“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.” Goethe

“The bamboo for prosperity, ” a Japanese friend explained to me,”the pine for long life, the plum for courage – the plum for courage because the plum puts forth blossoms while the snow is still on the ground.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh

There’s something so refreshing about the sign of Aries – signalling  a new  start and a new  beginning to the year- as it does with the astrological calendar. This sign is direct, focused, brave and ready for action.  This can be  a clarifying influence  after the Sun and Mercury’s transit through the last sign of the zodiac  – the dreamy , imaginative sign of Pisces.

Mercury has just entered the fiery sign of  Aries joining the Sun, Chiron and Pallas Athene. Mars, the planet of action and desire, rules this sign. This can add clarity and boldness to thinking. It’s wise to watch for impulsive speech or speech that can become overly harsh or combative. Best to temper the tendency towards impulsiveness as Mars loves action and tends towards impetuousness.

This week Venus moves up to a conjunction with both Juno and Saturn at 21 degrees of Aquarius . This is a good time to make a commitment. If there is something you’d like to be doing in the future, now is the time to seriously commit to the journey that will take you there. There is an independent nature to the sign of Aquarius which indicates that partnerships formed under  this influences  will allow for freedom and independence and not be as emotionally dependent.

Mars is within orb of Saturn now and moving up to a conjunction. This is sometimes described as driving with  both the gas and brakes on. It can be frustrating time for progress. Best to be patient and take things one step at a time.

There is a fiery New Moon in Aries on April 1 at 2:24 AM EDT. More about that later.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”Two lovers are strolling  through a secluded walk.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

“What seas what shores what grey rocks and what islands
What water lapping the bow
And scent of pine and the wood thrush singing through the
fog
What images return
O my daughter.” TS Eliot

“Though the spring is late and cold,
Though the uproar of greed
And malice shudders in the sky,
Pond, stream, and treetop raise
Their ancient songs;

The robin molds her mud nest
With her breast; the air
Is bright with breath
Of bloom, wise loveliness that asks
Nothing of the season but to be.” Wendell Berry

This week Mercury, the Trickster planet, moves up to a conjunction with Neptune, the planet of the Sea God  and of fog. At the same time Mars, the planet of action and desire,  is forming a challenging alignment with  Uranus, the planet of surprises and the unexpected.

In a nutshell these alignments indicate a good time for being in touch with what your dreams are for your life going forward. Creative projects can flourish under this influence. It can be a bit foggy when it comes to linear thinking though, so  it’s wise to take your time with any decisions that need to be made and double check the details.

Mars squaring Uranus indicates a time that it’s best to avoid impulsive speech and actions. Best to take your time when moving around as this duo when together can be accident prone. Tempers can flare more easily and there can be an impatience and a push for making things happen before their time.

One of the Sabian symbols of this time is,”A fertile garden under the Full Moon.”

Sabian symbol from Linda Hill

 

“Redeem
the time. Redeem
The unread vision in the higher dream
While jeweled unicorns draw by the gilded hearse.” TS Eliot

The Jupiter/Neptune conjunction is in play now and exact on April 8 at 23 degrees of Pisces.   These planets, when together, can be associated with cloudy linear thinking.

It is also an idealistic, altruistic alignment. It is a good time for creative work and creative visualization.

Under this influence it bodes well to be in touch with your higher aspirations for the future – not only for your life but for the future of life on the planet.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A prophet bringing down new law from the mountain.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

 

 

“Soul is where the fires of our passions burn. It is where our love is most alive. The soul longs for this deeper love, for a connection between the form and formlessness, for the continuum between the earth and the divine.” Benjamin Shield

“You are not the oil, you are not the air – merely the point of combustion, the flash-point where the light is born.” Dag Hammarskjold

This month’s Full Moon is at 27 degrees of Virgo on Friday the 18th in the wee hours at  at 3:18 AM EDT. This Moon is on the Pisces/Virgo axis and being late in degree, it is approaching the  29th degree – also called the anaretic degree in astrology. The meaning of the anaretic  degree is “poised for change” and this Full Moon , occurring in close proximity to the Spring Equinox, may very well have that feel to it. At the time of the Equinox on the 20th,  the Sun moves  from the dreamy , watery sign of the Sea God, Pisces, to the dynamic, fiery, Mars-ruled sign of Aries.

This Full Moon signals a time to get organized in order to clear the path to take action and move forward. The sign of Virgo rules discrimination and organization.  This is a health- oriented sign and its wise under this influence to create balanced routines – work routines , for example that support health and well being. It’s a good time to get rid of clutter and things that are no longer of use.

The Moon’s closest alignment is a harmonious trine with Pluto indicating a time to be in touch with what you feel passionate about and to create a more harmonious, structured environment to bring that to life.

