alexrianda

[alexrianda]

Ask yourself...

THIS WEEKEND IS Passover; Pink Full Moon in Libra, Micro-moon; Venus Direct in Pisces; Palm Sunday 04/12/25-04/13/25.

What will be testing me this Saturday? Will I pass or fail -- the choice is mine alone.

Where am I lacking balance, harmony, and emotional honesty? (How is my romantic relationship this week and why am I experiencing so much tension here?)

What pattern do I keep repeating? Is this a pattern I want to continue?

Why are past wounds directing the way I show up in the present? And, can I find a way to process, forgive, and be reborn for the future?

Hare Krishna <3 I hope to hear from you!

[alexrianda]

“how did you get into writing” girl nobody gets into writing. writing shows up one day at your door and gets into you

[alexrianda]

Creative Writing Short Story - Part 1

The cobblestone aggravates my unsteady footing and my pace falters as other drunken patrons brush past me. The street is flowing with conversations interrupted with laughter beneath the swirled starlit sky. I find a wall to brace my palm to and take a steadying breath of warm summer air. Admittedly, I've never been this drunk before. And I've never been this alone before.

My friends are still inside the pub probably cheering along with our new classmates and shooting back sweet, dark liquor. I believe I've had my fill of drink and socializing for the night. That is, until my gaze falls onto the gentleman with his arm outstretched holding the door as he exits.

He's taller than me, I think. And there's a line of people flowing out the door, blending in with the bustling crowd of noise. I find that I need to lean my back against the wall to keep upright and discover just how drunk I really am.

Before I can realize what's happening, I'm bent over by the corner of the pub expelling the last few shots I should've turned down. The warm summer air fills my lungs again and I'm brushing the strands of hair back that fell from my braid. A warm touch fills my back and I prepare for next wave of expulsion, surrendering to its power over me. I feel the palm of a hand move lightly to my shoulder and I shut my eyes, willing whomever is standing right beside me to disappear.

"You've made quite the mess," he says almost playfully. And I have my suspicion of who is helping me stand upright.

I blink away the blurry tears in my eyes and focus on the smiling gentleman standing before me, arm outstretched still holding my shoulder. He is taller than me, at least I got one thing right tonight.

"I'm really sorry," I manage to say, "I think I am a little drunk." I try to sound playful too, but it falls flat when even I don't believe it.

He laughs and looks down to his left where I just made a fool of myself and then back up at me. He pulls his arm away and I find my balance just as he scans the bustling people around us.

"Look," he sighs turning back to me, "I'm a little drunk too." He scans the crowd once more before asking "Are you going to be okay?"

I want to ask why everything he is saying sounds flirtatious, but before I could muster a response, I'm bent over again expelling the last of my liquor. His palm returns to my shoulder and this time it is he who carefully pushes the free strands of hair behind my ear.

"Okay, I am definitely drunk," I laugh. "And I am definitely okay," I lie as I stand straight. I take him in completely this time, forgetting almost immediately that I just threw up in front of him.

He's dressed too formal for a Wednesday at the pub--is he a weirdo or did he just leave an important meeting? The first few buttons of his untucked shirt lie open and his cuffs are rolled up exposing his forearms, so it must not have been that important of a meeting. My eyes linger on the glint of gold coming from the base of his neck: a thin, flat, golden chain that flows up and down over the curves of his collarbones.

"My name is William," he interrupts my gawking, "And I think we could both use some fresh air." I want so badly to close my eyes and disappear, but I think if I did that for even a second I'd throw up all over... William.

I'm silently wondering what his last name is when he adds, "And maybe a glass of water, too."

I suddenly become all-too-aware of the state of my body. I'm flushed and hot and the nape of neck is sweaty. I feel my chest rise with the realization that I am completely overwhelmed by my surroundings. No, I am overwhelmed by William. What a terribly boring name for someone so intriguing. If only I weren't drunk; if only I hadn't just thrown up right here.

"Okay," is all I could manage to say to his playful eyes.

He offers his hand with a gentle smile and steps backward into the street, inviting me to join after him. I wouldn't typically accept assistance from anyone, let alone a man who just witnessed one of the most embarrassing things I've done since arriving here. He's a stranger, but he isn't strange, so I take his hand and surrender to his lead.

[alexrianda]

Creative Writing Short Story - Part 1

It's summertime again. The trees are too full with plump green leaves of April rain and the moss growing on the rock wall is dripping in morning dew. The baby birds of Spring have already taken flight along with their joyous sunrise songs. I knew you'd be coming to visit me on my tiny island just as I knew the sun would rise in the east.

