast kaleidoscope of human activity.
Harmonious aspects are in place until the 15th, so we have a few days when things should go relatively smoothly. The First Quarter Moon early on the 14th starts to stir things up, and on the 15th Venus opposes Saturn. While the 6th may open us up to fairy tales and fantasy, the middle of the month finds us looking at the bottom line, and asking what our relationships are really doing for (or to) us. Neither day is "more real" than the other, they are just two different ways of viewing our relationships. Business partnerships and relationships are just as likely to be affected as romantic ones, so you don’t have to look crosswise at your significant other if things seem to be going well. Still another possibility is that some of us will find out that something we want to buy (or bought - maybe on the 6th) isn’t worth the price.
On the 17th, it’s Mercury’s turn to meet up with Saturn. A mistake made on the 9th might have to be paid for now. It’s a poor day to challenge authority, although it might be inevitable and unavoidable. Don’t let a cool response get you overly discouraged - this day may offer a very gray perspective, but it’s only part of the truth.
The 20th/21st promises to be a busy time. The Sun enters Aries on the 20th, bringing the official end of winter and beginning of spring. This is another day, also, that can trigger Pluto-in-Capricorn events. The same goes for the 21st, when the Sun is in a tense square to Pluto on the day of the Full Moon. Keep an eye on the news for significant events having to do with government and corporations, and also about the use of resources and the environment. On a more personal level, this day is chock full of powerful energy, and you might want to find a good outlet for it (exercise or other physical activity). Don’t overdo it, though, and also watch out for temper tantrums from yourself and others.
Once again, we get a bit of a break, and the aspects are mostly easy out to the end of the month. The 28th has a number of aspects involving Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus. These aspects should open up the possibility of creative changes in our relationship patterns. Also look for some new technology related to art or beauty to be on the scene around this time.
The month ends with the Last Quarter Moon squared by Mars on the 29th and 30th. This is another day when the energy is strong, but it’s up to us to use it creatively. At worst, Mars will push us to defend ourselves and the status quo at all costs. The challenge is to assert our need for individuality without arousing the ire of our community. In times like these, that can be difficult.
Armand M. Diaz, M.A., C.A., is certified as a Consulting Astrologer by the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR). His approach to astrology readings is to create a supportive context for self-exploration, to help clients make decisions which are in harmony with their greatest potential. Armand has studied divination and oracles for more than twenty years, working primarily with the I Ching in addition to astrology. He has published articles on the astrology of politics and social phenomena in Geocosmic Journal , The Astrological Journal, and The Mountain Astrologer. He can be reached at 917-216-1541 or
armand@bluemoonastrology.info