#Transiting Mercury enters pre-Rx shadow

[ms-m-astrologer]

Cosmic Events: January 2025

Executive summary: some tense moments.

Lunar Phases

Friday, January 3, 12:33 UTC - Crescent Moon, 28°23’ Aquarius

Monday, January 6, 23:56 UTC - First Quarter Moon, 16°56’ Aries

Friday, January 10, 10:20 UTC - Gibbous Moon, 5°26’ Gemini

Monday, January 13, 22:27 UTC - Full Moon, 24°00’ Cancer

The Moon is conjunct Mars Rx, both are opposite the Capricorn Sun; all three are square Eris/Aries, which stations direct two days prior to the Full Moon. Anger, resentment, violence - but also opportunities to process that in a more constructive manner.

Friday, January 17, 17:35 UTC - Disseminating Moon, 12°52’ Virgo

Tuesday, January 21, 20:31 UTC - Last Quarter Moon, 2°03’ Scorpio

Saturday, January 25, 21:12 UTC - Balsamic Moon, 21°09’ Sagittarius

Wednesday, January 29, 12:36 UTC - New Moon, 9°51’ Aquarius

Great for ideas, clearing the air, all communication, and education and learning, with a close trine to Jupiter Rx/Gemini.

Void of Course Moon

Wednesday, January 1, 06:02 UTC (Capricorn) - 10:50 UTC (Aquarius)

Friday, January 3, 04:13 UTC (Aquarius) - 15:21 UTC (Pisces)

Sunday, January 5, 14:30 UTC (Pisces) - 19:01 UTC (Aries)

Tuesday, January 7, 21:16 UTC (Aries) - 22:11 UTC (Taurus)

At 55 minutes, this is the shortest January void Moon.

Thursday, January 9, 22:50 UTC (Taurus) - Friday, January 10, 01:07 UTC (Gemini)

Sunday, January 12, 00:03 UTC (Gemini) - 04:24 UTC (Cancer)

Tuesday, January 14, 04:46 UTC (Cancer) - 09:12 UTC (Leo)

Thursday, January 16, 04:10 UTC (Leo) - 16:46 UTC (Virgo)

At 12 hours, 36 minutes, this is the longest January void Moon.

Sunday, January 19, 02:01 UTC (Virgo) - 03:33 UTC (Libra)

Tuesday, January 21, 04:34 UTC (Libra) - 16:20 UTC (Scorpio)

Friday, January 24, 00:03 UTC (Scorpio) - 04:29 UTC (Sagittarius)

Sunday, January 26, 09:40 UTC (Sagittarius) - 13:43 UTC (Capricorn)

Tuesday, January 28, 15:48 UTC (Capricorn) - 19:31 UTC (Aquarius)

Thursday, January 30, 11:29 UTC (Aquarius) - 22:52 UTC (Pisces)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Transiting Mercury starts 2025 in its post-retrograde shadow, which it exits on Friday, January 3.

Transiting Mars is retrograde all month.

Transiting Juno is in its pre-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Vesta enters its pre-retrograde shadow on Friday, January 27.

Transiting Jupiter is retrograde all month.

Transiting Saturn is in its post-retrograde shadow all month.

Transiting Uranus starts 2025 retrograde and stations direct on Thursday, January 30.

Transiting Eris starts 2025 retrograde and stations direct on Saturday, January 11.

Ingresses

Transiting Vesta enters Scorpio on Thursday, January 2.

Transiting Venus enters Pisces on Thursday, January 2.

Transiting Mars retrogrades back into Cancer on Monday, January 6.

Transiting Mercury enters Capricorn on Wednesday, January 8.

Transiting Sun enters Aquarius on Sunday, January 19.

Transiting Mercury enters Aquarius on Tuesday, January 28.

The transiting Mean Nodes move from the Aries/Libra polarity, to the Pisces/Virgo polarity, on Tuesday, January 28.

Opportunity Periods

Sunday, January 5, 11:57 UTC - 14:30 UTC. “This OP is good for play, meditation, helping others, etc.”

Thursday, January 9, 14:00 UTC - Friday, January 10, 01:07 UTC. “A resourceful waxing Moon OP for productivity, suitable for the arts, social engagement, and practical matters.”

Tuesday, January 14, 03:48 UTC - 09:12 UTC. “This dynamic OP is good for inspiration and insights.”

Sunday, January 19, 00:48 UTC - 02:01 UTC. “A short period of productive time to get organized.”

Thursday, January 23, 15:13 UTC - Friday, January 24, 00:03 UTC. “This Last Quarter Moon OP provides the perfect chance for having meaningful conversations and feeling renewed.”

Tuesday, January 28, 04:52 UTC - 15:48 UTC. “This is an ideal time for productivity or getting in touch with friends or lovers.”

Wednesday, January 29, 12:06 UTC - 13:06 UTC. This is 1/2 hour before and after the Aquarius New Moon. “If you have something important to start around now, this is a great time to do it.”

Et Cetera

With the impending regime change in the US, we know it’s going to be a fraught month. Two of the more worrisome times are:

January 2-3, when Mars Rx/Leo opposes Pluto/Aquarius

January 13-15, when the Full Moon conjuncts Mars/Cancer and squares Eris/Aries, followed by the Capricorn Sun square Eris and opposite Mars

[saturniandevil]

October 2024 Important Dates

AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's October Forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.

Here's a graphic from honeycomb.co showing the exactness of planetary transits throughout the month as well:

September Recap: We're starting the month in the middle of eclipse season (there was a lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th). Chris talks about how the biggest intensity of events usually occurs within 10 days on either side of an eclipse. For example, on the 10th there was the US Presidential debate, which fell in Harris's 10th house/North Node and indeed represented an improvement in her public image. The Vice Presidential debate also takes place today, October 1st, right before the next eclipse. Another Pisces eclipse story is the second assassination attempt on Trump--Chris & Austin connect these to the close square of Uranus on his natal Mars and on top of his natal Midheaven. Using nativities, Chris points out that for the past 20 years the winning presidential candidate has had an eclipse in an angular house, which would point towards Harris winning. However, using zodiacal releasing, Trump is set to enter a new era of prominence in April of next year--whether from presidency or another set is unclear. There are a lot of factors indicating this year's election (and the time between then and the inauguration period!) will be confusing and full of surprises.

Another eclipse story is Israel's attack on Lebanon--the pagers were detonated on the day of the Pisces eclipse. The current war in Palestine began under last year's Libra eclipse, and escalation with Iran occurred along an eclipse as well. They predict October 2nd may very well be the date Israel starts a ground offensive into Lebanon, with implications of a regional war (A/N: this episode was recorded September 29th). There will be another eclipse in Aries before the nodes move off this axis, but the Pisces eclipse's coincidence with the electronics attacks and assassination of Nasrallah may be foreshadowing another 2 years of conflict.

The Pisces eclipse also highlighted Saturn's transit through Pisces: the OceanGate submarine wreck was finally found (crushed during Saturn rx), as well as the sunken wreck of the Erebus, a 19th-century polar exploration vessel. In other water disasters, Hurricane Helene ravaged much of the Appalachian US, the worst storm in a century for many cities and small towns. There were also devastating floods in Europe, Nigeria, and India and typhoons hitting much of East Asia.

October 2nd - Solar eclipse in Libra

Immediately afterwards, the Sun and Moon move towards a square with Mars, boding ill for world events with its significations of war, anger, and aggression. Eclipses on a particular axis often indicate a series of events over about a year and a half (this one began early October), so we know already know which stories are going to wrap up to make way for something new. In our personal lives changes may be for the better--for example, for one viewer this indicates the end of a relationship making room for a new one. Mercury has just separated from a cazimi with the Sun (11♎), and Mars is waiting at 15 Cancer to square all of these planets after they conjoin each other. The changes will take place abruptly, jarringly, and painfully for some. Eclipses shock us, even when they're positive. Mars-Mercury indicates arguments, fighting words, and foul language (goes direct at 17 Libra/Cancer on the 6th). Be careful with your words, as this may represent a longer conflict than you realize, as Mars enters its pre-retrograde shadow period soon after:

Like all retrogrades, Mars brings revisions, repeats, and unexpected delays. With Mars hanging out in the same few degrees of Cancer & Leo for awhile, we'll be spending a lot of time and energy in those areas of our chart. Mars retrograde can work well for those born under one, though--for Mars rx natives sometimes it's when big projects finally come to fruition with them.

During the Mars-Mercury conflict, we will have some support: Venus (14♏) will trine Saturn (14♓) on the 4th-5th, and on the 8th she'll (18♏) trine Mars (18♋) with reception. She comes in to offer a bit of a salve after the chafing of Mars contacts. Also on that day, soon-to-retrograde Jupiter (21♊) will trine Mercury (21♎) with reception, soothing some of the previous hard aspect to Mars. These are the kinds of situations where a terrible accident occurs, but you miraculously escape major injury. This can also represent extremes of good and bad happening at the same time.

October 6th - Mercury square Mars (discussed above)

October 9th - Jupiter stations retrograde He's going to hang out in the same few degrees of Gemini for a long time. See eclipse above for some details on transits leading up to this.

October 11th - Pluto stations direct From the 11th-13th Pluto, while slowing down and stationing, squares Mercury as the inner planet moves from Libra to Scorpio. We've been having Pluto stations in Capricorn since 2008-9, and this is the last he'll be in Capricorn for the rest of any of our lifetimes. Mercury brings the underworld planet's hidden matters to light: think investigative journalism, mystery stories, and exposés on dark scandals. Conversely, we can also see manipulation, control, and suppression of information by forces who prefer to remain in the shadows. Pluto is like a doorway to the underworld: it both plunges things into obscurity and brings up secrets from the depths. This is one last burst of intensity in late Capricorn/cardinal signs for those of us who've been feeling its effects--think of molting, with its vulnerabilities and benefits alike. This also marks the end of the United States' Pluto return--an uncertain evaluation of the next 250 years.