Every year, just as the sun fills the summer sky, you'd arrive on the dark sandy shores of this island I call home. It's never the same day, although I've narrowed down your three day visits to a smaller window in the early part of June. The breeze tastes sweeter, flowers bloom with enchanting color, and the crickets and frogs and other little critters of this tropical landscape seem to await your arrival.

I busy myself with picking wildflowers growing on the bluff overlooking the one small cove of pink sand. The same spot you have sailed ashore these past five summers. Each visit more intense than the last. Each departure more painful than the one before. Even with your promise of return, I fear the summer when the sails of your ship break the horizon one final time.

I glance up to the endless blue through the trees between the snaps of stems in my fingers. I find that I, just like the frogs in the streams, am charged with cheer awaiting your arrival.

It's only the second of June, but I can feel you in the rays of sunshine coming to me. My bare feet slap the wetted clay on my run through the trees back to the cottage -- a generous description of the little earthen home I was banished to. In the kitchen, atop the wooden table, lies the glass jar full of yesterday's wildflowers. I slide the fresh bundle of yellows and pinks and greens beside the other stems in the glass jar. I don't know if you have noticed them yet, but I'd like to think they are for us more than they are for you or for me.

I steady myself with palms on the counter, admiring the view through the open windows of my home. The sun warms the winding clay path from the modest coast to the arched front doorway. The little bees and flying things circle the clumps of blooms lining the path. Soon, I will be admiring you in the doorway leaning to one side, arms crossed with that relaxed smile, something concealed in the leather satchel tethered across your chest.

The first summer you visited this island, I thought you might never make it up to me. You told me on that third night when you finally wandered up the path how there were tales of a lost island so small and full of life that it had no room for humans. You were so surprised to stumble upon the only sign of civilization on the island, but I had hope you would. I whispered to the trees on your second night on the shore of your allure. I believe the trees whispered something to you in return.

Only a handful of lost sailors had found this island in the ten years I have been banished here and only one has discovered my existence tucked away among the trees -- you.

You were gone before I woke up on the fourth day five summers ago. No trace of you existing besides the silver compass left ajar on the wooden table. A gift for the companionship on your last night beneath the stars.

I clung to your promise of return the next summer. Unsure of when you'd come or if you ever would. I spent that entire spring watching the quaint coastline. No lost sailors, not even a hint of anyone existing in the world besides myself. Only when the nests high in the trees were vacant and the springs were full of crystal clear waters did your arrival come at last.

I nearly didn't survive until your third visit. Thoughts of your laughter filling my kitchen between sips of redbud wine swirled in my mind. The stories of men and their labors on the mainland kept me up all night despite the thrum of your voice in the night soothing me into deep sleep. Just as before, on the morning of the fourth day, I would awake and you would be gone from me. Only the gift on the table as proof you were here. A silver compass, a single feathered arrow, and now a glass jar are all that remain.

You never told me why you kept coming back, just that you promised you would. The fourth return of your ship among that shore sealed something within me -- a trust in you that you will keep your word.

My eyes eagerly searched for the leather satchel concealing my next gift. I fear my gaze lingered too long in your direction -- wondering what the touch of your calloused hands feels like or what lies beneath your linen buttoned shirt. I recall the burn on my face when I found your line of sight directed right at me, watching me take in a full sweep of your being.

Three full days of stories of your travels among men. Three full days of walking together through the trees to the springs. You following my footsteps down the paths I have carved on this island. Walking closely enough that I could feel your exhale of breath, but far enough that if I paused, you wouldn't come crashing into me.

I so desperately wanted you to crash into me. I wanted to become entangled, limbs wrapping limbs as well fell into the crystal waters, blending our gasp for air before completely disappearing beneath the surface. But, we never did. And you would surely disappear on the fourth morning, leaving only a crumb of proof you were real: a copper coin from your human realm.

It's nearing a year since I basked in your presence last. We drank all of the redbud wine on the first night and laughed from deep in our bellies. I discovered each callous of your palms and what exactly lies beneath your linen shirt. I used to daydream of what it might feel like to feel your lips upon my lips. Now I simply recall my memory in the dawn of our second morning before the breeze awoke the trees. I remember the warmth of that final night lying close to each other and the tang of waking up alone.

