The planets form new alignments this week, and as they shift their positions, the regular routines of daily life strike a different chord. You’ll need balance to maintain your alignment in the midst of these shifts—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Get out those yoga mats, internal as well as external, and be prepared to strike and hold several poses. And even if you think you don’t have time to make time for yourself, find a few minutes to stretch—again, on all levels, because flexibility is key to finding your perfect pitch. It’s also key to helping others find their way through the shifts.
Mars makes the first move of the week as it enters Capricorn on Saturday, March 17. Mars signifies physical energy—the energy of the body, its muscles and movement. It also represents the desire to win and achieve, and when Mars is in Capricorn, it feeds a need to succeed. Ambition flourishes under this influence, so anticipate lots of people, including yourself, having the get-up-and- go to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goals.
Just be aware that some of your efforts are likely to be impeded by the rapidly approaching Mercury Retrograde that begins on March 22 at 8:18 pm EDT in the US and March 23 at 12:18 am GMT. Most of us know the Mercury Retrograde drill by heart, but for those who don’t: Mercury Retrograde is not a good time to initiate new plans and projects, but it is the perfect time to review and reflect on what’s already in motion. The normal warnings are: don’t sign contracts, leases, buy travel tickets, or purchase any technology whatsoever, from phones to consoles. That being said, life doesn’t and shouldn’t stand still just because Mercury is retrograde. It’s wise to be prepared for the delays, detours, and deadline dramas that usually occur during Mercury Retrograde. Several days before a retrograde, the routines of daily life start to slow down, as they also do during the several days following the end of a retrograde phase when Mercury goes direct. This retrograde ends on April 15 (Tax Day in the USA), but don’t expect the pace of Mercury-related areas of life to return to normal—because two days after Mercury Direct begins, Saturn goes retrograde, and that’s certain to stall Mercury’s ‘forward’ motion.
Mercury Retrograde is notorious for technical snags and snafus, so the best way to prepare for it is to back up everything now.
The next important shift is a seasonal one—the Sun moves into Aries on March 20, and as it does, we move into spring and its promise of renewal. Aries is a potent Fire Sign that signifies the will to be. In psychological terms, it symbolizes the process of individuation. Since Uranus began its transit through Aries seven years ago, we’ve been learning, collectively and individually, about the power of one person to change the world. Being an individual isn’t always easy, and stubbornly clinging to an individualism that forfeits common sense and decency isn’t authentic individuation. Part of what we’ve been learning these last seven years is how to balance the needs of the one with the needs of the many, and during the coming weeks, as individuals continue to unite into communities, we will be witnessing the power of those combined efforts to effectuate change.
As the Sun moves into Aries and spring begins, there is a trine between the Moon, in Taurus, and Saturn, in Capricorn, both Earth Signs and both devoted to the practical application of creative efforts. This is a precursor of what’s to come when Uranus moves out of Aries and into Taurus on May 15. As Uranus moves through those last degrees of Aries, lots of us are probably going to experience daily life as tests of individual physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength—another reason to maintain your balance and flexibility.
But that’s not all: We’re on the threshold of what could be called the Retro Slog of 2018. Jupiter is already retrograde, and once Mercury Retrograde begins there are hardly any weeks throughout the rest of this year that are retrograde-free. The best way to handle this retrospective is to be introspective. But it is also important to be thoughtful about your choices, so put on your thinking caps, attach the extraterrestrial antennae, and start listening for those multidimensional signals. They are there—we just have to hear them clearly. And when possible, help others hear those messages too—there’s a lot of wisdom available to all of us if we are willing to pay attention.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
Allow yourself to be both wise and loving, and you’ll find the perfect way to blend raw ambition with real nurturing. Finding just the right balance between the two sounds easier than it actually is, because wisdom—true wisdom—isn’t always about feelings. It’s about facts and the ability to integrate those facts with kindness and compassion.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Be willing to wear your heart on your sleeve, but don’t do it just for effect—an inauthentic gesture will surely backfire and leave you feeling foolish. And I’m not just talking about romantic encounters—in matters of love it’s almost always better to tell the truth. I am simply suggesting that you express your passions and preferences without self-consciousness or apology.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Emotional balance is the equilibrium you’re most eager to find and maintain, and while it’s not easy to still internal waters, this week there’s tangible support for holding fast to a steady internal compass. This isn’t about denial or ignorance; it’s about knowing what’s true for you and being able to discern the difference between unhealthy and healthy emotional responses.
Cancer June 22-July 22
If you want to find and maintain your calm and cool, you have to figure out how to self-regulate not just your emotions, but also how you prioritize and spend your time and energy. While I know you can work at something you love until the wheels fall off, over-extension isn’t always the best way to get things done, especially if you want them as close to perfect as possible—in two words: slow down.
Leo July 23-August 22
In spite of the inexorable march toward retrograde hell, you’re primed to get a lot done, so don’t rule out the possibility that this retrograde could have a positive effect. Identify what it is you want to work on, make a schedule—modify as needed—but do your best to stick to a plan and strategy. You’re busy, but you are also really happy to be overwhelmed with meaningful work.
Virgo August 23-September 22
There are real, viable opportunities to rearrange your financial situation, so rather than worry about what’s coming next, focus on the positive steps you can take to gather financial steam—the kind of momentum that realizes itself through a disciplined spending plan that’s neither stingy nor extravagant. Stick to moderation and you’ll be pleased with the results.
Libra September 23-October 22
You’re in an optimistic frame of mind that’s focused on how to help others find a similarly buoyant attitude—and this is great, if only because the more you focus on positive plans and projects, the better your chances of creating a happy outcome. Remember: Whatever we focus our attention on becomes our reality. And this week, that’s especially true for you.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
It might be time to devote yourself to what you love most—and that doesn’t necessarily mean who you love the most, although that would be an acceptable devotional practice. What I’m talking about is offering your heart to what you are passionate about, without hesitation and without the idea that you will get something in return. Just devotion, plain and simple.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
This week is all about finding your fire and then figuring out how to keep it burning brightly despite the retrograde interferences and interruptions. It’s likely to be easier than you think, especially if you are willing to stand and stay in your power. Rather than back off, go forth and conquer—just remember to be kind to others as you illuminate the ground around you.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Creating success requires a meticulous blend of hard work, divine inspiration and the confidence to participate in life fully and whole-heartedly—and sometimes even that’s not enough if the gods aren’t smiling on you. Nevertheless, all efforts—realized or not—are steps toward accomplishing your goals. Try not to be discouraged if your plan doesn’t work—just be willing to make modifications.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You could grow increasingly impatient as you attempt to blend your best efforts with the contributions of others, mostly because you’re moving at a faster pace than most, which creates a jerky rhythm. Instead of being frustrated at what seem like unnecessary mistakes, try a more compassionate stance—not everyone, even those you love, moves at the speed of light.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The key to finding and maintaining your balance is the willingness to embrace a new perspective, even, and maybe even especially, if that new view requires stepping back from the situation and searching for the most objective vantage point possible. I’m not suggesting you deny your feelings, but I am advising you to also be logical and prudent in your evaluations.
This forecast is delivered to email subscribers every Wednesday. If you are interested, a yearly subscription is $50. Subscribe here.
Click here to see past Weekly Frequencies.