October 13th - Mercury enters Scorpio

October 14th - Sun square Mars While the Sun (21♎) squares Mars (21♋) with Jupiter (21♊) attempting to mediate by trining the Sun, Venus (26♏) opposes Uranus (26♉). With Uranus-Venus we may see some surprises in our relationships. (Chris notes Mercury is at 01Scorpio this day, same as Kamala Harris's natal chart, so the news will probably be about her.)

October 17th - Aries Full Moon, Venus enters Sagittarius

Normally we'd breathe a sigh of relief that eclipse season is over, but the luminaries (🌙:24♈,🌞:24♎) are coming right off a square to Mars (22♋), and are headed right into a square with Pluto (29♑). Thus, by the end of the month, Mars and Pluto begin to oppose each other, an intense configuration that will stay with us for the rest of the year thanks to Mars's retrograde. Don't ignore the little issues that Mars is highlighting in your life; nip things in the bud or keep an eye on them because the problems will only intensify over the next few months. The Mars-Pluto opposition will go exact right around election day in the US, or early November. Thus this full moon sets an ominous tone for the months ahead.

Mars signifies cutting, separation, and conflict, while Pluto takes themes to their utmost extremes, making the small massive and the massive small (think of a mushroom cloud explosion borne from mere atoms colliding). Combined, this indicates annihilation, survival responses, severe overreactions, power struggles, aggression & confrontations, manipulation and control. Other keywords are ruthlessness, forcefulness, and lashing out at perceived enemies, real or imagined. Pluto really enjoys hidden power as well--we may fall for decoys of where the real power lies. Unfortunately this strongly overshadows the US election. Overall, with Pluto involved we can't see clearly, so paranoia and conspiracies abound. It can also indicate horrific acts coming to light, like CBS News publishing the first photographs of torture at Abu Ghraib during the Mars-Pluto opposition of late April 2004, and financial developments like the 2008 bank crashes.

In our personal lives, this may be a period of extreme mental or physical exertion where you accomplish more than you thought possible. Austin cautions us not to react to negative things in a way that makes the situation worse, which is our impulse with Mars in Cancer. Sometimes we have to accept that events beyond our power--control what you can and accept what you can't. Uranus in Taurus will also get folded into this background tension via sextile with Pluto.

October 22nd - Sun enters Scorpio

October 25th - Auspicious electional date

This is a difficult month, but if you have to do something important, the 25th is a good time. A few different times will work; Chris likes around 3PM local time, adjusting until the Ascendant is at about 20 Aquarius. This makes the ruler Saturn in the 2nd house in a day chart, good for financial matters. The Leo Moon applies to a sextile with Jupiter, boding well for earthly events--as long as you can catch it when the moon is applying (at a lower degree; moving towards the aspect) rather than separating (at a higher degree, moving away). (Viewers on the West Coast of the US, for example, may have to move it back a day.) With 20Aquarius rising you get a nice, supportive trine from Jupiter in the 5th house, good for games and leisurely activities. Venus in the 11th house is also helpful, and in Denver they were able to get her near the Midheaven as well, though it's not a dealbreaker if you can't get that to line up. Venus in the 11th, ruled by Jupiter, does well with friends and alliances. Furthermore, though she is applying to a square with Saturn, in this chart it has her in contact with the Ascendant ruler, affirming and supporting you and the actions you take at this time. Not recommended for health or routine matters with a cranky day chart detriment Mars in the 6th house, and beware of Pluto in the 12th house of hidden enemies and self-undoing. Thus, it's not ideal, but we can get some things done.

October 28th - Venus square retrograde Saturn Venus would normally be happy to get out of her detriment Scorpio and into a neutral sign like Sagittarius, but she has to get past this square to Saturn before she can really party. However, this does put her in a whole-sign opposition to Jupiter while being received by him (in his domicile), giving a silver (copper) lining to everything else going on. When one benefic is setting, the other is rising for us.

October 30th - Mercury opposes Uranus (not pictured) At 25 of Scorpio and Taurus respectively, this may be an "October surprise" news scandal (or events in our personal lives).

[ofcloudsandstars]

FEBRUARY

Week 3rd to 9th’s Celestial Forecast

Sorry again for the lateness but with Imbolc last week amongst other shenanigans I have been really pre-occupied.

This week brings some powerful romantic energy. If this isn't what you are looking for in life, it's ok cause this energy can also be channeled through goal-getting/goal-achieving fire power. The transits really build up towards the full moon in Leo at the end of the week which lines up with other aspects and planets that demand for some EMOTIONAL and DRAMATIC release especially in matters of the heart. In a way prepare for some love magic whether you like it or not cause if you aren't interested in attracting romance, the Venus/Chiron in Aries conjunct along with the full moon in leo (trining mars in fiery sagittarius) and Juno in Rx at the end of this week is going to demand you to look inside yourself and figure out how to heal your heart and let love in anyway, whether that be self love or romantic love or community love, you will be LOVED!!! Love is coming for you and that's a threat!!

Notes: the time is set to UTC and I post primarily for a witch group in London so the weeks weirdly start on Mondays here and end on Sundays. 

_______________________

3rd

Venus (Pisces) sextile Saturn (Capricorn)  Mercury enters Pisces Moon VOC at 11:27-11:29AM  Moon enters Gemini 

Energy: As mercury moves into Pisces, this mercurial cycle will bring a phase of gentle communication, colorful day dreams, emotional thoughts and romance. As Venus sextiles Saturn the desire for long term partnership will strengthen. If you and a partner was struck by the hardships of last week's transits then today would be a great time to find resolve. With the moon in Gemini pairing with mercury in pisces, the two may create the desire to satisfy our curiosity with exploring the artistic or sensual world or analyze our inner emotions.

Recommended Magic: crafting love spell ingredients, binural beats meditation, tarot cards to explore our emotional body, sweetening spells towards anyone causing you issues.

_______________________

4th

Moon in Gemini

Energy: A lot of yesterday's influences will be carried on to today. This is a time for peace making, yet if establishing harmony doesn't apply for you, then it's a time to explore your future dreams and entertain the ways to get there. If you celebrate Imbolc, then 3 days ago you would have set intentions for goals that you would want to have sprouted in spring. Winter is still a time of rest but the celestial transits are in favor for you to seek out what you want and have your seeds sprout. With the moon waxing in Gemini before it grows into the full moon, it's a time of hastening when our minds will feel enticed to collect info on various information that we could channel into collecting info that can help us achieve future goals. Use this time wisely to give more base to the fantasies you wish to materialize.

Recommended Magic: Researching magic and filling your grimoire, sweetening spells, researching topics that might correlate with your future plans or any magic you wish to study, brainstorming spells to release on the full moon.

_______________________

5th

Mercury Pisces sextile Uranus in Taurus Moon VOC 2:19-7:03PM Moon enters Cancer

Energy: This is a fantastic time for divination and shadow work. With Mercury sextiling Uranus the harmonic energy between the planet of the mind and the planet of surprises, innovation and change will bring a day of heightened psychic talents, future-oriented thinking, open-mindedness and epiphanies that may come from dreams or flashes of insight. Seeing things from a new point of view may help in solving lingering problems or finding your way after steering from your path. With the moon in Cancer it's a great time to turn inward emotionally to see if you may be harboring any emotional blockages. In the time between Imbolc to Ostara is a time for cleansing, clearing and sowing so if you feel like you are blocked in getting the motivation or means to align yourself to your future goals then it's a time to self reflect and undo any inner blocks. For most of the afternoon to evening the moon will be void of course so it's perfect to have a moment to look within and not be too active.

Recommended Magic: Divination, trance meditation, cleansing one's energy, studying new magic topics, adding to one's grimoire

_______________________

6th

Moon in Cancer

Energy: With the moon resting in it's home sign, it gives a need for peace, healing and home affairs. This is a good time to get in touch with our emotional side and find what motivates us. This is a great time to journal and write down desires we wish to see fulfilled as in a few days the moon will be full and it will be ideal to release our intentions then. This is also a good day to clean the home, your personal space, your altar and cleanse yourself energetically. Self care is favored on this transit and you should treat yourself to rest and what makes you feel loved.

Recommended Magic: anything cottage/home magic related, cleansing the space, kitchen magic, self care rituals, bath magic, journaling, planning full moon spells, divination

_______________________

7th

Venus enters Aries Moon VOC 3:43-10:44PM Moon in Leo

Energy: Today will feel fiery, dramatic and sexual as the planet of love, partnerships and harmony renews it's cycle in dynamic Aries. Coupled with mercury in romantic Pisces and the moon in Leo, we start off Venus's new monthly cycle with strong dramatic desires for passion and connection. Venus in Aries brings spontaneous and direct love. The chase is exciting under this fiery influence and winning the heart feels like conquest. With the build up of the previous romantically-inclined transits along with Valentines Day only being a week away, expect to see friends and acquaintances suddenly stricken with crushes or new romantic connections being made. If this is NOT the energy you want to kindle for yourself it's fine as you can either use this to make spell ingredients or use Venus's fiery desirey placement in Aries as a boost towards your creative projects or applying towards goals in your future.

Recommended Magic: Love attraction spells (avoid the void of course hours, wait preferably until the moon is in Leo), Glamour magic to attract love, making spell ingredients for love attraction (this could work well coupled with kitchen magic if you like to make treats like chocolate or baked goods, also good for other crafts like making love spell candles etc.)