I will spend the rest of my morning in cheerful silence, patiently awaiting your return to my island. I will fold and unfold the torn linen cloth of your shirt in my hands and I will look for you between the trees.

[alexrianda]

Ask yourself...

Mercury returns direct in Pisces today 04/07/2025.

What conditions of your life that started mid-march to now have suddenly changed? Did you quit that vice you've been wanting to put down for the past three weeks? Did you get a newfound inspiration to start eating healthier?

What currents of thought have shifted channels in your personal/professional/romantic/familial/platonic spheres?

Understand this transition period may be shaky for the next few days as the forward motion of Mercury returns, so give yourself more grace when emotions get bold or if you want to do a 180 one day and then a total 360 the next. Acknowledge the shift and embrace the waves of change -- we are in Pisces, the ocean, after all.

Hare Krishna <3 Hope to hear from someone out there.

[alexrianda]

How to Make Espresso using a French Press

Similar to an espresso machine, a French Press is a tool used to pull coffee that is flavorful and full-bodied, although less intense than a true espresso maker.

Equipment:

French Press

scale

kettle

mug

Ingredients:

whole/ground coffee beans

water

Instructions:

I. Measure out the coffee to 30g. Grind beans if whole post-measurement. Should resemble ground cinnamon.

II. Heat water using electric kettle to boil, let rest for 30-60 seconds to reach 200F. For best results, use alkaline water.

III. Preheat the French Press by pouring hot water into it, swirl, and pour out.

IV. Add coffee to French Press.

V. Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee evenly to allow it to bloom in flavor. After about 30 seconds, pour the remaining water to reach 100g of total water. (3:1 water to espresso ratio).

VI. Steep coffee for 4 minutes. Too long = bitter, too short = not enough flavor extracted.

VII. Plunge the French Press gently and slowly.

VIII. Enjoy immediately as pure espresso or pour over milk and ice for a latte.

My current at-home latte recipe uses this technique with this recipe:

Fill aesthetic cup up almost completely with ice, pour fair life whole milk leaving about 1 1/2 inch headspace, add 3 T homemade dandelion honey syrup, stir, pour espresso shot on top and gently swirl with lid on (looks the prettiest this way).

[alexrianda]

Cool source worthy of exploration

[alexrianda]

April Astrology 2025

April 1st – April Fool’s Day

Until a few centuries ago, the New Year always began in March when the Sun moved to the first point of Aries (first sign of the zodiac). April Fool’s Day originated after the Gregorian Calendar moved the date of the New Year from the March Equinox to January 1st. If you celebrated the New Year in accordance with the Equinox on March 25th, you were labelled a “fool.” Some believe April Fool’s Day to be a celebration of the Norse God Loki; a trickster God who brought mischief and chaos before a big change or new beginning. 

Fertility for all of Mother Earth is strongest at the start of the astrological year (i.e. Aries season).  

April 5th – First Quarter Moon

Quarter phases help clarify our plans post-New Moon. The First Quarter Moon — with the right side illuminated and the left side in shadow — signals a time of decision-making, when we’re called to assess our progress and push through any obstacles that have come our way since the New Moon phase. This quarter follows the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aries that occurred on March 29th. (see March Astrology 2025 post).

Moon in Cancer. The Moon rules Cancer so she is ”at home” here. Cancer,  a cardinal water sign, rules the home, emotions, and our sense of nurture; comfort, intuition, and family matters. Be prepared for a tidal wave of unexpected emotions. The energy of this First Quarter Moon in Cancer is like when something small triggers an emotional epiphany. This moon challenges us to fuse action (Aries) with emotion (Cancer) and to surrender to the heart. You don’t have to shout to be powerful – the Sun is in Aries and the Moon is in Cancer. 

April 7th – Mercury returns direct in Pisces

Mercury is the planet of our mind and how we share our thoughts; conversations, decisions, and problem-solving. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun making its orbit shorter than Earth’s orbit; Mercury passes Earth 3-4 times a year because of this difference in orbital speed. 

Mercury was in retrograde March 15 - April 7th. As Mercury retrograde comes to a close and stations direct in Pisces, clarity gently returns. The lessons we’ve gathered from the deep inner reflections, intuitive messages, and emotional undercurrents from 3/15/25-4/7/25 welcome us to clearer insights and tangible understandings. Our dreams, intuition, and creative inspirations begin to flow more freely, guiding us forward with newfound wisdom and gentle confidence.