Saturn is conjunct Juno indicating a good time to look seriously at what your commitments are and what you are willing to take responsibility for going forward.

The Moon is also forming an inconjunct aspect to Neptune. Wherever there is an inconjunct in a chart indicates the constant need for adjustment. It is wise – especially with the influence of the Jupiter/ Neptune conjunction which is in effect now, to make an extra effort to stay grounded as there is a significant amount of ethereal energy at this time. The veils are thin between the worlds.

The Jupiter/Neptune conjunction is also spiritual in nature. Compassion, kindness and patience will go a long way in dealing with others or in situations where conflict arises. It is a good time to be bringing more Light into the world.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”Light breaking into many colors as it passes through a prism.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

 

 

The Spring Equinox – when the Sun enters Aries-  is  March 20 at 11:33 am EDT. Here are some thoughts on it by Philip Lindsay who is an Esoteric  Astrologer and author.

“Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and represents the completion of the annual cycle, in preparation for the beginning of a new cycle in the following sign Aries. If one aspires to be attuned to the real rhythm of the zodiac, now is the time of the approach of the true new year – as distinct from January 1^st for most of humanity in the sign of Capricorn.

Similar to the conventional new year’s period of Capricorn, the month of Pisces always affords an annual opportunity to reflect upon the year that is passing, to identify what was achieved or not achieved, particularly in a deeper subjective sense – and to relinquish or release those ideas and ideals which will not serve the future cycle.” Phillip Lindsay

“Invocating the Protector of Angels.” Van Morrison’s album title

“Wait a minute – hold that dream.” Van Morrison

One time when I was visiting Seattle, I was sitting in a cafe, jet lagged and wishing that there was a metaphysical bookstore nearby, when I looked up and saw that Quest, a bookshop run by the Theosophical Society, was across the street. They had a great selection of astrology books – both new and used – as well as a good assortment of other books on metaphysical subjects. The people who ran the bookshop were friendly and encouraged me to stay. They printed out astrology charts for people who came in and I would weigh in on interpreting them.

I came across a book there, A Planetary Awakening by Kathy Newburn. She is a Theosophist and editor of The Journal of Esoteric Psychology. In the book she describes an interview that took place after WWII with a high ranking Nazi military official. He described the  battle to conquer a certain territory, which regardless of their various efforts, they were unable to do. He credited their failure to accomplish this with something he found out about much later. He said that at certain regular intervals a few times a day, the church bells would ring in the region, reminding the people to meditate or pray to protect the area. People outside the region and across the world were encouraged to participate at the same times if possible.  The Nazi official said in retrospect, that  there was no way they could have defeated the power of that.

The Theosophists have often written about the power of people meditating in an organized way, at the same time, regardless of their location.

The Theosophical Society of Portland, Ore.  has published a similar meditation for peace in Ukraine and set certain times throughout the day when people can participate.

Here’s the link https://portland.theosophical.org/2022/care-focus-meditation-prayer-ukraine/

One of the interesting things about Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s natal astrology chart is that he has Neptune and Jupiter on his ascendant/descendant axis. This indicates very much a man of the times who can bring hope and inspiration to the world. Jupiter and Neptune are within orb now and exact in April. This alignment is somewhat of a rare occurrence – only  happening approximately every twenty years.

Zelensky also has the Sun opposite Mars indicating great strength and courage. His Gemini rising sign can indicate a person who is nimble with technology and communication. He  has the Sun and Venus conjunct at the early degrees of Aquarius – where Mars and Venus are transiting now. This alignment can be helpful to him.

One of the Sabian symbols for Zelensky’s chart is,”A council of ancestors has been called to guide a man.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

 

 

“The seat of the soul is where the inner and the outer world meet. ” Novalis

Every year Mars and Venus – the Cosmic Lovers – are together for roughly ten days. This year has been different with  this duo traveling together for six weeks. The energy has been different with the various aspects the planets make as they move together.  Most recently they have been conjunct Pluto – the Lord of Death and Rebirth which has made for a more challenging time.

Today – March 6 – they  have moved into the sign of Aquarius and are conjunct at 0 degrees. Mars and Venus together speak about relationship dynamics in general – not just in romantic relationships.

The planets have moved  from Capricorn – a sign that values the past and tradition – to Aquarius,  the sign of the future and innovation. It ushers in a  time when it bodes well to move in a direction of more independence and authenticity in relationship. Eccentricity- and the freedom it brings –  is valued by this sign.

It is a good time to consider what approaches you may have been taking in relationship that are no longer relevant and carve a new path forward.

There is a healthy detachment that comes with these two planets conjunct in Aquarius. It is a good time to move away from being overly dependent in relationship. Heightened emotions can be brought into balance with this influence and a more moderate atmosphere created and sustained.