_______________________

8th

Moon in Leo

- Full moon phase begins but not complete opposition yet - Better to do moon spells now since it will transition tomorrow VOC

Energy: Tonight (and please make note that it will be TONIGHT, tomorrow evening the moon is VOC and will enter virgo at 11:39pm UTC and Juno goes retrograde in Libra and Venus conjuncts Chiron in Aries lol so not great for love magic,) is a GREAT DAY to do love spells. Dream up that desired partner, anoint yourself in floral oils, send that energy out into the world. Even if you don't want a partner, if you want some positive attention your way whether it be praise, people noticing you for your talents, (I am thinking of these examples as I have a chunk of witch friends who are performers/freelancers) then that magic would benefit you as well. Attraction magic to find people that can help boost you towards your goals can work well now too. Using the element of fire in your spell casting could give a nice boost with Venus in Aries and the full moon in Leo.

Recommended Magic: Fire magic, candle attraction magic, sex magic, making glamour oils, soap potions for boosting charm or allure, positive attention attraction magic _______________________

9th

Full moon in Leo (7:33AM UTC) Moon Leo trines Mars in Sagittarius Moon VOC 4:08pm-11:39pm Moon enters Virgo at 11:39pm Juno retrogrades begins (in Libra) Venus conjunct Chiron in Aries

Energy: The morning (well morning if you are in the U.K. This may be very early morning or late evening if you are in the states) will be fantastic to taking the steps towards your goals as the energy of the Full Moon in Leo trining Mars in Sagittarius will give you the courage and initiative to make the first move and take the lead!! Take initiative this morning, this would be a better time to take actions to manifest your dreams instead of doing passive meditative spell work. There will be three powerful planets in fiery signs which is the Moon in Leo, Mars in Sagittarius and Venus in Aries which will also make bold moves for you to get in touch with your sexual side and share your passionate desires. This moon is in favor of unions  of the goal-getting kind and of the romantic and sexual kind.

Though it seems some of the romantic and sexual aspects of yesterday are carried on to today it's also met with some DRAMATIC and INTENSE AF obstacles. With Venus conjunct Chiron the two energies will combine to expose any deep seated love wounds and may seek to aggressively (with the aries placements) and dramatically (amplified with the full moon in Leo) CRACK open your heart and through some tears shedding may flood out any unresolved, unreconciled, unhealed parts buried deep within your heart. ONTOP of that there is Juno retrograding in Libra that will begin a period of deep inner reflection that may highlight all the previous mistakes we've made in relationships or any love affair and if we act rashly on this full moon in those matters we may be faced harshly again with our mistakes.

If you worked to find a desirable union amplified by these transits but on the climax of the full moon it all goes wrong, the BEST thing to do is not to be so disappointed and act out (there's a lot of fire in the air so its normal to feel like you want to explode a bit- also it's too soon for a spell like that to work and reap positive results, just wait a bit though Venus in Aries may want it to work RIGHT NOW.) With the moon VOC for most of the day it's a good day to reflect on what may not be working out in your love life or doing shadow work to heal parts of your broken heart. If you used the previous transits to attract love, this day will be helpful to try to turn inward and heal parts of yourself that could be causing unintentional blockages from future romantic partners. By the next cycle you could have cleared out the way that could allow someone special into your life and learn from past mistakes to not repeat them again.

Recommended Magic: self love healing, shadow work, love divination/tarot, taking action towards your goals, release through fire magic,

[phynxrizng]

THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY. ...