April 12th – Passover

AKA Festival of freedom; the night the Israelites were freed from Egypt and Egyptian slavery as well as freedom from being bound by destiny (predestined decrees from planetary forces totally beyond human control). 

Our Hebrew ancestors in Egypt, those whose journey from slavery to freedom we commemorate on the Passover holiday, lived in a culture obsessed with the rule of the stars and the power of the planets to predict the future. The Torah tells us how Pharaoh sought out his astrologers in order to divine the true meaning of events. It is in this context that biblical commentators understand the seemingly strange ritual demanded by God of his people in order to warrant their deliverance. God told Moses to command the Jews to take “every one of them a lamb for each parental home, a lamb for a household” (Exodus 12:3). They were required to slaughter the lamb and to smear its blood on the two door posts as well as on the lintel. Only then would God “pass over” the homes of the Hebrews whose firstborn lives the Almighty would save.

This was a test. The lamb was a major god of Egypt and to be saved/deemed savable, one had to publicly demonstrate their rejection of the Egyptian idol. 

Egyptians worshiped the ram as a god (Aries, 1st and most powerful zodiac, ram, leader of star signs) and saw themselves as leaders of the world, receiving their strength from their god, the ram. Strongest time for Egyptians would be the month of Aries when their god is ascendent and the strongest day of the month would be its full moon. This is when the Israelites made their exodus. They feasted upon a lamb the night before their exodus. 

April 12th/13th – Pink Full Moon, Micromoon

The Pink Full moon is in Libra. Libra is the 7th sign of the zodiac represented by balanced scales. This cardinal air sign is fixated on harmony and symmetry. Ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love, beauty, and money, Libras adore high art, intellectualism, and connoisseurship. Libras struggle with indecision and need to work on trusting their intuition moving forward in relationships with others and themselves. Can be a time to clear out issues in relationships and to become more distant with those you do not feel connected to. Venus retrograde helps make this distinction more apparent.

The Pink Full Moon marks the first full moon of Spring and sets the date for Easter. The full Moon on April 12, 2025, occurs just before reaching apogee (the point when the Moon is farthest from Earth.) The micromoon is the opposite of the supermoon.

The name Pink Moon comes from the early spring bloom of a wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata, commonly known as creeping phlox or moss phlox. This flower, often called “moss pink,” was in full bloom around April’s full Moon.

This moon calls for balance, harmony, and emotional honesty. A dynamic T-square (fig.1) is formed with Mars in Cancer highlighting existing inner tension or conflict, and areas of emotional sensitivity, defensiveness, or suppressed feelings within that are ready to be witnessed and healed. Bravely address emotional triggers/conflicts head-on with clear communication and emotional courage. Balance assertiveness and sensitivity. It’s a powerful opportunity to acknowledge your emotional needs openly, heal relational wounds, and establish stronger, healthier boundaries rooted in mutual respect and emotional honesty.

This full moon marks the completion of a six-month cycle that started on October 2, 2024, with a New Moon Solar Eclipse in Libra. Despite not being an Eclipse, this Full Moon will bring important shifts. 

Fig. 1 T-square configuration. 

April 12th – Venus direct in Pisces

Venus is the planet of love, beauty and money. Venus is the natural ruler of love, beauty, harmony, sensuality, the senses of desire, jealousy and envy, lust, and betrayal; these are all things that Venus can represent, as well as friendship, the arts, pageantry, jewelry, the beauty of flowers, and nature. Venus rules Libra. 

Venus retrograde in Pisces from March 27th - April 12th. Venus appearing to move forward again may help you improve connections and feel better with others. May feel less strained by old baggage, karma, and issues. Expect forward progress within the next couple weeks. Thoughts and communication speed up, filled with eagerness and courage, urging us to boldly share our truth and set clear intentions. Pursue new directions and confidently take initiative – it is well supported. 

April 12 is definitely a date to mark on our calendars as a potent Full Moon in Libra takes place while Venus, Libra’s ruler, is stationary direct. This event will bring the spotlight on relationship dynamics that need our attention and emphasize how our wounds and unconscious complexes impact how we show up in our connections with others and the patterns that keep repeating in our lives.