Jupiter is conjunct the Sun now in Pisces – which can represent an expansion of wisdom and understanding. The Jupiter/Neptune conjunction – the very significant aspect of this time frame- is tightening up. It is a good time to rekindle the flames of hope and inspiration and to cultivate courage for the path forward.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A woman reading tea leaves.”

Sabian symbols from Lynda Hill

“Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what’s on the other side?
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we’ve been told and some choose to believe it
But I know they’re wrong – wait and see
Someday we’ll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me.”   Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog

“I’ve been all around the world
Marching to the beat of a different drum
But just lately I have realized
Baby, the best is yet to come.” Van Morrison

“You are not the oil, you are not the air-merely the point of combustion, the flash point where the light is born.” Dag Hammarskjold

Wednesday’s New Moon is at 12:35 PM EDT at 12 degrees of Pisces. This ushers  in a lunar cycle that bodes well for mysticism, spirituality, creativity, empathy and compassion.

New Moons are good times for setting or resetting intentions.

This  is a dreamy New Moon when the powers of visualization and imagination are strong. It is a good time- as the Peruvian shamans would say-  to dream a new world into being.  It’s good time to be in touch  with your dreams for your life as well as  your dreams for the future of the earth.

It’s wise  to imagine a circle of protective white light around the earth now and imagine a healthy sustainable future to our tiny planet. To quote Robinson Jeffers,”It’s a very small planet, but so very beautiful.”

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A sword, once used in many battles, is now in a museum.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

“If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.” Oscar Wilde

“Sentence first – verdict afterwards.” The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland

“A wise old owl lived in an oak.
The more he saw the less he spoke;
The less he spoke the more he heard:
Why can’t we all be like that old bird?” Proverb

It’s a good week to keep a low profile and watch your words more carefully as Mercury at 7 degrees of Aquarius is squaring Uranus the planet of surprise and the unexpected. There can be communication snafus as well as a certain irritability and impatience that can drive actions.

Mercury is exactly conjunct Juno – the asteroid of partnership and commitment. Relationships are undergoing a lot of change right now and this aspect brings in a serious time to work on them.  Best to pay extra attention to the details of any agreements or commitments  with the Uranus and Mercury alignment. Double check if something is not clear or leaves room for doubt.

The Sea God of dreams and visions is busy this week aligning positively with Venus, Mars  and Vesta. This bodes well for meditation, intuition, artistic abilities and spiritual growth. The veils are thin between the worlds!

Many  poets, musicians, artists and spiritual seekers have a  Neptune/Venus alignment in the charts – Michelangelo who was a Pisces, being one.

Mercury sextiles Chiron, the asteroid of the Wounded Healer. This indicates a time when with increased awareness and  compassion, amends can be made.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”Beautifully gowned wax figures on display.”

Sabian symbol from Lynda Hill

 

 

“It is only natural that during this period of planetary energy shifts, all forms of life are being disrupted, including the forms of relationship. As the new age unfolds, we will evolve new forms of relationship to each other that will be the natural outcome of living more integrated, soulful lives and this will release a tremendous amount of creative energy.” Kathy Newburn

Juno is considered the marriage asteroid in astrology. In mythology Juno was married to Jupiter and they had a traditional marriage. Juno kept her vows but Jupiter, who was a lover of pleasure and known for excess, was often out chasing nymphs. Juno as a result was often angry, bitter and jealous and sought revenge.

When her limit had been eventually reached and Juno made plans to leave,  Jupiter fell ill and nearly died.

In her book, A  Planetary Awakening, author, astrologer and theosophist, Kathy Newburn wrote that as the Age of Aquarius takes hold, it will be commonplace in the western world (as it is other cultures now)  for couples considering a serious commitment to consult an astrologer beforehand. This would be to ascertain information about compatibility and the individual relationship needs of each person.

Juno is transiting the sign of Aquarius now and this is reflecting the many relationship forms that people are increasingly considering or experimenting with now. It’s also showing the desire for freedom from traditional roles and agreements. It is said in astrology that if you have  Juno in Aquarius  in your natal chart, for instance, there can be a natural curiosity about romantic relationships and a desire  for the freedom to explore and learn about them in different ways. Juno in Aquarius is not motivated to in the same way Jupiter was  -primarily by pleasure. It is more of an intellectual search or quest for freedom and for knowledge of some kind.

It’s  beneficial to take this  kind of things into consideration when considering how vows are fashioned.

Juno can also symbolize by house and sign placement where you can feel trapped in your life. Juno, for instance, felt she  was trapped not only by Jupiter’s behavior,  but  by  her own commitment to stay with him.

Juno also speaks of commitment in general – the kind of commitments we make in our lives.

Of course Juno doesn’t stand alone when taking into consideration relationship compatibility. Other  things must be taken into account  such as the placement of the Sun, Moon, rising sign and other planets and their aspects as well.