Cafe Astrology .com Cafe Astrology .com Home Shop Horoscopes Site Map Search This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology is updated every Saturday and includes the week’s Moon phase, planets in signs and aspects, retrogrades, this week’s astrology calendar, the current void-of-course Moon tables and timing advice, and Daily Trends interpretations. March 15, 2018 / This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology: March 18 to 24, 2018 March 18 to 24, 2018 On this Page: This week’s Moon phase Planets in signs and aspect Retrogrades This week’s astrology calendar Timing with the Moon Romance & Relationship Report Daily Trends   First Quarter Moon The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at 11:35 AM EDT. The First Quarter Moon occurs on Saturday when the Sun in Aries forms a square with the Cancer Moon. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon on March 17th is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.  First Quarter Moon Chart: March 24, 2018 This phase of the Moon occurs at 3 degrees and 57 minutes of Cancer square the Sun at 3 degrees and 57 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 2 to 6 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.  A New Moon occurred on Saturday, March 17th, 2018, at 9:11 AM EDT. Early Saturday, a new cycle began. The Aquarius New Moon cycle ended and the Pisces New Moon cycle began. The New Moon in Pisces is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Fish. These include taking a leap of faith, accepting imperfections in ourselves and in others as a different kind of “perfection”, starting a project that requires imagination and visualization skills, consciously putting time aside for peaceful and rejuvenating activities, and sharing a dream with another. With this potent Pisces energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. This New Moon is especially creative and ambitious with its trine to Jupiter and (wide) sextile to Pluto. While we are likely to feel very inspired, and this New Moon can motivate us to take a leap of faith, we should watch for impatience and impulsive moves, since the lunation is also square to Mars, which is on the verge of changing signs and is thus especially vulnerable/volatile. Words can sting now, although they can also prompt a “turning over a new leaf” moment and fuel a new beginning. The Sun/Moon also form a semi-sextile to Uranus, and we can struggle a little with the idea of going our own way and being independent. While we want these things, it can be difficult to integrate these urges into our personalities or to act upon them consistently.  New Moon in Pisces Chart: March 17, 2018 This phase of the Moon occurred at 26 degrees and 53 minutes of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 22 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 1 degree of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly. Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture Mar 17, 2018, 9:11 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon) Mar 24, 2018, 11:35 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon) Mar 31, 2018, 8:37 AM Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon) Apr 8, 2018, 3:17 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon) Apr 15, 2018, 9:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon) (Times are Eastern) The Sun is in Pisces until March 20th, when the Sun enters Aries; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Aries; Mars is in Capricorn. The Sun is in Pisces from February 18-March 20th. With the Sun in Pisces, we are guided by altruistic feelings. We are less motivated to do than we are to feel, imagine, and dream. A “what will be, will be” attitude reigns, and we are guided by a sense of universal correlations. Pisces rules empathy, selfless love, devotion, and wisdom. Its shadow side rules self-pity, a feeling of being victimized by life, passivity, and elusiveness. The Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 19th. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive, and we have the urge to initiate. Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little shame with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead. Mercury is in Aries from March 6-May 13. When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries. Venus is in Aries from March 6-31. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased. Mars is in Capricorn from March 17-May 16. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable and faithful. We are slow to anger but can be quite cold if we are frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity.  Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.  Jupiter entered Scorpio on October 10th, 2017, and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit here. Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011, and will transit Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries. Mercury turns retrograde on March 22nd, 2018.  Mercury’s Retrograde Cycle in Aries from March 22-April 15, 2018 Mercury’s shadow period begins/enters Rx zone: March 8, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′ Mercury stations and turns retrograde: March 22, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′ Rx Mercury stations and turns direct: April 15, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′ Mercury ends its shadow period/leaves Rx zone: May 3, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′ Times are Eastern See also Mercury Retrograde, Retrogrades, and Retrogrades in the Natal Chart. Mercury is retrograde from March 22nd to April 15th. Mercury’s shadow period begins March 8th, 2018, and ends May 3rd, 2018. Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrogrades shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years, and this may not be ideal. Also note that things are most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy. Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time). As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde. Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly. While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering. There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Mercury retrograde is powerful for studies, particularly for returning to old studies or for re-learning or refreshing knowledge in a subject alrunication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves. It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is quite likely once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some “outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period. Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (March 22nd and April 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun on April 1st (midway between the start and end of the retro period). If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.  With Mercury retrograde in Aries: We might look at past decisions and ideas from a new, possibly enlightened perspective. This is a time for reconsidering an initiative or venture. It’s strong for returning to an old project or pursuit. It can be a time of tension, however, as Mercury in Aries wants immediate answers and retrograde Mercury can point to delays and indecision. The shortness of Mercury in Aries communications is magnified making it necessary to be especially careful with our choice of topics and wording. The chances of sharp or brusque comments doing some damage run high. We may be returning to past projects and refining or tweaking them. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycle them in new ways, even though Mercury in Aries prefers the new to the old. We might consider renewing past ventures where we may have had false starts, but this should be done in a new way for things to work this time around. With Mercury in Aries, we prefer to learn from hands-on experience rather than instruction, and not listening during this Mercury retrograde period can be especially costly. Keep in mind that Mercury in Aries’ haste to communicate (or perhaps more accurately, to get communications out of the way) can work against us or can be more consequential during Mercury retrograde — there can be texts or emails sent to the wrong people, for example, or quick commentary that’s considered careless. Read more about Mercury Retrograde. Romance & Relationships Venus is in Aries from March 6-31. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased. This week: Sunday is strong for growth-focused interactions as well as for clarifications of feelings. However, keep in mind that these may come up for review at a later date. Friday can bring a bit of paranoia or suspicion to our love lives. Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week: Venus in Aries March 6-31. Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit? Venus trine North Node of the Moon March 17-18. We are more concerned about harmonizing and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate connections might be made now. Venus conjunct Mercury March 18-19. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Venus square Pluto March 23. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Venus quincunx/inconjunct Jupiter March 24-25. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification. The Moon & Timing The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations. The Void-of-Course Moon this Week: Void-of-course Moon on Monday, March 19th, from 3:29 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:07 PM EDT. VOC Moon on Wednesday, March 21st, from 1:21 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, March 22nd, at 1:30 AM EDT. VOC Moon on Friday, March 23rd, from 11:52 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Saturday, March 24th, at 4:53 AM EDT. March 2018:  Void of Course Tables: March 2018 Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives The Moon is waxing this week — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on March 23rd from approximately 3:45 AM to 11:50 PM, while the Moon is in Gemini. Note that, at the time of this window, Mercury had just turned retrograde. Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses: Jan 26, 2018 7:56 AM Mars enters Sagittarius Jan 31, 2018 8:39 AM Mercury enters Aquarius Feb 10, 2018 6:19 PM Venus enters Pisces Feb 17, 2018 11:28 PM Mercury enters Pisces Feb 18, 2018 12:18 PM Sun enters Pisces Mar 6, 2018 2:34 AM Mercury enters Aries Mar 6, 2018 6:45 PM Venus enters Aries Mar 8, 2018 11:46 PM Jupiter Retrograde *** Daylight Saving Time begins *** Mar 17, 2018 12:40 PM Mars enters Capricorn Mar 20, 2018 12:15 PM Sun enters Aries Mar 22, 2018 8:19 PM Mercury Retrograde Mar 29, 2018 9:31 PM Pallas enters Gemini Mar 31, 2018 12:54 AM Venus enters Taurus Apr 1, 2018 9:44 PM Vesta enters Capricorn Apr 15, 2018 5:21 AM Mercury Direct Apr 17, 2018 4:09 AM Chiron enters Aries Apr 17, 2018 9:47 PM Saturn Retrograde Apr 19, 2018 11:12 PM Sun enters Taurus Apr 22, 2018 11:26 AM Pluto Retrograde Apr 24, 2018 12:40 PM Venus enters Gemini Apr 28, 2018 3:44 AM Juno enters Aries May 8, 2018 3:52 AM Vesta Retrograde May 13, 2018 8:40 AM Mercury enters Taurus May 15, 2018 11:16 AM Uranus enters Taurus May 16, 2018 12:55 AM Mars enters Aquarius May 19, 2018 9:10 AM Venus enters Cancer May 20, 2018 10:15 PM Sun enters Gemini May 21, 2018 9:06 AM Pallas enters Cancer May 29, 2018 7:49 PM Mercury enters Gemini See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day. See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview. Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET). This Week’s Calendar  This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 18 to 24, 2018 This Week’s Aspects  Sun conjunct Chiron. An opportunity to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” arises now, increasing our confidence. Alternatively, we might face life lessons that get us in touch with the insecurities that hold us back from feeling confident. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem-solving is favored.  Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.  Venus square Pluto. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run high, in direct proportion to fear of losing someone or something. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Social interactions may be intense or could provoke intense feelings. Changes in financial status or relationships may occur now. This is an “all or nothing” energy. Manipulative behavior, fear of betrayal, and power struggles are possible.  Sun square Mars. We have “spring fever” no matter what the season. Driven by a restless desire to do something, without a well-defined goal we tend towards impulsive actions and get ourselves into needless arguments. Our reactions tend to be defensive or competitive. We are not very willing to compromise or negotiate. We are more inclined to injury and accident. Energy output can run high if we choose to focus. Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET). Daily Trends Calendar See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects. See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe. See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends (as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar) See also the new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations. MARCH 18 The Sun and Chiron meet in the sign of Pisces today, and this can pull up an opportunity to find a sense of purpose, increasing our confidence. Alternatively, we might face life lessons that get us in touch with the insecurities that undercut our confidence. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and others is strong now, and problem-solving is favored. This can be a time of building faith or confidence in our skills and talents. We can experience a stronger desire to seek out meaning, wisdom, and mental stimulation. The Moon is in Aries, all day, however, and we’re forward-looking and ready for a fresh start. The Moon aligns with both Mercury and Venus as both planets near a conjunction, and we have something to clarify about our feelings. MARCH 19 The Moon continues its transit of Aries for most of today, until 9:07 PM EDT. Mercury aligns with Venus in Aries, and we might enjoy good humor, lighthearted conversations, sociability, and cooperation. It’s a good time to talk about or quantify our feelings and reach agreements or negotiate with others. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Mercury will retrograde in just three days, however, and we may later need to revisit and perhaps revise what we may communicate or decide upon today. The Moon moves into Taurus tonight, and shortly after that, harmonizes with Mars. We’re resourceful and motivated, particularly related to business, financial, mechanical, practical, and security or comfort matters. The Moon is void from 3:29 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:07 PM EDT. MARCH 20 The Moon spends the day in Taurus, harmonizing with Saturn and encouraging a practical approach to our day. Even so, the Sun enters pioneering Aries today at 12:16 PM EDT, marking the time of the Spring equinox and the start of the astrological New Year. The Sun will transit Aries until April 19th. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are impulsive, and we have the urge to initiate. Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little pause for regret with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan. MARCH 21 The Moon is void from 1:21 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Thursday, March 22nd, at 1:30 AM EDT. MARCH 22 The Moon is void until it enters Gemini at 1:30 AM EDT. MARCH 23 The Moon is void from 11:52 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Uranus), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Saturday, March 24th, at 4:53 AM EDT. MARCH 24 The Moon is void until it enters Cancer at 4:53 AM EDT.  If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year. Moon Signs This Week: When the Moon is in Aries  We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity. The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects. When the Moon is in Taurus We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses". Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence. The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor. When the Moon is in Gemini  Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle. The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips. When the Moon is in Cancer  The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us. The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers. Upcoming Weeks: Calendars  This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 25 to 31, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar for April 1 to 7, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar for April 8 to 14, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 15th to 21st, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 22 to 28, 2018  This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 29th to May 5th, 2018 THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends): Sun in Pisces The mystic, the martyr, the sinner, and the saint: these archetypes take on greater importance in your life at a time like this. Forgiveness, compassion, and understanding come naturally, when you look at life from an eternal perspective – and if anyone ever does know such things, you’ll probably come to understand them as this cycle unfolds. This can be a phase of sublime spiritual development, to be sure. But you should be aware of tendencies to believe too quickly, too deeply, or to become dependent on things or people that seem to offer quick and easy answers to life’s deepest yearnings. Sun in Aries A new sense of self, a more assertive personal style, a more dynamic approach to life: these are the hallmarks of the cycle that begins for you now. Doubts fade into the background, and reserve is more and more a thing of the past. It’s time for action; your destiny is in your hands, rather than set apart. Full speed ahead (“and damn the torpedoes”) is your motto now, for better or for worse! Mercury in Aries New ideas and an independent or pioneering mental orientation take on more importance in your life at this time. Teaching, learning, communicating, and social contact have a way of outlining new directions in your life now, and there is much activity and involvement with these kinds of issues. Venus in Aries Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit? Mars in Capricorn With this new cycle taking hold in your life now, taking charge and being in control become more important issues for you. You want to get things organized, and you have the initiative to do it. This is a time of ambition and responsibility, a time to keep your cool and pace yourself. Working hard is smart, but working smart is better. Jupiter in Scorpio The phase now beginning for you emphasizes fixing what is broken or unhealthy, thereby giving it a new lease on life. This is more than one person alone can handle, so the cooperation of others is essential. You give up something in order to get or create something, and you may not understand the reasons why at the time. Sex, money, power, and vitality become key issues. Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means. Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart. Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances? Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place… The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software. What’s In Your Forecast? Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology. BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview Monthly Calendar This Month in Astrology This Month’s Ephemeris This Month’s Transits   Next Week: (when available in advance) This Week in Astrology: March 18 to 24, 2018 Previous Weeks: This Week in Astrology: March 11 to 17, 2018 March 10, 2018 / This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology: March 4 to 10, 2018 March 4, 2018 / This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology: February 25 to March 3, 2018 February 23, 2018 / This Week in Astrology  FacebookTwitterGoogle+PinterestTumblrEmailGoogle GmailShare Search  Search this website … SEARCH Site Menu: Astrology Reports Birth Chart Interpretations Horoscopes & Forecasts Astrology Articles Astrology of Love & Sex Ask Annie Famous People Signs of the Zodiac Planets & Points Love Sign Compatibility Birthdays & Divining Arts Synastry/Relationships Predictive Astrology Astrology Tools & Tables Astrology Reference Astrology Topics Astrology Book Reviews Resources & Links Free Reports & Calculations Horoscopes & Forecasts – In This Section: Daily Horoscopes Monthly Horoscopes 2018 Horoscopes Preview 2018 Yearly Love Horoscopes 2018 Horoscopes Overview LoveScopes Ascendant Sign Horoscopes Good Days Calendars Daily Horoscopes II Daily Horoscope by Birthdate 2018 Planetary Overview 2018 Astrological Aspects 2018 Astrological Events 2018 Best Dates for Love Transiting Conjunctions Sun-Venus Cycle 2018 Eclipse Charts Lunations: Eclipses New Moon in the Houses Full Moon in the Houses This Week in Astrology This Month in Astrology Astrology Trends Mega Calendar Yearly Astrology Trends Calendar Daily Trends Calendar Moon Phases Calendar Monthly Astrology Calendars Mercury Retrograde Venus Retrograde Mars Retrograde When Saturn is Retrograde Saturn Transits Capricorn 2017 to 2020 Jupiter Transits Scorpio 2017-2018 Forecasts/Astrology Trends This Week in Astrology This Month in Astrology 2018 Planetary Overview Eclipses Monthly Astrology Calendar Astrology Trends Calendar Daily Trends Calendar 2018 Astrological Aspects 2018 Astrological Events 2018 Best Dates for Love 2018 Eclipse Charts Moon Phases Calendar Mercury Retrograde Venus Retrograde Mars Retrograde Saturn Retrograde Saturn in Capricorn 2017 to 2020 Jupiter in Scorpio 2017-2018 Transiting Conjunctions Sun-Venus Cycle New Moon in Houses Free Report: 2018 Preview Horoscopes Our Free Astrology Reports Love Sign Compatibility  Current Moon Sign Moon in Aries  We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity. The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects. 3/19/201811:31:48 AM UPCOMING FILTER EVENTS 19 MAR MARCH 19, 2018 DAILY OVERVIEW (Overview Of The Day: Monday) EDT 20 MAR MARCH 20, 2018 DAILY OVERVIEW (Overview Of The Day: Tuesday) EDT 20 MAR SUN ENTERS ARIES PLANETARY INGRESS 12:15 pm EDT 22 MAR MERCURY TURNS RETROGRADE IN ARIES RETROGRADE STATION 8:18 pm EDT 31 MAR VENUS ENTERS TAURUS PLANETARY INGRESS 12:53 am EDT 31 MAR FULL MOON - MARCH 31, 2018 IN LIBRA 8:37 am EDT 14 APR JUPITER SEXTILE PLUTO IN SCORPIO AND CAPRICORN 5:58 am EDT 15 APR MERCURY TURNS DIRECT IN ARIES DIRECT STATION 5:20 am EDT 15 APR NEW MOON - APRIL 15, 2018 IN ARIES 9:57 pm EDT See full astrological event calendars. More: This Week in Astrology This Week in Astrology - Next This Week in Astrology - Last Cafe Astrology Cafe Astrology is brimming with free articles, features, interpretations, and tools that will appeal to people with a casual interest in learning Astrology, as well as beginning through advanced students of Astrology. The site is owned and run by astrologer Annie Heese. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use found here. 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[astroexaminer]