April 13th – Palm Sunday

The last Sunday before Easter and the start of Holy Week. A blessed olive branch would be given in churches to those in attendance to be hung up in the home and preserved as a sign of peace and faith. Sacred tradition. Palm Mass recalls the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in which his arrival was greeted by a crowd waving palm branches, just 5 days before his death. Jesus allowed the people to praise him as king for the first time, bringing the wrath of the Jewish and Roman leaders upon himself because it was his “time.” Jesus’ entry is described in all four canonical gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Jesus was selected as the Passover lamb according to Old Testament law. Jesus knew he was riding into the city but also to his death on the cross. 

Symbolism: olive tree = sacred plant, rebirth, peace, not to be thrown away but to be burned to obtain ashes for Ash Wednesday; Noah and the dove that brought him an olive branch = flood is over; the last night that Jesus spent with his disciples in Gethsemane was in the garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives = the Last Supper; palm = immortality and rebirth, link between Earth and sky. 

April 16th – Mercury enters Aries

Mercury is the planet of our mind and how we share our thoughts; conversations, decisions, and problem-solving. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun making its orbit shorter than Earth’s orbit; Mercury passes Earth 3-4 times a year because of this difference in orbital speed.

Things may come full circle. Pick back up ideas and plans that got dropped last month and take the initiative to get started. 

While Mercury is no longer retrograde or in Pisces, its conjunction with Neptune can continue to perpetuate a sense of confusion for a few more days, blurring the lines between what is real and what is not. In Aries, the messenger planet helps us think faster, speak more confidently, and approach challenges head-on. You may feel an urge to act quickly and decisively, but be aware of your choices and the consequences of your bold actions during this extroverted, confident time.

Mercury will leave Aries on May 10th to enter Taurus. 

April 18th – Good Friday

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary; believed to be the culmination of Holy Week (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday); observed in various ways: fasting, church services, stations of the cross, prayer and reflection, community service, virtual services, and artistic expressions. 

According to the New Testament, Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night of Holy Thursday. He was then brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious court, where he was questioned and ultimately condemned for blasphemy (accused of crimes like failing to pay taxes to Caesar, disturbing the nation, and asserting to be a ruler (God's Son)). The following morning, Jesus was taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, who initially found no fault with him. Pilate, under pressure from the crowd, eventually sentenced Jesus to crucifixion. Jesus was then forced to carry his cross to the site of execution, known as Golgotha or Calvary. There, he was crucified alongside two criminals and died after several hours of agony.

Good Friday offers an opportunity for contemplation on themes of love, sacrifice, and hope that resonate far beyond the bounds of any single faith tradition. 

April 18th cont. – Mars enters Leo

Mars is the planet of outward activity, animal passion (i.e. sexual drive, aggression, and anger), ambition, competition, confrontation, masculinity, the warrior, the man, courage, energy, strength, and impulsiveness. Mars rules Aries. 

Leo is a fixed fire sign, represented by the lion, ruled by the Sun, and the fifth sign of the zodiac. Leo is a hard-headed sign, loves to be center stage, dramatic, magnetic, courageous, loyal, and natural born leaders. The Sun never goes retrograde reinforcing the Leo traits of stability, loyalty, and consistency. 

Things may be brought full circle similar to Mercury in Aries, but this time it comes from November or December of 2024 (Mars was stationed retrograde in Leo December 2024). Energy can return and you can feel more excited, creative, and joyful. Creativity and authentic expression are well supported. Prepare for the wings of your social butterfly to become more active! Mars nature is to initiate, take risks, and lead and while in Leo, this energy is amplified. Be wary of entertaining paranoia and rushing too head-strong into one thing or another. 

April 19th - Sun enters Taurus

Stability and structure increase during the season of Taurus. Meanwhile, work on being more confident, getting more resources, pursuing financial opportunities, and being more present. Taurus season begins and moves us out of Aries season (initiatory passion) to shift towards steady building, where we are invited to move at a sustainable, nourishing, and rhythmic pace. Comfort, pleasure, and patience guide us, reminding us that sustainable growth comes from aligning with our natural rhythms and senses.

Be inspired to tap into your sensual side, revel in worldly pleasures, and remember that true pleasure requires patience. You are invited to slow down. Digest experiences in March and early April 2025. 

April 20th – Easter

Easter may occur anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th. The date is determined by the church and astrology, dependent on the cycle of the moon. Easter is set as the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon (the Sunday following the first Full Moon following the Spring Equinox). 

Easter has roots in fertility celebrations that occurred from late March to the end of April. Common Easter symbols such as eggs and rabbits are also rooted in fertility. Easter’s symbolism is closely connected to Aries: new beginnings, rebirth, and resurrection. 

