Hurry up and slow down is the mantra for this week and the next couple of weeks, as the pace as well as the structure of regular routines grows increasingly elastic. Several planets are slouching toward a retrograde, and as they move closer to their “turnaround,” a sense of urgency underscores normal activities. Even those who don’t know about retrogrades are feeling a push to get “it” all done. And as that unidentified yet manic urgency collides with an even wackier-than-ever world, daily life becomes, as the Temptations once sang, a ball of confusion. That’s what the world is today. Run, run, run but you sure can’t hide…an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth…vote for me and I’ll set you free.
And the astral activity reflects the earthly turmoil. First the good news: On Saturday, March 19, the Sun moves into Aries, lighting up the vernal equinox and signaling the start of spring in the northern hemisphere. Aries is the Sign of adventure, and as the Sun ignites that adventurous spirit, you may find yourself longing for a new start and eager to explore new terrain of all types—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
But there is also a deeply emotional component to the week, brought to us courtesy of a lunar eclipse on March 23. This eclipse occurs in Libra, the Sign of relating, which means we’re likely to experience the eclipse effect in relation to a significant other, whether that “other” is a friend, foe, family member, pet, co-worker, or an acquaintance who challenges our equilibrium. Libra is all about balance. Eclipses reveal previously hidden information. And during a lunar eclipse, unconscious urges tend to override conscious concerns. That override easily challenges the normal flux, often causing extreme reactions. Go easy on those you love as well as those who love you. Finding a balance with equals capable of withstanding the tides of change is an ongoing participatory process that requires time, skill, and commitment.
But that’s not all. Saturn goes Retrograde on March 25. Since the start of March, Saturn has been occupying the same degree of Sagittarius—16 degrees to be exact—and that continues until April 16. Saturn is a slow mover, so if you’re experiencing stagnation in a certain area of life, Saturn’s position could be at the heart of that stuckedness. Some things move quickly, but not things related to Saturn—systems, governments, organizations, and all the facets of life that provide structure are within Saturn’s domain. And when Saturn slows down, so do those support systems.
On the other hand, what could be driving the mania to push through at any cost is the coming Mars Retrograde that occurs on April 17. Yes…that is a month away, but in cosmic time, it’s nothing. And by April 5, Mars too slows to a crawl, sitting at 8 degrees of Sagittarius for more than three weeks. Whatever it is you want to initiate, do it now. Get your plans, budgets, specs, look-books, Powerpoints, speeches, renovations, and all other materials together so that you are ready to go despite the long backward glance Mars takes from April 17 until June 29.
We are heading into what we are likely to look back on as the hardest months of the year. So hurry up and slow down and do your best not to be blown around by the escalating confusion. We will grow through this, especially if we help our fellow travelers along the way.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The lunar eclipse takes place in your Solar House of relationship, so pay attention to how you are relating to significant others. Be prepared for previously hidden information to reveal itself, but don’t assume the worst. Sometimes eclipses illuminate positive currents running just below the surface of daily interactions.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The lunar eclipse occurs in your Solar House of work and service, which could upset the current balance. If you’re working too hard, take a break, and if you aren’t working enough, it’s time to get busy. This eclipse could also focus on health issues, so also take the time to notice any imbalances in how you are physically taking care of yourself.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The lunar eclipse generates strong creative urges and the need to express those impulses. Step into this light, and even if it upsets your balance, allow it to reveal to you what you most want to create. Then use that clarity wisely by devoting yourself to the projects that best reflect your clarity and passion.
Cancer June 22-July 22
The lunar eclipse occurs in your Solar House of the home—both where you live within yourself and your actual abode. Use this event erto recalibrate where your efforts for security are best spent. If it’s internal safety you’re seeking, then increase your meditation. If it’s external, examine how you can create greater peace at home.
Leo July 23-August 22
The lunar eclipse takes place in your Solar house of communication, and as a result you might find yourself attempting to digest and metabolize previously undisclosed information that emerges from a wide range of conversations with others. Take your time with this process, and rather than react, breathe. Then do your best to find your balance.
Virgo August 23-September 22
The lunar eclipse occurs in your Solar House of resources, a placement that could illuminate financial details in need of your attention. But this event could also stimulate a deep assessment of how you build and maintain your self-esteem and confidence. Look at the surface data, but also be willing to go even deeper.
Libra September 23-October 22
The lunar eclipse, in your Sign, takes place in your Solar House of personality and individuality. Expect previously unrevealed information from significant others to stimulate a process of self-awareness. Rather than react negatively to this information—and it is not all bad news—embrace the feedback and input, if only because it will foster growth.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The lunar eclipse occurs in your Solar House of psyche, so don’t be surprised if your dreams reveal vital information about relating and relationships. Some of the symbols might not make sense, but if you allow your unconscious to speak, you could receive powerful insights into how to better achieve an internal balance in all your partnerships.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
The lunar eclipse spotlights participation in your community, whether that’s your local neighborhood or your current residence on planet Earth. However you envision your community, this eclipse could reveal just how deeply you feel disconnected or connected to a sense of place. Yes…this could be emotional, but this process could also lead to deep realizations.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
The lunar eclipse occurs in your Solar House of career and aspiration, so be prepared for new information about how you can achieve greater balance. While this is not a new area for you, a fresh evaluation could be just what’s needed—consider it a career spring cleaning and you’ll be able to let go of unnecessary baggage.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The lunar eclipse takes place in your Solar House of spiritual search. Yes, that sounds like an intense process—and it is. Think about what you believe in and why, and then let that examination filter through and into how you view the world. Allow this process to push you into a new perspective that will help you create better balance.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The lunar eclipse occurs in your Solar House of transformation, stimulating a deep process of change. (So what else is new?) You’re up to the challenge of this process, if you can allow your feelings without indulging them. I know that sounds mysterious, but you have an innate understanding of what it means to go with the flow—use it to navigate the flux.