Happy Taurus New Moon ~ There’s Someone Out There Who Could Use a Smile

Wednesday, April 26, 2017:

The New Moon occurs today in the sign of Taurus at 8:16 AM. If you’re feeling down it can be uplifting and liberating to surround yourself with beauty and smile.

Celebrate today’s Taurus New Moon by buying some flowers for your home, turning on some music or taking a walk in nature. But most of all celebrate by smiling at everyone you meet.

A smile that’s reflected back to you is an investment in your happiness. So, try smiling at someone who looks like he or she needs a positive boost today. One genuine smile can turn someone’s day around and make you feel better about yourself.

Today’s Quote

Smile tho' your heart is aching Smile even tho' it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky You'll get by

If you smile Thro' your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining thro' for you

Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Altho' a tear may be ever so near That's the time

You must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile

Smile ~ Nat King Cole

Today’s Sky

Moon in Taurus Conjunct Sun in Taurus (New Moon). Moon in Taurus Semi-Square Chiron in Pisces, SesquiSquare Saturn in Sagittarius, Sextile Neptune in Pisces, SemiSquare Venus Rx in Taurus. 

This Week’s Sky ~ April 23 -28

Monday, April 24th: Mercury Rx in Aries Trine Saturn Rx in Sagittarius.

Wednesday, April 26th: New Moon in Taurus. (unaspected)

Thursday, April 27th: Mars in Gemini Sesquiquadrate Pluto in Capricorn.

Friday: April 28th: Venus RX re-enters Aries. Mercury Rx in Aries Conjunct Uranus in Aries. Venus Rx in Aries Quincunx North Node on the last degree of Virgo. (May 9th: transiting North Node enters Leo, transiting South Node enters Aquarius). 

Sunday, April 28th: Saturn Rx is Sagittarius Square Chiron in Pisces.

Key Venus in Aries Rx Dates: January 30th Venus enters the Pre-Rx Shadow. March 4th Venus stationary Rx. March 25th Venus Conjunct the Sun. April 2nd Venus Rx enters Pisces. April 15th Venus stationary Direct. April 28th Venus enters Aries. May 18th Venus leaves Post-Rx shadow.

Key Mercury Aries and Taurus Rx Dates: Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow on March 27th, Mercury enters Taurus on March 31st, Mercury in Taurus Stations Rx on April 9th, Mercury returns to Aries on April 20th, Mercury in Aries Stations Direct on May 3rd, and Mercury leaves its post-retrograde shadow on May 21st.

The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.” ~ Joseph Campbell

The sky speaks to you if you will let it. Every day it delivers a message that each person hears in a uniquely different way. This is not personal or predictive astrology, its creative astrology meant to help you understand and align your mind, body, and spirit with the unique soul vibration of each passing day. I hope you enjoy, and you're enriched by these astro-inspirations.

Thanks for reading. Please like and follow, Patricia Lantz, Astrologer

https://www.findanastrologer.com/cbprofile/astroexaminer

[ms-m-astrologer]

The Week Ahead: December 16-22, 2024

Lunar Phases

Wednesday, December 18, 22:30 UTC - Disseminating Moon, 12°30’ Leo

The key phrases for the Disseminating lunar phase are “teach, share, communicate;” and “ease up on efforts with our intentions.” We’re sharing in creative ways, maybe a little overly dramatic. Very performative vibes. Women remain pissed off.

Sunday, December 22, 22:18 UTC - Last Quarter Moon, 1°34’ Libra

The key phrases for the Last Quarter lunar phase are “turn away,” and “tear down old structures that no longer serve us well.” Some of those old structures may be the way we celebrate the holidays. There’s temptation to “gloss over” things we oughtn’t, for the sake of family harmony.

Void of Course Moon

Tuesday, December 17, 18:33 UTC (Cancer) - 23:39 UTC (Leo)

Friday, December 20, 05:19 UTC (Leo) - 07:37 UTC (Virgo)

Sunday, December 22, 13:27 UTC (Virgo) - 19:08 UTC (Libra)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: Juno/Scorpio (starting Sunday the 22nd)

Retrograde: Mars/Leo, Jupiter/Gemini, Chiron/Aries, Uranus/Taurus, Eris/Aries

Post-retrograde shadow: Mercury/Sagittarius, Saturn/Pisces

Transiting Mercury exits its Storm on Saturday, December 21, now moving faster than 40’ or arc per day. Until then, forward progress is minimal - it feels like we’re still struggling, even though we know we’re moving on.

Transiting Juno enters her pre-retrograde shadow on Sunday, December 22, 14:45 UTC, at 16°15’ Scorpio. Well, we’re in for it now - it’s about time - a lot of toxicity in/of/with relationships to sort through and purge.

Ingress

Saturday, December 21, 09:21 UTC - transiting Sun enters Capricorn

Aka the Capricorn Solstice - Merry Yule up here, Merry Litha down there! I think we have a general feeling that we’ve wept and howled long enough - it’s time to begin to plan for the future, not only the immediate reality but where we wish it to go.

Et Cetera

There are three Opportunity Periods this week:

Sunday, December 15, 19:21 UTC - Tuesday, December 17, 23:39 UTC. “With Mercury just turning direct, this is a good time for setting lofty goals and inspiration.”

Thursday, December 19, 20:04 UTC - Friday, December 20, 05:19 UTC. “Good for creativity and also healthy connections and relationships, aided by the Venus-Jupiter trine.”

Sunday, December 22, 22:18 UTC - Tuesday, December 24, 10:44 UTC. “This great OP ends with the Moon enclosed between benefics (Venus and Jupiter), forming a grand trine, which is awesome for everything joyous, just in time for the holidays.”

A different feel, as Mercury is direct but sluggish - and it’s now a waning Moon. We have the dreaded “Holidays” ahead of us, too; it’s finals time in schools and colleges. The “most wonderful time of the year,” my eye. There are rewards for hanging in there, though.

While the Moon is in Cancer (Sunday the 15th - Tuesday the 17th), use that Opportunity Period to come to terms with your feelings. How do you feel about “the holidays” this year, and what can/will you do about celebrating them or not?

While the Moon is in Leo (Tuesday the 17th to Friday the 20th), it’s a little bit of a respite with some partying, abetted by a trine between Venus/Aquarius and Jupiter Rx/Gemini. Great for socializing.

While the Moon is in Virgo (Friday the 20th to Sunday the 22nd), it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Probably lots of distractions - take a tip from a sexagenarian and write everything down as it occurs to you. Having plans B, C, and D, as well as Plan A, will be useful.

While the Moon is in Libra (Sunday the 22nd - Wednesday the 25th), we have another chiefly social time. It ends with a very long void Moon, from 09:44 UTC the 24th, to 08:06 UTC the 25th. Try to get everything done before this, so you can relax and chill out on Christmas Eve.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury enters retrograde zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 12:32 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 6°24’ Sagittarius

Saturday, November 16, 12:59 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 17°04’ Sagittarius

Thursday, November 21 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Tuesday, November 26, 02:42 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 22°40’ Sagittarius

Friday, December 6, 02:18 UT - Sun-Mercury inferior conjunction, 14°27’ Sagittarius

Sunday, December 15, 20:56 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 6°24’ Sagittarius

Saturday, December 21 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Wednesday, December 25, 07:28 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 12°02’ Sagittarius

Friday, January 3, 2025, 03:14 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 22°40’ Sagittarius

+++***===***+++

Ready for another go-round?

Mercury has some obvious problems when it’s in Sagittarius, and some not-so-obvious problems as well:

General sloppiness - Mercury is usually (too) detail-oriented, but “all of a sudden” we get careless and slapdash

Procrastination, blowing things off - “don’t put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do next week “

Preachiness, pontificating, lecturing

Tactlessness, rudeness, too blunt

Being unwilling to consider or allow for different points of view or different ways of thinking about things (Sag can be jingoistic)

Conversely, too much cultural appropriation

On Tuesday the 5th, before Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow, we may have had an intriguing new idea (especially if we’re susceptible to Vesta!), but some difficulties will shortly become apparent, even before the Rx Zone “officially” starts. Get a load of these:

Saturday, November 9 - Mercury/Sagittarius (9°42’) sesquiquad Eris Rx/Aries (24°42’). First of three. Pushing for something but the timing isn’t right; angry words. Trying to argue but not convincing anyone, so we shout louder.