April 20th cont. – Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius

The Last Quarter Moon represents a time of release and completion, marking a powerful opportunity for personal growth and transformation. It symbolizes the ongoing process of growth, release, and renewal that we experience in our own lives. In Greek mythology, the Last Quarter Moon was associated with Hecate, the God of crossroads, magic, and witchcraft. This is a time to banish negativity, release what does not serve you, burn herbs, cast spells, complete projects, pay debts, and tie up loose ends before the start of a new lunar cycle. 

 Aquarius is a fixed air sign, 11th sign of the zodiac, “water-bearer,” “water-carrier,” associated with floods and rains, gifted with truth and pure intentions; idealistic, innovation, progression, and rebellious nature, humanitarian. 

Prepare for a change or work on clearing things out in unconventional ways. Something may come to an end unexpectedly, which can make room for the new. The Last Quarter moon may stimulate Aquarius' innovative and humanitarian impulses. They may feel called to challenge the status quo and advocate for social change and progress.

April 21st-22nd – Peak of Lyrid Meteor Shower

The Lyrid Meteor Shower is caused by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, first discovered on April 5th, 1861 (around the time of its last perihelion, or closest point to the Sun) by Alfred E. Thatcher from New York City. Among the oldest meteor showers on record. We won’t see Comet Thatcher, but we will see the debris from it. Comet Thatcher takes roughly 415 years to go around the sun once (furthest point from sun around 2070; next perihelion around 2283). 

The Lyra constellation has been described in writings dating back 2,700 years centering around the mythic poet and musician, Orpheus. Orpheus would play the lyre, attract deities, humans, and nature (trees would bend to be near him). Orpheus and the beautiful nymph, Eurydice, fell madly in love but the happiness quickly ended after their marriage when Eurydice was bitten by a serpent and died by its poison. Desperate Orpheus ventured into the underworld with his lyre, playing passionately and swaying the gods to sympathy. They allowed Orpheus to bring Eurydice back to the land of living under one condition: they must walk ahead and not look back until they had left the underworld. Orpheus emerged first, instinctually looked back to his lover, and lost her instantly. He spent the remainder of his life in mourning, playing melancholy music on his lyre until his reunion with Eurydice in death. The gods hung his lure in the northern sky as a reminder of his eternal devotion to Eurydice. 

Takeaways: love demands bravery, love asks us to trust, love demands surrender, and love is a force beyond measure. 

April 22 – Earth Day

The origin of Earth Day is traced back to April 22nd, 1970 to a big teach-in event on college campuses in the United States. The 1960s was a decade of environmental awakening: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, environmental legislation by former Democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin (e.g. 1064 Wilderness Act, 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act), and the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA which led to the teach-in event held between Spring Break and final exams to allow for maximum student participation. Public support rapidly grew following April 22nd, 1970 and by the end of 1970, President Richard Nixon signed into law the National Environmental Policy Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act. 

April 22nd, 1970 held a lot of power in Taurus – Saturn in Taurus (planet of longevity, building, responsibility) with the Sun approaching conjunction, Mercury (planet of youth and learning), and Venus (planet of love and beauty), were also making a conjunction in later degrees of Taurus. Jupiter (the teacher) and the Moon (the emotion) were in Scorpio (the sign of death and regeneration) opposing that quartet of planets (Saturn, the Sun, Mercury, and Venus). At 0° Scorpio, Jupiter was almost exactly opposite the Sun. The lessons from Scorpio are recycle, reuse, compost, then regenerate. Taurus is a sign of consumption with an appetite that needs to be balanced by Scorpio's ability to create life from death. Taurus = soil; Scorpio = decaying matter to renew soil (fig. 2)

The theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet in support of renewable energy. 

Fig. 2 First Earth Day Chart

April 25th – Moon aligns with Venus and Saturn to “Smile"

The thin waning crescent moon will form a triangle with Venus and Saturn. There will be a delicate glow on the unlit portion of the Moon called earthshine. This is a kind of celestial "wink" that encourages us to look to the sky, enjoy the view, and remember the playfulness of the Universe.

Fig. 3 Moon Smile

April 27th – New Supermoon 

The New Moon in Taurus begins a lunar month focused on building new foundations, appreciating simplicity, and cultivating a sense of self-love that isn’t dependent on what we achieve or produce. This event invites us to ground into our bodies and make sure we are aware of our inherent value. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to foster stability, structure, and security. Focus on grounding and making your life more calm; this is especially important since there have been so many retrogrades. Moon reaches perigee (closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit around Earth). Large tides are possible. 

The Sun and the Moon in Taurus square Mars in Leo and Pluto in Aquarius, which oppose one another. This T-square configuration adds more friction and intensity to the mix and pushes us to confront any resistance to change and growth. During the upcoming lunar cycle, we will be asked to navigate the tension between our need for stability and security and our desire for transformation and evolution.

April 30th – Venus enters Aries

Venus is the planet of love, beauty and money. Venus is the natural ruler of love, beauty, harmony, sensuality, the senses of desire, jealousy and envy, lust, and betrayal; these are all things that Venus can represent, as well as friendship, the arts, pageantry, jewelry, the beauty of flowers, and nature. Aries (cardinal fire sign) carries energy of clarity of self and beginnings. 

Venus in Aries can bring us back to things that got pushed to the side in March 2025. Expect more energy with others, be more enthusiastic about love, and take the lead in relationships. In the sign of the Ram, Venus encourages us to pursue what truly lights us up and motivates us to trust our instinct. As soon as she returns to Aries, Venus immediately crosses Neptune. The Venus-Neptune conjunction in Aries will enrich our creative life and sensitivity while inspiring us to dream big and trust our visions. However, our judgment may be temporarily clouded around this time and it may be wise to wait before making impulsive decisions in both romantic and financial matters.

***All information presented has been gathered by personal research for entertainment purposes. Sources are not cited in this post to keep it succinct. Please ask questions as I am happy to discuss***

[alexrianda]

March Astrology 2025

March 1st – Venus stationing retrograde. 

Venus is the planet of love, beauty and money. Venus is the natural ruler of love, beauty, harmony, sensuality, the senses of desire, jealousy and envy, lust, and betrayal; these are all things that Venus can represent, as well as friendship, the arts, pageantry, jewelry, the beauty of flowers, and nature. During the stationing period, you may feel chaos until the planet is fully prepared for the trek backwards (retrograde). There might be a lack of movement in Venus related energy. 

Reflect on relationships, values, and self-worth. Relationships will be tested. Practice patience due to Venus being in impulsive Aries. Exes may return; reflect on their presence and how things have changed. Be cautious of retail therapy as spending habits are stressed; alternatively you may receive money owed. 

Venus will station direct on April 12th. 

March 3rd – Mercury in Aries

Mercury is the planet of our mind and how we share our thoughts; conversations, decisions, and problem-solving. Aries (cardinal fire sign) carries energy of clarity of self and beginnings. 

Mercury in Aries evelates originality, decisiveness, and enthusiasm. Bold leadership opportunities; exciting conversations; speak candidly but be cautious of the influential fire energy from Aries to avoid misunderstanding; precision of language. 

Mercury in Aries transit ends on March 29th (when it enters Pisces). 

March 14th – Lunar Eclipse in Virgo

A lunar eclipse is when the moon moves into earth’s shadow, causing the moon to be darkened. Virgo (mutable earth sign) energy is about wit, practicality, hard work, and an analytical mind.   

Lunar Eclipse in Virgo brings awareness to how you relate to others, show up in close relationships, and find balance in life. Alignment; authenticity; deep spring cleaning; be aware of a potential realization relating to work and what needs to be addressed pronto. 

March 15th – Mercury Retrograde

Mercury is the planet of our mind and how we share our thoughts; conversations, decisions, and problem-solving. Planetary retrograde is an optical illusion from Earth where a planetary body appears to move backward from our POV. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun making its orbit shorter than Earth’s orbit; Mercury passes Earth 3-4 times a year because of this difference in orbital speed. 

Do not be afraid – what may seem bad can be an opportunity for good and it is up to you. Possibility for miscommunication; listen more than you speak; be aware of potential problematic travel; allow for more time to arrive at your destination; technology problems; backup your devices and protect your storage; avoid signing contracts until April 7th. Great opportunity to talk with yourself since the retrograde spin moves energy inward; where communication with others (outward) may seem chaotic, communication with yourself (inward) may prove beneficial. 

Mercury stations direct on April 7th. This means Mercury returns to its “forward” movement and you will feel the tension and chaos of mercury retrograde fade away.  

March 20th – Sun in Aries

The Sun is a celestial body that represents life energy, creativity, and vitality. Aries (cardinal fire sign) carries energy of clarity of self and beginnings. It is also the first sign of the Zodiac Wheel and starts the “New Year.” 