Tuesday, November 13 - Mercury/Sagittarius square Saturn Rx/Pisces, 12°42’. First of three. We’re lacking information and knowledge. Mental distractions. If we’re feeling guilty about something, it’s apparent in our communication.

Thursday, November 15 - Mercury/Sagittarius (14°54’) semi-square Pluto/Capricorn (29°54’). First of three. A dead end; “No, and that’s final!” Something cannot be thought out/through.

This isn’t going to be an easy Rx Zone, but it could be invaluable for opening up our minds to bigger and better modes of operation.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury stations retrograde

Timeline (current events in bold)

Wednesday, July 17, 03:51 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 21°25’ Leo

Monday, July 22, 10:49 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 27°02’ Leo

Thursday, July 25, 22:42 UT - transiting Mercury enters Virgo

Saturday, July 27 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Monday, August 5, 04:56 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 4°06’ Virgo

Thursday, August 15, 00:16 UT - transiting Mercury re-enters Leo

Monday, August 19, 01:58 UT - Mercury-Sun inferior conjunction, 26°35’ Leo

Wednesday, August 28, 21:14 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 21°25’ Leo

Wednesday, September 4 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Thursday, September 5, 02:33 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 25°09’ Leo

Monday, September 9, 06:50 UT - transiting Mercury re-enters Virgo

Wednesday, September 11, 23:52 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 4°06’ Virgo

+++***===***+++

SO GUESS WHOSE CELL PHONE HAS UP AND DIED ON HER, LESS THAN 72 HOURS BEFORE MERCURY STATIONS RETROGRADE. Another fine example of “we have to live in this world,” dammit. My iPad still works, at least.

Anyway, here is the “Mercury retrograde in Virgo” list (from the book Mercury Retrograde by Chrissie Blaze):

Streamline your life, do all your filing, and get organized.

Say “no” when asked to help on (or help with) yet another project unless it’s really essential.

Feeling frazzled? - Take time out to have a guilt-free relaxing day.

Lend a helping hand to someone who really needs it.

I don’t think this little segment of Mercury Rx will be particularly fraught. Most likely a realization that something needs recalibration and the resolve to do just that. The real stresses and strains happen when Mercury returns to Leo.

We can allow a day or so on either side of these aspects.

Wednesday, August 7 - Mercury Rx/Virgo conjunct Venus/Virgo, 3°43’. As I wrote in my Venus/Virgo post: this may be felt most strongly late on Monday the 5th, when the Moon is in early Virgo; this is a friendly, helpful aspect; and it’s also about as lightweight as astrology gets.

Tuesday, August 13 - Wednesday, August 14:

Mercury Rx/Virgo semi-sextile Juno/Libra, 1°13’.

Mercury Rx/Virgo inconjunct Pluto Rx/Aquarius, 0°21’.

Both are the second of three. Niggling, nagging feelings. We may have an aggrieved sense of something being unfair. Somebody has a different conception of “logical” and we have to adjust accordingly.

———————————

Venmo Mary_Brack

PayPal MaryVBrack

Thank you!

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury enters retrograde zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Wednesday, July 17, 03:51 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 21°25’ Leo

Monday, July 22, 10:49 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 27°02’ Leo

Thursday, July 25, 22:42 UT - transiting Mercury enters Virgo

Saturday, July 27 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Monday, August 5, 04:56 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 4°06’ Virgo

Thursday, August 15, 00:16 UT - transiting Mercury re-enters Leo

Monday, August 19, 01:58 UT - Mercury-Sun inferior conjunction, 26°35’ Leo

Wednesday, August 28, 21:14 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 21°25’ Leo

Wednesday, September 4 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Thursday, September 5, 02:33 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 25°09’ Leo

Monday, September 9, 06:50 UT - transiting Mercury re-enters Virgo

Wednesday, September 11, 23:52 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 4°06’ Virgo

Really, really hate when we begin a new academic year with Mercury Rx. So many plans and so much chaos….

Anyway, this is a two-sign Mercury Rx (which I also hate). This usually means that we all mess up part of the first sign’s process, in such a way that we can’t/don’t/won’t get the next sign right. How does that look with Mercury/Leo?

Thinking that talking louder than anyone else means you “win”

Too much arrogance and overconfidence about one’s own brain power (can also get competitive about being smarter)

Not listening to anything except the sound of your own voice

Too much emphasis on gossip and trivia

Plagiarism

This is all the pre-retrograde shadow, so simply be aware that those kinds of issues are bound to crop up - and pay attention when they do.

Don’t give a lot of leeway to these aspects - Mercury is still zipping right along. Maybe the afternoon before and the morning after.

Thursday, July 18:

Mercury/Leo semi-sextile Juno/Virgo, 22°52’

Mercury/Leo trine Chiron/Aries, 23°30’

These are nice, or can be - we’re aware that what we say and how we say it, has an effect on other people. We can speak our authentic truth in such a way that other people aren’t wounded. (The “how we say it” piece, in other words.)

Saturday, July 20 - Sunday, July 21:

Mercury/Leo (25°12’) sesquiquad North Node/Aries (10°52’), semi-square South Node/Libra (10°52’)

Mercury/Leo trine Eris/Aries, 25°29’

Mercury/Leo (26°09’) sesquiquad Ceres Rx/Capricorn (11°09’)

Mercury/Leo square Uranus/Taurus, 26°32’

What a mess! All these aspects are the first of three - although, luckily, we won’t have to deal with them, during the 2nd and 3rd times, in one big clump like this. Mercury-Eris is “fighting words,” and all their trine means is that their energies are flowing. There’s a lot of “open mouth, insert foot” spirit with the rest of them. Be careful not to piss off your elders. Save the “shock value” speech for another day.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Jupiter enters Gemini (pre-retrograde zone)

Saturday, May 25 - Monday, July 15, 2024

Welcome to Jupiter’s annual change of signs, hot on the heels of ingresses into Gemini by the Sun and Venus, kicking off the northern hemisphere summer.

First off: Jupiter isn’t always very comfortable in Gemini. That’s because the sign of the Twins is opposite Sagittarius, Jupiter’s sign. (The official astrology term is “detriment.”) Jupiter is on Mercury’s turf now, and must follow Mercury’s rules. It’s the difference between “can’t see the trees for the forest” (Sag) and “can’t see the forest for the trees” (Gemini).

But, it’s not necessarily a bad thing to have to follow somebody else’s rules. It can prod the planet into growth, discovering new effective ways to operate. We can discover hidden strengths and broaden (Jupiter!) our perspectives.

Jupiter wants us to make the most of life, and one way it can do that via Gemini is to learn something entirely new, from the “ABC” beginner level if necessary. Languages, listening skills, how to drive a car or ride a bicycle, all those Gemini type things. There are a couple of very promising aspects helping us with these areas, during this time.

People ruled by Gemini include classmates, siblings, and neighbors. Some of us are going to “expand” these relationships.

And speaking of “expanding” - some people will have transiting Jupiter in aspect to their Ascendant. If we aren’t careful, Jupiter expands our physical body, and not always upwards. What I’ve done in the past, when I’ve had Jupiter aspecting my Ascendant, is make a conscious, deliberate intention to grow my hair.

Between now and Jupiter’s pre-reteograde shadow, the big planet will move from 0° to 11°17’ Gemini. If you have anything important between those degrees, especially in mutable signs or yang signs, Jupiter will make one aspect to that placement.

Jupiter is expansive - so we can allow plenty of time around these one-and-done aspects. Starting with:

Sunday, June 2 - Tuesday, June 4:

Jupiter/Gemini trine Pluto Rx/Aquarius, 1°53’

Tuesday, June 4 - Jupiter/Gemini conjunct Mercury/Gemini, 2°12’

This is a powerful way to start a transit! It’s very political; I expect a lot of yapping politicians. If we want to learn something new, we can use this energy to figure out what we should learn.

Monday, July 8 - Jupiter/Gemini sextile Mercury/Leo, 9°50’. Again with the “learning” - maybe we’ve made some progress and have an opportunity to kick it up a notch. Q

Friday, July 12 - Jupiter/Gemini sextile North Node/Aries, trine South Node/Libra, 10°38’. Learning helps us be more independent.

[ms-m-astrologer]

The Week Ahead: September 23-29, 2024

Caution: we’re in the shadow of the eclipse until Saturday, October 5.

Lunar Phases

Tuesday, September 24, 18:50 UT - Last Quarter Moon, 2°12’ Cancer

The key phrases for the Last Quarter lunar phase are “turn away” and “tear down old structures that no longer serve us well.” We’re deeply sentimental and not completely crazy about letting go - and unfortunately this eclipse season has “letting go” as a theme. We can try to pick something we’ve outgrown, or we can let The Cosmos do the picking.

Saturday, September 28, 15:47 UT - Balsamic Moon, 21°01’ Leo

The key phrases for the Balsamic lunar phase are “let go of the past,” and “envision the future.” Spending time outside (weather permitting) and soaking up some sunshine is therapeutic. It helps our optimism and faith.