Aries season starts about March 21st and ends about April 19th due to the Sun being in each sign, for instance Aries, for about 30 days. This is where modern astrology and cultural trends derive one’s “sign” although it only represents the individual’s sun sign and not the complete picture of one’s said astrological profile. This is a common and accepted practice. 

March 20th is the Spring Equinox, also known as the Vernal Equinox, or Ostara. Equinox means equal days and nights. The Spring Equinox has long been celebrated as a time of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings. 

This marks a time of starting new things, taking chances, and trail blazing. Pace yourself; embrace yourself for new opportunities and renewed, charged energy. Happy Spring!

The Sun leaves Aries on April 19th and enters Taurus. 

March 27th – Venus retrogrades into Pisces

Venus is the planet of love, beauty and money. Venus is the natural ruler of love, beauty, harmony, sensuality, the senses of desire, jealousy and envy, lust, and betrayal; these are all things that Venus can represent, as well as friendship, the arts, pageantry, jewelry, the beauty of flowers, and nature. Pisces (mutable water sign) carries energy of wisdom, powerful psychic and spiritual capabilities, and are overall enchanting. Pisces is the ocean – deep, mysterious, and limitless. 

Venus becomes exalted (meaning that's where Venus is in its highest power) in Pisces. Post-Aries fire energy, this powerful water sign with Venus offers reflection in relation to your relationships, past and present love. Be aware of the ultra-sensitive energy of Pisces and access your emotions with caution and clear intention. 

Venus will leave Pisces on April 30th and enter Taurus. 

March 29th – Solar Eclipse in Aries

A Solar Eclipse (partial, annular, or total) occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and Sun casting a shadow over parts of the Earth (totally/partially blocking the Sun in some parts). Maximum number of solar eclipses in one year is 5. There are at least 2 solar eclipses per year somewhere on the Earth. A total eclipse can only happen during a new moon. Total solar eclipses happen about once every year or two. Aries (cardinal fire sign) carries energy of clarity of self and beginnings. 

Great opportunity for a fresh start; rebranding; start a new side hustle; set sail for an adventure. It is you vs you energy! The eclipse can bring forth unpredictable energy, so prepare Plan B just in case, but embrace the Aries energy to stand tall and strong on your path. 

March 29th – Mercury retrogrades into Pisces

Mercury is the planet of our mind and how we share our thoughts; conversations, decisions, and problem-solving. Planetary retrograde is an optical illusion from Earth where a planetary body appears to move backward from our POV. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun making its orbit shorter than Earth’s orbit; Mercury passes Earth 3-4 times a year because of this difference in orbital speed. Pisces (mutable water sign) carries energy of wisdom, powerful psychic and spiritual capabilities, and are overall enchanting. Pisces is the ocean – deep, mysterious, and limitless. 

Emotions can blur your thinking so ground yourself prior to making decisions. Fact check rather than taking things at face value. 

Mercury will enter Aries on April 16th. 

March 30th – Neptune enters Aries

Neptune is the planet of inspiration. Neptune brings beauty to a higher, more spiritual level. It also holds sway over dreams, the subconscious, illusions, fantasies and all things magical and enchanting. Neptune intensifies intuition and teaches us to be deeply compassionate. Aries (cardinal fire sign) carries energy of clarity of self and beginnings. 

Neptune has been in the water sign Pisces since 2011/2012 and is not comfortable being in fire sign Aries. Neptune is a dreamer whereas Aries is a doer. Possible conflicts may arise during Neptune’s transit in Aries – do you fight for the future and build your dream oR waste your energy fighting pointless battles. 

Neptune will leave Aries in March 2039.

***All information presented has been gathered by personal research for entertainment purposes. Sources are not cited in this post to keep it succinct. Please ask questions as I am happy to discuss***

[alexrianda]

Proper Introduction :)

Welcome! Take your shoes off at the door. I am starting this blog as a 25 year old with a plethora of interests. I plan on using this blog as a catch-all for my wandering thoughts and ideas about nature, folklore, literature, art, botany and herbology, cultural trends and more. My name is Alexandria btw. I'll be working on creating a community full of wonder and appreciation for the natural world and all things good and magical. And the occasional music appreciation post.

I encourage you to interact with posts and ask questions. Consider this a community playground for questions, insights, additions, thoughts, etc.

Hare Krishna <3