Void of Course Moon

Tuesday, September 24, 11:59 UT (Gemini) - 14:50 UT (Cancer)

Thursday, September 26, 22:12 UT (Cancer) - 22:47 UT (Leo)

Sunday, September 29, 03:36 UT (Leo) - 09:42 UT (Virgo)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: Jupiter/Gemini

Retrograde: Saturn/Pisces, Chiron/Aries, Uranus/Taurus, Neptune/Pisces, Pluto/Capricorn, Eris/Aries

Post-retrograde shadow: Ceres/Capricorn, Pallas/Sagittarius

Ingress

Thursday, September 26, 08:09 UT - transiting Mercury enters Libra

Libra transits this year are challenging, and Mercury’s trip through the sign will not be an exception. Between now and October 13, when Mercury enters Scorpio, expect those Libran scales to be set a-jangle with contradictions, paradoxes, and confusion. We have to let ideas happen rather than force them. We need to listen to people who see things differently than we do. The downside is (in Steven Forrest’s words) “I am ambushed by the ignorance I chose to protect;” when we get it right, we’re fair, respectful, and diplomatic. This is also a good time to learn about something artistic.

Et Cetera

No Opportunity Periods this week.

Next Sunday (the 29th), very late, there’s a trine between Mars/Cancer and Saturn Rx/Pisces, at 14°24’. Because Mars is soon to enter its retrograde zone (Thursday, October 3), this is the first of three trines between the two planets. (Number two happens on February 8, 2025; number 3 on April 4, 2025.) Mars retrograde times show us how we sabotage ourselves through impatience, belligerence (the proverbial chip on the shoulder), and so on - I’m personally grateful for a flowing Mars-Saturn aspect! Pay attention over the weekend to “challenges to your integrity, moral temptation, and difficult decisions” (Steven again). Yes, even with a trine! This is the first of three, so we’re becoming somewhat aware of the problem. The work happens after Mars stations retrograde (December 6).

———————————

Venmo Mary_Brack

PayPal MaryVBrack

Thank you!

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mars enters Retrograde Zone

Timeline (current events in bold)

Friday, October 4, 2024, 04:40 UT - transiting Mars enters pre-retrograde shadow, 17°01’ Cancer

Monday, November 4, 04:10 UT - transiting Mars enters Leo

Friday, December 6, 23:33 UT - transiting Mars stations retrograde, 6°10’ Leo

Monday, January 6, 2025, 20:45 UT - transiting Mars retrogrades back into Cancer

Monday, February 24, 02:00 UT - transiting Mars stations direct, 17°01’ Cancer

Friday, April 18, 04:22 UT - transiting Mars re-enters Leo

Friday, May 2, 2025, 06:06 UT - transiting Mars exits post-retrograde shadow, 6°10’ Leo

***+++===+++***

Mars energy is usually very straightforward to work with. Even when it’s retrograde!

Cancer isn’t Mars’ most favorite place to be. It’s in its “fall” here, opposite the sign (Capricorn) of its exaltation. A planet being in its fall is like staying in someone’s home, but you don’t know who they are, and you don’t know what their rules are. It can be useful to the planet to (have to) learn some new ways of operating.

Physical strength - this is an opportunity to see how our diet and digestion affect our health, for good or for ill. If we’re angry or stressed out about something, it can manifest as stomach problems.

Energy levels - very dependent on our mood. We can be great at psyching ourselves up, one minute, only to feel lethargic and apathetic the next.

Sexuality - cuddly! There’s so much emotional sensitivity to our partners. But again, mood is everything and subject to change.

How we go after what we want - crabwise, cautiously, ie coming at it sideways, which is extremely frustrating for full-speed-ahead Mars. A straight-on approach isn’t always going to guarantee success, though, which Mars needs to learn.

Some problems with this placement: it can anticipate defeat and loss, quitting before it even gets started. It isn’t very consistent. It’s passive-aggressive, and it can be manipulative about getting its own way; other people don’t like that. And it gets crazy sensitive about boundaries.

When Mars enters Leo on November 3/4, building up to its retrograde station in December, we’ll witness how we can’t quite get Mars/Leo right, without first getting Mars/Cancer right. (Just consider Dolt 45, whom I consider the poster boy for Mars/Leo Run Amok - the vanity, the pomposity, the insecurity!)

On the way there, we can allow for a couple of days on either side of these aspects. (Pay particular attention to those which “ding” something in your birth chart.)

Saturday, October 5 - Mars/Cancer square Mercury/Libra, 17°33’. Probably nothing too serious, provided we haven’t taken on too much. A lot of sweet-talking going on, empty nothings perhaps, ulterior motives probably.

Tuesday, October 8 - Mars/Cancer trine Venus/Scorpio, 18°38’. This is pretty sexy and fertile, so if you don’t want to become a parent in the next 9 months, take precautions. We’re very emotionally attuned and sensitive to our partners, as well as to art and beauty.

Sunday, October 13 - Monday, October 14:

Mars/Cancer square Chiron Rx/Aries, 21°15’

Mars/Cancer semi-sextile Jupiter Rx/Gemini, 21°18’

Mars/Cancer square Sun/Libra, 21°28’

First of three for the Chiron square. Becoming aware of woundedness regarding our right to be alive at all. If we have a particular role in our family (bratty little sibling, the smart one, etc.), and we aren’t like that anymore, we find some resistance when we try to move on from it.

Monday, October 21 - Mars/Cancer square Eris Rx/Aries, 24°53’. First of three. This energy is spoiling for a fight - we’re mighty pissed off about something, and yet we hesitate to (or can’t) come out swinging. Be careful, and work on your situational awareness.

Thursday, October 24 - Mars/Cancer sextile Uranus Rx/Taurus, 26°10’. First of three. Very supportive of firmly establishing our own individuality. Insight about who we’d like to be. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Sunday, October 27 - Tuesday, October 29:

Mars/Cancer (27°24’) sesquiquad Venus/Sagittarius (12°24’)

Mars/Cancer trine Neptune/Pisces, 27°34’

Mars/Cancer (27°56’) sesquiquad Saturn Rx/Pisces (12°56’)

First of three for the Neptune trine and for the Saturn sesquiquad. With Venus involved there are undoubtedly some relationship problems - we may not see things clearly, or have a realistic grasp of the situation. Commitment-phobia masquerading as bad timing.

Saturday, November 2 - Sunday, November 3:

Mars/Cancer trine Mercury/Scorpio, 29°21’

Mars/Cancer opposite Pluto/Capricorn, 29°45’

First of three for the Pluto opposition. We become aware of some unpleasant situation, or traits in someone we meet in the world - violence, evil, darkness, tragedy - maybe that Merc/Scorpio is a little too curious and goes there? This isn’t the time to confront it, but simply to recognize problems with (in Steven Forrest’s words) “blind adherence to the past” as well as “a selfish me first attitude … insensitive to the suffering of others.” (The 2nd and 3rd oppositions happen after Pluto returns to Aquarius, which is a whole ‘nuther kettle of fish - we see exactly how the selfishness and blind adherence lead to alienation.)

———————————

Venmo Mary_Brack

PayPal MaryVBrack

Thank you!!

[ms-m-astrologer]

The Week Ahead: November 25 - December 1, 2024

Lunar Phases

Wednesday, November 27, 04:58 UT - Balsamic Moon, 20°26’ Libra

The key phrases for the Balsamic lunar phase are “let go of the past,” and “envision the future.” Try very hard to rest, with the attitude of bringing balance into your life. Family/tribal squabbles and nastiness may peak now - typical for these US year-end holidays, sigh.

Sunday, December 1, 06:21 UT - New Moon, 9°33’ Sagittarius

The key phrase for the New lunar phase is “set a new intention for the month” - not anything drastic, just a good habit we think we can establish in one month’s time. Not very auspicious for starting anything, with Mercury retrograde and Mars about to be retrograde. Maintaining some semblance of positivity and optimism is about as much as we can do with this one.

Void of Course Moon

Monday, November 25, 05:35 UT (Virgo) - 11:20 UT (Libra)

Wednesday, November 27, 09:14 UT (Libra) - Thursday, November 28, 00:21 UT (Scorpio)

Saturday, November 30, 06:19 UT (Scorpio) - 11:53 UT (Sagittarius)

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Pre-retrograde shadow: Mercury/Sagittarius (until Tuesday the 26th), Mars/Leo

Retrograde: Mercury/Sagittarius (starting Tuesday the 26th), Jupiter/Gemini, Chiron/Aries, Uranus/Taurus, Neptune/Pisces, Eris/Aries

Post-retrograde shadow: Saturn/Pisces

Transiting Mercury stations retrograde on Tuesday, November 26, 02:42 UT, at 22°40’ Sagittarius. Phooey.

Ingress

Saturday, November 30, 22:35 UT - transiting Pallas enters Capricorn

My thought is that when the Lady Asteroid of “creative intelligence” enters the sign of long-term strategic planning, many of us are going to stop the doom-scrolling, garment-rending, and hair-pulling - and begin to plot.

Et Cetera

There is one Opportunity Period this week: Wednesday, November 27, 00:06 UT - 09:14 UT. “Excellent OP for communication and artistic activities, but with the waning Moon and Mercury retrograde, it’s better to review existing projects than to start new ones.”

As a Gemini, I’m susceptible to Mercury Rx, and I’ve been feeling it very strongly. My social media sites and devices all are acting strangely; my thinking process feels like it’s working through rubber cement. Anybody else?

I feel very lucky to have this week off. It’s a waning Moon, which is a good time to rest and recuperate. I hope my US followers can manage this, especially since now “tis the season” for relentless media pressure to consume beyond our means. And the pressure to enjoy this family time together, sort of like the last movement of Shostakovich’s 5th symphony - “your business is rejoicing, your business is rejoicing.”

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mercury stations retrograde

Timeline (current events in bold)

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 12:32 UT - transiting Mercury enters pre-retrograde shadow, 6°24’ Sagittarius

Saturday, November 16, 12:59 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest eastern elongation, 17°04’ Sagittarius

Thursday, November 21 - transiting Mercury enters Storm

Tuesday, November 26, 02:42 UT - transiting Mercury stations retrograde, 22°40’ Sagittarius

Friday, December 6, 02:18 UT - Sun-Mercury inferior conjunction, 14°27’ Sagittarius

Sunday, December 15, 20:56 UT - transiting Mercury stations direct, 6°24’ Sagittarius

Saturday, December 21 - transiting Mercury exits Storm

Wednesday, December 25, 07:28 UT - transiting Mercury’s greatest western elongation, 12°02’ Sagittarius

Friday, January 3, 2025, 03:14 UT - transiting Mercury exits post-retrograde shadow, 22°40’ Sagittarius

+++***===***+++

I always like to preface the discussion with the appropriate “Mercury Retrograde Survival Tips,” from the book Mercury Retrograde by Chrissie Blaze:

Curb your urge to travel; instead travel mentally by learning about new countries and different cultures.

Investigate new courses of study - but don’t enroll yet.

Spend an active but relaxing day at the beach or spa.

Call an elderly relative and lift his spirits.

I strongly recommend investigating a foreign language, and one of the many apps/sites which support this. In English we say “She likes chocolate;” en español, la oración es “A ella le gusta el chocolate,” which can literally be translated (in order) as “To her is pleasing the chocolate.” We have to learn to think in new, different ways, and basic sentence structure can help with that.

A couple of “clumps” of aspects. The second one bleeds into the inferior conjunction on December 6, and I’ll go into them a little more deeply at that time.

Friday, November 29 - Monday, December 1:

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius semi-sextile Ceres/Capricorn, 21°25’

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius (20°54’) sesquiquad Mars/Leo (5°54’)

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius trine Chiron Rx/Aries, 19°21’

Second of three for all the aspects involved. An uneasy weekend. We may be so afraid of offending someone that we remain silent. Or maybe we blurt things out, and it doesn’t go over very well. Probably both. In the actual retrograde part of a Retrograde Zone, Martin Bulgerin wrote, “If you need to let go of something in your life, events happen to cause it to break or to wrest it from you. If you need to wake up to some lesson, events repeatedly show you how painful it can be to walk through life half asleep.” Chiron can be helpful here, with its emphasis on teaching and healing.

Tuesday, December 3 - Thursday, December 5:

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius sextile Vesta/Libra, 17°20’

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius opposite Jupiter Rx/Sagittarius, 16°43’

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius (15°20’) semi-square Pluto/Aquarius (0°20’)

Mercury Rx/Sagittarius (14°31’) semi-square Ceres/Capricorn (29°31’)

All of these are the second of three aspects, as well. They are setting up the circumstances for the inferior conjunction - with the sextile to Vesta, we may think we’re ready; the opposition to Jupiter proves we aren’t (possibly an argument, possibly a choice); the semi-squares show some cognitive discomfort as we try to process and think it through.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mars enters Leo (still in pre-retrograde shadow)

Timeline (current events in bold)

Friday, October 4, 2024, 04:40 UT - transiting Mars enters pre-retrograde shadow, 17°01’ Cancer

Monday, November 4, 04:10 UT - transiting Mars enters Leo

Friday, December 6, 23:33 UT - transiting Mars stations retrograde, 6°10’ Leo

Monday, January 6, 2025, 20:45 UT - transiting Mars retrogrades back into Cancer

Monday, February 24, 02:00 UT - transiting Mars stations direct, 17°01’ Cancer

Friday, April 18, 04:22 UT - transiting Mars re-enters Leo

Friday, May 2, 2025, 06:06 UT - transiting Mars exits post-retrograde shadow, 6°10’ Leo

This is a “mulligan” ingress - no matter how well we think we’re doing (and with Mars in Leo, we think we’re doing magnificently), once Mars stations retrograde our “progress” will start to unravel. Phooey. It will affect all of Mars’ areas:

Physical strength

Energy levels

Sexuality

How we go after what we want

In fact, many of the articles I’ve read about the astrology of 2025 recommend that we hold off on implementing any major changes until after Mars stations direct. Use the Capricorn Solstice energy to plant the seed.

Allow a few days on either side of the following dates:

Thursday, November 14 - Mars/Leo inconjunct Venus/Capricorn, 3°03’. Mars/Leo is passionate and extravagant ; Venus/Capricorn is pragmatic and stingy. It (always) helps to have good physical outlets for frustrated Mars energy!

Sunday, November 17 - Monday, November 18:

Mars/Leo trine North Node/Aries, sextile South Node/Libra, 3°51’

Mars/Leo (3°52’) semi-square Jupiter/Rx (18°52’)

Mars/Leo (4°06’) sesquiquad Mercury/Sagittarius (19°06’)

It feels like some of us are egging people on, when they’re arguing with each other, because we think it’s funny. Could also manifest as us butting in with our 2¢ worth; no one asked us for our opinions but we give them anyway. Try to observe without involving yourself; circumstances will change.

Wednesday, November 27 - Saturday, November 30:

Mars/Leo trine Sun/Sagittarius, 5°34’

Mars/Leo (5°54’) sesquiquad Mercury Rx/Sagittarius (20°54’)

Either we are arrogant and don’t think we’ve done anything wrong - or we’re eager to get better at doing our Marses….

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mars stations retrograde

Timeline (current events in bold)

Friday, October 4, 2024, 04:40 UT - transiting Mars enters pre-retrograde shadow, 17°01’ Cancer

Monday, November 4, 04:10 UT - transiting Mars enters Leo

Friday, December 6, 23:33 UT - transiting Mars stations retrograde, 6°10’ Leo

Monday, January 6, 2025, 20:45 UT - transiting Mars retrogrades back into Cancer

Monday, February 24, 02:00 UT - transiting Mars stations direct, 17°01’ Cancer

Friday, April 18, 04:22 UT - transiting Mars re-enters Leo

Friday, May 2, 2025, 06:06 UT - transiting Mars exits post-retrograde shadow, 6°10’ Leo

***+++===+++***

JFC, sometimes these blog posts write themselves. On November 4, Mars entered Leo; on November 5, the majority of US voters elected the DonVict to the presidency; and on November 6, women began to read/hear the charming phase “Your body, my choice.” Ladies and gentlemen, behold an amok Mars in Leo. (Also, let me point out that the DonVict’s natal Mars is in Leo.)

About the only comfort I’m getting out of the situation is that, once Mars stations retrograde, all the aspects are difficult. Dare we hope, consequences? Some of those aspects indicate a sexual turning-off…. For those of us who aren’t incels, let’s look at Mars’ areas for hints about what to work on:

Physical fitness and strength - the wrong reasons for being a gym rat might include “vanity.” Or, we’re being lazy about exercise. We could be fooling ourselves about how strong and fit we actually are - being flattered into smugness.

Energy levels - Leo tends to be “on” all the time. Everyone needs a little time to relax and be “off.” Running ourselves into exhaustion is unhealthy.

Sexuality - can get a little competitive. Can be selfish - “my passion, my needs; you’re just in the supporting cast.” Sex as dominance and “winning.”

How we go after what we want - Mars in Leo sees itself as a knight in shining armor, galloping off on some noble quest. It’s very direct and doesn’t “do” strategies or subtleties. There’s potential for self-delusion, for believing our own hype.

The following aspects aren’t the “nicest” - remember that with Mars it’s always helpful to have a good physical outlet. We should also be extra careful about our personal safety during the next month. Don’t let cockiness or laziness influence you into making bad decisions.

Thursday, December 12 - Sunday, December 15:

Mars Rx/Leo opposite Venus/Aquarius, 5°58’

Mars Rx/Leo (5°58’) sesquiquad Sun/Sagittarius (20°58’)

Mars Rx/Leo inconjunct Pallas/Capricorn, 5°42’

This is about as obvious as it could be: Mars is passionately hot; Venus is ice cold. The Sun (moralistic ego?) is trying to mediate but only makes things worse with bad timing. Pallas sometimes shows gender neutrality or complexity. Could be some rationalizations going on when people aren’t responsive.

Friday, December 20 - Tuesday, December 24:

Mars Rx/Leo opposite Ceres/Aquarius, 4°51’

Mars Rx/Leo inconjunct Sun/Capricorn, 3°53’

Pre-holiday family drama. In the wake of the wretched US election, we’ve read all kinds of “feature stories” about fractured families canceling Thanksgiving plans. Looks like the fractures remain unhealed for Christmas. Have a good “Plan B.”

Saturday, December 29 - Mars Rx/Leo (2°31’) sesquiquad Mercury/Sagittarius (17°31’). Mouthy, lippy (as my parents would call it), deliberately blurting out the most hateful and hurtful things we can. Sour grapes. Someone’s “truth” outrages us.

Thursday, January 2 - Saturday, January 4:

Mars Rx/Leo opposite Pluto/Aquarius, 1°08’

Mars Rx/Leo square Vesta/Scorpio, 0°40’

The second of three Mars-Pluto oppositions; the first one was back on November 3, with Mars at 29°+ Cancer and Pluto at 29°+ Capricorn. This is essentially a Fixed sign t-square, with Vesta squaring both ends of the Mars-Pluto opposition, indicative of a problem of long standing (Fixed signs) which we have failed to address. Weaponizing sex is one possibility here. There’s a Tumblr post about N!¢k Fuen+es going around, discussing “men who fixate on power and fear because it’s quite literally all they have.” Why is that all they have? Another way this could play out is, we’re so intently focused on one thing that we completely ignore something important.

(The NF link, from my main blog. Focus on the part ending with “a villain was born.” As a commenter said, meanness breeds meanness.)